The Vastness of Magical Destiny

Clarence watched the young man, whose entire being was steeped in an aura of mystery, with a mix of fear and wonder. It was his first time seeing this fellow who still seemed to hold a trace of Mr. Ramla’s shadow. Although the Three Wolves of Cyprus were famous in the Homer region, that title was merely a moniker among the profligate sons of high society — trash unworthy of recognition by the most powerful magician group in the Homer region, especially as its Chief Magician. Even for Ramla Reese, the Finance Officer, Clarence had little interest in making his acquaintance. He never would have thought he’d be appearing before Baron Komer Reese in this manner.

The body of the five-headed Bixiao had already been discarded in front of him. Clarence knew all too well the difficulties they had brought upon him, with seven knights lost. He looked around, and it seemed that only far off were Deravade, Sheferley, and Delbanuo barely clinging to life, huddled to the side. Delbanuo seemed to have received treatment and was faring not too badly. Although his face was still pale, at least his spirit wasn’t as dim as before, and it appeared his life was not in danger.

"Your barony, what do you plan to do?" Clarence asked, attempting to suppress his fluctuating emotions. Honestly, he had no idea what the other party wanted to do. But now, his side was utterly powerless to resist. The fact that they had slain the Bixiao in such a short time was proof enough of their strength. Clarence couldn’t imagine when the Caucasus had amassed such power. Could it be that the kingdom’s Court Mage never left and had been supporting the Caucasus all along?

"Mr. Clarence, that depends on you all. We didn’t expect to encounter you here, taking a break from the campaign against Leon to hunt at the Ice Lake. You certainly have quite the refined leisure activities, Mr. Clarence," Komer said with a slight smile. "It’s just a pity that you seemed to have overestimated your capabilities. When I first saw such a dreadful scene, even I could not help but shudder all over. Besides admiring your courage and nerve, I have no words."

Clarence pondered the other’s disingenuous words, trying to figure out their ulterior motive. Did they intend to kill them? It didn’t seem so, as there would have been no need to capture them if that were the case, or engage in so much idle chatter. Perhaps they planned to kidnap and demand a ransom? There was a possibility, as he was sure Homer would pay a substantial sum for their release. However, with both sides currently at war, any such transaction would likely have to wait until the conflict was over. But no one could predict how the war would end, especially now that Homer had lost its mages and some key knights, and the Caucasus had shown considerable strength.

"Depends on us? Your baron, your actions are in violation of the rules that you, as a vassal of Duke Philip, are supposed to follow. Thus, His Grace is prepared to strip you of everything he has granted you. Your resistance is futile. I suggest you accept the Duke’s proposal and surrender immediately. The decision is in your hands, of course. I am just conveying advice. Even if you do gain the upper hand, it’s doubtful you could change the outcome of this punitive campaign," Clarence said, attempting to remain composed and level-headed.

"Ha, Mr. Clarence, first I must thank you for your kindness. However, the scales of war are already tipping in favor of the Caucasus. You seem to have noticed this but fail to see the bigger picture. What can Homer’s army do without its mages? Flee in panic as they did against the Half-Beastmen last time? As for Philip saying I’ve broken rules, he seems to ignore the decrees issued by His Majesty the King, doesn’t he? As the saying goes, ’As above, so below.’ Does he even have the right to question me? The ruling rights over Leon were entrusted to me by the Kingdom’s Star Chamber Court through a formal decree. Isn’t Philip, as His Majesty’s vassal, openly flouting the Court’s authority deserving of punishment?" Komer shook his head, toying with the Black Crystal Staff in his hands, its flowing dark glow occasionally distracting Clarence with its exquisite beauty. To have such a powerful and magnificent Magical Instrument casually handled by the other party filled Clarence with an almost suffocating frustration. "Alright, let’s not discuss matters that you can’t change. I think we should talk about the fate of you and your companions instead."

Clarence tensed up at this. What did these guys want to do? The two knights with grim faces beside Komer were clearly not Light Knights and were very likely Dark Knights. Burqin had told him that the Dark Ones might be active in the Caucasus, and perhaps this Komer was their behind-the-scenes supporter. Although Clarence had no particular prejudice against the Dark Ones, prolonged association with the mages of the Church of Light meant he subconsciously harbored some aversion to them.

Seeing Clarence’s nervous glance, Komer smiled slightly, "Mr. Clarence, you won’t deny that as a hired mage of Homer’s Magic Team, your journey south was to confront my army and me, right? I bear no ill will towards you personally. However, as a hired mage, you came to threaten my rule over my territory. Now that you’ve become my prisoners, according to the continent-wide citizen rights law, I seem to have the right to execute, auction, or release you all. What do you think I should do with you?"

Feeling his mouth go dry, Clarence suddenly realized that his opponent’s eyes seemed to radiate intense murderous intent, the smile on their lips indicating that he was merely a lamb at their mercy. Clarence tried to control his emotions but found himself at a loss for words to persuade the other party.