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.

he patted

"At least he is."

I was once your disciple so you can

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

appeared on

looked like an innocent smile, but to me, who was being

look too

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

back, she leaned

must be Douglas's new disciple,

took another step

work, as with each step back I took, she would match my tempo

her hand on my shoulder. Once she did, a brilliant smile appeared

nice to meet

"Ukh."

let out

my, what's going

her face. Her

seem to be in pain. Perhaps

"R…right…"

to reply as the pain in my collar

she soon 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 her

you…thank you for last

words, she waved goodbye to Douglas and

her disappearing back, I

"That hurt."

didn't mean to seriously

I suddenly heard

seems to care a

like it to

My collar

"Hahaha"

Douglas chuckled slightly.

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 that

"If you say so."

I didn't need to be told by Douglas to know this. Her expression and words at the end were enough for me

up, I looked at Douglas and

matters aside, regarding the thing

"I have."

His voice sounded extremely

eyes for a brief moment, he turned to look

ask you to not cross the line. If you cross the line, the consequences would be dire for you even

I won't go as far as

me, trying to read my intentions, I stared back at him. Taking a deep breath, I once again tried to reassure

won't go as far as you think

have

smile appeared on my face

"Thank you."

to the others, I fixed my clothes and headed

lowering my head and walking through the hall, I thought back at the conversation with

lie if I plan on crossing the line far into the

cross the line today, but

planned on taking my sweet time for what I was about

***

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

"What do you think?"

"He's mind is unstable."

similar look to

hands in his pockets, he

he will be able to hold

same. I'm worried he will do the exact thing he told me he

"No."

Waylan shook his head.

the demons in his mind. If we stop him, it'll only aggravate his mind. Ill go take a look at

"You will?"

that he doesn't end up doing something

"That would be ideal."

replied. His

him, I won't need to worry about him doing