The Author's POV

335 Infiltration [3]

[Henolur, Elder council]

A deathly silence enveloped the hall.

"…what did you just say?"

Gernis's solemn voice echoed across the hall.

A terrifying pressure spread out from his small and aged body, completely enveloping the hall.

Subjected to such pressure, Waylan merely frowned.

Having been with Douglas for a long time, he was already used to the pressure. Although Gernis was indeed higher ranked than Douglas, at the end of the day, the dwarves weren't really a combat-oriented race. They were craftsmen, not warriors. They didn't possess the bloodlust or battle-aura frontline fighters did, not to the same extent.

The pressure wasn't anything that Waylan couldn't handle.

"Haaaa..."

Closing his eyes and breathing out, Waylan opened his eyes and stared directly at Gernis.

"I'll say it again. Give me a chance, and I will help you end this war."

"Pftt..."

Once Waylan's words faded, the dwarf with red eyebrows, Randur, burst out laughing.

"Hahaha, I can't-I can't believe this! What kind of nonsense is this?"'

Slapping the table, Randur continued to laugh for a solid minute.

It was only when he realized that everyone's attention was on him that he finally stopped laughing.

Looking around, he asked with a deadpan look, "What? dinna ye guys also find his delusions funny?"

"This be nae laughing matter, Randur."

Gernis spoke gravely, the look on his face severe.

"Don't tell me you actually believe his words?" Randur asked with an incredulous look.

To him, it was clear to see that Waylan was merely spouting nonsense to save himself.

Leaning his body forward, he looked towards the other dwarves present before pointing at Waylan.

"Stop tha war? bah, if he cou've done it, he wou've done it 'afore. Why now? he's clearly just trying ta save his ass. I'm sure yer all smart enough ta understand this, right?"

Unexpectedly, Randur was met with silence. No one spoke up.

The silence further enraged him. He glared at everyone present.

"Have low have we fallen for you guys to not realize this, eh?!"

In reality, everybody shared the same thoughts as Randur. However, unlike Randur, they didn't speak up because of Gernis.

The solemnity clouding his face prevented them from speaking up. He had a grim aura surrounding him, one that seemed to suffocate the air itself.

No one was as fearless as Randur in that situation.

Fortunately for Randur, Gernis didn't seem to mind his words. The latter seemed too preoccupied with Waylan's actions. All of his attention seemed focused on the human before him.

Staring at him for quite a while, he asked.

"...How confident are you in your words?"

"Very."

Waylan flatly replied.

Looking at the other dwarves present, he straightened his back.

"If you give me a chance, I'll do what I said I will do."

"Hmm.."

confident expression, Gernis's

said sounded absurd, his fearless expression planted a seed of doubt inside of the

it? Or could he? Was he really just saying this to

through, Gernis

his failure, it wasn't going to be something extreme like an execution. After all, although he

before, things

escalated the situation

couldn't have been executed for a failure not entirely on him, he would be guaranteed death for

was betting

and determination made Gernis think that

would be stupid

where this bet would take

interest. Tell me what

"I apologize."

Gernis expected.

Gernis's face

playing

at all of the individuals seated

to tell you, but I just don't really think that

"Why is that?"

head, Waylan shrugged his shoulders and looked at the other

brow,

it already obvious why?" It was then that it

was because he was afraid that a spy hid

his words as all of those present in the room showed a

happy with his words as he raised his

then you insinuate that there might be a spy amongst us? Are you purposely

dwarf was none other than

was twisted with

he wasn't the only one that thought in such a way, but unlike the rest, Randur

ones who kept quiet didn't want to annoy Gernis, someone whom they

kinna believe ye guys be even listening ta him!

what if his words be right? what if he truly knows o'

the dwarves seated finally spoke

the

even we don't know? And why only now? Something ain't addin' up! I dinna and winna

make a valuable

in, much to

"Then..."

words caused Randur's face to

himself ta us. Since Jomnuk has been kidnapped, we have nothing ta lose. It's nae like we're going ta let

attention

tha plans ye have. If ye manage ta successfully do as ye've said, nae only

present, especially Randur who blanky sat there with his mouth hung open. But, before

already made up my mind. 'Tis shall be the final decision. You

powerful and respected person, the other dwarves present could do nothing but remain seated in

back to Waylan, Gernis continued, "Waylan, tha only reason why I'm giving ye this chance be because o' Douglas. Me faith be nae with ye but with Douglas. If ye try anything funny, ye will nae

his eyes, Waylan

do my best

we

his head left and right, Gernis

now. If Waylan needs something, try

"Understood."

up, though displeased,

Randur, the dwarf that seemed to have a

going

***

Gulp-!

the panel in front of me. At this point, my eyes were bloodshot and my mana was all

to

long since managed to infiltrate

I could deactivate

was only a matter

Cli Clank-!

me opened up. The guard that

here to relay

"On with it."