“...What do you mean by that?”

Did Kishiar mean Yuder’s grandfather had foreseen the future? How could he possibly have known that years after his death, a red stone would fall from the sky and that Yuder would awaken?

Had Kishiar found yet another piece of evidence?

“It’s just a thought I had. If Great Mage Luma went so far as to defy the constraints of time and space in order to send warnings and aid to the future, then what did he intend to do if his magic succeeded?”

“......”

“He didn’t mean to save the world himself again. That much is clear from his journals. Even those who received the Blessing of the Great Mage were healed or survived—but they didn’t gain power. So then, who was he hoping to find, and what kind of help did he plan to give?”

“......”

“We heard before that your grandfather once said his grandson would accomplish something great. If he said that because he’d already seen your potential, then perhaps the reason he raised you there was precisely for that ‘help for future generations’ I mentioned.”

Kishiar glanced at the paper in Yuder’s hand.

“Whether he had concrete knowledge of the future or not, we can’t know. But even without his memories, anyone could look at the state of the world and see how chaotic and dangerous things had become.”

It wasn’t a good world for a gifted child to grow up in alone.

For a brief moment, bitterness passed through Kishiar’s voice.

“When you think about it, Great Mage Luma lived during the earliest days of mages. When the world was falling into ruin and new power emerged, who could have known better what would happen next? He himself was born as a magical hero to stop a catastrophe.”

“......”

“Try imagining things from his perspective. You might be the one who understands him best. Maybe more than I ever could.”

“I...”

Yuder was going to say he wasn’t capable of such speculation the way Kishiar was. But he stopped short. His mind was full.

Kishiar let out a quiet breath.

“That’s about the extent of what I’ve been thinking since yesterday. And now that I’ve said it all... it’s precisely time for Melvern’s first training.”

“Ah.”

It was. He had, as if by magic, timed his explanation to end right when Yuder needed to leave. With a slight smile, Kishiar’s expression returned to his usual calm.

“What we just discussed is only part of the path toward finding answers. Keep your mind open to different possibilities, but don’t get lost by chasing only the ‘truth.’ Can you promise me that?”

Yuder looked at the hand offered to him, then grasped it.

“...Yes.”

Right. No matter how ❖ Nоvеl𝚒ght ❖ (Exclusive on Nоvеl𝚒ght) much he thought about it, there was no way to know the answer right now. But if an answer was meant to be found, he would find it eventually. As Kishiar said, keeping multiple paths open would help him stay steady when surprises came. That was enough—for now.

“With what we’ve learned yesterday and today, I should probably have a talk with Inon.”

“Yes. That’s a good idea. Ah, and—”

Kishiar pointed to the desk.

“I’ve been going through things myself, but there’s a limit to what I can discover alone. According to what Kanna said yesterday, your grandfather taught you how to read the ledger, didn’t he? Would you mind telling me more about that?”

Only then did Yuder realize the thick open notebook Kishiar had been reading was his grandfather’s ledger.

“...Aren’t ledgers all the same? He didn’t teach me any special method or anything...”

“Even so, just in case. The way items are categorized, the system of organizing—it varies from person to person. Sometimes even small details can reveal something useful.”

To be honest, Yuder hadn’t studied hard enough to teach someone else. He wasn’t even sure he remembered exactly how his grandfather had taught him. He now recalled the mild embarrassment he’d felt when Kanna read the traces of how he had neglected studying.

If he remembered correctly, he had learned how to read the ledger around the same time he first learned letters. Which meant it was during a time when climbing trees and swimming were far more enjoyable than sitting down to learn.

He was now over thirty—how could he clearly remember what had happened twenty years ago? Vaguely recalling how often he ran away mid-lesson, Yuder fell silent.

But what could he do? Kishiar had asked. He’d just have to wring out whatever memories he could. Yuder stared at the ledger for a moment, then gave a small nod.

“Yes. I’ll do that.”

“Good. Then shall we head over together?”

Together?

“You’re attending Melvern’s training too, Commander?”

“Why wouldn’t I? The mages will be there—I see no reason not to go myself.”

Kishiar was always busy, so Yuder had assumed he’d just hear a report afterward, as usual. It was a little surprising—but if anything, it was better that he’d be there.

“Understood. Let’s go.”

Melvern’s first training session was scheduled to begin in the most remote indoor training hall within the Cavalry grounds.

It was the same place Emperor Keillusa had once used for training. The soundproofing was excellent, and its secluded location made it ideal for sessions that needed to stay out of public view. Originally, it was built for Awakeners with dangerous abilities to train in peace—but these days, it was more often used for other purposes.

When Yuder and Kishiar arrived at the hall, the two mages who had arrived earlier greeted them with slightly nervous expressions.

“Good afternoon, Cavalry Commander. It’s been a while...”

“Alik. I’ve heard good things about your latest research.”

“I received the grant you sent last time—thank you. Hah... It’s been hard moving this old body around, but your support gave me the strength I didn’t know I had.”

“If you need more, just say the word.”

Tais Yulman chuckled at Kishiar’s words. Maybe money really did work wonders—there was a definite spark in his eyes now that hadn’t been there before. His gaunt face hadn’t changed, but if his sharpness was intact, then all was well. Yuder left Kishiar to handle the mages and turned to greet Melvern, who arrived precisely on time.

“Welcome.”

“Ah, hello... Am I late?”

“No. You’re right on time.”

“Ah, good. I was worried. Is the Commander joining us today as well? That’s fine, of course, but... who are those people?”

Melvern hadn’t been told who would be observing his first training session. Once Yuder introduced the mages and explained that they were present to observe his ability from a different perspective, Melvern quickly calmed down.

“Ah... I see. As long as the secret related to my ability is kept safe, I have no objections. If Baron Aile vouches for them, then the person I serve will have no problem either. I trust you.”

He truly was someone who had cast aside his nation and everything else for Ezein.

“A fine mindset. Then let’s begin. Please come to the center.”

Without delay, Yuder announced the start of training. Melvern stepped forward, swallowing hard. Every gaze in the room turned to him as he stood at the center of the training hall.

Yuder quietly spoke the first instruction.

“Use your ability here.”

“Yes!”

“But—while dodging my attacks.”

“...What?”