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, I knew that it had to do with the upcoming mission. His face

understood, we'll be

put his

look of solemn

for us to move. The information about the hideout has

"Understood."

my sword away, I followed

'Talk about timing…'

the situation, the duergars suddenly decided to attack. Wasn't

***

[Ashton City]

appeared in Kevin's vision. From the outside,

a small blackboard standing outside of the cafe was a list

outside, and the plants and

general atmosphere

things were

around, Kevin found the

must've cleared up the place

someone with as much power as

call, she could

Ding! Ding—

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

cafe, a heavy scent of coffee invaded his

"Eh?"

one inside of the place, it took

the room, next to the glass window, the gentle glow of the

when he had last seen her, Amanda looked a lot

wasn't the

looks and what replaced it was a calm one that looked as though

truly had the

"Over here."

back of the cafe, Amanda raised her

walked up to her and

took over two weeks to schedule an appointment

"Do you want anything?"

passed the menu to

the menu, Kevin slowly went through the list

menu, Amanda put both hands on the table and went straight

why did you ask to meet

"Hmm?"

reason he was here,

no one was present, he lowered his head and

there is something really important I want

this whole placed is owned by me. Apart from

calmly said, much to

be nice to be

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

of her,

did you want to talk

"Right."

staring at Amanda straight in the eyes,

believe me,

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

"…"

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

had not changed, Kevin

shock was too

repeat his

"Ren is ali—"

"I know."

Amanda cut him off.

his arms together, Kevin repeatedly

tough for you

looked at Amanda who was still quietly sitting in the

"You knew!?"

"Yes."

Amanda nodded her head.

for about four months

"…what?"

seat, Kevin

"You knew?"

anything else. Amanda literally blew the wind out of his

possible? Amanda doesn't have the book

then that it finally hit

after he

the book, once he escaped

brief time he escaped, he had met

face,

it's not what

"What do you mean?"

Kevin frowned.

a sip of her coffee, she

did not meet up with me, I

"You found out yourself?"