Chapter 1013: Volume 33 Where to Go - 1 Breakthrough
The early summer on the Blue Continent was always so delightful, with cool breezes mixing with clear sunshine and cascading over the land, making it lush and verdant. Komer stood on the Godeburg City Wall, hands behind his back, lost in thought.
The situation was always so unsatisfactory. The Basarabians had finally relented, and Furina had obviously been swayed by Puber’s grand visions of a territory spanning thousands of miles—the mere distance between the southernmost and northernmost colonies. As for the claim of rich natural resources, sure, the Continent boasted some unheard-of products, but what good were they if even those who brought them back couldn’t figure out their uses?
Regardless, the Basarabians had agreed to this marriage, securing a powerful ally in the West. Komer felt more at ease. There was no reason to worry about the Northern Alliance, but the unpredictable nature of the beastmen made it difficult to assess their intentions. Their current behavior was enough to baffle all mortals who had once feared them like tigers. Beastmen could coexist peacefully and equally with mortals? And they actually did it!
Komer sensed danger. The beastmen’s conciliatory tactics alone were not terrifying, but their newfound awareness was worrisome. Traditionally excluded from the civilized world of mortals, the beastmen, no matter how fierce or hardworking, would ultimately be eroded by the ever-accumulating power of mortal civilization, helplessly retreating back to the vast Mogan Wilderness.
But things had changed now. The beastmen had shifted their strategy, seemingly trying hard to emulate mortal societal structures, from governance and religious beliefs to social customs. They might not have been successful at first, but they persisted and have faced immense difficulties and internal conservative forces. And now they seemed close to success, very close indeed.
Once, Komer had planned how to sabotage the beastmen’s efforts, but after much thought, she abandoned the idea as somewhat naļve. The fierce race of beastmen was more united and far-sighted than the Barbarians, their chieftains more rational. Mortals could not erase them from the Blue Continent; it was an impossibility. Since it couldn’t be done, reality had to be faced, especially now that the beastmen had penetrated deep into mortal lands, intensifying the sense of crisis.
If annihilation wasn’t possible, then assimilation was the only option. In fact, as they strived to imitate mortals, the beastmen were consciously embracing their assimilation. Komer didn’t want to destroy their process of self-assimilation for her own gain, recognizing it as a rare opportunity for all mortals.
The best strategy for assimilation was through spiritual culture, specifically religious beliefs and knowledge dissemination. In this regard, the beastmen were clueless, while the Church of Light and the Church of Dark were keenly aware, each exerting their utmost efforts. Even the Salvation Society seemed to be subtly making moves.