Chapter 3: Fruit of Labor (2)

“Haiding, I’m good at judging people. I’ve always believed you too desired to bring glory to me and the Caucasus. It seems you’ve accomplished that now. I’m fortunate for my trip to Odessa—it was that journey that led me to meet you. You’ve completed the task I assigned you, and I think it’s only right that I consider giving you an appropriate reward.”
Komer wasn’t shy with his praise. Though it was still unclear what ultimate victory Demisheme’s armed pirate group had brought to the Caucasus, the mere creation of such a powerful naval fleet already satisfied Komer greatly. Although this fleet might not compare to the Carthage Fleet or the Gray Skulls’ fleet, if it could unite the Homer Fleet, Komer believed it could at least deter those in the lands north of Homer—a crucial factor for his future plans.
“Lord, all of this was possible only with your support and guidance. Haiding merely followed your instructions and did what needed to be done.” Haiding was somewhat overwhelmed by Komer’s high praise. Without Komer’s full support back then, without those magic cannons andthousand-li magic mirror, he wouldn’t have achieved such success in such a short time. He might even have been completely wiped out by the Demishemes in the first battle.
“Enough, Haiding. There’s no need for such modesty. I understand that a knightly status might be more suitable for your current role. As the commander of the Caucasus Fleet, it shouldn’t be left to an ordinary free man.” Komer cut him off firmly. “I’m very interested in your experiences in the South Central Ocean and the Storm Ocean. If you have time, I really hope you can satisfy my curiosity.”
Perhaps Komer’s words suddenly reminded Haiding, pulling him back from his joy. “Lord, I almost forgot. I brought someone back for you. At the same time, I’d like to report on the current activities of our Caucasus Fleet in the South Central Ocean region.”
“Oh? Someone?” Komer became immediately interested. Who could be the person that made Haiding recommend them so seriously? “Then why don’t you invite them in?”

Seeing Komer, he didn’t even ask who it was. Haireding felt warmth in his heart—such trust clearly showed how highly the lord valued him. After giving a slight bow, he turned to leave. Without Komer’s permission, he wouldn’t dare bring this guy in, as he was indeed notorious and overly sensitive. His bounty in the Southern Central Seas region had reached as high as 100,000 gold shields, yet no one could hope to capture him unless he fell into their trap.

Komer waited with interest for the person Haireding would bring to see him. He also noticed the hesitation on Haireding’s face, which piqued his curiosity even more. What kind of person could make Haireding value him so much yet fear him so greatly? Komer couldn’t imagine it. But when that guy appeared before Komer with Haireding, Komer almost immediately understood why Haireding had such an expression and attitude.

His emaciated body hardly gave off a sense of weakness; on the contrary, anyone could sense the power and murderous aura within him, even though he tried to suppress and hide it. Yet before Komer’s keen eyes, nothing could hide. The murderous aura around this guy stemmed from countless battles to the death and the sacrifice of countless lives. A black eye patch covered his right eye, but it was by no means an attempt to appear tough. Deep arrow wounds ran from his cheekbone diagonally to his forehead, deep into the bone, adding a fierce look to his otherwise plain face. His thin lips were like knives, his sharp jaw like a fox’s, and his left ear was clearly half bitten off. Even though he stood bent over, his poisonous and ferocious aura hit one like a wave.

“Respected Lord Komer, I am Murad. If you will accept my allegiance, I swear by the Sea God Poseidon that I will become your most loyal servant.”

His somewhat muffled and deep voice couldn’t conceal the sinisterness in his words, like the hiss of a snake’s core. In the past, Komer would have been terrified by his background, but the Komer now was not the same as before. Even if Pope Julius of the Light Church appeared before him, it would be hard to disrupt his composure.

“One-Eyed Wolf Shark Murad? Blood-Browed Murad? Land-Death Murad?” Komer’s tone showed no shock, fear, or concern—only curiosity. This surprised not only Murad himself but also Haireding.

One must know that this Murad’s brutality in the Southern Mid-Sea and Storm Ocean far exceeds even that of the Red-Haired Empress Katrina. Although Katrina’s fleet was invincible, she rarely committed heinous acts. In contrast, the Demisheme led by Murad has always been notorious for its cruelty and ruthlessness—eradicating everything in its path and eliminating both people and goods was its unchanging rule. Moreover, its cunning was unparalleled, which earned it the highest reputation within the Demisheme faction.

Perhaps confused by Komer’s somewhat strange tone and unsure of his attitude, the thin man’s confidence wavered. At least one thing was clear: this young noble lord knew his name and even was aware of his actions, yet he showed no fear of him, even with a hint of admiration. Murad wasn’t sure if this was just his imagination, which left him both disappointed and excited. He hadn’t managed to surprise him, nor had he provoked the disgust he had feared—this feeling was quite subtle.

“Honorable lord, my infamous reputation is insignificant in your presence,” Murad said, lowering his gaze to maintain a low profile.

“Oh, I’m sorry. I was a bit rude. I was just wondering who could deserve such a serious recommendation from Hayreddin. From what I remember, no one seems to be worthy of Hayreddin’s high regard. So it’s you! Well, it’s a surprise, but it makes sense.” Komer apologized verbally, yet his tone remained utterly casual. A ruler could express apologies in words but must never lower his status in attitude—that was the dignity of a ruler.

“Lord, please forgive me for not telling you earlier. In fact, I was hesitant until now…” Hayreddin said, somewhat embarrassed.

“But you still brought him here, right?” Komer smiled slightly. “What made you risk everything to recommend Mr. Murad to me?”

Murad found his own confidence completely suppressed—a situation he had never encountered before.

Even against Hayreddin, he only admitted that the other man was comparable to him in terms of naval strategy. The only area where he might surpass him was in breadth of mind and the ability to employ others effectively. As for ruthlessness and determination in tactics, Murad believed he was by no means inferior to Hayreddin. Yet at this moment, Murad realized he couldn’t muster any resistance in front of these two—especially the young noble lord before him, who didn’t even make a move; just a single glance was enough to pierce deep into his soul, giving him the feeling of being completely exposed and seen through. This shock and pressure made him instinctively want to avoid the other man, filling him with utter shame.

Komer seemed utterly unaware of the unease of this wolf shark, famous throughout the Southern Seas and Storm Seas. In fact, from the moment the other man entered, he knew he still harbored considerable doubts about Komer’s authority. Perhaps he had lost to Hayreddin in naval battles, but he might not be willing to submit to a young noble lord like himself. In their eyes, people like him were probably nothing but vermin who wasted resources—wasn’t he thinking the same of his own kind?

Komer had no intention of giving him any chance to provoke him. A mental blast from his psychic magic sent the other man falling into his trap. To deal with these fighters who boasted of their superior strength, using psychic magic to “baptize” them was the most suitable method.

Murad felt utterly unable to resist the strict discipline and unpredictable aura emanating from this lord. That single piercing gaze was enough to bring him to his knees. It was then that he understood everything Hayreddin had warned him about along the way. Back then, he had dismissed the other man’s respect and deference toward this lord, but now he realized he was nothing but an ant in front of him.

Every change in Murad’s mood was reflected in Komer’s heart. This method of subduing someone wasn’t exactly honorable, but it was the most effective. With someone like Murad, there was no need for subtlety—the simplest, most direct, and most effective method was best.

“Lord, I believe Murad is useful to you. I think nothing can change your decision—whatever you deem necessary is sufficient, and Murad is precisely the person you need,” Hayreddin said slowly, staring intently at Komer, who seemed to be pondering something.

“Haidelin, you really know me well,” Komer replied indifferently, then quickly turned to Murad. “Mr. Murad, what can you bring me?”
“Lord Komer, I can bring you many things you need, but I can also bring you many things you won’t expect, even things you might not be able to accept. So I must boldly remind you to be mentally prepared.” Murad tried his best to maintain his composure. Though he hadn’t fully recovered from Komer’s mental assault, the resilience forged through years of combat still allowed him to stay reasonably sane.