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 my

"At least he is."

nice, I was once your disciple so you can

right in front of me, and realizing that she was

appeared on her

me, who was being subjected to it, I could feel

look too

didn't she?

back, she leaned her body closer in

be

another step

as with each step back I took, she would match my tempo and take a step

placed her hand on my

very nice to

"Ukh."

let out a

my, what's going

to the side with an innocent look on her face. Her hand still pressed on my

in pain. Perhaps

"R…right…"

struggled to reply as the

as she soon released her grip. With her hands behind her

I'm glad you're doing okay,

It was almost inaudible, but with my now improved hearing, I

you…thank you for

after saying those words, she waved goodbye to Douglas and joined the other people

her disappearing back, I touched my shoulder and

"That hurt."

she didn't mean to seriously injure me.

collar bone, I suddenly heard Douglas's voice

seems to care a lot for

like it to

she really? My collar

"Hahaha"

Douglas chuckled slightly.

her emotions like that. She may be childish, but the only reason why she acted like that with you is because she's comfortable enough with

"If you say so."

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

at Douglas and

regarding the thing

"I have."

replied back. His voice sounded

eyes for a brief moment, he turned to look at

line. If

know my limits. I won't go as far as you think I

read my intentions, I

I won't go as far as

have half an

relented and nodded his head. A brilliant smile appeared

"Thank you."

head and bidding goodbye to the others, I

head and walking through the

plan on crossing

did was promise Douglas that I wouldn't cross the line today, but I never said I

I planned on taking my sweet time

***

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

his hands in his pockets,

he will

I'm worried he will do the exact thing he told me he won't do, should

"No."

Waylan shook his head.

needs to overcome the demons in his mind. If we stop him, it'll only aggravate his mind. Ill go take

"You will?"

just so that he doesn't end up doing something

"That would be ideal."

replied. His face

him, I won't need to worry