My nerves are in need of treatment!

That was my first thought after reading the message left by the Padawans.

"Master, due to unforeseen circumstances, we will not be in the city until August 25. We apologize. We haven't forgotten your assignments. We are doing well. D, B."

So, what was there to fret over? They are just students at the end of the day, hence, obliged to follow wherever their parents lead. The cause of their absence isn't important. What matters most is their wellbeing.

I replied to their message in a neutral tone and set a new appointment for the morning of the 26th. Then I took the phone apart, removing the SIM card and the battery, which I hid in a different part of the city before returning home.

I changed clothes and went for a walk. The stroll on foot calmed my nerves just as well as the Break. The city was calm in the morning hours, and the fact that "Purity" wasn't pulling me in any direction was refreshing. I visited a stationery shop and purchased a pack of paper. After the conversation with Nicholas, my enthusiasm for sketching a Battletech comic was rekindled.

There was a myriad of other tasks I could occupy myself with during the unexpected free days. However, the thought of pursuing traces of Sire Campeador and revisiting libraries felt tedious. Visiting Hyungang Tu Chong? That could be beneficial. If it weren't for the encounter with Maya at the university and Mr. Redtliff's overt recruitment attempt, I likely would have done so. But, for now, I decided to set that aside as well. Other than training, all other activities were practically equivalent. So why not indulge in what I truly felt like doing?

With this thought in mind, I returned home, unpacked the paper, pulled out the box of pencils, and sat down at the table. Since my drawing skills hadn't improved, I resorted back to creating a schematic storyboard, which didn't require any artistic prowess.

Regrettably, after the sun had set and dinner was done, I conceded to my lack of talent in this field while tossing another sheet into the trash. In my mind, I retained a broad outline of the plot, and my memories of the start of the saga's first series were nearly immaculate. Translating memories into a simple comic strip seemed like the easiest task. Yet, every attempt, every effort, resulted in another crumpled sheet flying into an already brimming wastebasket. I never anticipated it to be such a complex process. It even led me to look at anime — those that distort the original text — in a new light, realizing that adapting to a different presentation format was indeed a Herculean task, requiring substantial expertise and a touch of talent.

After a vigorous evening workout, purposely exhausting myself, I hit the bed and fell into a dreamless sleep almost instantly.

In the morning, I woke up, had breakfast, warmed up, showered, and donned a light disguise, not forgetting my thin gloves. I then slipped into the Break and began searching for a "free" computer connected to the internet. To throw off their analysts, I didn't wait for nightfall to visit the BKDW website.

After about forty minutes of hunting, I found a small office where the entire staff was on vacation and the secretary had left her computer on. After ensuring the place was hidden from the view of any windows, I exited the Break and settled into a comfortable chair.

Upon logging onto the BKDW website, the first thing that caught my eye was that I had twelve private messages! I opened them one by one, only to find they all addressed the same issue. I then navigated to the closed forum, where the pertinent topic was right at the top of the first page.

Apparently, a new raig, an experienced one, a third level, had arrived in town. He challenged all the Knights he came across to a duel. If they declined, he pursued them, instigating fights. Most of these battles took place atop the BKDW building. Attempts to pacify the individual proved fruitless — even a combined assault by Maya, Max, and Red Poppy saw them defeated by this "newcomer". Interestingly, the aggressor had no interest in unveiling anyone's identities and conscientiously avoided such situations. He favored fights where his opponents could recuperate and leave post-defeat. His persistent interference with work was troublesome, and most notably, his assaults were driven by an objective — he was searching for me!!!

There was an illustration attached to the topic which I opened. The projection of this duelist looked familiar. Staring at me through the visor from the image was none other than Crixus.

Why was he looking for me? More importantly, this raig proclaimed that his attacks would cease the moment he was given information about my whereabouts. Quite the relentless fellow!

All the private messages related to this matter. Yet, none asked for my personal details or location. Instead, they suggested I make an appearance at the BKDW building to talk to this peculiar Knight, assuring they'd provide backup if needed.

Quite an intriguing situation indeed. How should I respond?

Wait! Stop! The crucial thing is not to make any hasty decisions.

As I read other topics, I'll let it sink in that I'm being sought after not only by special services, clerics, the government, but also other raigs.

Maya's duel report. A placeholder. Just one phrase: "It will be added later." The next topic... It doesn't concern me. The one following is an organizational matter, also unrelated. But why is there a topic regarding the rat's ultimatum on the first page?

Upon opening it, I quickly realized that the situation was escalating. The Eshin clan had issued new demands and was pressing for an expedited investigation. Moreover, the analytical group's report had arrived, leading to an unpleasant conclusion. The analysts predicted that if the BKDW did not turn over the killers of the rat clansmen, the probability of a proactive retaliation from the most enigmatic underground syndicate in the world was near certainty.

What threat could even the most skilled assassins pose to raigs? Surprisingly, quite a lot if they truly were the best. While targeting raigs who conceal their identities would be challenging, all open Break Knights could be at risk. Admittedly, we are not easy targets, but a surprise attack or a bullet to the head could take us down - no Break would save us then.

I needed to determine whether to continue ignoring this situation, fearing that exposing my role would damage the reputation I've painstakingly built, or to reveal the truth, not withholding even the most disturbing details. On one side of the scale was my personal gain, and on the other was a genuine threat to others — to specific individuals like Kraas, Thomas, Maya...

"Purity! Leave me alone! I don't have time for you.

I'm indifferent to pain.

I can withstand it.

You're disrupting my thought process!

I'll make the decision, regardless of how irate you become.

I repeat, stop distracting me! Give me ten minutes without pain. My arm is already cramping!"

Surprisingly, it listened.

The Eshin clan. Almost nothing is known about it other than it has existed since "The Coming of True Blood." It's the premier and most lethal organization of hired assassins, "protecting" many less influential rat clans. Over the centuries, countless attempts have been made to annihilate them. Kings, emperors, inquisitors, militant monks from Eastern monasteries, and even high-ranking clerics-Creators have tried at some point. However, the Eshin clan still persists, suggesting that they survived all these attempts at total annihilation.

The various mafias, yakuza, Camorra, and the like from my former world are mere children compared to the Eshin clan. How serious is their ultimatum? Could they wage war on BKDW over what transpired? No, wait, not war. It would be a single act of retaliation to save face. Not a single shapeshifter clan, regardless of its power and concealment, could sustain a full-blown war with the raigs. From this perspective, there are legitimate concerns for the lives of the open Wilflaes Knights. Yes, they are promised protection, but Eshin's assassins are capable of taking out kings-shapeshifters and even Creators. There have been precedents in history.

You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.

My safety versus the lives of real people...

No, it's not about my safety, just the image. A minor distinction, yet it drastically alters the entire situation.

I scrutinized the entire thread carefully.

I should have done this a long time ago! Perhaps it was a peculiar mental lapse that made me try to ignore this issue before. Or did I merely dismiss the dire tales of this world? Now, having almost entirely assimilated Izao's memory, I realize that the situation is anything but simple or humorous.

Both the BKDW and the curators are at a stalemate. There is no mention anywhere of my call to the police or the location of the warehouse where the massacre occurred. Either these events weren't linked, or someone deliberately expunged the information.

Most likely, it's the latter! There was a massacre and several peculiar deaths. Under these circumstances, the police would have involved a sensum in the investigation, who would have determined that three victims were killed from the Break. Following that, the detectives would easily uncover the identity of the Korean avengers; the curators wouldn't have overlooked this. But there's no mention of it! Additionally, even though I had hinted that I saw raigs in Korean armor, it's clear that even seasoned analysts are struggling to piece the puzzle together. Something is off about all this...

I glance at the clock. There's still a bit of safe time left. I place my hands on the keyboard.

There's no time to craft an explanation. Of course, I could leave, compile everything at home, return with a prepared report, and upload it to the site, but my intuition tells me: it's best not to procrastinate on this matter.

I'm writing the truth. It needs no embellishment. The whole truth, just the facts as I recall them. At the end, I add a postscript stating that I didn't give a full report earlier as I had my reasons, which I don't find necessary to elaborate. It sounds brusque, I know, but it's preferable to admitting, "I was scared of the impression I'd make with my story." That would be truthful, of course, but also rather childish. Why am I only realizing this now? I'm more frustrated with myself than with these elusive rats. Of course, I had excuses - too much was thrust upon me. I needed to handle it all without exacerbating my problems by making the local Break Knights even more suspicious of me. However, I can't postpone this any longer. I have a gut feeling.

I concluded this mini-report, then responded to everyone regarding Crixus:

"I'm occupied with my own matters. Crixus isn't a genuine threat. I don't perceive him as a killer, and I doubt he'll cause any significant harm to the Break Knights. He seemed to equate himself with other raigs during our meeting. If he seeks me out, I'll talk to him. However, I have no plans to meet with him purposefully. When I need him, I'll find him on my own. What are you, Break Knights or punching bags? Why is a single fighter defeating all of you?"

While composing this, "Purity" seared my palm with its icy touch. I don't care; let them spar - it'll motivate them to train harder! The moment this thought crossed my mind, the pain receded. So, you agree that I'm right? It appears I'll never fully comprehend this snow-white blade.

After logging out, I erased any trace of my visit, ensured everything was put back in its place, and left the office, shifting to the Break.

Already back home, having changed and taken a shower, I realized how fatigued I was.

No, not physically, but overall.

Morally, mentally, I'm not sure what to call it.

Unbelievably drained.

I'm on the brink of a breakdown.

The past few months have been as tumultuous as they've been draining. New life, new body, Break, projections, "Word," "Purity," raigs, clans, BKDW, Breakthroughs, Korean Avengers, Maya, University, Padawans, Tom, Mr. Redtliff, and so much more.

I need a vacation. At least until the twenty-fifth. Otherwise, I might lose control and do something reckless. And as for Crixus... To hell with him! As well as everything else, including you, "Purity!"

I'm genuinely... exhausted...

There appears to be a limit to what the human mind can endure. I'm not crumbling yet, but I'm perilously close. During one of the business trips, a cameraman I knew lost his mind after six months of filming in a war zone. I saw it happen. He was sent home and seemingly recovered, but who will help me here if I do have a breakdown?

Vacation. What a tantalizing word. Even if there are only a few days left until the twenty-fifth.

Surprisingly, "Purity" remains silent.

Should I embark on a cruise around Lemuria?

No, I don't want to. Besides, it will disrupt training, and drawing storyboards and fencing are, in fact, my only solaces.

I'll stay at home. I will stroll, sketch, exercise, watch movies, and read books and manga. No Break apart from home training, no adventure seeking, no BKDW.

"Purity"? Still silent?

Excellent!

"Word"? As always, indifferent.

So be it.

Just making the decision seemed to calm my thoughts. My body relaxed. It became apparent that all this while, I had been carrying such a heavy burden, pressing me to the ground, and I hadn't noticed it before.

Adhering to the holiday mindset, I spent the morning watching movies and lounging in bed until noon. I then visited the anime cafe. It was a shame that I didn't run into any friends there, but the meal was delightful. I spent a good while strolling in the park before settling on one of the benches and beginning to sketch.

Yes, I fell short once again.

Yes, I even got frustrated over it.

But these emotions were entirely different from the ones that had brought me to the brink of mental exhaustion. These feelings were vibrant, personal, and fueled by my own desires. What a contrast it was to reacting to situations forced upon me from outside! It was like comparing heaven and earth.

I returned home, singing along to the music flowing from my headphones. My mood was... no, not exactly good, but light. For the first time in months, I was able to breathe deeply.

I had a brief workout, then repeated exercises in the Break without leaving my apartment, and went for another walk.

Late at night, as I finished reading another volume of manga, I realized that this was my perfect summer day. Well, nearly perfect, as a chat with someone would have made it ideal. And perhaps a lovely maiden... No, they only bring complications during vacations!..

As it typically goes, the vacation days zoomed past like a blur. They were here, and then they weren't - it was magic, genuine magic, far surpassing all the tricks of Makers and Creators.

If not for training, I could say that I had spent all these days doing "nothing": I didn't make progress in drawing, I didn't meet new people, and expanding my library, adding to my movie collection, and purchasing several music discs didn't count.

But I had rested - both in body and spirit. And that meant a great deal!

The alarm that rang on the morning of the twenty-sixth felt like a judgment. On all the days while I was resting, it was easy to rise, as I had been getting plenty of sleep. Even this time, I went to bed intentionally early, but it seemed irrelevant. Could I cancel the meeting with the Padawans?

No, I couldn't.

Silence, "Purity"!

Well, well, you've roused too... That's who I definitely didn't miss.

I won't cancel anything, leave me be, bothersome blade!

I understand that holidays are temporary. There's no need to prod me into action.

Shower, a warm-up that transitioned smoothly into fencing training, a light breakfast, and hot tea, and I was ready for new adventures. I changed into my motorcycle gear and, transitioning to the Break, left the apartment.

I arrived at the stadium a bit early because I wanted to survey the area - just in case someone was tracking the Padawans. But it turned out that the youngsters had arrived even earlier, and they weren't alone.