Turning

Chapter 451

"It's essentially similar in nature to other powers," Kishiar continued, observing the look in Yuder's eyes.

"Meaning, it doesn't provoke a strong reaction when mixed with other powers. Instead, it may even protect the vessel that holds it. It's like dough before it takes shape—a power that can envelop anything and change it as it pleases."

"I get what you're saying."

There were no fixed rules governing the power of the Awakeners. Though categories had been arbitrarily established for convenience, not a single power was the same as another, a fact evident from looking at the Cavalry members alone. Even among those with similar abilities, the nuances were all different. Thus, it was difficult for anyone to claim a comprehensive understanding of the Awakeners.

That was also the case for the power Yuder had absorbed through his hand. That power was simply 'power' in the purest sense. What exactly it could accomplish and how far it could go remained an enigma.

"If you grasp that point, it may be quite helpful when assessing His Majesty’s vessel," Kishiar mused.

A power like dough that could become anything.

Though the pure form of that power was indescribable, even described as pure poison by Enon, calling it 'dough' oddly made it feel whimsical and gentle.

"Before we proceed with His Majesty, let's try a few more times like today. It might be tough, but are you okay with that?"

"Of course, I am. I was going to ask you for it myself."

Kishiar gave a faint smile. Taking a deep breath, he reached out and patted the seat next to him—a signal to lie down.

Yuder silently got up and lay down on the right side of the space where Kishiar had been sitting. As soon as he did, Kishiar turned his body so that his face was visible to Yuder. In the dim light cast by the lantern, he whispered,

"Everything will be over after I meet the Star of Nagran left here tomorrow. How do you feel about returning to the capital?"

"It still doesn't feel real to me."

"Things will change once you go back. For better or worse."

Yuder wasn't sure why he felt so strange thinking about walking back into the barracks. Despite concluding everything in a much shorter time and with significantly fewer casualties than in his past life, the sensation was inexplicably peculiar.

Yuder's gaze shifted toward Kishiar's face.

'Once we go back, staying in the same room like this won't happen.'

Baron Willhem had been captured, so technically there was no need to continue the pretense of being lovers. Yet neither had suggested separate bedrooms. Though their comrades thought this was just due to sharing space within the same lodging, Yuder knew that wasn't the case.

Originally, it would have been unfathomable to casually lie next to a man who should be as distant as the sky. Yet he had adapted to this situation so quickly that he could hardly believe he had slept alone all his life.

'Ah, I see.'

As he sketched the outline of Kishiar's eyes that met his own, Yuder suddenly understood.

The weird feeling arose precisely because he had become so accustomed to it.

It was strange that someone he had once considered impossible to grow accustomed to had now become closer and more familiar to him than anyone else. Different from family yet in some ways closer, it was an indescribable feeling.

"Commander, how do you feel?" Yuder quietly asked, lost in thought.

"Are you talking about me?" A man who always enjoyed when Yuder asked him questions chuckled softly.

"I think we're fortunate that everything went better than anticipated, even if there were points for improvement and regrets."

"..."

"If I had to grade myself, I'd give a 5 out of 10."

"Couldn't you rate yourself a bit higher?"

In the eyes of others, the Cavalry had achieved a result beyond the score of 10, verging on 20 or even 30. Yuder wasn't completely without regrets, but he was greatly satisfied that there were far fewer casualties than he had seen and experienced in his past life.

At the center of it all was Kishiar, who had managed everything better than anyone else. He certainly deserved more than half of the points he had given himself.

"My assistant seems to have generously rated me. Excessive, even."

"It's not generous; it's merely the truth. What the Cavalry achieved this time goes beyond merely completing a mission. It could have..."

Hesitating for a moment on whether to continue, Yuder decided to speak his mind.

"...potentially averted greater chaos and tragedy that could have spread to the West and the entire Empire. All of this was possible because you were there, Commander. That's what I believe."

Kishiar opened his eyes a bit wider and chuckled. "That sounds almost like a prophecy."

"..."

"The Prince of Nelarn, who considered himself your new close friend, said something similar before leaving. As if you knew he would awaken, you gave him some rather insightful advice."

At the unexpected mention of Prince Ejain of Nelarn, Yuder momentarily furrowed his brow but quickly smoothed his expression.

"He said that, but he also mentioned that you have no prophetic abilities, so it's likely not the truth. I had thought then that maybe my assistant's particularly keen sensitivity to power would allow him to sense someone on the verge of awakening."

"That's not the correct answer."

"I see, so this isn't it either," Kishiar responded, slightly disappointed. Yuder paused before speaking.

"But assuming he would soon awaken is, in fact, correct."

"Even without a prophecy?"

"Yes."

"So should I take that you said it considering the real possibility that it could have happened?"

Instead of replying, Yuder simply nodded. Kishiar's gaze deepened.

"You don't hold such certainty in everything. Therefore, the difference between what you are certain of and what you're not might be the key to the truth."

A tingling sensation lightly radiated from within his chest.

However, Yuder quickly suppressed the sensation and said nothing.

After what seemed a long period of silence, the man finally spoke. "Thank you."

For saying that.

A brief, tender kiss landed on Yuder's forehead, then pulled away. Staring blankly at Kishiar's unusually youthful smile, Yuder furrowed his brows. His throat tingled inside his tightly sealed lips.

…

Finally, the day to return to the capital after wrapping up all matters had arrived.

The Cavalry stood in formation, dressed in their black uniforms, just as they had upon their arrival. The people of Tainu, regardless of their social status, gathered to witness their departure.

"The atmosphere is completely different from when we first arrived," Ever mused, her face awash with a complex mix of emotions. "Back then, no one paid any attention to us, and if they did, it was only to show hostility."

"While there are still those who are hostile, it's amazing how the overall atmosphere has changed," he continued.

While Ever, Emun, and the remaining members were finishing preparations for departure, Baron Koelt rushed over and dismounted from his carriage. Though his face showed signs of fatigue from already beginning to deal with matters related to Tainu on behalf of Baron Willhem, his expression was noticeably brighter and more fulfilled.

As Baron Koelt surveyed the area, bewildered by the sea of black uniforms, his eyes finally settled on Yuder. He approached cheerfully and greeted him.

"Sir Aile, it's unfortunate we must part ways. Do you happen to know where His Grace the Duke is?"

"He stepped inside for a moment, but he'll be out shortly. Please wait a bit," Yuder responded.

True to his word, Kishiar soon emerged with Nathan by his side. The sight of him in his white uniform temporarily stunned many around them, creating an awkward silence where there had been noise. The Cavalry members, now accustomed to Kishiar's appearance, chuckled quietly at those who seemed to lose their souls upon seeing their Commander's face.

"Ah, Baron Koelt has arrived."

"Your Grace," Baron Koelt greeted, bowing his knee.

Rather than bestowing gifts or flattery upon Kishiar, Baron Koelt quickly discussed several matters, one of which was about the old mage laboratory on the fourth floor of the Security Management Team's underground dungeon.

"I'm sorry I can't return the diary we took immediately. It turns out to be more interesting than expected, so I'll examine it further and send it back to you later. Is that alright?"

"If you need to, please feel free to examine it as much as you want. I don't have the time to study it properly at the moment either. It will be a few months before I can start any meaningful research," Baron Koelt responded.

Yuder's gaze subtly shifted toward Enon, who was standing not far away with Hellem. Mick had decided to return due to some upper-level matters, but Hellem had ultimately decided to accompany the Cavalry to the capital. Hidden within the cloth-covered box that Hellem was carrying was the still-living Pethuamet, or rather, Penpen. Inside the bag that Enon was carrying was the diary of the First Duke Tain.

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