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 Waylan's facial expression, I knew that it had to do with the upcoming mission. His face steadily grew grimmer

we'll

call, Waylan put his broadsword away and turned

of solemn determination

move.

"Understood."

I followed Waylan

'Talk about timing…'

we finished talking about the situation, the duergars

***

[Ashton City]

Kevin's vision. From

outside of the cafe was a list of

see through the cafe from the outside, and the plants and vegetation lining the place perfectly completed the structure which was in

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

things were

the place to be

cleared up

someone with as much

a single call, she could clear

Ding! Ding—

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

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

"Eh?"

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

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

he had last seen

that wasn't

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

truly had the aura of

"Over here."

spotting Kevin, seated at the back of

walked up to her

two weeks to schedule an

"Do you want anything?"

Amanda passed

the menu, Kevin slowly went through

put both hands on the table and went straight to

did you

"Hmm?"

remembering the reason

around to make sure that no one was present, he

is something really important I

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

calmly said, much

nice to be

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

at Kevin opposite of her,

did you

"Right."

at Amanda straight in the eyes,

may not believe me, but…Ren is

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

"…"

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

had not changed,

shock was

to repeat his

"Ren is ali—"

"I know."

Amanda cut him off.

together, Kevin repeatedly nodded his

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

who

"You knew!?"

"Yes."

Amanda nodded her head.

about four months

"…what?"

on his seat, Kevin absentmindedly looked

"You knew?"

else. Amanda literally blew the wind out

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

then that it finally

right after

Ren said back on the book, once he

he escaped, he had met up

Kevin's deflated face, Amanda

not what

"What do you mean?"

Kevin frowned.

a sip of

with me, I

"You found out yourself?"