"Then, it seems there is nothing more to be found here. How about this? We proceed to where the Second Prince’s body was found and assist in the investigation?"

At that moment, Kishiar made a proposal to Radel.

"Really? But the Cavalry..."

"Yes. In such situations, it's standard practice to restrict the movement of those under suspicion until the matter is resolved. But, coincidentally, if it's true that the Second Prince was killed by an Awakener, our Cavalry would be the first to investigate. Had this special circumstance not occurred, the Second Prince intending to visit the branch would have already happened."

Radel and the knights fell silent, acknowledging the truth in Kishiar's words.

"If it's true that the Second Prince was murdered by an Awakener, there's no better place than ours to investigate this quickly. Moreover, as you said, a swift investigation into the still undiscovered servants or horses would be ideal. So, I propose that the Cavalry 'assist' you in the interest of quick resolution and maintaining our respective dignities."

This meant that the Cavalry wanted to clear their name, while Herne and Charloin sought the truth, each taking a step back to cooperate.

'Truthfully, the Cavalry has nothing to fear. We could just wait until everyone gives up and our innocence and right to investigate are returned... but it would be hard to quickly find out who's behind this mess.'

They never planned to stay here long in the first place. They didn't want to waste time. Kishiar, sharing Yuder's sentiments, grinned knowingly.

"I personally find this incident, aimed at striking both the Herne family and the Cavalry, exceedingly distasteful. So, I'm looking forward to a good decision."

"It’s difficult for me to decide on my own. I need to discuss this with my companions before deciding," Radel responded.

Radel and the knights gathered, whispering quietly. Regardless of their efforts to speak softly, Kishiar, Nathan Zuckerman, and Yuder, who slightly used the power of wind, couldn't miss a word.

‘Many are worried this might be a trap by the Cavalry. Some see this as an opportunity to let Cavalry handle the investigation while they simply wait for the results…’

Then, Kishiar signaled Nathan Zuckerman, who discreetly disappeared.

"Ah... After discussing, we've decided to accept the Cavalry Commander's proposal. However, since the incident likely involves Cavalry, if anything related is discovered..."

"Of course. But there is a third party that can offer appropriate mediation and assistance between us, isn't there?"

"Really?"

As the conversation didn't flow as Radel and the knights expected, they were caught off-guard when someone hurriedly approached from behind.

"I apologize for being late. I was in communication with General Gino upon receiving news of this incident..."

The newcomer was Sunz, the leader of the Empire's Awakener Brigade.

His timely arrival, along with Nathan Zuckerman returning to his original position, confirmed he had been brought in at just the right moment.

Sunz introduced himself confidently in front of the knights, who looked at him with mixed feelings.

"I am Sunz, leader of the Southern Army's Awakener Brigade. I've heard all about the unfortunate incident involving the Second Prince of the Herne family. As the Empire's forces guarding the south, all of whom are Awakeners, it is only right for us to assist in finding the perpetrator."

"A unit entirely composed of Awakeners...?"

"Are you the Imperial soldiers who intervened in the recent arena betting incident?"

"That's correct. While we are not yet a formal unit, General Gino of the Southern Army's headquarters, upon hearing the news, has given us permission to use the unit's name to assist in the investigation."

Sunz presented a brief letter from General Gino, with the general's own seal clearly stamped upon it.

The knights, who had been scouring the southern branch in their search, knew the Imperial Army had seen their unit. It was only natural that Sunz had reported this matter to the general as soon as he heard the incident.

Remembering that the Southern Army's headquarters was not far from Charloin, and that rapid communication was possible through courier birds, the knights' expressions turned grim.

"My unit members were also present here yesterday and today. Therefore, I believe we are well-positioned to make sound judgments and offer assistance in this situation."

Had they been just ordinary Imperial soldiers, the offer might have been declined. But Sunz' unit was not the Cavalry, yet potentially a third party capable of substituting for some of Cavalry's functions.

Although some classify General Gino as an imperialist, he is more renowned for being exceptionally neutral and honest. A Swordmaster who didn't chase glory but had held his position as a Southern Army general for decades, he was a living legend in the Empire. All the knights realized that dismissing his letter and his subordinates would be unwise.

Intending to take the lead instead of just accepting the Cavalry's assistance, Radel frowned as he considered Sunz's proposal.

"Indeed, if your entire unit is Awakeners and directly under General Gino's command, as the Duke has suggested, your assistance could be invaluable in this matter."

"Right? Then let's not delay any further and depart at once."

"Understood."

If Radel had been foolish enough to openly protest or object to the proposal, like an imperial guard might, Yuder had planned to intervene. But that was unnecessary. It was slightly disappointing, though, that Radel kept pondering, clearly troubled by his loyalty to the Second Prince.

'Had his attitude been just a bit more insolent, I would have made his journey less comfortable.'

Unfazed by thoughts that would have horrified Radel, Yuder followed Kishiar, creating a slight breeze around them to ensure privacy before speaking.

"Did you involve Sunz because of his abilities?"

"That's part of it. His abilities are the fastest and most useful in this situation."

"It's unfortunate Kanna isn't here."

Yuder saw that Kishiar's reason for involving Sunz wasn't just to have a third party; it was more about naturally drawing in someone whose vision ability was most beneficial in the current situation.

However, as exceptional as Sunz's vision ability was, it couldn't compare to Kanna, who could read even invisible information. They hadn't anticipated this situation, so Kanna's absence was regrettable.

The capital and the south were not nearly as close as Charloin and General Gino. Even if they sent Kanna immediately on a swift Misty Wind Horse, it would take nearly two weeks to arrive.

'No. Considering Kanna's health and stamina, even two weeks is optimistic. Humans need regular rest and nourishment...'

The best course of action, then, was to gather items that could serve as clues during the investigation, send them to Kanna, and wait for her response.

‘To uncover anything of value, we must take corresponding action. Let's see who dared to commit such a brazen act.’

The body of the Second Prince lay within the confines of the Charloin Security Force station, an area restricted to a very few. As they entered, the stench of decay struck their nostrils.

Myra, the First Princess, had insisted on coming despite advice to the contrary. She now stood with a handkerchief pressed to her mouth, clenching her teeth to suppress the urge to vomit.

"I'll remove the covering."

One of the knights, their face masked with a cloth, peeled back the black shroud covering the body. Yuder approached unhesitatingly, examining the exposed state of the corpse.

The Second Prince bore a striking resemblance to Myra, particularly the bright platinum hair. But beyond that, the resemblance was difficult to discern due to the horrific state of his body, covered in wounds.

'Many marks resemble burns from lightning. Other than that, what stands out is that the bones are broken and marks are left on the skin, as if a large hand had been squeezing and opening them.'

"These injuries are beyond the capabilities of a knight or a mage."

"That's true."

"But seeing it in person makes it even more evident."

Yuder turned his head, gazing impassively at the others.

"This is not the work of anyone in our Cavalry."

A moment of silence swept through the room.

"If you're so certain, then..."

"There is no Awakener in the Cavalry capable of inflicting such wounds."

"But couldn't someone have hidden their true abilities? Or there might be an accomplice from outside..."

"Well, that might be true for the accomplice, but you seem unfamiliar with Awakeners."

Yuder stepped closer to the body, lifting a hand marked with thin, black scars resembling burns from lightning. While the knights, more accustomed to dealing with corpses, frowned in unison, Kishiar, the Cavalry members, Sunz, and Emon remained comparatively composed.

[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.'