Outworld Mission

10-the Prince of the Blue Moon

King Minho stood in the heart of the palace, his sharp eyes narrowed in concentration as he searched for the faintest trace of the Bearer’s aura. Every moment felt like an eternity. But despite his best efforts, there was nothing—no sign, no trace, not even a whisper in the air. Frustration churned in his chest. With an enraged growl, he hurled the glass of dark wine he had been drinking, the red liquid scattering across the marble floor like blood. The sound of the glass shattering echoed ominously in the grand chamber.

It was at that moment that Prince Taehyung arrived, his usual swirl of brown and blue dust preceding him. The sight before him—a furious King and the scattered remnants of the wine—was a stark contrast to the calm demeanor he often maintained.

"My King," Taehyung greeted, bowing as he approached Minho. His eyes lingered on the glass shards and the spilled wine, recognizing the King's agitation.

"Have you seen him?" Minho asked, his voice rough with frustration, his back still turned as he stared into the distance, as if hoping the answer would materialize out of thin air.

Taehyung hesitated before bowing again, his tone solemn.
"My apologies, Your Majesty. All the Shamans who had glimpsed the Bearer have been killed. We are doing everything we can to track his aura, but there is no sign of him anywhere."

Minho's expression darkened, his head shaking in disbelief.
"My son is doing it again…" he muttered under his breath, his voice tinged with regret. Then, turning his back completely to Taehyung, he said coldly,

"Return to the King of King's Palace. Find the Bearer and eliminate him before the myth becomes a reality."

Taehyung stood firm, his expression hardening with determination.
"As my King commands. I will not return until I have found and slain the Bearer."

With those final words, the Prince of the Blue Moon disappeared before Minho's eyes, leaving behind only the faintest trace of his aura, dissipating like the winds.

Minho stood there in silence for a long moment. His thoughts turned inward, the weight of his actions pulling at his heart.

"Forgive me, my son…" he whispered softly to himself, his voice laced with guilt.

"I won’t let anyone harm you."

---

Meanwhile, within the walls of the King of King's Palace, Prince Jimin awaited Taehyung’s arrival. As always, the second prince greeted him with a warm smile, though his eyes held a deep sorrow—a sorrow that had followed him for as long as Taehyung could remember.

"The King of the North summoned me," Taehyung said, his voice tinged with concern.
"King Seokjin is in grave danger as long as the Bearer remains alive."

Jimin nodded, his gaze turning serious.

"We are aware of this, my Prince,"
he replied softly.

"That is why I have placed a Barrier around the King to protect him for now."
He gestured toward the glowing protective field that shimmered around Seokjin’s chambers.

Taehyung's expression remained unchanged.
"You know it's futile."

Jimin’s face softened with understanding, but he was resolute.
"Not for now, my Prince. The Barrier will hold for the time being."

Taehyung sighed, his frustration mounting. "Let me in, Your Highness. I must do as I’ve been instructed."

Jimin bowed deeply, stepping aside to remove the Barrier with a wave of his hand.