The Vastness of Magical Destiny

By this time, everyone had remembered that the items in their hands were someone else’s property. Although Komer had promised before the expedition that once it was successful, he would use the discoveries to reward everyone satisfactorily, for everyone involved, money, jewelry, beauty, and power had already lost any allure. Perhaps the only thing that could attract them was the enhancement of their own power, and the expedition was merely a hobby and a way to satisfy their craving for challenges.

"Uh, Lord, if I remember correctly, you had once promised that upon successful completion of the expedition, you would give us a satisfactory reward, ..."

"Hahaha," Komer interrupted with a laugh the Puppet Mage who appeared somewhat uneasy, and said aloud, "Mr. Mihailovich, that’s right, I did indeed promise you all. But the expedition is not yet a success, is it? There are still so many secret paths we have not explored, and what is our main target? We have yet to discover the demons lurking deep underground. Does this really count as a successful expedition?"

Komer’s words made everyone look at each other, wondering. Hearing the Lord’s words, it seemed that he had no intention of rewarding them with the treasures they had found. This greatly surprised everyone, including Newman, who couldn’t help but hold the book with his mouth agape, unsure of what to respond.

"Lord, I think there is no need for us to beat around the bush or solve riddles. Indeed, among the things we have found there are items we like or need. If you can bear to part with them, I believe everyone would be willing to help you continue the subsequent expeditions. As you said, perhaps there are more exciting things waiting for us later on, but it could also mean more risks and dangers. Therefore, we need these items to strengthen our own powers, to prepare for the next phase of the expedition. Of course, we could also undertake other tasks for you. Wouldn’t you agree?"

Rebry’s words were much more tactful and smooth. He perceived that the other party was not particularly interested in those treasures, which in a magician’s eyes were unparalleled wonders, but was instead quite keen on employing their services. After a bit of thought, he could guess the other party’s intentions.

"Haha, Mr. Rebry is indeed perceptive. Here’s what we’ll do, if you truly need these items, I can lend them to you all temporarily. Once our expedition has completely ended, I will allow each of you to select two items from the treasures as your reward. Of course, until the expedition is over, you all must remain in Caucasus, and during this time, if I require your assistance, you may not refuse my requests. How do you find these terms?"

Komer’s proposal was surprisingly generous and astounded the group, apart from Rebry who had a vague understanding of the other party’s intentions; the rest admired the Lord’s broad-mindedness and practicality.