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?

incredulity. As though he couldn't quite comprehend what I just

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

I said. I

—Y…you…

say, Waylan fumbled before eventually giving up, letting out

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

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

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

give me a

aid of a small device, I quickly sent

message, lowering my hand to stare at the communication device, I asked, "Did you

moment… Ah,

Need something

of the wall, I once again slid down

anything else, just stay

a couple of seconds,

you for your hard work. Had it not been for your

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

of three hours. This was clearly

enough, someone should come to pick

replied, my eyes stinging slightly from

see you

"Mhm…you too."

were the last words I said before turning off the communication device, and my eyelids slowly came

***

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

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

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

dwarves, orcs, and even elves as they happily

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

of a particular tavern in Henolur, on

the dampening system you encountered a duergan

spoke up

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

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 met

asked. His serious

she was

complex frown on his face. He lifted his face slightly, revealing the features of a young man with pale blue eyes resembling

was currently seated with his members of Caïssa: Ava, Hein, Leopold,

duergar they were talking about was

information, Ren's face paled slightly, but he

extremely dangerous. You must be

worry, we're not

his worries were unnecessary as Leopold and the others

is she?" Ren

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

up?" Ren's brow raised a little before he leaned back

a thoughtful look

he was thinking, Smallsnake opened his mouth, deciding

so hard about? You

raising his head, a sly smile appearing on his

with the smile, Smallsnake raised his

Whatever you're planning, I'm

Smallsnake?" Ren asked, his smile only

What are you talking

Leopold and Hein, grew confused at Smallsnake's sudden

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

Whenever he smiles like that, you