Chapter 602: Volume 15: Thunder Shakes the Ground - 20: I Want to Go Alone
When the undead finally disappeared into the darkness, everyone’s hearts could finally rest, even Shatima didn’t dare to boast that she could face such a formidable horde of undead. A single Giant Zombie had already left her, unable to transform, feeling somewhat drained, not to mention the other dark wraiths. Rebry and Mihailovich, although somewhat unwilling, recognized the situation; under these circumstances, the foe’s voluntary retreat was already a stroke of luck from heaven. To continue fighting would have likely turned the whole group into zombies. As for what to do next, they believed that the mysterious Lord surely had a plan.
When Komer and his party silently returned to the surface of Damarlinsk Castle, the hearts of Puber, Ilot, Eve, and their companions were finally put at ease. In fact, this exploration hadn’t taken long, but to Grace and Finitz, it felt like an extraordinarily prolonged ordeal. The second floor of the bunker, with its bizarre Magical Beasts and undead, had been a fight for survival that was thrilling and harrowing, an experience like none they’d ever had, akin to a surreal dream. When they returned to the surface and saw sunlight again, the strange feeling it gave them was unforgettable.
The members of the exploration party tactfully refrained from discussing the encounters within the dungeon, but the question of why the undead had retreated at the final moment still lingered in everyone’s minds. Perhaps only the Lord himself could clarify this issue and dispel everyone’s doubts.
Komer paid no attention to the curious thoughts of his companions; he couldn’t afford to bother with them at the moment. The strange spirits on the second floor of the bunker were obviously the remnant of what Kennifer III had left behind—perhaps not intentionally, but it was now a fact. Under duress, he had revealed himself as the heir to the Dark Dynasty, and it seemed that the spirits on the second floor were urgently hoping he would take on this heavy responsibility. Komer did not wish to avoid this issue, but the core question was, even if he became the heir to the Dark Dynasty, what could he do, or rather, what did he plan to do? Komer didn’t believe that the entity on the second floor would just let matters rest; indirectly, he had agreed to certain requests. Although he had extricated himself from immediate danger, how to fulfill his promise was now somewhat troublesome.
Raise the banner of the Dark Dynasty to overthrow the Bright Holy Teaching? That was absurd. He might gain the full support of the Great Mysterium Devotees in the south, but compared to the power of the Bright Holy Teaching, that was like comparing a firefly to the radiant moon. The Bright Holy Teaching, in its heyday, could probably send a few lunatics from the Court and turn the whole Caucasus upside down, not to mention they had the backing of countless countries and cities. Even in the south, the power of the Dark Lineage could not contend with that of the Holy Teaching; securing the qualifications for open preaching was already an impressive breakthrough.
However, since he had promised, Komer had no intention of breaking his word; the consequences of doing so were unthinkable, especially since he still planned to continue staying in Damarlinsk Castle. Moreover, it would be too wasteful to simply give up such an ally. Komer hoped to have a good conversation with the Charming Spirit to see if he could uncover more secrets from it. Besides, the second floor of the bunker should possess wondrous treasures that could make one’s heart rejoice.
When night fell, Komer stepped alone into the passage that appeared even more desolate and eerie. However, at this time, his heart was already free from the tension and worry of exploration. Everything had been clarified; what he needed now was a thorough communication with the other party, which would determine the direction of his future steps.
Komer sat alone in the middle of a pitch-dark square, finding the Dark Altar eerily familiar. Immersed in the thick atmosphere of darkness, he could only truly revel in the comfort and pleasure of being surrounded by the essence of Dark Mana; he felt an unparalleled sensation, as if he had returned to his mother’s womb, engulfed by an aura congruent with his own body. Komer even felt that his body had become a part of the Dark Origin itself; his consciousness expanded infinitely. In that moment, every detail within the square and even beyond the doors and the passages—everything was indisputably embraced within his heart. The heart is the beacon; darkness is the origin! This is the ultimate pursuit of the Dark Heavenly Path. At that moment, Komer felt as if he had glimpsed the steps leading into the Dark Heavenly Path.