Chapter 645: Volume Seventeen: Dark Descends on Earth - Sixteen: Arbitrator
The transfer of one million gold shields in cash to the account of the Caucasus Prefecture at The Caucasus Cooperative Bank had Puber grinning so wide his mouth nearly reached the back of his neck, along with various jewels, gold, and magic crystals valued at two million gold shields. The clever markdown by the appraisers didn’t surprise Gote, as most of the inventory, aside from the gold and other hard currencies, was difficult to turn into cash. It was reasonable to expect these items to be discounted, and being able to offer them as collateral was a gain in itself.
The plan to expand the army, proposed by Komer, met with steadfast resistance from Puber, who finally relaxed and agreed to a 2,000-man expansion only after the funds were secured.
"Are you certain?" Gloom settled on Komer’s face like a dark cloud suddenly drifting across the sky. Komer was not a man prone to showing his emotions, so whatever was causing him distress and confusion must have been a particularly thorny issue. And of course, Maha Gummi was well aware of the importance of the intelligence report he brought back; otherwise, he wouldn’t have personally returned to Ugru to report to the Lord.
"Lord, there shouldn’t be any problem. They came from Jazair, and they have a very distinctive appearance. Although they tried to disguise themselves within the Homer region, we have been aware of them since they were in Jazair. It seems they are targeting us." Maha Gummi could feel some sweat in his palms.
Komer, with his hands clasped behind his back, took a deep breath. What was meant to come would always come. He had thought the kingdom’s chaotic and complex situation would delay or even prevent this, but it seemed he had been too optimistic. To be realistic, these guys were the true believers of pure faith, fundamentally different from those two from the Church of Light. At this time, Komer would have preferred dealing with people sent by those two because that would have made things easier; now, with these fanatics on their way, he feared he had to prepare thoroughly to escape this calamity.
"Which route do you estimate they will take? Through the Greenland Forest Trail or from the Odessa Sea Route to Mattdam?" After thinking for a long while without figuring out a better plan, Komer asked with an even darker expression.
"We can’t be sure yet; they’ve just emerged from Cyprus. However, I would say there’s a greater chance they will come through the Greenland Forest Trail," Maha Gummi replied respectfully.
"Why?" Komer asked in return.
"The incident with the undead at Bruce Fortress can’t be kept a secret. Although the Great Mysterium Sect is active in the Caucasus, the two guys from the Thunderhorse Knight Group do not have conclusive evidence that you support the Dark Forces’ activities here. Besides, priests Bella and Pastor Gustav may have some dissatisfaction with you, Lord, but after all, you have contributed significantly to the construction funds for the Church of Light, so they have no grounds for complaint. Bishop Tulado belongs to Archbishop Frenster’s faction, who are quite averse to the Court’s people and generally would not seek help from them under normal circumstances. So, the undead at Bruce Fortress are more likely to have caught their attention."
Maha Gummi’s analysis pleased Komer greatly. His performance had been increasingly admirable, with keen instincts and meticulous analytical skills, revealing his comfort in this field of work. It seemed Komer’s impulsive decision had indeed discovered a talent. The barriers of racial differences had undoubtedly quashed many talents; at least this half-breed, who was seen as even less than a Half-Beastman, showcased a performance that surpassed anyone else under Komer’s command, at least in this respect.