Turning Chapter 2

Chapter 2

Was it possible that everything he had experienced until this moment was merely a dream? The countless trials he faced after joining the Cavalry, and even the phantom sensation of the freezing steel that had eventually severed his throat?

If this was a dream, it was a particularly sadistic nightmare. It had forced him to witness the conclusion of his life, beginning from the very day he first stepped foot in the capital.

'But that dream felt far too vivid and detailed...'

If it wasn't a dream, then how could he explain this reality? A violent storm of thoughts surged through Yuder’s mind.

Had a sorcerer cast a spell to rewind his life by eleven years? Or was this the divine mercy of a god who looked upon his death with pity?

Reversing the flow of time was a feat beyond even the most formidable Awakener. While gods often manifested their influence through their disciples, there had never been a recorded instance of a soul being pulled back from death and sent into the past.

Regardless, if he truly had returned to a time eleven years prior, Yuder now possessed endless chances to fix his past mistakes.

Yes, the future!

The very thing he believed was gone forever. As that realization took hold, his hands shook with a mixture of joy and shock.

Now, he was free to do anything. He could flee this nation for another, focus solely on magnifying his power, or simply refuse to join that troublesome Cavalry altogether—he could choose to walk away from it all.

'...And perhaps now, I can discover the true origin of the world's decline and put a stop to it.'

It wasn't just about the Cavalry. Yuder thought back to the catastrophes that had plagued him until his final breath.

A few years from now, cracks would begin to show in the world. It would start with shifting climates and disasters that felt like divine punishment, while holy power slowly began to fade from the world.

An unnatural madness and paranoia, previously unknown, began to spread among the populace. There were countless other horrors waiting to unfold.

While Yuder could not solve these crises alone, many influential people were still alive in this era. If he approached them and sought their cooperation ahead of time...

'No... wait.'

His racing thoughts came to a grinding halt. Yuder lowered his head as he recognized the critical flaw in his logic.

The Yuder of the past had wielded immense authority and status as the Commander of the Empire's Cavalry, but currently, he was nothing more than an obscure youth from the countryside. Who would take such a person seriously?

'No one would listen to me.'

The Cavalry was the first institution of its kind, established by the Orr Empire. It only existed because the previous emperor—no, the current emperor—maintained a favorable view of Awakeners.

No matter how much potential he possessed now, it would be nearly impossible to find better treatment in any other kingdom.

After the Cavalry was formed, it took years for other nations to grudgingly accept that granting Awakeners power and status was more effective than mindless oppression.

Some regions that had been too slow to establish similar groups found that an irreparable divide had already formed between the ruling elite and the Awakeners.

Those nations, failing to manage their late-blooming organizations, eventually spiraled into the chaos of civil war.

Consequently, the Orr Empire’s Cavalry enjoyed a level of prestige and influence that surpassed any other similar group in the world.

As the leader of that organization, Yuder had been the target of constant admiration and jealousy wherever he went...

Recalling those days, Yuder briefly cast his eyes to the floor. He had no desire to linger on those memories.

'In any case, there is no better place than this right now... and the most capable people to assist with the coming disasters are gathered here.'

Yuder sensed that the amount of power flowing through his body was no different than when he had first awakened thirteen years ago.

With this level of strength, he could perform feats that commoners would consider miracles, but he was still no match for the archmages of the Pearl Tower, who had spent lifetimes perfecting their craft.

It was a universal truth that those who held great power were rarely inclined to listen to others. Having lived through it, Yuder understood this better than anyone.

To convince such people to help prevent a future disaster that had not yet happened, he would need both strength and a high position.

'Yes. I will join the Cavalry first. I can begin the rest once I have met certain requirements.'

Yuder swiftly came to terms with his situation and chose to strive for a better future. The fact that his power had diminished and he was once again a penniless commoner did not discourage him.

He had reclaimed the most precious resource: time. The most vital fact was that he had escaped his horrific fate and was standing here now. That was all that mattered.

Yuder spent several days and nights confined to his inn room, organizing his memories and planning his future path.

It was on the morning of the third day after realizing he had returned eleven years into the past that he finally left his room.

"Hey, the new guest who just arrived. The innkeeper mentioned you also possess 'power,' right?"

As he headed downstairs to wash, a voice called out to Yuder from behind.

"Are you here for the Imperial Palace entrance exam? So am I. It’s better to have a partner to trade information with, don't you think? Why don't we introduce ourselves?"

Turning around, Yuder’s eyes widened slightly in surprise. This was a face he recognized. To be precise, it was a face from his past life.

He had the crimson hair and vibrant green eyes common to Southerners. His flashy, handsome appearance was as striking as a blooming rose.

Because he belonged to a once-great family that had fallen into ruin, he had quickly become a famous figure among those who passed the Cavalry exam alongside Yuder.

He remembered the man as being exceptionally gifted, but only a year after joining the Cavalry, he had been killed in an accident during a monster suppression mission. Many had lamented the loss of such talent...

"My name is Gakane Bolunwald. And yours?"

Yes, that was the name. Yuder spoke quietly as he gazed at the man’s face, which looked exactly as it did in his revived memories.

"Yuder."

"Nice to meet you, Yuder. I’m heading down for breakfast. How about you?"

Had he met Gakane here before? Yuder searched his mind. Eleven years had passed, making his memories foggy, but he was certain their paths had crossed back then...

'Ah, that’s right. We did.'

While he was staying in his room preparing for the exam, Gakane had approached him once with a similar greeting.

At that time, Yuder had no experience dealing with strangers and had bluntly rejected him. Gakane had left looking quite embarrassed, and they had barely spoken until Gakane's death.

In those days, Yuder had a deep distaste for social interactions, especially since he was unsure when he would return home or what hidden agendas people might have.

His first experience with the massive capital had left Yuder—who had lived a solitary life in the quiet mountains—feeling more uncomfortable and suspicious than excited.

However, looking back now, Yuder realized Gakane might have been a decent person. Despite knowing Yuder was a commoner without a family name, Gakane had shown no prejudice. It was also rare for a noble to willingly stay in such a dilapidated inn.

These were details Yuder had failed to see eleven years ago.

'What was his ability again? I remember it being quite impressive, but the details are a bit blurry.'

"Alright."

Yuder decided to use the meal to learn more about Gakane. After all, Gakane was the first person he had encountered since returning to the past, which felt significant.

As they spoke, the hazy images of the past would surely become clearer.

"I was thinking of getting the chicken stew and bread. What are you having?"

Despite not knowing Yuder's age, Gakane spoke with easy familiarity. Yuder, who was accustomed to people trembling and avoiding his gaze, found Gakane's casual attitude quite refreshing.

"I'll have the same."

"Perfect. You won't regret it. Hey, we'd like to order over here!"

The meal Gakane suggested was as good as promised. It was surprising that such a run-down inn could produce such a delicious dish from mysterious ingredients.

"How is it? Good, right?"

Gakane asked with a bright grin. Yuder nodded as he took a spoonful of the stew.

"It's been a while since I've eaten anything decent. I've tried everything on the menu here, and this is the best combo. They're generous with the meat, and the bread is baked fresh every morning, so it's nice and chewy. I'm glad I found a meal buddy."

It had indeed been a very long time since Yuder felt a meal was worth eating. It was a strange, nostalgic sensation.

"I'm from the southern province of Ulan. I arrived a week ago. I was worried about making friends before the test, so I'm happy I ran into you."

Gakane was incredibly social. After sharing his own origin, he looked at Yuder with his green eyes, waiting for a response. Yuder felt it would be awkward to remain silent.

"I'm... from the central region."

"Central? Where exactly? Quan? Bellec? Or perhaps...?"

"Airic."

It had been ages since Yuder had spoken the name of his home. If he were to pass the Cavalry exam as he had before, the surname he would be given, 'Aile,' was taken from the name of that town.

Among the three hundred successful candidates, those without surnames were all assigned one. However, most were chosen carelessly. There was a vast difference in meaning between those names and 'Yudrain,' the name he had meticulously selected for himself upon becoming Commander, which echoed his original name.

'There won't be any need for that name this time, since I won't become the Commander.'

"Airic? You mean the village near the Rik Mountains?"