The Vastness of Magical Destiny
Chapter 827: Volume 25: Striking the Waters Midstream, - 14: The Final Ultimatum

Chapter 827: Volume 25: Striking the Waters Midstream, Chapter 14: The Final Ultimatum

Komer’s successive verbal assaults plunged Dvanch and the other two into deep contemplation. Initially, when they came to the Caucasus, they only intended to demand the return of their soldiers according to the agreement. They had not imagined that Komer had no intention of returning them at all. After private contact, they discovered that in the past few months, those soldiers had been completely assimilated by the Caucasus. It could be said that all tactics and regulations were being conducted entirely in accordance with the military system of the Caucasus. The organization of the Mountain People’s Army had been completely dispersed and reorganized according to the structure of Mortals’ armies. The subordinates they had always considered loyal now showed an ambiguous attitude, and the lower-ranking soldiers were eager to remain in the Caucasus as professional warriors. This revelation left Dvanch and the others in utter dismay.

Without this army, not only would the Sanjia Tribe pose no threat to the Caucasus, but even the other tribes of the Mountain People in the South could threaten the entire tribe, especially since the relations between the Sanjia Tribe and the other Mountain Tribes were not good.

Clearly, this guy was determined not to return the leadership of this army. Even before this, they had made all kinds of preparations, tempting with materials and eroding ideology. This tactic was indeed too malicious, rendering the Sanjia Tribe virtually powerless to respond. Their only reliance now was that the other party did not want to completely fall out over this issue with the Sanjia Tribe, since it seemed they had even greater ambitions and even needed the Sanjia Tribe to provide more soldiers.

Komer’s words had indeed caused a great shock to the thoughts of the three leaders. In fact, they had been exploring the reasons themselves, but had never articulated them as clearly and directly as Komer had. His speech had lifted the veil of fog that had shrouded their hearts, and they were forced to painfully confront this somewhat harsh reality.

Komer did not rush to urge them, knowing that they too needed some time to reflect, analyze, and consider their choices. Nobody wanted to face a cruel reality, but to avoid an even worse situation, they had to embrace change.

"Lord Komer, although I do not entirely agree with your point of view, I must admit there are meritorious aspects. Currently, you have the initiative, but I still want to reiterate one point: the independence of the Sanjia Tribe is inviolable. We will not blindly follow the myopic behavior of the minor tribes. As for this army, I believe it is more appropriate for us to find a solution that both sides can accept."

Chief Bellamong and Chief Dvanch exchanged glances, evidently in tacit agreement, while Cisse was directly ignored. His performance had always leaned toward the Caucasus, causing both Bellamong and Dvanch to distrust him to some extent. If it weren’t for the belief that grouping together as the Sanjia Tribe would bring greater benefits, he would probably have already turned to Komer.

It seemed there was a chance, and Komer chuckled inwardly. However, outwardly he maintained a modest demeanor with an almost imperceptible contemplative expression, "Chief Bellamong, I agree with your perspective. Regardless, the Sanjia Tribe and the Caucasus have already formed a fairly close alliance. It’s not worth it if such a problem should cast a shadow over our relationship. I am confident we can find a suitable solution to the issue of the Mountain People soldiers. However, before that, I would really like to engage in a profound discussion with the three leaders about the position of our relationship between the Sanjia Tribe, and the entire Mountain People, and our Caucasus, including the region of Homer that I am currently in charge of. I wonder if the three leaders have any interest or deem it necessary?"

Chief Bellamong and Chief Dvanch immediately sensed the dangerous undertone in Komer’s words, their pupils shrinking as if they had suddenly spotted a hunter’s fox, causing their entire body’s hairs to stand on end. Facing a strong ally, any adjustment in relationships would leave the weaker party passively suffering in a subordinate position. The stronger party would never use an absolutely fair approach to define the relationship—this was determined by the respective strengths of each. Dvanch and Bellamong certainly understood this. The man before them had already extended his black hand into the Cordillera Wilderness and was constantly expanding his influence. The Sanjia Tribe’s current weakness and passivity were completely due to being suppressed and coerced by the opponent.

"Lord Komer, do you believe there is anything inappropriate in the relationship between the Sanjia Tribe, and the entire Mountain people, and the territory you govern? If it’s solely about the Sanjia Tribe, I personally see nothing for us to discuss. If you mean the other Mountain Tribes as well, then please forgive me as I cannot speak for them." Taking a deep breath, Chief Dvanch sadly realized that this was the first time he had faced a Mortal with such weakness and timidity. Why did every word from this unremarkable Mortal make him feel so terrified of being calculated against?

Komer’s expression stiffened. The other’s words were undoubtedly a polite refusal of his request. They did not even want to listen to his words, let alone communicate with him, rendering this fellow’s presence a true scourge indeed. Komer glanced briefly at Cisse, who had been standing expressionless on the side. He took a deep breath to suppress his somewhat agitated emotions. These Mountain people were not as easy to manage as Mortals; their proud and stubborn nature made them unyielding. Forcing them might not achieve the desired outcome, but he felt he had no mood to continue indulging these fellows, as he did not want to waste too much time.

"Chief Dvanch, I thought at least we could listen to Lord Komer’s views," said Cisse, whose somewhat hoarse voice eased the somewhat stiff atmosphere a little. This guy is still pretty clever, Komer thought secretly. Whatever his purpose, as long as he could cooperate with him, Komer was not stingy in granting him enough benefits.

Both Dvanch and Bellamong’s faces were clouded with undisguised gloom. It was always this man who disrupted things, but without him, the Sanjia Tribe would not be a powerful entity anymore. And once the Gapeng Tribe that this man represented defected from the Sanjia Tribe, it could even lead to the collapse of the internal united front within the Garong and Galong Tribes.

"Forget it, since Chief Dvanch and Chief Bellamong are not willing to listen further, my one-sided interest does not mean much," Komer said coldly. "Chief Cisse, if you think my words are worth listening to, then why not find a time to have a drink and chat? It’s not good to waste the time of Chief Dvanch and Chief Bellamong."

The air suddenly turned cold, and even an old fox like Bellamong subconsciously moved his body, trying to break the heavy deadlock.

The man before them was no longer the mortal who once sought the favor of the Sanjia Tribe. The relations between Flanders and the other large Mountain Tribes were becoming closer by the day. Although it was still unclear what those tribes were planning, it was certain that the leadership of the Carlo Tribe was under serious challenge, and undoubtedly, Flanders was behind those challengers. This should have been good news for the Sanjia Tribe, but it was not pleasing to hear that Flanders’ Lord had also become this man’s subordinate.

"Uh, Lord Komer," Bellamong rubbed his hands, trying to break the current stalemate, "Chief Dvanch meant that we cannot represent other Mountain Tribes, and right now, discussing the relationship between the Sanjia Tribe and the Caucasus before resolving the issue of our tribe’s soldiers’ loyalties might seem a bit hasty, don’t you think?"

"Is that so? I’ve already told the three leaders that the Mountain People’s warriors were of great help to my conquest of the Homer region, but I’ve also given a lot. And I can also frankly tell the three leaders that the Homer region is just my first step; in front of me are many more powerful enemies. I still need the Mountain People’s help, and even more so. Until then, I will not consider agreeing to these Mountain People’s soldiers returning to the Cordillera Wilderness. To put it realistically, these soldiers are no longer suited for life on the Wilderness, living out their dull lives. As a warrior, I firmly believe that whether in victory or sacrifice, their ends on the Battlefield are far superior to dying old in bed by the fields."

Komer’s voice became more emphatic and impassioned, his gaze somewhat challenging as he swept over the faces of Bellamong and Dvanch, "Since both of you feel there is no need to discuss our relationship further, I suppose this meeting is over as well. Show our guests out!"

"Komer, are you issuing an ultimatum?" Dvanch could no longer tolerate such brazen public provocation and, with his chest heaving violently and his tanned face becoming even redder with anger, he glared at Komer, waving his hand to stop Bellamong, who still wished to mediate, and looked Komer straight in the eye.

Komer squinted his eyes, unyielding, and returned the stare. This Dvanch was truly worthy of being a key figure in the Sanjia Tribe; even in such a situation, he could treat himself with such firmness. There were indeed some talents among the Mountain People, and even Bellamong and Cisse were not complete wastes. Only then did things get interesting.

"Chief Dvanch, if you think this is an ultimatum, then so be it!" The metallic sound of Komer’s voice resonated clearly through the air, lingering between the confronting gazes of the two men. Suddenly, Bellamong and Cisse realized that Komer’s slender cheeks, due to the angle of the sunlight hitting them at that moment, appeared somewhat fearsome and twisted.

(To be continued... For further details, please visit www.qidian.com. There are more Chapters, support the author, support authorized reading!)