The Vastness of Magical Destiny
Chapter 537: Volume 13: Sea Rain and Heavenly Wind - 7: The Water God’s Curse

Chapter 537: Volume 13: Sea Rain and Heavenly Wind Chapter 7: The Water God’s Curse

But Solonberg’s struggle came at a cost for the archer who had been cornered with nowhere to hide. The enraged Ice Dragon abandoned the pursuit of the two swordmasters and dove straight for the archer. Unexpectedly, even two magic arrows failed to aid his escape. The archer, although swiftly navigating through the Reed Marsh like the wind, was no match for the formidable freezing magic of the Ice Dragon. It seemed as if the air itself had turned to ice. Just when he believed his death was certain, Komer and the other two launched a rescue.

The layers of binding left the Ice Dragon gasping for air, and with a sense of panic, it realized that these seemingly frail humans weren’t as powerless as it had imagined. These must be human mages.

Some younger Ice Dragons lacked ample experience with the world of mortals. Having lived in solitude since birth, it didn’t understand humans well. It only knew what its mother had told it: that the Dragon Clan was the most powerful and no one could challenge them. A million humans posed no threat to a dragon. But its mother had still cautioned it to beware of human mages; they could borrow power from the Dragon God, those pitiable beings.

As the Ice Dragon pondered this, its panic grew. The power of the Dark Binding seemed to seep deep into its body, and waves of dizziness and numbness led it to realize that if it didn’t flee, it would indeed fall prey to these despicable races. It glared hatefully at the humans still circling it. One of them could produce countless fireballs and blasts that disrupted its icy breath. And that wretched old man had ensnared it with invisible magic ropes. These despicable beings, it would surely retaliate!

With a fierce roar, the Dragon Yuan Force erupted once more. Under Rebry’s regretful gaze, the Dark Binding shattered inch by inch with the force of a powerful tremor. The dragon, covered in wounds, suddenly unfurled its body; ice-blue dragon breath exploded outwards like a massive detonation, scattering in all directions. "That damn thing, it’s trying to escape! Catch it!"

In a frantic rush, Rebry cast Solidification Magic. The second Dark Binding spell was still in preparation, unable to be cast in time. The Ice Dragon, freeing itself from the bonds, proudly let out a long cry. Its wings, punctured in two places, flapped vigorously. With one last blast of Dragon Breath Magic, it soared away. The speed of its flight was so swift, it quickly became nothing but a speck in the distance.

"It won’t get far! Quickly search along the water’s surface, we must kill it!" Shouted the archer as he leaped from the water, issuing orders to the disoriented Jellyfish People warriors around him. But he knew these commands were merely for show. The Ice Dragon, having fled, was unlikely to linger in the Swamp Area. Their only hope was that the power of the Dragon Saliva Fragrance would take effect quickly, causing it to crash into the swamp. Only then could it be captured.

It was only at this time that the Jellyfish People realized the presence of Komer and his unexpected companions. Fortunately, among the Jellyfish soldiers that had initially enveloped Komer’s group, there were survivors. While rapidly reporting to the two Swordmasters who had risen with sickly expressions, they reformed a circle around Komer and his party, ready to fight.

Perched among the reeds, Komer’s party watched the scene awkwardly. The suspicion of the Jellyfish People was not easily mitigated. They had effectively saved these people, yet their gazes still harbored hostility. Was this not enough to prove their good intentions?

Eventually, someone stepped in to halt the Jellyfish soldiers’ leader, and although their speech was queer and difficult to understand, Komer and his companions managed to comprehend their intention. They were to return to the gallery first, as they would soon come to negotiate with Komer.

Komer observed the three people seated before him in silence; three powerful Jellyfish. Clearly, the two Swordmasters were several levels stronger than the middle-aged archer. Despite their injuries from the Dragon Breath Magic and Dragon Magic Power, their presence on the gallery demonstrated how seriously they regarded Komer’s party.

Gate had long been waiting on the gallery as an intermediary. He had not seen the three before, suggesting that they were not typically responsible for such matters. Without familiarity with the Jellyfish People, even Gate could be confused by their similar attire, struggling to distinguish the differences among them.

"Oh, are you a merchant? And what about those four?" The peculiar accent made it particularly strenuous for Komer and the others to understand but posed no problem for the Barefoot Society Merchants who regularly dealt with the Jellyfish People.

"Err... They are my friends, from Caucasus, Mr. Komer and his companions." Gate slightly turned his body and a quick glance indicated it was time for Komer and his group to step forward for negotiations. Gate was unclear about the purpose of their visit. By reaching this point, he had already exceeded his obligations.

"Friends of the Jellyfish Clan, we are guests from your neighbors to the East—Caucasus. Although it’s a coincidence we came today, we indeed have important matters to discuss with the decision makers among you. I wonder if you could represent the opinions of the Jellyfish Clan."

As soon as Komer spoke, he saw the originally pleasant faces of the Jellyfish People turn cold, especially the three strong ones among them who seemed to have experience communicating with the Human Clan. Although they spoke in an obscure and difficult-to-understand manner, they mostly understood the language of mortals.

"It seems our mortal friends must have come with purpose. Although we can roughly guess your intentions, out of respect for the help you gave us, we are still willing to listen to what you have to say."

The two swordsmen didn’t respond; they simply lowered their eyelids as if pondering something. The one who spoke was the man carrying a long bow. Komer had already deduced from the cloak, splendid with rainbow colors, taken from a Jellyfish warrior’s hand that this man’s status seemed quite venerable, even much higher than the two swordmasters behind him.

"May I know how to address this Jellyfish Clan friend? I come from Caucasus, Komer, the current Lord of Caucasus." Seeing that the other party was not very welcoming to his group, Komer didn’t want to beat around the bush and went straight to the point. He had thought that this gesture of helping would win him some favor, but he was rejected even before he could state his intentions, which angered Komer somewhat.

The surrounding Jellyfish warriors also seemed to sense Komer’s lack of respect for their leader and made a noisy commotion. However, the man with the bow waved to stop the restlessness of his subordinates and said firmly, "I am Pharaoh Hotep of the Jellyfish Clan of the Daze District. In your terms, the leader of the clan. You can speak directly now; today is a good opportunity for you, as all the leaders of our Jellyfish Clan are here. These two are the Twin Sages of Wisdom of our Jellyfish Clan, the supreme protectors of our Clan. That you can meet them face-to-face is also your fortune."

"Is this the lack of etiquette characteristic of the Jellyfish people? We take such big risks to solve your troubles and save you from danger, and this is the reception we get in return?" Seeing that Komer was reluctant to discuss his thoughts in such a situation, Rebry tactfully interjected to open another topic.

Although Rebry’s words were a bit impolite, they were the truth. The Jellyfish People, although very secluded and isolated, were not without contact with the outside world. They certainly knew that there was a new lord in the East Caucasus and that significant changes had occurred, but that was irrelevant to them. Mortals would not enter the Daze District, so they simply remained at the level of understanding, having their own lives. It’s just that the arrival of these individuals, claiming to be the masters of Caucasus, made them feel an inexplicable sensitivity, as if it was a harbinger of something that made them subconsciously want to avoid and resist.

Perhaps realizing that his tone was a bit rude, the archer quickly glanced at the two strong, silent figures beside him before saying hesitantly, "What exactly do you want? Don’t think that just because you helped us, you can act recklessly. We have not yet pursued the wrongdoing of you trespassing into our territory. We Jellyfish People are not ungrateful, but if that person thinks they can take advantage of some small favors to extract rewards, we Jellyfish People will not acknowledge it."

This statement by the Chief Pharaoh Hotep made Komer reassess the man. It appeared that the Jellyfish People were not as straightforward and simple as imagined; at least this man’s displayed wisdom and shrewdness indicated that gaining the navigation rights on the Catania River might not be so easy.

"If Chief Hotep thinks we come with selfish motives, then I must say Chief Hotep is overly sensitive. True, we come here asking for something from you, but we also bring some unexpected gifts for the Jellyfish Clan. Although the friendship between friends cannot be exchanged for benefits, can mutual assistance not establish and deepen our friendship?" Komer asked with a smile in return.

"Ha ha, that’s ridiculous, Lord Komer. It seems you do not understand us Jellyfish People and have rashly intruded. We Jellyfish People have lived in the Daze District for generations, at peace with the world, without any needs or dangers. The term ’gift’ has no meaning to us. Instead, it is you mortals who repeatedly covet our territory. Haven’t the many facts given enough warning to our Jellyfish Clan?" The Jellyfish Pharaoh, his forehead shiny and rainbow lines on his brow seeming to dance with his proud tone, clearly looked down on the matter.

"Is that so? It seems I’ve made an unnecessary move. I didn’t realize that the ’Curse of the Water God’ had already been broken by the Jellyfish Clan. Ha ha, I congratulate the nobles for lifting the curse that has plagued you for hundreds of years. I take my leave." With a smile that was more a smirk, Komer surveyed the Jellyfish man, who looked back with scorn and hostility, and said lightly.