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?"

hear what the other individual on the phone was saying, but judging from Waylan's

understood, we'll

Waylan put his broadsword away and turned to

look of solemn determination clouded his

move. The information about the hideout

"Understood."

away, I followed

'Talk about timing…'

the duergars suddenly decided

***

[Ashton City]

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

of the cafe was

possible to see through the cafe from the outside, and the plants and vegetation lining the place perfectly completed the

its vibe and general atmosphere alone should have made it

things were different

the place

cleared up the place

someone with as much

call, she could

Ding! Ding—

small chime rang as soon as Kevin opened the door of the place.

foot inside of the cafe, a heavy scent of coffee

"Eh?"

of the place, it took little to no

the gentle glow of the sun enveloped her perfect figure,

to when he had last seen her, Amanda

wasn't the

when he had last seen her. Gone was her cold looks and what replaced it was a calm one that looked as though

had the aura of a

"Over here."

spotting Kevin, seated at the back of the cafe,

to her

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

"Do you want anything?"

Amanda passed

menu, Kevin slowly went through the list

hands on the table and went straight

you

"Hmm?"

and remembering the reason he

one

is something really important I

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

said, much

be nice

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

at Kevin opposite of her, Amanda

what did you want to

"Right."

head and staring at Amanda straight in the eyes,

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 to. He had to do

"…"

as soon as his words faded from the atmosphere, Kevin was met with

Amanda's expression had not changed, Kevin

the shock was

to repeat his sentence, for

"Ren is ali—"

"I know."

Amanda cut him off.

arms together, Kevin repeatedly

it must be tough for you to

who was still quietly sitting in the

"You knew!?"

"Yes."

Amanda nodded her head.

about

"…what?"

on his seat, Kevin absentmindedly

"You knew?"

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

doesn't have the book or any similar

that it

right after he escaped

on the book, once he

he escaped, he had met up with

deflated face,

not what

"What do you mean?"

Kevin frowned.

sip of her

with me, I found

"You found out yourself?"