The Vastness of Magical Destiny
Chapter 645: Volume Seventeen: Dark Descends on Earth - Sixteen: Arbitrator

Chapter 645: Volume Seventeen: Dark Descends on Earth - Sixteen: Arbitrator

The transfer of one million gold shields in cash to the account of the Caucasus Prefecture at The Caucasus Cooperative Bank had Puber grinning so wide his mouth nearly reached the back of his neck, along with various jewels, gold, and magic crystals valued at two million gold shields. The clever markdown by the appraisers didn’t surprise Gote, as most of the inventory, aside from the gold and other hard currencies, was difficult to turn into cash. It was reasonable to expect these items to be discounted, and being able to offer them as collateral was a gain in itself.

The plan to expand the army, proposed by Komer, met with steadfast resistance from Puber, who finally relaxed and agreed to a 2,000-man expansion only after the funds were secured.

"Are you certain?" Gloom settled on Komer’s face like a dark cloud suddenly drifting across the sky. Komer was not a man prone to showing his emotions, so whatever was causing him distress and confusion must have been a particularly thorny issue. And of course, Maha Gummi was well aware of the importance of the intelligence report he brought back; otherwise, he wouldn’t have personally returned to Ugru to report to the Lord.

"Lord, there shouldn’t be any problem. They came from Jazair, and they have a very distinctive appearance. Although they tried to disguise themselves within the Homer region, we have been aware of them since they were in Jazair. It seems they are targeting us." Maha Gummi could feel some sweat in his palms.

Komer, with his hands clasped behind his back, took a deep breath. What was meant to come would always come. He had thought the kingdom’s chaotic and complex situation would delay or even prevent this, but it seemed he had been too optimistic. To be realistic, these guys were the true believers of pure faith, fundamentally different from those two from the Church of Light. At this time, Komer would have preferred dealing with people sent by those two because that would have made things easier; now, with these fanatics on their way, he feared he had to prepare thoroughly to escape this calamity.

"Which route do you estimate they will take? Through the Greenland Forest Trail or from the Odessa Sea Route to Mattdam?" After thinking for a long while without figuring out a better plan, Komer asked with an even darker expression.

"We can’t be sure yet; they’ve just emerged from Cyprus. However, I would say there’s a greater chance they will come through the Greenland Forest Trail," Maha Gummi replied respectfully.

"Why?" Komer asked in return.

"The incident with the undead at Bruce Fortress can’t be kept a secret. Although the Great Mysterium Sect is active in the Caucasus, the two guys from the Thunderhorse Knight Group do not have conclusive evidence that you support the Dark Forces’ activities here. Besides, priests Bella and Pastor Gustav may have some dissatisfaction with you, Lord, but after all, you have contributed significantly to the construction funds for the Church of Light, so they have no grounds for complaint. Bishop Tulado belongs to Archbishop Frenster’s faction, who are quite averse to the Court’s people and generally would not seek help from them under normal circumstances. So, the undead at Bruce Fortress are more likely to have caught their attention."

Maha Gummi’s analysis pleased Komer greatly. His performance had been increasingly admirable, with keen instincts and meticulous analytical skills, revealing his comfort in this field of work. It seemed Komer’s impulsive decision had indeed discovered a talent. The barriers of racial differences had undoubtedly quashed many talents; at least this half-breed, who was seen as even less than a Half-Beastman, showcased a performance that surpassed anyone else under Komer’s command, at least in this respect.

"Hmm, it seems I still need to go arrange things at Bruce Fortress carefully to avoid unnecessary chaos," Komer concluded after quietly contemplating.

"Actually, Sir, you needn’t worry too much about Bruce. The residents around Bruce Fortress are not aware of these matters, and although the Court’s people are fanatical, they are not the kind to act rashly without grounds. According to the kingdom’s laws, freedom of faith is legally protected. Even the Court’s people know this. Although the Half-Beastmen in Leon worship Mars, they’re probably not on their radar. I’m more concerned about Ugru and Bahomon; the Great Mysterium Sect is quite active here. The Thunderhorse Knights may not have solid evidence, but for the Court’s people, if they subjectively determine the possibility, then we have a troublesome problem."

The anxious expression of Maha Gummi caused Komer’s heart to stir, considering there might be some merit to his words. Natural deity worship was present in the Homer region as well, and with Bruce yielding no evidence which could be investigated, only Ugru and Bahomon remained. The Great Mysterium Sect already had some footing there, and any hint of suspicion would likely bring about a storm.

"I understand," Komer said, patting Maha Gummi’s shoulder in a rare gesture that took the latter by surprise. "In that case, I won’t venture to Bruce or Leon. I’ll deal with the Great Mysterium Sect."

Two monks clad in black cloaks spurred their horses onto the Greenland Forest Plank Road leading from the Busen Plain to Leon. Unaware to them, as they just managed to arrive at the northern end of the market town on the Greenland Forest Plank Road, a peddler quietly surged ahead of them, racing through the night toward the Bruce Fortress in the south.

The indifferent expression of the tall monk, with his strangely shaped elongated eyebrows, towering nose, and thin lips, made it clear that this man was of a strong will and resolute disposition. The ample robe of a monk entirely concealed his tall frame, whereas his shorter companion, who looked more like a servant with the cold glint in his slightly wrinkled eyes, possessed a gold emblem under his robe which proved his status to be no less than the tall monk leading the way.

"Boritz, could you slow down a bit? Since leaving Cyprus, you’ve been hasty as if there were a death in the family. Don’t you feel tired at all?" grumbled the shorter monk, reminding his companion, "It’s another day or two’s journey to Bruce. Rushing like this won’t solve anything."

"Caru, we must make haste. Our target is not one to be taken lightly," said the tall monk Boritz, his eyes revealing a ruthless glint. "Philip has already suffered several losses at his hands. To think a small aristocrat could emerge and outwit his master, leaving him helpless—this is truly extraordinary. To defy and offend higher-ups and still maintain his position, this is a first for me."

"Boritz, the kingdom’s internal dog-eat-dog affairs are of no concern to us. Our mission is simple: to fulfill the task assigned by Lord Noyola. If confirmed, we shall bring about a bloodbath in the Caucasus, soaking the earth with the vile blood of these wretched followers of darkness. If not, we must nonetheless sound a warning to His Lordship, cautioning him to restrain himself. Despite a treaty between the Kingdom of Nicosia and our Church, he must understand that the kingdom is not what it used to be. Without the support of the Church of Light, he will accomplish nothing. This can also be seen as a favor the Court does for Sir Frenster," said the shorter monk, meticulously trimming his nails, seemingly indifferent to the tall monk’s words. As he saw it, worldly struggles were hardly worth the intervention of someone of his exalted status. The Church of Light ought to be the arbiter and enforcer of this world, not a participant.

"No, Caru, your view is too one-sided and narrow. The doctrine teaches us that the God of Light will shine upon every corner, not just every place, but also every realm that needs to bathe in the Holy Light of the heavenly realm. Leon and the Caucasus, with their despicable Half-Beastmen and other mongrels, are vital. While our visit may not confirm if this is the breeding ground of darkness—as we lack evidence—it is definitely a trash heap overgrown with weeds. If Tulado’s men cannot eradicate these weeds here, perhaps we could offer our help, if time allows," said the preoccupied monk Boritz, his lips twitching slightly. He was not satisfied with his companion’s conservative strategy, but their purpose in the Caucasus was indeed far too simplistic, merely to investigate potential signs of Dark Forces. That meant ignoring the idol worship of other inferior races if no evidence of darkness was found, which Boritz found intolerable. Having remained in hiding within the Court for too long, he had almost forgotten the pleasure derived from purifying Sacred Artifacts with blood, and this visit seemed a perfect opportunity. No one would stop him, not even Caru.

Realizing the firmness in his partner’s tone, Caru shook his head. Boritz seemed to be more extreme than even Lord Noyola himself. Those who sided with me prospered, and those against me perished; even Lord Noyola would not make such a decision lightly. Although Lord Noyola was unrestrained, he was not merely radical. Otherwise, His Holiness the Pope would not have granted such a concession on this occasion. Caru did not wish for such a straightforward matter to become overly complicated and unmanageable. While Sir Frenster was reluctant to clash with Lord Noyola, the outcome sought was not to be obtained through brazen provocation. But controlling his partner’s temper proved a headache for Caru, as a bloodbath alone would not beget the desired outcome. It was not as simple as that.

(To be continued. For more, please visit WWW.CMFU.COM, where more Chapters are available, and you can support the author and authorized reading!)