The Vastness of Magical Destiny
Chapter 360: Volume 6: Cautious Planning - 13: Colluding with the Corrupt

Chapter 360: Volume 6: Cautious Planning Chapter 13: Colluding with the Corrupt

"Kid, don’t look at me with that kind of gaze. For us magicians who cultivate Dark Magic, there’s no better place for our training and living than a place that connects the heavenly realm above to the underworld below. If it weren’t for some dark creatures lurking inside, I’d want to lie there now and never come out again," the pointy-faced magician seemed to casually lift the veil hanging between the two, but to Komer, his words were like a bolt from the blue.

"Mr. Rebry, I..." Komer started to say something, opening his mouth as if he wanted to explain, but the other stopped him with a wave of his hand. "Alright, no need to explain anything to me, I’m not interested in your messed up background. Being an heir to Dark Magic is not disgraceful, it’s just that the various prejudices on the Continent now make us Dark Mages walk with a bit of trepidation, even having to rely on other guises to cover up our true identities. Heh heh, but to find a fellow practitioner here is indeed a bit exciting for me, a noble lord, the honor of being a magician, who would’ve thought, who would’ve thought, you turned out to be a Dark practitioner who can’t show his face in the light, isn’t that a bit ironic?"

It was as if he was talking to himself, yet also as if he was asking Komer, the scruffy man’s words were filled with bitterness.

Komer’s spirits lifted, his gaze shifting fluidly. The other’s words undoubtedly revealed everything, that he was also a Dark Mage, which matched Komer’s intuition. However, the fact that he could mix with someone like Mundell—a Light Mage known for his cautious nature and self-discipline—made Komer admire his boldness and ability to conceal his identity.

"Mr. Rebry, I also did not expect that you and I would stand in the same trench. If the Church of Light knew that two Dark Mages suddenly appeared in the Caucasus, I wonder what they would think? Would they immediately send their Knights regiment or the guys from the Court to capture us? Perhaps we’d end up hanged on the gallows or burned at the stake," Komer shrugged his shoulders as well. Now that they were of the same kind, everything was much better. Having walked alone in the darkness for so long, it was indescribably wonderful to now encounter a companion.

"Kid, if this news leaks out, I could simply make my escape, and the Church of Light wouldn’t cling to me, but it’s different for you. That fool Malone represents the Church of Light, and his death is a challenge to the Church. Do you think they would let you off easily?"

With a smile that was not quite a smile, the scruffy man gave Komer a glance, and the cunning smile on his face sent a chill down Komer’s spine, as it appeared nothing could escape the other’s eyes, sending a shiver up his back.

"Kid, don’t think that what you’ve done is so secretive. Isn’t Onia suspicious of you? They just don’t act because of your status and the lack of solid evidence. Aren’t those two Thunderhorse Knights still active in your territory? Do you think they’ve truly fallen for the landscape of the Caucasus?" Mr. Rebry’s expression grew colder. "I don’t know why you killed that Malone character, but now you’re on a narrow path and must tread forward with a hard head. A moment’s inattention could plunge you into the abyss."

"Mr. Rebry, you didn’t come today to lecture me, did you? The mountains are high and the emperor’s far in the Caucasus; since I’ve evaded the first calamity, I believe we can also avoid future troubles. If the Thunderhorse Knights love to roam the Caucasus, let them be. Perhaps they really are taken with this new paradise for preaching and teaching," Komer said nonchalantly, boldly stating, "As you said, Dark Magic isn’t anything shameful. Why should the Church of Light get to rule over everything in this world, declaring who’s a heretic and who gets to be burned? Ridiculous! The Caucasus is mine, and here everything must obey me!"

"Hmm, spirited, from the first time at Gutenberg Castle, I saw your ambition, kid. Winning people over with the Essence spirit ring, you’re really generous. Such acts could drive magicians insane, I’m even getting a little tempted myself. But then again, what use is it to the Galleians? Unless you can seduce that little girl Vero into bed, Duke Zellin won’t change his attitude towards you. And even if you did get Vero, Zellin wouldn’t necessarily change his stance, after all, you’re not from the same world as him," Rebry, stirred by the other’s boldness, lightly twirled the few whiskers under his chin, chuckling mysteriously, "I’m not walking the same path as you either, but if you can offer something that interests me, I might be willing to lend you a hand."

"Is that so? I believe there’s something in Damarlinsk Castle that you’re reluctant to part with," Komer likewise gave a sly smile, "Mr. Rebry, I think we can stop speaking in riddles. I need your help, and I believe I have what you need here as well. We can both have our needs met. I think it’s been a while since you’ve come across a fellow practitioner you could agree with. If you’re after the ultimate pursuit of the Dark Arts, or shall I say, if you want to provide Dark Magic with a broader space and stage, I believe I can offer everything you desire. As for me, I’m now more fond of the secular world of splendor, and I believe you can bring me many surprises."

Suddenly stopping, Mr. Rebry felt a chill in his heart. The man before him seemed not as easy to deal with as he had imagined, actually being able to discern the thoughts hidden deep within his own heart and even seeking to use his power to achieve his goals. Interesting, this was indeed a fine proposal.

"Kid, it looks like we really are fated to meet. I’m starting to like you more and more. Yes, I do have a few friends who, like me, are also in pursuit of the heavenly laws within the dark world. However, while I prefer to explore through travel, they like to hide away in ancient castles for cultivation. But as I said, if you have something that could pique their interest, I think they would not be stingy with their help, and they might even consider settling in the Caucasus," the disheveled man said, a gleam in his eye as if pondering something.

"Rest assured, Mr. Rebry, you and your friends will find many things in the Caucasus to make you linger and forget to return," Komer did not answer directly, figuring that since even someone like Mr. Rebry was interested, they must already be aware of all that he had done in Versailles and Greenland Forest. News of this nature was always the most sensitive in the magical realm on the Continent, and they would not remain indifferent.

Nodding slightly, the disheveled man cast his gaze towards the distant castle, "I look forward to your performance."

"What does Mr. Rebry think of this castle then? The people of the Caucasus and many others are looking forward to my residence in it, but there seem to be many ominous prophecies about the castle that give me some concerns. I wonder if Mr. Rebry has any advice to offer?" Komer finally brought the topic back to Damarlinsk Castle.

"Kid, if you want to overcome difficulties, the most important thing is to rely on yourself. I don’t know why with your deep mastery of magic, you are so lacking in this knowledge? Such a feng shui treasure for us, cultivators of Dark Magic, which comes once in a hundred years, and yet you know nothing about it. I really can’t understand how your Dark Magic Power came to be. Did it just naturally be gifted by the heavens?" Shaking his head disapprovingly, Mr. Rebry was quite dissatisfied with the somewhat confused fellow before him, "The Eye of Darkness is a place we and those opportunistic Necromancers dream of, but it is also the perfect haunt for the spirits of the wronged and other underworld specters. This castle is full of such creatures. I can feel it. Just clear these guys out, and this will be your most comfortable residence. I’m even a bit envious of how such good fortune has come to you, kid. But amongst these creatures, there seems to be a powerful entity that’s not always visible. I can’t quite determine its origins yet. Kid, are you interested in exploring it with me?"

Laughing heartily, Komer lifted his head and said, "How could I refuse an invitation from Mr. Rebry? Besides, I’ve long wanted to see what my dwelling really looks like. The Eye of Darkness, I am indeed curious to see what dares to take over my nest."

"Kid, don’t underestimate those undead creatures. They are far more complex than you imagine. Your few necromantic spells are mere child’s play in their presence. Not just for you, even I would need to take some time to prepare," advised Mr. Rebry with a shake of his head. "Don’t think your spells mean you can run amok. This Continent abounds with great talents; you’re but a frog at the bottom of a well. While you have great potential, potential is far from enough. What, feel somewhat unconvinced?"

Seeing Komer’s somewhat dismissive look, Mr. Rebry’s face showed even more disdain, "I heard you slaughtered Malone, probably using Dark Magic, right? Let me tell you, types like Malone could be pulled out by the dozens in the Church of Light. There are at least ten in the Church’s two major Knights regiments who are above his level, and even more among the magicians. Just Onia, the Court Chief Mage of the Nicosia Court, is at least two levels above Malone. You should weigh that carefully. Not to mention the distant ones, Duke Zellin’s Chief Mage Mundell has already stepped into the realm of an Archmage and is advancing towards being a Magic Instructor, and you should also be clear about the situation in Cyprus. The magicians serving Philip might be few, but at least two of them are on par with Mundell. There are also several at least on par with Malone. If Philip truly wanted to harm you, it would be as easy as turning his hand."

Komer was overjoyed by Mr. Rebry’s stay, especially upon seeing Mr. Rebry sending out invitations to his friends. Komer even had a premonition that the Caucasus would become a place on the Continent free from various restrictions, be it in religious beliefs, magical cultivation, or racial distribution. The Caucasus would become famous for taking a unique path, by Komer’s own definition. The Caucasus was no paradise; to attract popularity and various talents, it would have to embrace it all with a tolerant heart. This was how Komer defined the Caucasus.