Turning
chapter-191

"The upcoming new training schedule for the Cavalry."

"You can't possibly have made this...?"

Gakane read the text written on the paper, his eyes wide as if he couldn't believe what he was seeing. Until now, the training the Cavalry members had undergone consisted of only basic physical exercises and integrated training for each unit. Despite each individual having unique abilities, it had been difficult for anyone to train solely for their own benefit. A large number of them didn't even know how to go about it.

Now, with a rise in those who had completed general education and writing classes that took more of their time than training, and the status of the Cavalry having grown incomparably higher than before, it was the perfect time to change the training schedule.

Consequently, Yuder had spent nearly all of the previous night formulating the training schedule he had been considering for some time. He first wrote out a basic individual training schedule, built upon his experiences from his previous life. Then, he grouped together about ten individuals, regardless of their units, according to the abilities he had observed in them so far. He purposely grouped those with similar or complementary abilities in order to create relationships that could aid in individual training.

Essentially, the members would spend their day conducting personal training similar to what Yuder had done in his previous life. However, the main focus of this schedule was to provide a regular time for comrades to gather, observe, and assist each other to improve their abilities.

"I've already secured permission from the Commander."

"When did you have the time to think of all this? You've been so busy running around... And there's even an examination?"

Gakane, who had been reading the schedule with his mouth agape, paused at a certain part. It was the section that mentioned a simple ability test under the Deputy Commander's supervision once a month to assess the development of abilities and diligence.

"Do we really need this?"

"Examinations are absolutely necessary. There are many people who won't make a move without a goal."

Moreover, the accumulated exam results could serve as a great standard when selecting and promoting necessary talents for the Cavalry in the future. So it was indeed essential.

"I suppose you're right..."

As Gakane nodded and read on, other members who had been conducting physical training nearby gradually gathered behind them.

"What's this? A new training schedule?"

"Yuder made it? If we follow this, can we become as strong as him?"

"Wow. It seems similar to before, but entirely different. It's systematic, but I'm not confident if I can keep up."

"Twenty minutes of meditation right after waking up? Is it true that this helps accumulate and preserve power?"

The reactions were a mix of concern and fascination, but they were generally positive.

Yuder ascended, leaving the murmuring members behind. Less than half a day later, all the Cavalry members had read the new schedule. The members, having gained confidence while guarding the capital during the festival period, were currently striving hard, fueled by the desire to become stronger. They warmly welcomed the new systematic training plan.

"Yuder. I saw the new schedule! It's amazing. Those who are training with me will gather in the second-floor lounge after the writing class ends in the afternoon. Come over! See you there."

Kanna, who Yuder ran into while heading down for lunch, excitedly whispered and left, waving her hand. It was fortunate that she was behaving as usual, as if her earlier collapse had never happened.

Yuder headed to the lounge at the time Kanna had mentioned. The majority of those gathered had not had any personal conversations with anyone apart from Kanna and Gakane. However, such facts were no obstacle in front of their fervor for gaining strength.

"Yuder Aile is here!"

As soon as Yuder arrived, the members who had shouted loudly flocked to his side, raising their voices in a clamorous chatter.

"Yuder! They say your training skills are exceptional, right? Can you tell me how I should train?"

"I'm not sure if my training method is right. Can you watch once and give me some advice?"

"I, I also want to..."

Among them were some who hadn't shown much enthusiasm in their previous lives. Remembering the dull times when they were solely focused on their own safety while working, the sight of their younger colleagues brimming with passion felt both regrettable and heartwarming.

Yuder took his time to slowly recommend a training method suitable for each person's skill development. He had thought that at least one person might feel offended receiving advice from Yuder, a fellow member, but that was a misconception.

What had initially been a gathering of fewer than 20 people exploded uncontrollably after the rumor spread that Yuder Aile was giving training advice. Eventually, he had to attend to those who came asking, even skipping dinner.

The last day of the non-holiday holiday disappeared in the blink of an eye.

"Yuder. It seems like no more people will come. Let's get up."

Gakane, who had been by Yuder's side all day helping organize the members with his shadow clone, approached him with a tired face, looking out the window at the setting sun.

"Sorry. It seems I asked for your help today for nothing. I didn't expect this crowd..."

Kanna, who had been equally worn out by his side, apologized.

"I'm fine."

However, just as they were about to get up, the door opened again and someone poked their head in, making the prospect of returning to their lodging seem dubious again.

"Would it be possible to still receive advice?"

"Ever?"

Kanna's eyes widened at the appearance of an unexpected person. The latecomer was Ever, Deputy Commander of Shin Division.

"I didn't expect you to come, Ever."

"I've been so busy all day that I just heard about it. If it's over, I'll just go."

"Please, have a seat."

Yuder responded coolly and sat down. Here was Ever Beck, an excellent member who had developed her abilities well in her previous life, seeking advice. It struck him vividly that it was indeed 11 years prior.

"I'm glad. I won't take up much of your time."

Ever sat down in front of Yuder, taking slow breaths. Her cheeks were still red, as if she had run hastily.

"Like everyone else, I've been worrying about how to set my personal training direction. So far, I've been focusing on enhancing the abilities I already have, but I'm worried if that alone will be sufficient."

"You're already doing well enough, but if you think that's not sufficient, what do you think is missing?"

"Hmm. Well... I feel like I'm only using my power in a way that distributes it too lightly. That's the tendency. You all know my abilities, right?"

Ever lightly shook her gloved hand, revealing her exposed fingers. Her strength lay in physical power and skin strength, which might make it odd to suggest she could divide her power. However, for Yuder, who could perceive the flow of energy, it was different. The faint energy gathering at the tips of Ever's fingers in an instant was the core of the strength she could exert. So small it would be unnoticeable without intense focus, but a precisely calculated force momentarily lingered at her fingertips before dispersing again.

"I think this power is wonderful, of course. But lately, when I look at others, I sometimes think I might need an ability to make a big impact. So, I thought it would be good if I could improve that through training... My explanation is a bit strange, isn't it? I'm sorry. I'm not used to explaining things like this."

"No, it's fine."

In essence, Ever was wondering if it might be better to develop a method to use power that stands out and is flashy, like others.

'It's a common trap to fall into. The grass is always greener.'

Based on his past experiences, Yuder understood Ever's thoughts. But understanding her did not mean he wanted to support her in this line of thinking.

'There's no need to accentuate a weakness when you have a good ability.'

Yuder remembered how Ever, in her previous life, had single-handedly jumped into a horde of about 100 monsters and took them all down in an instant. It was ironic to think that the best user of powers he had met, someone who could wield their ability with precision, had at one point considered training to go in the complete opposite direction. He almost laughed at the thought.

"I wouldn't do that, Ever," Yuder advised her in a quiet but firm tone.

"Your ability is far more amazing than those who constantly waste their energy. If I were you, I would continue as you have been, while increasing your courage and adaptability for close combat."

Ever's power was mighty, but had the disadvantage of not having the same effect on the target when used from a distance. Her ability was most effective when used in conjunction with close combat.

"So, is that so? Was I just being too greedy?"

Ever scratched her head with an awkward expression, prompting Kanna to nod.

"It's not that you're greedy, it's just that your ability is so great. Out of all the people who came today, you're the first one Yuder has spoken so highly of!"

"Really...?"

While Ever seemed genuinely happy but a little bewildered, it seemed as if she hadn't fully grasped the potential of her power. But with time, she would undoubtedly come to understand it on her own, without the need for anyone else's advice. Watching her, Yuder suddenly thought that he might be the one needing advice.

'When I think about it, what I really need now is an ability like Ever's.'

The red spots caused by the power of the Red Stone hadn't disappeared yet. He was in a situation where he couldn't freely use his power like before, and had already been thinking of finding a more delicate way to divide and use it. And what better teacher to learn from than the master of such an ability?

Someone who was born to use a very small, precise amount of power at just the right place.

"Ever."

"Yes?"

"Would you teach me how to use your power?"

"Are you joking?"

Ever, along with Gakane and Kanna, wore a surprised expression, seemingly unable to guess Yuder's reasoning. However, Yuder was serious.

"Uh… I’m not sure if I can be of help. Yuder, you’re already so powerful, what could I possibly teach you?"

"It's alright. Just showing me how you use it will be enough. Is that not possible?"

"It’s not that it’s impossible…"

That was enough for him. Yuder had managed to secure a promise to meet her during the morning free training time, and he was as satisfied as a well-fed beast. It was, without doubt, the greatest harvest he'd gained from this holiday.

Afterward, Ever left with Kanna, looking somewhat flustered. Gakane offered to help Yuder finish the cleanup, but Yuder insisted he go ahead, as he seemed quite tired.

The recreation room was left with only a few pieces of litter and chairs strewn about, as if to reflect the noisy bustle of the day. Yuder picked up the trash and moved the chairs back to their original positions. As he pushed the last remaining chair towards the table and turned around, a voice echoed from the direction of the door without warning.

"I didn’t tell you to rest just so you could be this busy, you know."