The Vastness of Magical Destiny-Chapter 158 - Thirteen Guilty by Association

Chapter 158: Chapter Thirteen: Guilty by Association

Chapter 158 -Thirteen: Guilty by Association

“Kid, don’t look at me with those eyes. For those of us who practice Dark Magic, there is no better place to live and cultivate than one that adjoins the heavenly realm above and connects to the underworld below. If it weren’t for some dark creatures lurking within, I’d lie down in there and never come out again,” the pointed-nose, monkey-cheeked magician seemed to casually lift the veil hanging between the two, but his nonchalant words struck Komer like a bolt from the blue.

“Mr. Rebry, I…,” Komer opened his mouth as if trying to explain something, but the other stopped him with a wave of his hand. “All right, no need to explain anything to me. I’m not interested in your crappy origins. Being a descendant of Dark practitioners is nothing to be ashamed of. It’s just that all the prejudices on the Continent nowadays make us Dark Mages cautious in our comings and goings, to the extent that we even have to hide behind other guises to cover up our true identities. Hehe, but to find a kindred spirit here is indeed exciting. A Noble Lord, surrounded by the aura of a magician’s honor. Who would have thought, who would have thought you are a Dark practitioner who cannot be exposed to the light? Isn’t that somewhat comical?”

The slovenly man’s words seemed half like he was talking to himself and half inquiringly directed at Komer, but they were filled with bitterness.

Komer’s spirits lifted, his eyes shifting. Clearly, the undertones in the other’s words revealed everything. The other was also a Dark Mage, which matched Komer’s suspicions. However, the fact that this man could mingle with a Light Mage of Mundell’s stern, self-disciplined nature was something Komer had to admire about his boldness and ability to disguise.

“Mr. Rebry, I also did not expect that you and I would stand in the same trench. If the Church of Light found out that two Dark Mages had suddenly appeared in the Caucasus, I wonder what they would think? Would they send their Knights regiment or the executioners from their Court to capture us immediately? Maybe we would both end up hanging from the gallows or burning at the stake,” said Komer with a shrug. Now that they were both in the same boat, everything was much better. Having always walked alone in the dark, finding a companion now was indescribably wonderful.

“Kid, if this news leaks, I can simply disappear, and the Church of Light won’t grab hold of me and refuse to let go. But it’s different for you. That fool Malone represented the Church; his death challenges them. Do you think the Church of Light would let you off easily?”

The man’s gaze at Komer was mocking, and the mysterious smile on his face sent a chill down Komer’s spine—it seemed he couldn’t hide anything from those eyes.

“Kid, don’t pretend your dealings are so well concealed. Hasn’t Onia grown suspicious of you? They just haven’t moved against you because of your status and the lack of concrete evidence. Aren’t those two Thunderhorse Knights still active in your territory? You think they really fell in love with the scenery of the Caucasus?” Rebry’s expression cooled. “I don’t know why you’d kill a nobody like Malone, but you’ve now crossed onto a narrow bridge and must keep moving forward, careful of every step lest you fall into the Abyss.”

“Mr. Rebry, you didn’t come today just to lecture me, did you? The Caucasus is far from the emperor’s reach. Since I’ve survived the first calamity, I believe we can avoid future trouble. If the Thunderhorse Knights want to wander the Caucasus, let them; maybe they really have taken a fancy to this new land for proselytizing and preaching,” Komer said nonchalantly, spreading his arms wide. “As you said, Dark Magic is not something shameful. Why should the Church get to dictate everything in this world, declaring what is heresy? Who they can burn at the stake? Ridiculous! The Caucasus is my Caucasus. Here, everything follows my rules!”

“Hmm, ambitious. I could see it in you since Gutenberg. Kid, buying people’s hearts with an Essence Spiritual Ring is quite generous. That kind of act could drive Magicians mad, and even I’m a bit tempted. But what use is it to the people of Galle? Unless you can seduce little Vero into bed, Duke Zellin won’t change his attitude towards you. Even if you did get Vero, Zellin would likely remain the same; after all, you’re not in the same boat.” Rebry’s eyes brightened at the other’s bold words, and he twirled his chin beard with a secretive smile. “I’m not on the same path as you either, but if you have something that interests me, I might be willing to lend a hand.”

“Really? I think there’s something in Damarlinsk Castle that you can’t bear to part with,” Komer said with a matching cold smile. “Mr. Rebry, let’s not beat around the bush. I need your help, and I think I have what you need here. We can both benefit from an exchange. I believe it’s been a while since you’ve come across a like-minded peer. If you seek the supreme path of Dark Magic, or if you desire a broader space and stage for Dark Magic, I think I can offer you everything you seek. As for me, I currently prefer the colorful world within the mundane; I’m sure you can bring me many surprises.”

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Suddenly stopping, Mr. Rebry felt a chill in his heart. The man before him didn’t seem as easy to deal with as he had thought. He could actually discern the deepest thoughts in his heart and even wanted to borrow Mr. Rebry’s strength to achieve his own goal. Interesting, this was a rather good proposal indeed.

“Kid, it seems we really are fated, I’m beginning to like you more and more. Yes, I do have some friends. Like me, they too pursue the Dao of the Dark World, but unlike my preference for exploring through travel, they prefer to cultivate in solitude within ancient castles. However, as I’ve said, if you possess something that could pique their interest, I think they would not be stingy to give it a go, or even settle down in the Caucasus, for all you know,” the unkempt man’s eyes shone with speculation, as if considering something.

“Rest assured, Mr. Rebry, you and your friends will find many things in the Caucasus to linger over and forget to return,” Komer did not directly answer, since even someone like Mr. Rebry was interested, it meant they must already know of all he had done in Versailles and the Greenland Forest. News of such things was always the most sensitive in the magical world; they wouldn’t remain indifferent.

Nodding slightly, the disheveled man directed his gaze towards the distant castle, “I look forward to your performance.”

“Then, Mr. Rebry, what is your opinion of this castle? The people of the Caucasus and many others anticipate my residing in it, but the castle seems to have many ominous prophecies that give me some concerns. I wonder if Mr. Rebry can offer any help?” Finally, Komer brought the conversation back to Damarlinsk Castle before them.

“Kid, to overcome difficulties, the most important thing is to rely on oneself. I don’t know why, with your profound magic skills, you are so lacking in this knowledge. How can you be clueless about such a feng shui treasure, rare to encounter even once in a hundred years for us Dark magic practitioners? I really can’t comprehend how you acquired your Dark Magic Power, was it perhaps bestowed upon you by heaven from birth?” The man shook his head discontentedly, quite dissatisfied with this somewhat ignorant peer, “The Eye of Darkness is coveted by us and those sneaky Necromancers alike; however, it is also the prime haunter for aggrieved spirits, demons, and ghosts. There are a good number of such entities within the castle walls, and I can feel them. Just sweep these fellows out, and this place will become your most comfortable dwelling place; I even envy you, kid, for your good fortune. However, among these entities, there seems to be an elusive and powerful being whose origins I cannot yet determine. Kid, are you interested in joining me to delve into this mystery?”

Laughing heartily, Komer lifted his head and declared, “How could I possibly refuse an invitation from Mr. Rebry? Besides, I’ve long been eager to see what my abode really looks like. The Eye of Darkness, I am truly curious to see what dares to usurp my place.”

“Kid, don’t underestimate those undead creatures; they are far more complex than you imagine. Your few Necromancy spells are as good as showing off in front of them; not even I would face them without some preparation.” Mr. Rebry shook his head, cautioning, “Don’t assume that your spells will make you invincible here. This Continent is full of formidable talent; at best, you’re nothing but a big fish in a small pond. While you possess great talent, that alone is far from enough. What, you feel a bit defiant?”

Seeing Komer’s somewhat unconvinced expression, Mr. Rebry’s face took on an even more disdainful look, “I’ve heard you finished off Malone, probably using Dark Magic, right? Let me tell you, individuals like Malone are dime a dozen in the Church of Light; there are at least a dozen above his level in the Church’s two major Knights regiments, not to mention the Magicians, of whom there are even more. The Court Chief Mage Onia of the Nicosia alone surpasses Malone by at least two levels; you’d better measure your own strength. Not going that far, Duke Zellin’s Chief Mage Mundell has already stepped into the realm of Archmage and is advancing towards Magic Instructor while the situation in Cyprus, as you should know, serving Philip, though few, at least two Magicians possess the same level as Mundell, and there are quite a few on par with Malone. If Philip really wanted to harm you, it would be as easy as flipping his hand.”

Mr. Rebry’s parting words filled Komer with great delight, especially upon seeing Mr. Rebry send out invitations to his friends. Komer even had a premonition that the Caucasus would become a place on the Continent free from various restraints, be it in terms of religious beliefs, or magical cultivation, or even ethnic distribution; the Caucasus would be known for taking a different path. This was the characterization Komer had given to the Caucasus. The Caucasus was not some Paradise; to attract interest and various talents, there had to be a tolerant and welcoming atmosphere. This was Komer’s self-definition for the Caucasus.