Capítulo 44: Chapter 44
"Why, then, do you keep that fact a secret? There's no need to hide it, is there?"
"I suppose so. But it's a power that, when revealed, wouldn't bring much good. It's almost as if it doesn't exist at all. I think it's easier to act as though it never has."
Yuder blinked in confusion at the seemingly playful response. Kishiar smiled softly, amusement flickering in his eyes.
"Seeing you risk your life and use your strength to save others time and time again made me decide to use this power. If people knew I'd done so, my adjutant Nathan would likely have a fit. He might even forbid me from going out at night. So, let's keep this between us. Consider it our little pact."
Yuder stared at Kishiar's smiling face, unsure of when the truth ended and deception began.
Could someone truly exist who would refuse to use such a power unless at the very brink of death? And yet, the Kishiar of the past wouldn't have answered that question, even if asked.
"...I understand. But may I ask one more thing?" Yuder hesitated for a moment.
"Sure, as long as it's not about whether I possess the powers of the Awakened, the divine, and those of a knight," Kishiar replied, humor dancing in his eyes.
Yuder was momentarily speechless, taken aback by how casually Kishiar had laid bare his thoughts. He looked like a mischievous boy who had successfully pulled off a clever prank.
"You're the only one here who knows that I was chosen by the divine sword," Kishiar continued, his red eyes gleaming like a sun that seemed to illuminate everything. "I figured you'd have questions the moment you saw me use divine power."
His easy confidence, combined with his ability to discern Yuder's thoughts without revealing his own, was almost too much to take in.
"...Is that even possible?" Yuder asked softly, deliberately omitting the specifics—the three powers. Though their comrades had left and no one else was within earshot, caution seemed prudent.
"Well, what do you think?"
"If it's true, then who or what could ever pose a threat to you?"
That is, assuming Kishiar hadn't deliberately allowed an attack to hit him.
"...Even if someone charged at you, they wouldn't stand a chance."
Kishiar, usually perceptive, failed to catch the fleeting shadows of the past that briefly flickered in Yuder's dark eyes.
"Haha, you're better at flattery than I thought. I never would've guessed, given that you don't seem the type to say things just to appease others."
"I simply stated the truth."
"Perhaps you're right. But what does it matter?" Kishiar's red eyes darkened slightly as if contemplating something .
"No matter what powers I possess, they mean little to me. What I truly need is something else entirely."
His words left Yuder speechless once more.
To dismiss the extraordinary idea of one person wielding the power of an Awakener, divine might, and aura…
The Kishiar he encountered after returning to the past was even more enigmatic and unfathomable than the one he remembered. Even Yuder, who had experienced countless trials and matured over the past decade, found it difficult to fully grasp him.
"Then, what do you believe you need, sir?"
"Do you really want to know?" Kishiar's youthful, carefree, and world-weary gaze vanished in an instant. In its place was the relaxed, almost indolent demeanor of a duke, his eyes curving gently as he smiled.
"Accept the position of Cavalry assistant, and maybe I'll tell you."
"Assistant...?" Yuder blinked, taken aback. "Wait a moment. There's no such position, is there?"
Indeed, there hadn't been. In the past, Kishiar had delegated all assistant duties to his adjutant, Nathan Zuckerman. Matters concerning the Cavalry were entrusted to the deputy commanders, including Yuder himself. It had always been enough. But now, a position as Cavalry Assistant?
"Just create one," Kishiar replied smoothly, as though he'd been thinking of it all along. "It seems you're reluctant to accept the role of Deputy Commander, so I thought I'd make a position that's more comfortable. One that nobody else would be responsible for."
His tone was so casual, it made it sound as if he had thought of this all along..
"The Cavalry was only recently formed, so there's plenty of room for flexibility. I consider myself fortunate."
"..."
"You don't like this idea either?" Kishiar's hand, still glowing faintly with healing power, tightened around Yuder's, preventing any resistance or escape. The treatment wasn't finished, leaving Yuder trapped—both physically and in conversation.
Yuder shot a somewhat disrespectful glance at the man in front of him, who seemed to thoroughly enjoy the situation.
"Why do you value me so highly?"
"Isn't it obvious? Your determination to repay those who threaten your life with their own lives, and your exceptional judgment to protect others even at the cost of your own safety. Your combat skills are on par with seasoned knights who've survived countless battlefields. If I don't value you highly, then who should I value?"
"I'm not the only one like that, Everyone else was the same."
"The other members performed admirably, but the composure you displayed can't be gained from just a few months of training. That's what I value most."
The light from Kishiar's hand began to fade, signaling the end of Yuder's treatment. Yet, his grip remained firm, filled with a certain resolute intent. Yuder glanced down at his hand, still held by Kishiar, before speaking again.
"And if I refuse...?"
"Then I'll create the position of Cavalry Training Officer," Kishiar responded without hesitation.
Yuder blinked in surprise. Even if he refused, it seemed another similar offer would follow immediately. It was clear that Kishiar had already made up his mind. When he had suggested a new position earlier, it had seemed somewhat tentative, but now it was undeniable. Having rejoined the Cavalry, Yuder realized there were limits to how many times he could refuse the Commander's will—especially if that will was sincere.
"I understand," Yuder finally said, nodding.
"You've made a wise decision." Kishiar smiled warmly as he released his grip. "We'll discuss the details when we return."
But just as Kishiar withdrew his hand, a look of rare surprise flashed across his face. His eyes widened, confusion clear in his expression. Yuder, too, felt an odd sense of bewilderment.
"...Hm?" Kishiar murmured, still perplexed.
"This is..."
The bruise on the back of Yuder's hand, which should have completely healed by now, hadn't vanished entirely. It had only shrunk to a small, dark red spot that stubbornly remained on his skin. Both men fell silent as they stared at it.
"...It wasn't an ordinary injury," Kishiar muttered, his eyes narrowing.
"Tell me exactly how you got hurt, Yuder Aile."
There was no need to hide the truth. Yuder glanced at his own hand, and spoke up.
"When Gakane's shadow clone touched the Red Stone and exploded yesterday, I was a bit late in raising my barrier. I think this is a trace of the energy from the stone that pierced through my hand."
"Energy from the stone?" Kishiar's eyebrows knitted together as he turned his gaze toward the box at Yuder's feet. His eyes flickered with a multitude of thoughts, processing the implications.
"So... there's no pain?"
"None," Yuder replied. There was no pain even when the bruise grew. It was the same now. Yuder clenched and unclenched his fist lightly, feeling a strange sensation.
"That's fortunate, at least," Kishiar mused. "But if anything changes, report it immediately. We'll have to investigate this injury more thoroughly once we return."
"Understood. I'll also check if any of the others have experienced similar injuries."
Just then, a voice called out, breaking their focus.
"Commander, Yuder! What happened inside? General Gino is worried!" Gakane's voice echoed from outside the mansion. Kishiar and Yuder exchanged a quick glance before heading out.
The scene outside was one of organized chaos. Cavalry members, General Gino, the Peletta Knights—who had clearly rushed here without rest—and the soldiers stood at attention. General Gino and the Peletta Knights had gathered closer, but the rest of the Imperial soldiers maintained a respectful distance, their faces marked by confusion and concern.
Despite guarding this place for two years, the Imperial Army had been powerless to prevent those seeking the Red Stone from infiltrating.
Fortunately Kishiar was unharmed; had something happened to him, the repercussions would have been catastrophic. General Gino, who led them, didn't look well either.
"I'm relieved to see Your Highness unharmed. However, the fact that those beasts were able to reach this place is entirely my fault. It's a grave disgrace and deeply shameful. Now that they've been dealt with, what are your orders?"
"I'm fine, General, so there's no need to worry. However, since the dead had been hiding nearby for days, I want your soldiers to search the area immediately. Report back to me if you find anything suspicious."
"Understood." General Gino turned briskly, shouting commands to his troops.
As the soldiers dispersed quickly to begin their search, Kishiar called the general closer and informed him of their impending departure.
General Gino, having witnessed the audacity of their enemies firsthand, offered no objections. He swiftly summoned a soldier standing nearby.
"Bring the Misty Wind Horses at once," the general commanded.
Even though it was the dead of night, preparations for departure were made swiftly. Kishiar, now wearing a long cloak that concealed his uniform, received the box containing the Red Stone from Yuder.
He mounted his horse with ease, his figure framed by the moonlight, looking almost like a deity descended to light the path through the darkness.
"I will lead the way," Kishiar called out. "The Cavalry members will follow closely behind, and the Knights will stay as near as possible. We will ride without rest, so be careful not to fall behind."
"Understood!" came the collective response from his forces.
Estado de energía semanal
-- Ranking de
Poder 
-- Piedra de
Poder