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Turning Chapter 912
🕑 Added 2024-02-17 05:25:02 +0000 UTCChapter 912
"So, you believe that the falling of the Red Stone and the emergence of the Awakener is the will of your God?"
It was preposterous. Although little was known about the Red Stone, it was clear that such an idea was absurd.
Where did the Red Stone fall again? In the remote valleys of the Orr Empire, where Yuder resided. No one on the continent had foreseen such an event until just before it happened, and only after the Awakeners appeared in large numbers did they begin to understand its correlation.
If they insist that the emergence of the Red Stone and the Awakeners was due to the Black Moon, then they should have at least predicted the stone's fall. The notion of it being a prophecy of a strange, new, and powerful force sent by their God. How convenient a story to elevate their own status across the continent?
But as far as Yuder knew, there were no significant movements in the southern countries around the time the Red Stone fell. Had they known beforehand, even if the stone had fallen in the empire, they would have quickly found a way to collect it before the empire showed interest, wouldn't they?
Even if not, if the stone had fallen in their region or if Awakeners had appeared predominantly there, it might have been worth listening to their insistence.
‘I know it’s a typical trait of priests to relate everything to God, but to exploit the Red Stone and Awakeners in such a manner? Such audacity is almost on the level of the sage.’
"...Indeed."
"Any proof?"
Aton remained silent for a long time.
'Of course not.'
Yuder thought coldly, but surprisingly, after a moment, Aton offered an unexpected answer.
"The First Udaquan and the chieftain kept it a secret, but... my guess is, it's related to 'the Last Emperor's Records.'"
"The Last Emperor's Records?"
A new term emerged.
There are many countries and communities on the continent with various leaders. However, only the head of the Orr Empire could claim the title of Emperor across the continent. It had been so for a thousand years. To Yuder's knowledge, the only one who broke this unspoken rule was Ejain, King of Nelarn, who had achieved even greater influence than the declining Orr Empire in his previous life.
'But even he did not officially call himself an emperor; it was others who called him that.'
King Ejain of that time had a reputation strong enough to warrant another coronation as an emperor. Regardless of his true nature, he had almost perfectly protected his kingdom. He willingly accepted small countries seeking protection from Nelarn and eventually even subjugated Durban, a long-time rival state, making them a vassal. Everyone called Nelarn not a kingdom, but an empire. Even Yuder later thought so.
The reason King Ejain didn't officially call himself an emperor was likely due to not wanting to unnecessarily provoke the wrath of Emperor Katchian amidst the chaotic world politics.
But in today's world, there was no nation as powerful as Nelarn was back then. There were no nations in the southern lands either, only tribes or their temporary alliances. So, who was this 'Last Emperor'?
At that moment, as Yuder furrowed his brows, Kishiar raised his hand, indicating he wished to speak. The man, whose thoughts were unreadable, looked down at Aton for a moment before asking in a low and cautious voice.
“Is that a record from before the Great Destruction?”
The Great Destruction, a time Yuder had not considered. As Yuder widened his eyes slightly, Aton nodded affirmatively.
“...Yes.”
“How many such records exist in your possession?”
“...I do not know. But even if there are more, none would be as significant as the Last Emperor's Records. It is a true treasure, passed down in our tribe, accessible only to the chieftain and those he permits.”
"A treasure, indeed. So, you're saying that your current actions are guided by these records?”
Aton remained silent. However, Kishiar, undeterred, quickly continued.
“The First Udaquan spoke of reclaiming past glory. Do you think the chieftain of the Wolf's Eye tribe shares this objective?”
“In my view…”
“Yes, I'm curious about your thoughts.”
"...The cause is the same. However, I sometimes believe the chieftain's ultimate goal differs."
"How so?"
“The chieftain is... gathering the scattered Children of the Moon while sending people like me north of the desert. If his goal is achieved... we might finally break free from our long curse and unite under a true leader.”
“…”
“Perhaps... we might even... have a king…”
At that moment, a faint haze emanated from Aton’s body, signaling the nearing end of Gloe's power.
“It seems we have reached the limit.”
“Indeed. That's unfortunate.”
Yuder watched Aton warily, ready to act in case of any unforeseen circumstance.
Individuals like Aton, knowing many secrets, usually carry an oath that causes death or madness if they disclose 'important information'. The first thing the Cavalry checked after capturing Aton was for signs of such an oath.
However, no trace of the oath was found on him. Although the oath is typically made in the Temple of the Sun God, and even the fakes created in back alleys have a similar essence, there was always uncertainty.
'They might possess a power akin to it.'
In fact, this was why Gloe's power was deemed even more necessary. Gloe's 'Card of Truth' could penetrate the truth from someone, even with an oath, without triggering it, hence why it was considered one of the Cavalry's best interrogation tools, despite its heavy drain on Gloe's power.
If Aton harbored a power similar to the oath, and if Gloe's power couldn’t penetrate it, this interrogation might be both the first and last opportunity.
After a tense moment, the fluctuating power above Aton’s body completely subsided. He collapsed, unconscious.
Simultaneously, Lusan, who was outside, knocked on the door.
“Sir Yuder! Miss Gloe has fainted!”
It seemed that Gloe, who had held on while Aton was conscious, ultimately succumbed to exhaustion the moment her power waned. Yuder immediately requested her to be transferred to the medical unit without delay. Nathan Zuckerman, who was likely at the entrance, would surely provide immediate assistance.
There was no report of a fever, which suggested that the aftereffects of using her abilities were not severe. However, the uncertainty of how long she would remain asleep was a minor issue. Yuder looked down at the collapsed Aton and exhaled deeply.
“Before the prisoner wakes up, there's a possibility he might suddenly die, so it's best to closely monitor his condition. If he wakes up safely, we can ascertain the extent to which Gloe's ability was effective.”
“Yes, we should do that.”
They called the other members who had been waiting, concluded the interrogation, and made their way out. Reneve, looking utterly exhausted, approached with a pale face.
“I tried my best, as you wished. Did it... go well?”
“Your efforts were a great help, thank you.”
“That's good to hear... really.”
Without Reneve's ability, they wouldn't have been able to conclude this entire ruse so successfully. Yuder expressed his gratitude, and Reneve was visibly delighted. She had always wanted to repay Yuder’s kindness and seemed to feel that she had finally been able to provide significant assistance.
Previously, it would have been difficult to ask Reneve for help, fearing that her overexertion in controlling her power would make it hard to manage the prison. But now, with an ample supply of Awakener power suppression devices created by Alik, Yuder felt more confident in asking. He advised the others to leave the rest to him and suggested Reneve take a rest for the day.
“Alright. I’ll leave for today then…”
After Reneve had left, Yuder exchanged nods with the other Cavalry members who came to take over and stepped onto the stairs leading upwards. It was only when he and Kishiar entered the empty office that they exchanged words again.
“But how did you know that the Last Emperor's Records were from before the Great Destruction, just by hearing about it? Honestly, I thought it was just nonsense.”
Comments
Sarah Mooney
"Oh, it's bad luck to be you. A chosen one of many isn't new When you think you're full of luck in the bullock's you'll get struck Oh, it's bad luck to be you" A bards tale; brilliant game and words to live by!! You would think that a priest would be more wary than most of someone running amock shouting about prophecy. Clearly not half as clever as he thinks he is on many levels, not just at cards. Clossal twit 😏
