The Vastness of Magical Destiny

Chapter 71 - 71 Twenty-Three Murderous Intent

?Chapter 71: Chapter Twenty-Three: Murderous Intent Chapter 71: Chapter Twenty-Three: Murderous Intent Malone’s expression of surprise vanished from the depths of his eyes in an instant, and as he clasped the other’s soft hands, he had already launched his highest-level detection spell. His magic perception, like a grain of sand falling into a tranquil and unmarked lake, caused ripples that silently spread throughout the other’s body.

Malone was certain that such a young mage would definitely not be aware of his perceptual ability. If the other party was indeed a Dark Mage, then his true colors would undoubtedly be exposed under Malone’s detection.

However, much to Malone’s disappointment and confusion, the feedback from his magic perception encountered no resistance upon entering the other’s depths. Instead, the pull of Elemental Magic transmitted clearly and unmistakably back to the depths of Malone’s mind. What was going on?

Could it be that his discovery from a moment ago was an illusion? Impossible—the intense magic fluctuation and repulsion were manifestly from Pan-dark series magic power. Could it be Caffrey?

That would be even more absurd.

“Mr. Malone, it’s a pleasure to meet you,” Komer said, carefully controlling the surge of magic power from the depths of his heart. He had exerted his utmost effort to lock the Dark Magic Power within the deep layers of Elemental Magic. The other’s perceptive ability permeated his body like mercury spilling onto the ground, and Komer found his hands trembling slightly, even lacking the strength to support his own feet.

Fortunately, after a polite greeting from the other party, who then took his seat at Caffrey’s eager invitation, Komer was able to quietly catch his breath and sit down.

No matter how penetrating the other’s gaze was in its search over him, Komer remained calm as he met it. As soon as the other released his hand, Komer knew the other must not have noticed his secret. However, the suspicion would always linger in his heart, but at least for the moment, he was safe.

“Your Excellency the Baron, it seems that we share the same path,” Malone said, having not found any other issues despite thorough investigation. He reluctantly withdrew his gaze and slowly picked up the glass of wine that the waiter had brought.

“Ha, how could I dare to show off in front of Mr. Malone? Indeed, I have learned some Elemental Magic, but that was a long time ago. I have not used it for so long, it has become very rusty. Still, I couldn’t escape Mr. Malone’s discerning eyes,” Komer replied with an air of calm self-composure amidst Caffrey’s astonished gaze.

“Is that so?” said the Mage wearing the Purple Red Clergy Robe, his eyes radiating an enthralling brilliance, sweeping over Komer’s entire body like sunshine, warming even the depths of Komer’s mind. The slightly rough scars on his face indicated that this mage must have had a wealth of adventurous experiences, the type of scars that seemed to have been formed by bites from strongly poisonous magic ants.

“However, I feel that Your Excellency the Baron’s spiritual power in magic is quite profound and not as simple as Your Excellency has put it, merely having learned a bit. Could you tell me the real situation?”

Clearly, Komer’s explanation had not dispelled the other’s suspicions, and the pressing tone of the question made even Caffrey feel the tension. Komer himself realized that coming to this tavern had been an unwise decision.

For someone as obstinate as this, it was almost impossible to allay his doubts. Once this person harbored suspicion, it wouldn’t take long for the Church of Light to be informed. Connecting to previous suspicions, Komer feared that it would become difficult to hide his identity as a Dark Mage. With this in mind, Komer began to feel agitated, but on the surface, he still maintained the elegant and noble demeanor of a nobleman.

“Mr. Malone, it seems you may be overestimating me,” the young lord said, his tone neither humble nor arrogant. “I’ve learned some magic, and my teacher praised me for having a talent for it, but I’m not particularly interested in magic. I don’t think I have the abilities you mentioned. As for other matters, I don’t feel obliged to explain too much to you unless you are a Security Judge.”

The words, assertive and unyielding, met with surprise and anger on the suspicious face of the purple-robed priest, yet Malone was somewhat wary due to the noble identity of the other party.

The man was not a common pauper, and beside him, Caffrey, from the well-connected Barefoot Society among merchants, seemed to have come to Versailles to seek out the high officials who had arrived with His Majesty the king. If he were to infringe upon them carelessly, it would certainly attract many unnecessary troubles. However, the priest had no intention of letting this suspicious individual off so easily; despite the latter’s good cover, the priest trusted his instincts more—this seemingly steady young lord must harbor some unspeakable secrets.

“Hehe, I apologize if I’ve been rude,” the priest cordially extended his hand in apology, but Komer had already sensed the alertness in his eyes, indicating he was being targeted. Komer briefly shook his hand and then withdrew, standing up, “I’m sorry, Mr. Caffrey and I have other matters to attend to, so we must take our leave first. Till we meet again, Mr. Malone.”

Caffrey could not comprehend why the two seemed to be at odds from the moment they met, but Komer’s decisive departure left him no choice but to nod apologetically at the purple-robed priest and follow Komer without delay.

When the two found themselves back at another tavern, it took a great deal of Caffrey’s willpower to resist asking what exactly had transpired between them.

The pair continued to discuss the refugee reception, but it was clear that the lord’s mind was elsewhere. Hastily, they decided to mobilize all forces at hand by the remaining few in Puber to prepare building materials and lumber as soon as possible, and tasks such as prospecting the mine and planning the farmland also needed to be accelerated. The food issue was the most urgent; the original plan to prepare for 30,000 people was far from sufficient, and they needed to increase it to around 100,000 for precautions. Caffrey ultimately agreed to inject an additional 100,000 Gold Shields in cash for the immediate commencement of preliminary work, and Komer agreed to increase Caffrey and his friend’s share in the Fine iron mine to thirty percent.

Back at the inn, Komer lay on his bed, somewhat troubled. The Priest from the Church of Light must have noticed something; otherwise, he wouldn’t have been so persistent in his inquiries, and the deep suspicion in his eyes when Komer had left confirmed this. It seemed Komer would find it difficult to shake off the Church of Light’s pursuit. Until they obtained definitive evidence, they probably wouldn’t dare to act rashly against him, but once they were sure, that would likely be the end of him.

This thought, coupled with the memory of the thief who had met a thunderous death under the unyielding arrows, made Komer’s heart go cold.

Komer instinctively clenched his fists and sat up—no, he couldn’t just sit and wait for death; he had to nip this threat in the bud, and quickly! Once that man reported back to the Church of Light, all suspicions would focus on him, and the man’s death would only cast more suspicion his way.

The best course of action would be for the purple-robed priest to disappear completely and immediately. But how could he achieve that?

Komer tried to recall the sensation from his encounter; the man had been a court mage with strong magical abilities and an official mage of the Fire Shadow Knights. Certainly a mage who had experienced real combat and had considerable combat experience. With his current strength, it would be suicidal to confront him—a fight akin to extracting a tooth from a tiger’s mouth, a nine-in-ten chance of death. But he had no other option than to risk it.

Calming his mind, Komer analyzed what he had learned: the court mage had come along with His Majesty the king, so he likely had a high rank and stayed in the Hunting Manor. Enticing the man out alone was the first challenge.

And if the man did show up for the meeting, how could Komer ensure that he could deal with him without alerting anyone else? Komer stood and paced slowly around the room. What if the man had help?