The Author's POV

Stepping into the building, an amazing scene presented itself before my sight.

A sweet fragrance instantly invaded my nostrils as I took a step into the building. The hall was bathed in the hues of nature, a story told in strong browns and forest greens, making one feel close to nature itself. It was the kind of space that let the calm rise and breathe.

Walking around the venue, orcs, elves, dwarves, and humans appeared everywhere. There were even quite a few familiar faces that I had not seen in a while.

Han Yufei for example.

I had not seen him ever since leaving the Lock, and judging from the aura that he gave off, he had gone through quite the improvement over the years.

"Douglas!"

It wasn't even long before we walked into the building that a high-pitched voice sounded in the air. Following which, like a bullet, something shot in Douglas's direction.

"Calm down Monica."

But before the 'thing' could even get close to Douglas, raising his hand, the 'thing' came to an abrupt halt revealing the features of a beautiful girl with orange-colored hair. It was Monica.

Staring at Douglas with her big eyes, she raised her hands and tried to hug him.

But as if there was an invisible in front of her, she was blocked. Stopped her a few meters away from Douglas.

"Oh come on, we haven't seen each other for so long!"

Monica complained as she calmed down. Putting her hands on her lips, she pouted in annoyance. Her reaction prompted a smile to appear on Douglas's face.

He then looked around the hall.

"There is a time and place for that kind of stuff Monica. Now, as you can see is not the right time."

"Hmph."

Monica snorted and turned her head.

"You're still the same as back when I used to teach you."

Douglas merely smiled at her antics. He knew just how she was.

Recalling something, he suddenly asked.

"By the way, I don't see Donna anywhere?"

"Donna?"

"Mhm."

Turning around, Monica squinted her eyes.

"Mhh, she was just here with me. I can't see her anywhere." Looking around for Donna, Monica eventually shrugged her shoulders. "She's probably with Amber, can't seem to see her."

A look of understanding appeared on Douglass's face.

"That's right, I remember. You, Donna, and Amber were inseparable back in the academy days. It's nice that you guys are still so close."

"Well, we see each other a lot less because of w—hm?"

Abruptly halting her words, Monica's head snapped in my direction and our eyes met.

Blinking a couple of times, and cocking her head towards her right and left, her eyes suddenly opened wide.

Raising her hand, she pointed it in my direction.

"Yo—"

"Shhhh."

But before she could say anything, putting his finger on his mouth, Douglas shook his head. Indicating to her to not say anything.

Blinking a couple of times, Monica raised and lowered her hand multiple times before she let out a long breath and calmed herself down.

Then, turning her head towards Douglas, with a curious look on her face, she pointed in our direction, more precisely, mine, and asked.

"So, who are they? New disciples of yours?"

"Well…you can say so."

As he said those words I suddenly felt a tap on my shoulder. Turning my head, I realized it was Douglas.

smile, he patted my

"At least he is."

once your disciple so

walked in my direction. Stopping right in front of me, and realizing that she was

smile appeared on her

like an innocent smile, but to me, who was being subjected to it, I could

look

definitely recognized me, didn't she? I took a

her back, she leaned her body closer in

be Douglas's new

took another

each step back I took, she would

on my shoulder. Once she did, a

nice

"Ukh."

let out a pained

what's going

the side with an innocent look on her face.

be in pain. Perhaps Douglas has

"R…right…"

as the pain in

released her grip. With her hands

I'm glad you're doing

softly. It was almost inaudible, but with my now improved hearing, I could make out

you…thank you for last

to Douglas and joined the other people

her disappearing back, I

"That hurt."

didn't mean to seriously injure me.

collar bone, I

care a lot

look like it

she really? My collar

"Hahaha"

Douglas chuckled slightly.

she really didn't care about you, she would've never have expressed her emotions like that. She may be childish, but the only reason why she acted like

"If you say so."

by Douglas to know this. Her expression and words at the end were

at Douglas and my expression

regarding the thing I

"I have."

replied back. His voice

his eyes for a brief moment, he turned

to not cross the line. If you cross the line, the consequences would

I won't go

taking a closer look at me, trying to read my intentions, I stared back at

won't go as far as you think

you have half

his head. A brilliant smile appeared on my face

"Thank you."

to the others, I fixed my clothes and headed deeper into

my head and walking through

plan

that I wouldn't cross the line today, but

all, I planned on taking my sweet

***

Ren's slowly disappearing back, Douglas's face turned even more solemn. He then opened

"What do you think?"

"He's mind is unstable."

A similar look to Douglas appeared

hands in his pockets,

think he will

do the exact thing he told me he won't

"No."

Waylan shook his head.

him, it'll only aggravate his mind. Ill

"You will?"

that he doesn't end up doing something

"That would be ideal."

replied. His face finally

you watching him, I won't need to worry about him doing anything