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?

with incredulity. As though he couldn't quite

the good guy that I was, I nodded to confirm my

I said. I took a

—Y…you…

to find the right words to say, Waylan fumbled

the fact that I don't

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,

me

and checking the coordinates of the room with the aid of a small

lowering my hand to stare at

moment… Ah,

Need something else from

the wall, I once again slid down and propped my hand

else, just stay

couple of seconds, in a

it not

myself anyway." I tiredly

that I had only slept for a total of three hours. This was clearly not enough

should come to pick you up. Once they knock on

replied, my eyes stinging slightly from the lack of

you soon.

"Mhm…you too."

before turning off the communication device, and my eyelids

***

war that took place on the outer walls of

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

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

filled with dwarves, orcs, and even elves as

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

of a particular tavern in Henolur, on a round

on your way to the dampening system you encountered

the hooded figures spoke up in shock,

have you done with her? Have you told the others about her…? Or, do only you guys know?" The

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

asked. His serious tone made the

was S ranked. Her injuries were quite

face. He lifted his face slightly, revealing the features of a young man with pale

his members of Caïssa: Ava, Hein,

about was probably Durara, the one

face paled slightly, but he

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

we're not that

the looks of things, his worries were unnecessary as Leopold and the others gave him confirmation that they had indeed sealed her

is she?" Ren

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

a little before he leaned

Ren had a thoughtful look

opened his mouth, deciding to ask directly. He had

you thinking so hard about? You can't

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

with the smile, Smallsnake raised

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

wrong, Smallsnake?" Ren asked, his smile

you? What are you talking

more precise, Leopold and Hein, grew confused at

the

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