The Author's POV

Ci Clank—!

Closing the door behind him, Kevin got out of his apartment. Taking a deep breath, he stared at the scenery before him with lethargic eyes.

Closing his eyes for a brief moment of time, he soon opened them again and proceeded to head down.

"There you are, Kevin."

Waiting for him below was Emma who waved her hand in his direction.

Kevin's feet came to a pause. Staring at Emma who was waiting for him from below, Kevin's unfocused eyes became a little bit more focused.

'Emma...she's alive.'

Faint fragments of the vision replayed in his mind as he stared at her. Each time recollection resulted in a stinging sensation inside of his heart.

Smiling weakly, he nodded his head and greeted her back.

"Yeah...I'm here."

His voice was rather weak, but it was loud enough for Emma to hear. Of course, Emma was able to notice that something was wrong as her brows knit together.

"What is up with you? Are you okay?"

"...I'm good."

Kevin gave a short reply. Then, placing his hand on the handrail, he walked down the stairs of the building.

Not convinced by Kevin's words, Emma leaned forward. A worried look flashed across her face.

"…You don't seem to be okay? Should we have you checked?"

"I'm really fine."

Kevin raised his head and met Emma's eyes. They stared off for a good minute before Emma eventually relented.

"Alright, if you say so."

Staring into the distance, she flipped her hat backward.

"Let's go then. The others are probably already waiting for us."

Rummaging through her pockets, Emma took out a pack of gums. Taking one of the gums she placed it in her mouth and started chewing.

"Munch…munch…want one?"

Extending her hand, she offered one to Kevin. Raising his hand, Kevin politely refused.

"No thank you."

"Munch…munch…suit yourself."

Putting the pack of gums away, Emma blew a bubble gum and proceeded to head towards the center of the Issanor.

Pop—

"Ukeh!"

But just as she took two steps, her bubble burst apart and the gum splattered all over her face.

***

Today was the day of the conference tournament.

As the sun slowly rose from the horizon the atmosphere in Issanor became extremely lively and filled with excitement.

This was the event that everyone was eagerly awaiting.

Not just for the prizes, but for its meaning as well. It was the event that decided the fate of the alliance between the three races.

When I arrived at the main tournament square, the place was already boiling with noise.

numerous dwarves, elves, orcs, and humans alike gathered in groups as they

from the members of the other races who were fairly relaxed, every human wore an expression of nervousness and excitement. This was understandable

they

the distance, I caught a glimpse

without a doubt the center of attention. They looked like famous celebrities surrounded by a bunch of fans, all trying to

were they extremely good-looking, but their talents and achievements at their age made them individuals to

were the future

my lips as I witnessed this scene

things just

had seen it multiple times

entirely different people from the past, their shine never disappeared. In fact, they

now...where are the

my eyes away from them, I glanced around

I didn't want to skip my training session I decided to just go by myself.

the stereotype of girls being slow at changing was just

'I see them.'

too long to spot the others. Standing at the far corner of the human section I caught a glimpse of a familiar figure. It was Douglas. Behind him were the

was currently not wearing a skin

need to. The only ones that had to hide his identity were Waylan and me. The others not

clothes, I headed in

"You're finally here."

arriving, I was immediately greeted by Douglas who had a calm smile

a lot longer than I

not in a hurry.

with the same calm

from Leopold, Smallsnake, and Ryan who weren't planning

not too long ago they were brimming with confidence.

were a lot of talented people present

me

aiming for

at all costs. It was the item that only the winner could get and with it, I would have no trouble breaking through to rank in half of the time that I originally

"…hm?"

and the others heading in my direction. I deeply sighed at

is definitely Melissa's

how much I hated attention, and she was definitely coming to me

everyone's watch, the three of them stopped right in front of me. As they stopped, I suddenly felt hundreds

I asked in

you doing this

course, I didn't hide the displeasure in my voice

"…Doing what?"

of course, Melissa being Melissa feigned ignorance and pretended to not have understood

"Here."

a set of cards. Lifting her head, she nudged her head

don't think you will need it,

obviously referring to Hein and

I'll take you

the cards from her. Then, turning around,

of what the cards did as he saw me use them against John not too long ago, but Ava didn't so I spent the next couple of minutes explaining to them how the cards worked. Once I was done, the both of

staring behind Melissa

the way, have you guys seen Kevin by

the

absence kind of felt weird. Or maybe I was just overthinking things? Could just be that he was hanging out with Emma since she

"They're over there."

cue, just as I was wondering about Kevin's whereabouts, Amanda

"Where?"

"There."

of where she pointed, but my vision wasn't as good as hers so it took me a

long for me

"Oh, I see them."

self, but Kevin looked a bit different

sick

was his aura weird, but his hair was disheveled and his overall complexion looked extremely pale. The

distance, seemingly having noticed my stare, Kevin raised his head and our eyes

"…hm?"