Chapter 937

Turning

Chapter 937

"Good. As I said before, I'll definitely invite you next time to show you. I want to hear your thoughts on the difference you feel compared to the Southern Sea."

In that moment, the gloomy atmosphere surrounding Yuder completely transformed.

The damp wind became as cool and refreshing as the one they had once felt together in the Great Sarain Forest in the West, and the clingy humidity turned into the comforting warmth of someone who had embraced him tightly on a blind night, bringing life back into the air.

Yuder felt as though he had returned to that moment, sitting side by side with Kishiar atop a tall tree, feeling the wind brush past them like the sound of waves. Although his body was clearly here, just the memory alone seemed to change everything. It was indeed a strange phenomenon.

Yuder closed his eyes tightly, recalling the time when, even in darkness, he could feel everything as if it were in his hands. He took a deep breath, feeling a tightness in his chest, then exhaled and opened his eyes.

A pair of unwavering red eyes met Yuder's gaze directly.

Perhaps even then, he had been watching Yuder with such eyes.

Rumble…

Once again, an indiscernible sound came from somewhere in the sea. Yuder finally shifted his gaze from Kishiar's eyes and turned his head. He saw his companions nearby, carefully exchanging opinions.

"Have you figured out the direction?"

"It's similar to before. Southeast! But I'm not sure about the distance yet."

"Me neither. It seems to come from beneath the sea..."

The sound, though similar to the prelude of a thunderstorm, was different and had been occurring irregularly since dawn. The Cavalry members, especially those with auditory abilities, were gathered, trying to determine the location and information of the sound each time it was heard.

'Well, pinpointing the direction alone is quite an achievement.'

Yuder knew only that the Charlama Sea area was the epicenter of the southern earthquake, but not its exact location. Thanks to his companions, the area they needed to search had significantly narrowed, which was fortunate.

'But considering the sound is getting louder and longer, it seems we can't wait any longer.'

"...It's time for us to go."

As Yuder stepped back and spoke, Kishiar nodded.

"Don't worry about the rear, ...be careful."

At a glance, it was a flawless and leader-like statement. However, Yuder noticed a slight lapse just before Kishiar warned him to be careful. Those brief seconds were when his almost inhuman restraint momentarily ceased.

Originally, Kishiar had seriously considered joining Yuder in heading to the sea to find the epicenter of the earthquake. However, after the day of hail, he decided to step back first. It was judged that the Cavalry, despite their growth, was not yet ready to handle the absence of their leader completely. Yuder had agreed with this decision.

Their current earthquake response system consisted of three stages.

The first stage involved Yuder leading those skilled in water manipulation to the sea to locate the earthquake's origin. Meanwhile, Kishiar and those remaining on land prepared for any impending disasters, checking on the breakwaters and other measures they had set up in various locations.

The second stage involved Yuder's team locating and effectively blocking the earthquake's epicenter, while the rest responded to the environmental changes and potential emergence of monsters from the sea that the aftermath might bring. The priority was to maintain rapid communication and coordination, adapting to the unpredictable situations, with speed being of utmost importance.

From this point, Kishiar was planned to join if necessary. The day of the hail had shown that sometimes, his power was more needed than his exceptional leadership.

And then, the final stage, the third stage.

While it would be ideal if everything concluded at the second stage, realistically, the likelihood of that not happening was quite high. Hence, the third stage was planned for situations where Yuder's team failed to stop the earthquake or, even if they did, other unforeseen disasters or crises occurred.

In the third stage, gathering in one place like now would be meaningless. To minimize the damage to ordinary people, the assembled members would have to disperse as predetermined, forming small teams to respond.

The few capable of guarding the rear would take on that role.

'One can only hope it doesn't come to that...'

Yet, having a plan was always better than not having one at all. In a crisis where nothing comes to mind, the only help is the command ingrained in the body and mind.

Yuder moved toward the end of the breakwater.

"Yuder."

Steiber and about twenty members greeted him with tense faces. All of them were Awakeners who could manipulate water or wind, but facing such a vast sea to exert their power was a first for them.

"Is it time to depart?"

Yuder, after indifferently scanning their faces, nodded.

"You know what to do."

"Uh, yes."

"Then let's go."

"Wait! Isn't there anything else to say?"

Yuder frowned at the question. What more was there to say when they already knew what to do? The member who had raised the question, though embarrassed, brazenly continued.

"I mean, you know, like those special moments before a mission. A profound statement from the leader... A passionate encouragement to each other..."

Who does such a thing? Yuder thought. But just then, a fierce cry erupted from the side.

"We're the only ones who can defend this breakwater! How can we let it fall after all the work we've done?!"

"There's no way we'll let that happen!"

"Let's go! Cavalry and Imperial Army, unite!"

"..."

Yuder was taken aback by the sudden display of camaraderie from the members and the Imperial Army, who had been diligently building the breakwater.

'Really? They want that?'

However, the members in front of Yuder seemed genuinely envious, their eyes sparkling.

"...I've never thought such a thing was necessary on a mission. If you really want to do it, do it among yourselves."

This was already a concession compared to Yuder's previous life as Yudrain Aile, but the members were undeterred.

"What? How can we do it without you?"

"Exactly! To exclude you... That's betrayal!"

"Don't make us traitors. You're the one who gathered us, who leads us! It's only right that you say something before we go!"

"Yuder. I understand that playing around in a serious situation might feel inappropriate. But it could also boost morale. How about a few words before we go?"

"Steiber..."

Even Steiber, who had been standing back like Yuder, eventually said the same. Yuder turned his head. Not far away, Kishiar was watching with a smile, seemingly having no intention of helping.

"..."

Finally, Yuder sighed and, with a furrowed brow, opened his mouth.

"Just remember one thing.”

"Wowww!"

"Just do as I do. And if you feel like you're going to die, don't hesitate—just turn back. This is true everywhere, but especially in the sea where being unable to move on your own means the end."

After his ominous words, all that remained was the wide-eyed members and a profound silence.

"..."

They shouldn’t have put him in such a position.

But the words he had uttered were sincere, meant for the members to remember. Life is an irreplaceable asset that cannot be exchanged for anything. Completing the mission was important, but it wasn't a reason to lose one's life in vain.

Just as Yuder's eyes darkened, the previously silent members suddenly erupted into cheers.

"Woahhh!"

"Exactly! That's the spirit of the Cavalry! You all heard it, right?!"

"Yeah! There's nothing more shameful for those who can control water than to drown in it!"

"Let's all do our best!"

"Thinking about our training suddenly eases my nerves!"

"..."

The members became boisterous, linking arms and punching the air. Yuder found himself forcibly included in their midst.

'That so-called spirit of the Cavalry...'

He was exasperated, but since the mood hadn’t been ruined, he guessed it was fine.

"...Now we really are going."

"Yeah!"

Yuder watched the members respond like children and let out a small sigh. Then he took the lead, moving towards the end of the breakwater and leaping gracefully.

His body, once leaped upon the wind, landed firmly on the sea. The water beneath his feet solidified, supporting his step—a feat only the skilled among those Awakeners with the power to manipulate water could achieve.

"Wow...!"

Amidst the admiration of the onlookers, others followed, one by one leaping and standing upon the sea behind Yuder. He waited until the last person was securely on the water, then turned his head.

Among the crowd on the breakwater, Kishiar's figure was visible. He was silently observing Yuder.

What kind of farewell should he offer? No matter what he thought of saying, only one thing came to mind.

Yuder parted his silent lips and spoke.

"I shall return soon."

To those words, devoid of warmth, the Cavalry Commander smiled broadly.

"Yes. Soon."