Capítulo 31: Chapter 31
One of the main reasons Yuder had initially dismissed the news of a special forces unit being formed was because he knew how severely the military's morale had deteriorated.
The soldiers before him lacked confidence in their abilities and couldn't envision a future better than their current state.
How could such people have come together to form a special unit? Had someone with power secretly assisted them, offering some tempting reward? Perhaps it was someone like the emperor, who had promised glory to the special forces while driving Yuder towards ruin.
Yuder opened his mouth, meeting their uncertain gazes.
"This power can be an incredible opportunity. Understand its value properly so that you can seize the opportunity when it comes. And if you ever need help with this matter, don't hesitate to seek me out."
"You seem to know more about this power than we do... but how do we know who to turn to?" Emon asked hesitantly.
Instead of answering, Yuder picked up a metal fork from the table.
A moment later, a thin stream of water swirled above the fork, forming a delicate spiral. Emon and Sunz's eyes widened in astonishment at the sight.
"I am Yuder of the Cavalry."
He deliberately omitted his rank. It would likely win him more favor from them that way.
"I've only been with the Cavalry for a few months myself. I'm not much different from you all. But I believe in the future this power can bring. I hope you, too, will come to understand its true worth."
That was all. There were no hidden motives. By stating this openly, he preemptively dispelled any potential for misunderstanding.
Yuder rose, casting a glance at Sunz and Emon, who remained stunned. He had seen all he needed to see. It was time to leave.
"Thank you for showing me around the village, Sunz. I'll be on my way now."
"Ah..."
Yuder turned before Sunz could respond. The young soldiers nearby laughed loudly, oblivious to what had just happened at the corner table.
Even after he left, Sunz and Emon sat in silence for a long time, unable to say a word.
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The next morning, the Cavalry, along with the Knights of Peletta, departed their lodgings at dawn. Kishiar awaited them in front of the base they had seen the previous night, with General Gino at his side.
"I hope you all managed to get some rest last night."
Though he had mentioned drinking with General Gino, Kishiar appeared completely refreshed.
"As I said yesterday, we'll start retrieving the Red Stone today. First, we'll locate it, assess how close we can get, and gather any available information."
General Gino had mentioned that strange energy was emanating from the Red Stone, making it difficult for ordinary people to approach. However, those skilled enough in using Aura, like General Gino, could get closer. The Cavalry couldn't yet predict how they would react when exposed to this energy.
"If, during the journey, anyone feels it's too difficult to approach due to the strange phenomena caused by the stone, stop immediately and report to me before starting your descent. There's no shame in retreating. That, too, will help us gather information."
'Well, with General Gino, the Swordmaster, by our side, we won't have to worry much about any nuisances,' Yuder thought, reinterpreting Kishiar's words in his own way. Kishiar's skill at delivering even tough messages in a soft, convincing tone was still remarkable.
If Yuder had been in that position, he would have bluntly told the weaklings to descend right away and stay out of the way.
'And if they ran into trouble while descending, I would have made sure they knew there'd be consequences.'
"Let's move," Kishiar said, and despite many concerns, he declared he would lead the group. He added that General Gino would be right behind him, yet the Pelleta Knights, tasked with protecting him, still showed clear signs of anxiety. Yuder, however, knowing Kishiar's capabilities, wasn't worried.
'More importantly... I need to find the right moment to talk to him. But when would that be?'
Kishiar moved ahead without hesitation, as if he already knew the path. His steps were light, almost like someone on a casual walk. If it weren't for the divine sword at his waist, one might truly believe that he was just out for a stroll.
Not long after they began, the signs of human passage began to disappear. The birds that had been chirping from the trees also vanished, leaving only the dense forest and the occasional gust of wind.
'So far, nothing feels unusual.'
Yuder, on high alert, carefully monitored the aura around them as they moved.
The path soon turned into a steep incline, but the Cavalry, well-trained and prepared, scaled the mountain without showing any signs of exhaustion. For Yuder, it felt as though he was returning home, which was quite stimulating.
'Having grown up in these mountains, it does feel like I've come home.'
The clear, majestic energy of the Airic Mountain Range welcomed Yuder like an old friend. Though, to the Yuder of eleven years ago, it would have only been a few months since he last visited, to the current Yuder—who had lived and died without returning to his homeland for a long time—it felt like a distant memory.
Before joining the Cavalry, Yuder had spent his days wandering these mountains alone, chopping wood and gathering medicinal herbs. He would wander all day and return home to rest before sunset, repeating the cycle without ever feeling lonely. Probably.
Others had asked how he could live alone in a mountain teeming with monsters and wild beasts, but Yuder never found the place frightening. It must have been his nature.
Even back then, when he was far more naive than now, the core of who he was hadn't changed much.
'A creepy human who is ignorant of emotions.'
'A cold, emotionless human who only knows himself.'
Yuder recalled the words people used to describe him in his youth. Would those who couldn't even meet his gaze out of fear back then say the same about the current Yuder of the Cavalry?
"There's a spring over there. Let's take a short break."
About two hours into their silent climb, Kishiar gestured to a spot ahead and announced a rest. As he pointed out, a spring awaited them, seemingly man-made.
The spring bore no signs of recent human activity. This was evidence that, until two years ago—before the Red Stone fell—people could move freely in the area.
The party members found rocks or tree stumps to sit on and rest. Some approached the spring for a drink. Yuder observed Kanna chatting with the Eldore siblings, noticing how close Kanna and Hinn had grown since they shared accommodations the previous night.
Kishiar, on the other hand, was engaged in conversation with General Gino, a map spread between them. Yuder wondered if there would be a chance to have a private conversation with Kishiar before they retrieved the Red Stone. If not, he might have to approach him directly when the time was right.
"Yuder."
Gakane sat down beside Yuder. Despite the brisk pace of their climb, Gakane showed no sign of fatigue—there wasn't even a drop of sweat on him.
"Feel anything yet?" Gakane asked.
"No."
"Me neither. Looks like everyone's fine so far."
Gakane glanced upward, his expression contemplative. "Do you think the Red Stone is really up there?" he murmured, his eyes scanning the clear, cloudless sky.
"Where did you live before? Is it far from here?"
"Hmm... It would take a few days to get there."
"That far, huh? It would've been nice to visit if it were closer, after we finish our business here."
Yuder observed Gakane's regretful expression, trying to grasp the meaning behind his words. Was this just an extension of Gakane's previous offer to visit his home?
Yuder himself felt no particular desire to return to his old home. If he ever did visit, it would be just to tidy things up.
Back when he became the Cavalry Commander, he had cleaned up his former home and spent the rest of his life in the barracks. He had no attachment to the house where he had once lived.
"There's not much… to see there," Yuder said finally.
"But it's still where you lived. Don't you want to go back and see it, even for a little while?"
What would Gakane think if Yuder said no? Lost in thought, Yuder only became aware of a presence approaching from behind later than usual.
"Go back where?"
"Commander."
Gakane jumped slightly and tried to rise, but Kishiar raised a hand, signaling him to stay seated. It seemed Kishiar had finished his conversation with General Gino and was now alone.
"Was there something other than the mission on your mind?" Kishiar asked.
"No, no," Gakane stammered, clearly intimidated by their commander. His eyes darted to Yuder, silently asking for help.
Yuder, ever calm, spoke. "My hometown is nearby."
"Hmm. Your hometown?" Kishiar's red eyes flickered with interest. "I see. So it's relatively close, then?"
"Not exactly. The Airic Mountains are vast."
Kishiar nodded thoughtfully. "I understand. You were discussing visiting it if it were nearby."
Finally, Kishiar seemed to piece together the conversation that had been going on between Gakane and Yuder.
"Yes."
"I see... Yuder, I remember you don't have a family. Do you miss your hometown?"
Estado de energía semanal
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Poder 
-- Piedra de
Poder