Turning

Chapter 767

"I took it to mean that a new strange crack and more monsters will soon appear in the South."

Yuder's blood ran cold. Kishiar's moving lips were the only thing he could see, everything else was a blur.

Even a scenario contemplated multiple times can still shock when it becomes reality. All the countermeasures he had considered swirled chaotically in his mind. Clenching his fists until they almost crushed, Yuder spoke.

"Did Aton say this after learning that we had vanquished the monsters?"

"No, quite the opposite."

"Excuse me?"

Kishiar's eyebrows drew together as he slightly smiled.

"Aton has been hiding his identity and skills for many years, infiltrating every corner of the empire. He seems to have been performing the role of a leader, capable of issuing orders and guiding others. This means he is likely someone of significant status. You guessed as much, didn't you?"

Thus, leaders are selected to guide these spies, individuals who can prioritize missions even in danger, possess strength, and would never betray their homeland. In other words, only those of considerable status and background are chosen.

Kishiar was referring to the latter.

"Yes, I am aware."

"One might think of nobility when it comes to high status, but not in the southern lands. There, the roles equivalent to nobility are 'Masha' and 'Udaquan' - akin to knights and priests in our terms."

Yuder recalled hearing that Nathan Zuckerman's parents were 'Masha'. They were not merely knights but held a status akin to nobility in those lands.

"Then, was Aton a Masha?"

"No, Nathan believed he was Udaquan."

"Despite wielding a sword?"

"Southerner priests don't shy away from violence or arms like ours do. Rather, they are encouraged. The difference lies in whether they use weapons to protect their tribe or for their faith."

According to Kishiar, Udaquans pride themselves on being the chosen 'Children of the Moon'. They would rather die than mix with the people north of the desert - a form of extreme nationalism.

Yuder then remembered Aton referring to Nathan Zuckerman as 'Makunata' or something, a derogatory term.

'It meant 'fragment of a fallen star', didn't it?'

"And the Southern merchants who volunteered for battle, the phrase they shouted. It took a while to interpret, but it turns out to be a closing phrase from their sacred texts, akin to a refrain. Don’t we sometimes repeat standardized closing phrases when reciting the Sun God’s scriptures?"

"Ah..."

Though he seldom visited temples, Yuder was familiar with such practices due to forced attendance.

“Inia Kta Inia. In the South, they use this phrase to mean ‘Everything will be as the Black Moon wishes’.”

"When did you find this out?"

"Nathan came to me this dawn. He had a hard time uncovering it, even visiting places near where he used to live."

Come to think of it, Nathan Zuckerman’s hometown was also in the South. He had been barely visible since the day after the battle ended, and it seemed that he had been away because of that.

Yuder newly appreciated Nathan Zuckerman's meticulous handling of matters. During his conversation with Aton, he had not only grasped the insulting undertones of the words but also surmised the man's background, deciphering the previously incomprehensible language to report to Kishiar.

Knowing he was best positioned to uncover information about the southern lands, Nathan's actions were calculated and deliberate. Despite the south being neither a fond homeland nor an object of deep emotional attachment to him.n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

"No matter how thoroughly a spy hides their true intentions, understanding their background and status reveals how to approach them. Scratching a priest is best done with theology, and provoking someone of high status with excessive confidence in their skills is best done with the name of the person who defeated them."

All was well, but something about the last part was odd. As Yuder listened intently, his eyes blinked and his eyebrows twitched, prompting Kishiar to reach out and gently stroke his cheek.

"Yes, the name of the one right here."

Yuder Aile. Even knowing the soft voice wasn't calling for him, Yuder couldn't help but react momentarily.

In Kishiar's eyes, reflecting back in their shared gaze, lay an unreadable expression.

"As soon as he heard about your significant role in dealing with the recent crack and monsters, he reacted strongly. That's why I heard such words earlier."

"Could it be... that's why you didn't take me with you?"

Kishiar's eyes widened, an unspoken affirmation.

"But I wasn't the only one who faced him..."

"Yes, he fought both me and Nathan. But when else has he been utterly overpowered and buried in the ground, if not during his fight with you?"

Indeed, it would be difficult to have such an experience twice. Yuder didn’t usually use such great power to toy a single opponent.

"One more thing to remember. According to recent statements from Duke Tain, the first encounter with him was a few years ago during an attempt at maritime trade between the south and the empire. At that time, other merchants faced Duke Tain, and Aton was in the background. About a year ago, he became closely involved with Duke Tain while preparing for secret trade through the Great Sarain Forest. So, even if born of high status, he wasn't originally a leader of this caliber."

“…So you mean he rose in position within his homeland after becoming an Awakener.”

"Yes. The staff of the southern trading company also changed significantly around the time Aton became a leader. Originally not of a position to lead other Awakeners, his awakening allowed him to do so. Imagine the deep pride someone would feel, gaining such power and a higher position through awakening, despite having a high status but not the corresponding responsibility."

Kishiar mumbled, lifting one corner of his lips.

"I understand the minds of such people well. That's why he couldn't help but react to the name of the person who toyed with his skills."

“...”

“And such things come bigger when they are not seen than when they are seen. Because memories are sometimes more painful than reality.”

In the midst of uncertainty whether Kishiar was being self-deprecating or joking, his words about memories sometimes being more painful than reality resonated deeply within Yuder. As Yuder pondered this, Kishiar continued his explanation.

It seemed that upon hearing Yuder's name and his exploits, Aton couldn't hide his reaction, allowing Kishiar to easily manipulate him. If Yuder himself had been present, Aton's entire focus would have been on him, so their decision to act separately had been the right one.

“So from now on, we need to investigate where the next crack will appear and what the conditions will be. He won’t tell us easily, but we have to dig out the information somehow.”

"I will search as well," Yuder firmly responded.

"Even if the mages can't detect any anomalies in the flow of magic power, setting up a system to constantly monitor various regions will provide us with some means of response."

"Yes, and there are other methods as well. We need to start seeking cooperation from those around us and continue to prepare."

Of course, this was a necessary action. Given the magnitude of the situation, not a single person, be it nobility, knights, or ordinary imperial citizens, could be excluded from responding to this crisis.

However, despite borrowing the strength of others, no one could respond as effectively as Yuder, who had memories from a previous life. This meant that from now on, he must be ready to use his power to the fullest, whenever and wherever necessary.

For that, not a single moment could be wasted. Ideas for strengthening and using his power more frequently flashed through his mind.

With a renewed resolve in his heart, Yuder looked at Kishiar. He realized he should talk to him about the contents of his dream as soon as the mages' investigation was completed.

It was then that the sound of tapping at the window reached them.

Perched on the window was a messenger bird from the Cavalry, a message tied to its leg.

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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."

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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.'