From that moment, the two began to meticulously dissect their recent battle with the monster, discussing every movement and sword direction in detail. Essentially, each was trying to prove and persuade that while the other had made the best choice, they themselves had not.

Of course, no one was persuaded, and though a considerable amount of time passed without a conclusion, the atmosphere gradually became softer and more heated.

"When you faced the eleventh monster, Commander, you changed the direction of your sword to draw it in. That didn't seem like your original intention, am I right?"

"Yes, that's true. Initially, I intended to push it away. But somehow, it felt like the right move. Turned out to be a good decision in the end."

"I agree with you there. If you had pushed it away, it would have been difficult to effectively check the twelfth one due to the distance. Though you said it wasn't a conscious decision, Commander, with your broad vision, you must have been observing the twelfth's movement pattern. So..."

"Ah, I see. So this 'instinct' that comes during battle, beyond the target I'm directly looking at, is informed by information from my peripheral vision? That's an insightful analysis. It would have been hard to understand without experiencing it myself. So when you face multiple enemies..."

The Cavalry often reflected on their battles afterward, discussing tactics and post-battle scenarios. However, this level of detailed and direct analysis of each combat technique, akin to analyzing a sports game, was not typical.

Looking closely at every small movement in battle was entirely different from discussing tactics. Tactics required a certain degree of objectivity, as they needed to be viewed from above the battlefield. But this was neither objective nor professional. It was merely a sharing of memories that only those who had fought together or who were deeply interested in swordsmanship or martial arts theory could enjoy.

Yet, strangely, he didn't want to end this seemingly pointless conversation.

Yuder, realizing somewhat belatedly that he was quite immersed and enjoying this discussion, felt a peculiar sense of embarrassment.

'Wasn't this conversation supposed to be about something else?'

So engrossed were they in their conversation that they hadn't noticed how much time had passed, and the water had cooled considerably. Yuder casually released some energy, warming the entire bath. The water, which had cooled, suddenly emitted steam as if freshly heated.

Kishiar, realizing what Yuder had done, paused and opened his eyes.

"You warmed the water?"

"I didn't realize how much time had passed. We can't let our bodies cool down."

Kishiar, unfazed, simply widened his eyes. It was then that Yuder realized, not just how absorbed he was in the conversation, but something else too.

"The flow of our conversation just now..."

"Haha."

"It was indeed your intention, Commander."

In hindsight, Yuder should have realized it earlier. Kishiar was a master of conversation, adept at steering discussions as he pleased. Even with Yuder as his counterpart, changing the course of the conversation was effortless if he so intended.

The delayed realization was partly due to fatigue, and also...

"But it was enjoyable, wasn't it?"

Yes. The enjoyment of the conversation was indeed the reason.

Initially, Kishiar had drawn upon all his combat knowledge, hoping to convince Yuder not to regard his first battle as a failure or an unpleasant memory. Yuder was most knowledgeable about combat techniques related to the abilities of the Awakeners, but he was also confident in his understanding of swordsmanship, various weapon skills, and martial arts, not falling behind in any of these areas.

Even in areas he was less familiar with, his abundant combat experience helped fill any gaps. Naturally, examples from past experiences and newly discovered knowledge intermingled in their conversation, to which Kishiar showed great interest.

Conversely, while Kishiar might have been far behind Yuder in combat experience, he possessed a natural analytical ability and a vast academic knowledge so extensive that its depths were unfathomable. Many of the unusual insights he mentioned were difficult to grasp through experience alone.

It was only natural for Yuder to be captivated by Kishiar's eloquence as he generously shared his theoretical knowledge.

Yuder realized that he had never before engaged in such an objective and enthusiastic analysis and discussion of his past battles without any specific purpose. In his previous life, he had no desire for such conversations, and his comrades in this life were still too inexperienced in both knowledge and battle to freely discuss combat with him.

Kishiar spoke with a hint of amusement in his voice.

"It's only natural for one who wields a sword to enjoy discussions about swordsmanship. I certainly do, especially when it comes to analyzing battles I've personally fought in. How could one not find it interesting?"

"I didn't start this conversation for fun."

"So, did you dislike it?"

"...No."

Yuder wondered if everything had played out exactly as Kishiar intended but decided not to dwell on it any further. His mind and heart, heavy with fatigue until a moment ago, now felt surprisingly light.

"The conversation shifted direction midway, so we didn't reach a conclusion, but I hope Commander, you won't take today's unexpected events during the battle to heart."

"Shouldn't one who is harsh on their own mistakes be equally stern with others?"

"That's irrelevant."

Perhaps it was the lightness of his body and mind that made it easier for thoughts previously weighed down in his head to flow smoothly from his lips.

"If you, Commander ask why, I just want to say that during today's battle with the monsters, you seemed more free-spirited than ever."

Kishiar's expression, previously cheerful, shifted subtly.

"Ah, that doesn't mean I thought you looked constrained before or that you were neglecting the seriousness of the battle... Anyway, I thought it looked good. So, if possible, I hope that in the future you can be more..."

What more could he add to accurately convey the emotions he felt then? He wanted to say that he hoped Kishiar could continue to engage in battle freely and joyfully. Before Yuder could find the words, Kishiar spoke.

"No, you don't need to say more. I think I understand what you mean."

There was no trace of the previous mirth in Kishiar's voice.

Yuder tried to discern his expression, but Kishiar suddenly scooped up water with his hands and washed his face, making it impossible to see.

The only sound that filled the space between them was the gentle splashing of Kishiar repeatedly scooping and pouring water over his face.

After a few more repetitions, the man finally slowly lowered the hands that had been covering his face.

In place of his familiar smile, Kishiar's expression now mirrored the freedom he had displayed in the heat of battle.

Yuder's heart clenched as if gripped by an unseen hand, beating wildly for a moment.

Slowly wiping the water trailing down his chin, Kishiar spoke in a subdued voice.

"I mentioned it as a commemoration, but honestly, I didn't consider it truly worthy of such... until now."

His whisper, carrying the heat of subterranean lava, seemed to transfer its warmth to the listener.

"Only after hearing your words did I realize that it indeed might have been something commendable."

"..."

"Perhaps it's because it's the first time I've been told that more could be done."

A self-deprecating smile flickered at the edges of his blurred words, his red eyes holding a multitude of emotions as they fixed on Yuder.

A voice that only Yuder Ail in this world could hear continued.

"To know that someone else, not just me, clearly understands what I felt for the first time today... it's joyous, almost miraculous."

"..."

"Yes. I'm happy."

Repeating the words, Kishiar's lips formed a bright smile.

"Thank you for saying that."

If Yuder had not understood the weight of years behind those words, he might not have felt the same way now.

But Yuder could guess the countless moments of enduring patience that Kishiar had weathered to finally say those words. He might have been a man who could have vanished without ever experiencing the liberation he felt today.

No one who saw or heard of his single-handed battle against the numerous monsters today could imagine those hidden moments, nor would they guess that this man with such a smile was a young man not even thirty years old.

Yuder's heart leaped wildly, a flame surging up from deep within, sending shivers down his spine.

He couldn't hold it in any longer. He had to express this overwhelming feeling somehow.

Yuder rose and collapsed into Kishiar’s neck. The man, as if he had been waiting, embraced Yuder in his arms and buried his head. The water was churning and overflowing, but no one cared.

Their lips met in an inevitable collision, with no clear initiator.

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[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.'