The Author's POV

Vrr— Vrr—

"Hmm?"

Waking me from my slumber was a low buzzing sound coming from my right side.

It was quite subtle, reminiscent of a bee's buzz. Needless to say, it was fairly annoying.

Opening my eyes slightly and lowering my head towards the direction of where the buzzing sound was coming from, my sight soon paused on the communication device tightly held in my right hand.

Vrrr— Vrrr—

The buzzing sound continued, and as my mind cleared up, I could feel my hand vibrate slightly.

'How long have I been sleeping for?'

My thoughts felt groggy as I propped my body up with the aid of the wall.

'Since the communication device is working, they should already be done by now…'

Lowering my head and turning the communication device on, I spoke in a thick, hoarse voice.

"Hello? You guys done already-"

—Ren!

The moment I answered the communication device, Waylan's voice sounded from the speaker, cutting me off.

His voice was quite loud and sounded a bit panicked. Instantly, my head sobered up and my brows furrowed tightly. My body tensed slightly.

"What happened while I was gone? Did something go wrong? Did the enemies perhaps have a secret weapon that we were not aware of?"

Many possibilities rushed through my head as my heart sank.

Thinking of all the possible things that may have gone wrong while I was asleep, my previous relaxed attitude completely vanished as I prepared for the worst.

—What are you talking about?

"Huh? What do you mean? Did something go wrong or not?"

But it looked like I was overthinking too much as Waylan's words allayed my fears.

—No, everything is fine. I'm only calling because we were worried that something happened to you. You just left out of nowhere, without even telling us what you were going.

"Ah…"

'Right, the dampening system was back on and I couldn't quite tell them that I was taking a nap.'

Smiling wryly, I scratched the back of my head.

"Sorry about that… I was taking a nap. Since I couldn't participate in the fight, I figured that I may as well just go to a random room and sleep. I was gonna be a burden anyway."

Silence.

Once my words faded, I was met with total silence.

Even though he wasn't present at the moment, I could vividly imagine Waylan opening and closing his mouth, speechless, trying to find the right words to say.

It might have looked amusing to an onlooker, but I was feeling a bit guilty...just a little.

The silence continued for a brief moment before Waylan repeated.

—…A nap? Did you just say…that you were taking a nap?

filled with incredulity. As though he couldn't quite

I nodded to confirm my previous words, even

I said. I took a

—Y…you…

words to say, Waylan fumbled before eventually giving up, letting out a long,

should I do with you? If not for the fact that I don't have

harsh, no? I was just taking a small nap, I don't think that warrants

what? I give up. Where are you? Send us your coordinates, we'll send

give me

my head and checking the coordinates of the room with the aid of a small device, I quickly sent Waylan

lowering my hand to stare

a moment… Ah, yes, I've

something else from

against the side of the wall, I once again slid down and propped my hand over

else, just stay out of

a couple of seconds, in a low

you for your hard work. Had it not been for your help, the war would've never

Not like I did everything myself anyway." I tiredly said,

time, I realized that I had only slept for a total of three hours. This was

come to pick you up.

I replied, my eyes stinging

see you

"Mhm…you too."

the communication device, and my eyelids slowly came to a

***

the raging war that took place on the outer walls of Henolur came to

of the war, everyone in the city rejoiced as the citizens and warriors alike basked in a

the demons had still not fully retreated, but they had stopped attacking and even showed signs of giving up did not go unnoticed by the

and even elves as they happily chatted amongst each

great suffering, had also strengthened the bonds of those who participated in it. They all

of a particular tavern in Henolur, on a round table, were six hooded figures in

the dampening system you encountered a

figures spoke up in

about her…? Or, do only you guys know?" The hooded figure asked, his tone containing a great

we had another dwarf escort us to the location you sent us. That's also where we met her… But her condition seemed quite critical. She

His serious tone made

wrongly, she was S ranked.

figure muttered with a complex frown on his face. He lifted his face slightly, revealing the features of a young man

seated with his members of Caïssa: Ava, Hein, Leopold, Smallsnake,

were talking about was probably Durara, the one who killed

piece of information, Ren's face paled slightly, but he was able to recompose himself

glance at the others on the table, Ren carefully worded his reply, "She's extremely dangerous. You must be extremely careful around her. In fact,

worry, we're not that

from the looks of things, his worries were unnecessary as Leopold and the others gave

is she?"

to the dwarves," Hein responded, taking a small sip of the ale in

a little before he leaned back on

chin, Ren had a thoughtful look on his

as to what he was thinking, Smallsnake opened his mouth, deciding to ask directly. He had an

you thinking so hard

what?" Ren asked, raising his head, a sly smile appearing on

smile, Smallsnake raised his hands

No, I'm against it! Whatever you're planning, I'm totally

wrong, Smallsnake?" Ren asked, his smile only

with you? What

be more precise, Leopold and Hein, grew confused at Smallsnake's sudden

and pointing it in the direction of Ren's face, Smallsnake raised his

No? Well, I've seen it plenty of times. Whenever he smiles like that, you should know that nothing good will come. Trust me, I've experienced it too