Chapter 906

Turning

Chapter 905

The next day, rain began to fall in the south from the morning.

"It's quite rare for it to rain this often, even though I've lived in the south all my life. I was worried that the mood might be bad because of the hailstorm last time, but thankfully, it seems fine despite that..."

Gakane, stretching his hand out of the window as if to gauge the rain, had a remarkably serious expression. Yuder, realizing anew that he too was from the south, felt a sense of kinship.

'That's right. He's also from the south... Was it Ulan where he said he was from?'

Ulan was a region quite far from Charloin. Hence, despite Gakane's recent visit to the south, he had yet to meet his family and hometown folks.

Other members from the southern branch had arrived early and had the chance to show off their splendid success to their families and acquaintances. Gakane, however, had not had such an opportunity, which Yuder now found somewhat concerning.

Gakane himself, as if he wasn't from the south, never mentioned such matters and lived cheerfully.

Knowing the humiliating incidents Gakane had suffered, solely because he was from a fallen noble family, Yuder didn't want to just let him leave. Probably, the other Cavalry members would agree.

"Gakane."

"Hm?"

"Did you contact your family to tell them you're here?"

"I did. They wanted to come, but I told them not to because it's dangerous. Why?"

"That's good. But you should prepare so they can come to Charloin anytime."

"Uh... Why?"

"Because there will be an occasion for it."

Currently, Herne was focusing on managing the aftermath of the Hail Night, postponing the Second Prince's funeral and the Duke's post-mortem affairs. Originally unthinkable, but with the First Princess Myra postponing her title succession ceremony to take action, no one dared to object.

However, the postponed funeral and title succession would eventually have to be resumed.

Yuder thought that would probably be after all the current preparations were completed.

'Then, it would be a good opportunity to invite the Bolunwald family. It will also be a chance to show the fools of the south who Gakane really is.'

Thinking about the aftermath before it even happened would have been considered rash by the old Yudrain Aile. But now, Yuder didn't mind imagining Gakane and the Bolunwald family standing proudly before the fools once everything was over.

With his mood lifted, even the falling rain seemed insignificant.

"What occasion are you talking about...? You don't mean something like Ulan falling apart and us having to come here... Not in a bad sense, right...?"

Gakane asked, looking puzzled and uneasy, but there was no time to answer. Someone greeted them from behind.

"You're here. Mr. Yuder! Greetings, Mr. Gakane."

"Oh, Priest?"

Lusan, with his hair grown long and casually tied back, approached with a smile. Yuder nodded to him and then spoke.

"You arrived a bit earlier than scheduled."

"The work finished sooner than expected."

"Great. Let's set off then."

"Huh? Where are you going with the Priest?"

Gakane, unaware of Yuder's plans for the day, asked in confusion.

"Nothing special, just some matters we need to attend to together."

"Ah... I see. Understood. Then, finish your work well, and see you later!"

Gakane, quick-wittedly, did not ask any further details and tactfully vacated his place. Yuder started moving towards the stairs leading underground, accompanied by Lusan. Lusan, with a slightly tense expression, asked:

"The person you said we're going together with today, that's the... new arrival, the successful candidate, right?"

"Yes. You can call her Gloe."

The companion Gloe was curious about yesterday was indeed Lusan.

Yuder chose him to assist in Aton's interrogation for one reason: he was a Priest of the Sun God.

Aton was a remarkable swordsman, hailing from the 'Udaquan', a class of priests who believed in the Black Moon faith, a belief unique to the southern countries.

According to Kishiar, the Udaquans held immense pride in being the chosen children of the moon, unhesitant in using weapons for their faith and not shying away from killing.

At that time, Kishiar also remarked:

'Even the most meticulous of spies, who have expertly hidden their true intentions while dealing with many people, reveal their approach once you know their background and identity. To provoke a priest, theology is the best tool, and for those of high stature with excessive confidence in their abilities, nothing works better than the name of someone who has crushed them.'

The latter strategy had already been employed using Yuder's name and presence. Initially, Aton was quite shaken, but as time passed, he regained his composure and no longer easily faltered at the sight of Yuder.

Therefore, Yuder thought, if that unwavering, tenacious resolve stemmed from his identity as a priest, wouldn't it be resolved by bringing their own priest, as Kishiar suggested?

Lusan was already briefed on everything. He was quite shocked to learn that Aton, who had caused tremendous trouble, was actually a Udaquan from the south, but as a Priest, his interest was also strongly piqued.

“I've heard about the Udaquans too. The head priest of the temple where I grew up had long researched this area. It's a pity he's not here; he would have been more helpful…”

“Has he passed away?”

“Oh... No, that's not it. It's just that since it's not my specialty, I thought it would be good to consult him and delve deeper into the study. It's a temporary measure, but…”

“Then do it.”

“Really? But the temple where I lived is really far from here... Even if we exchange letters, it will take a long time.”

“If you use ordinary postal birds, that is.”

Lusan's hometown was in the northeastern countryside. The head priest there, quite advanced in age, was still healthy, tending to the temple and caring for children.

If distance was the only issue, then power could solve it, couldn't it? Yuder reported the matter to Kishiar. Kishiar conveyed the news to the fastest possible messenger, the Emperor, and Emperor Keilusa arranged for the quickest courier between the capital and the northeast.

While the journey from the south to the northeast was slow, the distance from the capital to the northeast was not so far. Unbeknownst to Lusan, letters filled with greetings and theological queries for the head priest were swiftly shuttled across various regions.

And so, it came to be today.

Priest for a priest.

Theology with theology.

'Let's see if you react today like you did the last time.'

"Hmm. But I wonder if I can really be of any help."

As they descended, Lusan murmured with a slightly anxious face.

"Thanks to the head priest, I've learned things I didn't know before... but if the person we're interrogating doesn't open their mouth until the end, I'm not sure if I can even hold a conversation."

"Don't worry about that. Even if it doesn't work, we're no worse off than before."

"That's reassuring then..."

Yuder reassured Lusan by saying it's alright even if it doesn't work, but in truth, he didn't think so.

'Priests are one of the most stubborn about their beliefs. That means, if one can endure being provoked about it, they probably wouldn't be a priest in the first place.'

Even Lusan, a model of a good and diligent Priest, became quite talkative when it came to the Sun God's scriptures or doctrines. Yuder had seen him discussing these matters with Alik numerous times.

'And very passionately, too.'

If a Priest of the Sun God, gentle and warm like sunlight, was like that, how much more would someone be who doesn't hesitate to use the sword for their faith?

Yuder guessed it wouldn't be any less intense.

Upon reaching the entrance to the underground dungeon, Yuder paused for a moment. Gloe was already there, clinging close to Reneve, as if they had been chatting while waiting.

"You're here early."

"Yes... Hello..."

"You must be Gloe. I'm Lusan, the one joining you today. I'm a Priest attached to the Cavalry medical unit. Pleased to meet you."

"Ah... Yes, Priest. Please, it's a pleasure."

Gloe seemed surprised to be accompanied by a Priest, something she hadn't anticipated.

"Shall we go in now?"

"We need to wait for the Commander."

"There he is, the Commander."

Just as Yuder responded to Lusan's query, a relaxed voice came from the direction of the stairs. Kishiar, dressed in a crisp white Commander's uniform, approached leisurely, waving in greeting.

"Sorry for being the last to arrive. I was delayed meeting someone."

The brightness of his smile could have been mistaken for a sunny day, had they not known they were underground and it was raining outside.

Yuder blinked at the familiar face following Kishiar.

'Nathan Zuckerman... He's returned.'

A face that hadn't been there just that morning now followed Kishiar, as if he had never been away. His return meant Kanna and the others had returned too. Yuder guessed whom Kishiar had been meeting.

'He must have heard the results of Nahan's life and death investigation. I’m curious, but it’s not something to be discussed right now.'

The timely return of assets like Nathan and Kanna was more relieving to Yuder than anything else.

"Nathan. You'll guard the entrance. I'll be back shortly."

"Understood."

"And Reneve. It's a tough ask, but I'm counting on you as promised."

"Of course."

Reneve, who had been sitting guarding the entrance, smiled brightly. Nathan Zuckerman didn't exchange introductions or greetings with others. However, just before standing guard as ordered by Kishiar, he gave Yuder a brief nod.

Yuder returned the gesture with a nod of his own and followed Kishiar inside.

As they stood before the cell where Aton was held, Kishiar stopped and turned to Yuder, smiling.

"I'll observe from here."

"Ah... Commander, aren't you coming in?"

To Lusan's question, Kishiar nodded.

"If I go in, the one inside might get provoked in a bad way. Don't worry, I'll be watching."

"Understood."

Yuder was the first to open the door and step inside. Following him were Gloe and Lusan, and then the door closed behind them.

Aton, who had been hanging his head, slowly lifted his gaze to look at Yuder and then at the two people behind him. A dry, mocking laugh escaped his lips.

"It seems you've brought quite a few friends today. What's the occasion?"

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[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.

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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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"Dane?"

"Yeah, the bastard who smashed your head with a fire extinguisher."

Greyson Miller's life goal was to find his destined mate, just like Papa and Daddy who gave birth to him.

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[BL] Moonlit Night, Moonlit Sleep, Moonlit Cup

Baek Ri Cheong-ra, the true disciple of the Moon Lake Sect, was renowned in the martial arts world for his achievements beyond his age, his neat and beautiful appearance, and his righteous character. However, he harbored a strange and secret desire that others would surely point fingers at if they knew about it. That desire was to be completely dominated by someone. However, there was little chance of that desire being fulfilled in reality. Not only did Baek Ri Cheong-ra strongly dislike his beauty being disheveled or appearing vulgar, but his desire also had very demanding conditions (the person had to be clearly stronger than Cheong-ra, never yielding no matter how much resistance he put up, not vulgar but elegant yet with a rough and ruthless side to their personality, not someone who wanted to kill him, and above all, had to be exceptionally good-looking). Therefore, Cheong-ra thought that he would never be able to realize this desire in reality. That was until he encountered a man who seemed to be molded exactly to his ideal type. *** "Did I say I regret it?" Dang Ran-yeong said with a smile on his face, and for a moment, Cheong-ra forgot his anger. In front of him was the perfect and ideal body of a martial artist. It was a perfect muscular physique that could be called a heavenly gift. Thick pectoral muscles and solid abs were clearly visible beneath. This was because he was only wearing a red silk robe loosely draped over his bare upper body. Due to the state of his attire, which barely covered his shoulders and back, his muscular upper body was fully exposed. It was an exposure so lazy that it made the onlooker feel embarrassed. Cheong-ra's eyes wavered. Noticing Cheong-ra's gaze, Dang Ran-yeong grinned, revealing his teeth. "Young Master Baek Ri." Then, in the blink of an eye, he slammed Cheong-ra against the wall. The red robe fluttered and settled due to the swift movement that occurred without warning. Cheong-ra couldn't move an inch because of his arm that was painfully twisted behind his back. As he broke out in a cold sweat, Dang Ran-yeong pressed him even harder against the wall and spoke into his ear. "I had my suspicions before, but now I know for sure." "What is this sudden behavior...!" Cheong-ra's mouth, which was about to protest against his arm being twisted even more as if it would be pulled out of his shoulder, closed shut. A groan escaped involuntarily. Dang Ran-yeong's body, pressing against his back and immobilizing him, was as hard as a rock. Dang Ran-yeong's hand slipped inside Cheong-ra's clothes. "I never thought that behind such a pretty face and noble demeanor, you'd be a perverted bastard." The grip of his hand was so rough that it felt like the flesh would be torn off. "No! What nonsense are you spouting!" Cheong-ra barely managed to struggle with all his might, trying to break free. Dang Ran-yeong spoke so close that his lips pressed against Cheong-ra's earlobe. His thick, low-pitched voice resonated in Cheong-ra's eardrums and invaded deep into his mind. Cheong-ra's mind turned blank. Due to their excessive proximity, something heavy was pressing against the base of his tailbone. "Did you think I wouldn't notice how you look at me longingly every time I beat you up?"

[BL] The Doomed Mercenary’s Last Chance

The doomed mercenary Kinain, having lost everything due to his brother’s scheme and despairing over the death of his lover, spirals out of control.

While searching for a way to restore the city turned to stone due to his rampage, he heads to the dragon’s palace, enticed by the promise that becoming a dragon’s mate can grant him anything he desires. However,

“You’re quite unlucky, human. You could have died without pain right now.”

The dragon he meets harbors nothing but hatred for humans and plans to torment him in any way possible…

Even stranger is that Kinain, upon seeing the dragon, is reminded of his deceased lover. Despite having no resemblance in appearance or personality, the dragon’s eyes, identical to those of his lover, play a cruel trick of fate.

*

“Don’t mistake spending me rut with you as an invitation to be my mate. You’re merely a plaything to pass the time.”

“I know that. So I hope you’ll soon find a proper mate.”

The dragon finding a good mate and becoming happy was all Kinain wished for in the little time he had left.

“…You want me to find a mate quickly, huh?”

Why did it feel like the dragon’s mu*derous intent had grown even thicker?

“Then you…”

“Ugh, wait!”

“Are you going out to seduce another alpha?”

The dragon gripped Kinain’s wrist tightly, as if to break it, and whispered in a low, gloomy voice.

“No. You can’t do that. Even if I find a mate, you’ll still have to remain here.”