Turning Chapter 898

Chapter 898

"Come to think of it, he's always had a fondness for people like you, ever since he was young."

"...Yes?"

Suddenly, the conversation turned to Kishiar's childhood, catching Yuder off guard and filling him with confusion. Regardless of whether Yuder knew how to react or not, the general just smiled pleasantly.

"Honest, consistent, and yet courageously unpredictable children. If they had a sense of humor, he would definitely want them by his side without a second thought. One such person, brought over by his stubbornness, is now the adjutant."

"Ah...."

The mention of Nathan Zuckerman made it a bit more understandable.

'But, a sense of humor?'

Nathan Zuckerman and humor. It was hard to reconcile, but it was true that he was honest, consistent, and fearless enough to face Nahan alone. The unexpected aspects he occasionally showed in this life proved he wasn't as rigid as one might think.

Whether Yuder Aile was such a person was debatable.

Although Yuder found it hard to agree, he recalled Kishiar once saying something about Nathan Zuckerman and Yuder being quite similar. Maybe it was because they were master and disciple that they saw people similarly. Not sure of the reason, Yuder decided to take it as a compliment and accepted it casually.

"...Um, yes. Thank you."

"Do you think I'm just flattering?"

"Not at all."

"It makes sense now why His Highness always boasted about his assistant."

"..."

Yuder gave up on responding and fell silent.

"Speaking of which, you also wield a sword, right?"

"Yes."

Yuder glanced towards the sword he had leaned at a distance, so as not to intimidate the visiting guests. His sword, which had remained intact since the hailstorm, had since been cleaned and checked and was now quietly resting in its sheath.

General Gino's eyes sparkled with interest at the sight.

"I'm really curious about your skill level. Might I see it sometime?"

"My swordsmanship is not worthy of your attention, General."

"You needn't be so modest. I've heard your main specialty is a sword technique combined with the powers of an Awakener. I've never seen anything like it. I saw others fighting in a similar manner on the day of the hailstorm, but everyone said your skills were the most exceptional."

Many of Yuder's colleagues who had imitated his combat style were now a significant part of the Cavalry. From General Gino's perspective, who used traditional swordsmanship, it must have been quite intriguing to see such a style for the first time.

"Meghna was very curious about it too. Perhaps a sparring session with her would be good?"

Eventually, Yuder agreed that it would be an honor to spar with someone like Meghna Kurlieva. General Gino, satisfied with the answer, stood up from his seat with a content expression.

As Yuder bid farewell, General Gino approached the door. He hesitated for a moment before asking quietly.

"About the sweet potato you mentioned earlier. Once you dig up one, the rest becomes easier, right?”

“That's true. It's only difficult to dig the ground until you find one. Once you've found it, you just have to search around it, which is much easier."

Sweet potatoes are connected by their roots, with several tubers attached. Once one is found, pulling the vine makes it easy to find the rest. Occasionally, the roots break or are buried too deep to be found immediately, but ultimately, they are all connected at the base. Searching the surrounding area usually made it easy to find them.

"Yes. I will never forget the advice you shared today. No matter how old one gets, there's no end to learning," said the General, his laughter both refreshing and slightly bitter.

"The Southern Army is always ready to cooperate with the Cavalry, so if you need anything, just let Captain Sunz know, as you have before."

There was not a hint of hesitation in his departing figure.

Yuder watched the departing figure a little longer than usual before turning away.

Time flies swiftly.

On the day when the fifth or more rift was witnessed in Mclara, and similar phenomena were observed in the nearby Boucheleg, Yuder finally received the Red Stone's medium, secretly sent from the capital.

Covered in multiple layers and hidden among other items, the box looked nothing more than a supply cart for the Cavalry. The one who brought it was none other than the Deputy Commander of the Sul Division, Steiber.

"Yuder! It's good to see you looking healthy after such a long time."

"You too seem healthy, Steiber."

"Well, I haven't been through as much as you, having stayed comfortably in the capital."

Steiber, with his amiable face, greeted him without a hint of fatigue. Yuder nodded in response, casually checking the items inside the wagon, and picked up the box stored in the farthest corner.

"Did you encounter any problems during the transport?"

"It was a bit difficult to bring it among ourselves, but otherwise, it was fine. No one seemed to target it, perhaps because of the Cavalry's emblem boldly displayed."

"That's a relief."

"But... seeing that they even included me and other water-element guys from the Sul Division, the Commander must think the situation here is quite serious, right?"

Steiber asked, maintaining his smile while lowering his voice. Yuder nodded nonchalantly.

"Yes."

Summoning Steiber, who had been guarding the capital like a final bastion, was not only to transport the Red Stone's medium but also to prepare for an unforeseen disaster.

Steiber Rendley's ability was water. The amount of water he could manipulate was leagues apart from Alik, who, despite intense training, could barely summon and control a cupful. As far as Yuder remembered, in a previous life, Steiber had the power to divert an entire small river before retirement. Now, having trained even more, it was highly likely that his control had improved. Aside from Yuder, he was the most adept at handling large quantities of water with precision, making his position as the Deputy Commander of the Sul Division fitting.

'It would make no sense not to call such a person for this mission.'

Steiber had a habit of heading home as soon as he drank, and was also the only one in a group of mostly young people with a wife and children. Everyone had been considerate to let him care for his family, but this time, his powers were desperately needed.

"Great. So it's finally time for this old guy to shine... Seems like I'll have to start warming up right away."

Steiber had always felt a sense of guilt, knowing that while others were struggling and making their mark in different regions, he alone had seemingly done nothing. He understood that guarding was an essential task that someone had to do, but still, it felt uneasy in his heart to stay safe while his younger colleagues were getting hurt.

Therefore, even though he was yet to know what tasks awaited him in the South, his enthusiasm was sky-high.

"Do not overexert yourself until the Commander calls for you."

"Don't worry. Isn't that what I'm best at?"

"Additionally, while you're in the South, alcohol is prohibited."

"Oh, naturally. I'm aware of my limits."

With a nod and a stretch, Steiber expressed his agreement.

"Well then, I should go greet the others. I'm curious to see how much everyone has changed. Oh, right. Are the folks from the other regions arriving soon?"

"Yes. The Northern contingent is already here, and if we're lucky, the East and West will arrive today or tomorrow."

"That's great. It'll be nice to have everyone together after so long."

After Steiber's departure, Yuder returned inside with the box containing the Red Stone's medium. He carefully opened the door to the Commander's bedroom, which was, as expected, silent. Kishiar's faint breathing could be heard, asleep since dawn.

Yuder approached his side and set the box down. Removing his gloves, he took Kishiar's hand that was peeking out from the blanket. The steady pulse in his hand was palpable.

"Commander."

Even when called by name, Kishiar did not wake up immediately. The sight of him, not waking up easily due to being a heavy sleeper, was initially unfamiliar to Yuder, but now he had grown quite accustomed to it.

Yuder gripped the hand a bit tighter and raised his voice.

"Commander, it's time to wake up."

As he spoke, he released the scent, and Yuder's scent slowly filled the previously odorless space. Shortly after, Kishiar's eyes quietly opened.

The one red eye, still unique, revealed itself from beneath the eyelids, looking straight at Yuder. A smile filled his softly curved eyes.

"...There's a fresh scent in the air."

"Steiber arrived today, that's probably why."

"Already?"

"Here, what we've been waiting for has also arrived."

Kishiar's gaze shifted to the box that Yuder was indicating. He didn't need to be told what was inside; he already knew.

"Finally, I can sleep a bit less."