FALSE REPORT! VORN KRIEGER IS ALIVE; HE EMERGES AFTER HIDING IN THE SHADOWS FOR THE SAKE OF GAELVORN
— Six Continents Edition, Published under the Authority of the Central Government
Gaelvorn — The long-circulating reports regarding the bodiless death of the King of Gaelvorn are finally confirmed to be untrue. Vorn Krieger officially appears before the public in a grand address held at the central square of Gaelvorn.
The event is attended by thousands of citizens from surrounding regions. The main field, once desolate, is now filled again with people wishing to witness the reappearance of their leader.
In his speech, King Vorn Krieger affirms that his decision to disappear from public view is not an act of retreat, but a strategy.
"I have never abandoned Gaelvorn," he declares before the masses. "I chose to remain within the shadows because a tangible threat was targeting this land. Had I remained openly upon the throne, terror would have come more swiftly and more broadly."
The statement is met with cheers. Many appear moved and relieved after months of uncertainty.
King Krieger explains that the difficult decision is made to preserve political stability and regional security. He states that the enemy moving at that time is not yet fully visible, and open action would only have worsened the situation.
"The sacrifice of reputation and honor is a price I must pay," he continues. "But now, the greatest threat has passed. Gaelvorn stands once more."
The speech lasts nearly an hour. During the occasion, the King also addresses regional tensions sparked by the mysterious explosion in the Nocthollow Sea and the leadership vacuum in several other territories.
He affirms that Gaelvorn will remain neutral yet vigilant, prepared to deploy defensive forces if necessary.
The Central Government expresses full support for King Krieger's actions. In its official statement, the authority declares that the "shadow" strategy implemented by the King of Gaelvorn proves effective in suppressing potential internal unrest.
Several political analysts regard the King's reemergence as a crucial turning point for the stability of the Six Continents. Clear leadership is believed capable of easing the widespread speculation and rumors that have circulated.
After the speech concludes, the atmosphere shifts into celebration. Music plays. The flag of Gaelvorn is raised higher than usual. Citizens shake hands and embrace one another, expressing gratitude for the return of their ruler.
"It feels like a nightmare that has finally ended," a citizen remarks at the field.
The Government of Gaelvorn announces that economic and security recovery policies will soon be formally introduced. The primary focus is restoring the land to prosperity and peace as before.
With the return of King Vorn Krieger, great hope now rests upon Gaelvorn to become peaceful, stable, and strong once more, as in its former glory.
---
In a dark room, Johan sits alone, holding a freshly printed newspaper. The paper is still warm. The bold headline regarding the return of the King of Gaelvorn is clearly visible on the front page.
A cynical smile forms.
"There it is, Krieger. There it is," he mutters softly.
The newspaper is folded neatly and placed upon the table.
"I have begun to toy with you," he says. "Let us see how long you endure."
He rises from the chair and walks toward a slightly open window. Light from outside enters the room, illuminating part of his face.
Both arms spread wide like wings about to take flight.
"There will be an interesting performance after this," he says again in a low voice. "Because everything… will proceed according to my will, once more."
---
I stretch beneath the large tree as the sun stands high. The wind blows gently, cooling the air. The ground beneath my feet is dry, and the shadows of leaves shift with the breeze.
Breathing feels heavy after several intense exercises.
This is the first time I deliberately build muscle in my body.
Every movement feels exhausting. My arms and shoulders grow stiff.
I bend my knees and repeat the same motion again and again. The techniques I practice are not new. They have been repeated before. Yet performing them consistently is far more difficult than merely knowing how.
Training muscle while instructing makes it easier and allows freedom to extend muscles that magic should not heal—muscles strained into pain for the battles that will come.
It will take considerable time to build this body until it can properly sustain such tremendous power.
---
"So, we who are already in Gaelvorn will stay in Father's chamber?" Rose asks in disbelief.
She stands in the middle of the room, looking at Krieger, who sits near the window. The upper part of his attire is partially open as he allows the wind to enter.
"I will become occupied later this afternoon," Krieger answers calmly. "There are many matters to attend to. But all of this is done for your partner, my child."
"My partner?!" Rose raises her voice immediately.
Krieger lets out a small laugh.
Rose exhales deeply.
"Several troops have already been dispatched to search for Hiro's whereabouts," Krieger continues.
Rose's attention sharpens at once.
"And?" she asks quickly.
"The explosion in the middle of the Nocthollow Sea does not sound like a volcanic eruption," Krieger says. "And to my knowledge, there is no volcano there."
He stands and walks slowly toward the table.
"It is not a natural occurrence."
Rose remains silent, listening.
"We owe him a debt," Krieger continues. "When considered calmly, he has borne a burden that should never have been his."
Rose looks at her father.
"The reason he departed that night remains unclear," Krieger adds. "Why did he not confront them directly? Do you know the reason?"
Rose shakes her head.
"I do not believe he left merely to save himself," Krieger says. "There are two possibilities. The most reasonable is that he is no longer capable of enduring the pressure, and…"