Turning Chapter 717

Chapter 717

In the moment Nathan Zuckerman tried to grasp Aton's shoulder, which had been turned over, Aton raised his head. A different expression flickered in his eyes than before.

"Zuckerman... Zuckerman, huh? That's not a common surname. If I recall correctly, it was the surname of 'Makunata,' a servant that was adopted by Duke Pelleta, the Commander of the Cavalry."

Nathan Zuckerman's hands, which had always remained calm, briefly paused. In their mutual gaze, Aton continued to speak.

"I heard about this Makunata rising from a servant to a knight, but I never heard he was skilled enough to take on the enemy alone after the hero of the Cavalry stepped aside. And amazingly, my own subordinate, no easy catch, couldn't even inflict a scratch on you."

A silence hung between them.

"When I faced three unknown people in Tainu's secret warehouse, one of them pushed me back using only a sword, without infusing it with the power of the Awakener or sword energy, and then disappeared. Later, while escaping from Tainu, I briefly collaborated with another Awakener who warned me that among pursuing Peletta knights, there's one who has reached the pinnacle of swordsmanship. Is that you?"

The identity of this temporary ally was clearly Nahan, who had fled from Nathan.

Nathan remained silent. Yet, Aton's lips twisted as if he had heard an answer.

"What a waste. Makunata, with such tremendous talent, not living as a child of the moon but wasting his life here."

The children of the moon. Yuder recalled Nathan Zuckerman once mentioning that the people of the southern countries referred to themselves in this way. It was the first time he actually heard it.

"So?" Nathan finally retorted.

"What are you trying to say?"

"Why aren't you seeking your kin, who may still be living under the desert sand? Wouldn't Makunata, if alive, have wished to return across the desert?"

So, Aton wanted to ask Nathan Zuckerman why, as a fellow Southerner, he was siding with the Cavalry and Duke Peletta. Realizing that he was a precious swordmaster yet hiding this fact, Aton might have thought of various conspiracy theories, even if he wasn’t particularly clever.

‘He might be thinking that Nathan Zuckerman is being exploited after being forced to hide his identity... It’s a plausible thought. It's worth probing if it's true.’

The nature of 'Makunata' was unclear, but Zuckerman's parents were southern warriors taken as prisoners, suggesting a connection.

Aton's demeanor was so genuine that it might have shaken Nathan Zuckerman if he truly was a powerful being forced to live in hiding like a caged beast. His eyes showed sincere regret and anger for the other's situation.

Aton continued his pleading.

"A river cannot flow from the bottom to the top. Stars shine brightest when together. If you wish to return across the desert, we'll aid you. No child of the moon would refuse a true comrade of the sword. I too am one."

Yuder, silently observing, reflected anew on what he knew of Zuckerman.

In his past life, Yuder had realized Zuckerman's prowess when he accidentally encountered his aura during a fight. Back then, unaware of Kishiar also being a swordmaster, Yuder couldn't fathom why Zuckerman continued to serve as an adjutant, concealing his true identity.

‘Honestly, I had no interest at all.’

Even dealing with Kishiar alone was burdensome enough, let alone concerning himself with the affairs of Nathan Zuckerman, who served under Kishiar. At best, he had only entertained the thought of one day defeating Zuckerman.

But now, he knew both Kishiar's true capabilities and the reasons for keeping them hidden. Considering Nathan Zuckerman's genuine loyalty, it seemed likely he didn’t consider revealing himself important in a situation where his lord had to hide his entire existence and power for a greater cause.

Yuder didn’t think Nathan Zuckerman would respond to such a proposition, but since he didn’t know his entire life story, he couldn’t be sure and thus tensed up.

Finally, Nathan Zuckerman slowly spoke.

"An offer not even worth listening to."

"What?"

"It seems like you don't even expect me to accept it. Why waste time talking? Are you waiting for someone to come to your rescue?"

Aton's expression shifted.

Zuckerman, observing his face, continued calmly.

“To answer you... I am not, but my parents were children of the moon. So, I am aware that only those born under the desert sands and who have cried their first in that land can be called children of the moon. As proof, you also don’t consider me as one of your kin, hence you keep calling me Makunata. A fragment of a fallen star. Useless like garbage, a worthless trace.”

Aton fell silent. Yuder was somewhat surprised to realize the deeper, more derogatory meaning of 'Makunata'.

"Even if there are others sharing my parents' blood, I have no intention of returning there. I've long decided where I belong."

Yuder looked into Zuckerman's deep blue eyes, uttering those words with conviction. He felt he could almost palpably understand Zuckerman's emotions and predict his next words.

"My name is not Makunata; it's Nathan Zuckerman. Following you, I'd be nothing but a half-breed trash named 'Makunata', but here, I can honorably serve a master who respects me for who I am. The choice is obvious, no need to say it."

Zuckerman's gaze was calm and steady, free of any fear or hesitation, radiating the confidence of someone who had long decided his path. Aton's expression twisted in realization.

"Seems you're thoroughly brainwashed, unfortunately."

"..."

"I made the offer because it's a waste of talent, but if that's your decision, so be it. Understood."

"Sir Zuckerman."

Yuder called out in a low voice, sensing something suspicious in Aton's overly composed demeanor.

"Let's end this..."

"I didn't come here unprepared, as you might think. Yes, I was indeed buying time."

Before Yuder could finish, Aton spoke, admitting to the tactic, prompting Zuckerman to question.

"Even if more of your rescue party comes, they won't be able to save you."

"True. I now fully acknowledge that you are skilled enough to have such confidence."

'What is he planning?'

The surroundings were eerily quiet for a rescue party to be expected. No signs of them were detected.

In such a situation, where he was caught and overpowered, what could he possibly be thinking?

Yuder raised his alertness, ready to act at any moment, and looked at the ring on his hand. At a signal, the other pair of rings worn by Kishiar would respond.

"It's surprising that you know so much about us. Yet, despite knowing that we've been meeting and dealing with Duke Tain for years, you seem not to fully grasp the reason."

"Don't even think about playing tricks. I'll cut off your head immediately."

Nathan Zuckerman warned softly, gripping the hilt of his sword. He was someone who could make good on that threat any time. Aton knew this too, but he wasn’t scared at all, instead, he smiled.

"No. You can't do that. It seems about time now."

‘...What time?’

"What do you mean?"

Echoing Yuder's perplexed thoughts, Zuckerman pressed his sword to Aton's neck. Blood seeped out, yet Aton's expression remained unchanged.

“Haven’t you ever wondered why the Second Prince of Herne died now, of all times?”

“…To frame the Cavalry for this crime and shake the succession of Herne?”

Yuder responded. Aton nodded slightly, his gaze shifting.

“Yes, you’re well-informed. But there’s something more crucial. The incident tied down the Cavalry, and it led skilled individuals like you, including the Commander, to come out. A natural action to clear your names and investigate. I didn’t expect you to reach here so quickly, though.”

What was he trying to say? Yuder frowned, about to knock the man unconscious when he felt a strange vibration from his raised finger.

“…”

Yuder saw his ring shining and trembling. Turning his head, he saw Nathan Zuckerman observing his own bracelet with a peculiar expression. His bracelet, too, was quivering and glowing like Yuder's.

These paired magic tools could communicate with each other.

Since they hadn’t initiated contact, it must have come from the other side.

‘…Kishiar.’

His heart, previously fearless, suddenly sank with a heavy thud.