The Vastness of Magical Destiny
Chapter 707: Volume 20: Wolves Lurking in the Mediterranean, - 14: Ghostly Demon Horse

Chapter 707: Volume 20: Wolves Lurking in the Mediterranean, Chapter 14: Ghostly Demon Horse

Uma observed the two Spartain racers who were preparing to challenge him with a detached expression. It was clear that these two fellows had already joined forces, putting aside their personal glory in order to ensure the absolute dominance of Spartains in such events, a baseline they felt compelled to defend.

Chariots chased each other wildly on the racecourse, deliberately designed to be twisting and steep, with a hand merely holding the horse reins and the other already resting on the short sword at the waist.

If it hadn’t been for Komer’s specific request, Uma could have effortlessly left the two Spartain competitors a hundred meters behind. The Black Iron Chariot beneath him had once been the unparalleled mount with which Emperor Kennifer led the Dark Empire’s army. Although the original warhorse had long since gone, Uma believed that the Ghost Warhorse bearing the reins now would not be any weaker than Emperor Kennifer’s iron-blooded treasure horse from days past.

Of course, this Ghost Warhorse wasn’t a real warhorse, just an Undead mount that he had snatched from the hands of a phantom general in the Underground World. Unexpectedly, in the hands of the emperor’s heir, in just two days, the Ghost Warhorse, which had been nothing but a skeletal frame, had been completely transformed. The Wood Magic repair technique had perfectly fused wooden materials onto the skeleton of the Ghost Warhorse, and combined with the Ogre’s Wisdom Magic Crystal and the original magic power of the Ghost Warhorse itself, it granted the mount tremendous strength to survive in this world.

The agile Ghost Warhorse ran along the complex paths, with the racer constantly tightening the reins, signaling it not to go against the master’s will. Irritated, it raised its front hooves, letting out a dull long neigh, and kicked the ground fiercely, sending a stone as large as a human head flying backward. Uma deftly dodged the flying stone, turning it into a deadly weapon against the trailing Spartain competitors. Uma’s fondness for this intelligent magic horse grew by the moment.

Caught off guard, the Spartain racer could only use his javelin to forcibly strike the flying stone. The fierce impact caused his hand to bleed, nearly knocking him off his chariot. Fortunately, another racer quickly caught up, keeping a tight watch on the Black Iron Chariot that had almost pulled away again.

Although the Spartain racers’ steeds were not the divine horses of Mount Olympus, they were among the most precious of the Kingdom of Sparta, picked out of thousands for their spirit and resilience, easy to control. Yet, they paled in comparison to the all-black warhorse ahead of them.

The opposing warhorse showed an absolute advantage over the other horses in terms of strength, speed, or spirit. No matter how hard the Spartain racers tried to control their chariots skillfully, the opponent was always a step ahead, seizing the initiative. Now they were even able to coordinate flawlessly with the racer for attacks using the power of their hind hooves, which deeply discouraged the two Spartain competitors.

Sitting in the stands, Komer let out an "Eh" and slightly raised his eyebrows, surprised that Uma’s skeletal horse had such power, able to kick stones as weapons against pursuers.

Komer knew he had only used wooden materials to fill the gaps in the skeletal horse’s body so that it wouldn’t appear too shocking when it appeared. The harmonized Wood Magic repair technique could significantly enhance the skeletal horse’s durability against impacts. With this layer of solid wood as a barrier, ordinary strikes were harmless to the Ghost Warhorse, which relied on the combination of original magic power and crystal spirit power. Unless a supreme tyrant could see through the nature of the Ghost Warhorse and use a fatal strike to utterly erase its spiritual energy or original magic power.

Thinking of this, Komer was somewhat enticed. It seemed there were even more desirable places under Moreske Castle, places Uma had told him were a paradise for the Undead, but a certain special ban prevented them from breaking through, leaving them to struggle with the creatures of the deepest Underground World in the Dark Abyss.

Komer had once read in the archives of Moreske Castle that the Eye of Darkness was actually a window between two worlds and that by passing through this window, one could enter an unknown world. It appeared that the Underground World below Moreske Castle was indeed a Dark Different World filled with Undead. Whether the builder of Moreske Castle had chosen the location with this in mind was unknown. For Komer, it was a tantalizing prospect.

Although Uma had described the Dark Different World as extremely dangerous, Komer did not want to give up this opportunity. He was well aware that the Dark Different World undoubtedly posed significant risks. Uma was able to pass through the ban and enter the Dark Different World because, at the time, it was just a soul energy without a body, impervious to certain special magical attacks. But considering the various spoils brought back from the Dark Different World, and hearing Uma say it was because its strength was limited, not daring to challenge the strong, Komer was truly looking forward to crossing that barrier and experiencing the Dark Different World for himself.

Seeing the Dark Lord utter a sound of surprise and then fall silent, Xerob glanced at him. Although Komer’s gaze still rested on the tournament field, the essence dancing in his eyes told Xerob that his master’s thoughts had wandered off to some distant concern. However, the battle at hand was of significant importance to the Great Mysterium Sect and even the entire Dark Lineage, so Xerob dared not take it lightly.

Uma, representing the High Priest of the Great Mysterium Sect for the Piraeus team, had cut a swathe through his competition and already won the fervent support of city-state councilors who were followers of the Sect. If he could trample the Spartans underfoot, it would be an excellent opportunity to boost the political stature and influence of Piraeus, which had already made economic strides. Not only could they use this opportunity to promote the glory of Piraeus, but it could also challenge the authoritative status of Corinth and Sparta, the two giants of the Southern Mediterranean. Even if they couldn’t achieve their goal immediately, the sheer display of power and momentum was enough to lift the status of Piraeus City-State above other nations and city-states.

"Dark Lord, do you find Mr. Uma’s warhorse a bit too exceptional?" Xerob, of course, knew the details of that warhorse. Initially, he too worried that someone might detect something amiss with the ghost warhorse. However, after Komer used a special Wood Magic to erase the strong scent of the undead, the ghost warhorse was almost perfect, its body rich with the essence of wood, making it look more like a Black Demon Divine Steed from the westernmost white god mountains of Iberia.

"Hmph, such trivial tricks may deceive the average person but not an expert skilled in Dark Magic. Anyone who gets close to this skeleton horse and examines it carefully will uncover its secrets," Komer shook his head.

"Dark Lord, here in this place, no one of the Dark Lineage would do such a thing," Xerob flatly denied the possibility.

"Really? The Dark Lineage has yet to truly unify, and it’s not uncommon for Dark Magicians in the Southern Mediterranean Region who are not in the know. Once exposed, it would be too late for regrets," Komer said, still sounding unconvinced.

"You worry too much, Dark Lord. Even if it were to be openly challenged, it wouldn’t be a big deal here in the South. Dark Magic and Undead Magic are not frowned upon as long as one does not slaughter the living or deliberately desecrate the dead to cultivate such magics. No one cares about these things; in our South, the body after death is not valued as much as the soul’s destination. On this matter, the beliefs of the Northern Church of Light and our Great Mysterium Sect are very consistent," Xerob reassured.

"Well, let’s hope such things do not happen. Now is the perfect time for the Dark Lineage to fully expand its influence and win the respect of mainstream society. I do not want unnecessary disputes arising from these matters to disrupt the carefully planned process we have designed," Komer warned, reminding his counterpart: "Aside from Piraeus, the Iberian Kingdom also offers a great platform. Why can’t the Guardian Mage King and High Priests of the Great Mysterium Sect help the Iberian Kingdom establish a brand new Mage Corps? It is our undeniable duty as mortal believers to repel the barbarian invasions."

Xerob was visibly shaken and looked up abruptly, "Dark Lord, do you mean...?"

"The Corinthians have always taken the sea god Poseidon as their guardian, believing that he will ensure their eternal prosperity. Let Piraeus demonstrate the power of the Dark Guardian God Hades, convincing the Corinthians that Poseidon cannot protect them but is rather good at deluding them. If Piraeus is not yet powerful enough, the Tilo people can join in as well, showing them that if they truly believe in the Dark Holy Church, the God of Darkness Hades will favor them, and the Great Mysterium Sect is more than willing to assist them."

"The Spartans have always believed that the Goddess of Wisdom Athena will protect them, right? Then let the Iberian Kingdom prove the supreme status of the God of Darkness Hades, show that without Spartan aid, the Iberians can defeat the barbarians. Wouldn’t that prove sufficiently that the Iberian Kingdom, under the protection of the God of Darkness, is the undisputed ruler of the Southern Mediterranean Region on land? If the Spartans wish to show they are not inferior to the Iberians, perhaps they too should consider some changes, shouldn’t they?"

The faint glint in Komer’s eyes gave Xerob a tremor of fear. Although the Dark Lord had been away for only two months, his consciousness and way of thinking seemed to have undergone significant changes. He had become ruthless and relentless, yet this was exactly what Xerob hoped to see. Severing emotions and determining resolve were proven to be everlasting truths for achieving great endeavors. But how many in the world could truly and completely accomplish this? After all, humans are beings of sentiment and affection.

(To be continued... For further details, visit WWW.CMFU.COM where Chapters are more frequent, support the author and authorized reading!)