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.

smile, he patted my

"At least he is."

I was once your disciple

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

smile appeared

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

doesn't look too

definitely recognized me, didn't she? I took

she

be Douglas's new

took another

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

her hand on my shoulder.

nice to

"Ukh."

out a pained

what's going on

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

to be in pain. Perhaps Douglas has been overworking

"R…right…"

reply as the

released her grip. With her hands

I'm glad you're

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

you…thank you

saying those words, she waved goodbye to

at her disappearing back, I touched my shoulder and

"That hurt."

she didn't mean to seriously injure me. Still

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

to care a lot

look like it to

she really? My collar bone says

"Hahaha"

Douglas chuckled slightly.

that girl too well. 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 is

"If you say so."

to be told by Douglas to know this. Her expression and words at the end were enough

I looked at Douglas and my expression turned

matters aside, regarding the

"I have."

His voice

a brief moment, he turned to look

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

limits. I won't go as

intentions, I stared back at him. Taking a deep breath, I once again tried to

as far as you

have

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

"Thank you."

I fixed my clothes and headed deeper into

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

I plan on crossing the line far into

the line today,

taking my sweet time for

***

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

"What do you think?"

"He's mind is unstable."

the side. A similar look to Douglas

hands in his pockets, he

don't think he will be able

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

"No."

Waylan shook his head.

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

"You will?"

so that he doesn't end up

"That would be ideal."

replied. His face

you watching him, I won't need to worry