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.

a smile, he

"At least he is."

disciple so you can say that I'm their

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

smile appeared

an innocent smile, but to me, who was being subjected to it, I could feel the malice hidden

look too

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

her back, she leaned her body closer in

you must be Douglas's

took another step

that didn't seem to work, as with each step back I took, she

arrived before me and placed her hand on my shoulder.

very nice

"Ukh."

let out a pained

what's going on

cocked her head to the side with an innocent look on her face. Her hand still pressed on my shoulder, squeezing my collar

to be in pain. Perhaps Douglas

"R…right…"

as the pain in my

soon released her

I'm glad you're doing

steps, she mumbled something softly. It was almost inaudible, but with my now improved hearing, I could make

you…thank you for last

goodbye to Douglas and joined the

at her disappearing back, I touched my shoulder

"That hurt."

lucky that she didn't mean to seriously injure me. Still hurt

collar bone, I suddenly

care a lot

like it

she really? My collar bone

"Hahaha"

Douglas chuckled slightly.

If 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 that with you

"If you say so."

didn't need to be told by Douglas to know this. Her expression and words at the end

looked at Douglas and my

regarding the thing I

"I have."

His voice

for a brief moment,

you've asked of me...I want to ask you to not cross the line. If you cross the line, the consequences would be dire for you even if I

limits. I won't

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

go as far as you

you have half

A brilliant smile appeared

"Thank you."

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

them, lowering my head and walking through the hall, I thought back

won't count as a lie if I plan on crossing the line far into the

Douglas that I wouldn't cross the line today, but I never said I wouldn't do it

sweet time for what I

***

slowly disappearing back, Douglas's face turned even

"What do you think?"

"He's mind is unstable."

replied from the side. A similar look to Douglas appeared

hands in his

will

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

"No."

Waylan shook his head.

we stop him, it'll

"You will?"

that he doesn't

"That would be ideal."

replied. His face

need to