Turning Chapter 779

Chapter 779

"All of you have worked hard to get here," said Kishiar, as everyone who had come from the capital finally gathered in one place. This assembly was no small event, as it included most of the key figures currently composing the Cavalry.

Looking over those gathered, Kishiar, with his usual leisurely smile, said, "I'm glad to see everyone in good health. We used a somewhat 'special' method of travel this time. Were there any unusual occurrences during the journey?"

The 'special' method of travel, of course, referred to the power of Hosanna. Realizing this, Ever, acting as their representative, responded, "Yes, everything went smoothly. The final destination, arranged by you, was within a reasonable range of deviation, allowing us to safely meet the guide."

Kishiar had shared the news of their arrival with only a handful of people in the capital and had selected a location where a sudden appearance of many wouldn't attract attention.

At that spot, only Nathan Zuckerman, pre-instructed, was waiting. Not being a member of the Cavalry, his presence didn’t draw the attention of other powers within Charloin, making him an ideal guide. Without him, it would have been impossible to swiftly identify and safely lead the members who landed a bit further than planned to the southern branch.

"It's good to hear. Having experienced this special mode of travel, I assume you have some thoughts to share compared to the previous methods?" Kishiar asked.

"To be honest... it was truly an incredible ability, beyond imagination," answered Ever, seriously.

"Transporting so many people instantly, and then recovering in just a few hours. According to Hosanna, he used to transport even larger groups over longer distances and still be fine. I believe his teleportation ability is unmatched by any existing means."

Hosanna had regained his powers miraculously after hearing the news about Nahan. Though not fully recovered, his ability to teleport was limited to shorter distances, yet the Cavalry managed to travel from the capital to the south in just four days.

The four days were mostly due to Hosanna needing breaks to endure the aftereffects, with the actual travel time being less than half a day. As Ever said, it was an unrivaled ability in terms of transportation.

"Moreover, it seems his power was recovering over the journey, as the recovery time shortened significantly by the last teleportation. Initially, he had to be carried after using his power, but by the time we reached the southern branch, he was walking on his own. Though we put him with Mage Alik’s suppression device and kept his face hidden, we still need to be cautious to prevent his escape," Ever added.

"What does Deputy Commander Kanna think about Deputy Commander Ever's concerns?" Kishiar inquired, turning his attention to Kanna, who had been listening quietly.

Kanna, entrusted with escorting Hosanna along with Gakane due to her ability to sense any intention of escape, replied, "When we arrived in the south, I didn't sense any intention other than nervousness from Hosanna."

She continued, somewhat tensely, "For now, his biggest emotions seem to be concern for Nahan and skepticism towards the sage. But as Deputy Commanders Ever said, we shouldn't let our guard down. His thoughts might change once he meets the other Awakeners from the Stars of Nagran, given his fragile mindset."

"Skepticism towards the sage, that's an interesting development. Does it seem he's become aware of his own brainwashing?"

"Ever since he heard about the confrontation between Nahan and the sage, his attitude when speaking about the sage has been changing," Kanna reported. According to her, Hosanna had recently stopped speaking positively about the sage. Following any negative remarks about the sage, he often complained of headaches and other pains. These symptoms were much milder than when directly questioned by Kishiar and Nathan Zuckerman, but they were frequent nonetheless.

Kanna initially thought these symptoms were due to his recovering powers, but as they persisted even after his powers had somewhat returned, she started to believe they were more likely the aftereffects of his brainwashing breaking down. "But it could be both," she added.

"It seems there is indeed a change. Then, entering the underground area where the Awakeners' powers are limited could intensify this change," mused Kishiar.

"Ah, are you referring to the area that limits the Awakeners' abilities, which I've only heard about?"

"Yes, the very place that has greatly relieved us from surveillance duties," Kishiar responded, prompting a collective chuckle from the group. Yuder, who had been sitting quietly by Kishiar and observing the meeting, sensed the difficulties hidden in their laughter.

The Cavalry members had spent a significant amount of effort surveilling the captured Awakeners. As the number of subjects to watch grew, their ability to perform their regular duties and training diminished. Despite the inconvenience, it was a necessary task.

The suppression device developed by Alik was still under research and not yet ready for widespread use. The solution found in the south had been a great relief to them.

"Thanks to the exceptional Awakener, Reneve, our efforts have been significantly reduced. Be sure to express your gratitude when you meet her."

"It's truly fascinating to think that such an ability exists. The south seems to be home to some remarkable Awakeners," Kanna remarked, her eyes lighting up with excitement, despite being a rare Awakener herself.

"Perhaps showing this space to Mage Alik could aid in the development of the suppression device. Although, I suspect you already plan to do that, Commander," she added, seemingly realizing how meticulously their Commander planned.

Without embarrassing her, Kishiar smiled and praised her insight. "Indeed, I intend to have him there, but it's reassuring to have a Deputy Commanders who understands my intentions. Since we're on the topic, would you accompany Alik when he visits the area?"

"Certainly! It's an honor to serve the new master of the divine sword, the one who has shown the ultimate skill in swordsmanship!" Kanna responded enthusiastically, brightening the mood of the meeting. Kishiar, feigning surprise, chuckled softly.

"Is that flattery?"

"No flattery, Commander, just the truth. Even we, the Deputy Commanders, have never seen you unleash your aura. Hearing that others have witnessed it made us initially envious. But now, I'm just glad to belatedly celebrate your achievement! I've wanted to say this from the beginning."

Kanna's words implied that, though the members were surprised to learn of his status as a Swordmaster, they had no doubt about his capabilities and trusted him implicitly. None of the members showed any negativity towards the fact that Kishiar had hidden his power from them all this time. The question of why he concealed such extraordinary abilities was similarly received without any sign of dissent.

A relaxed atmosphere around the Commander didn't mean that one could behave too familiarly with him. The members naturally maintained a respectful distance, understanding that if he chose not to speak of something, there must be a good reason for it.

This environment – gentle yet disciplined, where everyone knew what to respect and maintain – was the ideal embodiment of the Cavalry as Kishiar had shaped it.

"Hmm, it seems direct praise really does have its own flavor," Kishiar remarked with a blatantly cheeky grin. Encouraged by this, Kanna and the other members, as if they couldn't contain themselves, began to speak up one by one.

"What exactly did you do with your aura back then? I can't quite picture it from the stories."

"Is it possible for you to combine your aura with the power of an Awakener?"

"Ah, I wish I had been there in the south to fight alongside..."

Their voices, a mix of genuine admiration and pride for their Commander, soon grew louder, resembling excited children.

Among them was Gakane, whose face flushed at the mention of swords.

"If there's a chance, we would love to witness your swordsmanship, Commander!"

"Ha ha, alright, I understand. I'll show you this evening, so calm down."

"Really? You promise!"

With a wave of his hand, Kishiar calmed the excited members and smoothly changed the topic.

"But before that, we have tasks to attend to. I'll inform you about the current situation in the south and what we need to do. Pay attention, and remember, nothing said here should be accidentally leaked to the outside."

The previously relaxed atmosphere instantly tightened up. Everyone straightened their postures, alert and eager not to miss a single word from Kishiar.

Yuder, already familiar with much of this information through direct experience and his own inputs, didn't need to focus as intensely. He observed his colleagues, visibly tense yet confident, and then turned his gaze to Kishiar, who continued his explanations and instructions without any hesitation.