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Chapter 763
"Earlier, you and Yergin Schiller seemed to be having an interesting conversation. Besides the news about the visitors and the Southerners, was there anything else?"
Kishiar casually asked, handing over a bundle of work to others and preparing to welcome new guests, while perusing some documents.
"The Cavalry might make people flinch with a little effort, but why does our swordmaster, now also the owner of the divine sword, pretend not to know about it? There were complaints about not understanding this," Yuder reported.
"Oh? And how did the assistant respond?"
"Just as you said, Commander. Eventually, everyone will know, so there's no need to worry. After all, whether others acknowledge it or not, what we have is real, not fake."
Kishiar's lips curved into a small smile. "Indeed," he mused.
After a moment of silence, he added, "Still, as the Commander, I feel a bit sorry that a member harbors such thoughts."
"There's no need for that. Isn't everything going according to your plan?"
Instead of agreeing verbally, Kishiar silently observed Yuder's face. Just as he seemed about to speak, a knock interrupted them, and the waiting guests entered.
The visitors were prominent figures: a seventh-rank official from Charloin, a representative of the Sapphire Mage Union, and a merchant of the Charloin Trading Union. They were the ones Yergin had mentioned, the protesters from the past incident in front of the branch office.
"Ah... Greetings, Duke Peletta... We didn't realize it was you last time and regret any disrespect. We heard you summoned us..."
The three guests were a stark contrast to their previously arrogant and haughty selves, now shrinking in their postures. Despite visible sweat, they were not in a state of tears or a runny nose, confirming Yergin hadn't lied.
Kishiar opened his mouth with a smile, seemingly unaware of their frightened state.
"No need for formalities. I had my reasons for not revealing my identity back then, and it pained me, but seeing you all healthy and well now brings me great joy."
"Ah... Yes. We feel the same..."
What joy is there in being bound by an oath? The official, hiding his grim expression, replied as their spokesperson. Kishiar grinned as he spoke.
"Let's keep the greetings brief. I believe you all have some idea why I've summoned you."
"Is it about the recent deeds of the Cavalry?"
"Yes. We've slain quite a few monsters, and we need help with the aftermath. This might not be such bad news for you."
Initially skeptical, their expressions slowly changed as Kishiar explained the situation regarding the monster corpses. They had braced for a disadvantageous proposition due to their previous intense encounter, but surprisingly, the deal offered by the Cavalry was reasonable and mutually beneficial.
'This incident in Charloin must be dealt with by someone. If we take charge, we can align ourselves with influential figures, including those from the Cavalry and His Majesty the Emperor. It's an opportune moment for a check, as our superiors are weary of always heeding Duke Herne and Baron Jacob,' The official thought.
The mage beside him was also deeply engrossed in evaluating the pros and cons of the situation, 'The might of the Cavalry we've just witnessed, and the power of Duke Peletta, the confirmed new owner of the divine sword. If these are indeed true, it would be advantageous to form ties now. With various powers, including the First Princess of the Herne family, already collaborating with the Cavalry, perhaps we could become the second Western Mage Union and gain fame...'n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om
The merchant's expression was equally bright with optimism. 'This is a surefire business deal. Though we are not specialized in dealing with monster by-products, the sheer volume we're looking at could turn into a massive profit just by distribution. Even if the Cavalry and the Emperor's forces fall out of favor, we'd only be participating under the pretense of aiding Charloin in its time of crisis, so no loss there.'
This wasn't about immediately allying with the Cavalry, but rather about seizing an opportunity to gain profit while ostensibly helping their own organization. There was no reason to decline.
'This is good enough!'
Contrary to their initial worries, they were in high spirits as they agreed to the Cavalry's proposal and were about to leave when Kishiar interjected, "Wait, would the mage from the Sapphire Mage Union please stay behind a moment?"
The mage, startled and a mix of anxiety and curiosity, blinked rapidly as the others sneaked glances, equally curious. Once the others had left, Kishiar reopened the conversation, "Actually, there's another matter where we need the assistance of the mages."
"To us... you mean?" the mage asked.
"The specifics will be explained by my assistant. Actually, it's his request," Kishiar replied.
"The assistant...?"
"It's me."
Ah, no surprise there! The mage, who had been avoiding eye contact with Yuder, closed his eyes tightly upon hearing his voice.
Even though they were now somewhat on the same side for Charloin's sake, the prowess Yuder Aile had displayed was still a frequent nightmare for the mage. Rumors following their first encounter about the monstrous feats Yuder had accomplished only intensified this fear.
Like other Awakeners, Yuder was intimidating, but he was in a league of his own. The realization that this formidable being wanted to meet him sent a shiver down the mage's spine, wondering if he had done something wrong.
Yuder noticed the mage's anxious expression and trembling hands but remained indifferent, asking expressionlessly, "Could the members of the Sapphire Mage Union investigate the changes in the magic power flow in a specific area?"
"A specific area's magic power flow...? May I ask why this is needed?"
"It seems related to the monsters that appeared recently."
"The monsters and the magic power flow?"
The mage tilted his head, puzzled. Before he could ask further, Yuder pressed on firmly, "So, do you think it's possible?"
The mage hesitated, "We... our alliance doesn't focus on such tasks, but with the necessary magic tools, it might be feasible."
Monitoring a specific area's magic power was usually undertaken by mages focused on research or training. The Sapphire Mage Union, primarily a gathering of less skilled individuals creating profitable magic tools, was not usually involved in such tasks. However, it wasn't entirely out of their scope of capabilities.
Yuder, having heard that the task of monitoring magic power flow was considerably simpler than casting complex spells and wouldn't take much time given the right tools, nodded and turned his gaze towards Kishiar.
Sensing the intent in Yuder's look, Kishiar promptly responded, "Then that's settled. It would be good if you could start on the task right away."
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."
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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.'