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?"

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

we'll

up the call, Waylan put his broadsword away and turned to face

solemn

time for us to move. The information

"Understood."

my sword away, I followed

'Talk about timing…'

the situation, the duergars suddenly decided

***

[Ashton City]

vision. From the outside,

blackboard standing outside of the cafe was

through the cafe from the outside, and the plants and vegetation lining

and general atmosphere alone should have made it

were

around, Kevin found the place to be

must've cleared up

someone with as much power as

she could clear up an

Ding! Ding—

as soon as Kevin opened the door of the

foot inside of the cafe, a heavy scent of coffee invaded

"Eh?"

was no one inside of the place, it took

corner of the room, next to the glass window, the gentle glow of the sun enveloped

seen her, Amanda looked a lot more

wasn't the only

Gone was her cold looks and what replaced it was a calm one that looked as though it would remain unfazed even in

the aura of

"Over here."

spotting Kevin, seated at the back of the

walked up to her

to schedule an appointment with you. Just how

"Do you want anything?"

passed

menu, Kevin slowly went through the list

he looked through the menu, Amanda put both hands on the table and went straight to

why did you

"Hmm?"

and remembering the reason he

that no one was present,

there is something really important I want

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

calmly said, much to Kevin's

be nice to be

landed back. Then, putting the menu

opposite of her, Amanda once again

you

"Right."

and staring at Amanda straight

believe me,

He didn't even know if he

"…"

for Amanda's reply. However, as soon as his words faded from the atmosphere, Kevin

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

shock

repeat his sentence, for

"Ren is ali—"

"I know."

Amanda cut him off.

arms together, Kevin repeatedly nodded his

it must be tough for

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

"You knew!?"

"Yes."

Amanda nodded her head.

known for about

"…what?"

his seat, Kevin

"You knew?"

say anything else. Amanda literally blew the wind

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

then that it finally hit

it right after he escaped the

what Ren said back on the book, once he escaped the Monolith, he was

that during the brief time he escaped, he had met up with

deflated face, Amanda shook

not what you

"What do you mean?"

Kevin frowned.

a sip of her coffee, she

with me, I found out by

"You found out yourself?"