The Author's POV

—Clang! —Clang!

Inside an enormous room, the sound of metal clashing against metal resounded across the empty space as a dull slim sword intersected a sharp, large broadsword.

Upon clashing, a circular wave of wind pressure shot out from the intersecting point of the clash.

"Khhh…"

Letting out a groan, I stumbled back and stabbed my sword towards the ground to keep my body steady. Long live magical swords that could pierce the earth as if it were butter, they never get nicked from such weak stabs.

That was what I was supposed to say, but staring at the sword in my hand, I let out a depressed sigh.

'Here goes another sword...'

Once I managed to steady my body, I realized that my breathing was incredibly heavy.

"Haa…haaa…"

"Hmm, you've improved considerably."

A leisurely voice reached my ears.

Lifting my head up, I looked at Waylan who was standing opposite of me with his broadsword hanging by the side of his shoulders.

'Damn you for lifting that like it weighs nothing!' I cursed internally but kept a smile on my face.

Wearing a thin smile on his face, he complimented me, saying, "Compared to a month ago, your swordsmanship truly improved quite a bit."

"Ugh, I'm still far from it."

Slumping down on the ground, I let go of the sword and tried to catch my breath.

It's been about three weeks since joining the protection mission, and so far, everything had been calm.

But, of course, this was merely the calm before the storm.

I knew that soon enough the Duergars would attack.

This was why I chose to spend most of my time training with Waylan.

Every little bit of strength was instrumental for me.

My life also kind of depended on it…

"Well, you've shown significant improvements over the last couple of weeks. Be glad that we had this much time to train."

"Yeah, I guess…"

Inferno was known to be an extremely sly and cunning organization. This meant, that, unless they made enough preparations, they wouldn't attack.

This was probably the only reason why they had still not made a move yet.

On another note, our current location was quite well hidden, so it would take a lot of time and resources to find this place.

'Well, maybe before. Things are a bit different now…'

Sitting on the ground next to me, Waylan asked.

"How are the preparations on your side?"

"I'm ready. All that really matters is whether Jomnuk is ready or not."

He played a critical role in my plans.

If he suddenly changed his mind last minute, everything would be ruined.

Patting me on the shoulder, Waylan tried to reassure me.

"Don't worry about him. We've already talked it through with him. As soon as we hear something about the enemies, we'll immediately go ahead with the plans."

"Alright, that's all I need to hear."

Propping my body up with the aid of the sword, I slowly stood up.

Removing the sword from the ground, I turned to look at Waylan once more, "As long as Jomnuk follows through with the arrangements, I will take care of the rest. You can count on me for that."

"Well, I sure hope you do."

Similarly standing up, Waylan pointed his broadsword in my direction with a challenging look on his face.

"As we wait for those bastards to make a move, how about we continue our little spar. Every little bit of strength you gain will be of extra help for when you're going to clear the mi—"

TWIIING—

Cutting Waylan off was a small ringing sound.

"Give me a sec."

Rummaging through his pockets, Waylan took out a small phone-like device and answered.

"Hello?"

the phone on speaker, I wasn't able to hear what the other individual on the phone was saying, but judging from Waylan's facial expression, I

understood, we'll be

his broadsword away and turned

of solemn determination clouded his

for us to move. The information about

"Understood."

sword away, I followed Waylan

'Talk about timing…'

situation, the duergars

***

[Ashton City]

vision. From the outside,

of the cafe was a list

outside, and the plants and vegetation lining the

a nice ambiance, its vibe and general atmosphere

things were

found the place

cleared up the

expected of someone with as much power

call, she could

Ding! Ding—

soon as Kevin opened the door of the place. It was rather pleasant

the cafe, a heavy scent of coffee invaded

"Eh?"

of the place, it took little to no time for Kevin

glass window, the gentle glow of the sun enveloped her perfect figure,

seen her, Amanda

wasn't the

to when he had last seen her. Gone was her cold looks and what replaced it was

the aura

"Over here."

the back of the cafe, Amanda raised

walked up to her

schedule an appointment with

"Do you want anything?"

Amanda passed

menu, Kevin slowly went through

the menu, Amanda put both hands

did you

"Hmm?"

head up and remembering the reason he was

to make sure that no one was

something really important I want

me. Apart

said, much to Kevin's

be nice to

he landed back. Then, putting the menu down, he relaxed

at Kevin opposite of

you want to

"Right."

at Amanda straight in

may not believe

He didn't know how she would react. He didn't even know if he should tell her. But,

"…"

his words faded from the atmosphere,

expression had not changed, Kevin thought that she didn't

the shock was too

repeat his

"Ren is ali—"

"I know."

Amanda cut him off.

arms together, Kevin repeatedly nodded

be tough for you to swallow this piece of—huh?

shock and looked at Amanda who was still quietly sitting in the seat opposite to

"You knew!?"

"Yes."

Amanda nodded her head.

about four months

"…what?"

back on his seat, Kevin

"You knew?"

anything else. Amanda literally blew the

is that possible? Amanda doesn't have the

was then that it finally

it right after he

once he escaped

he escaped, he had met

deflated face,

it's not what

"What do you mean?"

Kevin frowned.

a sip of her coffee, she

up with me, I

"You found out yourself?"