Turning Chapter 1051

Inon once shared that he was an entity formed by binding a spirit's soul to a human vessel through arcane arts. What had seemed like an outlandish tale then felt overwhelmingly real now, as the evidence lay bare before Yuder's eyes, stirring a profound and complex emotion within him.

For a moment, Inon gazed impassively at the colossal tree, a silent witness to ages predating his own existence. Yet, he didn't dwell on the matter, swiftly shifting his focus and topic.

“Regardless, our task now is to locate it. We must accomplish the true objective of our journey here.”

Turning, Inon began to stride towards the scattered remnants of wood. Kishiar inquired, “May I inquire about your initial search target? Is there any way we can assist?”

“Nothing for the moment. Please, sit with Yuder over there. As for my first step…” Inon paused, a flicker of deliberation crossing his features as if weighing whether to voice his intention. He met Yuder's steady gaze. Convinced it was safe, he continued, “If the ‘prior’ self that maniac spoke of truly visited this place, what would they have sought first? I intend to retrace those steps.”

Inon retrieved a fragment of wood. It was only then that Yuder perceived it wasn't mere firewood but a tablet inscribed with minuscule script, densely packed across its surface.

It's astonishing it hasn't decayed.

Considering the historical period, perhaps Grand Mage Luma had opted for these wooden records despite the era's resource constraints. Was there a specific reason for their use over parchment? Or was it merely a matter of convenience? Yuder's eyes narrowed as he observed Inon meticulously handling one piece before selecting another.

He pondered if anything discernible would emerge—but the writing was far too small for any meaningful interpretation.

Not that it would likely matter—more probable is that it's in an archaic script I wouldn't recognize anyway.

“Since I asked you to sit, you should sit. Right here.” Kishiar's gentle summons drew Yuder's attention away from Inon. Kishiar had apparently retrieved two chairs from amidst the debris and positioned them opposite each other at the desk. Yuder followed the gesture, settling into the seat that would have been occupied by the desk's original owner.

From this seated vantage, the desk appeared rather modest. Compared to the imposing desk in the Commander's office, it was rather petite. This size discrepancy likely indicated that its former occupant hadn't possessed Kishiar's imposing stature. As Yuder's gaze traced the subtle impressions etched into the desk's surface, Kishiar's voice resonated once more.

“What thoughts occupy you so intently?”

“I was merely considering that the desk’s owner probably wasn’t as tall as you, Commander.”

“Haha. Indeed, I've never encountered any historical account suggesting Luma was taller than the First Emperor.”

Is that so? If Kishiar, a known history enthusiast, stated it, then it must hold true. Yuder, who had previously paid little heed to the physical dimensions of historical figures, found this present discourse unexpectedly captivating.

The First Emperor's statue was remarkably tall, though...

Recalling the monument he'd observed en route, an emergent question surfaced naturally.

“Now that I think about it, I’ve seldom seen depictions, be it portraits or statues, of mages, including Grand Mage Luma.”

“The prevailing theory posits that early mages were subjects of both fear and ostracism. This societal climate led to the Imperial Court's establishment of the Royal Mage Office—a visible demonstration of their intent to regulate such formidable individuals. Concurrently, it served as a protective measure, shielding them from external persecution.”

“...That sounds remarkably akin to the Cavalry’s situation.”

A proud, teacher-like smile graced Kishiar’s features.

“Precisely. The Royal Mage Office served as a foundational blueprint for my establishment of the Cavalry. Having a well-established precedent proves invaluable for those who follow. It provided the necessary justification to silence numerous dissenting voices who questioned the necessity of the Cavalry.”

Despite his claims of the endeavor's difficulty, Kishiar seemed to savor the recollection. It appeared that navigating the opposition of that era had provided him with a peculiar sense of satisfaction.

From Yuder's perspective, a more straightforward approach might have involved forcibly overcoming all obstacles and compelling consent. However, Kishiar, despite potential frustrations and the protracted nature of the process, seemed to favor the methodical resolution of issues, one by one. This patient approach likely underpinned the successful establishment of the Cavalry.

“On a personal note, I take considerable pride in the fact that, unlike the mages of old, Awakened individuals are now commemorated with proper portraits and statues. Consider your monument in the Great Forest, which the Emperor intends to erect, or Ever’s memorial situated in Southern Makla.”

“Ah...”

“Both are testaments to a changing societal view, things that could never have materialized if Awakeners were still met with fear and rejection as they once were. And personally, I find it quite fitting that the very first monument dedicated to an Awakener will be yours.”

Hearing this, Yuder couldn't help but cast his thoughts back to his previous existence.

“You are correct, Commander. Come to think of it, I never encountered anything of that sort in the preceding iteration of the game.”

Not even Yudrain Aile, nor any other distinguished Cavalry member, had such honors bestowed upon them. Kishiar paused for a moment, a smile crinkling the corners of his eyes.

"...Indeed. On that subject, I anticipate the day we'll erect a statue in honor of my aide, or perhaps a portrait celebrating you as a national hero. I don't believe that day is too distant."

"I harbor no particular desire for such accolades."

"And why is that? Do you find the recording of your likeness displeasing? Some individuals are indeed that way."

Yuder hesitated for a moment before responding.

"It is more that... while others might not mind, I am acutely aware that my accomplishments were only made possible through a second chance granted to me."

Not to mention, he had committed numerous transgressions. The fact that time had been reversed and those actions no longer existed in the world did not erase them from Yuder’s memory.

"I merely rectified the failures of what should have been accomplished the first time around. There is no necessity to immortalize such acts as something worthy of boasting."

Kishiar remained in quiet contemplation for a short while.

"I comprehend. That explains your subdued reaction when the monument was awarded to you."

"It was not a matter of lacking gratitude for His Majesty’s recognition."

"I am not issuing a criticism."

The man gently inclined his head and extended his hand across the desk, gently clasping Yuder’s hand. As the warmth permeated the black glove, Yuder was reminded of the shared heat from the previous night. He fell silent, the thought lingering, and Kishiar softly whispered,

"I understand your reasoning. However, there is one point I wish to clarify."

"..."

"Humans establish monuments, statues, and portraits as means of remembrance. Those Awakeners who come to recall your deeds will find the fortitude to bravely confront immense dangers, much as you did. Even when the day arrives that we are no more, as long as the monument endures and someone can decipher its inscription..."

Beneath his golden lashes, crimson eyes gleamed with an unshakeable conviction.

Yuder found himself unable to divert his gaze.

"That is how I wish for you to be remembered. Even if it weighs heavily upon you, even if it seems an overwhelming burden."

"I do not perceive it in that light. And truthfully... if anything..."

Yuder let out a single breath and spoke with genuine sincerity.

"I hope that your achievements and deeds are remembered more prominently than mine, Commander."

"Me?"

Kishiar tilted his head, clearly not anticipating such a statement.

"Yes. Candidly, it would only be fitting for yours to take precedence, would it not?"

While Yuder had vanquished the colossal beast in the West, it would have been an impossible feat without Kishiar's meticulous management of affairs behind the scenes. His contributions in the South had also been of immense significance. Come to think of it, it was rather peculiar that no monument or statue had yet been commissioned in his honor.

At Yuder’s words, Kishiar emitted a soft chuckle.

"Hmm... It is an established convention that a duke who has forfeited his right of succession is not to be recorded in public historical records."

"...Pardon me?"

"It is deemed a disgrace for a royal, ostracized from the imperial lineage, to be thrust into the public eye. Consequently, His Majesty has refrained from bestowing upon me any form of recognition related to records or memorials."

Yuder had been unaware that this was the reason behind the absence of monuments or accolades for Kishiar. He had believed he was already privy to much of the injustice Kishiar endured after assuming the title of Duke of Peleta—yet now, another layer was revealed. As Yuder’s brow furrowed, Kishiar's expression shifted, acquiring a cunning, almost smug demeanor, akin to a contented cat.

"...However, His Majesty did restore something to me yesterday."

For an instant, the words of Emperor Keillusa flashed through Yuder’s mind like a bolt of lightning.

"He stated that he would reinstate your authority as royalty..."

"Precisely. Therefore, from this point forward, you may very well witness what you desired. Even if not, I shall endeavor to leave something of significance behind."

Yuder blinked a few times. The mere thought of potentially seeing a monument or statue honoring Kishiar sent a surge of excitement through his heart.

"...Yes. I would very much like to witness that."

Overwhelmed by emotion, he unconsciously executed a deep bow. As his stomach pressed against the desk, a drawer he hadn't previously noticed dug into his skin and then slid open abruptly.

What is this?

Glancing down, Yuder’s gaze met that of a solitary wooden fragment nestled within the drawer.