Chapter 697

"Commander. I have returned."

"Ah, good timing. The investigation results on Cyregina just came in."

Kishiar, who had been perusing documents, looked up and smiled. Whatever had transpired during Yuder's absence, it seemed to have put him in a remarkably good mood.

Yuder's gaze briefly lingered on the radiant Kishiar, who seemed capable of brightening even the dullest weather, before shifting to Nathan Zuckerman standing silently beside him. A wordless exchange of looks passed between the two, each renowned within their respective groups for their composure.

'What happened?'

'...'

Nathan Zuckerman offered no response. This implied that while something had occurred to brighten Kishiar's mood, it was not immediately pressing enough to inquire about.

'Well, no matter. If it's necessary, Kishiar will discuss it later.'

Yuder calmly approached Kishiar and took the documents he offered, reading them. They contained a summarized report penned by a Cavalry member tasked with investigating Cyregina.

"As you will see, as she herself admitted, she knows a lot about the corruption that Nukijo has committed. This includes a list of all the VIPs who visited the Awakener Combat Arena since its inception, buried crimes within, external forces bribed by Nukijo, and even the location of his hidden slush funds."

"...That's quite extensive."

Despite being a summary, the document was voluminous enough to require binding. Even in small print, it spanned well over ten pages.

"Yes. With this much, she might receive a significant reduction in her sentence. The most intriguing part, though, is on page three."

Yuder flipped directly to the third page. His scanning eyes suddenly stopped on a particular section.

Although they didn't frequently visit the arena, there were merchants from the Southern countries who occasionally contacted Nukijo. Their distinctive appearance, usually concealed but revealed in Nukijo's presence, made them memorable. According to Nukijo, it was their influence that led him to establish the Awakener Combat Arena. Recently, some of them visited Nukijo, engaging in a lengthy discussion. Nukijo mentioned striking a deal with them for importing 'salt' that had quality issues...

It was clear this was the section that had piqued Kishiar's interest. The report continued with more detailed descriptions of these Southern merchants and the euphemistic 'salt.'

"In the back alleys of Charloin, the term for a powdered substance usually refers to drugs. Among them, 'salt' is synonymous with high-quality drugs, particularly revered in the South, near the sea, as a vital ingredient."

In other words, the 'salt' with quality issues meant high-grade drugs that, for some reason, had become difficult to sell at their true value.

Yuder lifted his eyes from the document, a cold yet pleased smile on his face.

"...I was about to start looking for them, and now they've come to us."

Yuder was confident these were the same Southern merchants they had missed in the West. His instincts as a former Cavalry Commander were certain. Kishiar's expression echoed the sentiment.

"It seems they've only just realized that the powder we tampered with was spoiled. It would've been quite difficult if they hadn't noticed by now. Lucky for us, isn't it?"

"Disposing of the problematic goods would be wasteful, yet proceeding with the original plan to sell them would be difficult. Such items would surely raise suspicions wherever they're sold."

"We'll just have to follow the trail of suspicion then," Kishiar replied in rhythm.

"Nukijo had planned to meet them in three days to receive the drugs. But with his death, they must be in quite a predicament."

"I see where we can assist the First Princess of Herne."

Nathan Zuckerman silently observed the perfectly in-sync Commander and his assistant as he served tea. Kishiar, sipping the fragrant brew, smiled enigmatically.

"Let's wrap up this and the Star of Nagran issue within a week and then depart. How does that sound?"

"A week seems too long."

"Really? What do you anticipate?"

"Their urgency could make it possible for us to finish even in three days, if we play our cards right."

"Hmm. Excellent. That's the most thrilling line I've heard today. Let's see how it unfolds."

As Kishiar stirred his tea and winked, a soft tapping sound emerged from somewhere. A messenger bird, with a small cylinder tied to its leg, was pecking at the windowpane.

Nathan Zuckerman, with long strides, opened the window to retrieve the cylinder. Unraveling the small note inside, the knight's expression grew serious.

"An urgent message from Dawn Palace."

"From Dawn Palace?"

Kishiar promptly opened it. He quickly grasped the contents, his eyes lowered and let out a soft hum.

"An expected event has occurred."

"What's happened?"

"It seems the sage and his group and Nahan and his brothers have finally met in the capital. Of course, the conversation wasn't exactly peaceful."

Yuder's expression instantly returned to its usual sharpness.

"...Was there an incident?"

"If this report is accurate, a building has been half-destroyed. Fortunately, the Cavalry was already monitoring the area, so they responded quickly. His Majesty believes the damage won't be significant."

The conflict between the sage and Nahan was not new; it had existed in Yuder's previous life. He had anticipated such an event the moment he heard that the sage had aligned with the Crown Prince and Duke Diarca, and Nahan had come to the capital.

The only difference was that in his previous life, their conflict had escalated in the South, not the capital.

'In my previous life, the real sage wasn't active in the capital. Nahan's presence was also unknown to the Cavalry.'

Back then, before they could fully pursue their true goals, they likely annihilated each other in internal conflicts, confined to their southern stronghold. However, this time was different, leading to this change in events.

It was a relief that the Cavalry had prepared and handled the situation well, but Yuder couldn't help worrying about potential casualties.

"Did His Majesty mention anything else about the Cavalry's situation?"

"It seems the message was sent right after receiving the report of the incident. There's no additional information. We might receive more soon."

"..."

Yuder wasn't used to just waiting for news about troublemakers. He had always been at the center of important events or had quickly thrown himself into action. Being a mere spectator was a novel, somewhat uncomfortable experience for him.

Yuder briefly wondered if he should have stayed in the capital, but he quickly shook his head, dismissing the unnecessary worry.

Neither he nor Kishiar had nurtured the Cavalry to be weak. They had deemed it strong enough to entrust their backs to, which is why they had ventured this far.

"Are you worried?" Kishiar asked, seemingly reading his thoughts. Yuder pondered for a moment before shaking his head.

"It would have been better if I were there... but I prepared for my absence, so it's fine."

"Right. Command inevitably requires patience."

"Still, it bothers me a bit, not being able to do anything."

Kishiar gently tapped Yuder's hand.

"When you observe from the farthest and highest point, only then can you truly discern the entire layout of the board. Waiting for the pieces to move and yield results might feel like doing nothing, but to do otherwise would leave a leader unable to read the board and plan the next move."

After saying this, Kishiar fell silent, giving Yuder time to ponder his words.

"So, it's not that we're doing nothing; we're actually fighting together for what comes next. Thinking of it this way should ease any unnecessary worry and impatience."

It wasn't a state of inaction; it was a time of fighting together for the next step.

Yuder found this analogy to strategy games profoundly enlightening, dissolving any lingering restlessness like melting residue.

He looked down at Kishiar's fingers on his hand and nodded.

"You're right. I understand."

"Good. Then let's make use of our time to assess the situation and prepare for the next move until the next news arrives from the capital."

At that moment, a knock on the door was followed by the announcement of a visitor seeking the Cavalry Commander. It was a timely re-visit from the First Princess of Herne.

[BL] Bermuda

Leonardo Blaine, the true war hero of the Raina Logia Empire and the commander of the Armsilver 11th Squad, is dishonorably discharged for disobeying orders during the final battle that could have led the Empire to victory in the territorial war. People criticize and point fingers at him, and after being released on parole from prison, he disappears without a trace.

Three years later, his name has been forgotten by the world. The Council has been persistently pursuing him, but he has proven difficult to capture. Frustrated by this, Hugo Agrizendro, the commander of the Council's army, decides to personally apprehend him.

"Since when have you been watching me?"

Leonardo was calculative and astute, so it wouldn't be surprising if he had been observing Hugo for some time now. However, Leonardo's answer was something that even Hugo had not anticipated.

"From the very beginning."

[BL] The Mist (Same author as Turning)

In the autumn of his 18th year, after winning the high school kendo championship finals, an unexpected accident occurred.

Due to that incident, Kang Mu-heon lost one of his legs, his closest friend, and his promising future. He closed off his heart and shut himself away alone.

A few years later, the world's first real virtual reality game <THE MIST> was announced, where even those with physical disabilities could play in healthy bodies.

By chance, Kang Mu-heon encountered it and began a new life as the mage Kapros, facing unexpected meetings, reunions, and days of change....

***

"Why was someone like you born into this world to make me so miserable? Do you understand when I say it like this?! You were born with talent for the sword, a bright personality, everything - you must have been laughing at me always lagging behind! Did you even know how pathetic I felt because of your stupid hypocrisy? A genius? What does any of that matter!"

Seung-jo's cries stabbed at his heart, wailing as if he were crying even though he wasn't, but there was no time to think further. He quickly clutched my stomach, got up, and ran towards him.

He looked surprised for a moment, but he was desperate.

Just as the car was about to reach us, he shoved Seung-jo hard. Right after Seung-jo fell and rolled away with wide, startled eyes—

Screech!

Bang! With an impact that felt like his whole body was being shattered, he flew through the air.

And in that brief yet long moment of floating in space, he remembered his reflection in Seung-jo's eyes for the last time.......

***

[ Then in THE MIST, may you become the master of infinite possibilities. ]

Whoosh!

When his vision returned after everything went white, he was standing in the middle of a bustling town. Amidst the clamor, countless people were busily going about their business here and there.

He looked down at himself, standing dazed and wearing clothes of unknown origin. When he touched the sleeve, he felt the texture of fabric as real as reality. His hair felt the same, and even when he touched the wall of a nearby house, he could clearly feel the solid, cold surface.

Is this... VT?

It seemed like a joke. It truly felt as if he had come to another world and was touching everything.

As he stood there unable to think due to the shock, he suddenly remembered the biggest reason he had decided to play this game, and snapped back to attention. His two legs were still as they had been when he first stood.

'Can I really walk?'

He first stepped out with his left foot, then very slowly put strength into his heavy right foot. It felt like cold sweat was running down his spine.

And then,

He lifted it,

Moved it,

And took another step to touch the ground again.

So easily. As if there had never been any problem with this leg from the beginning.

"Ah..."

At that moment, something that was neither joy nor emotion shot up his spine. Suddenly feeling a lump in his throat, he lowered his head and leaned against the wall. His right foot, bearing his weight, was doing its job perfectly.

"..."

Holding back the tightness in his throat, he took another step.

It didn't hurt. It wasn't heavy. His leg was no longer a useless piece of wood that ached.

Damn it, to be able to walk so easily like this.

To be able to run so easily like this.

He had wished even in his dreams for the day to come when he could walk and run like this again.

And so he walked again, kept walking, slowly getting faster, until finally he started running like a madman through the entire town.

***

"Kap. ...There seems to be a misunderstanding. That's not what I meant."

Just as he was thinking he should throw a punch, Yu-wan sighed with a troubled look and said.

A misunderstanding? How could it be a misunderstanding when he said with his own mouth that he didn't think of me as a friend?

"I didn't expect to receive such a question suddenly, so my explanation was probably too brief. Let me rephrase."

Yu-wan reached out his hand, his face completely changed from before - intense yet resolute - as he stared at him. As he didn't reject the hand suddenly approaching his face and kept his gaze fixed, his cool large hand touched his cheek completely.

A shiver ran down his spine at that moment.

"I'm sorry to say this to you, but I don't see you only as a friend. ...This is the complete answer."

Check out the new project 2:

[BL] Cloudless Sky

Jin Soram, the top-ranked hunter representing South Korea's Rift Phenomenon Management Headquarters, is stronger than anyone else and lazier than anyone else. As soon as he arrives at the office, he buries himself under a blanket and falls asleep. When he goes out on a mission, he causes accidents and returns to the office, often shirking his duties.

"Do you know how it feels to play a game that's already messed up? ...Anyway, the next round will come, so this time, I'm just going to play it recklessly."

In fact, his true identity is someone who has regressed through three lives, trying to save the world from the Great Rift but failing each time. After repeating a life where he couldn't sleep peacefully even for a day, he became completely exhausted before this life even began.

"I know. You worked hard, Jin Soram."

And then there's Han Tae-un, the man who saved Soram and died in all three previous lives. As he did in every life, he comes to Soram's side once again. The Great Rift is approaching soon. It's impossible to resolve it in this life without any preparation. Soram vows to save Tae-un in this life and die himself. At least, he won't let Tae-un save a failure like himself again.

"For now, until then, let's sleep..."

As Soram sluggishly lives his life waiting for that moment, a gradual change occurs in his heart.

'I thought this was a messed-up round... but I want to live a little longer here.'