Chapter 866

“We also can't assume he's going to die soon. Anyway, this guy has always been like this, coming back to life after such episodes. You know that better than anyone, don’t you?”

Despite the somewhat harsh and disrespectful reference, Kishiar's expression remained unchanged. He slowly scanned Yuder's face, who was lying down, and simply nodded in agreement.

"Yes, that's true."

"The injuries are severe, but they can heal. The fever... it's surprisingly not internal damage, considering how high it is. It's not fatal."

Enon guessed that this was probably due to the incessant sweat flowing from Yuder. While certain illnesses worsen with excessive sweating, Yuder's condition seemed like his body was struggling to cool down the unusual heat rising from within.

Fortunately or unfortunately, the harsh weather with heavy hail and coldness was externally cooling his body, which so far hadn't posed any major problems.

'It does look a bit concerning, though.'

Thus, the real issue, as Enon also couldn't fully understand, was the dark red veins and the power of the Red Stone flowing within them. This was a problem that Yuder had to resolve himself, as no one else could help.

'And there's one more thing.'

"The integration of soul and body might be the actual problem."

Hearing Enon's mumbled words, Kishiar narrowed his eyes slightly before relaxing them again. A voice, a bit deeper than before, flowed from his dry lips.

"The integration of soul and body?"

"Didn't he tell you about that?"

"..."

"Well, anyway. Even if you heard it, it's not something you'd easily grasp. Besides, this guy seems unaware of the state of his own soul."

Describing an unfelt pain was useless; it wouldn't bring proper awareness. Given Yuder's nature, he might not have considered it a significant problem compared to others.

'After all, he's been getting better recently.'

But Enon was different. He opened his mouth, recalling the first time he saw Yuder in his pharmacy.

"My eyes are quite different from others. I can see not only the physical body but also the collection of vital energy and consciousness within it. In other words, the soul. These are essential for any living being and result in a terrible death if separated or damaged. Well, it's more complicated than that, but let's leave it at this for now. Usually, I try not to see it, but sometimes, it's unavoidable."

Yuder was one of those he had seen. Enon continued his emotionless explanation while wiping Yuder's sweat-soaked face with a soft cloth.

"When I first saw this guy, I was shocked to find a person whose soul seemed ready to separate from the body but was still alive and walking around. The state of his soul was a mess, so painful, yet he felt nothing."

It was astonishing enough that a human with such a damaged soul hadn't died, but the way the soul was integrated with the body was unbelievable.

"So, what about my soul? Is it similar?"

To Kishiar's question, Enon shook his head indifferently.

"No. Yours is normal. Very normal. Your internal issues are a different matter."

"Is that so?"

"At least you won't collapse and die from your soul ripping or separating suddenly while walking. That's typical for humans. Where would you find such a person, anyway?"

"Normally, it's common to never see such a thing in a lifetime."

"..."

"Anyway, if left as is, it would lead to a horrific death. So, feeling uneasy, I took some helpful measures and have been watching over him. He has improved significantly while being with you, Commander."

Enon, though reluctant to admit it, especially after they started to physically entwined, noticed the strengthening bond between body and soul. Recently, he even thought that the bond itself might not need much worry, despite the lingering damage to the soul.

"So, what about now?"

"As you might have guessed, the bond between his body and soul is inherently weak. When his body becomes frail, the already fragile bond weakens further. Remember the incident in the west, when he was injured fighting the giant monster?"

"It's an unforgettable memory."

"Back then, there was a strap tied to his scabbard, designed to absorb the impacts on his soul. But it was completely severed during that incident. I had given him the last one I had, but..."

Enon and Kishiar's gazes simultaneously turned to the same spot. There lay Yuder's sword and scabbard, neatly placed. The Cavalry members who helped pitch the tent had picked them up from nearby.

The red strap, tightly wound around the upper part of the sword handle, had withstood many rigorous training sessions and battles without damage. But now, it was half-worn and barely hanging on.

"...I see. I understand."

Kishiar's voice became drier and rougher.

"So, what should I do? If he's gotten better while with me, there must be something I can do to help."

Enon's previously solemn expression crumpled momentarily. After taking a breath, as if mentally stretching Yuder's cheek ten times, he spoke with effort.

"That, well, ha. Think about that after you yourself have recovered. Right now, even if you were to die and come back to life, it's impossible to help or do anything."

"So, physical contact is still the best way to help, I see."

'Ah! This is so infuriating, that guy!'

But he understood why Kishiar was insistent. His own condition was irrelevant; his only desire was to help and heal Yuder by any means. Knowing this, Enon suppressed the words he couldn't say and replied.

"...Ha. If you're that determined to help, then just stay by his side like this. That alone is far better than any other unnecessary actions. So, stop asking pointless questions about a patient who shouldn't move even a finger, and just sit there quietly."

Enon gestured towards the tent's entrance. The sound of Cavalry members returning nearby signaled his intention to conclude their conversation. As he calmly continued to wipe Yuder, pretending as if the previous discussion had never happened, Kishiar let out a sigh that was almost a laugh.

"What's that about?"

Could it be the pain had finally driven him mad? While Enon was pondering this, Kishiar shook his head.

"No. I was just reminded of something Yuder once said about you. He called you a person like bread."

"...What? The bread you eat?"

"Yes. He said, on the outside you might seem hard, but inside you're soft like Western-style bread. Seeing you today, it seems he was right."

At this unheard-of comparison, Enon was momentarily speechless. Anger and annoyance filled his face, which twisted as if he was holding something back, and his hand, wiping Yuder, trembled slightly.

To an onlooker, it might seem like a display of great anger. But Kishiar saw the flush of red creeping up the apothecary's ears and neck, even as he bit his lip.

"Damn it... Crazy... Bread, of all things... Always such ridiculous comparisons... Why would he share that with someone else..."

Despite his muttered curses, his strength was undeniably drained.

Kishiar watched him for a moment, then slowly shifted his gaze through the tent opening to the sky.

No more monsters were spilling from the crack now. The crack itself, gradually fading and becoming more indistinct, seemed like it would disappear completely soon.

'The aftermath of the disturbance in the balance seems to be ending. Then, the hail might also weaken soon.'

However, the monsters that had already emerged wouldn't just die off, so others would have to deal with them. Still, it was a relief that no new ones were pouring out, reducing the burden.

'But even if we manage to contain them within the temple ground, it's impossible to stop every monster that has escaped.'

Considering the Cavalry members' injuries weren't severe, the monsters weren't particularly strong. Yet, to those who hadn't awakened, even a single one could be a significant threat.

Worry naturally filled his mind, but he knew this wasn't the time for him to step in.

'From there on... I can only hope that what we've done so far holds some meaning.'

Kishiar turned his gaze back to Yuder, quietly spinning the strategy game board in his mind.

The board, previously divided into regions and pads representing various parts of the South, was now shifting from specific sections to encompass a broader area.