Turning
chapter-261

Suddenly, Lorna's expression turned peculiar as she unexpectedly came to understand the true reason why their respected leader had left his position in the council of Elders. Yuder was equally perplexed, uncertain how he should respond.

'...Didn't he say they were friends?'

Thais had confidently declared that Micalin, the head of the Western Mage Union, was his friend and would respond amicably when presented with the letter. However, the reaction of the recipient of the letter was unexpectedly different.

Indifferent to how the people around him were feeling, Micalin continued speaking, his eyes reflecting a memory from the past.

"Even the last time we met, we had a fight over our differences regarding the changing situation of magic power in the present time. We ended up in a fistfight, and I remember him shouting that the next time we'd meet would be at his funeral..."

"..."

At this point, it was clear that their relationship had moved beyond mere rivals and into the realm of enemies.

"...Yet, ironically, I owe my life to that man in a moment when I was on the brink of death."

Caught off guard by the sudden change in atmosphere, Yuder looked up. Micalin was watching him, a twisted smile on his face.

"In all my years, I have come to understand how unpredictable life truly is."

The old mage sighed deeply, gazing at the letter in his hand for a long time before folding it back.

"Did Thais say anything else when he sent this letter?"

"He was... worried about the Cavalry who were embarking on their first extermination mission. He said that once we arrived in the West, if we showed you the letter, you, as his friend, would help us," Yuder replied.

"Friend!"

Micalin laughed harshly, stroking his thick, bristly beard.

"Seems he's forgotten how badly we parted. Truly shameless, that man. Don't you agree?"

Faced with this question that seemed to demand agreement, Yuder hesitated before responding.

"...I think his passion for research is extraordinary."

"There's no need for such a polite phrase. It's sufficient to say that on the outside, he appears fine, but inside he's mad!"

With that final insult towards Thais Yulman, Micalin handed the letter back to Yuder.

"Now, take this back. I've confirmed its contents, so dispose of this cursed letter as you please. Burn it or return it, I don't care. Let's move on to something more important."

'...Does this mean he's finally willing to listen?'

While the exact reason wasn't clear, the fatigue and caution that had filled his gaze earlier seemed to have softened significantly. It appeared that Thais Yulman's letter had served its purpose in some way or another.

As Yuder contemplated the unpredictable nature of mages, he began to explain how he had met Lorna and her party in the village before coming here, and the conversation they'd had.

He emphasized that although the Tain Duke's family had requested the Cavalry's assistance, he had explicitly rejected it, and that they had come here to assess the situation and handle monster extermination independently of them. When he mentioned this, Micalin let out a low grunt of acknowledgment.

"So, the Cavalry has never actually met with Baron Willhem?"

"Correct. We were the first dispatched from the Cavalry and came straight here without visiting Tainu. If it weren't for Lorna, we wouldn't even have known about Baron Willhem."

"Did he really not know about the Magic Spring Ruin?"

"Our primary mission is to assess and handle any abnormalities in the monster population. If we truly were interested in the ruins, our Commander would have already contacted the Western Mage Union."

Micalin studied Yuder's impassive face, who carefully answered to ensure that he could fully feel that the mages were not the enemies of the Awakeners and the Cavalry but one of the citizens to protect.

"So…what is your evaluation of the current situation after the Cavalry has come this far?"

This was a question bordering on a test. Yuder instinctively felt that this was the turning point for the possibility of the Western Mage Union and the Cavalry directly collaborating.

'The boundaries are almost gone now. Thanks to the assistance provided so far, if well managed, this is a great opportunity to establish a cooperative relationship.'

If he could get help from the mages who had been researching here for several years, handling the current situation would be incomparably easier than in his past life. He subtly moved his eyes to find Kishiar. The man, who stood quietly in a place that Yuder could find without any movement, nodded his head slightly enough that others would find it difficult to notice as soon as he met his gaze. It was the meaning of permission without even asking a question. Yuder smoothly continued his response.

"…Before we came here, I thought the situation might become much more serious than expected. If we take the slightly more severe monster emergence than in previous years lightly, we will certainly suffer great damage."

"Like our Western Mage Union stronghold did."

"Who could perfectly anticipate and handle such an event? The important thing is to find a way not to further increase the damage in the future."

"Good words. But how? Even if we ask for help from that Baron Willhem and the Duke of Tain, those slow guys are so stingy they will surely try to send support as late as possible. Do you think you can handle this situation with your power alone?"

"Of course, it would be difficult with our power alone. However, if the leader believes in us and helps us, it won't be impossible."

"Hmm. Do you see that much power in us? You surely don't mean we should take the lead and be the guide, considering all the damage we've taken."

There was always a sharp bone in Micalin's words. It was a deliberate act, a harsh response intended to minimize any potential harm to the union he led and to understand the intentions of Yuder and the Cavalry.

However, Yuder was very accustomed to this kind of response from his long time as a Cavalry Commander. If he were really a twenty-year-old boy, he might not have been able to resist those words, but he was not swayed by such blatant remarks now. The best way to not be swayed by such people was not to give them time to think and to calmly strike their weak spots.

"Right before the massive outbreak of monsters as we entered Great Sarain Forest today, we saw a strange crack in the air."

Micalin tilted his head towards Yuder, who suddenly brought up a different story.

"Hmm?"

“The crack from which the monsters usually emerged was entirely different this time. It was broader, a strange form that simply lingered in mid-air for quite a long time. Then, when it disappeared, monsters began to spawn at a rapid pace, most of them large creatures, twice the size of a human.”

Micalin turned to look at Lorna as if to confirm this was true. She nodded seriously.

"His statement is true."

"I've never seen a crack like this before, and it was extremely ominous. To speak frankly, I... no, we speculated that this crack might somehow be connected to the unusual monster outbreak happening in the West."

"…Evidence?"

"None. However, wouldn't the Western Mage Union, who have been researching here for several years, perhaps know more about this crack in the air than us? There might be someone who has already seen it."

"…"

"No one knows when that crack might appear again. Perhaps it has already appeared nearby and disappeared again, causing more unusual occurrences. I believe that now is the time for quick judgments and cooperation rather than testing each other's intentions. That is, if we don't want to lose anything more important."

His words were audacious to an extreme degree. Micalin blinked, taken aback, then after a moment, let out a sound that was either laughter or amazement.

"Heh."

"If you, Leader, make a quick decision, our Cavalry will cooperate immediately. We hope you'll trust that our only aim is to solve this issue early and reduce the harm to the innocent citizens of the West."

Silence stretched on for a while. Yuder quietly stood, waiting for Micalin's answer. After a moment, Micalin, who had been lost in thought with his arms crossed, let out a loud, amused laugh.

"You've got guts. I thought you were just a child, but it seems I've been taught a lesson."

"…"

"Very well. Let's cooperate."

"Leader…"

The young mages behind Micalin could not hide their surprise.

"I don't like indecisive people. But as I grow older, I find myself becoming like them. Yet hearing such straightforward words after so long feels refreshing."

Micalin stepped forward, extending a hand towards Yuder.

"Let's shake on it again, properly this time."

His voice and gaze had changed, reflecting much more respect for his counterpart. Yuder shook Micalin's hand. After a firm handshake, Micalin spoke immediately.

"About that crack you mentioned last... it so happens that one of our mages also reported witnessing something similar near an artifact we were researching. I didn't pay it much attention at the time due to the chaos, but hearing you speak of it reminded me. Would you like to meet him and hear the story?"

"Really?"

Yuder nodded instantly.

"I'd like to hear it right away, if possible."

The artifact, the strange crack, signs of a looming disaster.

Noticing Yuder's mind whirling with these thoughts, Micalin shot him a meaningful glance.

"He's likely resting in another room due to his injuries. Follow me."