Chapter 962

Turning

Chapter 962

In the past, Yuder might have felt a sense of futility and despair. However, when he confirmed the state of the crack, the face that came to mind was Kishiar's.

When an event beyond their capacity to handle erupted, Yuder had planned to seek Kishiar's aid. Perhaps, now was that very moment. But could he really ask for more from someone who had already spent a whole day exerting their strength in battle?

‘...He might be at his limit now.’

Yuder still vividly remembered the thrill he felt when he heard that Kishiar was at the forefront, dealing with the monsters. Frankly, he regretted not being able to see it with his own eyes.

He knew that Yuder had sent the monster his way, understanding the significance of that gesture. Despite the distance, the moment he realized this, Yuder felt as if he were right there with him.

However, the fact that Kishiar had taken the lead in battle also meant that he had overexerted himself. Had he ever displayed his abilities continuously for such an extended period before?

‘Probably not.’

It was impossible to know the exact condition of the vessel, but if it was in a bad state and still being overexerted, calling him here might not change anything. It was even hard to be certain if he could come at all.

The Yuder of the past would have sent the others away and charged into the crack alone, considering it the best solution. By gathering all his remaining strength and using both water and earth powers, he might not completely stop the disaster, but he could reduce the damage.

Of course, he couldn't avoid the monsters in the process, and his own body would suffer. But if his sacrifice could prevent the repetition of the Southern Earthquake's history, it seemed like a not-so-bad solution.

‘But now... I don't think that's the best way.’

Yuder closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

In the past, he had briefly been imprisoned in Tainu's jail, taking the blame alone to minimize the damage to the Cavalry and resolve the situation efficiently. During a secret visit, Kishiar, not angry at Yuder's decision, had said:

"You're going to say this was the best option. I know. No need to apologize. But next time, I'll make you think there's a better choice."

Back then, Yuder hadn't fully understood what those other choices meant, nor had he tried to find out.

But now.

‘...I'm actually trying to find those other choices myself.’

In a situation where despair was justified, he strangely didn't feel much of it. It was distinctly different from the calm he felt in the face of immense frustration during the day of the hail.

Yuder realized anew that he had changed significantly since the day of the hail. Naturally, Kishiar played a big part in that change, but now the Cavalry was also included in that influence.

Who could have imagined that Kishiar's words about finding a better way would come true now, here, in this manner?

People could change in just a month. Not just Yuder, but the members in front of him, and Kishiar, who was tirelessly fighting on the land, were no different.

Standing in the rain that fell like mist, one doesn't initially realize its weight. But upon regaining awareness, one finds themselves completely drenched. To Yuder, the changes he was experiencing felt akin to that sensation.

Thunderous vibrations echoed once more. The rippling waves tingled his skin, alerting him to imminent danger.

His nerves, sharp and on edge throughout, seemed to burn out, screaming an unclear warning. A high-pitched tinnitus, impossible to hear under the water-logged ears, seemed to tear through his head.

This sensation sharply reawakened his dulled consciousness, clearing away the complex thoughts that clouded his mind.

‘...Right.’

Yuder fixed his gaze on the darkness beneath his feet, steeling his resolve. He turned his head and sent a signal to his team members using the power of water.

"Everyone, gather."

The exhausted members, who had been listlessly scattered, immediately converged around Yuder.

"You all must have heard earlier that the last remaining crack is buried beneath the ground."

"..."

"Whatever we do, an earthquake is inevitable, and it'll be far more dangerous than before. But... I'm determined to deal with it."

"..."

"However, you don't all need to stay with me. This is your last chance to return to the shore."

It was a message implying that those who wished to return should speak now. It was truly their last opportunity.

The members exchanged silent glances. After a moment, one of them raised a hand. It was Steiber, his head wrapped in bandages. With a tired yet serious expression, he spoke.

"Hmm, I see. So, when do we start the operation? Let us know the plan quickly. I'm tired of waiting."

Gurgles of laughter bubbled up from the other members. They turned over, laughing uproariously, then one by one, they raised their fists and thumped their chests, extending them forward. It was a signal indicating agreement and commitment to stand together, like multiple fists in the darkness, clustering like branches of a tree.

Their reckless and brazen attitudes seemed to defy fear itself.

Despite being exhausted to the point of death, their determined eyes revealed an unwavering resolve to not leave until their mission was completed. Yuder remained silent, observing them.

What a fiercely insane bunch they were, no matter where they belonged. And Yuder did not dislike such characters.

After surveying their faces, sparking with life only in their eyes, he spoke.

"...First, one of you go up and relay the message to the Commander. I'll tell you what to prepare afterward."

The members decided who would go up through rock-paper-scissors and then sent one up. Yuder thought that Kishiar might not respond to his call, but this worry was soon proved unnecessary.

"Yuder! The Commander has come up to the boat on the water! And there's another person with him!"

Rumble. The vibrations from below grew slightly stronger than before. Simultaneously, his heart started to beat even more fiercely.

Yuder gauged the intensity of the vibrations through the water and then spoke.

"Steiber. I'll go up for a while, so please watch over here. If anything happens, send a signal immediately."

Everyone looked surprised at Yuder's words. Steiber also widened his eyes, then quickly nodded with a smile.

"...Alright! Leave it to me and go!"

Finally, Yuder ascended towards the surface of his own volition. He was worried about what he left behind but did not look back.

The surrounding darkness gradually brightened, and the pressure that had been weighing down on him eased.

Swoosh. Yuder finally emerged from the water. Through the dripping water, he could see a small boat and the people standing on it.

"Yuder!"

"Yuder has come up!"

The members, startled by Yuder's sudden emergence, were still reeling in surprise. Yuder, however, was intently observing the man standing before him, whose expression suggested he had been expecting Yuder all along.

It had been precisely one day.

Yesterday morning, just as dawn was breaking, he had plunged into the sea as the sun started to peek faintly over the horizon. Now, the same-sized sun hung over the sea, casting its light in an eerily similar manner.

The sea. The sun. And Kishiar, standing a short distance away, watching him.

Everything felt so similar that it seemed as if no time had passed at all, rather than a whole day. The time he had spent in the dark seabed felt like a dream, and only this moment seemed real – a strange sensation indeed.

But upon closer inspection, Kishiar's clothes, though clean, were tattered and fluttering, and Yuder, unlike yesterday, was soaked, with hastily applied bandages on his limbs. The unfamiliar yet familiar feeling burning inside him, like a fire lit within his chest, was something not seen the day before.

To others, Kishiar's face might appear usual, but Yuder could read the fluctuating emotions in his red eyes. These indescribable feelings strikingly mirrored what Yuder himself was experiencing.

If Mick Shuden hadn’t abruptly interjected with a jovial greeting, Yuder might have continued staring at Kishiar's face, perhaps piercing through it.

"...It's been a while, Assistant Aile! Or should I now address you as Baron Aile?"

It felt like he had been facing Kishiar for an eternity, but a blink revealed it was only long enough for a single drop of water to trickle down his hair. Yuder, looking at Mick with dark circles under his eyes and a scruffy beard, shook his head.

"Yuder is sufficient."

"Alright, then. But... are you going to stay submerged in the water? It might not be too cold in the southern winter, but it's still the sea... Aren't you cold?"

"Not cold, and I have to return soon, so it's easier to stay here."

"Hmm. I thought you'd be in a terrible state after spending a day underwater, but you actually look better than before, at least to my eyes."

Mick spoke casually, mindful of the others, but Yuder understood his implication. Mick was indicating that Yuder's essence, as he saw it, had improved since their last encounter in the West.

'I remember him saying I had a lot of holes back then.'

Just then, Kishiar stepped forward confidently and descended into the water outside the boat. The splash as he submerged startled everyone.

"Commander?"

"I thought I should get used to the water too, since the Assistant is in it. Indeed, it's not as cold as I expected."

The members, who had been worried about the cold, smiled faintly with relief.

And Yuder,

"..."

Felt a light touch caressing his submerged hand, causing him to pause. The touch, feeling the gloved and bandaged hand as if to confirm its state, was infinitely careful, contrasting with the smile visible above the water.

Kishiar casually intertwined the tip of Yuder's index finger and then slipped away, before finally speaking softly.

"...Well, now it's time to hear why you've come this far. What's the situation like down there?"

Yuder took a deep breath and began to explain.

"The remaining crack on the seabed, as you know, is just one. But, it turns out, it's partially buried underground. The tremors we've experienced so far seem to be due to its location," Yuder explained.

"..."

"The number of monsters left inside the crack is significant. The exit they need to use has become smaller and is located in a more dangerous area. For now, they are unable to escape and are only causing vibrations, but it's only a matter of time before they break free. And when they do..."

"The land beneath the sea will flip, causing earthquakes and massive tsunamis," Kishiar interjected, reinforcing the known facts in everyone's minds.

"Yes. That's what will happen. That's why I... wish to borrow the Commander's power to minimize the damage when the monsters emerge."

"Borrow the Commander's power...? You mean to bring the Commander underwater?"

"Is that even possible?"

While the members expressed their doubts, Kishiar alone responded calmly.

"Do you think it's possible with my power?"

That would depend on how much power he had left, but considering the potential he had shown while using his power so far...

Yuder paused, then slowly and confidently nodded his head.

"Based on my judgment, yes, it is possible."

"So you believe this is the best course of action?"

Yuder detected in Kishiar's use of the term 'best course of action' a reference to their previous conversation in the Western prison.

"...Yes."

A bright smile spread across Kishiar's weary face. He nodded with eyes that sparkled with a surprising and joyful light.

"Alright. Although I've never attempted this before, if this is the best course of action you've found, then surely there can be no better option for me either."