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?"

put 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,

we'll

his broadsword away and turned to face

of solemn determination clouded

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

"Understood."

followed Waylan

'Talk about timing…'

we finished talking about the situation, the duergars suddenly

***

[Ashton City]

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

blackboard standing outside of the cafe was

the plants and vegetation lining the place perfectly completed the structure which was in part made of

ambiance, its vibe and general

were

found the

up the

someone with as

call, she could clear

Ding! Ding—

rang as soon as Kevin opened the door of

of the cafe, a heavy scent of coffee

"Eh?"

there was no one inside of the place, it took little to

window, the gentle

he had last seen her,

that wasn't

looked a lot more mature compared to when he had last seen her. Gone was her cold looks and what replaced it was a calm one

had the aura of

"Over here."

the back of

to her and

think that it took over two weeks to schedule

"Do you want anything?"

Amanda passed the menu to

went

Amanda put both hands on the table and went straight

did you ask to

"Hmm?"

the reason he was

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

something really important I want to discuss

whisper, this whole placed is owned by me.

calmly said, much to Kevin's

be nice

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

at Kevin opposite of her, Amanda once

what did you want

"Right."

at Amanda

not believe

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

"…"

as soon as his words faded from the

changed,

the shock

to repeat his sentence, for Amanda's

"Ren is ali—"

"I know."

Amanda cut him off.

his arms together, Kevin repeatedly nodded his

that it must be tough for you to swallow

looked at Amanda who was still quietly sitting

"You knew!?"

"Yes."

Amanda nodded her head.

for about four months

"…what?"

on his seat, Kevin absentmindedly looked

"You knew?"

energy to say anything else. Amanda literally blew the wind out of

Amanda doesn't have

that it

after he

book, once he escaped the Monolith, he was chased out of

that during the brief time he escaped, he had

at Kevin's deflated face, Amanda

not what

"What do you mean?"

Kevin frowned.

of her

up with

"You found out yourself?"