Chapter 712

"You've managed this far quite easily," observed Nathan Zuckerman.

"Typically, in such situations, the ones who arrive first are the weakest and least experienced in the group. Their complacency made it even easier," replied Yuder, tying up the three men he had just subdued.

Yuder mused that these men, who had long masqueraded as a trading company, were unlikely to be overly strong or brutish. Instead, they would likely be more unassuming and intelligent, posing less of a threat and blending in more easily.

It was evident that they had been training for a long time, but individually, they were not particularly impressive. To lose to such men in a surprise attack would disgrace his storied battle history.

"Will we handle everything here?" asked Nathan.

"Certainly not," Yuder responded, as if he already knew what Nathan was thinking.

"From what I saw earlier, six men entered the stable. We've captured three, so the rest are likely higher-ups. Among them, we might even encounter the same man we fought in Tainu."

Nathan remained silent at the mention of their encounter in Tainu.

He must have thought of that man the moment he saw them previously, recalling how he was the first and longest to fight that man in the secret warehouse. His suggestion to retrieve the saddle first before returning indicated he had this in mind.

"Confronting him here would not be advantageous for us. There might be another noteworthy individual among the remaining men, so changing the location would be wiser."

"And who might that be?"

"Don't you remember? When that man realized we had infiltrated our warehouse and returned, he mentioned sensing a movement of power."

"Ah..."

That time, Kishiar, Yuder, and Nathan had entered the warehouse through a hidden passage, not the main entrance. Yet, the men had detected them almost like ghosts.

Yuder was certain one of them was an Awakener who possessed the ability to sense 'power.'

'They probably detect changes or flows of power within a specific area or range. The reason they didn't constantly monitor the illegal drugs was probably because of this ability.'

The extent of their sensing capabilities was unknown. Nathan seemed to share this thought, saying, "If such a person existed, they would have appeared by now if they were here."

"Indeed. However, such Awakeners can sometimes use their abilities from a distance. We never saw the face of the Awakener then. Keep that in mind."

"...True. If they sensed the change from afar and informed an ally who could be or go to the location, their response might be slightly delayed."

"Yes. So, staying here any longer serves no purpose. It might give our opponents more time to gather information on us."

The number of their enemies seemed larger than anticipated, and both of the key individuals might not even be here. However, Yuder, having confirmed the presence of those distributing Calanesa powder in the south at Nukijo's fighting arena, believed that at least the one who took the powder then would certainly be among them.

"In terms of swordsmanship, he was quite exceptional," remarked Yuder, reflecting on their encounter.

Even when facing the sword of Nathan Zuckerman, a Swordmaster, the man had not been significantly outclassed. He possessed the ability to freely concentrate and project his power. At the time, Yuder was unable to fully exert his strength, and Kishiar, to avoid revealing his identity, had engaged the man using only the power of an Awakener and his physical skills. Nonetheless, his prowess was undeniably impressive.

'But now, the power I can wield has changed, so it doesn't matter. If I can expose his identity, even if he escapes, today's mission will be deemed a success.'

While Yuder was lost in thought, Nathan Zuckerman sighed, furrowing his brow.

"I always feel it, but facing an Awakener really requires preparedness for every possibility."

"Well... you're not entirely wrong there."

"The way sir Aile identifies, handles, and responds to such individuals sometimes seems mysterious to me, though..."

Suddenly, the knight who had been observing Yuder intently turned away, having briefly interrupted their conversation.

"If you keep watching, perhaps you'll eventually find the answer."

But, would that day ever come?

Nonetheless, he found it somewhat commendable that Nathan hadn't completely abandoned his vigilance towards him.

'To earn such admiration from Nathan Zuckerman... unimaginable in my previous life.'

'Perhaps it's the time we've spent together that's changed things...'

Yuder watched the profile of the Southern knight with a complex mix of feelings.

Kishiar had once said that Nathan and Yuder had quite similar personalities and could become good friends. If Kishiar had heard their current conversation, he might have felt somewhat bitter, but Yuder was content with the level of their relationship as it was.

With a sense of willingness, Yuder suggested to Nathan, "If you wish to better understand how to face Awakeners, encountering as many of them as possible is the best way. Would you consider joining the Cavalry training when we return to the capital?"

"Me?" Nathan asked.

"Even if you're not an Awakener, a knight of your caliber should have no trouble."

"..."

"Merely sparring should be fine, right? Besides... if you join the training, you could spar with me."

It was the last part that elicited a response from Nathan. His face lit up with interest as he silently loaded the three Southern men onto the horse. The white horse seemed unbothered even with three men on its back.

"I'll consider it."

"Good. Let me know once you've decided."

Yuder was looking forward to sparring with Nathan, who had gained experience fighting various Awakeners.

"But is it alright to load three men on a horse at once?"

"This breed is strong enough to carry another one if needed."

Nathan stroked the horse's nose, calming its previously annoyed snorts.

As they were about to leave the stable, suddenly, a concentrated ball of energy flew towards them.

'...Was there no sign before?'

Yuder instinctively dodged it, and Nathan did the same. The energy hit the stable door, causing a loud explosion, and the horse screamed in fright.

"You finally show yourself."

Three figures, faces hidden by thick clothing, stood not far away. Yuder realized they had been waiting for them to emerge.

And Yuder realized that the power just unleashed by their assailant felt eerily familiar.

'That man. He was indeed here. I had a feeling this could happen, so I tried to leave quickly... but it ended up like this.'

Though he had exchanged a few words with Nathan Zuckerman while preparing to leave, it hadn't taken long. In that short time, their enemy had meticulously killed their presence and waited outside, ready to attack. The fact that they evaded detection even by a swordmaster like Nathan suggested that the other two were also Awakeners of no small skill.

'Let's see. The one in the middle, he's the one who sent the energy. The one I saw in the west...'

The Southerner, under scrutiny from Yuder, returned a piercing gaze, sharp enough to be felt even through his almost completely concealed face. A tense chill ran down Yuder's spine.

"I thought the way you infiltrate so effortlessly seemed familiar, and indeed, it's an old acquaintance."

"..."

"You won't surrender and release them, even if I ask nicely, will you?"

"That sounds more like my line."

Yuder responded nonchalantly, to which the Southerner let out a quiet, warmthless laugh.

"Yes. I thought you'd say that."

The moment he raised his hand, the battle began.

[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.'

[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.'