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

to confirm my previous

that's exactly what I

—Y…you…

fumbled before eventually giving up, letting

that I don't have the slightest idea of where you are, I'd have already strangled you to

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

you? Send us your coordinates,

me a

with the aid of

to stare

a moment… Ah,

something else

again slid down and propped my hand over my

don't need anything else, just stay out

of seconds, in a low

work. Had it not

did everything myself anyway." I

time, I realized that I had only slept for a total of three hours. This was clearly

now. Soon enough, someone should come to pick you up. Once

my eyes stinging slightly from the lack

see you soon.

"Mhm…you too."

I said before turning off the communication device,

***

raging war that took place on the outer walls of Henolur came to

of

they had stopped attacking and even showed

dwarves, orcs, and even elves

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

a particular tavern in Henolur, on

the dampening system you encountered a duergan lady,

of the hooded figures spoke up

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

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

asked. His serious tone made the atmosphere on the table

was S ranked.

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

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

was probably Durara,

paled slightly,

the table, 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

is she?"

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

raised a little before he

his chin, Ren had a thoughtful

he was thinking, Smallsnake opened his mouth, deciding to ask directly. He

so hard

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

raised his hands and shook them

against it! Whatever you're

Ren asked,

What are you talking

Leopold and Hein, grew

it in the

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