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

understood, we'll be

put his broadsword away and turned

solemn determination clouded

move. The

"Understood."

I followed Waylan

'Talk about timing…'

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

***

[Ashton City]

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

the cafe was a list

cafe from the outside, and the plants and vegetation lining the place perfectly completed the structure which was in

vibe and general

things were

around, Kevin found the place to be quite

must've cleared up

with as much

she could

Ding! Ding—

as soon as Kevin opened the door of

cafe, a

"Eh?"

there was no one inside of the place, it

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

he had last seen

that wasn't the only

looks and what replaced it was

the aura

"Over here."

at the back

up to her

over two weeks to schedule an appointment with you.

"Do you want anything?"

slightly, Amanda passed the menu

went

both hands on the table and went straight to

why did you

"Hmm?"

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

no one

is something really important I want to

owned by me. Apart

much to

nice to be

back. Then, putting the menu down, he relaxed a

opposite of

did you want to talk

"Right."

Amanda straight in the

believe

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

"…"

Amanda's reply. However, as soon as his words faded from the atmosphere, Kevin was met with an awkward

not changed, Kevin thought that she didn't

the shock was too

to repeat his sentence, for

"Ren is ali—"

"I know."

Amanda cut him off.

together, Kevin repeatedly

tough for you to

at Amanda who was still quietly

"You knew!?"

"Yes."

Amanda nodded her head.

known for about

"…what?"

on his seat, Kevin absentmindedly looked

"You knew?"

anything else. Amanda literally blew the

that possible? Amanda doesn't

that it

right after he escaped

on the book, once he escaped

that during the brief time he escaped, he

Kevin's deflated face, Amanda

not what

"What do you mean?"

Kevin frowned.

sip of

not meet up with

"You found out yourself?"