Turning
chapter-726

Yuder turned his head to gaze upon Kishiar.

"Given the uncertainty of the problems this crack may cause, wouldn't it be best to deal with them as quickly as possible? I shall go and see to it."

"Will you go in person?"

Kishiar asked, tilting his head. Yuder, not quite grasping the intent behind his question, remained silent for a moment before responding.

"Yes. Naturally, I must go myself."

"We're not so hard-pressed that I need to send someone who's just returned from battle and is in disarray out again. Why not rest for a while, observe the situation, and leave the suppression to your comrades?"

"..."

Yuder's eyebrow twitched slightly.

'...Is this his way of punishing me for failing to heed his warning to avoid injury?'

The situation was not disadvantageous for them, as Kishiar had pointed out. However, as long as those who had caused the crack remained standing, Yuder had no intention of standing by idly.

Though not in perfect condition, he didn't necessarily need rest. To sit and merely watch was unthinkable, especially given the situation reminiscent of a disaster from a previous life.

"I cannot predict what those Southern merchants might do next. They dared to target you, Commander, and seem to be linked to that crack above. Those two reasons alone make it imperative for me not to back down. If there are no other reasons, I implore you to reconsider."

Yuder emphasized the phrase "other reasons." It was a subtle protest against receiving such a punishment, especially having heard about the terrible events in the previous game and now facing this strange crack.

Yet, the response he received was unexpected.

"Is that why you're worried?"

"Excuse me?"

It was a voice so low and quiet, only Yuder could hear.

Kishiar's unsmiling eyes quietly watched Yuder's face, as if trying to see through something hidden.

Caught off guard, Yuder opened his mouth but then hesitated. After a moment, Kishiar let out a small sigh, his face relaxing into a reluctant smile. Soon, it shifted back to his usual, carefree, and shameless expression.

"It was a joke. Of course, having my capable and beautiful assistant take charge is the best and highest course of action. I suggested a rest out of concern, but if that is your wish... Are you sure you're okay?"

One of the successful candidates looked incredulous, wondering if this was indeed something Duke Peletta had just said to his assistant. The others around, including other successful candidates and imperial soldiers, shared the same expression.

However, the Cavalry members took it all in stride, accustomed to Kishiar's manner of speaking.

Yuder, momentarily caught up in the smile he had just seen, barely registered Kishiar's added nonsensical description.

'What was that?'

He took a deep breath, trying to calm his irregular heartbeat, and nodded firmly.

"I'm fine... Please entrust it to me."

It was natural for him to worry, as Yuder would have felt the same had Kishiar tried to intervene. It wasn't strange that he momentarily showed his concern.

Yuder bowed his head before Kishiar, placing a hand over his chest in the Cavalry's salute. Kishiar, returning to his usual brazen and relaxed demeanor, looked towards the distant enemies and spoke.

"Those called upon now shall follow Yuder Aile to the forefront."

"Yes!"

The waiting Cavalry members responded vigorously. The names Kishiar recited belonged to members possessing power with natural attributes, totaling five.

"Everyone is well aware of Yuder's abilities, I presume."

"Yes. We are aware!"

"From now on, you will be responsible for dealing with the key figures in this incident, aligning thoroughly with Yuder's movements. As it's a practice we often do in the Cavalry, I trust you will perform well in real combat."

Realizing what was expected of them, the members grinned and nodded affirmatively.

"Yes!"

"The rest, as mentioned earlier, will form a formation and start suppressing. Do not miss signals from colleagues already dispatched in the surrounding buildings. Always be vigilant and move accordingly. Remember, precise control and speed of abilities are paramount to minimize collateral damage."

"Understood!"

As Kishiar raised his hand, the Cavalry members moved in unison. Only the imperial army and successful candidates remained by Kishiar's side. However, no one was worried about the Commander left behind. The members' faces brimmed with confidence, a testament to their belief in their skills and the Commander.

Yuder, without looking back at his following comrades, ran, stepping on the wind. Using the wind's power allowed for high jumps, but with lesser power, he could sprint at tremendous speeds without touching the ground.

Direction control was challenging, and efficiency dropped with prolonged use, but in situations like now, where quick handling was crucial, this method was most appropriate.

"Ah...!"

A Star of Nagran member, thinking he had prepared quickly for the Cavalry's movement, was startled to find Yuder had reached him in the blink of an eye. He hurriedly swung his sword, but Yuder was no longer there. With a weightless grace, Yuder leaped high and struck the sword-wielding person's head with his scabbard.

"Ugh!"

'The target isn't who I aimed for, but at least one is down.'

Yuder, without looking back at the one who had fallen unconscious, focused only on what lay ahead. The fallen would be collected by the following members of the Cavalry.

Jumping high again while sprinting on the wind, Yuder quickly discerned the positions of both enemies and allies.

Kishiar had strategically positioned members around the southern branch and in surrounding buildings. They replaced civilians for building protection and, from elevated or concealed positions, supported their allies with their abilities.

Members creating barriers in every corner to prevent escape, casting blinding lights to signal enemy directions, and spreading strengthening winds, all contributed to the allies facing the enemy directly, enabling them to exert their powers far more comfortably than usual.

The Cavalry's form, a fluid encirclement of the enemy, was a product of grueling collective training. Seeing this perfect synergy in action filled Yuder, who had taught them, with immense satisfaction.

In the midst of the tangled fray, Yuder precisely counted and located the robed figures. He longed to knock down the fools from the southern stronghold, but since they were wearing casual clothes, it was very difficult to distinguish them from those from the central stronghold.

‘There are four of them, all scattered. Did they think it’s enough if even one escapes?’

What was the use? Such tricks were meaningless before Yuder.

While it was common to pursue and confront each adversary individually in such situations, Yuder Aile could, if he could see them all, choose to strike them down simultaneously.

Yuder, harnessing the wind beneath his feet, explosively propelled himself upward. Just before descending, he briefly slowed, reaching his hand toward the distant ground below. His golden eye shimmered brighter as the earth beneath the four southern merchants suddenly caved in.

"…!"

They reacted quickly, as if expecting such a sudden turn, but Yuder was not alone. The Cavalry members following him each used their abilities to subdue the enemies, one by one.

The water manipulator flooded the ground, making it swampy to prevent escape, while the fire manipulator surrounded the area Yuder had affected with a ring of fire. Though none could manipulate earth, the air manipulator adjusted the airflow in the hole, making breathing impossible, achieving their goal with ease.

Meanwhile, Yuder, leisurely landing, easily shattered the blind attacks coming his way with a sword in its sheath, a gift from Kishiar, moving forward. The sturdy sheath, a weapon in itself, didn't necessitate drawing the sword.

Barehanded, with only his robust sword sheath, Yuder felt no need to exert more power. His combat sense, particularly adept in one-against-many battles, shone as always.

His relentless manner invigorated his allies and stunned his enemies.

"Madness... How can he be...!"

"Is he even human?"

[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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