บท 2: Chapter 2
Could everything that had happened until now have been just a dream? All the countless events that unfolded after he joined the Cavalry, and even the chilling sensation of the cold blade slicing through his throat?
If it were a dream, it would be a cruel nightmare indeed—one that showed him the end of his future, starting from the very first day he arrived in the capital.
But the dream had been too detailed, too real...
If it wasn't a dream, then how should he interpret this situation? A fierce storm of thoughts raged in Yuder's mind.
Had someone cast a spell to send him back in time eleven years? Or was this the divine intervention of a god who pitied his death?
Turning back time was a feat beyond even the most powerful Awakeners. While gods often demonstrated their power through their chosen subjects, there had never been a case of someone being saved from death and sent back in time.
However, if he had indeed gone back eleven years, there would be countless opportunities for Yuder to correct his past regrets.
Yes, the future!
The very thing he thought he had lost forever. As the realization dawned on him, his hands trembled with elation and astonishment.
Now, he could do anything. He could leave this country, rapidly increase his power, and even avoid joining that bothersome Cavalry—he could simply choose not to.
'…And maybe now, I could uncover the true cause of the world's changes and prevent them.'
It wasn't just about the Cavalry. Yuder recalled the events that had haunted him until his death.
A few years later, fissures began to slowly appear in the world. The climate started to change, and disasters akin to calamities struck. Divine power gradually faded into obscurity.
A strange madness and distrust, which had never existed before, began to spread among the people. There were countless other events that would unfold.
Although Yuder alone couldn't solve these problems, many people were still alive and present in this world. If he reached out to them and sought their help in advance...
'No... Wait.'
His racing thoughts came to a sudden halt. Yuder bowed his head, realizing the flaw in his thinking.
The previous Yuder had wielded great power and influence as the Cavalry commander of the Empire, but now he was nothing more than a young newcomer from the countryside. Who would actually listen to someone like that?
'No one would ever listen.'
The Cavalry was the first system established by the Orr Empire. It was possible only because the previous emperor—no, the current emperor—had shown a rather favorable attitude toward the Awakeners.
No matter how powerful he was now, it would be difficult to receive better treatment in any other country.
In places where similar organizations were belatedly established, it was often too late, and an irreversible rift had formed between the ruling class and the Awakeners.
In those countries where similar organizations were belatedly established, it was often too late. An irreversible rift had formed between the ruling class and the Awakeners.
Such nations, unable to properly manage even their newly founded organizations, plunged into the chaos of civil war.
As a result, the Orr Empire's Cavalry became more powerful and renowned than any other similar organization.
Yuder, the leader of the Cavalry, had always been a figure of admiration and envy wherever he went...
Recalling the past, Yuder briefly lowered his gaze. He didn't want to dwell on those times.
'There's no better place than here now... And the people most suitable to help with the events that will happen in the future are also here.'
Yuder knew that the level of power circulating within him was not much different from when he had first awakened 13 years ago.
With this level of power, he could perform miracles that ordinary people couldn't even dream of, but he was still no match for the archmages of the Pearl Tower, who had spent decades honing their craft.
It was an unchanging truth that those with great power were less likely to listen to others. Having experienced this firsthand, Yuder understood it better than anyone.
To persuade such people to prevent a future disaster that had not yet occurred, he needed power and position.
'Yes. Let's join the Cavalry first. I can start the rest after meeting certain conditions.'
Yuder quickly accepted his reality and decided to strive for a better future than before. The reduction in his power and returning as a commoner with nothing was not a hindrance.
He had regained an invaluable asset called time. The most important thing was that he had returned from a terrible future and was standing here now. That was all that mattered.
Yuder spent days and nights locked in his inn room, organizing the information he remembered and planning what he had to do in the future.
It was on the morning of the third day, after realizing he had returned 11 years into the past, that he finally stepped outside his room.
"Hey, the new guest who just checked in. The innkeeper said you also have 'power,' right?"
As he was going downstairs to wash his face, someone called out to Yuder from behind.
"Are you here to take the test at the Imperial Palace? Me too. It's convenient to have a colleague to share information with, right? Shall we introduce ourselves?"
Turning his head, Yuder involuntarily widened his eyes. It was someone he knew. More precisely, someone from his past.
Red hair and striking green eyes—typical of someone from the South. The flamboyant appearance that reminded one of a rose stood out.
He was from a once-prominent family, now fallen, yet he quickly became a well-known figure among those who passed the Cavalry test with Yuder.
Yuder remembered the man's considerable talent, but also his tragic end. After joining the Cavalry for just a year, he was dispatched to suppress a monster and died in an accident. Many had said it was a waste of talent...
"My name is Gakane Bolunwald. And you?"
Yes, that was his name. Yuder quietly opened his mouth while looking at the man's face, as vividly shining as it was in his resurrected memories.
"Yuder."
"Good, Yuder. I'm going to have breakfast now. What about you?"
Had he met Gakane here before? Yuder tried to recall. It had been 11 years, so his memory was hazy, but he was certain that they had crossed paths back then...
'Ah, that's right. We did.'
He recalled the time when, before the Cavalry test, Gakane had visited him in his room and greeted him with similar words.
Back then, Yuder had been inexperienced in dealing with strangers and had rejected Gakane outright. Gakane had left, looking embarrassed, and after that, they barely interacted until Gakane's unfortunate death. At that time, Yuder was wary of strangers, especially in the unfamiliar and overwhelming capital. The bustling city had brought more discomfort and wariness to Yuder, who was used to the quiet solitude of the mountains.
However, looking back now, Yuder realized that Gakane might have been a decent person. Despite knowing that Yuder was a commoner without a surname, Gakane hadn't shown any disdain. It was uncommon for someone from a noble family to stay in such a rundown inn willingly, which was something Yuder had failed to appreciate eleven years ago.
'What was his ability again? I only remember that it was quite impressive, but I can't recall the details.'
"Alright," Yuder agreed to Gakane's suggestion. He decided to learn more about Gakane over a meal. After all, Gakane was the first person he had met since returning to the past, and that held some significance. As they talked, Yuder hoped that his hazy memories of the past would become clearer.
"I'm thinking of ordering chicken stew and bread. What about you?" Gakane asked casually, not knowing Yuder's age. Yuder, who was used to people either cowering before him or avoiding eye contact, was somewhat impressed by Gakane's easy-going attitude.
"I'll have the same," Yuder replied.
"Great. You won't regret it. Hey, we'd like to order!" Gakane called out.
The dish Gakane ordered was as good as he had promised. The taste was impressive, especially considering it was prepared in such a rundown inn. Yuder found himself genuinely enjoying the meal.
"How is it? Tasty, right?" Gakane asked with a cheerful smile.
Yuder nodded, scooping another spoonful of stew into his mouth. "It's been a long time since I've had something worth eating."
Gakane beamed. "I tried all the dishes here, and this combination is the best. They put a lot of meat in it, and the bread is freshly baked every morning, making it chewy. I'm glad to have found a companion."
Yuder noted the unfamiliar feeling of having something he truly enjoyed eating. It had been so long since he felt that way.
"I'm from the southern region of Ulan. I came here a week ago," Gakane shared. "I was worried about making acquaintances before taking the test, but I'm glad I met you."
Gakane was quite sociable, and after mentioning his hometown, he looked at Yuder expectantly. Yuder felt a bit uncomfortable keeping silent, so he responded.
"I'm... from the central region," Yuder said.
"Central? Where? Quan? Bellec? Or maybe...?"
"Airic," Yuder replied, feeling a strange pang as he mentioned his hometown.
It had been a long time since Yuder had spoken the name of his hometown. If he were to pass the Cavalry test as he had in the past, the surname he would receive, 'Aile,' was derived from the name of his hometown. Out of over 300 successful candidates, those without surnames were all granted one, though most were chosen without much thought. However, Yudrain, the name he had carefully chosen and received when he became the Cavalry Commander, was significant to him.
'There will be no need to receive that name again since I won't become the Cavalry Commander this time.'
"Airic? Do you mean the place near the Rik Mountains?" Gakane asked.
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