The Vastness of Magical Destiny
Chapter 345: Volume 6: Fortified at Every Step - 7: Ingenious Seizure

Chapter 345: Volume 6: Fortified at Every Step Chapter 7: Ingenious Seizure

"Is it you?!" The surprised Mountain Language inquiry drew Komer’s attention to a newly arrived officer who, even among the Barbarians, appeared exceptionally robust. His broad and solid face wore a look of firm and valiant composure beneath the surprise, and the huge broad-backed, thick-bladed knife wrapped in a cloth around his waist was obviously a heavy weapon that required immense arm strength to wield. The faint gleaming edge exuded a cold luster, and at just one glance, Komer could ascertain that the material of the other’s weapon was cold iron of excellent quality, far superior to those in the hands of the Barbarian Soldiers beside him.

Komer and Ylot’s gaze lingered on the other’s face which bore a hint of goodwill for quite a while. It was clear the officer recognized Komer and Ylot. Apart from random Barbarians met in taverns since their return from exile, there seemed to be no other reference. Eventually, Komer and Ylot managed to recall some vague memories, seemingly from a day with a leading Barbarian man whose companion was this very officer. Although he hadn’t spoken at the time, Komer still had a faint impression of him.

"Why are you here? Why have you intruded into our territory?" Although the question still held a questioning tone, it was clear the officer’s voice had softened considerably. He seemed to hold a significant status and respect among these Barbarians, and with just a wave of his hand, a few Barbarian Soldiers immediately lowered their weapons, which had been pointing at the two. They remained on guard, but the thick hostility in their eyes had dissipated significantly.

"Heh, I forgot to ask your names that day, nor do I know how to address you. My name is Komer, and this is Ylot. We came here because we discovered Ogres near my territory, posing a considerable threat to the Citizens therein. As their Lord, I must find a way to ensure the safety of my citizens, so my Friend and I sought a solution. Hearing the howling of Ogres, we followed the sound here," Komer politely introduced themselves and the reason for their arrival. At the other’s indicating gaze, Komer suddenly realized and began searching his waist pocket for the Chain Bead that the Barbarian man had left behind that day.

As the unassuming Chain Bead fell into the eyes of the Barbarian Warriors surrounding Komer and his companion, the hostility on the Barbarians’ faces vanished completely, replaced by immense respect and affinity. The Barbarian man, with whom they had a prior encounter, finally showed a smile.

"Oh? You can call me Wollin. So you’re our new neighbor, the newly arrived Lord of Caucasus?" As surprise spilled into his words, the muscular man was clearly not adept at concealing his thoughts, and his face soon showed a reassuring expression, "Does that mean the many Mortals active over there are also your arrangement?"

Komer nodded with a smile. Barbarians might appear unsophisticated in the eyes of Mortals, but in truth, they aren’t as rigidly conservative and narrow-minded as Mortals imagine. They’ve been isolated in the Southern Wastelands due to historical reasons. Superior Mortals of the Continent naturally feel a rejection against Barbarians who seem too towering and formidable, thus making it difficult for Barbarians to assimilate into Mortal Society. The innate pride of Barbarians does not allow them to bow down to those fragile Mortals, leading to a situation where, like the beastmen, they remain on the outskirts of the dominant Mortal world on the Continent. In contrast, races like the Half-Elves, Dwarves, Half-Beastmen, Elves, and even Shark People, while still considered other by Mortals, can interact more harmoniously with them.

The fact that the new Lord of the north was quickly acknowledged suggests that the Barbarians are not ignorant of the outside world. Although they seem detached, Komer was certain that even in Caucasus and Ugru, Barbarians have their sources of information.

"Yes, I didn’t expect that after parting in Cyprus, we would meet again here. Fate truly has a way of bringing people together over great distances. How has your Great Chieftain been since our last meeting?" Komer’s face was filled with sincere warmth. He knew that Barbarians harbored deep animosity towards Mortals, and while he had assisted them in Cyprus, it did not mean they had accepted him, especially now that he presented himself as the Lord of Caucasus. It was uncertain what they would think of him. To earn their acknowledgement, there was still a long way to go.

"Thank you, Lordship, for your concern. Our Great Chieftain is doing well," the dry reply seemed somewhat impolite, but it was clear the towering man was at a loss for words to bridge the distance between them. In his urgency, he adopted a cool tone to assert that their relationship was not as close as the other had displayed, "Excellency, as neighbors, we wanted to inquire why so many Mortals have entered this region, and why they all bear so many Weapons. What is their purpose?"

Komer came to a realization. No wonder when they reached Bahomon a few days ago, there had already been reports of Barbarian sightings in the area. It seemed the Barbarians were extraordinarily wary of Mortals, sensitive even to his actions within his own territory.