Episode 696

Yuder engaged in conversation with Sunz and Emon, blissfully unaware of the events unfolding elsewhere.

"I'm truly delighted to finally face you again, Yuder. It's a bit late, but heartfelt congratulations on receiving the title of Baron!"

"Thank you."

"Here, this. It's nothing much, but… a congratulatory gift."

Sunz, slightly embarrassed, handed over something. It was a pair of very small knives, wearable inside one's clothing.

"This is…"

"When Emon and I were promoted, we received these. In the imperial army, it's customary to receive two upon promotion: one for personal use and the other as a spare. They're quite handy for various tasks, like cutting wood or cooking during long training missions."

Though he had rushed and couldn't bring an official gift for the Cavalry's southern branch, he had planned to send these knives to the Cavalry soon. While not a typical gift, they held significant meaning.

"I'm not sure if I should accept something meant as a spare for future use."

"It's fine! Officially, they're spares, but you can consider them commemorative gifts."

"That's right. It's only fair to give them to you, as our promotions were all thanks to you. You can't refuse."

Such gifts were usually given to parents or lovers. Yet, Sunz and Emon, without hesitation, decided to give their only spare knife to Yuder. Yuder felt a strange mix of emotions, realizing the depth of their gratitude.

Yuder, examining the southern army's insignia etched on the small knife's handle, bowed his head in thanks.

"It will be useful. I'll make good use of it. Congratulations on your promotions as well."

"Thank you!"

Sunz's eyes sparkled happily.

"We never imagined rising from ordinary soldiers to leaders of a special forces unit. It still feels unbelievable. But we've resolved not to be content here. We're aiming higher now, confident in forging our own path."

Initially, upon their reunion in this life, Yuder had briefly considered preemptively ending their lives for convenience, fearing a repeat of a future where he might fall at their hands.

However, he chose not to and instead helped them, building a camaraderie.

At the time, he wondered if it was the right choice. But now, looking back, he was certain it was.

While Sunz leading the special forces unit of Awakener Brigade within the imperial army was the same as in his previous life, everything else had changed. Yuder no longer saw them as enemies of himself and the Cavalry.

Yuder spoke earnestly.

"That's true. You're certainly capable of climbing higher, especially considering your impressive performance in this recent mission."

"Haha, you're too kind. We didn't really help much in this mission… rather, we ended up getting injured and needing treatment."

Sunz awkwardly reflected on his injured subordinates from their battle with Cyregina. Yuder shook his head.

"That's not true. All members of our Cavalry unanimously agreed that without the imperial army's assistance, we wouldn't have even discovered the secret passage. Your improved abilities were evident from that alone, so there's no need for such humility."

Without Sunz's see-through vision, they wouldn't have found the secret passage, and facing Cyregina, with her ability to become invisible, would have been extremely difficult. His skills were so valuable that it was regrettable he wasn't part of the Cavalry Division.

Emon, too, had achieved remarkable growth in his flame abilities, thanks to following Yuder's advice in his training. His ability to swiftly sprinkle tiny flames in crucial moments during battle, akin to sparks from a flint, had significantly reduced the number of injuries – a fact that could not be overstated.

This success was entirely possible because they earnestly embraced Yuder's guidance. It was rare to find those in the world who would take advice from a virtual stranger so seriously and work diligently to follow it.

Yuder, representing the Cavalry, expressed his gratitude to them.

"The Cavalry will never forget the assistance you've provided this time. Any treatment and compensation will naturally be taken care of by us. If there's anything lacking, please feel free to let us know."

"Wow. Oh, no. Really, what we've received so far is more than enough!"

Sunz, taken aback by the formal gratitude, waved his hands and scratched his head with a smile.

"General Gino, who dispatched us here, told us to assist the Cavalry and learn as much as we could before our unit officially makes its presence known in the world. At first, we were worried that our assistance might actually put the Cavalry in a difficult position... but as the Cavalry members said, there was no need for such concern."

The southern imperial army, supposedly just visiting, turned out to be a special unit composed of Awakeners. They had significantly contributed to the destruction of the underground fighting rings, aiding the Cavalry. Under normal circumstances, this would have caused uproar among the nobility and the existing power structures, particularly those not in good terms with General Gino.

However, no such uproar occurred. The reason was simple: the unexpected help from the demonstrators in front of the southern branch of the Cavalry, neutralized by Kishiar and Yuder immediately upon their arrival, played a peculiar role in this outcome.

Right after the incident, the panicked nobles and power brokers, upon learning of the Cavalry Commander and Yuder's presence, hastily summoned the protest leaders, who they thought would be well aware of the circumstances surrounding the southern branch of the Cavalry.

What could these leaders say before their superiors, who demanded explanations? They couldn't admit their ignorance of the Cavalry Commander's presence, so naturally, they had to amplify the reasons for ceasing the protest.

"We told you yesterday, didn't we? The atmosphere in the Cavalry was unusual. In truth, we had been silenced. It wasn't that I wanted to; you just wouldn't listen to my words!"

"Please rethink all the information that you know about the Cavalry. Disregarding them is not advisable! What we saw with our own eyes – they are truly formidable. Surely, there must be cooperation between Emperor, Duke Peletta, and General Gino...!"

"Wouldn't it be better for us to exchange information with the Cavalry and build a good relationship for the future? Remember what happened in the West..."

As administrators, merchants, and mages – the traditional power structures – began to sway in a different direction, the issue of the imperial army became relatively insignificant.

The situation was further complicated by the capture of young nobles at the fighting rings. Now, the tables had turned, and it was they who found themselves vulnerable. As the Cavalry members confidently predicted, Sunz and Emon had nothing to worry about.

"What the Cavalry has done for us is actually what we should have done ourselves. Rather than receiving more, we owe you our gratitude."

"That's right. To be honest, instead of parting ways after receiving thanks, we'd prefer to spend more time with the Cavalry. So, tell us... where will you strike next?"

More candid in nature than Sunz, Emon lowered his voice to ask Yuder a question.

Yuder felt a sense of satisfaction, as they preempted what he had intended to say, and he responded.

"Of course, we don't plan to stop here. Starting this evening, we will begin searching for the remaining illegal fighting rings. Your assistance would certainly be welcome."

"Although we haven't stayed in Charloin, we are still part of the southern army. We assure you, we can be of help!"

This was a promising attitude. Yuder himself wouldn't participate in the upcoming cooperative operation to root out illegal fighting rings between the southern branch and the imperial army's special force, as he had other commitments. Yet, he showed no concern about this.

"Good. The operation will be led by the leader of the southern branch, Kurga. Please discuss it with him."

"Oh. So, Yuder and the Cavalry Commander won't be participating further?"

"That's right. I would have joined if I had the time, but unfortunately, I have other matters to attend to."

"Ah… of course, you can't be tied up with just this one issue."

"However, we may need your help with other tasks. May we contact you then?"

"Certainly!"

Sunz and Emon, until they left, showed no trace of their previous listless demeanor, conversing animatedly and with energy. Yuder sat quietly, listening as they discussed their achievements in the southern army, the events leading to the formation of the Awakener Brigade Special Forces Unit, and their future activities.

It wasn't all business talk, but it was certainly a worthwhile time.

After parting with the two soldiers of the imperial army, Yuder returned to where Kishiar was. Throughout his walk, he felt more gazes on him than usual, but as always, he didn't pay much attention.

"Commander. I have returned."

"Ah, good timing. The investigation results on Cyregina just came in."

[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.'