Chapter 893
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Chapter 893
'Well, considering using him in such a way is probably just wishful thinking.'
Yuder, having organized his thoughts, began to speak.
"To answer what you were curious about first, most of the powers Awakeners exhibited disappear after their death. Those who were brainwashed by Karl Enfile, who called himself a sage, are now almost completely free from his influence."
"Ah..."
The Awakeners from the Star of Nagran, who were captured and confined during the hailstorm, appeared dazed as if waking from a long dream. They remembered their actions clearly but couldn't comprehend the blind zeal they had felt at the time.
"I did those things, yes, but now I can't understand why I went to such lengths. Back then, it felt like I had to obey the sage's words unconditionally...." This was a common statement among them. Some vehemently denounced the sage, desperately trying to distance themselves from their past actions, something they never would have done under his control.
"Wait. So, almost everyone is free from the brainwashing, but not everyone?"
Kiolle asked nervously, eyes darting around. Yuder smiled faintly, lifting one corner of his mouth. "Quite perceptive. You've become smarter since learning to repay kindness, huh?"
"What?!"
"That's right. There are still some who aren't free yet."
Kiolle, who was about to get angry, calmed down quickly upon hearing Yuder's words.
"You mean there are still some left?"
While most Awakeners from the Star of Nagran had begun to reject the sage and defend themselves, not all had done so. A tiny minority, who hadn't witnessed the sage's death with their own eyes, doubted the Cavalry and refused to cooperate with the investigation.
These were not the ones recently captured but those who had been taken earlier, managing the southern base with Sera.
And there were two more, Langbarton and Ella, who had been living in the capital with the sage, captured in his stead, and had even attempted self-harm after his death. According to reports from Steiber, the sole Deputy Commander in the capital, Ella seemed confused but accepting of the sage's death, while Langbarton appeared entirely unreachable. Yuder thought that Langbarton's condition closely mirrored that of Crown Prince Katchian.
"So, even after that swindler dies, the brainwashing can still continue?!"
"It's somewhat different than that."
"How so?"
"Do you know where those who are less affected by the brainwashing are being held?"
"How should I know?!"
"To put it simply, they're in a prison where Awakeners can't use their powers."
Indeed, the place where the Awakeners from the Star of Nagran, captured along with Sera, were held was none other than a space enveloped by Reneve's power. Reneve's space primarily suppressed the abilities of the Awakeners held within, but it also had some effect in easing the brainwashing that had already taken hold.
This was evident from the fact that those who had been brainwashed by the sage found it increasingly easier to talk about him while inside. The question remained, why some of the brainwashing seemed unbroken, especially considering these individuals had been captured much earlier than those who had been with the sage until his death.
Yuder found the reason in the memories of his past life.
Even after the death of the false sage Diemon in his previous life, some of his followers still acted in accordance with the sage's teachings and harbored hatred towards Yuder, who had captured and killed him. Emperor Katchian, despite acknowledging Diemon's wrongdoings, had noticeably changed his attitude towards Yuder and never returned to his former self until his death.
Was this merely because the insignificant power of the dead Diemon had not vanished?
No. Yuder shook his head.
"It's not that the brainwashing hasn't been lifted. They just don't want to accept the truth."
"..."
"Initially, the change in people was due to brainwashing, but the extent to which they could change depended on their own mental strength. You understand what I mean, don't you?"
Before Yuder's cold, subdued voice, Kiolle fell silent, as if frozen.
Despite having been brainwashed, someone like Nahan had continually doubted the sage and eventually freed himself. Those who, after being brainwashed, failed to become important enough to retain the sage's attention, were able to quickly escape his influence.
'The Awakeners that the sage brought in at the end must fall into that category. Those who were too weak and lacked significant abilities to leave the base village until the very end.'
But what about Langbarton and Ella, captured in the capital, and Sera, who had earned the sage's trust enough to manage the southern base, and those who came with her? They were highly regarded within the group for their combat prowess and useful abilities. The sage valued them highly, interacted closely, and they, in turn, followed him blindly.
They were content and happy in their state, never questioning the sage, taking comfort in their existence.
Even after the brainwashing ability was broken, they couldn't accept this fact.
If those affected don't wish to free themselves from their state, how could they change?
"If the Crown Prince appears unchanged, it's now his will, not brainwashing."
"Bu... but...."
"Well. If you think I'm wrong, that's fine too."
But Kiolle's clenched expression seemed to reluctantly acknowledge the truth in Yuder's words.
Accepting the harsh reality that lies before one, stepping out from a state of comfort and happiness, is difficult. This is especially true for those who are well aware of the deeds they committed during their 'happy' times.
In his previous life, Emperor Katchian La Orr must have longed for the days when he lived dependent on the sage's words and did not wish to break free from them. To him, Yuder Aile, dragging him back to reality and spouting madness, must have seemed a deeply resented figure.
Yuder silently swallowed a cold laugh.
The brainwashing ability had already disappeared. If one does not realize and refuses to change, not even ten power suppression wielders like Reneve could make a difference.
"Anyway, yes. You did well to report the truth to Duke Diarca. It's time for the Duke's side to understand the Crown Prince's condition correctly."
"..."
"What? Why are you looking at me like that?"
"Oh, no... I did it because I thought the same. But, you, you, you daring to tell me I did well...!"
Kiolle, who had been staring dumbfoundedly, stumbled over his words in severe embarrassment.
"Do you think I should be evaluated by you?! I am not your subordinate!"
"Should I say you did poorly then?"
"You just said I did well?!"
Displeased whether praised or criticized, Kiolle seemed perplexed. Yuder had only commented on what seemed like a rare instance of rational action from Kiolle, considering their collaborative efforts so far, but couldn't fathom his reaction.
Yuder decided to ignore Kiolle's protests and stick to his intended message.
"Anyway. Has Duke Diarca's side informed you that they'll come for you? When you go, be careful not to blab about the Cavalry, and make sure to come up with good excuses for your collaboration with me. If they find out you've been saying unnecessary things... you know the consequences."
"..."
"Try not to delay and return as soon as possible. This place will soon become more dangerous than before."
"What? What do you mean by that?"
"Exactly what I said. You don't need to know more. I'm busy, so I'll leave first."
"Uh? Wait!"
Surprised by Yuder's abrupt departure, Kiolle hurriedly stood up as well.
"Wait a minute!"
"What now?"
"You, that... You were supposedly severely injured and out of contact for over two weeks! Seeing you walking around like this, was that all a lie?!"
"Why would I need to lie about something like that?"
"Because you look too unharmed! Do you know how hard it was for me to decide to come here...! Being fine and not contacting...!"
What's with this guy? Narrowing his eyes, Yuder looked at Kiolle and retorted.
"Are you trying to say you were worried about me?"
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Read up to the latest chapter (1298) and more than 1000 chapters of BL novels here
[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.'