Chapter 706

"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.

"As you all know, the person who actually has the power to protect us is not His Highness the Crown Prince, but Duke Diarca, who placed him in that position. The Duke is soon to become the one who holds everything in this Empire. He is renowned for his fairness, rewarding those with talent and loyalty regardless of their status."

It was a known fact that Duke Diarca, a man of remarkable skill, had been taking in common-born knights with nowhere to go and impoverished nobles, improving the image of his house. Recently, he had been working to fill the private army of the Diarca family with Awakeners. Although his motives were not entirely noble, the young Awakeners listening to the Sage were not concerned with that.

"Even If everyone in this world turns away from our brethren and the Star of Nagran, as long as he believes in us, we can stand proudly and prove our innocence. Nahan will no longer be able to torment us."

"Ah..."

"If he stands with us, believes in our words, we need not hide anymore. Can you imagine our brethren, who have lived in fear, hiding from the Cavalry without committing any crime, emerging boldly from their strongholds to display their powers? Living happily in a safe, warm place?"

"Yes, I can imagine it... very well indeed."

Nezo's eyes filled with tears, his expression overwhelmed.

"If we overcome this trial, you will all become new pillars of this Empire, alongside its master. To see that day, I would gladly sacrifice this aged body."

"Sage..."

"For us, to go so far..."

Tearful voices surrounded the Sage, who smiled weakly, yet with a guardian's kindness.

"Now, don't cry. It's tonight. We must hurry to Fourth Wall District by evening... for Langbarton and Ella."

"For Langbarton and Ella...!"

As they cried out, the Sage lowered his eyes. His gaze was icy cold, contrasting the smile lingering on his lips.

—---

Tap tap. Gakane peeked in through the open door, knocking softly.

"Kanna, are you still busy?"

"Huh? No, not busy. I was just about to return to the base."

Kanna, who had been fervently writing, smiled broadly, putting a period at the end of her last sentence before standing up.

They were in a building gifted to the Cavalry by the Emperor during a party. Located near the base yet secluded, Kishiar had simply renovated it into a prison and investigation facility for Awakeners. However, it was quite different from a typical prison, having been converted from a mansion, it was exceedingly bright and warm. Each holding area had bars and locks, but the facilities were so well-equipped that at a glance, it did not feel like a prison at all.

But, in truth, the entire building and its surroundings were thoroughly sealed using magic circles and the abilities of the members. Soundproofing and powers that dulled the perception of passersby were applied, making it impossible for ordinary people to even be aware of such a place.

And in Kishiar's absence, the person granted the authority to manage and use this building was none other than Kanna Wand, the Jung Deputy Commander.

It was assumed that the doors of this building would not need to be opened until Kishiar and Yuder returned. However, the unexpected explosion caused by the Star of Nagran forced an influx of individuals into the building, as the headquarters of the Cavalry lacked space. Kanna spent most of her time here, interrogating the captured awakeners.

Kanna asked her red-haired friend, who stood silently without stating his purpose, "What is it? Is there something you need?"

While she could easily discern Gakane's reasons with her abilities, Kanna chose not to use her powers for such trivial matters. After all, wasn't it for this purpose she had honed her ability to control her power?

"Just, I was nearby and thought it's about time for you to head back to the base... thought we could go together."

"Wow, you came to escort me? That's impressive, Gakane. Truly worthy of the praise you've received from His Majesty, Sir Bolunwald!"

"No, it's not about being impressive. It's right to prioritize your safety. The people here are still too dangerous... there's a chance you could be threatened... And you've received the same praise before too..."

As Kanna giggled teasingly, Gakane protested, his face flushing with embarrassment. Knowing he had truly come out of concern for her safety, Kanna decided to cease teasing her good-hearted friend.

"Ah, right. Only a fellow initiate would do this. Thank you."

'Fellow initiate' referred to the trio of Yuder, Gakane, and Kanna. While she was fond of all her colleagues, Kanna held a special affection for the other two, who had been with her since before the entrance test. Gakane felt the same.

"What were you writing there?"

Gakane glanced at the paper Kanna had been writing on, changing the subject.

"Names of dishes, places... There are some strange words here."

"Oh, this? It's the information I've gathered from the people here. There's so much, I can't keep it all in my head, so I write it down daily. When reporting, I extract only the important bits."

Gakane was startled, realizing just how valuable the casually scribbled information on the paper was.

"I've written down today's information, so now I just need to check on the people under Priest Lusan's care before leaving. Want to come with me?"

"Ah, those people who had caused an uproar because they bit their tongues."

"Yes, those people."

Though referred to simply as 'those people', both knew exactly who they were.

They were the most important and peculiar individuals among those captured in the explosion. The names Kanna had gleaned from them were Langbarton and Ella. Though unconscious, Kanna's exceptional abilities revealed that they were followers of the Sage.

That should have been enough, everyone thought. But not Kanna. She had sensed something odd in the information from Langbarton and Ella.

'I keep being bothered by some strange information from these people. Before they lost consciousness... It seems like something crucial happened around the time of the incident.'

To uncover this, Kanna pushed her abilities to the limit, to the point of nosebleeds. Finally, she succeeded in discerning a piece of information that seemed to be the key.

'These people definitely encountered some kind of mental ability that day. Not Nahan's illusions, but something earlier... a power that could influence something related to life.'

And it seemed highly likely that this was related to the Sage's brainwashing abilities. Having made this assessment, she summoned two members of the medical unit and then cautiously addressed the two who had just opened their eyes.

"You were followers of the Sage, weren't you? Do you remember anything about what happened that day?"

Upon hearing these words, they suddenly bit their tongues and collapsed. There had been no warning, nor did they show enough vitality to be aggressive.

These individuals, who had barely been able to open their eyes and had not even the strength to speak, shocked everyone with their simultaneous actions. Fortunately, Lusan, whose divine power was unmatched by anyone, and Enon, whose past career was unknown but whose skill was suspiciously exceptional, were right there.

Enon quickly administered a medicine he had prepared in advance, opening their blocked airways. Lusan poured out his healing power to stop the endless flow of blood. Thus, they managed to keep the two's breaths tethered to this world once again.

It was not an overstatement to call it a victory for Kanna, who had delved into even the slightest suspicions without missing a beat.

Kanna stepped out of the space she had been occupying with confident strides. The corridor created by a Cavalry member capable of attaching something through an empowered medium, using a month's worth of energy, had connecting and separating paths that seemed unlikely to meet, making it easy to lose one's way when first arriving. But Kanna walked out without hesitation, eyes fixed ahead.

Upon reaching her destination and opening the door, Lusan, who was tending to the two lying on the bed, turned his head.

"Ah, you've come."

[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.'