The Vastness of Magical Destiny
Chapter 730: Volume Twenty-One: The Dark Road, - Twelve: Surfacing

Chapter 730: Volume Twenty-One: The Dark Road, Chapter Twelve: Surfacing

"Your Majesty, you might have heard something about the population composition of our Caucasus and Leon Region. The indigenous people of the Caucasus numbered only a few thousand before Lord Komer arrived, and it was the 100,000 immigrants from Susoer, Meine, and Myron that gave the Caucasus some semblance of vitality. As for Leon, that area is even larger, and though its population is not small, most are Half-Beastmen, with Mortals being a minority. Among the immigrants from the three places, many are of the Half-Elf Clan. Therefore, the racial diversity within Lord Komer’s territory is quite vast, and the policies adopted are relatively lax, resulting in a large number of Barbarians from the surrounding territories migrating to the Caucasus to find work and food due to famine." Komer was, of course, aware of Joao II’s concerns and he needed to carefully alleviate the suspicions of this skeptical king.

"If we were to discuss the population composition in our Caucasus, Half-Beastmen might account for more than sixty percent, followed by Mortals, who make up about twenty-five percent. Half-Elves comprise about ten percent, while Barbarians, Elves, Dwarves, and other races together would approximately amount to five percent. In the Caucasus and Leon, there are a few thousand Barbarians, but they are not considered formal residents of our Caucasus, lacking citizenship. At best, they are seasonal laborers. Our Caucasus is not rich, and food needs to be transported from the middle and upper reaches of the Catania River. The Barbarians come here for their livelihood and their arrival has not caused any disturbances in our lands. Compared to Half-Beastmen, Barbarians seem somewhat more civilized, at least in the Caucasus. These Barbarians work in the Caucasus, and by doing so, they consume the food of the Caucasus. Whatever way one looks at it, this can be considered a good thing, and it’s no surprise that Lord Komer is respected by Barbarians in the Cordillera Wilderness."

"Mr. Karadin, are you saying that the Barbarians can come and go freely in your Caucasus? Are you not concerned they might bring destruction to your lands?" Joao II had heard about the interactions between the Barbarians and the Caucasus, but he still could not imagine how the Barbarians could be so law-abiding in the Caucasus when they were so violent and brutal in the south and west, ravaging and plundering year after year, becoming the nightmare of the surrounding countries’ monarchs. Why could the same Barbarians behave so differently in different places?

Komer smiled, "Your Majesty, do you think that compared to Half-Beastmen, Barbarians have nothing to be proud of? Half-Beastmen should be fiercer and braver than Barbarians. They’ve caused disturbances in Leon and killed countless mortal nobility, but under Lord Komer’s governance, they are as submissive as can be. Your Majesty, we are talking about hundreds of thousands of Half-Beastmen. To quote a certain noble minister of the Kingdom of Nicosia, they’re like a murky torrent, which once breaks out of Leon, will inundate the construction and civilization accomplishments of mortals over the generations. The Caucasus and Leon are different from the fertile Iberia, they are frontier lands, barren and destitute. To survive there, one must rely on their own hands to earn every bit. Whether you’re a Mortal, a Half-Beastman, or a Barbarian, one must work to eat. That’s the rule of the Caucasus, which all must abide by."

Joao II nodded in some admiration and sighed, "Who would have thought that Viscount Komer could tame the most fierce and unruly Half-Beastmen on the Avenue? In doing so, even the Barbarians wouldn’t dare to act up in the Caucasus. It’s just a pity that we cannot emulate this in the south."

"Your Majesty, how can the Caucasus compare to the affluent Iberia? Both Barbarians and Half-Beastmen alike covet mortal civilization and wealth, yet they are unwilling to improve themselves through their own efforts, always looking for what they perceive to be easier ways to achieve their goals. The thing that stops their improper desires is force, the kind that can only be respected and truly feared with a fist. If you cannot instill fear in them, they will act even more brazenly. Once your power overwhelms them, making them pay a painful price for every attack without gain, they will naturally respect you, even seek other ways to resolve problems." Komer shrugged, "This principle is held in high esteem in mortal societies, and it seems to apply to other races just as well."

Komer’s words touched a nerve in Joao II, who with a slight air of self-satisfaction gestured gently with his hand. Three robed court mages across the grand hall silently glided over, "Indeed, Mr. Karadin, you are correct. Strength is the only basis for our relationship with our enemies. Viscount Komer might use Half-Beastmen to suppress the Barbarians, Iberia does not have this condition, but we have found a new way, which is to use the power of mages to suppress the ambitions and desires of the Barbarians. I had almost forgotten to introduce them. David Copperfield, a great Dark Magician, will be the Chief Magician of our newly established Mage Corps of the Iberian Kingdom. These two are his friends, Mage Farakao and Shah."

Komer offered his hand in a courteous smile as several gazes that Joao II had not seen before quietly collided and then restored calmness. The polite small talk showed no signs of irregularity, entirely natural. Komer even praised Joao II’s wise decision to use mage power to strike at the ignorant Barbarians, letting them experience the unpredictable natural forces of heavenly might, which might effectively curb the impulsive actions of the Barbarians.

It was somewhat unbelievable that the Guardian Mage King under the seat of Xerob, including two Senior Guardian Envoys, had become the vanguard of the Court Wizard Team of the Iberian Kingdom. The Great Mysterium Sect had been unusually active lately and had indeed achieved good results. Whether it was Piraeus, Troy, or here in Iberia, a series of invitations followed one after another, with proposals to establish large sect halls rapidly increasing. The impact of the Olympia festival had exceeded Komer and Xerob’s expectations, but it was precisely the result they had originally hoped to achieve.

Piraeus had set a good precedent. Klinger had become the Deputy Corps Commander of the Piraeus City-State Guardian Team, a position of significant influence. The city-state Mage Corps was actively in preparation, and now Iberia seemed to be taking even larger strides. Everything appeared to be progressing orderly, and the dark powers finally began to emerge.

(To be continued. For further updates, please visit WWW.CMFU.COM. More Chapters are available, support the author, support authorized reading!)