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 patted my

"At least he is."

once your disciple

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

appeared on

but to me, who

doesn't look too

me, didn't she?

she leaned her body closer

be Douglas's new disciple,

took another

as with each step back I took, she

wasn't long before she arrived before me and placed her hand on

very nice

"Ukh."

out a

my, what's

on her face. Her hand still pressed on my shoulder, squeezing my collar

in pain. Perhaps

"R…right…"

reply as the pain in my collar bone

hold for long as she soon released her grip. With her

I'm glad you're

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

you for last

waved goodbye to Douglas and joined

her disappearing back, I

"That hurt."

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

bone, I suddenly heard Douglas's

care a

look like it to

she really? My collar bone

"Hahaha"

Douglas chuckled slightly.

that. She may be childish, but the only reason why she

"If you say so."

Douglas to know this. Her expression and words

up, I looked at Douglas and my

aside, regarding the

"I have."

replied back. His

eyes for a brief moment, he turned to

want to ask you to not cross the line. If you cross

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

trying to read my intentions, I stared

won't go as far as you

you have half an

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

"Thank you."

the others, I fixed my clothes

head and walking through the hall, I thought back at the conversation

won't count as a lie if I plan on

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

my sweet time for what I was about to

***

face turned

"What do you think?"

"He's mind is unstable."

similar look to Douglas appeared

hands in his pockets, he

will

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

"No."

Waylan shook his head.

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

"You will?"

doesn't

"That would be ideal."

His

I won't need to worry