Turning Chapter 767

Chapter 767

"I took it to mean that a new strange crack and more monsters will soon appear in the South."

Yuder's blood ran cold. Kishiar's moving lips were the only thing he could see, everything else was a blur.

Even a scenario contemplated multiple times can still shock when it becomes reality. All the countermeasures he had considered swirled chaotically in his mind. Clenching his fists until they almost crushed, Yuder spoke.

"Did Aton say this after learning that we had vanquished the monsters?"

"No, quite the opposite."

"Excuse me?"

Kishiar's eyebrows drew together as he slightly smiled.

"Aton has been hiding his identity and skills for many years, infiltrating every corner of the empire. He seems to have been performing the role of a leader, capable of issuing orders and guiding others. This means he is likely someone of significant status. You guessed as much, didn't you?"

Spies sent to other countries come in two types. Usually, they are skilled in infiltration and transformation, blending unnoticed among the lower classes. However, this alone makes coordinated and systematic actions challenging.

Thus, leaders are selected to guide these spies, individuals who can prioritize missions even in danger, possess strength, and would never betray their homeland. In other words, only those of considerable status and background are chosen.

Kishiar was referring to the latter.

"Yes, I am aware."

"One might think of nobility when it comes to high status, but not in the southern lands. There, the roles equivalent to nobility are 'Masha' and 'Udaquan' - akin to knights and priests in our terms."

Yuder recalled hearing that Nathan Zuckerman's parents were 'Masha'. They were not merely knights but held a status akin to nobility in those lands.

"Then, was Aton a Masha?"

"No, Nathan believed he was Udaquan."

"Despite wielding a sword?"

"Southerner priests don't shy away from violence or arms like ours do. Rather, they are encouraged. The difference lies in whether they use weapons to protect their tribe or for their faith."

According to Kishiar, Udaquans pride themselves on being the chosen 'Children of the Moon'. They would rather die than mix with the people north of the desert - a form of extreme nationalism.

Yuder then remembered Aton referring to Nathan Zuckerman as 'Makunata' or something, a derogatory term.

'It meant 'fragment of a fallen star', didn't it?'

"And the Southern merchants who volunteered for battle, the phrase they shouted. It took a while to interpret, but it turns out to be a closing phrase from their sacred texts, akin to a refrain. Don’t we sometimes repeat standardized closing phrases when reciting the Sun God’s scriptures?"

"Ah..."

Though he seldom visited temples, Yuder was familiar with such practices due to forced attendance.

“Inia Kta Inia. In the South, they use this phrase to mean ‘Everything will be as the Black Moon wishes’.”

"When did you find this out?"

"Nathan came to me this dawn. He had a hard time uncovering it, even visiting places near where he used to live."

Come to think of it, Nathan Zuckerman’s hometown was also in the South. He had been barely visible since the day after the battle ended, and it seemed that he had been away because of that.

Yuder newly appreciated Nathan Zuckerman's meticulous handling of matters. During his conversation with Aton, he had not only grasped the insulting undertones of the words but also surmised the man's background, deciphering the previously incomprehensible language to report to Kishiar.

Knowing he was best positioned to uncover information about the southern lands, Nathan's actions were calculated and deliberate. Despite the south being neither a fond homeland nor an object of deep emotional attachment to him.

"No matter how thoroughly a spy hides their true intentions, understanding their background and status reveals how to approach them. Scratching a priest is best done with theology, and provoking someone of high status with excessive confidence in their skills is best done with the name of the person who defeated them."

All was well, but something about the last part was odd. As Yuder listened intently, his eyes blinked and his eyebrows twitched, prompting Kishiar to reach out and gently stroke his cheek.

"Yes, the name of the one right here."

Yuder Aile. Even knowing the soft voice wasn't calling for him, Yuder couldn't help but react momentarily.

In Kishiar's eyes, reflecting back in their shared gaze, lay an unreadable expression.

"As soon as he heard about your significant role in dealing with the recent crack and monsters, he reacted strongly. That's why I heard such words earlier."

"Could it be... that's why you didn't take me with you?"

Kishiar's eyes widened, an unspoken affirmation.

"But I wasn't the only one who faced him..."

"Yes, he fought both me and Nathan. But when else has he been utterly overpowered and buried in the ground, if not during his fight with you?"

Indeed, it would be difficult to have such an experience twice. Yuder didn’t usually use such great power to toy a single opponent.

"One more thing to remember. According to recent statements from Duke Tain, the first encounter with him was a few years ago during an attempt at maritime trade between the south and the empire. At that time, other merchants faced Duke Tain, and Aton was in the background. About a year ago, he became closely involved with Duke Tain while preparing for secret trade through the Great Sarain Forest. So, even if born of high status, he wasn't originally a leader of this caliber."

“…So you mean he rose in position within his homeland after becoming an Awakener.”

"Yes. The staff of the southern trading company also changed significantly around the time Aton became a leader. Originally not of a position to lead other Awakeners, his awakening allowed him to do so. Imagine the deep pride someone would feel, gaining such power and a higher position through awakening, despite having a high status but not the corresponding responsibility."

Kishiar mumbled, lifting one corner of his lips.

"I understand the minds of such people well. That's why he couldn't help but react to the name of the person who toyed with his skills."

“...”

“And such things come bigger when they are not seen than when they are seen. Because memories are sometimes more painful than reality.”

In the midst of uncertainty whether Kishiar was being self-deprecating or joking, his words about memories sometimes being more painful than reality resonated deeply within Yuder. As Yuder pondered this, Kishiar continued his explanation.

It seemed that upon hearing Yuder's name and his exploits, Aton couldn't hide his reaction, allowing Kishiar to easily manipulate him. If Yuder himself had been present, Aton's entire focus would have been on him, so their decision to act separately had been the right one.

“So from now on, we need to investigate where the next crack will appear and what the conditions will be. He won’t tell us easily, but we have to dig out the information somehow.”

"I will search as well," Yuder firmly responded.

"Even if the mages can't detect any anomalies in the flow of magic power, setting up a system to constantly monitor various regions will provide us with some means of response."

"Yes, and there are other methods as well. We need to start seeking cooperation from those around us and continue to prepare."

Of course, this was a necessary action. Given the magnitude of the situation, not a single person, be it nobility, knights, or ordinary imperial citizens, could be excluded from responding to this crisis.

However, despite borrowing the strength of others, no one could respond as effectively as Yuder, who had memories from a previous life. This meant that from now on, he must be ready to use his power to the fullest, whenever and wherever necessary.

For that, not a single moment could be wasted. Ideas for strengthening and using his power more frequently flashed through his mind.

With a renewed resolve in his heart, Yuder looked at Kishiar. He realized he should talk to him about the contents of his dream as soon as the mages' investigation was completed.

It was then that the sound of tapping at the window reached them.

Perched on the window was a messenger bird from the Cavalry, a message tied to its leg.