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?"

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 mission. His face steadily grew grimmer

understood, we'll be

his broadsword away and

solemn determination clouded his

it's time for us to move. The

"Understood."

my sword away, I followed Waylan back into the

'Talk about timing…'

as we finished talking about the situation, the duergars suddenly decided to

***

[Ashton City]

appeared in Kevin's vision. From

of the cafe was

from the outside, and the plants and vegetation

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

were different

the place

cleared up the

someone with as much

call, she could clear up an

Ding! Ding—

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

he stepped foot inside of the cafe, a heavy scent of coffee

"Eh?"

no one inside of the place, it took little to no time for

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

had last seen

wasn't

and what replaced it was a calm one that looked as

had the aura

"Over here."

spotting Kevin, seated at the back of the cafe,

to her and

schedule an appointment with you. Just how busy are

"Do you want anything?"

passed the

went through the list

both hands on the table and

why did you ask to

"Hmm?"

his head up and remembering the reason

one was present, he lowered his head and

really important I want to

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

said, much

be nice to be

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

opposite of her, Amanda once again

what did you

"Right."

at Amanda straight in the eyes,

may not believe

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

"…"

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

not changed, Kevin thought that she didn't

the shock was

to repeat his

"Ren is ali—"

"I know."

Amanda cut him off.

together, Kevin

must be tough for you to

stood up in shock and looked at Amanda who was still quietly sitting in the seat opposite to

"You knew!?"

"Yes."

Amanda nodded her head.

known for about

"…what?"

his seat,

"You knew?"

the energy to say anything else. Amanda

doesn't have the

was then that it finally

after he

he escaped

time he escaped, he

deflated face,

not what

"What do you mean?"

Kevin frowned.

a sip of her coffee,

not meet up with me,

"You found out yourself?"