Turning Chapter 799

Chapter 799

"To me, 'eternity' feels like a word too far removed to be comprehensible. What are your thoughts on this word, Commander?"

Kishiar, who usually responded promptly to any question, uncharacteristically remained silent. Sensing the quickening of his own heart, Yuder added, "You need not force an answer if it's difficult for you…"

"It's not that it's difficult. Rather, it's quite simple," Kishiar finally spoke.

"I remember the emotions I felt when I delved deeper into the meaning of that word while reading ancient texts. To us, living in the present, 'eternity' feels like something infinite, without beginning or end. However, people in the era of ancient languages didn't see it that way. They viewed it as the two ends of a string. Like this."

Kishiar then showed Yuder something right before his eyes. It was a golden, glittering string from the coat he had cast off earlier.

"When a string exists as one, its ends seem to face opposite directions. But when these two ends meet…" Kishiar brought the ends of the string together, forming not a straight line, but a circle.

"The moment the beginning and the end meet, we can no longer distinguish between the two. They continue in an eternal cycle, together."

Yuder gazed at the circle formed by the joined string, just as Kishiar had said.

"So, 'beginning and end' came to mean 'eternity'," he mused.

"Yes. It's a paradigm shift from the old belief that the end is simply the disappearance of everything. It's not about being infinite and expanding, but about being constant and unchanging," Kishiar explained, tying the string into a complete circle.

A circle where the beginning and the end become indistinguishable. One end is the start of the other, and vice versa.

"After realizing this, the meaning of 'eternity' has significantly changed for me. It's no longer a vague goal or ideal, but rather a comfort and a wish."

It wasn't easy to comprehend immediately, but emotionally, he felt he somewhat understood.

Kishiar tightly embraced Yuder, who was deep in thought, and rested his head on him.

"This is purely my current perspective; I can't know for sure what the original creator of the name intended. But, if I were to guess, it might not be too different... Is this too much of an unnecessary story for you?" he wondered.

Through these brief words, Kishiar conveyed much to Yuder.

Even without Yuder's confirmation, Kishiar had already surmised who had coined the name 'Yudrain.' He had given his best in answering Yuder's question.

And he was fully aware and concerned about all the cold and piercing feelings and doubts Yuder held towards Kishiar La Orr from his previous life.

Feeling the strong heartbeat of the man embracing him, Yuder closed his eyes, pondering for a long time before finally speaking.

"No. It was I who asked to hear it. Your response is more than sufficient. Thank you."

A little more strength was added to the man's embrace upon hearing the small gratitude. Yuder, nestled in his arms, turned his gaze to the string, now tied in a round shape and swaying before his eyes.

A cycle where the end is not the end but a new beginning.

Eternity.

As he continued to look at it, he thought that it was somewhat similar to his life, which did not end after he died but came back here and started again from the beginning.

"If that's the case... perhaps I have truly lived up to my name."

It was a humorous thought. However, considering that this very notion led him to meet the man he was now sharing warmth with, it didn't seem too bad.

No, it definitely wasn't bad.

—

Several days had passed since then.

The volunteers from the capital had adapted wonderfully to the south, dedicating themselves to their duties. Thanks to their efforts, the southern region, which had been in chaos due to the death of the Second Prince of Herne and the sudden appearance of monsters, quickly stabilized. People returned to their daily lives as if nothing had happened.

Yuder, too, was no longer plagued by the nightmares of the past, allowing him to devote himself to his work as before.

And now, he stood a step behind Kishiar, welcoming a special visitor to the southern branch.

"Duke, or rather, Commander of the Cavalry. It's been a long time since we last met."

"General Gino. You look well, which pleases me."

General Gino, whom he had not seen in a long time, looked almost unchanged from the last time they met. Even for a swordmaster, known for their slow aging, it was a remarkable case of youthfulness.

Considering that a swordmaster's aging slows with the accumulation of aura and depth of training, it meant that even at his age, the general had not neglected his practice.

'I wonder how skilled he actually is. I never saw it in my previous life.'

While Yuder observed General Gino with an expressionless face, Kishiar exchanged handshakes and engaged in easy conversation with the general.

"It's nice to see you in your uniform after such a long time. It brings back old memories."

"Well, there aren't many occasions to wear this uniform. But since I'm here, I might as well attend the funeral."

"The death of the Second Prince of Herne was truly a tragedy."

The body of the Second Prince of Herne had been recovered by the First Princess after the examination was completed after the murderer was caught. The funeral was being prepared, but it was uncertain when it would take place as the Duke of Herne had yet to arrive.

"Speaking of which, I heard some delightful news. Is it true, Commander, that you have become the new swordmaster of this nation?"

"Haha. You're asking about that right away? You must have been very curious."

As Kishiar laughed playfully, General Gino nodded seriously.

"Of course. Since me, there hasn't been anyone in this Empire who reached the pinnacle of swordsmanship, and I was deeply saddened by that. You must know better than anyone."

After saying this, General Gino looked at him with intense earnestness.

"So, is it really true?"

Even though the rumors were as good as fact, hearing it confirmed from the person himself was different. He wanted Kishiar to confirm the truth.

Kishiar smiled enigmatically for a moment, then finally nodded emphatically as General Gino became visibly anxious.

"Yes. It's as you heard. That's what happened."

"By God! This is incredible."

General Gino's eyes reddened with emotion. He immediately knelt on one knee before Kishiar and bowed his head.

"I sincerely congratulate you. I have always dreamed that when a new swordmaster emerged, it would be you. Now that my dream has come true, this old swordsman has no more regrets."

Behind the emotionally overwhelmed general, his subordinates, not knowing what to do, also dropped to their knees in a collective gesture.

"Don't do this, General. I am no longer a Prince, but Duke Peletta and the Commander of the Cavalry. There's no need for such formalities. Your men seem uncomfortable behind you."

"Oh, my apologies. I got carried away in my joy, reverting to old habits..."

General Gino then stood up again. Yet, he continued to gaze at Kishiar, his eyes moist, unable to stop smiling.

"Long ago, the time I spent teaching the Young Princes swordsmanship remains one of the most treasured and shining moments of my life. When such a talented individual as yourself chose to no longer wield a sword, it pained me deeply... but it turns out you've been practicing all along."

"Haha. I hope you're not too upset that I kept it a secret, even from you?"

"Upset? Not at all. Rather, I admire that even during difficult times, you never abandoned the sword. As a fellow swordsman, that's worthy of respect. Truly... it's a blessing for the Empire."

General Gino seemed undisturbed by the fact that Kishiar had kept his status as a swordmaster hidden even from him. Kishiar, smiling, responded.

"To receive such praise from a teacher who was always so strict is overwhelming. But tell me, General."

"Yes?"

"Have you not heard the rumors that I am not the only swordmaster?"

"What?"

General Gino blinked in surprise.