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?"

on the phone was saying, but judging from Waylan's facial expression, I knew that it had to do with the upcoming mission.

understood, we'll be there

Waylan put his broadsword away and turned to face

solemn determination

time for us to move. The information about the

"Understood."

I followed Waylan back into the

'Talk about timing…'

we finished talking about the situation, the

***

[Ashton City]

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

the cafe was

the cafe from the outside, and the

a nice ambiance, its vibe and general atmosphere alone should have

things were different

around, Kevin found the place to

up the place

someone with as much

call, she could

Ding! Ding—

the

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

"Eh?"

it took little to no time for Kevin to spot

glass window, the gentle glow of

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

that wasn't the

seen her. Gone was her cold looks and what replaced

the aura of

"Over here."

spotting Kevin, seated at the back of the cafe,

Kevin walked up to her and

two weeks to schedule

"Do you want anything?"

Amanda passed

went through

both hands on the table and went straight to

did you ask to meet

"Hmm?"

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

that no one was present, he lowered his head and

really important

need to whisper, this whole placed is owned by me. Apart from me and you, no one can hear what you're

calmly said, much to

nice to be

he landed back. Then, putting the menu down, he

Kevin opposite of her,

did you want

"Right."

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

may not believe me, but…Ren

know if

"…"

Amanda's reply. However, as soon as his words faded

expression had not changed, Kevin thought that

shock was too

repeat his sentence, for

"Ren is ali—"

"I know."

Amanda cut him off.

Kevin repeatedly nodded

that it must be tough for you to swallow

stood up in shock and looked at Amanda who

"You knew!?"

"Yes."

Amanda nodded her head.

about four

"…what?"

back on his seat,

"You knew?"

couldn't even muster the energy to say anything else. Amanda

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

was then that it finally hit

it right after he escaped

the book, once he escaped the

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

face,

it's not what

"What do you mean?"

Kevin frowned.

of her coffee, she

up with me,

"You found out yourself?"