Reality Breaker: Edge of Reality

Inside the Fracture Restorer's Alliance Head's office, Soojin was enjoying a rare moment of peace. Sipping his tea while leisurely browsing through the news, the quiet was shattered as the door swung open with a loud thud. Cale entered, looking utterly drained, his face a mask of fatigue.

“Did you get beaten up or something?” Soojin smirked at the sight of Cale’s tired face.

Cale collapsed into the chair opposite Soojin, grumbling. “It’s exhausting dealing with these reporters. They’re vultures.”

“Well, you did cause quite the stir,” Soojin said, folding his arms smugly. He watched Cale as he pulled off his jacket and started loosening his tie. “You deserve it, brat.”

"_"

Cale threw him a blank look, raising an eyebrow. “Did I steal your wife in a past life or something? Why are you targeting me like this, old man?”

“You should learn to respect your elders, boy,” Soojin shot back, glaring at Cale who looked completely unbothered.

“Not if the elders are fossils,” Cale responded with a smirk, reaching for the cup of tea Soojin had poured for him.

“Fossils?!” Soojin clenched his fists, his face flushing with irritation. “I do not look old!”

Cale only laughed, covering his ears mockingly. “That’s exactly what I’d expect an old man to say.”

“You little—my hair isn’t even white!” Soojin’s frustration boiled over, his fist trembling in anger. His knuckles turned white as he tried to contain his rage.

Letting out a long sigh, Soojin leaned back in his chair, folding his arms again. “Alright, what’s this really about? You here to eat my brains or something?” His gaze scrutinized Cale, as though trying to figure out his angle.

“Apparently, yes,” Cale deadpanned, his face completely serious.

"_"

Soojin blinked, staring in disbelief. "…What?"

“I'm going into seclusion,” Cale finally revealed, his voice calm, but his expression firm.

Soojin’s eyes widened in shock, nearly dropping the cup he held. “What?”

Cale remained silent, his head tilted slightly downward, eyes closed. He didn’t seem interested in explaining further.

“You’re joking, right?” Soojin stood up, his voice rising. When Cale didn’t respond, Soojin sat down again, the tension still hanging in the air.

A few moments passed before Soojin exhaled deeply. “And who’s going to take care of the kids while you’re off in seclusion?” His tone was more serious now, reflecting the weight of the situation.

“Oh… right, them,” Cale said slowly, as if just now remembering. “I didn’t think about that.”

Soojin rubbed his temples, clearly exasperated. “Hah. How about this? You train them for three days first, and then go into seclusion. You can do that, right?”

Cale thought for a moment, then nodded. “Yeah, I can manage that.”

“Good.” Soojin gave a short nod of approval, but as Cale stood and made for the door, he stopped him with another question. “By the way, how are we handling the criminals lately?”

Cale turned back, his hand resting on the door handle. “Things have been easier since you restored the Fracture,” Soojin explained. “Their numbers are going down, and we’re seeing fewer organized efforts. Much better than before.”

“That’s good to hear,” Cale replied, his voice sounding relieved. “If you need help, let me know.”

“Of course I will,” Soojin said, watching as Cale left the room. The door closed behind him, leaving Soojin alone once more. He sank back into his chair, staring at the ceiling as his thoughts wandered. “I guess I really am getting old,” he whispered to himself with a chuckle.

…

A few hours later, Cale had gathered six of the most promising young talents. They stood in front of a glowing blue Fracture, each of them eager but unsure of what lay ahead.

"You all will be training with me for the next three days," Cale announced, his voice carrying a calm authority.

“Yes!” Five of the six shouted excitedly, while the youngest, Minho, looked noticeably less thrilled. He stood there with a grimace, his arms crossed, clearly unhappy.

“Why the long face, Minho? Didn’t get enough sleep?” Jinwoo asked, eyeing him curiously.

“You’ll understand soon enough,” Minho muttered, looking away. His tone suggested he knew something the others didn’t.

Jinwoo frowned, confused, but decided to let it go.

“Any questions?” Cale asked, his expression one of complete disinterest as he waited for someone to speak up.

Haejin, the only female in the group, hesitantly raised her hand. “Why are we the only ones training with you?” she asked nervously, clearly expecting a scolding for her directness.

Cale glanced her way but didn’t seem bothered. “Because your training will be harder,” he said with a smile, his tone almost playful.

“That means we’ll get stronger, right?” Taeyang, the most enthusiastic of the group, shouted, eyes gleaming with excitement.

'You have no idea what you’re in for,' Cale thought, a mischievous grin tugging at the corner of his lips. He looked at their eager faces and felt a strange sense of satisfaction knowing what awaited them.

“Alright, it’s time to enter the Fracture. Are you all ready?” Cale asked, turning toward the blue rift.

“Yes, sir!” the five of them yelled in unison, their voices filled with anticipation and determination. Only Minho remained quiet, casting a wary glance at his brother.

Without further hesitation, Cale led the way, stepping into the Fracture. One by one, the trainees followed behind him: Taeyang, Minho, Jinwoo, Haejin, Minseok, and Kyungsoo.

As they vanished into the blue light, each of them felt a mixture of excitement and fear. For the next three days, they would face the most grueling and relentless training they had ever experienced. But for Cale, this was just another step in preparing the next generation for the challenges ahead.