Turning
chapter-737

"Knights are blocking access to the area around the lake. They were from the Diarca family."

"Diarca?" she inquired.

"Yes. It wasn't just any member of the Diarca family; there's only one who could do this. The Duke of Diarca himself."

Everyone was taken aback. They had come in pursuit of Baron Renbow, but the sudden appearance of the influential Duke of Diarca was unforeseen.

Ever recalled the information that Baron Renbow was one of the nobles who followed the Duke of Diarca. The Emperor had anticipated that the fleeing sage would meet with Baron Renbow, but to find the Duke of Diarca at the very location towards which Renbow was headed was indeed surprising.

It seemed too connected to be a mere coincidence.

"Ever, what should we do?" Gakane asked, his eyes mirroring her thoughts.

Even if they found Baron Renbow, the presence of the Duke of Diarca at the same location would make it difficult for them to approach. It was even more likely if Baron Renbow and the sage were planning to meet the Duke.

But difficulty did not mean impossibility.

The fact that it wasn't impossible meant there was no reason to give up.

Thus, Ever decided not to retreat. As any member of the Cavalry would think, they had a chance. Her eyes sharpened as she spoke.

"The Emperor's command was to pursue Baron Renbow, but the underlying reason was to capture the sage. Therefore, our primary concern isn't the Duke of Diarca or Baron Renbow. It's finding the sage and his party."

Silence followed.

"I believe Baron Renbow and the sage have come to meet the Duke of Diarca to find a solution to the current situation. If that's the case, the sage must be somewhere around here, right?"

"We're going to find them, then," Gakane stated, understanding her intent. Ever nodded.

"Exactly. If we combine the strength of everyone here, it's definitely possible. Of course, it'll be more dangerous than initially anticipated. If anyone wants to opt out, say it now."

The members exchanged glances. Then, confident yet tense smiles spread across their faces.

"No one would."

Naturally, no one expressed a desire to leave.

Pruelle and Revlin, although they had led somewhat different lives from typical nobility, were not devoid of noble understanding. Particularly Revlin, who had lived in the capital all his life, astutely analyzed the situation.

"The knights won't guard the lakeside indefinitely. The Duke of Diarca likely ordered a temporary restriction to ensure nothing was amiss before using the lake. Since it's a spot frequented by nobles, even someone of the Duke's stature can't block it for hours on end."

"I see."

"Once the knights lift the restriction and others start entering the lakeside, we should blend in. If we keep an eye on the Duke's party, Baron Renbow and the sage will surely appear, especially if their goal is to meet with the Duke."

Everyone agreed with Revlin's sensible conclusion. The Eldore siblings laughed wildly and playfully slung an arm around Revlin's shoulder.

"Exactly. If our target seems to be the Duke, it's easier to wait at the final destination rather than stirring up everywhere! Smart thinking."

"Ha... Thank you for the compliment."

"But still, you need to raise your voice more."

The Eldore siblings and Revlin whispered amongst themselves, sharing jokes in a casual manner. Their camaraderie had grown thanks to a sense of kinship among the few teenagers in the group during his time as a temporary member.

Ever surmised that Revlin, who had faced many challenges and was still under the scrutiny of his older brother, could brighten up in this manner thanks largely to the uninhibited influence of the boisterous Eldore siblings.

It was a heartwarming sight, but as her gaze shifted to the lake outside the window, her smile faded.

"Just as Revlin said, people are starting to enter the lakeside," she observed. "Let's get ready, everyone. We'll divide into groups to monitor the area and share information."

Ever split the party into three groups. First, Revlin and the Eldore siblings, donning hats to lightly conceal their hair and features, headed to the lakeside, acting like carefree young nobles.

Following at intervals, Pruelle, transformed into a noblewoman and cradling her cat Nipollen, set out accompanied by Ever, dressed as a plainclothes bodyguard armed with a sword. The idea was that a man holding a cat accompanied by a female escort was a strange sight enough to attract attention, but there was nothing special about a noblewoman doing the same thing.

Gakane, the last of the group, stayed near Pruelle's mansion, his body hidden by a shadow clone. From this vantage point, he could quickly spot and assist any team member in danger.

"The sun's a bit harsh for winter. I think I need a parasol," Pruelle remarked, naturally playing the part of a graceful noblewoman.

"Of course, my lady," Ever responded, as she shielded Pruelle's head with a parasol, scanning their surroundings. The scenic lakeside, bustling with nobles enjoying leisurely walks or relaxing afternoons, was a world apart from the bustling Seventh Wall District where the Cavalry headquarters was located.

The Duke of Diarca was undoubtedly somewhere around, but the large lake, dotted with trees perfect for concealment, made it challenging to spot him immediately. As Ever surveyed the area, she was caught off guard by a voice and lowered her eyes beneath the parasol she was holding.

"Don't look around too much. The essence of being an escort is to never take your eyes off the person you're protecting."

"Ah! I'm sorry. Was I too noticeable?"

"It's hard to miss someone like Miss Beck. I'll watch for you, so don't worry too much."

Pruelle's voice, though delicate and sharp, was filled with assurance. Knowing who it was, yet hearing such a drastically different manner of speaking, felt like interacting with a completely different person.

Pruelle's ability to transform into a different gender was no small feat, yet he managed it effortlessly. His gestures and manners were so impeccably noble that onlookers who occasionally showed interest would soon drift away after a few smiles and responses from him.

However, Ever knew from previous discussions that maintaining such a transformation became increasingly difficult over time. The longer this went on, the more taxing it would be for him.

'We need to find them soon.'

Pretending to tilt the parasol further over Pruelle's head to shield both their faces, Ever spoke.

"Are your feet hurting by any chance?"

Pruelle, who had been walking steadily, almost stumbled at the question.

"Why do you ask?"

"You're wearing high heels. It's fine for a short while, but walking for long must be challenging. If needed, I can carry you."

Though spoken indirectly, the concern in Ever's words was evident, worrying that Pruelle might be struggling in his transformed state.

Pruelle remained silent for quite some time before smiling and shaking his head. "It's a kind gesture, but I'm fine. I'm not that fragile."

Ever was about to insist that he speak up if he felt strained when Revlin's voice reached their ears.

-Do you hear me? I've found the Duke of Diarca. He seems to have come with his youngest son, Sir Kiolle da Diarca. Head north, towards the fenced Musk trees.-

Revlin's ability to transmit his voice only to specific individuals he chose had grown significantly since he'd broken free from his family's constraints. Now, even at great distances and under certain conditions, he could communicate his intentions.

Ever and Pruelle exchanged glances and, as if on cue, quickened their pace northward.

Revlin's voice continued, updating them with the evolving situation.

-The Duke of Diarca doesn't seem to be waiting for anyone else; he's just talking with Sir Kiolle.-

-Sir Kiolle looks bored... Oh. I think our eyes just met. Maybe he recognized me…-

-...No, it seems he didn't after all.-

-Hurry up! Baron Renbow, our target, has just appeared!-

Pruelle quickened his pace, but the limitations of his dress and heels were evident. Ever, noticing Pruelle's near fall, reached out timely to catch the disguised noblewoman and lifted her up with ease.

Her ability to momentarily concentrate immense strength in her fingers could be slightly extended to other body parts, meaning she could easily carry a petite noblewoman and an even tinier kitten.

"Whoa...!"

"Sorry, but bear with me for a moment. It's better than getting hurt. Hold Nipollen tightly so he doesn't fall."

Pruelle, who had been flustered, soon calmed down. Ever was unaware of the blush spreading to his ears.

'There it is.'

They soon reached an area crowded with people. The most prominent figure was a stoic, noble-looking, raccoon-faced Elder – the face Ever had not forgotten since the unfortunate incident at the Cavalry's recent western mission celebration party. It was undoubtedly the Duke of Diarca.

Beside the Duke stood a young knight with a vexed expression, tall and handsome but with an equally disagreeable demeanor. Ever recognized him well – Sir Kiolle da Diarca, infamous in the Cavalry for being soundly defeated by Yuder in a past altercation.

Ever remembered him for another reason. Recently, Sir Kiolle had abruptly visited the Cavalry, demanding to meet Yuder Aile and causing quite a stir before leaving. When Ever and her colleagues reported the incident to Yuder, his response was memorable:

'Don't bother about that guy. Next time, just leave him be and let me know what he says.'

While the details of the past between Yuder and Sir Kiolle da Diarca were unknown, that reply had left a lasting impression.

[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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