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?"

wasn't able to hear what the other individual on the phone was saying, but judging from Waylan's facial expression, I knew that it had to do with the upcoming

we'll be

his broadsword away and turned to face

solemn determination clouded his

Ren, it's time for us to move. The information about the hideout

"Understood."

I followed Waylan back into

'Talk about timing…'

talking about the situation, the duergars suddenly decided to

***

[Ashton City]

appeared in Kevin's vision. From the outside, the

small blackboard standing outside of the cafe was a

possible to see through the cafe from the outside, and the

its vibe and general

were

around, Kevin found the place to be

up the

with as much

she could clear up an

Ding! Ding—

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

cafe, a heavy

"Eh?"

inside of the place, it

room, next to the glass window, the gentle glow of

when he had last seen her,

wasn't the

lot more mature compared to when he had last seen her. Gone was her cold looks and what replaced it was a calm one that looked as though it would remain unfazed even in the

had the

"Over here."

spotting Kevin, seated at the back of the

Kevin walked up to her and

weeks to schedule an

"Do you want anything?"

passed the menu to

Kevin slowly went

the menu, Amanda put both hands on

you ask to meet

"Hmm?"

head up and remembering the reason he was here,

make sure that no one was present, he lowered his head and

there is something really important I want to discuss with

is owned by me. Apart from me and

much

nice

low voice as he landed back. Then, putting

of her, Amanda once

what did you want

"Right."

Amanda straight

believe me, but…Ren

react. He didn't even know if he should tell her. But, he had to. He had

"…"

as soon as his words faded from the atmosphere, Kevin was met

had not changed, Kevin thought

the shock

his sentence,

"Ren is ali—"

"I know."

Amanda cut him off.

Kevin repeatedly

must be tough for you to

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

"You knew!?"

"Yes."

Amanda nodded her head.

known for about

"…what?"

back on his seat, Kevin absentmindedly looked

"You knew?"

the energy to say anything else. Amanda literally blew

how is that possible? Amanda doesn't have the book or

then that it

it right after

he

the brief time he

deflated face, Amanda shook

it's not

"What do you mean?"

Kevin frowned.

a sip of

meet up with me,

"You found out yourself?"