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?

was filled with incredulity. As though he couldn't

nodded to confirm my previous words, even

I said.

—Y…you…

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

fact that I don't have the slightest idea of where you are, I'd have

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

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

give me a

head and checking the coordinates of the room with the aid of a small device,

hand to stare at the communication device, I asked, "Did you get

a moment… Ah, yes, I've got

something else

the wall, I once again slid down

need anything else, just stay out

pause ensued. After a couple of seconds, in

your hard work. Had it not been for

like I did everything myself anyway." I tiredly

I had only slept for a total of three hours. This was clearly

pick you up. Once

stinging slightly from the lack

see you soon. Great

"Mhm…you too."

turning off the communication device, and my

***

events of Inferno, the raging war that took place on the outer walls of Henolur came to a halt as the

the end of the war, everyone in the city rejoiced as the citizens

of concern was the fact that 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 dwarves,

and taverns were filled with dwarves, orcs, and even elves as they happily chatted amongst

had also strengthened the bonds of those who participated in it. They all held each

Henolur, on a round table, were six hooded

your way to the dampening system you encountered

up in shock, his

have you done with her? Have you told the others about her…? Or, do only you guys know?" The hooded figure asked, his tone containing a great depth

escort us to the location you sent us. That's also where we met her… But her condition seemed quite critical. She looked to be on the verge of death when we

the Duergar's rank?" The hooded figure asked. His serious tone made the

I don't recall wrongly, she was S ranked.

He lifted his face slightly, revealing the features of a young man with pale blue eyes resembling the ocean. It was

of Caïssa: Ava, Hein,

they were talking about was probably Durara,

paled slightly, but he was able to recompose himself quite

worded his reply, "She's extremely dangerous. You must be extremely careful around her. In fact, have

worry, we're

unnecessary as Leopold and the others gave him confirmation that they had

is she?"

taking a small sip of the ale in front of

brow raised a little before he leaned back on his

his chin, Ren had a thoughtful look on his

his mouth, deciding

you thinking so hard about? You can't

head, a

Smallsnake raised his

Whatever you're planning, I'm totally against

Smallsnake?" Ren asked, his smile only

What are you

be more precise, Leopold and

in the direction of Ren's face,

times. Whenever he smiles like that, you should know that nothing good will come. Trust me, I've experienced it