Chapter 716

"...That's..."

Before Yuder could find a response, either fortunately or unfortunately, the Southern swordsman regained consciousness.

'...In the end, it's all because of this b*st*rd.'

Flames flickered in Yuder's eyes. He approached Aton, the writhing Southern swordsman, and flipped him over with a kick to his back, swiftly disarming him. In an instant, he twisted the torn sleeve of the enemy's garment to bind Aton's hands and feet, displaying a skill that left onlookers in awe, albeit with an unpleasant roughness that made Aton groan softly.

"Ugh..."

As soon as the man opened his eyes and saw Yuder's face, he instinctively reached for his sword. However, the sword was already in Yuder's possession, leaving Aton with nothing but twitching fingers.

Only then did Aton realize he was bound, and clarity returned to his eyes. The first emotion to surface on his face was confusion.

"How am I not dead?"

"Because I buried you with an air hole."

Aton muttered incredulously at Yuder's response.

"That's..."

"Possible."

The living proof that it's possible was none other than him.

Aton looked at Yuder, who interrupted him with an answer. His gaze fixed on Yuder's eyes, which had lost their golden glow as he was not using his abilities.

"Are you... human?"

"If your eyes aren't deceiving you, I suppose so."

Yuder was accustomed to opponents who couldn't defeat him, and thus resorting to accusations of cheating or being out of the ordinary. Even a daring Southerner, who had secretly shaken the Empire for years, seemed no different. Yuder gripped Aton's collar coldly and taunted him.

"We don't have time for a cozy debate about whether I'm human or not. The truth is, I won, and you lost. That's all there is to it. Now let's have a proper conversation, 'Aton'."

"Do you know who I am?"

It was a counter-question to gauge whether Yuder was just bluffing or actually knew something about him. Yuder, detecting the ulterior motives in the man's demeanor, feigned ignorance in his reply.

"You thought we wouldn't find out about you after you caused such a commotion? It seems you've been involved in not just the Tain Duke's commotion, but also the Herne Second Prince's incident."

"A commotion..."

Aton murmured as if speaking about someone else's troubles.

"The crimes of the Tain Duke can't be seen as our fault. He chose his path, and we merely followed orders until it seemed we too might be in danger. The death of Herne's Prince is the same. On what grounds do you claim all this as our sin? We are members of a merchant trading company, here for dealings with the Conche Baron's family."

It seemed he was strategizing to feign ignorance now that he was caught. Such words might work in a court of law, but not with Yuder.

"Is that so? Then the Second Prince's horse and servant being here had nothing to do with you?"

Yuder gestured in a direction, and Aton, turning to look, saw a snorting white horse and four Southerners piled atop each other, particularly the one at the bottom. After a moment, he coldly replied.

"Yes. I have no knowledge of that. To my knowledge, that man is a servant of the Conche Baron's family, unrelated to us."

"Why was he here with the horse, then?"

"That's a question for the Conche Baron, not me. If you're curious, go catch them instead of us. Unless it's related to the Tain Duke, I see no reason to answer. Stop wasting time and hand me over to the authorities."

"Interesting."

Yuder, with a face that showed no amusement, replied coldly.

"I never said what happened to the Second Prince of Herne. Yet, you seem well aware of news that hasn't been announced publicly, insisting you know nothing."

At those words, Aton's expression faltered briefly.

Yuder leaned in closer, gripping Aton's collar tighter, their gazes nearly touching.

His voice, low and slow, eerily scraped the air.

"Do you really think we are completely unaware, and that it's mere luck that brought us here, with only a partial knowledge of your deeds?"

"..."

"You're caught, so it can't be helped. Despite the obvious, you play ignorant, hoping to quickly be handed over to the authorities. Then, you plan to shift the blame onto others and escape from our grasp. Once you're free, you think escaping will be easy."

"..."

"Ansuma Mehet. The Wolf's Eye Tribe."

At Yuder's words, Aton's brow furrowed in disbelief.

"You wouldn't claim to be ignorant of this name, would you?"

"...Where did you learn that name?"

The look in Aton's eyes changed dramatically, now tinged with a hint of murderous intent.

'Learn it from where?'

It was uncovered by one of the most notorious troublemakers in the Cavalry, Finn Eldore, and the diligent Gakane Bolunwald, who never missed even the smallest clue.

But naturally, Yuder had no intention of sharing that information. Instead, he faintly lifted one corner of his mouth.

"You can probably guess where I learned it."

"...A traitor, perhaps?"

It was natural to first suspect the source for an impossible-to-obtain information was from a traitor. But that wasn't the case.

Yuder gave him time to misunderstand, then finally spoke.

"Your dealings with the Tain Duke weren't for mere wealth or minor privileges. You desired a prestigious name to hide behind and a network that spanned the entire empire, didn't you? The item traded with the Conche Baron's family wasn't trivial either, but rather a significant gift to the next duke."

"..."

"Try denying this too."

Aton's gaze sank deeper. His eyes swiftly scanned the unconscious Southerners around him.

He was starting to suspect his surroundings.

"There must be a few of the Conche Baron's people hiding in that mansion. After confronting them, I'll gladly send you to the authorities you so wish to see. Of course, then the Cavalry will have to return, given your Awakener status."

Yuder expected a proper reaction from Aton at this point.

However, the silent man's response was laughter.

"Ha... Haha."

'Has he lost his mind?'

"Truly impressive. Yes, now I see. You must be the hero of the Cavalry, Yuder Aile."

"However... You rarely use more than two attributes against us, so I wasn't entirely certain. Had I been sure earlier, instead of just tearing your clothes, I would have killed you on the spot. What a missed opportunity."

Who did he think he was, caught and still speaking of killing? Yuder couldn't fathom his audacity, and the mention of his torn clothes reignited his suppressed anger.

'This b*st*rd...'

Just as Yuder's left eye began to glow golden with anger unconnected to the topic of conversation, a large hand suddenly intervened in front of his face.

"Please wait."

"...What are you doing?"

Yuder halted his movements and inquired. His gaze, which would have normally instilled fear in his Cavalry comrades upon meeting their eyes, was met with an expressionless face by Nathan Zuckerman, who replied,

"Close contact with the enemy increases the likelihood of unforeseen situations, so I would advise against it."

"Is this too close a contact?"

"Yes, it is. Especially in a situation where, for unknown reasons, your emotions seem excessively heightened compared to earlier. Since we are moving together, I suggest we eliminate any potential risks."

"..."

"I'm sure the Duke would've said something similar."

Only then did Yuder understand Nathan Zuckerman's sudden intervention.

Apparently, Nathan had noticed Yuder's personal resentment towards Aton, which had grown significantly in his absence, and wanted to advise against engaging the enemy in such an enraged state. However, to explain the cause, Yuder would have to mention receiving candies from Kishiar. Preferring to accept Nathan Zuckerman's concern rather than admit his anger was due to the broken candies, Yuder decided to heed the advice.

'Yes. Pointless contact would only make me want to strike him more. After all, we are the victors, and he has already paid for his deeds.'

As Nathan had said, Yuder also thought that similar words would've been said by Kishiar.

Shortly after, his emotions rapidly subsided.

"...Understood."

Yuder released Aton's collar and stepped back.

"Then, Sir Zuckerman, please drag him to the mansion in my stead."

"Of course."

In the moment Nathan Zuckerman tried to grasp Aton's shoulder, which had been turned over, Aton raised his head. A different expression flickered in his eyes than before.

[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.'