Chapter 68: Chapter 68
"I've just sent a letter to the Lord of Hartan regarding Devran's whereabouts. If there are any updates once I receive a response, I'll send you a carrier pigeon. You should take one with you as well, in case something unexpected occurs and you need to contact me."
"I understand."
"Oh, wait a moment."
Yuder, who had turned to leave, paused and looked back. Kishiar was thoughtfully staring at a piece of parchment.
"Do you have further instructions?"
"Yuder, you haven't manifested your secondary gender yet, correct?"
"...Yes, that's correct."
Yuder was momentarily taken aback by Kishiar's unexpected question about his secondary gender.
"That Gakane Volunwald accompanying you, he's an Alpha Awakener, isn't he?"
"That's what I've heard."
What is Kishiar La Orr trying to say? Yuder couldn't control the tension building in his expression, which hardened as he waited.
"There's something else you should be aware of. It might be nothing, but we've received reports that Jimmy Ocker may be showing signs of secondary gender manifestation."
"Jimmy?"
"I'm not certain. There's still much we don't know about the signs leading to the manifestation of a secondary gender. Even if the signs are there, it doesn't mean it'll happen immediately."
"Ah… I see."
Yuder nodded, feeling his previous anxiety cool down. He felt almost foolish for having been so tense.
"Even if the signs are there, it's just a slight fever for now. It seems unlikely that he'll manifest, but it wouldn't hurt to be cautious."
"I understand."
He considered whether it might be better not to take Jimmy with him, but hesitated, remembering the boy's excited expression. In the end, Yuder decided to pay closer attention to Jimmy's condition.
'After all, Whether it's Gakane or Jimmy, it's my responsibility to handle,'
The idea that Gakane might feel wronged if he knew crossed Yuder's mind, but before he could dwell on it, Kishiar continued studying his face.
"So far, there haven't been any cases of secondary gender manifestation within the division. But after receiving this report, I thought it wise to prepare some regulations in advance, just as you suggested."
Yuder blinked, feeling a strange sense of unfamiliarity at the comment.
"...Ah, yes."
"All the regulations concerning the Cavalry should be finalized soon. Check them when you return. Once they're announced, it'll be difficult to make any changes."
"I understand."
"Once the regulations are in place, that will mark the beginning of something new. I plan to propose a law related to Awakeners in the Imperial Law and support research in this area. If we can conceal the disadvantages and highlight the benefits early on, it will make things much easier moving forward. Prepare yourself for a busier schedule."
In his previous life, Yuder had fought an uphill battle to push through regulations and laws concerning the second gender, constantly clashing with greedy nobles who opposed them.
At that time, there had been barely any scholars conducting proper research on the abilities and physical changes of Awakeners. It was nearly impossible for Yuder, the leader of the Cavalry and a commoner, to correct the rampant misconceptions and prejudice on his own.
Kishiar's presence alone was enough to shift the tide. As the commander, he held the power and vision to bring about swift changes. While launching the Cavalry early had been advantageous, it was Kishiar's foresight that made the process move so rapidly. If Kishiar hadn't envisioned a future beyond Yuder's initial proposals, the changes would have stalled.
Though he couldn't change what had happened in the past, Yuder felt a deep sense of conviction that his latest decisions were the right ones. He bowed his head respectfully.
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Afterward, Yuder set off immediately with Gakane and Jimmy. Unlike before, when they had the assistance of the Pearl Tower mages for transportation, this time they traveled on ordinary horses.
"We'll move as quickly as possible, so rest time will be minimal, and we won't stop for lodgings at night. We'll also need to switch horses frequently, so stay on pace," Yuder instructed.
"Understood,"
"Don't worry about me. I rode here on my own when I came to take the Cavalry test," Jimmy said confidently, his face determined.
"On your own? Impressive. Did you run into any trouble?" Gakane asked.
"There was a thief who followed and tried to rob me. But after I split a rock with my sword, he ran off in fear," Jimmy chuckled, his hand resting proudly on the small sword at his waist.
All of them carried training swords at the moment, as Kishiar was preparing custom weapons for each member. Even so, their skill with the training swords was more than sufficient, and no one complained.
'He doesn't look feverish…' Yuder thought as he observed Jimmy, who was happily riding his horse. He recalled Kishiar's warning about Jimmy possibly showing signs of secondary gender manifestation. The most common symptom was a fever that lasted several days.
Of course, the signs varied from person to person. Some had different symptoms, while others, like Yuder, manifested their second gender suddenly without any warning signs.
'I wasn't much different when my second gender manifested… If things are the same this time around, Jimmy doesn't have much time left.'
Yuder's sudden manifestation had drastically altered his life. This time, he was determined to prepare in advance and avoid a similar experience for Jimmy.
"Gakane, keep an eye on Jimmy during the journey," Yuder said quietly as they rode side by side. While jimmy was a little ahead.
"Huh? Why, did something happen?"
"The Commander mentioned that Jimmy might be showing symptoms of second gender manifestation. I'm still new to this, so I might miss something, but you're more experienced. You'd probably notice if something changes."
"Oh, really? The Commander said that?" Gakane's eyes widened, and he glanced toward Jimmy.
"I don't sense anything yet, but I'll watch him closely."
"If you notice anything, let me know immediately."
A small cage, no larger than Yuder's palm, hung from his saddle. Inside, a pigeon perched calmly, seemingly unaffected by the movement of the horse. This was Yuder's means of communication with Kishiar, ready for use at a moment's notice.
Considering that even Gakane hadn't sensed anything unusual, the chances of Jimmy's manifestation seemed low. But one could never be too sure.
If Jimmy were to manifest as an Alpha, it wouldn't be a concern. However, if he manifested as an Omega, there was a possibility that Gakane, being an Alpha, could be affected.
'Well… I'll just have to keep a closer watch to ensure that doesn't happen,'
Even if such a situation did arise, it would be manageable. Isolating an individual was always an option.
If it were Kishiar, things might be different, who concealing immense power that it couldn't even be fully understood. But Yuder was confident he could easily handle individuals like Gakane and Jimmy if necessary.
'In terms of swordsmanship, Awakener power, and divine power... It's almost a blessing that there aren't two monstrous individuals like Kishiar hiding even more unimaginable abilities.'
Even knowing some of Kishiar's power, Yuder couldn't fathom its limits.
Shaking off the unnecessary thoughts, Yuder reminded himself to focus on the task at hand.
'Let's focus on what's right in front of us.'
They rode relentlessly throughout the day, switching horses whenever they became tired. Each time, they borrowed new ones from nearby villages.
The pass Kishiar had given them before departure proved incredibly useful. It allowed them to be treated like imperial messengers, granting them access to fresh horses from local guards or lords.
The pace would have been grueling for ordinary people, but for Awakeners like them, it was easier than their regular training. Even Jimmy didn't show signs of fatigue.
"Jimmy, your hometown is near Devran's, right? How close is it exactly?" Gakane asked while they rode.
Jimmy, whose parents owned a well-known shop in the Eastern region, replied confidently.
"It's not too far. A few hours away, maybe? A lot of people from Hartan used to come to my village to shop."
He disparaged Hartan as a small, insignificant village with few shops. The market wasn't flourishing, and the locals often had to visit nearby villages to buy anything.
"I heard the lord there is quite old," Jimmy continued. "He doesn't care much for his subjects. He has a married daughter and two sons, if I remember correctly."
"Who's next in line for the lordship when he passes away?" Gakane asked.
"The eldest will inherit it. Since the eldest daughter is married, she might take over."
"The atmosphere is different in the South," Gakane, Who was from the south, murmured thoughtfully.
"Where I'm from, the youngest inherits everything—the titles, the estate—everything the parents leave behind."
"That's strange. What happens to the older siblings?"
"The older ones get more support while growing up and usually become independent. But the youngest? They have nothing except the parents' inheritance. So, the older siblings yield."
At Gakane's words, Jimmy opened his mouth and tilted his head.
"Huh... When you put it that way, it does make sense,"
"Haha. You should visit sometime. It'll surprise you," Gakane laughed.
"I'll do that."
Watching the two chat like brothers, Yuder scanned the area. They had taken the fastest route, veering away from the safer trade roads. The path they were on now was dark and eerily quiet. It was Jimmy who had recommended this route as the quickest.
'Judging by the well-trodden path and the surroundings, this seems like a frequently used route. But it's odd that it's so deserted. It feels like something could jump out any moment...'
Suddenly, a voice echoed through the stillness.
"Halt, you scoundrels!"
Weekly Power Status
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