The Vastness of Magical Destiny
Chapter 1017: Volume 33: Where to Go from Here, - 5: Beliefs

Chapter 1017: Volume 33: Where to Go from Here, Chapter 5: Beliefs

Frenster gracefully departed, leaving only the contemplative Komer behind. Although he had reached an intention-based agreement with Frenster, this still depended on coordination between Frenster and Vazinsky. Now that Frenster had the upper hand, would he concede to Vazinsky? And would Vazinsky be willing to temporarily join forces with Frenster?

Komer wasn’t certain, but he believed that if Frenster and Vazinsky were not merely fervent religious propagandists but also wise politicians, they should be aware that the Church of Light could no longer withstand the throes of division, as the defection of the Salvation Society had nearly taken a considerable portion of the elite from the Church of Light.

While it might not seem like a significant weakening at the upper echelons, Komer, Frenster, and Vazinsky were very aware that the loss of core strength could be fatal for a faith-based sect. They were the loyal executors of the faith’s doctrines, and to a large extent, they determined the rise and fall of a sect.

Welch had lain low for decades, not without action, and it was precisely his style of concealing his brightness that allowed him to grow silently amidst the power struggle between Frenster, Vazinsky, and Noyola. Otherwise, even if he managed to survive, he would never have been able to gain such a formidable force all at once.

The development of the Salvation Society now threatened his own position. Great achievers shouldn’t be constrained by trivialities. Only those with ruthless hearts and hidden, clever methods could achieve their goals to the greatest extent. For the time being, Komer didn’t want to suppress the Salvation Society openly, as the early cooperation had been quite beneficial to both sides. Introducing competitors and maintaining a balance at the right time was more appropriate.

Frenster understood his intentions, but he had to engage, for without his support, the Church of Light might indeed vanish from Nicosia. Nicosia’s rejection of the Church of Light would also profoundly affect the Church’s existence in Basarabia and the Northern League Countries. This was something the Church of Light absolutely could not accept.

However, Frenster’s appetite was indeed large—he had set his sights on the Southern Mediterranean. Heh, the tree desires calm, yet the wind will not cease. Those folks in the Southern Mediterranean have grown accustomed to the legacies left by their ancestors, and the absurdity of polytheism is outdated and abandoned. The gradual rise of the Dark Lineage has proven this.

Now it seems the Church of Light has sensed something as well. Well, let them struggle. It’s like the fat meat on the neighbor’s land, no matter how much they fight over it, it won’t hurt oneself. There might even be a chance to mix in and perhaps get a share of the spoils.

However, Xerob might be driven to fury. The investments in Nicosia haven’t received sufficient returns yet, and now someone is stepping at the foot of his bed. That must be an uncomfortable feeling. It’s good for him to face some setbacks, to learn that the world is not as simple and smooth as he imagined. It will be beneficial for him to realize his future position and role.

"Furina, come out. Isn’t it uncomfortable for you to stay hidden there?"

"Eh? You knew I was inside?" A clear voice, like that of a skylark, came from the room.

"Hmph, who do you think you could fool?"

"You mean Frenster knew too?"

"Hmph, he probably knows whether you’re armed or not, whether you have good intentions, everything. The second-in-command of the Church of Light, do you think he’s reputed for nothing? The idea that you snuck in through the window without anyone noticing is laughable. Many people dare not even meet his gaze or breathe loudly in his presence."

"And yet you didn’t seem the least bit intimidated in front of him, speaking frankly and even somewhat aggressively. Aren’t you afraid he’d snuff you out with one move?" Dressed in a light and athletic tight swordsman costume, Furina stood at the doorway with an unsure expression on her face.

"Afraid, of course I am, that’s why I made arrangements." Komer rolled his eyes, "Rebry and Mihailovich are meditating next door, and even that doesn’t get past Frenster. He would need to reach a higher power level to kill me instantly, and even then, he’d probably need to team up with Caesar to stand a chance."

"So you admit you’re not his match?" Furina seemed very interested in the question.

"Hmm, in terms of magic power, I’m not his match, but when it comes to cunning and strategy, I might not lose to him. You see, combat is not just about powerful magic." Komer said proudly: "To kill me instantly, one would have to catch me asleep, which is unlikely."

"Are you implying that only a woman could do that? Or are you referring to me?" Furina said somewhat irritably, speaking much more freely now that her engagement was certain.

"Hmm, a bit too sensitive, but that’s essentially the truth. However, I rarely sleep; during most of my rest time, I recover through meditation. It won’t be easy to find such an opportunity." Komer replied with a half-smile.

"Hmph, don’t be too arrogant."

"My greatest strength is self-awareness. The Church of Light has many talented individuals, a few stronger than me, but finding people who can actually kill me might be a challenge—being stronger doesn’t mean they can finish me off. Escaping is much easier than confronting." Komer seldom joked with patience, "You don’t think I’m so fragile that just anyone could take me down, do you? Or that my struggles up to now have been purely luck?"

"Hmph, it would be wrong to say it’s all down to luck, but I’ve long heard about your scheming ways," Furina made no attempt to conceal her opinion of her fiance.

"Hehe, you’re the first to speak so candidly to me about this. I won’t deny that climbing my way up required some cunning and manipulation. The world doesn’t revolve solely around martial power; intellect is a form of power too, and often more useful than martial arts and magic. Is bloody violence really more endearing than a blade in the dark under warm pretenses? Hardly."

"But at least it seems honorable," Furina was well aware of the logic, but she didn’t like how this man seemed to have an answer for everything.

"Hehe, if honor could bring success, I’d gladly choose it, but sadly, in our world, deceit and trickery are far more common. Honor often spells failure, and I don’t like failing, so I keep my distance." Komer shrugged.

Furina fell silent, forced to admit that she couldn’t get the upper hand in verbal sparring with her fiance. Everyone around her had told her that her fiance’s skill in strategizing was unmatched; those who tried to use him always ended up outplayed. It was, in some respects, an admirable trait. But from another angle, it left a bitter taste.

Could one trust the character of a person constantly shrouded in conspiracy and darkness? Was he worth committing a lifetime to? For the longevity of Basarabia, she could sacrifice her own happiness, but didn’t she also wish for a perfect resolution?

"Furina, what are you thinking about?" Komer noticed the change in Furina’s mood.

"Nothing much, just some thoughts," Furina said apologetically, brushing a stray hair from her forehead and smiling, "By your logic, is our engagement also a blade in the dark under warm pretenses?"

Komer paused, scrutinizing this seemingly innocent and pure Skylark. Her question had implications. The agreement between him and Basarabia wasn’t disgraceful. They supported each other, co-existed; it sounded pleasant and, in practice, was a way to self-preserve in the face of external pressure. Naturally, it was ideal if allies could validate their partnership with a political ceremony, making their engagement a perfect choice. She surely understood this, so why was she piercing through this delicate veil?

"What do you think?" Komer tilted his head and asked with a smile, "If you believe so, whom would this hidden blade harm? You, me, or Basarabia?"

Furina had no response.

"Furina, don’t see everything so pessimistically and darkly. To enemies, no mercy is required, but to friends and allies, I am always fair and just. Being my friend, you’ll never regret it."

Furina felt she had indeed gone too far, bringing up the deepest issues at this moment seemed too sudden. However, Komer did not cover up with lies, which improved her opinion of him, and his last two sentences also lifted her spirits considerably.

"Am I your friend then?"

"Mm, a fiancee seems to be even closer than a friend, right?" Komer said with a charming smile.

"Oh, that’s a pleasant thought," Furina’s smile, bright and energetic like a sweet apple, improved Komer’s mood significantly, "Komer, do you really plan to cooperate with the Church of Light?"

"Why not?"

"But that Frenster said you follow the Dark Lineage, is that true? If so, how will you handle ••••••"

"Hehe, faith should not be conflated with secular rule, nor intertwined with it. That’s exactly the notion I strive to establish in everyone, at least in Nicosia. If anyone dares to challenge that, I will not be lenient," Komer laughed, "This has been confused by many in the past, particularly by the Church of Light." (To be continued. For the continuation, please visit www.qidian.com. More Chapters are available, support the author, support authorized reading!)