Day after day passes.
The newspapers circulating across various regions carry only one prevailing theme: anticipation. Anticipation for the truth behind the great explosion in the Nocthollow Sea, which does not resemble an ordinary volcanic eruption. Researchers have yet to determine its exact source. The government continues to reassure the public.
At the same time, Johan's name is heard less and less directly. He becomes a fugitive of the world, yet his existence seems to vanish entirely. There is no clear trace. No witness dares to claim having seen him.
Precisely for that reason, the timing becomes perfect.
Johan appears.
But not as Johan.
He walks within the shadows, under a nearly flawless disguise. His hair is different. A thin beard covers part of his face. His attire is simple, like that of an ordinary administrative official. His posture is no longer upright like that of a military leader, but slightly hunched, adjusted to suit his role.
He is now already within the Kingdom of Gaelvorn.
He passes through the gates without significant obstacle. The forged documents he carries pass inspection. The guards do not even grow suspicious.
He walks along the palace corridors with measured steps. His gaze remains straight ahead, never lingering too long on his surroundings. He knows how to move without attracting attention.
Several servants pass by. Two soldiers stand at a corner of the hallway, speaking quietly to one another.
Johan continues forward.
At last, he arrives before the chamber of the King of Gaelvorn.
The corridor around him appears momentarily empty. He glances to the left and right. No one approaches.
His hand touches the door handle.
He opens it slowly and enters.
The door closes firmly from within.
The chamber is silent. A large desk stands at the center. Heavy curtains cover the tall windows. Bookshelves line one side of the wall.
Johan walks toward the window and draws the curtains aside. Daylight enters, illuminating the room.
He begins to examine the surroundings. His hand glides across the surface of the desk, opening the drawers one by one. He does not find what he seeks.
He slowly kneels.
Beneath the desk, concealed under a dark cloth, lies something hidden.
Johan pulls the cloth away.
A magic sphere appears. Its surface glimmers faintly, still containing active energy within.
He lifts it and places it upon the desk.
The magic remains there. Stable. Preserved.
Johan smiles cynically.
"How foolish," he mutters softly. "You completely deceived me, Krieger."
He stares at the magic sphere for several seconds.
"You know, Krieger…" he continues, his voice low yet clear, "this time, I will be the one to toy with you."
He turns and steps toward the door.
Just as his hand nearly touches the handle, the sound of boots echoes outside the chamber.
Not one person.
Several.
The steps are firm and rhythmic, like royal soldiers on patrol.
Johan freezes for a moment.
The sound draws nearer.
Right in front of the door.
The handle moves from the outside.
The door swings open.
Corridor light floods in, illuminating Johan's face as he still stands there.
Several soldiers stand directly before him.
"DAMN IT!" Johan mutters.
—
WORLD FUGITIVE, A CRUEL MAN WITHIN THE GOVERNMENT—JOHAN—HAS BEEN FULLY CAPTURED!
—Published Under the Authority of the Central Government
Gaelvorn — The Central Government officially announces that Johan, the world fugitive who has long been a hidden threat within governmental circles, has been fully captured.
The arrest is carried out through a joint operation involving the authorities of the Kingdom of Gaelvorn and representatives of the Central Government. Johan is apprehended without significant resistance within the Gaelvorn palace following a failed infiltration attempt.
The public is encouraged to take pride and celebrate. The great threat that has long overshadowed political stability is now in official custody.
The government has also begun investigating the origin of the death of the King of Nocthollow. Initial suspicions indicate possible involvement of his own biological son, although the investigation remains ongoing.
Furthermore, the bodiless death in Gaelvorn is suspected to have an indirect connection to Johan, who has long been accused of concealing the truth for his own interests.
With Johan's capture, it is hoped that all facts long hidden will soon come to light.
Further updates will be delivered daily. Await the truth that will be fully revealed.
—
The atmosphere in the bar in Gaelvorn that night differs from before.
The lamps shine brightly. Music once again echoes from the instruments. The sound of glasses clinking fills the room.
"THIS IS IT!" Krieger shouts loudly, rising to his feet as he raises his cup high toward the ceiling. "LET US CELEBRATE!"
Bartra stands from his chair and lifts a bottle. "LET'S GOOOO!!!"
Grizz and Gruzz follow, pounding the table with booming laughter. The rest of the crew join in with cheers.
"It has been a long time since we have felt an atmosphere like this!" Santiago shouts from the corner of the room.
Aunt Anne sits more quietly, offering a faint smile as she watches the commotion.
Rose stands beside Olivia. Both observe the crowd with more restrained expressions.
"Will everything begin again, my sister?" Rose says softly.
Olivia turns to look at her. Her eyes shine—not because of drink, but because of conviction.
"Everything will begin again, my beloved sister," Olivia replies.
Amid the cheers and laughter, Krieger takes a drink.
"With Johan captured," he says to Bartra, "we have room to move."
"And if the ancient war truly comes?" Grizz asks.
Krieger smiles faintly.
"With my throne," he answers, "I can dispatch a thousand war soldiers."
He glances briefly toward the bar door, as though contemplating something further.
"Even the Vanguard," he continues softly, "who have long walked within the shadows."
The cheers fill the room once more.
Behind their joy and enthusiasm, not a single person in that room truly knows whether the great game has genuinely ended—or has only just begun once again.