The Vastness of Magical Destiny
Chapter 386: Volume 7: The Awakening Spring Thunder, - 11: Fisherman

Chapter 386: Volume 7: The Awakening Spring Thunder, Chapter 11: Fisherman

Seeing Puber’s face dripping with eagerness and a longing gaze, Komer knew nothing good was coming. He certainly wouldn’t let his old friend truly keel over under the bellies of those half-elf women with extraordinary strength. Now Ugru’s brothels were filled with half-elf and half-beastmen prostitutes said to be from the Central Region. Bruce Fortress’ attitude toward the intake of slaves and immigrants was starkly different from that of food and salt, imposing no restrictions whatsoever. It seemed to Komer that the Homer region was even encouraging the influx of immigrants and slaves into Caucasus, the motives of which were clear as day.

"Alright, stop thinking about that all day. If you keep it up like this, not even daily doses of Treasure Health Elixir will be enough to sustain you. Your health is your capital, it’s only sensible to take good care of it. When the next batch of the elixir is ready, I’ll give you some myself. Right now, some of the herbs are still missing. I’ve already asked the mountain people to collect them."

In his spare time from magic practice, Komer took pleasure in brewing various pills and elixirs—a hobby that wasn’t particularly unique, as most mages could brew some potion to restore magic power or enhance spiritual power to a certain degree. However, not many could achieve Komer’s professional level. Komer always adhered to one principle: never fight an unprepared battle, especially when his own strength did not have the advantage or the enemy’s situation was unclear. It was always beneficial to estimate the enemy’s power to be higher, meaning only more thorough preparations could do good.

Magic Scrolls, magic tools, and various potions to restore and replenish magic and stamina were indispensable before a battle. During ordinary times, consuming some fortifying and spirit-consolidating potions played a significant role in advancing one’s magic cultivation. Many mages were also potion masters, and quite a few magic practitioners, unable to make a name for themselves in the world of magic, chose to focus solely on the art of potion brewing. They became indispensable celebrities in the magic world, especially before every war when these magic businesses became the most frequented places for wealthy mages and knights. The Gold Shields left behind offered some consolation to these half-baked figures distanced from the pure magic world.

"Boss, you’ve got to keep your word. Those half-elf women are really something else. You should try them out someday. I guarantee you won’t want to leave. The women we used to frolic with don’t hold a candle to these half-elves," Puber said, his spirits soaring at the mention of women, his gaunt cheeks radiating an energy that seemed even stronger than if he had taken the Treasure Health Elixir. Komer sighed inwardly; it seemed everyone had their own passion, and this was probably all that Puber cared for.

"Enough of that. You’re not here just to tell me about your amorous exploits, are you? I’ve been hearing about your notoriety as a ’whirlwind in bed’ for some time now." Komer cut him off, knowing well that if he let Puber carry on, the conversation would go on for half an hour and waste his rest period for nothing.

"Hehe, of course not. But Boss, the saying ’an uneventful youth is a wasted youth’ used to be your mantra, after all. Isn’t fully relishing life also a form of responsibility to oneself? Spending life meekly without experiencing anything would leave one questioning the point of this existence, won’t it? So, Boss, enjoy life to its fullest," Puber seriously, and somewhat comically, exhorted his old friend.

Waving off Puber’s bombastic speech, Komer retorted, "I value quality over quantity. That is my pursuit. Leave the tasteless and mediocre crowd to enjoy your own company."

"Ah, Boss, that’s the spirit of a true leader. I’m not alone on this path," Puber laughed heartily, delighted to have finally coaxed an honest statement from Komer. "I really thought you’d changed, Boss. Seems like that Treasure Health Elixir is not only for my own needs after all."

"What’s been happening outside these past few days?" Komer asked, steering the conversation back on track, well aware that Puber wouldn’t bother him over trivial matters and that there must be something requiring a decision on his part.

"Well, it’s not a huge deal, but the situation is becoming uncontrollable, and I’m not sure whether it’s an opportunity or a calamity, so it needs careful consideration," Puber replied, back to his usual demeanor. "The situation in the north, in the Leon region, keeps getting worse. Last month, there were two major slave uprisings in Leon, with over three thousand runaway slaves. This month, there have already been three outbreaks, with participant numbers exceeding eight thousand—the largest-scale slave revolt ever recorded. The entire Leon region has descended into chaos, and it looks like it’s going to continue. Bruce Fortress has completely shut down, and all caravans are now unable to pass through the Leon Region into our Caucasus."

"Does this affect us in any way? Mattdam has already opened its port, and while our local fleets aren’t yet up to the task of long voyages, there seem to be fleets from across the sea, like from Odessa and other colonies, coming here. Besides, we already have quite a stockpile of food, so there shouldn’t be any major problems, right?"

Komer was somewhat surprised, even though it was not beyond his expectations. Leon’s notorious lawlessness was well-known across the Kingdom of Nicosia and the whole continent. The rich mineral deposits necessitated a large labor force, making half-beastman slaves the most popular commodity on this land, particularly since Count Boninski parceled out many mines to numerous middle and small aristocrats. These nobles, eager to squeeze out high profits, bought slaves in large numbers, especially the half-beastmen, known for their excellent physical condition.