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.."

expression,

his fearless expression planted a seed of doubt inside of the old

could he? Was he really just

through, Gernis doubted

After

that was before, things were different

the situation with his

for a failure not entirely on him, he would be guaranteed death for failing in his mission after making

was betting

words and determination made Gernis think that he wasn't

be stupid

decided to see where this bet would take the future of

Tell me what your plan

"I apologize."

what Gernis expected.

this, Gernis's face

playing

his head and glanced at all of

don't want to tell

"Why is that?"

shoulders and looked

his brow, he

was

not saying anything was because he was afraid

all of those present in the

wasn't happy with his

war and then you insinuate that there

none other than

face was twisted with

against Waylan. In fact, he wasn't the only one

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

kinna believe ye guys be even listening ta

feel, Randur, but what if his words be right? what if he truly knows o' a

finally spoke up

his head in the dwarf's direction,

only now? Something ain't addin'

a valuable point,

much to

"Then..."

his next words caused Randur's face to

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

his attention back towards

ye tha power ta carry on with tha plans ye have. If ye manage ta successfully do as ye've said, nae only will we clear ye O' your

of the elders present, especially Randur who blanky sat there with his mouth hung open. But, before anyone could even protest, Gernis raised his hand to

my mind. 'Tis shall be the

present could do nothing but remain seated in quiet. Displeasure could be seen on their

to Waylan, Gernis continued, "Waylan, tha only reason why I'm giving ye this chance be because o' Douglas. Me faith

Waylan nodded

my best

we

left and right,

If Waylan needs something, try your best

"Understood."

though displeased, the

the dwarf that seemed to

going

***

Gulp-!

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

had managed to last for another

long since managed to infiltrate

I

a matter

Cli Clank-!

me opened up. The guard that brought me here

here to

"On with it."