Chapter 26

[With Sangonomiya Kokomi's invitation, you officially joined the Resistance.]

[Kaedehara Kazuha originally wanted to stay by your side. He still carried guilt for you being hunted by the Shogunate and hoped to repay you by fighting alongside you.]

[But you refused.]

[Kazuha was a man of quiet temperament, not suited for the endless bloodshed of war.]

["You once told me your dream was to live as a wandering swordsman, to roam the mountains and forests, admiring the beauty and truths of nature. The battlefield is not where you belong. See more of the world for me, and when we meet again, tell me all about it."]

[Seeing your unwavering resolve, Kazuha left with complicated emotions in his heart.]

[Age 19: Thanks to your reputation and popularity, it wasn't long before you rose to become captain of the Special Operations Unit—Swordfish I.]

[You led your squad on countless Resistance missions.]

[Everyone who steps onto the battlefield must be prepared for sacrifice.]

[Many in your unit lost their lives… only to be replaced by new blood.]

[But the loss of life never halted your march forward.]

[From Resistance intelligence, you learned that the Yashiro Commission did, in fact, uncover a Fatui base on Yashiori Island based on the intel you provided.]

[A large cache of Delusions was destroyed.]

[Though they didn't find conclusive evidence of the Tenryou Commission's collusion with the Fatui…]

[The operation dealt them a serious blow nonetheless.]

[The Tenryou Commission lost Raiden Shogun's trust. Their influence within the Shogunate waned significantly.]

[The Yashiro Commission took their place, becoming the most prominent of the Three Commissions.]

[News of the Delusions spread through the Resistance. Sangonomiya Kokomi ordered all unit captains to search their squads—any Delusions found were to be destroyed immediately.]

[Sure enough, several were discovered within the camp.]

[Fortunately, they were found in time, before disaster could strike.]

The threat of Delusions had been preemptively neutralized!

This meant Teppei's tragic fate could be avoided.

Another regrettable NPC saved!

[When you handed over the Delusions… for some reason, you secretly kept one.]

[You heard from others that Kamisato Ayaka had recently become quite famous across Inazuma, earning the title "White Heron Princess."]

[Knowing that the shy girl who once hid behind you could now stand tall and command admiration from the people filled you with pride… but also a tinge of sadness.]

[She had completely taken your place. You realized the Kamisato Clan no longer needed you.]

[With their influence crippled, the Tenryou Commission became desperate to regain favor through military success.]

[Their attacks grew more frequent and aggressive.]

[The Resistance struggled to hold its ground.]

[One day, the Tenryou Commission launched a surprise assault on the Resistance base, catching everyone off guard.]

[Swordfish I was appointed to lead the charge and took the brunt of the attack.]

[Though your innate talents made you far stronger than the average soldier…]

[You lacked a Vision. Against elemental attacks, you could barely protect a fraction of your team.]

[You watched your comrades fall one by one… and hated your own powerlessness.]

[In this battle, you encountered a familiar face—Kujou Sara.]

[She personally led her troops, seeking revenge.]

["You falsely accused my father of colluding with the Fatui, causing us to lose the Shogun's favor. Today, I'll wash away our disgrace with your blood!"]

[You were already exhausted from the fight. Facing the formidable Kujou Sara, you had almost no strength left to resist.]

[In the end, your squad risked their lives to pull you out.]

[Swordfish I suffered over 50% casualties, and you were gravely injured, falling into a coma.]

[When you finally opened your eyes again, the first thing you saw was a familiar, tear-streaked face.]

[A gentle face, elegant and beautiful, her eyes swollen from crying.]

[When she saw you awake, her eyes lit up with joy.]

["Kael, You're awake!"]

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"Correction Notice: Apologies, everyone. I made a mistake with the main character's name in the previous translated chapters. The correct name is Fujiwara Kael / Kamisato Kael, not Fujiwara Furaku as previously written. Sorry for any confusion!"