Initially, Yuder had thought that perhaps there was a reason that made it difficult to publicly reveal Hellem's surname, only introducing her first name. However, this situation far exceeded Yuder's expectations. If she were the head of the Imperial Magic Department of the Orr Empire, her skills would be on par with the Elder Archmages at the top of the Pearl Tower.

In an era when most mages found it difficult to cast even a single spell, not everyone was so constrained. Some of the Elders in the Pearl Tower Yuder had met in his previous life knew how to use impressively powerful elemental magic.

Yuder had also considered the possibility that, like Thais Yulman, the expert on monsters, Hellem might have been granted a high position due to her outstanding research ability. However, unlike the several Elders in the Pearl Tower, there was only one position for the head of the Imperial Magic Department. No matter how excellent her research skills might have been, it would not have been enough for her to obtain that position.

The fact that someone who had once held the prestigious title was now living in seclusion in remote Peletta, hiding both her honor and surname and being content with merely being called "grandmother," was hard to believe. However, the calm reactions of Mick Shuden and Nathan Zuckerman made it seem all the more real.

Anyway, it was fortunate that Hellem said that neither much time nor manpower was needed for preparation. Yuder was determined to use this opportunity to find not only the key to recovering his own body but also a solution to the issue related to Kishiar's vessel.

"Since we're on the subject, let's start today. Pharmacist, it seems like you'll have to be with us. Is that okay?"

Enon sighed softly but did not refuse Mick's cheerful words.

"Call me Enon, not 'Pharmacist'."

"Alright, Enon. That's as refreshing as your revolutionary idea for treatment."

Nathan Zuckerman left early to prepare to leave, and Kishiar engaged in conversation with Hellem. As everyone else moved, Yuder's gaze once again met Mick's. In his eyes, there seemed to be a fleeting glimpse of a mirage-like energy.

"... I didn't get to ask earlier, but are you an Awakener?"

"Oh. How did you figure it out so quickly when my power isn't even visible? Indeed, a person with the ability worthy of a hero of the Great Sarain Forest is different in every way."

"I'm naturally a bit sensitive to energy."

Responding calmly, Yuder lowered his voice so that only Mick could hear.

"I don't know what ability you possess, but I'm feeling uneasy as I sense energy every time you look at me."

"Did you feel that? It's not just a little sensitivity. That's impressive."

Mick sincerely admired Yuder and then obediently answered.

"My ability allows me to look inside others. Since it's activated through my eyes, it's not easy to control. If something bothers me, I unintentionally exert my power. Sorry if it was unpleasant."

"...Inside? You mean organs? Or energy?"

"Hahaha. Although I can see energy to some extent, it's neither of those. How should I describe it?"

The man who had been scratching his head looked at Yuder once again with renewed intensity, and this time a mirage visibly flickered around his eyes.

"What I see is, let's say... like the core inside the shell? But your core is quite unique. The most special one I've ever seen among all the people I've met."

What could be so peculiar to be considered the most unique among all the people he had seen so far? Unable to understand, Yuder furrowed his brow slightly, to which Mick quietly said,

"There are many holes inside you. So many empty spaces that they're countless."

A powerful throb resonated somewhere deep within his chest. Surprise and caution raised their heads simultaneously inside Yuder. Suppressing a chilling sensation, Yuder made an effort not to reveal any change in expression and sealed his lips without a word.

“...”

“Well, it doesn't mean it looks dangerous. Since I haven't looked into the hearts of everyone in the world, there might be someone with even stranger contents than you, assistant. Perhaps your power is too strong or it may be an aftereffect of an injury, so don’t worry.”

After cheerfully spitting out words of comfort or something, Mick patted Yuder's shoulder.

“I want to hear directly from you about the monster you caught in the Great Sarain Forest next time we meet. In fact, that's one of the things I've been looking forward to most?”

“...Understood.”

Despite Yuder's curt response, Mick was delighted.

“Great, great. I must prepare some fine wine for that day. I’ll treat you in a manner worthy of Shuden's name.”

Both Mick and Hellem were unique in many ways. That fact had made Kishiar feel slightly strange in a meeting he never had in his previous life, even among his own people.

Still, it was not a bad feeling.

...

On the way back to the mansion after leaving Enon, Kishiar quietly informed Yuder of the next schedule.

“I will prepare to meet with Baron Willhem and the priests of the Western Sun God Temple as soon as I return. I'm thinking of including Priest Lusan, can you summon him?”

“Understood.”

It was a good thing, as Yuder had to hear about Marty and Robel from Lusan. Upon arrival, Yuder went to find Lusan but stopped in his tracks at the unexpected sight of Robel, who was caring for the memory-lost ones.

‘He was helping out here.’

He hadn’t expected Robel's assistance, even though some members who were helping Lusan were absent for other tasks. The two people who noticed Yuder's gaze turned their heads and approached with welcoming expressions.

“Master Yuder, what brings you here?”

“The commander wants to see Priest Lusan. But… what’s going on here? Is it a positive outcome?”

Lusan managed an awkward smile, although Yuder's vague expression referred to Robel and Marty’s situation.

“Ha-ha… No, it's rather the opposite, so we've decided to seek this gentleman's assistance.”

‘...The opposite?’

Robel, who met Yuder's gaze, made a bitter expression. Lusan explained on his behalf.

“Marty has responded that she doesn’t want to see Robel right now. She seems quite confused after hearing Robel's situation, so we decided to give her more time to think.”

“I see.”

“…But thankfully, Master Yuder, or rather, Mr. Yuder, you warned us first. If I had heard without any preparation, really... I wouldn’t have known how to respond.”

Robel interjected softly and then looked at the closed door. It was the room where those who had regained their memories were staying.

“I've decided to keep waiting since all I can do is wait. But I couldn't do nothing, so I asked to help the priest, who needed assistance.”

His response was clear, even if weak. The fact that he hadn’t given up everything despite Marty's rejection was positive. Lusan seemed to think the same and continued to look at Robel as he spoke.

“Although those who have lost their memories don't recognize Mr. Robel, facing a familiar face seems to help with a quicker recovery, so I accepted. However, I'm being careful not to let him encounter Marty or others who have regained their memories.”

“That should be fine.”

Yuder nodded, expressing his intention to fully respect Lusan's judgment.

“But I won't just keep working. When you go to look for Nahan, please take me with you.”

“Have you had any contact from that side since you came here?”

“No, not at all. I heard that he left his usual lodging and fled, but I have no idea where he might have gone next. I’m sorry I couldn't be of help even though I promised to cooperate.”

Robel's eyes were filled with anger as he spoke. It seemed that capturing Nahan was his only revenge and atonement toward Marty.

“...Then, Robel, as I said earlier, please feed everyone here and then turn the wheelchairs in the direction. Yuder and I will be back shortly.”

Lusan looked at Robel with a touch of regret before instructing the remaining tasks and turning with Yuder. They headed in the direction of the lodging where Kishiar might be, chatting along the way.

“Robel has been very cooperative. He wanted to help more from the first time we spoke. He's apprehensive about the Cavalry, but he doesn't seem hostile.”

“That's fortunate.”

“It's all thanks to you, Yuder.”

Lusan casually praised Yuder, but from Yuder's perspective, Lusan's attitude was even more admirable. Even though things had improved, having the mental strength to act so magnanimously toward an Awakener who was part of the group that had harmed him, like Nahan, was an impossible feat for an ordinary mind.

“Ah, and quite a few letters have been delivered from the Great Sarain Forest and the capital... There might be a letter for you, Yuder, so check it later. I got one too.”

“Is that so? I'll have to check.”

He had previously written a brief reply to the letter sent by his colleagues left in the Great Sarain Forest. It was about time for a response to start trickling back in.

In the lodging to which Yuder and Lusan returned, besides Kishiar and Nahan Zuckerman, there was one more guest. The guest stood up and smiled warmly at Yuder as soon as he saw him.

“It's been a while.”

It was none other than the head of the Western Mage Union, Micalin Punt.

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