The Vastness of Magical Destiny
Chapter 505: Volume 11: Misty Cage and Smoke Lock, - 17: Unusual Emotions

Chapter 505: Volume 11: Misty Cage and Smoke Lock, Chapter 17: Unusual Emotions

Lome didn’t understand why the Great Sage suddenly started mingling with what she considered to be an insignificant little mercenary group. Although Komer had erased her memories about the Church of Light, he had restored her other memories using an extremely complex form of psychic magic. As long as she touched upon these memories, she could gradually recall them, so she wasn’t completely ignorant about the mercenary situation on the Continent.

Even in the Northern Continent, where mercenaries weren’t widespread, a small group like this would be considered bottom-tier. And even a mercenary group with dozens or hundreds of members might not have a Mage. At most, having two or three Magicians would be quite remarkable.

Lome couldn’t imagine anywhere on the Continent that would have a Great Sage and someone of her own status act as their Mage, even if it was among the few super-large mercenary groups—they likely couldn’t afford it.

However, the Great Sage seemed to be very interested in this tiny mercenary group, especially the well-built female assassin, who had attracted a significant portion of his attention. This caused Lome a kind of displeasure deep inside that she couldn’t quite articulate, but out of absolute obedience and worship for the Great Sage, Lome knew she could only silently bury that displeasure in her heart.

Komer was aware of the shifts in Lome’s mentality as if he had them at his fingertips. His constant improvement in spiritual power and the special psychic magic he had placed on Lome meant he could control her mental fluctuations at any time, as long as she was within the reach of his magic power.

Indeed, the female assassin named Grace had piqued his interest. His long-term abstinence made him inadvertently feel somewhat peculiar when he saw this attractive and hot-tempered lady. However, this was definitely not the main reason he condescended to join the mercenary group.

He could sense that this small mercenary group was hiding something. Their secrecy and fear suggested they were evading something, and it seemed the group had fled to the south to escape misfortune.

Although he easily neutralized the few fellows’ offensive, Komer knew that despite their modest appearance, they were all competent combatants.

The Dwarf Warrior’s hand axe was proof enough of his extraordinary identity. The Young Warrior was from Binos Tees, a region prolific in producing knight swordsmen. Any man who dares to openly wear a sword there without substantial skill would simply be beaten senseless.

As for the female assassin, she was even more formidable. She could penetrate Lome’s Light Holy Shield, albeit through its weaker side. To display such exceptional strength — previously, Lome had been a Protector of the Faith for the Bright Holy Teaching, which is no ordinary duty. Holding such a position in the Church of Light, her Light Magic was first-class. And yet her Light Holy Shield, cast like this, was breached by her opponent; only with a modified version of the "Hand of the Demon" could she be subdued.

All these individuals hailed from the Western Alliance controlled by the Church of Light, and their relations with the kingdoms weren’t overly harmonious. Komer wanted to understand any secret that had to do with the kingdom or Church of Light, not to mention the stone pendant he carried was of great importance.

In Prague, he could say he didn’t have a single acquaintance; his identity also didn’t permit him to expose himself carelessly. So using this small mercenary group to find that Elf Thief was also a fine strategy. As for matters of prestige and status—Komer didn’t concern himself too much with those.

When Grace and her group invited the two to their residence, Komer didn’t refuse. They arrived together at the city center of Prague, at an inn called "Sofala." This was the temporary abode for the so-called Dark Night Angel Mercenary Group, and two other members of the mercenary group would meet them there.

By the time Komer and his party arrived at the Sofala Inn, the sky had already darkened slightly. Prague’s streets glowed with the bright lights of magic streetlamps, illuminating the entire city.

Thronging crowds weaved through the streets. The Mage Guild’s Roundtable Conference was about to take place, with the magic competition happening concurrently, turning Prague instantly into a paradise for tourists and visitors. Guests pouring in from all directions jam-packed Prague.

Perhaps the Mage Guild’s Roundtable Conference may not mean much to the average person, but the magic competition was open to the public. The Grand Arena in Prague City would serve as the main venue for the magic competition, with various individual and comprehensive events taking place there. The inns and hostels around the Grand Arena had all been booked a half a month in advance. Those eager to witness the duel of Magicians looked forward to the day.

The Sofala Inn was a considerable distance from the Grand Arena, a location deliberately chosen by the Mercenary Corps to avoid any unnecessary trouble. There were still vacant rooms available, and upon arrival, Komer had booked two adjacent rooms.

Three members of the Mercenary Corps showed keen interest in Komer and Lome. The addition of two magicians would undoubtedly be a significant benefit to them, especially Komer’s "Hand of the Demon" wood magic spell, which amazed all three. They imagined how effective such a spell could be in combat when cast on an enemy, vanishing without a trace, prompting the trio to constantly hover around Komer, eager to understand the true extent of his abilities.

"Grace, are you saying that you’ve invited two magicians to join our Mercenary Corps?" asked the girl as her plump lips formed an O shape, large enough to fit an egg, her hands on her hips and a triumphant expression on her face.

’Of course, but I used some tactics, like exaggerating the fame and size of our Mercenary Corps. These two guys just happened to be novices straight out of training, so they believed my introduction and agreed to join our Dark Night Angel Mercenary Group as one of us.’

Suspicious glances lingered on Grace, as the serene-faced Female Priest clearly lacked much trust in her companion.

Grace’s carelessness and hot temper were well known within the Mercenary Corps, but the Female Priest found it hard to believe that her persuasive skills could convince two magicians to join their group. Even the giant brute, who was standing beside the Female Priest, couldn’t help but click his tongue, ’Grace, you might be mistaken. Would magicians really join our Mercenary Corps? Even Magic Apprentices wouldn’t choose us. Unless they have ulterior motives, are they agents sent by our pursuers?’

With a glare, Grace retorted to the two-meter tall giant, ’Burianos, use your head for once. If they truly intended to kill us, they would have made their move by now, wouldn’t they?’

The Female Priest frowned; she did not want her companions to fall into argument, and as Grace had mentioned, if there were any ill intentions from the other party, they would have acted by now.

The forces that had initially sought their demise could easily assassinate them here. They had sought refuge in Prague City to escape this mysterious pursuit, and to this day, they were still unclear about the identity of their assailants. If not for ample luck and their pursuers’ apparent hesitation, they might have already been poisoned.

’Enough, stop arguing. Perhaps Grace is right, we do need magicians to help us out. And if they truly had any harmful intent, it would have already manifested. Now that we’re in Prague City, it’s improbable for our enemies to act openly against us. Let me meet our two new companions first; hopefully, they bring us good fortune,’ the Female Priest sighed lightly, her brow marked with a trace of sorrow that only served to add to her radiant, ivory-smooth complexion.

’Great Sage, do you really think it’s worthwhile for us to join this Mercenary Corps?’ Lome asked quietly while standing beside Komer, who was sitting cross-legged.

’Lome, don’t underestimate these people. My intuition tells me they might have secrets I’m curious about. Moreover, the Stone Pendant prepared for you was stolen by that Elf Thief. I need people to help me retrieve it, as it would aid you greatly in cultivating your Spiritual Power. I have already sent a magical message to Rebry and the others to wait for us in the city. After the Mage Guild’s Roundtable Conference and the magic tournament are over, we’ll get in touch with them. For the next few days, let’s stay together as part of the Mercenary Corps and companions. Lome, experiencing different walks of life is also a form of cultivation. Don’t look down on mercenaries; great heroes have emerged from their ranks too.’

Komer smiled faintly and gently stroked Lome’s beautiful, supple hair, which significantly improved her mood, especially after hearing how much the Great Sage valued the Stone Pendant he had prepared for her, sending a warm current through her heart.

Nodding silently, Lome realized she could never refuse or oppose the Great Sage’s decisions, believing wholeheartedly that he had his reasons, even if it meant facing death. She cherished this blind adoration and had no desire to probe into the whys and wherefores.

A mysterious atmosphere filled the room, tinged with an indescribable sense of shyness, and even Komer noticed this peculiar ambience seemed to improve Lome’s mood, which had not been the best that day. Lome quietly sat beside him on the bed, causing Komer, who had intended to meditate, to abandon his plans. He had sensed something unusual about the girl that day.