In a state of rapid breath, Yuder watched as the sight of the tiny light melted into the red aura that had been enveloping the vessel. Only then did he relax his muscles and lower his head. His body was drenched in sweat, as if he had never bathed at all.

Yet his mood was considerably relieved. He wasn’t planning to end things here; he would observe the progress and try again. As he raised his head to check on Kishiar, he paused at the sight of an unexpected expression on the man’s face.

"Commander?"

"Well, why don’t you lie down for a moment?"

As if he had been waiting for this moment, Kishiar calmly smiled and pulled Yuder onto the bed where he had just been lying. The movement was so fluid that Yuder didn’t even have time to ask why.

"Is there anywhere that hurts?"

"None."

"That can’t be."

With conviction, Kishiar placed his hand over the exposed chest of Yuder. Only then did Yuder realize that dark-red marks had spread across his chest. Midway through their operation, he felt a force suddenly breaking through, and suspected this might be the reason.

"Um… how far have they spread?"

"Seeing for yourself would be faster than asking me."

Kishiar picked up a desk mirror nearby. Reflected in the beautifully silvered mirror was a face that looked as bad as a plague patient’s. Besides one eye that still shone golden, crimson streaks swelled and spread from his neck to his chin.

Yuder finally understood Kishiar’s reaction.

"It does look serious, but I assure you, it doesn’t hurt. Really. See, it's fading."

The pain he had felt in his eyes and body had disappeared as if it were a lie as soon as everything was over. All that remained was an afterglow. Moreover, the dark red marks that had extended to his chin were subtly fading, promising to subside to its previous level if left alone.

However, Kishiar seemed reluctant to judge the situation just by his words. Smiling after hearing the explanation, he immediately opened the drawer of a dresser and took out a resplendent ruby holy symbol and a purification stone, both of which were familiar.

'This is…'

"Priest Lusan is not here now."

Kishiar, the only one who could wield divine power, wound the gold chain attached to the holy symbol around his bare arm and tugged it tightly.

He handled the precious artifact so casually it might have been considered sacrilegious, but Yuder was the only other person present. To Kishiar, his body was far more important than any historical relic.

Would it really be okay to use divine power right after the experiment? Just as Yuder thought he should suggest leaving it be, Kishiar reached out and gently patted Yuder’s head.

"It’s fine. Now, stay still."

Effectively nullifying Yuder’s concerns, Kishiar held the purification stone and poured his divine power into it. The stone glowed softly, and as he held it against Yuder's skin, a refreshing sensation began to sweep through his body.

The pain he'd felt when he'd first used it was completely absent this time. On the contrary, it felt as if strength was gradually returning to his weary body.

After a while, the dark red veins that had spread across Yuder's body had mostly faded, just as he'd expected. Rather than diminishing, they seemed to be absorbed deeper into his flesh. Only after most of the dark red energy had disappeared did Kishiar finally cease using his divine power. By that point, about ten extremely expensive purification stones had been reduced to useless rocks.

"..."

The man examining Yuder's face set down the last purification stone he'd been holding and released the spell. A moment of silence passed as his gaze seemed to scrutinize the results. Yuder was about to reflexively apologize, but then remembered advice he'd received in the West, which warned him not to diminish a just decision with a momentary apology. He closed his mouth.

It was clear that Kishiar was shocked by what had happened. However, Yuder didn't regret what he'd done. That didn't mean he had forgotten his promise to continue cooperating with Kishiar.

Kishiar, too, must have known this, and his decision to use the purification stones was likely his own way of settling his startled feelings and concerns. Therefore, Yuder felt he should also make an effort to understand Kishiar's actions.

Yuder felt that something more needed to be said than just assuring he was alright.

After a moment lost in thought, Yuder spoke first.

"I did say I would stop immediately if it seemed like a problem would arise, but it seems that the criteria were weighted too heavily towards you."

"..."

"So I think it would be a good idea to have a mirror beside us during these kinds of events, so we can quickly check any changes in our bodies."

"...Alright."

Instead of apologizing, Yuder spoke these words and held a mirror. Only then did Kishiar smile again. The smile that raised the corners of his lips and slightly furrowed his brows was different from the beautiful one he'd displayed just moments before. But this one felt more natural and conveyed a more genuine emotion.

"Good idea."

Kishiar grasped the hand that held the mirror.

Although he couldn't quite put it into words, Yuder felt that Kishiar also understood the meaning behind his words in that moment.

It felt as if they had exchanged something invisible.

"...Yuder. Shall we postpone our nighttime stroll?"

"No, as long as you're not tired, I'm fine."

"Alright. Let's go then."

After another bath, Yuder put on the clothes that Kishiar had provided. The casual clothing with a hat that was good for covering the face fit Yuder surprisingly well. When Yuder asked where he'd found such new-looking clothes, Kishiar replied that he'd prepared a few sets just in case for days like today.

'Days like today...'

The phrase seemed to have multiple meanings.

Using a magic tool to change his face, Kishiar led the way through deserted streets, ghost-like, before finally heading into the bustling nightlife of the Seventh Wall District. Drunks, seemingly enjoying the night, were seated at outdoor tables set up outside bars, loudly singing songs.

'The night's quite chilly, yet they're in high spirits.'

Just as he was about to pass by, Yuder heard a familiar voice among the drunkards.

"Everyone stop drinking now! If you drink any more, you'll pass out before you even get to Steiber's house!"

"Ah, Gakane. What's that? Need more booze? Fine. One more bottle, please!"

"No. I said no."

"..."

Astonishingly, they were members of the Cavalry. Gakane Bolunwald was busy patting their backs and shoulders, trying to recruit at least one person while the familiar, though not particularly close, members laughed and drank. Gakane seemed keen on stopping them from drinking any more, but his attempt was thwarted when a new bottle of liquor made its appearance from within the establishment.

"Ah, look at these familiar faces," Yuder mumbled softly, seemingly realizing who Gakane was looking at.

"Want to join them?"

"No, I'm considering strengthening our training schedule once the vacation ends."

Drinking was fine, but one should never lose oneself in it. Most members knew their limits even when inebriated, but those hanging out with Gakane were notorious for their love of alcohol among the members.

It might not be a problem now, but it could be in the future. The best way to teach self-control was through training.

A bigger smile spread across Kishiar's changed expression, perhaps sensing the sincerity in Yuder's words.

"Reassuring," he said.

They walked past the tavern where Gakane and the members were seated, heading deeper into a darker alley. The noise faded, gradually replaced by darkness and silence.

Kishiar continued to stride confidently, as if he knew exactly where he was going. Yuder was a bit curious about where this walk would ultimately lead, but he silently followed behind.

And finally, crossing a certain alley, something they had seen before revealed itself.

It was a broad wall filled with numerous sword marks.