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.

was no thanks to your

is he on

me, and

situation around and reverse the trap by sending all of our high ranking members out. It

such a nonchalant tone that it made it seem as

I understood how he defeated the elders, but what about

type of guy to die despite falling

looked at Kevin to

"What about Mal—"

Why do I feel demonic energy all over

After

his head to look at

"Seriously?"

He wasn't impressed.

I shrugged.

energy was far too thick over there.

"Haaa…"

let out a long

"This is rather troubling."

He grumbled.

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

gaze between Melissa, Jin, and

their positions, they can't even hide their demonic energy properly. It's practically leaking out of their bodies. Thankfully, you're with me, and

"Is that so?"

became accustomed to the other world, but I honestly

her arms and frowned. She then turned to look

"Get rid of it."

I was speechless.

of it at the snap of my fingers,

a contract. The demonic energy would linger

knew when we were going to come back, the contracts will

was looking forward to the expiration of the contract more

me in ways

I

lot of

of this sorted, I'll have you guys rest in the

and pressed the phone on his

contract expires and you get over the side effects, you're

Clank—

"You called me?"

after that, Emma burst into the room in an abrupt manner.

are you

"It's a long story."

a smile. Fixing his tie, he fell back into his chair and

room. Don't bother asking any questions, they probably

"Uhh."

face. As she turned her head, her gaze eventually fell on Amanda, and she let out a

with me for

Standing up, everyone but me

them before they could ask

still have something to talk to

a sudden pause and she

"It's alright."

at her, and she nodded. She never once bothered to glance in my direction

why she was acting the way that she was. Just a look

…How petty.

Clank—!