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.

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

relaxed, every human wore an expression of nervousness and excitement. This was

like they are already

I caught a

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

were they extremely good-looking, but their talents

they were the future pillars

lips as

just never

had seen it multiple

grown up and were entirely different people from the past, their shine never disappeared.

are

glanced around

be honest, I was supposed to have come with them to the place, but since I didn't want to skip my training session I decided to just go by myself. Amanda was also training with me, but it appeared that she was a lot faster than

stereotype of girls being slow

'I see them.'

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

from me, everyone was currently not wearing

identity were Waylan and me. The others not so much. I was quite thankful for this. It made the search a lot easier

clothes, I headed

"You're finally here."

who had a

was a lot longer

We're not in a hurry.

reassured with the same calm

proceeded to greet the others. Apart from Leopold, Smallsnake, and Ryan who weren't planning on participating, Ava and Hein

long ago they were brimming with confidence. But as they stared at the people around them, their previous confidence completely

I understood where their worries came from. After all, there were a lot of talented people present today, and everyone

me as

was also aiming

the winner could get and with it, I would have no trouble breaking through to rank in half of

"…hm?"

noticed Melissa and the others heading in

definitely Melissa's

to me knowing that

the three of them stopped right in front of me. As they stopped, I suddenly felt hundreds of eyes directed in my direction and my mouth

I

doing

hide the displeasure in my voice as I tried to make it as evident

"…Doing what?"

have understood the implications behind my words. I sighed in exasperation once I saw

"Here."

handed me a set of cards. Lifting her

don't think you will need it, I believe that

obviously referring to

take you up

her. Then, turning around, I

Ava didn't so I spent the next couple of minutes explaining

Melissa

way, have you guys seen

wasn't really the type to

Or maybe I was just overthinking things? Could just be that he was hanging

"They're over there."

Kevin's whereabouts, Amanda suddenly spoke as she pointed towards the

"Where?"

"There."

my vision wasn't as

it didn't take long for

"Oh, I see them."

Emma looked like her usual self, but Kevin

sick

Not only was his aura weird, but his hair was disheveled and his overall complexion looked extremely pale. The current Kevin looked

in the distance, seemingly having noticed my stare, Kevin raised

"…hm?"