Chapter 701

"Well, that might be true for the accomplice, but you seem unfamiliar with Awakeners."

Yuder stepped closer to the body, lifting a hand marked with thin, black scars resembling burns from lightning. While the knights, more accustomed to dealing with corpses, frowned in unison, Kishiar, the Cavalry members, Sunz, and Emon remained comparatively composed.

"Awakeners with more than one ability are nearly nonexistent. Even if they do exist, escaping the notice of myself, our Commander, or our comrades in the Cavalry is almost impossible, especially with such a powerful and conspicuous ability."

"Hard to conceal, you say? Why? Can't they just choose not to use it?" a knight sharply questioned, his tone laced with incredulity.

Yuder calmly responded, "The nature of an Awakener's power makes it far more challenging to suppress than to use."

This was a truth difficult to grasp for those non-Awakeners. However, the Awakeners present all shared understanding looks.

Once awakened, their power often manifested involuntarily, even at unwanted times. This held true for those whose bodies had undergone transformation and those with minimal abilities, like moving a mere droplet of water.

Learning to control their power was crucial, often prioritized over mastering its use or application. It was a major focus of the Cavalry's continuous training.

Could a gushing spring, once breached, be entirely sealed with just a human hand? Certainly not.

Thus, an Awakener's prowess was often less about the raw strength of their power and more about the finesse in its control. This was why Yuder particularly esteemed the power control of Ever Beck.

"Completely concealing a power once possessed is an exceedingly difficult task. And the stronger the ability, the harder the control," he explained.

The numerous wounds marring the body of the Second Prince attested to this. The Awakener who inflicted them was clearly not skilled in controlling their power.

"The perpetrators didn't intentionally leave such severe wounds. They were incapable of using their power in any other way," Yuder surmised.

A display of power, uncontrolled and indiscriminate, likely instilled greater terror in onlookers. There seemed to be no perceived need for restraint. But there was a distinct difference between choosing to unleash such an attack and being limited to only that method.

And Yuder Aile was perhaps the best person to discern this difference.

"But I've heard rumors that there are those in the cavalry who can use multiple powers, even selectively choosing which to wield... If such a person exists, couldn't this scenario be possible?" inquired a knight who had been guarding the area where the corpse lay.

Unaware of Yuder's identity, he seemed to regard him as just another Cavalry member who had stepped forward first.

With Commander Kishiar standing guard in the background, the knight restrained from openly provoking conflict, instead choosing to express opposition to Yuder's statements, perhaps as a way to mask his disdain towards the Awakeners.

'When speaking such words, one might do well to consider that the person before them could be the very subject of the rumors they reference.'

Despite the news of Kishiar's appearance in Charloin presumably having reached them after that of Yuder, the way they were acting indicated a blatant disregard for the Cavalry. Yuder, gazing intently, was backed by Sunz, Emon, and the rest of his Cavalry comrades, all clenching their teeth and tensing their stomachs, making odd expressions. Their reason dictated that it was inappropriate to burst into laughter in the grave situation of inspecting a corpse.

Yuder spoke with an impassive face.

"It seems that I am the person you speak of, but to be honest, there's likely no one else quite like me."

"Really?"

The knight's retort sounded incredulous and arrogant. Yet, Yuder's cold eyes carried a peculiar commanding presence that brooked no contradiction.

In the brief silence that followed the knight's loss for words, Kishiar, chuckling softly, joined the conversation.

"That's true. My assistant, Baron Yuder Aile, can freely manipulate all powers of nature, and he is more knowledgeable than anyone about other Awakener powers. I won't deny the possibility that there might be another such person in the world... but well."

He tilted his head with a natural smile, genuinely pondering.

"If there were another such individual in the world, their shining talent would have stood out like the sun, immediately catching everyone's eye. What does everyone think?"

"Exactly as the Commander says. If there were even one more person like Yuder, how could ordinary people like us even dare to join, fearing their presence?"

"Not a single one of the 48 soldiers in our Awakener Brigade, all Awakeners, possess two powers. Even within the Cavalry, where over 300 of the empire's most capable Awakeners are gathered, those with more than two powers are exceedingly rare. Baron Aile can freely control four elements, not to mention his proficiency in weaponry and physical combat. Assuming such cases are common would hardly aid our investigation," added Kurga, the head of the southern branch, his heavy sarcasm followed by a serious comment from Sunz, who intentionally emphasized 'Baron Aile.' His friend Emon also casually added his opinion.

"To be honest, your words sound no different than comparing a Swordmaster to a regular knight. If you believe that someone in the Cavalry who possesses and can effortlessly conceal more than two immense powers is the culprit, then you might as well directly accuse Baron Aile."

"Oh, is that what you mean? So, you're suggesting that as his superior, I ordered my assistant to murder the Second Prince?"

"Absolutely not!"

The knight hastily protested as Kishiar responded as if the thought had never crossed his mind.

The situation was rapidly devolving, threatening to wrongfully accuse Duke Peletta without any evidence, based on a mere slip of the tongue. The knight's face turned ashen, prompting his comrades to step in.

"He's merely unfamiliar with Awakeners and made a mistake out of concern. It surely wasn't his intention. Please forgive him generously!"

Kishiar listened to the knights' sweaty, frantic excuses for a long while before bursting into laughter, as if he were a carefree, irresponsible young man.

"Alright, alright. If you say it's not the case, then it must be so."

"..."

However, before the knights could fully relax, Kishiar, still smiling, added,

"I almost thought the Herne family had concluded that I was responsible for the Second Prince's death. Be careful with your words. My body is very frail, you see. Especially my heart, so frail that too much shock could make me faint."

The knights of the Herne family shifted their gaze to Kishiar, who stood a head taller and with broader shoulders than them. Regardless of their scrutiny, Kishiar simply continued to smile.

That smile no longer felt light or insignificant to the knights.

'Just where does his sincerity end, and jest begin? It's impossible to tell...'

'Ever since he became the master of the divine sword, has he changed?'

'We mustn't underestimate the Cavalry. Speaking carelessly could lead to trouble...'

After Kishiar's words, the knights refrained from further unnecessary disputes or questioning Yuder's judgment. In the now more sober atmosphere, Yuder was able to comfortably and swiftly complete his examination of the body.

"The Second Prince was likely attacked by at least two Awakeners. One with lightning abilities, and the other possessing the power to greatly enhance physical strength. It appears all the wounds were inflicted before death. That's my observation. For the rest, I would like to request Captain Sunz here to take over."

"Understood."

Sunz, upon being nominated by Yuder, stepped forward with a tense expression. A faint, mirage-like power shimmered in his eyes.

"Hmm..."

"Do you see anything unusual?"

"There's something... in the Second Prince's stomach. Please, give me a moment."

[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.'