The Author's POV

Click! Clank—

Upon entering the hideout, I was immediately greeted by a solemn atmosphere.

"Waylan, yer finally here."

Once Waylan entered, Jomnuk, sitting with his arms crossed in the middle of the living room, sighed in relief.

Sitting down on the seat opposite to Jomnuk, Waylan inquired, his tone serious. An unprecedented feeling of grim concern clouded his face.

"What's the situation here?"

"According to reports from the spies, the enemies are preparing to attack by tonight."

Answering Waylan, in Jomnuk's stead, was a dwarf. He had thick eyebrows and long, flowing black hair. Most striking were his thick arms that looked to be the size of a small football. It gave off the impression of breaking rocks by merely flexing them. Fitting, for a race of miners.

"Tonight?"

Waylan's brows furrowed in thought.

Subtly turning his head to face me, I faintly nodded back.

Upon seeing me nod, Waylan's tense shoulders relaxed a little.

Because everyone was currently focused on the situation our little exchange went unnoticed.

'To think they've already found this hideout in a month's time. As expected, there must be a spy hiding amongst the upper echelon. We have a traitor in our midst.'

It was normal for both sides to have spies planted.

Unlike the Union and the Monolith, where the power balance leaned more on the Monolith's side, the difference in strength between the dwarves and the Duergars was just about the same.

This meant that both sides had to resort to more discreet means to weaken the other. For example, planting agents in the upper echelon of each organization.

A classic tactic in warfare, there was never a conflict where spies or intelligence-gathering divisions were not put to use. Methods of subterfuge often laid waste to enemy armies, as it is often said, 'know thy enemy, and thou shalt win a hundred battles.'

However, the nature of conflict here brought about a certain issue. In order to be a spy for the other organization, one must show that they have mana tainted with demonic energy. Unlike the Union that could not replicate this, the dwarves were capable of doing it.

That just proved how advanced the dwarven species was.

"Alright, although I didn't expect them to find this place so early, now that the situation has escalated to that point, we must get ready."

Standing up, Waylan looked at the others and started to issue orders.

"Everyone, do as trained. Guard each perimeter of the place, and make sure to check all the ventilations and food for any poison or gas. We all know just how sneaky those bastards can be."

"Understood."

Everyone nodded their head in agreement.

Since Waylan was the strongest by a large margin, no one had any qualms with his arrangements.

Not even Jomnuk, who instead seemed rather pleased with the new directives.

Whilst everyone was busy organizing themselves, walking up to Jomnuk, I tapped him on the shoulder.

"Sir Jomnuk, I would like to have a word with you in private."

Raising his brow, Jomnuk tilted his head to the side.

"Human? What is it?"

Fidgeting my fingers, I replied in a quiet tone, "Well, you see…I'd ideally prefer to discuss this in private rather than in the open."

"Why?"

Wariness flashed in Jomnuk's eyes.

Looking around the room, towards the other guard in his post, Jomnuk stared back at me.

"If you have anything to say to me, say it here."

Scratching the side of my neck, I smiled wryly.

"…Well, you see, I can't really say it out here since it's something I can only ask you in a more comfortable setting."

The matter regarding the chip in my head was a sensitive topic.

The fewer people that knew, the better.

Unfortunately for me, my vague words were irritating Jomnuk. He started to raise his voice.

"What is it? Spit it out already."

Glancing around the room, I lowered my voice slightly.

have it looked at. I've heard that you are one of the best engineers that have ever lived. So I wanted to

said the words, 'one of the best engineers', a flattering look appeared

need to exaggerate

no, I'm not exaggerating. I have

was serious with my

indeed one of the top

empty acts

your head?" Jomnuk asked, his tone sounding a

I wanted to ask

"Might as well."

glanced at the other guards present in the

I need to help him with something. If

"That's not possible."

dwarf standing guard immediately

"Oh? Why is that?"

Jomnuk's face sank.

the dwarf replied with a straight

in danger, we can't allow you

words, they weren't willing to

what is there to worry about? Since you guys are waiting outside, there is no worry about

"But—"

could argue, Jomnuk cut him

talking about him being a threat, scratch that thought. I've got enough artifacts

'Mere rank...'

those words hurt a

is also with Waylan so questioning him is the same as

"…Understood."

to refute any longer, the dwarf eventually nodded

to face

you

be enough,

I replied back.

satisfaction before sitting back down

be

was watching the whole thing from the sidelines, also stood up and followed

then put his hand on

quick, we don't know when those Duergars will make a move. It's best if you end

"I got it."

"Alright then."

left with the

Click! Clank—

the

to speak up

"So…"

arms crossed, and a smug look on his face, he

"How was my acting?"

edges of my

"Oscar-worthy."

***

much time

he looked

worry, nothing will happen with me

said with a

his words did not ease

I don't doubt your abilities, but you just don't know how vile those malevolent cretins

but that doesn't mean I

mission assigned, Waylan spent a lot of

what types of strategies

protect Jomnuk without knowing at

research and I can guarantee you that as of right now, no one will be able to

his hand, a

the dwarf, Waylan flashed a

already sealed the whole room with my mana. Unless

"I see…"

much, the dwarf couldn't say

had to admit

Click! Clank—

door opened. Coming

his arms behind his back, and a pleased

tense faces of everyone present, Jomnuk

totally fine. The human

"Please wait, sir."

path was the same

the dwarf blocked Jomnuk's path, his

what are

apologize for my rudeness

the dwarf named Angus took a small