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?"

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

look of solemn

time for us to move. The

"Understood."

my sword away, I followed Waylan back

'Talk about timing…'

the

***

[Ashton City]

cafe appeared in Kevin's vision. From

outside of the cafe was a list of drinks and

clear glass walls made it possible to see through the cafe from the outside, and the plants and

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

were

around, Kevin found the place to be

up the

expected of someone with as

a single call, she could

Ding! Ding—

the door of the place.

cafe, a heavy scent of coffee invaded his

"Eh?"

inside of the place, it took little to

to the glass window, the gentle glow of the sun enveloped her

to when he had last seen her, Amanda looked a lot

that 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 harshest

had the aura of

"Over here."

spotting Kevin, seated at the back of the cafe, Amanda raised her

to her and

that it took over two weeks to schedule an appointment with you.

"Do you want anything?"

slightly, Amanda passed

menu, Kevin slowly went through the list

both hands on the

did you

"Hmm?"

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

around to make sure that no one was present,

is something really important I want to discuss with

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

calmly said, much

be nice to

he landed back. Then, putting the menu down,

Kevin opposite of

you want

"Right."

and staring at Amanda straight in the eyes, Kevin

not believe me, but…Ren is

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

"…"

soon as his

not changed, Kevin thought

shock was

to repeat his sentence,

"Ren is ali—"

"I know."

Amanda cut him off.

his arms together, Kevin repeatedly nodded

be tough for you to swallow this piece of—huh?

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

"You knew!?"

"Yes."

Amanda nodded her head.

about

"…what?"

on his seat, Kevin absentmindedly

"You knew?"

couldn't even muster the energy to say anything else. Amanda literally blew the

Amanda doesn't have the book

that it finally

right after

said back on the book, once he escaped the

the brief time he

deflated face, Amanda shook

not

"What do you mean?"

Kevin frowned.

a sip of

with me, I found out by

"You found out yourself?"