Chapter 18: Sea Breeze

Komer didn’t aspire to become a master of mental magic. Practicing dark magic and elemental magic already left him feeling short of time and energy. Adding the effort required to master the more complex mental magic would only result in nothing. Yet he knew that mental magic could be quite useful under certain circumstances. Kenifer III had left him with invaluable memories and substantial mental energy. With this wealth, he undoubtedly had a guiding light that gave him better chances to fulfill his great dream—though it might also plunge him into darkness. Still, he was willing to give it a try. Even if he couldn’t become a master of all mental magic, practicing it could strengthen his mental power, help prevent magical backlash when using other spells, and certain mental magic could put him at an advantage in many situations.

Gently touching the pack of food, he sensed a faint trace of desire in the air. Komer wasn’t sure if it was due to his own psychology or if the scent truly existed. Either way, it stirred another urge in him to release his desires. The saying that abstinence, once broken, could turn one into a captive of lust seemed quite true. Years of abstinence had passed this way, but once freed, Komer found himself somewhat addicted to this sensation—a poor sign.

The scene that had taken place here just a few hours ago kept replaying in Komer’s mind—it was an ultimate pleasure. It had been a long time since he had enjoyed something so intense. Lome had exhausted every last bit of energy in her body. Komer believed she would sleep until morning before having the strength to face anything. What she needed most now was rest.

The afterglow of the setting sun turned the river surface red. The calm, waveless water resembled a mirror. In the reed beds along the banks, the jellyfish people became active, fishing and gathering food before returning to their homes deep in the reed beds. When they saw the mortal merchant ship carrying Komer and his group, many were surprised and curious. Clearly, they had received warnings. They didn’t show much goodwill toward this mortal ship that had entered their forbidden territory, but the hostility they once held seemed to have eased somewhat. This made Komer realize the beginning of a new era.

“My Lord Baron, these Jellyfish People are truly the natural rulers of these waters, just as the Merfolk are the natural rulers of the Undersea Ocean. No other race can seize this power from them. Gaining their support alone will ensure your name is forever inscribed in the history books of the continent. My admiration for you is beyond words,” Haiding’s sincere words warmed Komer’s heart.

“Haiding, this is only our first step. The Jellyfish People will eventually realize that no race can exist independently of this world, unless they wish to bring about their own extinction. There are wise ones among them as well, who understand this truth. This continent is a world where only the fittest survive—like rowing against the current; if you don’t move forward, you fall back. If a race is unable to adapt to the changes in the world, its fate is extinction. In fact, it isn’t too difficult for the Jellyfish People to resolve what they call the ‘Curse of the Water God.’ But why, over the past few hundred years, has such a simple issue led to their people suffering so greatly, even to the point of threatening their survival? It’s because the more they try to keep this secret and avoid letting others know the truth, the less help they receive to solve the problem. And since they lack the knowledge and strength to do so on their own, this is what happens.”

Komer didn’t hide anything from this powerful sea warrior he had recruited under his command. He needed to instill in him certain truths—he might soon be entrusted with even more important responsibilities.

Nodding silently, Haiding pondered the meaning behind Komer’s words. The knowledge, wisdom, and experience of this lord far exceeded what one of his age should possess. Haiding couldn’t imagine how he had achieved such things. The unruly Jellyfish People had been so easily subdued by him, and they even agreed to establish a trading post for the Caucasus in the Great Marshes. This meant the Jellyfish People were willing to hand over control of the entire Catania River route to the Caucasus. The Caucasus would thus gain a free passage in and out, while Homer in the north would no longer have any control over them—the Caucasus would no longer be under anyone’s rule!

“Lord, you should see the business opportunities hidden in this waterway. Do you really intend to sell only the right of navigation? Have you never thought of using this rare opportunity to build your own fleet and make a fortune?” Unable to hold back any longer, Haiding longed desperately to lead his own fleet, even if it was just a merchant fleet.
“Hehe, Haiding, don’t be so impatient. I might build a merchant fleet, but I won’t let you lead it.” Seeing the disappointment and confusion in the other’s eyes, Komer continued, “This isn’t the life you need. Adventure and war are what should dominate your life. Trust me—I’ll give you the life you desire, but it will take time. The wait won’t be long, so rest assured.”
Haiding’s heart pounded violently as he stared intently at Komer’s face. If the man could give him everything he said, he would be willing to hand over his soul. His tone was so confident, his gaze brimming with assurance. Thinking of all the strange experiences he had encountered along the way, Haiding had no choice but to believe him.
“Lord Komer,” sighed Haiding, the former sea master of the Central Ocean.
Watching the other disappear into the distance, Komer shook his head with a faint smile. It seemed even this former sea tyrant couldn’t stand being idle. Good—he needed exactly such an unyielding man. As the Catalonia River route fell under his control, the importance of the Central Ocean to him would only grow. By preparing in advance, Haiding would be the perfect choice. With him, he would turn the Caucasus into a region that would make the entire continent look up to it.