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?

though he couldn't quite comprehend what I

was, I nodded to confirm my previous words, even though he couldn't

what I said. I took a

—Y…you…

say, Waylan fumbled before

the fact that I don't have the slightest idea of

no? I was just taking a small nap,

you? Send us your coordinates,

me a

aid of a

I sent the message, lowering my hand to stare at the communication device,

moment… Ah,

something else

side of the wall, I once again slid down

else, just stay

ensued. After a couple of seconds,

work. Had it not

I did everything myself anyway." I

of three

should come to pick you up.

my eyes stinging slightly from

you soon. Great

"Mhm…you too."

off the communication device, and my eyelids slowly

***

war that took place on the outer walls of

others, returned and announced the end of the war, everyone in the city rejoiced as the citizens

they had stopped attacking and even showed signs of giving up did not go unnoticed by the dwarves,

dwarves, orcs, and even elves as

clear that the war, although brought great suffering, had also strengthened the bonds of those who participated in

in Henolur, on

on your way to the dampening system you encountered a

the hooded figures spoke up

told the others about her…? Or, do only you guys know?" The hooded figure asked, his tone containing

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

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

she was S ranked. Her

his face. He lifted his face slightly, revealing the features

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

duergar they were talking about was probably

of information, Ren's face paled slightly,

to glance at the others on the table, Ren carefully worded his reply, "She's extremely dangerous. You must

worry, we're not

of things, his worries were unnecessary as Leopold and the others gave him confirmation that

is she?" Ren

currently locked up, thanks to the dwarves," Hein responded, taking a small sip of the ale in front of

a little

had a thoughtful

was thinking, Smallsnake opened his mouth, deciding

you thinking so

asked, raising his head,

with the smile, Smallsnake raised his hands and shook them

it! Whatever you're planning, I'm

asked,

What are you

others, or to be more precise, Leopold and Hein, grew confused

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

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