The Author's POV

"Are you here to kill time, or do you intend to declare war on us directly?"

"I wonder about that..."

"Don't feign ignorance."

It was the sound of Octavious and Hemlock's voices that roused me awake.

When I opened my eyes, I noticed that the scene was continuing to unfold exactly as it had been when I had closed them.

I lowered my head to check the time.

'Only two minutes have passed.'

I was surprised to see that not much time had passed since I had activated Monarch's Indifference and that the scene had not changed much since I had left.

'You'll find out in due time.'

These were the words that Kevin told me before ending the connection.

What did they mean? ...I didn't know. There were so many questions that I had, yet at the same time, had no one to answer them.

Whatever was happening was fucked up.

All this secrecy bullshit, I was fucking tired of it.

'In the end, I'm still probably not strong enough.'

I silently clenched my fist under the table. All it took was a deep breath to calm my nerves down.

There was something else that needed my immediate attention at the moment.

"I don't get it; why are you people willing to throw away your lives in such a reckless way? Do you have any idea how formidable the Demon King really is? Do you honestly believe that you have even the smallest chance of beating him?"

"What I'm doing is for the good of humanity, which you guys are unwilling to acknowledge. I have already spoken with the Demon King, and he has promised me that if we choose to submit to him, he will provide us with a land where we can survive in the future."

"Why must we waste so many lives when the solution is right in front of us? Are you really willing to let our race go extinct?"

The air resounded with Hemlock's voice. His voice had a peculiar allure that briefly hypnotized me, but I was able to quickly shake off the effect and my gaze fell on Octavious.

For some reason, Octavious was strangely calm.

Even stranger was the fact that he appeared to be quietly listening to Hemlock's voice without any hints of rage or impatience.

The Octavious that I was familiar with would have almost certainly put an end to Hemlock's life right then and there; however, for some inexplicable reason, he had remained perfectly still the entire time.

For some strange reason, it appeared as if they were both stalling for time.

'It can't be right?'

Another ridiculous notion occurred to me, and I turned my attention to the direction in which Octavious was sitting.

'What exactly are you planning?'

"You seem to be waiting for something."

"I am―"

the room began to

"What's going on?"

"What's happening?"

one might have anticipated it would as a result of the unexpected situation; however, it was obvious that

was able to communicate

please relax. There is no cause for concern. I will provide everyone present with an

to calm the

chance that some people would have already exited the building to see what

expression as before, he turned his head to look at

you have been

eyebrow twitched slightly

"I believe so too."

that he appeared to be calm on the surface, I could sense

not expected Everblood to go as far as blowing up half

his actions weren't going to be very

Tap. Tap. Tap.

for a brief moment, and then he suddenly dropped

Thud―!

action, and when they turned to look at him, they discovered to their shock that his figure had already

"He's left."

echoed

sudden appearance of Hemlock to the explosions that echoed outside, a great deal transpired in the span

do you think the explosions

asked, her head raised

her from the corner of my

the entire time, if you want to ask someone, he's your best shot at finding out what is going

and

was looking up at him. From a glance, I could count more than ten of the people in the room already staring in his general

and before long, everyone's attention was drawn

know something about the situation,

to his left, was the first person to comment. A smattering of solemnity

you would give us an explanation of what is going on. I'm sure you haven't forgotten what

arms crossed and wearing a tight black suit, his basketball-sized muscles were accentuated by his attire,

him extremely intimidating. In fact, he appeared

Jordan, the

people around him put

was one of the few that didn't seem to be intimidated by Hemlock, his gaze remaining firm

do or say anything. Then again, he was probably wary of Hemlock, who was

provide you with an explanation, and I will.

raised his hand, and the room fell into an

his fingers together,

topics with you guys before we were abruptly interrupted by...

was something about an alliance, wasn't

one to

over her shoulder, Ivana's disposition seemed wild and unrestrained. She was currently donning a one-piece black dress that accentuated

which were yellow like Liam's, added to the allure of her otherwise lovely

from the others were, in fact, her pupils, which were

forward on her extended elbow, she smiled, exposing her pearly

minutes you will brief us on how the alliance is going to work before finally getting to