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 other individual on the phone was saying, but judging from Waylan's facial expression, I knew

we'll be

Waylan put his broadsword away and turned to face

solemn determination clouded

for us to move.

"Understood."

my sword away, I followed Waylan back

'Talk about timing…'

as we finished talking about the situation, the duergars suddenly decided to attack. Wasn't coincidental

***

[Ashton City]

in Kevin's vision. From the

on a small blackboard standing outside of the cafe was a list of

and the plants and vegetation lining the place perfectly completed the structure which was

nice ambiance, its vibe and general atmosphere

things were

around, Kevin found the

must've cleared up

expected of someone with as

a single call, she could clear up

Ding! Ding—

the door

stepped foot inside of the cafe, a heavy

"Eh?"

the place, it

room, next to the glass window, the

last seen her, Amanda looked a lot

wasn't

cold looks and what replaced it was a calm one that looked as though it

truly had the aura

"Over here."

Kevin, seated at the back of the cafe, Amanda raised

Kevin walked up to her and sat

over two weeks to schedule

"Do you want anything?"

slightly, Amanda passed the menu

the menu, Kevin slowly went through

through the menu, Amanda put both hands on

did you ask to

"Hmm?"

head up and remembering the reason he was here, Kevin's

around to make sure that no one was present,

is something really important I want to

to whisper, this whole placed is owned by me. Apart from me and you, no

said, much to

be nice

muttered in a low voice as he landed back. Then, putting the menu down, he

Kevin opposite of

you want to talk

"Right."

head and staring at Amanda straight in the eyes,

believe me,

would react. He didn't even know if he should tell her. But, he had to. He had to do something to help his

"…"

Kevin waited for Amanda's reply. However, as soon as his words

changed, Kevin thought that she didn't hear

shock was too

to repeat his

"Ren is ali—"

"I know."

Amanda cut him off.

his arms together, Kevin repeatedly nodded

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

who was

"You knew!?"

"Yes."

Amanda nodded her head.

for about

"…what?"

seat,

"You knew?"

say anything else. Amanda literally blew the wind out

how is that possible? Amanda doesn't have

was then that it

right after he escaped

said back on the book, once he escaped the Monolith, he was chased out of the human

time he escaped, he had met

at Kevin's deflated face, Amanda shook

it's not

"What do you mean?"

Kevin frowned.

of her coffee, she

with me, I found

"You found out yourself?"