The Vastness of Magical Destiny

Shatima had actually been by Komer’s side for quite some time already. Having slipped away alone from the Caucasus with no restraints whatsoever, she almost lost track of time as she traveled along the Northern Mediterranean coast, thoroughly enjoying the freedom it brought. The pristine beauty of the lowlands between the Baden Gold Mountain Range and the North Mediterranean made her linger and forget to leave. She had always lived on the western foothills of the Baden Gold Mountain, seldom crossing over to the eastern seaside, the territory of the Wicked Dragon. She knew that there was still a significant gap between her strength and that of the Wicked Dragon, and provoking it would surely lead to its crazed retaliation.

However, this time was different. With her mood extremely relaxed and no intention to stay here long, Shatima was just traveling. Even if she did encounter the Wicked Dragon, she, no longer wishing to return to her previous life, was not planning to challenge it for the dignity and glory of the Ice Dragons. As Komer had repeatedly mocked and criticized her: "Pride and confidence are fundamentally different. Confidence doesn’t need to be proved by anything, while pride is a variant of inferiority, only someone who is absolutely insecure would try to use that to cover their weakness, and to prove oneself in face of certain defeat is sheer stupidity."

Shatima found that during her time living in Mortal Society, she seemed to have become more and more human-like. Whether it was the confidence or the arrogance of the old days, the psychological advantage she felt had gradually faded, replaced by psychological habits and customs similar to humans that were increasingly reflected in her. This made her feel somewhat fearful yet expectant of self-indulgence. No wonder it was said in an old Dragon Clan proverb: "Even a pile of lifeless sand, if placed among humans, will be assimilated into human form."

Shatima was not opposed to this change within herself. Her long solitude had made her somewhat eager for communication, but the inherent pride of the Dragon Clan had locked every member in a tower of isolation. It seemed she had managed to escape that confinement, realizing she did not want to return to her former life. Life with Komer was so wonderfully diverse, and the life of mortals was equally rich and vibrant, making Shatima feel that her previous two hundred years were like spending time in a deep slumber.

The Dragon Clan might indeed be falling behind the world. Although the Dragon Clan possesses wisdom just like mortals, and even surpasses individual mortals in terms of strength, they are gradually being obliterated from the history of the world. This was a heartfelt statement from Shatima, but she quickly realized that these words seemed to have been spoken by someone before, only she had been outraged and unwilling to believe it at the time. Now, it all seemed to prove that statement correct. Whether it was war or slaughter, romance or intrigue, commerce or architecture, Shatima tirelessly absorbed the nourishment of this Mortal Civilization, like a baby just opening its eyes to the world, envious and unconsciously imitating and learning in denial of the Dragon Clan’s backwardness.

Shatima had chosen to travel through the lowlands between the Baden Gold Mountain Range and the North Mediterranean because deep down, she wished to see if she could encounter the Wicked Dragon. She was eager to share her experiences with a fellow being, to let a member of her own species view all she had taken in from the perspective of a Dragon. However, to Shatima’s disappointment, she did not come across the Wicked Dragon. It was said that it had gone to frolic in the North Mediterranean, and her wish to share fell through.

After her hope of meeting the Wicked Dragon was dashed, Shatima felt a bit downhearted, and her progress slowed. It took her a month after wandering across the Cordillera Wilderness for the prosperity of the Southern Mediterranean Region to lift her spirits again, and the ocean civilization so different from the north felt like a warm sea breeze, again showcasing the diversity of Mortal Civilization.

Finding Komer had taken some effort on Shatima’s part, especially since, as a Dragon with little experience venturing out, and knowing that Komer’s whereabouts were being watched by the Religious Court, secrecy was essential. Fortunately, Shatima was also aware of how those people from the Great Mysterium Sect connected with Komer. After pinpointing the movements of the Dark Preachers, she quickly located Komer using her superior exploration capabilities.

The double masted sailing ship glided down the Catania River, the oncoming river wind carrying a hint of salt, and as the water progressed from green to blue, the Catania Estuary opened up like a trumpet. Swift red-beaked seagulls skimmed the surface of the sea, while albatrosses glided lazily overhead. Ahead lay the Nether Sea.

Komer didn’t stay in Mattdam, and aside from docking there to replenish his supplies of water and food, he did not even leave the cabin. Although the agents of the Church of Light were not yet so capable, Komer still hoped to safely complete this leg of his journey.