Chapter 705

"Sage, are you feeling alright?"

In a dilapidated house in the Seventh Wall District of the capital, young Awakeners, now reduced to three from five, knelt beside the Sage, worry etched on their faces. The Sage, with a wet cloth over his forehead and eyes, replied in a strained voice, "I am fine... it's just your well-being that concerns me."

"Do not worry about us. This is nothing!" another chimed in.

Their number had dwindled; Langbarton and Ella had stayed behind to fend off Nahan, aiding their escape. Thanks to their sacrifice, the Sage and the remaining Awakeners evaded the pursuing Cavalry and took refuge in a house provided by Baron Renbow.

But their relief was short-lived. Upon arrival, the Sage had collapsed, and the other three suffered burns from Devran's flame powers during their escape. Unable to contact Baron Renbow or return to the Crown Prince's palace, their only option was to hide.

Without Nezo's far-seeing ability and Juve's power to shield a specific area, they would have been captured by the Cavalry. Diemon, with the least injuries, tended to everyone as best he could.

"I'm sorry... My rash attempt to meet with Nahan has caused you harm," the Sage lamented, causing their hearts to ache. In their minds, Nahan was a traitor, in league with the Cavalry, jeopardizing the Sage's mission.

However, they couldn't dwell on that. Nezo, adjusting his broken glasses, spoke gravely, "Sage... Langbarton and Ella... they're dead, aren't they?"

The Sage sighed deeply, and with evident difficulty, replied, "No, they are not dead."

"Then..."

"But they would rather die than speak of us, as they swore to me. Do you not remember?"

Nezo blinked, realization dawning, "Yes, I remember. They made that oath to you right before leaving. And then you were so drained that you could hardly stand..."

They didn't question how the Sage was so certain of Langbarton and Ella's survival, nor did they realize that his collapse was more due to exhaustion akin to overusing his powers than the burns.

"So, we worry less about them now. It's painful, but inevitable. What should we do next?"

"Once the number of patrolling soldiers decreases, one of you should contact Baron Renbow. He can reach out to Duke Diarca and His Highness the Crown Prince for help."

Diemon, being the least injured, took on this task. Despite his fear, he couldn't hide his excitement at being the only one they could rely on. Nezo and Juve frowned at his pleased demeanor, but the Sage quietly encouraged him.

"Diemon, you are the only one we can trust now. You understand, don't you?"

"Of course, hehe. Just rely on me."

Not long after Diemon had left, disguised in the garb of a pilgrim to conceal his striking appearance, Baron Renbow arrived in a flurry. He was shocked to the point of nearly falling backward upon seeing the Sage lying down.

"Sage! What has happened here? His Highness the Crown Prince has been extremely worried, as you have not returned to the Bright Palace for days. A room there was nearly destroyed, and a servant was seriously injured by shards of a broken mirror!"

"There was a little incident," the Sage replied calmly, detachedly stating, "I was betrayed and injured by an old ally who joined forces with the Cavalry, preventing our return to the palace."

Baron Renbow's expression grew grave upon hearing this. "That explains it... There was an explosion in Fifth Wall District or somewhere, and His Majesty the Emperor has deployed the Cavalry everywhere, inspecting everyone entering the palace..."

After saying this, Baron Renbow glanced around with a slightly frightened look, lowering his voice, "Moreover, recently, I've felt like someone has been investigating me, which has been quite unsettling."

The Sage's expression changed at these words. After a long contemplation, he slowly spoke, "I intended to ask your help in entering the palace, Baron Renbow. But given these circumstances, it seems too dangerous to return."

After a pause, the Sage inquired, "Is there a way to meet Duke Diarca first?"

Baron Renbow shook his head with a troubled expression, "The Duke wouldn't meet anyone possibly involved in the explosion. I trust you, Sage, but he doesn't. We haven't yet succeeded in infiltrating our people into the Cavalry in the south, so how could he agree to meet..."

"Any method is fine, just once. Is it still too difficult?"

The Sage's eyes faintly glimmered as sweat trickled down his forehead. Baron Renbow, after a moment of silence, nodded like a puppet being pulled by strings.

"Actually, His Highness the Crown Prince recently reported to His Majesty about the Sun Palace intrusion, but all the suspects were released due to insufficient evidence, which greatly annoyed the Duke. I heard a rumor that he plans to take a brief tour with his youngest son to cool his head. The exact date is unknown, but it should be soon... Perhaps you could seize that opportunity."

"A tour..." The Sage appeared to ponder over Renbow's advice, considering it a good suggestion.

"Understood. Please inform me as soon as you have the exact date of this tour. And don't worry about the plan in the south; we will start that immediately. Inform Duke Diarca of this. Understanding his and your concerns about the expansion of the Cavalry, we will do our utmost."

"Sage, you always understand my heart. It's a difficult task, but it's worth undertaking together."

"And please deliver this letter to His Highness the Crown Prince. It will help ease his troubled mind."

The Sage produced a letter from within his clothes. The short letter, which did not reveal its author's identity, was heavily scented with the fragrance of the sachet the Sage always carried. Those familiar with the Sage could instantly recognize the owner of that scent.

Baron Renbow, overjoyed, accepted the letter from the Sage.

The following day, Baron Renbow brought good news to the Sage. "Duke Diarca is setting out on his excursion this very evening. He plans to cool off by the lake in Fourth Wall District, where the evening sunset is beautiful."

"Fourth Wall District, understood."

"Ah, and... this is not good news, but... two of the Awakeners, who were arrested by the Cavalry at the explosion site, bit off their tongues and died yesterday. From the descriptions released, they seemed to be your followers..."

At these words, the atmosphere turned chillingly cold. The young Awakeners bit their lips to cope with the shock.

After Baron Renbow left, the Sage sat in sad silence for a long time. The three young Awakeners following him also mourned and seethed with anger over the deaths of their comrades.

"It's all because of Nahan. If only we knew where he's gone..."

"We've sent messages to our southern and central bases with Baron Renbow's help. If he heads there, we'll hear of it."

"Don't be too saddened. We'll meet Langbarton and Ella in the sky one day. But Nahan... Yes. That's also why I'm taking the risk to meet with Duke Diarca."

The Sage quietly consoled them, revealing his inner thoughts.

[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.'