The Author's POV

Thump! Thump!

Two arrows fired from Amanda's bow and impaled two demons in the head, killing them instantly.

Lowering her bow, Amanda continued to silently follow Ren from behind.

A complicated look spread across her face.

'…I have to do this.'

The urgency in Ren's eyes told Amanda that the situation was very likely extremely serious and that now would not be the best time to speak with him, but Amanda also understood Ren really well.

…and knowing exactly how he was feeling at the moment, Amanda clearly understood that Ren had some ideas about possibly leaving the others behind and going on his own somewhere.

Though she wasn't exactly sure if her deduction was correct, she thought this was a very real possibility, which was why she wanted to speak with him now rather than later.

Nonetheless, she still held herself back from talking at the moment.

She would only do it when they arrived at their destination.

"We're here."

It didn't take long for Ren's footsteps to halt as he stopped in front of a large door.

Lowering her bow and walking next to him, Amanda scanned the doors

The door was about eight meters in height and seemed to be made out of some sort of heavy metal alloy.

There were carvings on the front of the door depicting some strange symbols and runes. They seemed rather foreign to her.

"This is most likely where the Duke ranked demon rested."

Ren's voice reached Amanda's ears. Putting his hand against the door and closing his eyes, silence enshrouded the surroundings.

A white hue began to spring out of his body, making Amanda shudder.

'He's gotten stronger.'

This was her initial thought as she felt his power.

She wasn't exactly certain, but it seemed to her that Ren had broken through.

'Again...'

Bam—

In the hall they were in, a loud banging sound, along with the quaking of the door, startled Amanda out of her thoughts.

Amanda's sight was obscured by dust rising from the ground.

As Amanda regained awareness of what was happening, she saw Ren standing in the same spot she had seen earlier. A low murmur escaped his lips as his brows furrowed tight.

"…It's tougher than I thought."

Once again raising, he placed it on the door.

As he pressed his hand against the door, the white hue that was emanating from his body became even more fierce, and another loud noise echoed.

Bang—!

This time, he seemed to have exerted even more power as the halls shook with even more force, sending Amanda off balance.

Fortunately, she was quick to recover and used her bow to keep herself balanced.

'That was close.'

A secret thought crossed her mind as she slowly stood up. Returning her attention to Ren, she watched the door slowly fall towards the ground, causing another loud noise.

Bang—

"Let's go."

Amanda, Ren rushed

followed him

***

a friend. I'm

of a

me. As you can see, I've been able to afford your hospital bills and the doctors said that you will have no trouble recuperating from your

on one knee to the ground, Brian brought

"…You'll finally be cured."

spread across the woman's face as she heard her

glad that you're

Clank—

the room as the son and mother were enjoying a heartwarming moment. He held

entered the room, his footsteps

like I'm

of his moment, he raised

are you doing

you tell me

his long brown coat, the figure sat

"Ah right."

got off his seat and moved

placed the flowers next to

meet you, ma'am, I'm Brian's colleague. I hope you

"Oh my."

face, Brian's mother grabbed the

smile became even sweeter.

me that your

"Why would that matter?"

"It of course matters!"

whole crossing her

a while now, and I need

at me for however long

"Shut up."

take this

"Mom…"

Hemlock, Brian rolled his eyes at Hemlock one more time before standing up and deciding to bid her

it's time for me to go, I'll contact you later mom. For now, it looks like I will need

"Sure thing."

circumstances, Brian's mother waved goodbye to him and his

work the two of

words are really encouraging

"Shut up."

"Hey."

Brian grabbed him by the shoulder and dragged him out of

Clank—

him, Brian

do you think

"Visiting a friend's mother?"

what's

"But I wasn't."

you don't call that

socializing. Something you

around, the smile on Hemlock's face

for now,

turned serious upon

"How's the pay?"

"Excellent."

"I'm in."

"I know."

looked at Brian and shook his head. Hemlock knew he could count on Brian to participate

just like

supposed to be an undercover mission, so you must use

"Eh? That sounds bothersome."

"It's orders."

"Alright, then."

thought for a moment before mumbling

nickname…what should