The Vastness of Magical Destiny
Chapter 624: Volume 16: Mists and Illusions, - 17: Unconventional Recruitment

Chapter 624: Volume 16: Mists and Illusions, Chapter 17: Unconventional Recruitment

Clarence watched the young man, whose entire being was steeped in an aura of mystery, with a mix of fear and wonder. It was his first time seeing this fellow who still seemed to hold a trace of Mr. Ramla’s shadow. Although the Three Wolves of Cyprus were famous in the Homer region, that title was merely a moniker among the profligate sons of high society — trash unworthy of recognition by the most powerful magician group in the Homer region, especially as its Chief Magician. Even for Ramla Reese, the Finance Officer, Clarence had little interest in making his acquaintance. He never would have thought he’d be appearing before Baron Komer Reese in this manner.

The body of the five-headed Bixiao had already been discarded in front of him. Clarence knew all too well the difficulties they had brought upon him, with seven knights lost. He looked around, and it seemed that only far off were Deravade, Sheferley, and Delbanuo barely clinging to life, huddled to the side. Delbanuo seemed to have received treatment and was faring not too badly. Although his face was still pale, at least his spirit wasn’t as dim as before, and it appeared his life was not in danger.

"Your barony, what do you plan to do?" Clarence asked, attempting to suppress his fluctuating emotions. Honestly, he had no idea what the other party wanted to do. But now, his side was utterly powerless to resist. The fact that they had slain the Bixiao in such a short time was proof enough of their strength. Clarence couldn’t imagine when the Caucasus had amassed such power. Could it be that the kingdom’s Court Mage never left and had been supporting the Caucasus all along?

"Mr. Clarence, that depends on you all. We didn’t expect to encounter you here, taking a break from the campaign against Leon to hunt at the Ice Lake. You certainly have quite the refined leisure activities, Mr. Clarence," Komer said with a slight smile. "It’s just a pity that you seemed to have overestimated your capabilities. When I first saw such a dreadful scene, even I could not help but shudder all over. Besides admiring your courage and nerve, I have no words."

Clarence pondered the other’s disingenuous words, trying to figure out their ulterior motive. Did they intend to kill them? It didn’t seem so, as there would have been no need to capture them if that were the case, or engage in so much idle chatter. Perhaps they planned to kidnap and demand a ransom? There was a possibility, as he was sure Homer would pay a substantial sum for their release. However, with both sides currently at war, any such transaction would likely have to wait until the conflict was over. But no one could predict how the war would end, especially now that Homer had lost its mages and some key knights, and the Caucasus had shown considerable strength.

"Depends on us? Your baron, your actions are in violation of the rules that you, as a vassal of Duke Philip, are supposed to follow. Thus, His Grace is prepared to strip you of everything he has granted you. Your resistance is futile. I suggest you accept the Duke’s proposal and surrender immediately. The decision is in your hands, of course. I am just conveying advice. Even if you do gain the upper hand, it’s doubtful you could change the outcome of this punitive campaign," Clarence said, attempting to remain composed and level-headed.

"Ha, Mr. Clarence, first I must thank you for your kindness. However, the scales of war are already tipping in favor of the Caucasus. You seem to have noticed this but fail to see the bigger picture. What can Homer’s army do without its mages? Flee in panic as they did against the Half-Beastmen last time? As for Philip saying I’ve broken rules, he seems to ignore the decrees issued by His Majesty the King, doesn’t he? As the saying goes, ’As above, so below.’ Does he even have the right to question me? The ruling rights over Leon were entrusted to me by the Kingdom’s Star Chamber Court through a formal decree. Isn’t Philip, as His Majesty’s vassal, openly flouting the Court’s authority deserving of punishment?" Komer shook his head, toying with the Black Crystal Staff in his hands, its flowing dark glow occasionally distracting Clarence with its exquisite beauty. To have such a powerful and magnificent Magical Instrument casually handled by the other party filled Clarence with an almost suffocating frustration. "Alright, let’s not discuss matters that you can’t change. I think we should talk about the fate of you and your companions instead."

Clarence tensed up at this. What did these guys want to do? The two knights with grim faces beside Komer were clearly not Light Knights and were very likely Dark Knights. Burqin had told him that the Dark Ones might be active in the Caucasus, and perhaps this Komer was their behind-the-scenes supporter. Although Clarence had no particular prejudice against the Dark Ones, prolonged association with the mages of the Church of Light meant he subconsciously harbored some aversion to them.

Seeing Clarence’s nervous glance, Komer smiled slightly, "Mr. Clarence, you won’t deny that as a hired mage of Homer’s Magic Team, your journey south was to confront my army and me, right? I bear no ill will towards you personally. However, as a hired mage, you came to threaten my rule over my territory. Now that you’ve become my prisoners, according to the continent-wide citizen rights law, I seem to have the right to execute, auction, or release you all. What do you think I should do with you?"

Feeling his mouth go dry, Clarence suddenly realized that his opponent’s eyes seemed to radiate intense murderous intent, the smile on their lips indicating that he was merely a lamb at their mercy. Clarence tried to control his emotions but found himself at a loss for words to persuade the other party.

"Er, Your barony, we were simply following the Duke’s orders. As for the grudges between you and the Duke, I think it’s inappropriate for us to intervene. But I believe you can handle this matter in a relatively peaceable manner, can’t you?" Clarence struggled to find words that wouldn’t irritate the other party in his attempt to negotiate, but to propose that Homer buy back their freedom was something he found difficult to voice.

"Mr. Clarence, I understand your thoughts, but you should be clear that the issue between Philip and me does not seem solvable by peaceful means. Can I let you go back only to continue to harm and endanger me? No, I cannot. You only have two paths laid before you, choose one," Komer’s tone suddenly became fierce and icy, an aura of wild violence pressing down on Clarence until he felt like he couldn’t breathe, "Death or life, you have no other choices."

Cold sweat dripped from Clarence’s head. He could be sure that the man before him was not bluffing. With no sight of Burqin, Clarence had no reason not to suspect that the Mage from the Church of Light had already vanished from this world. The reason was obvious—a naked threat with no reservations. If they did not meet his conditions, these men might indeed silence them permanently.

"Uh, Your Baron, may I first hear what these two paths specifically refer to?" Clarence needed to keep his calm at this moment. Perhaps the other party was just making empty threats, and holding out a bit longer might be better. But what if they truly turned hostile? Panic filled Clarence’s heart.

"Of course, the path to death needs no further explanation. The dangers of facing the Blue Flood Dragon are known to all; challenging it is certain to have a price, especially unknowingly facing a nest of them. The path to life? Pledge allegiance to me and become one of my magicians of Caucasus!" Komer spoke in a low voice, but his tone was indisputable.

Clarence gave his opponent a surprised glance, having guessed at such an intention. After all the talk, it was inevitable that the other party had some ulterior motives, but Clarence had always thought it more likely that they would demand a ransom. To pledge loyalty to him? It wasn’t impossible, given the right conditions. Magicians were willing to serve any master, but there was a professional ethic to hiring magicians—they could not accept any new promises without carrying out their current responsibilities first, and currently, they were employed by Homer.

Seeing Clarence’s expression, Komer understood that his own identity did not cause much emotional conflict for his opponent. His biggest worry had been that these magicians saw the Dark Ones with enmity. If that were the case, there would be no reason for Clarence to stay. But now, it seemed at least this Earth-based magician did not harbor hatred for the Dark Lineage as he had feared. He should be able to sense the dark aura emanating from Vladimir Koff and Solonberg.

"Baron Komer, you seem to have forgotten we are still employed by Duke Philip as his magicians. I can’t agree to your request," Clarence hesitated before firmly refusing the other’s demand. Even magicians have dignity and integrity, and those who lose virtue and reason do not deserve to be called magicians.

"Hmm, I know. If you are now my captives and this war ends, Mr. Clarence, doesn’t that mean your mission on this trip would be over as well?" Komer nodded gravely.

"What do you mean?" asked Clarence, puzzled.

"What I mean is that you are now my captives, and have already lost your combat capabilities. It’s not possible for you to participate in this war anymore. I could allow you to keep your lives, for now. Could you then give me a promise, that after I win this war, you would join the Caucasian Mage Group? Of course, if I lose, all will be void," Komer stared into the other’s eyes intently.

(To be continued, for further developments please log on to WWW.CMFU.COM, where Chapters are more abundant, support the author, support authorized reading!)