Only then did Yuder notice that Melvern’s hands, obscured behind Ezein’s projection, had begun to change in a strange and unsettling way.

‘His fingers...’

The fingers, which had been held together like cupped water, were now swollen and distorted, as though the joints had vanished and the flesh had become bloated and uneven. What’s more, the fingernails were completely gone, and in their place, black, scale-like keratin had formed—resembling fish scales. If an ordinary person had seen it, they might have thought he was under a terrible curse or turning into a monster. Melvern’s hands were still twitching slightly, and with each tremor, the blackened, swollen area gradually spread.

“Thank you for your concern, but I’m fine,” Melvern said with a sheepish smile.

“This is exactly what I mentioned earlier when I spoke about the time limit of my ability. It doesn’t hurt, but... the larger the area of transformation, the more dizzy and dazed I become, like I’m drugged or something...”

According to him, when the transformation reached around his wrists, it became difficult to maintain the connection, and it would usually break off at that point.

‘I see. So that’s what he meant earlier.’

Melvern had said his ability was limited more by his physical stamina than the distance to the target. Whether he was near or far from Ezein, the connection time was similar. It all made sense now, if using his ability triggered this kind of physical transformation.

“When I’m stable and relaxed, the connection holds longer and the changes slow down. That’s why I dared to meet you here, of all places.”

Melvern took the opportunity to kindly elaborate on what he’d only briefly mentioned when they’d run into each other before the trial.

To Yuder’s eyes, Melvern didn’t appear to be in any particular pain. Judging from Kishiar’s expression, he seemed to have made the same assessment.

“How do your hands return to normal?”

“Once the connection is cut, they go back to normal after a few hours. I’ve confirmed it through multiple tests. I also have gloves to cover them, so you really don’t need to worry!” 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝐰𝚎𝕓𝐧𝚘𝘃𝗲𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝕞

“But since your fingers have already fully transformed, it seems you won’t have much time left,” Kishiar observed, nodding. The Ezein within the light projection wore a slightly regretful expression as he agreed.

‘That’s true. But His Majesty the Emperor has permitted us to continue this form of communication until our discussion is complete, so long as the Commander is willing to assist us.’

“Indeed. There’s nothing quite as efficient and reliable as speaking face to face. Very well. If it’s a meeting of Awakeners using their powers to aid each other, it’s a meaningful endeavor.”

Kishiar’s smooth and flowing acceptance made Ezein’s smile brighten considerably.

‘Thank you for understanding.’

Melvern could currently use his power only once a day. Since he had come as Ezein’s envoy, it would be publicly announced that he was staying near the palace—but in reality, he would now remain within the Cavalry.

The two men quickly began discussing concrete plans for future cooperation between the Cavalry and Nelleriato.

“I heard from your envoy that you plan to officially unveil Nelleriato on the day of your coronation.”

‘That’s correct. The leadership positions have been filled with my close aides. General recruitment hasn’t started yet, but a few individuals were scouted ahead of time. These are people who Awakened right after the Red Stone fell and have since gained a reputation for helping during monster outbreaks and border skirmishes. Most of them are commoners.’

From the sound of it, Ezein truly intended to model Nelleriato after the Cavalry. The fact that he was willing to accept even commoners as members was especially similar.

The one notable difference ⊛ Nоvеlιght ⊛ (Read the full story) was that, unlike Kishiar, Ezein had already reached out to a few talents he’d identified in advance.

‘Kishiar didn’t preemptively contact people like Jimina or Ever, even though their names had already spread after their exploits during the Red Stone incident.’

Contacting candidates before truly understanding their character could be risky. Those selected early might become arrogant or form cliques, creating a hidden hierarchy to exclude later recruits.

‘Ezein must be aware of that risk. And yet, he’s pushing ahead with early recruitment...’

Maybe it was just to quell unrest at home and abroad by unveiling the unit during his coronation. But could there be another reason?

Ezein answered before Yuder could think further.

‘Not long ago, a strange rift briefly appeared and vanished in a certain region of Nellarun.’

Yuder’s brows twitched upward slightly.

‘It would’ve been too minor to notice under normal circumstances, but I heard that a similar event occurred across the Empire while the Cavalry was on break.’

“From what you’re saying, it sounds like they happened around the same time,” Kishiar said, and Ezein nodded.

‘Indeed. I came across information that said a similar phenomenon occurred as a precursor to the large-scale incident in the southern Empire. I’m worried that what happened in Nellarun may be the same. My advisors called it unnecessary anxiety, but...’

The rift anomaly across the Empire during the Cavalry’s stay in Peleta had caused quite a commotion. The rifts had disappeared quickly without unleashing monsters, but the Cavalry’s vacation had essentially been cancelled because of them.

Even now, Yuder knew that both Kishiar and Emperor Keillusa continued to monitor and respond to the phenomenon, fully aware that such rifts could be a warning of greater disasters to come—just as in the South.

‘If a rift appeared in Nellarun, that likely means other countries experienced similar things too.’

Yet not a single nation had spoken of it publicly. Maybe discussions were happening behind closed doors, but Nellarun was the first to openly share information this way. Yuder guessed that the other countries likely saw the incidents in the Orr Empire as someone else’s problem.

‘That would be the typical response. Crown Prince Ezein is the rare exception.’

It wasn’t unexpected.

In his past life, it had been the same. The Orr Empire faced repeated disasters first, but eventually every country suffered the same fate. Only Nellarun, under Ezein’s rule, responded properly. That’s why it had risen to be called a new Empire.

Disasters didn’t respect borders. Yet too many people failed to grasp that.

And once again, Ezein was acting faster and more decisively than in his previous life to protect Nellarun. Having close alliances with Kishiar and Emperor Keillusa this time likely helped, but even so, it was no easy feat to act against his advisors’ fears.

A soft smile appeared on Kishiar’s face.

"Wise indeed. I’ve seen those rifts appear and vanish more than once—and having fought the disasters they precede, I can tell you Your Highness’s concerns are not excessive."

‘I thought as much.’

Ezein let out a long breath, as though receiving long-awaited confirmation.

‘I feel even more certain now that we must remain vigilant for similar occurrences in the future. Thank you for the advice. And I’m more determined than ever to accelerate preparations for Nelleriato.’

“Might I ask when the coronation is scheduled to take place?”

‘After the moon has risen three more times.’

Kishiar paused in thought. Glancing briefly at Melvern, whose transformation had now reached his palms, he spoke again.

“In that case, though the coronation is still some ways off, I believe we can begin connecting you with a few individuals from our side now. These are people who were instrumental during the founding of the Cavalry and can offer meaningful advice to those working to build Nelleriato.”

Then, Kishiar turned to Yuder and gave him a brief smile.

“...And as for the coronation itself, my aide and I will attend as the Empire’s official delegation, to offer our congratulations.”