The Author's POV

"Huh?"

"W-what?"

"Am I seeing things?"

The astonishment that we felt the instant that we set foot back on earth could not be adequately described using any words at all. I was so shocked that the after effects of the portal seemed like nothing to me.

Greeting us at the portal was Kevin. Everything seemed normal from that point. He was currently wearing a nice suit, which I had to say, made him look rather dashing.

I wasn't jealous.

That said…

"What did you do?"

As I emerged from the training area, I was taken aback to see that the headquarters was packed to the gills with individuals.

If that wasn't surprising enough, I couldn't believe how many people there were outside. When I looked out the window at the street below, I couldn't believe how crowded it was.

…It was as if the war had never started in the first place.

I was baffled, and so were the others.

'What happened in the time we were in Melandoir?'

"Surprised?"

Kevin looked at us with a smirk, leading us up toward his office.

"I won't hold you guys up for long. I just need to brief you on the situation, and you can all be on your way."

"Good morning, Alliance head."

"Have a safe day, Alliance head."

The manner in which people greeted Kevin on our way to his office was by far the most perplexing thing that I noticed.

Their eyes… they were filled with reverence.

My brows immediately furrowed when I saw this.

…I slowly started to get an idea of what had happened, and I felt my heart drop for some reason.

Everything seemed to be too good to be true.

"Come, relax in my office for a bit."

As we entered Kevin's office, he graciously offered us a few drinks before taking a seat in one of the chairs there.

"What happened?"

Jin was the first one to speak, asking the question that was lingering in the minds of everyone present.

I just quietly observed Kevin from my seat.

The more looked at him, the more I felt that things were off.

Nonetheless, I still quietly listened to the conversation. I could just be overthinking things, though I doubted it.

"We got lucky, and we managed to defeat all of the high ranking members of the Monolith. Of course, we didn't completely rid of the entire organization, as some went into hiding, but we were able to deal a large glow to them."

Kevin looked at me and smiled.

no thanks to

he

me, and Kevin

managed to turn the situation around and reverse

that it made it seem as though he had

that didn't explain everything. I understood how he

guy to die despite

I looked at Kevin to ask,

"What about Mal—"

with you guys? Why do I feel demonic energy all over your

and looked at us with a frown. After he waved

head to

"Seriously?"

He wasn't impressed.

I shrugged.

choice. The demonic energy was far too thick over there. I wouldn't

"Haaa…"

out

"This is rather troubling."

He grumbled.

the situation is still rather sensitive? I understand you, since everyone knows you

his gaze between Melissa, Jin, and

properly. It's practically leaking out of their bodies. Thankfully, you're with

"Is that so?"

became accustomed to the other world, but I honestly didn't even notice

frowned. She then

"Get rid of it."

I was speechless.

get rid of it

had signed a contract. The demonic energy would linger until the

we were going to come back, the contracts will expire in a

of the contract

traumatized me in ways that I thought

again will I

the lot

Since we've got all of this sorted, I'll have you guys rest in the rooms I have prepared

pressed the

over the side effects,

Clank—

"You called me?"

the room in an abrupt manner. As she looked around and

you

"It's a long story."

Fixing his tie, he fell back

them in a room. Don't bother asking any questions, they

"Uhh."

appeared on Emma's face. As she turned her head, her gaze eventually

with me for

and left. Standing up, everyone

them before

me, I still have

came to a sudden pause and she turned to look at

"It's alright."

once bothered to glance in my direction throughout the

acting the way that she was. Just a look in Kevin's direction, and I knew she was still holding a

…How petty.

Clank—!