Turning Chapter 912

"So, you're saying that the fall of the Red Stone and the ergence of Awakeners were the will of your god?"

It was absurd. Very little had been uncovered about the Red Stone, but it was clear to Yuder that this claim was nothing but nonsense.

Where did the Red Stone fall? In the valley of the Or Empire, where Yuder lived. Until just before it fell, no one in the continent had predicted such an event, and it was only after the ergence of the Awakeners that they realized the phenonon was linked to it.

If the Black Moon was trying to claim that the fall of the Red Stone and the appearance of the Awakeners were part of their plans, at the very least, they should have predicted the event themselves. The idea that a powerful and unfamiliar divine force had co to them through prophecy—how convenient to spread such a tale across the continent to elevate their stature.

However, from what Yuder knew, there hadn’t been any significant movents from the South around the ti of the Red Stone’s fall. If they had known, they could have easily retrieved it before the Empire even took interest, or at the very least, had a more substantial connection to the Red Stone or the ergence of Awakeners in their region to make such a claim more plausible.

‘It's typical for priests to say everything is related to the gods, but to use the Red Stone and the Awakeners like this? This guy's mouth is nearly as skilled as the Sage’s.’

"...Yes."

"Do you have any proof?"

Aton fell silent for a long while.

‘Of course, there’s no proof.’

Yuder thought this coldly, but unexpectedly, Aton revealed sothing he hadn’t anticipated.

"The first Udaqwan and the chief kept it secret... but I suspect it may be related to the 'Last Emperor's Records.'"

"The Last Emperor's Records?"

That was a term Yuder had never heard before.

On the continent, there were many nations and communities, each with their own leaders. However, the only one who could truly call themselves an emperor was the Emperor of the Or Empire. This had been the case for a thousand years. As far as Yuder knew, the only person to break that implicit rule was the King «N.o.v.e.l.i.g.h.t» of Ezein of Nelerun, who, despite never officially calling himself an emperor, was recognized as one due to his growing power.

‘But even that King of Ezein never officially called himself an emperor; others just called him that.’

That King of Ezein could have held an official coronation as emperor, but his position was so strong that no one questioned his authority. Despite his actual character, he had successfully preserved his nation. He had withstood disasters, sought protection from Nelerun, and was willing to absorb smaller nations eager for safety. Later, he even made Duvern, a long-ti rival, a vassal state. Everyone called Nelerun an empire, not a kingdom. Even Yuder had thought of it that way.

The King of Ezein did not refer to himself as emperor officially, probably because, given the chaotic state of the world at the ti, there was no need to provoke Emperor Kachian’s wrath.

However, in the current world, no nation with the power of Nelerun existed. The South had no real nations, only tribes or temporary alliances. So, who was this "Last Emperor"?

As Yuder frowned in confusion, Kishiar raised his hand, signaling his intention to speak. After a mont of silence, the man who had been gazing down at Aton spoke with a low, asured voice.

"-Is it a record from before the Great Cataclysm?"

Before the Great Cataclysm.

That was sothing Yuder hadn’t even considered. His eyes widened slightly, and Aton nodded slightly in confirmation.

"...Yes."

"How many of those records do you have on your side?"

"...I don't know. But even if there are more, none can compare to the Last Emperor’s Records passed down in our tribe. It is a true treasure, passed down only to the chief and those he allows to read it."

"A treasure... I see. So, should I understand from this that the movents you’ve started now are connected to what’s written in those records?"

"..."

Aton remained silent, but Kishiar, undeterred, quickly followed up with another question.

"The first Udaqwan said that the goal was to restore past glory. Do you think the chief of the Wolfstone’s Eye tribe shares that goal?"

"In my opinion..."

"Yes, I’d like to know what you think."

"...The purpose is the sa. However, I believe the chief's ultimate goal is different."

"How so?"

"The chief... while sending people like to the north of the desert, is also gathering the children of the Moon, scattered for a thousand years. Once that goal is achieved... we will finally break free from this long curse and have a true leader who unites us."

"..."

"Perhaps... we will have a king... or... perhaps more."

At that mont, a faint wisp of vapor rose from Aton’s body. This was a sign that Gloena’s ability was nearing its end.

"It seems that’s all for now."

"Yes. A pity."

Yuder glared at Aton, prepared to act quickly if the need arose.

Those who know many secrets, like Aton, often carry an "oath" with them—one that would cause them to either die or go mad if they reveal crucial information. After capturing Aton, the first thing the Cavalry checked was, naturally, any traces of such an oath.

However, there were no signs of any oath on Aton’s body. The oaths were usually created in the Sun God Temple, but even fake ones made in back alleys had the sa fundantal origin. Yuder had considered this possibility, though it could be sothing else entirely.

‘They might have a similar power too.’

This was part of the reason Yuder found Gloena’s ability so necessary. Gloena’s "truth" ability could bypass an oath's traces in most cases, even if there was a visible mark of an oath, allowing them to extract information without triggering the oath. This made her ability invaluable to the Cavalry for interrogation.

If Aton had so power similar to an oath and Gloena couldn’t break through it, this could very well be the first and last ti they interrogated him.

A few monts later, the power that had been swirling around Aton’s body completely dissipated. He collapsed, unconscious.

At the sa ti, Lusan, who had been outside, knocked on the door.

"Yuder! Gloena has fainted!"

It seed that Gloena, who had held on while Aton was conscious, had finally fainted once her power wore off. Yuder imdiately instructed for her to be taken to the dical departnt. Nathan Zuckerman, who was at the entrance, would surely provide appropriate help as soon as he saw her.

Given that there had been no signs of a fever, it seed that the aftereffects of her ability weren’t severe, but it was unclear how long she would remain unconscious, which was a small concern. Yuder sighed deeply as he looked down at Aton.

"Before he wakes up, it’s possible he could suddenly die. We should carefully monitor his condition. If he wakes up safely, we’ll be able to assess how effective Gloena’s ability was."

"Right. We should."

They called over other mbers of the unit to finish the interrogation and exited. Reneb, looking pale and exhausted, approached them with a weak smile.

"I did my best, as you requested. Do you think it went well?"

"Thanks to you, it was a great help."

"That’s a relief... Really."

Without Reneb’s abilities, this entire charade wouldn’t have been brought to such a successful end. When Yuder expressed his gratitude, Reneb looked incredibly happy, as though finally feeling like he had repaid his debt to Yuder.

In the past, if Reneb had been overly fatigued from controlling his power, it would have been hard to ask for his help in looking after prisoners, but now, with the Awakener control devices that Alik was producing, the situation was different. Yuder recomnded that Reneb rest for the day, entrusting others with the task of overseeing things.

"Got it. I’ll leave it at that for today..."

Once Reneb left, Yuder exchanged glances with the other mbers of the Cavalry who were there to keep watch. He stepped onto the stairs leading up to the higher floors. The conversation between Kishiar and him would co later, once they had entered the now empty office.

"By the way... after hearing about the 'Last Emperor’s Records,' how did you imdiately know that it was related to the records from before the Great Cataclysm? I honestly thought it was just nonsense."