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?"

was saying, but judging from Waylan's facial expression, I knew that it had to do with

we'll be there

the call, Waylan put his broadsword away and

unprecedented look of solemn determination clouded

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

"Understood."

away, I followed Waylan back into

'Talk about timing…'

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

***

[Ashton City]

cafe appeared in Kevin's vision. From the outside, the place looked like

of the cafe was a list of

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

were

the place

must've cleared up

of someone with as much

a single call, she could clear

Ding! Ding—

small chime rang as soon as Kevin opened the door

he stepped foot inside of the cafe, a heavy scent

"Eh?"

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

he had last seen her, Amanda looked a lot

that wasn't the only

also 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 that looked as though

the

"Over here."

Kevin, seated at the back of the cafe, Amanda

to her and

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

"Do you want anything?"

slightly, Amanda passed the menu

Kevin slowly went through

both hands on the table

you ask to

"Hmm?"

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

one was present, he lowered his head and

really important I

owned by me. Apart

said, much

nice

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

at Kevin opposite of her, Amanda once again

did you want to talk

"Right."

head and staring at Amanda straight in the

believe me, but…Ren

He didn't even know if

"…"

as his words

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

the shock

his sentence, for

"Ren is ali—"

"I know."

Amanda cut him off.

arms together, Kevin

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

in shock and looked at Amanda who was still

"You knew!?"

"Yes."

Amanda nodded her head.

known for about

"…what?"

his seat, Kevin absentmindedly looked at

"You knew?"

muster the energy to say anything else. Amanda literally blew the

that possible? Amanda doesn't have

that it

right after he escaped the

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

time he escaped, he had met

at Kevin's deflated face, Amanda shook

it's not what you

"What do you mean?"

Kevin frowned.

a sip of her coffee, she

up with me, I

"You found out yourself?"