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?"

saying, but judging from

we'll be there

his broadsword away and turned to face

solemn determination clouded his

time for us to move. The information about the hideout has

"Understood."

followed

'Talk about timing…'

finished talking about the situation, the duergars suddenly decided to attack.

***

[Ashton City]

vision. From the outside,

blackboard standing outside of the

possible to see through the cafe from the outside, and the plants and vegetation lining the

nice ambiance, its vibe and general atmosphere alone should have made

were different

Kevin found the place to be quite

cleared up

of someone with as

single call, she could

Ding! Ding—

as soon as Kevin opened the door

stepped foot inside of the cafe, a heavy scent

"Eh?"

no one inside of the place, it took little

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

to when he had last seen her, Amanda looked a

that wasn't the only

last seen her. Gone was her cold looks and what replaced it was a calm one that looked

truly had the aura of

"Over here."

the back of the cafe, Amanda raised

Kevin walked up to her and sat

took over two weeks to schedule an appointment with you. Just

"Do you want anything?"

passed the menu

menu, Kevin slowly went through the

both hands on the table and went straight

you

"Hmm?"

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

one was present, he lowered his

important I want to discuss

is owned by me. Apart from me and you,

calmly said, much to Kevin's

nice

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

of

what did you want to

"Right."

his head and staring at Amanda straight

believe me, but…Ren

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

"…"

reply. However, as soon as his words faded from the atmosphere, Kevin was met with an

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

shock was too

repeat his

"Ren is ali—"

"I know."

Amanda cut him off.

his arms together, Kevin

that it must be tough for

Amanda who was still quietly sitting in the

"You knew!?"

"Yes."

Amanda nodded her head.

known for about

"…what?"

seat, Kevin

"You knew?"

the energy to say anything else. Amanda

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

then that

after he escaped the

back on the book, once he escaped the

time he escaped, he had met up

deflated face, Amanda shook

it's not

"What do you mean?"

Kevin frowned.

sip of her coffee,

with me, I found out by

"You found out yourself?"