Chapter 43

Chapter 43

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Chapter 43

Yuder visualized the unknown client in his mind. A figure of wealth and power, and incredibly meticulous. Likely, the client had chosen to hire mercenaries to ensure that even if the tail was stepped on, no harm would come to them.

They had gathered and dispatched over ten Awakeners, probably figuring that would be enough to confront a Kishiar and obtain what they wanted.

Had they known the extent of Kishiar's power, they would have realized that a dozen or so were insufficient. However, by sheer coincidence, Yuder's presence at the site was the client's downfall.

"The client had a proxy, you said. How did you contact them?"

"Th-they were always different people. Moreover, since we entered the Orr Empire, the proxy never appeared in person. It was always through letters..."

"Naturally, you burned all the letters."

"...Yes."

Kishiar fell silent, seemingly lost in thought. His gaze drifted to the box Yuder held. The box, containing the Red Stone, still radiated a heavy and sharp aura.

"Alright. I'll ask one last thing. If you were successful in retrieving it, where were you planning to take it?"

Where could they hide from the watchful eyes of the numerous Imperial soldiers patrolling the mountains, who had been guarding the Red Stone? Where could these ten or so people be hidden?

Everyone's gaze turned to the intruder's mouth.

"That place, it's, from here... uh...uh?"

Suddenly, the man who had been speaking choked and bent over, retching.

"Cough, hack. Urgh, aah!"

The man's body started to swell grotesquely at a rapid pace, turning a violet hue. Seeing his eyes bulging as if they were about to burst, Yuder felt an ominous premonition.

"A barrier!"

Instinctively, he created a barrier of water and air around everyone just as the man's body exploded. A black mass spread in all directions, releasing a toxic energy into the confined space.

"...What on earth happened?"

After the explosion subsided, Finn mumbled, his mouth agape in a daze. The scene that had unfolded was truly horrific. Even the remaining intruders, who had still been alive, were now all dead.

The room, from ceiling to floor, had transformed into a terrible sight, melted by the toxic energy. If Yuder had not quickly put up a barrier, they would have shared the same fate.

"What was that noise... Commander! Are you okay?"

Gakane, who had startled and opened the door, was shocked at the sight inside the room.

"I'm fine. Is everyone else alright?"

Even Kishiar looked around with a furrowed brow, seeming surprised by the unexpected event.

"We're fine."

"We're okay too."

After Yuder and the Eldore siblings responded, Kishiar's gaze turned to the box holding the Red Stone. Yuder subtly nodded to confirm that it too was intact. The Red Stone in his hand was safe, and so were his companions.

"That was a close call. I didn't expect they would have laid a double layer of the Oath's prohibition."

"The Oath's prohibition? But you said you broke it, Commander."

'It's definitely bigger, it's not just my imagination.'

"Judging by your expression, you only just noticed," Kishiar said, apparently guessing the situation from Yuder's expression and sighing softly.

"I wanted to see the extent of your abilities, but I didn't wish for you to get injured in the process."

"No, it's not that. I didn't know because it didn't hurt."

"So, what does that make me, who said I'd treat you well?"

With that, Kishiar extended a hand towards Yuder. His palm faced upwards, as if inviting him to dance. Yuder was momentarily captivated by the elegant movement, almost forgetting they were inside a half-destroyed mansion.

"Put your hand here, I'll treat it. You should put the box down, just in case it reacts."

"...Are you going to use your divine power?"

"What else could it be?"

Kishiar's response was gentle when Yuder asked out of curiosity. He wanted to say it was okay, but his curiosity to verify if Kishiar could truly use his divine power was stronger.

As Yuder hesitated and put the box down, Kishiar immediately grabbed the bruised hand.

Yuder unknowingly tensed his shoulders.

"Relax. This is a pure contact with no impure intentions."

Kishiar whispered lowly, a twinkle in his eyes, as if he had sensed Yuder's movement.

"...I wasn't thinking that way."

"Hahaha."

Kishiar burst into laughter at Yuder's stiff response.

Living and working alone for a long time, Yuder's hand was knotted and scarred. Unlike his, Kishiar's hand was pale and smooth.

But that beautiful hand was surprisingly cold and hard, like a swordsman's hand hardened by the hilt of a sword.

The touch of that hand, which he had long forgotten, tried to force back memories into Yuder's mind.

Yuder bit his lip and tried to suppress unnecessary thoughts. From Kishiar's hand, a white light flowed out, gently covering the back of Yuder's hand. It was an unmistakably divine power, even more certain when felt directly.

'At this level, it would be among the top ranks of the priests of the Sun God.......'

"Is it that surprising for me to use divine power?"

Kishiar asked softly. Yuder was startled for a moment, thinking his thoughts had been read, but then he nodded.

"...Yes."

"Well, it's understandable, given that very few people know about this."

"Can... Can His Majesty the Emperor also use such divine power, besides you?"

"Of course, he can."

The answer came easily, as if it was the most natural thing.

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