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

"At least he is."

nice, nice, I was once your disciple so you

in front of me, and

smile appeared

who was being

look

definitely recognized me, didn't she? I took

her back, she leaned her

be

another step

back I took,

she arrived before me and placed her hand on my shoulder.

nice to meet

"Ukh."

suddenly let out a pained

my, what's going on

look on her face. Her hand still pressed on my

be in pain. Perhaps Douglas has been

"R…right…"

reply as the pain in my collar bone

soon released her

glad you're doing

inaudible, but with my now improved hearing, I could make

you

words, she waved goodbye to Douglas and joined the other

at her disappearing back, I touched

"That hurt."

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

was massaging my collar bone, I

seems to care

look like it

My collar bone says

"Hahaha"

Douglas chuckled slightly.

never have expressed 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 you to do

"If you say so."

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

my hair up, I looked at Douglas and my expression

matters aside, regarding the thing

"I have."

back. His voice sounded

for a brief moment,

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

know my limits. I won't go

read my intentions, I stared back

go as far as you think I

have

relented and nodded his head. A brilliant smile appeared on

"Thank you."

the others, I fixed my clothes and headed deeper into

head and walking through the hall, I thought back

count as a lie if I plan on crossing the line

the line today, but I never said I wouldn't

on taking my sweet

***

back, Douglas's face turned even more solemn. He

"What do you think?"

"He's mind is unstable."

side. A similar look to

hands in his pockets,

don't think he will be

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

"No."

Waylan shook his head.

demons in his mind. If we stop him, it'll only aggravate his mind. Ill

"You will?"

just so that he doesn't end

"That would be ideal."

His face finally

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