Chapter 893

'Well, considering using him in such a way is probably just wishful thinking.'

Yuder, having organized his thoughts, began to speak.

"To answer what you were curious about first, most of the powers Awakeners exhibited disappear after their death. Those who were brainwashed by Karl Enfile, who called himself a sage, are now almost completely free from his influence."

"Ah..."

The Awakeners from the Star of Nagran, who were captured and confined during the hailstorm, appeared dazed as if waking from a long dream. They remembered their actions clearly but couldn't comprehend the blind zeal they had felt at the time.

"I did those things, yes, but now I can't understand why I went to such lengths. Back then, it felt like I had to obey the sage's words unconditionally...." This was a common statement among them. Some vehemently denounced the sage, desperately trying to distance themselves from their past actions, something they never would have done under his control.

"Wait. So, almost everyone is free from the brainwashing, but not everyone?"

Kiolle asked nervously, eyes darting around. Yuder smiled faintly, lifting one corner of his mouth.

"Quite perceptive. You've become smarter since learning to repay kindness, huh?"

"What?!"

"That's right. There are still some who aren't free yet."

Kiolle, who was about to get angry, calmed down quickly upon hearing Yuder's words.

"You mean there are still some left?"

While most Awakeners from the Star of Nagran had begun to reject the sage and defend themselves, not all had done so. A tiny minority, who hadn't witnessed the sage's death with their own eyes, doubted the Cavalry and refused to cooperate with the investigation.

These were not the ones recently captured but those who had been taken earlier, managing the southern base with Sera.

And there were two more, Langbarton and Ella, who had been living in the capital with the sage, captured in his stead, and had even attempted self-harm after his death. According to reports from Steiber, the sole Deputy Commander in the capital, Ella seemed confused but accepting of the sage's death, while Langbarton appeared entirely unreachable. Yuder thought that Langbarton's condition closely mirrored that of Crown Prince Katchian.

"So, even after that swindler dies, the brainwashing can still continue?!"

"It's somewhat different than that."

"How so?"

"Do you know where those who are less affected by the brainwashing are being held?"

"How should I know?!"

"To put it simply, they're in a prison where Awakeners can't use their powers."

Indeed, the place where the Awakeners from the Star of Nagran, captured along with Sera, were held was none other than a space enveloped by Reneve's power. Reneve's space primarily suppressed the abilities of the Awakeners held within, but it also had some effect in easing the brainwashing that had already taken hold.

This was evident from the fact that those who had been brainwashed by the sage found it increasingly easier to talk about him while inside. The question remained, why some of the brainwashing seemed unbroken, especially considering these individuals had been captured much earlier than those who had been with the sage until his death.

Yuder found the reason in the memories of his past life.

Even after the death of the false sage Diemon in his previous life, some of his followers still acted in accordance with the sage's teachings and harbored hatred towards Yuder, who had captured and killed him. Emperor Katchian, despite acknowledging Diemon's wrongdoings, had noticeably changed his attitude towards Yuder and never returned to his former self until his death.

Was this merely because the insignificant power of the dead Diemon had not vanished?

No. Yuder shook his head.

"It's not that the brainwashing hasn't been lifted. They just don't want to accept the truth."

"..."

"Initially, the change in people was due to brainwashing, but the extent to which they could change depended on their own mental strength. You understand what I mean, don't you?"

Before Yuder's cold, subdued voice, Kiolle fell silent, as if frozen.

Despite having been brainwashed, someone like Nahan had continually doubted the sage and eventually freed himself. Those who, after being brainwashed, failed to become important enough to retain the sage's attention, were able to quickly escape his influence.

'The Awakeners that the sage brought in at the end must fall into that category. Those who were too weak and lacked significant abilities to leave the base village until the very end.'

But what about Langbarton and Ella, captured in the capital, and Sera, who had earned the sage's trust enough to manage the southern base, and those who came with her? They were highly regarded within the group for their combat prowess and useful abilities. The sage valued them highly, interacted closely, and they, in turn, followed him blindly.

They were content and happy in their state, never questioning the sage, taking comfort in their existence.

Even after the brainwashing ability was broken, they couldn't accept this fact.

If those affected don't wish to free themselves from their state, how could they change?

"If the Crown Prince appears unchanged, it's now his will, not brainwashing."

"Bu... but...."

"Well. If you think I'm wrong, that's fine too."

But Kiolle's clenched expression seemed to reluctantly acknowledge the truth in Yuder's words.

Accepting the harsh reality that lies before one, stepping out from a state of comfort and happiness, is difficult. This is especially true for those who are well aware of the deeds they committed during their 'happy' times.

In his previous life, Emperor Katchian La Orr must have longed for the days when he lived dependent on the sage's words and did not wish to break free from them. To him, Yuder Aile, dragging him back to reality and spouting madness, must have seemed a deeply resented figure.

Yuder silently swallowed a cold laugh.

The brainwashing ability had already disappeared. If one does not realize and refuses to change, not even ten power suppression wielders like Reneve could make a difference.

"Anyway, yes. You did well to report the truth to Duke Diarca. It's time for the Duke's side to understand the Crown Prince's condition correctly."

"..."

"What? Why are you looking at me like that?"

"Oh, no... I did it because I thought the same. But, you, you, you daring to tell me I did well...!"

Kiolle, who had been staring dumbfoundedly, stumbled over his words in severe embarrassment.

"Do you think I should be evaluated by you?! I am not your subordinate!"

"Should I say you did poorly then?"

"You just said I did well?!"

Displeased whether praised or criticized, Kiolle seemed perplexed. Yuder had only commented on what seemed like a rare instance of rational action from Kiolle, considering their collaborative efforts so far, but couldn't fathom his reaction.

Yuder decided to ignore Kiolle's protests and stick to his intended message.

"Anyway. Has Duke Diarca's side informed you that they'll come for you? When you go, be careful not to blab about the Cavalry, and make sure to come up with good excuses for your collaboration with me. If they find out you've been saying unnecessary things... you know the consequences."

"..."

"Try not to delay and return as soon as possible. This place will soon become more dangerous than before."

"What? What do you mean by that?"

"Exactly what I said. You don't need to know more. I'm busy, so I'll leave first."

"Uh? Wait!"

Surprised by Yuder's abrupt departure, Kiolle hurriedly stood up as well.

"Wait a minute!"

"What now?"

"You, that... You were supposedly severely injured and out of contact for over two weeks! Seeing you walking around like this, was that all a lie?!"

"Why would I need to lie about something like that?"

"Because you look too unharmed! Do you know how hard it was for me to decide to come here...! Being fine and not contacting...!"

What's with this guy? Narrowing his eyes, Yuder looked at Kiolle and retorted.

"Are you trying to say you were worried about me?"