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?"

but judging from Waylan's facial expression, I knew that it had to do with the upcoming mission. His face steadily grew grimmer as he listened

we'll

the call, Waylan put his broadsword away and

of solemn determination clouded his

to move. The information about

"Understood."

I followed

'Talk about timing…'

situation, the duergars suddenly decided

***

[Ashton City]

in Kevin's vision. From the

of the

glass walls made it possible to see through the cafe from the outside, and the plants and vegetation lining the place perfectly completed the structure which was in part made

and general atmosphere alone

were different

Kevin found the place to be quite

must've cleared up

expected of someone with as

she could clear up

Ding! Ding—

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

inside of the cafe, a

"Eh?"

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

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

he had last seen her, Amanda looked

that wasn't the

seen her. Gone was her cold looks and what replaced it was a calm

truly had the aura of

"Over here."

Kevin, seated at the back of the cafe,

Kevin walked up to her

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

"Do you want anything?"

slightly, Amanda passed the menu to

Kevin slowly went

Amanda put both hands on the table and

did you

"Hmm?"

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

sure that no one was present, he lowered his head

really important I want to discuss with

by me. Apart from me and you, no one can hear what you're

calmly said, much

nice to

as he landed back. Then, putting

opposite of her,

what did you want to talk

"Right."

head and staring at Amanda straight in the eyes, Kevin softly

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, he had

"…"

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

not changed,

the shock was too

decided to repeat his sentence, for

"Ren is ali—"

"I know."

Amanda cut him off.

Kevin repeatedly

know that it must be tough for you

Amanda who was still quietly sitting in the seat opposite to

"You knew!?"

"Yes."

Amanda nodded her head.

about four

"…what?"

on his seat, Kevin absentmindedly looked at

"You knew?"

anything else. Amanda literally blew the wind out of his

how is that possible? Amanda doesn't have the

then that it

right after

to what Ren said back on the book, once he escaped the Monolith, he was chased

that during the brief time he escaped, he had met up

face, Amanda shook

it's not what you

"What do you mean?"

Kevin frowned.

sip of her coffee, she

not meet up with me, I found out

"You found out yourself?"