In an unnamed forest within the lands of Rekordak lay a clear pond. Enchanted with mana, it remained unfrozen even in the biting chill of that season—a mysterious place, one might have considered it a small, magical space of its own.0

Plop—0

I was fishing there, and thanks to the Midas Touch enchantment on my rod, which carried the ability to 'entice fish,' the experience was far from boring.0

Splash—!0

Every time I cast the line, the bait was taken almost instantly, and the fish were caught.0

Whoooosh…0

I reeled in the line with a steady pull, and as the water rippled, a fish broke the surface, thrashing in the light.0

Just as I checked its size and species, ready to drop it into the bucket...0

“I have a question to ask.”0

At the sudden sound of a nearby voice—familiar, yet entirely unexpected—I turned toward it.0

"Why are you so determined to assume the role of the chairman?" Yulie asked, standing with perfect poise, her clear eyes reflecting nothing—not even the faintest trace of emotion. "What fuels your insatiable quest for power?"1

I turned my eyes back to the pond, casting the fishing line, and said, "Was protecting Rekordak not what you had desired?"0

"Yes, however, shouldn’t we allow those who wish to leave—"0

“If all others choose to leave, will you remain here to face death alone?”0

"… I am a knight who knows when to retreat. Against millions of monsters, the few tens of thousands in Rekordak would serve only to buy time. And for their sake, I would have willingly been there at that time."0

Splash—!0

The line tugged again, and Yulie glanced at it.0

"… I heard you’ve been conducting your own investigation into the incident involving Rockfell and Veron," I said, steering the conversation in a new direction.0

Yulie’s body flinched just slightly.0

"I...0