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.

thanks to your

he on

at me, and Kevin

we managed to turn the situation around and reverse the trap by

tone that it made it seem as though he had dealt with a trivial

how he defeated the

of guy to

looked at Kevin

"What about Mal—"

I feel demonic

After he waved his

his head

"Seriously?"

He wasn't impressed.

I shrugged.

demonic energy was far too thick over there. I wouldn't have made them sign

"Haaa…"

let out

"This is rather troubling."

He grumbled.

rather sensitive? I understand you, since everyone knows you and they probably can't beat you, but

alternated his gaze between Melissa, Jin, and

positions, they can't even hide their demonic energy properly. It's practically leaking out of their bodies.

"Is that so?"

the other world, but I honestly didn't even

frowned. She then

"Get rid of it."

I was speechless.

know I can't just get rid of it at the snap of my fingers,

signed a contract. The demonic energy would linger

back, the contracts will expire in

anyone who was looking forward to the expiration of the contract more than I was, it was going to

whole experience traumatized me in ways that I

will I

lot

then. Since we've got all of this sorted, I'll have you guys rest

pressed the phone on

you get over the side effects, you're

Clank—

"You called me?"

into the room in an abrupt manner. As she

you guys doing

"It's a long story."

he fell back into his chair and

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

"Uhh."

expression appeared on Emma's face. As she turned her head, her gaze eventually fell on Amanda, and

Come with

turned around and left. Standing up, everyone but

them before they

still have something

feet came to a sudden pause and she

"It's alright."

never once bothered to glance in my direction

think of why she was acting the way that she was. Just a look in Kevin's direction, and

…How petty.

Clank—!