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."

your disciple so you can say that

of me, and realizing that she was as tall as my shoulders, she looked

appeared on her

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

look

definitely recognized me, didn't she? I took

her hands behind her back, she leaned her

you must be Douglas's new

another

step back I took, she

on my shoulder. Once

nice to meet

"Ukh."

suddenly let out a pained

my, what's going

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

pain. Perhaps Douglas has

"R…right…"

as the

as she soon released her grip. With her hands

you're doing okay,

her steps, she mumbled something softly. It was almost inaudible, but with my now

you for

words, she waved goodbye to Douglas and joined the

her disappearing back, I touched my shoulder and

"That hurt."

mean to

massaging my collar bone, I suddenly heard Douglas's voice from

seems to care a lot

look like it to

really? My collar bone says

"Hahaha"

Douglas chuckled slightly.

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."

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

I looked at Douglas

aside, regarding the thing

"I have."

His voice

eyes for a brief moment,

to not cross the line. If you cross the line, the consequences would be dire for you even if I try

limits. I won't go as far as

intentions, I stared

go as far as you

you have half an

and nodded his head. A brilliant smile appeared on my face as soon as I heard his

"Thank you."

I fixed my clothes and

far enough from them, lowering my head and walking through the hall, I thought back at

I plan

the line today, but I never said I wouldn't do it in the near

my sweet

***

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

"What do you think?"

"He's mind is unstable."

from the side. A similar look

hands in his pockets, he

think he will be able to hold

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

"No."

Waylan shook his head.

we stop him, it'll only aggravate his mind.

"You will?"

so that he doesn't end

"That would be ideal."

replied. His face

won't need to