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

guy that I was, I nodded to confirm my previous words, even though he

that's exactly what I said. I

—Y…you…

to find the right words to say, Waylan fumbled before

with you? If not for the fact that I don't have the slightest idea of where you are,

I was just taking a small nap, I don't think

what? I give up. Where are you? Send

give me

room with the aid of a small device, I quickly sent Waylan the location of the

stare at the communication device, I asked, "Did you

moment… Ah, yes, I've got

something else

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

else, just stay out of

a couple of seconds, in

your hard work. Had it not

Not like I did everything myself anyway."

realized that I had only slept for a total of three hours. This was clearly not enough as my mind was still

should come to pick you up. Once they knock on the door,

eyes stinging slightly from the lack

you soon.

"Mhm…you too."

turning off the communication device, and my eyelids

***

that took place on the outer walls of Henolur came to

alongside the others, returned and announced the end of the war, everyone in the city

was the fact that the demons had still not fully retreated, but they had stopped

with dwarves, orcs, and even elves as

brought great suffering, had also strengthened the bonds of

a particular tavern in Henolur, on a round table, were

your way to the dampening system you encountered a duergan

figures spoke 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

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

asked. His serious tone made the atmosphere on the

don't recall wrongly, she was

complex frown on his face. He lifted his face slightly,

currently seated with his members of Caïssa: Ava,

talking about was probably Durara, the one

paled slightly,

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

worry, we're

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

is she?"

taking a

locked up?" Ren's brow raised a little before

had a thoughtful look on

he was thinking, Smallsnake opened his mouth, deciding to

you thinking so hard

raising his head, a sly smile appearing

with the smile, Smallsnake raised his hands and shook them

Whatever you're

asked,

you? What are you

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

it 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 too many times for you