"Is that... the power of the Awakener?"

"More precisely, it's an object infused with the power of the Awakener and Aura. Aura is best suited for manifesting it in this form."

According to him, it was a physical manifestation of compressed power. It seemed that Kishiar could mix all the types of power he possessed. The man explained every detail, even those he had kept secret during the procession.

"You've seen something similar before, haven't you? Last time, I combined it with air and used a 'pushing' force, making it quick to use. However, mixing two or more requires a considerable amount of energy just to create."

His words sounded simple, but the reality was anything but. Though he spoke of an extraordinary feat that no one else had accomplished, Kishiar remained unfazed.

"No need to be so surprised. It appears simple, but it drains a lot of energy. In practice, I only use it after balancing the internal forces and practicing power regulation."

"What do you mean by balancing internal forces?"

"It means maintaining a balance among the various powers I possess, so that one doesn't dominate or become too weak. After using a lot of magic, it's good to draw out an equal amount of other powers. The same applies in reverse."

Kishiar clenched and unclenched his fist again. The red orb disappeared, and this time a new orb appeared, shimmering in shades of gold and blue. In this manner, he continued to produce orbs of different colors and auras, each with a distinct oppressive force, only for them to vanish moments later.

He stopped only when he had summoned the red orb again, identical to the one he had first brought forth.

It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that the small orb contained the fruits of the long, agonizing journey he had survived.

And now, he was prepared to pour that power into saving his own flesh and blood.

Their eyes met in quiet understanding. No words were exchanged, yet Yuder felt an emotion more profound than words could express.

It was a surge of willpower, more intense than ever before.

…

"Nahan, Nahan is back!"

A loud cry echoed unexpectedly through the hidden village of the Star of Nagran, in the harsh and desolate southern desert.

The faces of the surprised villagers converged on the man who had just passed through the entrance.

His face was unmistakable, even from a distance. One side was marred by a vivid burn scar, while the other was smooth and cold. His clothing couldn't conceal the visible scars that covered his body. His gaze was so chilling that no one dared approach him.

Frozen, not knowing how to react, the villagers watched as Nahan looked around and finally broke into a smile.

"Why the long faces? Did you all think I was dead?"

It was only then that everyone snapped out of their stupor. Those who usually followed Nahan warmly started to choke up, calling his name, while those who had been distant exchanged surprised and awkward glances.

The chaos settled down only when Nahan and the village leaders found themselves face to face in a room designated for meetings.

"How did you survive, Nahan? We thought you and all the other brothers and sisters were captured by the Cavalry and killed without a chance."

"Unfortunately, I didn't die. Were there no others among my brothers and sisters who made it back?"

"No, you're the only one. Weren't you there? How could you not know?"

"We were all scattered at the time. Barely making it back alive was a feat in itself for me."

As Nahan responded calmly, someone in the room shot up, his face twisted with rage, and shouted while pointing a finger.

"What's there to be so proud of? You alone made it back alive? You can't even account for the lives of those who trusted you enough to go with you. How does that make sense?"

"Calm down, Maek."

"Calm down? Is this a situation to calm down? Our western stronghold was utterly destroyed because of him! We lost people who were doing just fine until they decided to follow him. And all he has to say is that he didn't know?"

The particularly enraged individual had left the western stronghold for the south after it had fallen. As he trembled with fury, huge horns and spikes emerged from his body. Those sitting next to Nahan stood up to block him.

"Isn't it a relief that at least one person made it back alive? What more do you want from Nahan, who has been more devoted to our cause than anyone else? Do you expect him to take responsibility and die?"

"This is absurd. Did Nahan force anyone to go with him? He acted to aid Sister Ershi. Everyone decided and resolved themselves to go. The misfortune that happened there is the fault of the Cavalry, not Brother Nahan!"

At this point, those who followed the sage stood up in opposition.

"You always say that Nahan is faultless. Can you claim that he bears no responsibility in all of this?"

"Why does that guy always have to be the one to act? We just want to live peacefully!"

"No one told you not to live peacefully. Nahan and the rest of us are merely acting on behalf of our suffering brothers and sisters who couldn't attain that peace!"

In the midst of the escalating shouting match, some who had no particular allegiance looked around nervously, caught in the maelstrom of raw emotions.

In the end, the meeting surrounding Nahan disintegrated without achieving anything substantive. No one was able to engage in meaningful discussion. Surrounded by those loyal to him, Nahan stepped out, passing through the icy stares.

"Nahan, are you alright? The atmosphere was terrible due to the tense nerves of the brothers and sisters from the western stronghold. Don't take their harsh words to heart."

"Yes, those people are just a minority. How are your injuries? They look like they haven't been treated properly... Can someone get some medicine?"

"...I'm fine. There's no need."

For the first time, Nahan's voice flowed from his lips that had been silent. He spoke as he looked at the faces of those he had personally rescued or helped.

"More importantly, I'm curious why the Sage isn't here."

"Ah, the Sage is... not here at the moment. You see..."

Noticing Nahan's sharp gaze, the crowd hesitated before answering.

"To resolve this matter and protect the village, he went to the capital... with a few people..."

"...The capital?"

Nahan's eye twitched. Sensing that subtle reaction, those around him reluctantly replied.

"Ah, yes. I don't know the details."

"If the sage himself has gone to the capital, it's not a trivial matter. Do any of you brothers know more?"

"Shayman, you were at the meeting, weren't you?"

"Well..."

The one called Shayman turned his eyes away, his face uneasy. The look in his eyes indicated he knew that the information he possessed was extremely dangerous.

A moment later, he closed his eyes tightly and muttered, "Someone very special is in the center of the capital. Someone related to the people who have been helping us for a long time..."

Some did not yet grasp what that meant, but others knew what Nahan disliked as much as he despised the non-Awakeners. Amidst the sound of collective swallowing, Nahan maintained his silence for a while.

"..."

Even his comrades couldn't guess what he was thinking. All the while, other Awakeners passed by them, giving them cold and suspicious glances as if they were looking at foreigners.

Finally, Nahan spoke again.

"How long has it been since the sage left the village?"

"It's been quite some time. He left almost immediately after we heard the news that you might have all been captured or killed in the west."

"I see."

His voice was so soft and soothing it sent shivers down one's spine. Even those who followed Nahan momentarily felt a chill. They hastily tried to comfort him.

"Look, Nahan. We knew you might be concerned about this... But the sage had no choice. We thought all of you had died... He thought this was the best option."

"Right. Let's complete the treatment first, then contact the sage to confirm things. We will assist you."

"If only Hosanna was here, it would've been easier to go there right away..."

The one who carelessly mentioned Hosanna's name snapped his mouth shut as looks of reproach poured in from others.

And Nahan, surprisingly, smiled behind a hidden face.

"Nahan...?"

"Why, what is it?"

"Was it really an unavoidable situation?"

"What?"

"No, I don't think so."

His soft voice gradually lost its warmth.

"My head aches. Yes... we need to confirm this."

…

The night fell over the Sun Palace, as if anticipating the events to come. It was eerily quiet.

Yuder stepped down from the carriage and looked up at the grand building.

Finally, tonight, the fate of Emperor Keilusa would be decided.