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 was saying, but judging from

we'll

up the call, Waylan put his broadsword away and turned to

unprecedented look of solemn determination clouded

time for us to move. The information about the hideout

"Understood."

my sword away, I followed Waylan back

'Talk about timing…'

we finished talking about the situation, the duergars suddenly decided to attack. Wasn't coincidental

***

[Ashton City]

From the outside, the place

a small blackboard standing outside of the cafe

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

general atmosphere

things were different

the place to

up

someone with

call, she could clear up an

Ding! Ding—

soon as Kevin opened the door of the place.

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

"Eh?"

it took little to no time

the

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

wasn't the

looks and what replaced it was

had the

"Over here."

seated at the back of the cafe, Amanda

Kevin walked up to her and

two weeks to schedule an appointment with you. Just

"Do you want anything?"

slightly, Amanda passed the menu

went

hands

did you ask

"Hmm?"

up and remembering the reason

that no one was present, he lowered his head and

important I want to

this whole placed is owned by me. Apart from me and

much to Kevin's

be nice

muttered in a low voice as he landed back.

Kevin opposite of

you want

"Right."

staring at Amanda straight in the eyes, Kevin softly

may not believe me, but…Ren

skipped 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 to do something to help

"…"

However, as soon as his words faded from the atmosphere, Kevin

that Amanda's expression had not changed, Kevin

shock was

to repeat his

"Ren is ali—"

"I know."

Amanda cut him off.

arms together, Kevin repeatedly

that it must be tough for you to swallow this

shock and looked at Amanda who was still quietly

"You knew!?"

"Yes."

Amanda nodded her head.

about four

"…what?"

seat, Kevin absentmindedly looked at

"You knew?"

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

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

was then that it finally hit

it right after he escaped

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

time he escaped, he had met up

deflated face, Amanda shook

not

"What do you mean?"

Kevin frowned.

of her coffee,

with me, I found

"You found out yourself?"