The Vastness of Magical Destiny

Chapter 48 - 48 22 Armed_2

?Chapter 48: Chapter 22: Armed_2 Chapter 48: Chapter 22: Armed_2 Marco. This is the location of the Holy Church of Light, one of the three most famous churches of the Church of Light—Pericles Cathedral is situated here.

“Oh? Captain Kent, are you saying the suspect you have in mind is a noble from Nicosia? And he is also a mage?”

The Chamber of Repentance was particularly quiet, its austere and solemn stained glass windows keeping the sunshine at bay, allowing only a trickle of light to seep through. The old man in white with rosy, lean cheeks wore wrinkles that seemed to document decades of vicissitudes. His clear and penetrating gaze met Kent’s like a perennial stream flowing from a snow-capped mountain, soothing Kent’s soul until it was utterly tranquil and natural, even his slightest doubts dissipated without a trace.

“Yes, Archbishop, this person is the second son of Cyprus Grand Duke Philip’s finance officer. He was involved in an emotional entanglement with Duke Philip’s younger daughter, Princess Tracy, which later became uncontrollable. After three years of exile, he has returned and is now entrusted with Caucasus. The timing coincides with our mission, although it seems he has little to do with necromancy, so further verification is still required.”

“However, Knights Green and Maray have made some progress during this period. They’ve discovered that this person has hidden depths and actually possesses the potential of a mage. Yet, our investigations show he was nothing but a profligate son three years ago with absolutely no foundation in magic. But after three years, he has become a mage and even displayed high-level Fire Magic in a fight with a Gray Wolf. This is somewhat illogical, but no other suspicions about him have been found, so I have arranged for Knight Jep to continue monitoring him in Caucasus alongside Green Knight.”

Kent steadied himself and recounted the findings of his investigation in detail.

“Hmm, Captain Kent, you and your knights have done well. You may have many questions, but many things are not yet ready to be revealed. I hope you understand. This matter is of great significance. Although no other suspicions have been raised about him, if it is true that someone has become a mage within three years—not a magician, but a mage—then it would be considered sensational news on the Continent and such a magic genius has not been seen for a long time. I hope you and your knights will take this matter very seriously and ensure a thorough investigation to determine whether he is involved in this affair or not.”

A shadow of imperceptible gloom fleetingly crossed the old man’s face in white, but he soon smiled and said, “Caucasus is no ordinary place; it contains many secrets unknown to the public. Captain Kent, you and your knights must also be cautious. When necessary, Lord Gaya can coordinate with you.”

“Thank you for your care, Archbishop. Kent understands, and we also look forward to more guidance from Lord Gaya.” Captain Kent nodded politely to the enigmatic figure standing behind the old man, his body swathed in layers hiding everything but his eyes.

Balmore was becoming worried. Almost a week had passed, but it seemed the man had no intention of leaving. Meanwhile, his men had stirred up quite a racket with their basic civilization training for a bunch of contemptible slaves, intended to prevent them from embarrassing the Baron in refined society due to a lack of etiquette.

Balmore didn’t buy it. Could a bunch of inconsequential slaves actually become free citizens? Etiquette and common knowledge—were these really things that needed to be trained in some remote and desolate place?

He was confident that the Baron must have sensed danger and probably hoped to rely on these rough, uneducated slaves he had purchased to take up arms and protect them, which was laughable. These slaves had never handled weapons and, despite their physical strength, it was impossible for them to become warriors in just a few days. That would cheapen the status of a warrior.

All Balmore hoped for was that they would leave soon so that he could wrap up his mission and enjoy peaceful days at ease.

“Advance, slash! Thrust! Block! Very good, once more!”

“Advance, thrust! Retract, and thrust again! Very good, watch the angle. Keep repeating this action—your task is to thrust, thrust, and keep thrusting until you bring the enemy down!”

On the clearing by the forest, Fran and Baoling meticulously directed the group of sweating slaves who were continuing their practice of each movement. These days had gone on for a while, and the slaves could barely execute each command according to Fran and Baoling’s orders, but reaching the expected standards seemed far from possible.

At first glance, the fully-armed slaves looked somewhat like a regular army with their sturdy iron-clad wooden round shields moving adeptly, exuding a strong presence. Yet, the continuous repetition of the same movements revealed the gap between them and true soldiers.

The two archers’ diligent practice had not been very effective. The mixed-breed with Elf Bloodline showed a natural talent for archery, fully utilizing the quality oak short bows Puber had acquired for them. However, the other human archer greatly disappointed everyone. While the half-elf known as Cobbit released five arrows in a minute, he could barely shoot one. Still, they could no longer afford to wait any longer.

“Lord, are you planning to set out?” Fran asked softly from behind Komer.

“Hmm, we have no choice but to set out. One of the two Thunderhorse Knights has already left, and the other intends to wait here for news. Who knows what they are up to. In any case, they’re unwilling to travel the same path as us,” Komer replied without turning, attentively watching the slaves’ training.

“Then when do you plan to depart?” Fran hesitated, “I don’t know what your intentions are, Lord, but if you think these dozen or so people can serve as a mercenary squad or bodyguards, they might disappoint you.”

“Fran, I understand your concern, but some things may not be as simple as you imagine. Hiring mercenaries or bodyguards could bring more trouble. There are many things you don’t know, so your judgement is based on conventional reasoning. The bandits in the Leon Region are rampant, but from what I understand, they are mostly runaway slaves and refugees, not large in number, and they never dare to attack mining sites guarded by substantial private armies. We may have to take a risk, but having escaped unscathed from a Monster Group and those madmen, the Fallen Knights, perhaps the God of Fate is on our side,” said Komer, turning around with a hint of enigmatic smile on his face. “Many things can only be known after they have happened and the outcome is revealed.”