Yuder No. 1. It was the name of a dispelling magic created to neutralize the toxic traces of the colossal monster that had unnaturally covered Yuder's body. Thanks to this magic spell, laboriously crafted by the mages of the Western Mage Union and Kishiar working together, Yuder was able to regain his lost vision and recover his skin, which had been marred with dark stains.

Later on, Micalin decided to name the completed new magic spell "Yuder No. 1," following academic protocol that new magic spells should be formally submitted. It was on this occasion, during his visit to the capital, that he finally announced it.

"Frankly, the reaction was expected. Though it's a large-scale magic spell that normally wouldn't even be possible to cast without the immense magic energy embedded in the Great Sarain Forest, the fact that it succeeded in neutralizing the monster's influence alone marks a milestone in the history of magic," Micalin said, his face flush with pride. "You wouldn't believe how much interest the foreign mages, who were here for an exchange, have shown."

Micalin's gaze clouded over, his proud face suddenly turning somber. "However, aside from my pride as a mage… I do have some reservations."

"Why?"

"It hasn't been easy to divert all attention to our Union, keeping anonymous the fact that your Grace led the completion of the magic spell. There are too many people curious about the circumstances at the time. Someone might guess the truth eventually."

Micalin sighed deeply, and for a moment, Yuder's gaze shifted to Kishiar before returning.

'So they decided to officially hide Kishiar's involvement in the announcement about the creation of the magic spell… I hadn't realized, but it makes sense.'

Indeed, while Kishiar had declared his ambition to reveal himself as the rightful owner of the Divine Sword, magic was a separate matter. Yuder could guess multiple reasons why he would choose to hide it.

However, knowing this didn't lift Yuder's spirits. After all, he knew that Kishiar's power had been the most significant influence in the creation and completion of the magic spell.

"Isn't that something we've already anticipated? Handle it so my name doesn't come out. I trust you have the skill to manage that," Kishiar said.

"Of course, I understand… Alright," Micalin agreed, bowing his head. Then he turned his gaze back to Yuder. "Ah, and due to the magic spell bearing your name, interest in you Baron Aile, and the Cavalry has significantly increased among the mages. Many were especially astonished that an Awakener could also rely on magic for healing. You might soon receive contact from both the Pearl Tower and the Court Mage Office."

"Hmm. The Pearl Tower and the Court Mage Office, you say?"

While Kishiar mumbled with what seemed like genuine interest, Yuder couldn't care less. Whether the mages took interest in him or not was of no importance to him.

"Also, one more piece of news… it seems that the expansion of the Great Sarain Forest has finally stopped for sure."

According to Micalin, nearly half of the vast amounts of pure magic energy that had begun to flow out of the suspected magic spring ruins had now been expelled. As a result, the forest, which had been expanding for a long time, had finally halted its growth, and logging was currently underway at its fringes.

"Now, there are no longer any abnormal plant growths in that place. Animals have begun to enter the forest, and birds have made their nests. The yearly occurrences of monsters within the forest have also drastically decreased, making it almost peaceful now. And yet…"

Micalin, who had been speaking with a faint smile, suddenly grew serious again.

"We've also confirmed that the flow of dense magic energy originating from the forest is now spreading throughout the entire western region."

Yuder was certain that this was probably the most crucial part of what Micalin had come to tell Kishiar today.

"That's obviously not the end of it."

"Indeed. Our Union believes that if left unchecked, this magic energy could eventually envelop the entire world. It's that pure of an energy. While it may not be the complete solution to the waning of magic power, this phenomenon is sure to astonish the whole world."

"Then we should make another announcement regarding this matter."

Kishiar murmured, his face calm.

"Yes. Thanks to the excellent cooperation from Baron Koelt, who has become a new pillar of Tainu, we're tracking the spread and concentration of this magic energy flow smoothly. I'll send another report soon, alongside the progress of Yuder No. 2's research."

"Understood. If you're short on manpower, let me know."

A smile crossed Micalin's sharp, raptor-like face. He seemed satisfied that he had successfully finished reporting and secured ongoing sponsorship.

And then Yuder took the opportunity to ask a question as the conversation concluded.

"But what is this Yuder No. 2 you mentioned? I've never heard of it before."

"Hm? You didn't know? One of the research projects we're working on is based on Yuder No. 1. It aims to develop a simpler magic spell to help those who have been poisoned by monsters."

Micalin cheerfully responded, as if asking how Yuder could not have known.

"While research on monsters and magic is important, it seemed too wasteful to use Yuder No. 1 just once and dispose of it. Fortunately, modifying it is much easier than developing a new magic spell, so the project is progressing swiftly."

The other mages also welcomed the development of Yuder No. 2, a fact Micalin was pleased to share. He looked decades younger than when Yuder first met him. Just from his expression, one could tell how much he was enjoying life these days. Yuder simply nodded, having nothing more to say.

After all, there was no reason to be upset when the research was going well and troublesome individuals like Baron Willhem were facing consequences.

After exchanging a few more opinions, Yuder escorted Micalin to the first floor medical unit. Priestess Lusan, who had been in the middle of prayers, was startled by the unexpected visitor but soon healed Micalin's head bump with divine power.

"It was quite a significant bump. While it has healed, I would recommend not lying down on that side for a few days."

"That darn old man... Ah, thank you, anyway."

Micalin barely maintained his social decorum, grinding his teeth as he bowed his head.

"Micalin, can you find your way back without an escort?"

"If you could call a carriage for me, that would be better. The very thought of walking back to my lodging is daunting... In any case, thank you for guiding this old body of mine. I've certainly been a handful, despite the hospitality."

Micalin bowed, maintaining his dignity, and Yuder felt a sense of accomplishment in successfully aiding the conversation between Micalin and Kishiar.

"Before anything else, I'm simply the assistant to the Commander of the Cavalry. I only did what I ought to have done, so please think nothing of it."

"…You really haven't changed."

Micalin let out a long sigh, his eyes wrinkling at the corners.

"Speaking of Yuder No. 1 and 2 from earlier… To tell you the truth, one reason I wanted to name the spell after you was to encourage mages to be less antagonistic toward Awakeners, so they wouldn't live to regret it, like I have."

"…Is that so?"

Caught off guard by the unexpected statement, Yuder slowly blinked his eyes and inquired further.

"Yes. You might not understand from your perspective, but I thought it would be helpful in some way. Of course, I considered the possibility that you might decline… but since you've given your consent, I intend to use it well. I would be pleased if it proves useful someday."

Having said this, Micalin left the Cavalry. Yuder returned to the Commander's office where Kishiar was and relayed Micalin's words, asking if he had any idea what they meant.

"I don't understand how naming a spell after me would help to lessen mages' hostility toward Awakeners. Do you have any idea, Commander?"

"To understand that, you'd have to delve into why mages dislike Awakeners in the first place."

Within the complex emotions of the mages who despised Awakeners, jealousy had found a place. In a time when even summoning a simple flame had become rare due to years of diligent study and cultivation, the news of Awakeners wielding potent natural powers with ease was more than enough to provoke shock and hatred.

"Someone like you, an Awakener who uses a power similar to magic, recovering from injuries by relying on magic rather than the power of an Awakener or a priest, would be a very significant event for them. Names can't be used without the consent of the person involved, so that could strengthen their change in perception even more."

Could mages really change their ways just because of something like that? It was still hard to comprehend even after the explanation. Nevertheless, Yuder responded that he understood. After all, if naming the spell Yuder No. 1 could alleviate mages' irrational apprehension of Awakeners and make them more cooperative, sacrificing a name was a small price to pay.