Chapter 651: Volume Eighteen: Stormy Secrets, - Two: Defying the Heavens
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Cultivating Double Origins was undoubtedly a dream that defied the heavens, and Komer had no intention of undertaking such an adventure that seemed likely to result in a swift death. However, a dire situation left him with seemingly no choice. The power of the Church of Light lingered persistently in the Caucasus and no matter how much he tried to accommodate Priest Beran and Pastor Gustav, it was clear their influence was limited, unable to sway the upper echelons of the Church of Light. Even the Thunderhorse Knights refused to leave, which proved just how suspicious the Church had become of him. As his policies in the Caucasus and Leon inevitably encroached upon the interests of many, those individuals, now aware of the Church’s hostility towards him, would likely exacerbate the situation. In the end, to survive this ultimate challenge, he could only rely on his own power.
His nominal status as a secular noble might have some impact on the Church of Light, but this was not a decisive factor. Once his real identity was determined, not even the king of the Kingdom of Nicosia could protect him, so the burden ultimately fell upon himself. Being able to Cultivate Double Origins would no doubt be a way out—to conceal the Dark Origin with the Light Origin or Elemental Origin and perhaps pass the test, but cultivating both was easier said than done.
In fact, after acquiring sheepskin scrolls and related books, Komer began his experiments. The annotations and insights left by Kennifer III in those books were tremendously helpful to Komer. Although Kennifer III did not delve deeply and eventually gave up, his failures provided Komer with shortcuts, especially in balancing and harmonizing the conflicting powers of Double Origins—valuable experiences gleaned from the brink of life and death that were priceless.
Five months later, the Elemental Origin within Komer began to take shape. While still insufficient to conceal his Dark Origin, it was a good start. Komer did not dare choose the Light Magic Origin, not because he feared the two origins were irreconcilable, but he was afraid their stark contrast might make them conspicuously detectable by high-ranking clergy of the Church of Light. It was less risky to opt for the more neutral and moderate Elemental Origin, and the Thunder Element Power Origin he ultimately chose could significantly mask the traces of Dark Power.
The four primary elements of earth, fire, water, and wind, along with the derived powers of ice, thunder, and wood, composed the seven factions of the Elemental Magic. Ice stemmed from wind and water; thunder from wind and fire; wood from earth and water. Aside from these, there were metal and light, which, while not elements, were closely linked to Elemental Power. For instance, metal interacted with wood in both antagonistic and harmonious ways, and light shared a special connection with the element of fire, even capable of energy conversion under certain conditions.
Komer chose the Thunder Element Power as the foundation for his second magic origin because of its dark tendencies. Being derived from wind and fire, the origins of thunder displayed certain dark characteristics in many of their manifestations. The destructive and ruinous power often exhibited by thunder magic was akin to Dark Magic, a resemblance that could help conceal traces that might otherwise be difficult to hide.
The successful foundation of Thunder Power Origin gave Komer hope for success. He didn’t dare assume that the thunder-based origin could replace the Dark Origin in combat, but if the thunder-based origin could make insiders believe he was an Elemental Mage, that would be enough. All his cultivation efforts revolved around how to disguise himself as a competent Thunder Mage.