Chapter 9: The Gates Are Open

Komer reaped unprecedented gains from the battle against Marco. Rebrí’s return not only greatly strengthened his Homer-Caucasus combined mage corps but, more importantly, his understanding of the Light Church and the overall situation in the Northern Continent was unmatched. To be precise, Rebrí’s role went beyond that of a mage—he served as a strategic advisor with whom Komer could engage in comprehensive discussions.
Many matters that were difficult to express to Puber or Fran could be clearly understood by Rebrí with just a subtle hint. This was what mattered most to Komer. Though Rebrí might not be considered a close friend, he was certainly a reliable partner. On many issues, his insights were even deeper and more thorough than Komer’s own, a fact even Komer had to admit.
For Sorenberg, Shatima, and Vladkov as well, this life-or-death struggle was an extremely rare opportunity. Especially for Sorenberg and Vladkov, this intense battle was undoubtedly a fight to the death; the slightest mistake could mean destruction. Under the pressure of survival, all three unleashed their deepest potential. In such a situation, victory or defeat brought them significant benefits.
Newman performed exceptionally well in this battle. With the support of four magic scrolls and Star Mercury, this massive magic array played a pivotal role—it shattered an attack formation composed of three Heavenly Rank knights and even left a super-skilled warrior like the one from Tula town critically ill. Such achievements deserved any reward imaginable.
For the dark mages from the Southern Dark Holy Church, this battle was like a baptism in chaos.

The South’s contempt for magicians and emphasis on warriors meant they rarely had the chance to witness high-level magical battles. In this fight, they saw the grand spectacle of star magic arrays against light magic arrays, witnessed the struggles of mental magicians, appreciated the exquisite performances of puppet masters, and experienced the unpredictable nature of elemental magic. The high-ranking knights from the Northern Light faction also made them realize that the warriors of the North were no less skilled than those who ruled as “sages” in the South. In fact, there were hardly two in the South who could compare to the knight from Tula Town—perhaps the Sword Saint could, but how many Sword Saints could be found in the South?

The Southern dark magicians, including Giovanni and Conti, were shocked by this battle. The diverse array of magic spells greatly expanded their once narrow horizons. The magical world was incredibly fascinating, and the realm of warriors was equally profound. It seemed that mastering both magic and combat could also yield fruitful results. Many questions they had never considered before suddenly popped into their minds. For them, this war was like a key that suddenly unlocked a door to the outside world. The sheer abundance of new things overwhelmed them, and they truly needed time to adapt.

Over a year of imprisonment seemed to have had little effect on Rebrí, aside from his slightly paler complexion; otherwise, he appeared unchanged, even seeming more energetic, which surprised and intrigued Komer.

Mihajić was also satisfied with his old friend’s condition. Rebrí, at the level of a grand magician, had endured over a year in captivity. Judging from the aura emanating from him, his magical power seemed even stronger. More importantly, he had gained the opportunity to strengthen his faith in the heart of the Light Church. For a mage who had already built a solid foundation in his mind, such imprisonment could not make him yield—it was instead an excellent chance to surpass himself. And it seemed Rebrí had indeed made good use of this opportunity.

Komer carefully observed Rebrí’s physical and mental changes. Compared to Rebrí from over a year ago, he now appeared even more unfathomable. His spiritual senses still detected only chaos, with shifting inner states that seemed to indicate Rebrí’s mental state had reached an unprecedented level.

The faint scent of coffee was originally something extraneous to magicians, but at this moment, it created a comforting and pleasant atmosphere among the three of them. Komer playfully fiddled with the coffee cup in his hands, seemingly enjoying this rare sense of relaxation. Everything had gone as planned—Rebri had been rescued, and the Church of Light had suffered an unprecedented blow that left it reeling. In the short term, the Church would need to focus more on resolving its internal issues, while the Salvation Society took this opportunity to thrive, even showing signs of moving from a dormant state to one of activity. Though they still dared not emerge openly, even within the Church of Light, dissatisfaction was rampant, and this sentiment served as fertile ground for the Salvation Society’s expansion.

“How’s it like, Rebri? What’s it like to be imprisoned?” Komer finally drained the coffee in his cup, a meaningful smile playing on his lips.

“It’s excellent,” Rebri replied with a faint smile as well. “Having such an experience in life is enough to boast about to future generations.”

“Heh, indeed it’s an experience worth boasting about—being able to train in the prison tower of the Inquisition isn’t something just anyone can achieve,” Komer laughed too.

Mihajic added, “Rebri, I think this experience has been very helpful for your cultivation. Your current state is much different from more than a year ago. Could you tell us some interesting stories from your time in the prison tower?”

“There’s nothing particularly interesting. Nojora and Lorenzo both understood that if a person’s faith has already changed, trying to persuade them with mere words is delusional. Unfortunately, I was one of those people. They realized this years ago. The reason they imprisoned me instead of burning me at the stake was probably to use me as a living example to show off to the world, especially those heretics in their eyes. But I think they’ll only achieve the opposite effect.” Rebri seemed detached, showing little sadness or resentment over his imprisonment.

“It seems you’ve enjoyed life here quite a bit, haven’t you?” Komer teased. “You look like you’ve turned misfortune into fortune. Who knows, you might even rise to the rank of archmage in no time.”

“Well, then give it a try. Maybe after spending a few years in the Prison Tower, you could even achieve enlightenment and become a great archmage.” Rebrí replied irritably, but he didn’t deny Komer’s last probing words.
“Hmm, as long as I can return, that’s enough. For our Caucasus-Homer Allied Mage Corps to get such an opportunity for training is thanks to the Light Church. Right now, Newman, Flamenco, Solka, and the others are all diligently practicing. Giovanni and Conti have also gained a lot from this experience, each of them immersing themselves in the training rooms to comprehend the insights gained from this trial. I think this opportunity isn’t something everyone can easily come by. I’m well aware that confronting Michelangelo’s spiritual strength is equivalent to a year of my own solitary practice. I never expected Michelangelo to have such profound spiritual mastery. My Dark Corruption managed to break through his defenses when he was weak, yet that guy was able to suppress the spread of the cracks—it’s truly a miracle.”
Komer seemed lost in reflections of that battle, his expression shifting between emotion, realization, astonishment, and deep contemplation. A fierce battle on equal terms is undoubtedly a stepping stone for a practitioner who has reached an advanced level. How to use this step to reach a higher realm depends on the practitioner’s wisdom.
“How are Sorenborg and Vladkov?” Rebrí nodded and asked casually.
“Sorenborg is currently healing his internal injuries while meditating. I think this battle will greatly help him integrate his Ice Combat Qi with magic. Vladkov is doing well too—his Dark Combat Qi has reached its peak, which is very helpful for breaking through to the next level. Next time we encounter a High-Class Knight, we probably won’t be in such a dire straits.” Komer smiled. “I told them that future challenges will become more and more difficult. As long as they’re not afraid to challenge themselves, I believe the Light Church will provide them with more stepping stones to help them advance.”
It seemed to touch something deep within Rebrí. A thoughtful expression appeared on his face, his gaze becoming somewhat distant. After a while, he regained his focus. “Komer, are you really prepared to keep going like this?”
“Do I have a choice?”
Rebrí was stunned for a moment, a bitter smile appearing on his lips. “Yes, now no one has a choice, including me, right?”

“Even if I had a choice, I would still choose this path. There are no paths in the world originally; once someone walks on them, they become paths, right?” Komer replied with a similarly profound and philosophical statement.
These meaningful words deeply moved Mihajic as well. Two men who defied the norms had dragged him along with them. Yet defying the norms seemed like a good path too. In life, one must do things that will be remembered by future generations and that one is willing to do oneself. There aren’t many things that combine both, and weren’t they all on this path right now?
“How do you plan to move forward?” Rebrí stopped playing word games and asked directly.
“By gradually taking over, depending on the situation. The foundations of the Church of Light have already been greatly shaken. Even if we don’t shake them now, the Salvation Society will be eager to challenge them. Why not take advantage of this opportunity?” Komer thought for a moment.
“Do you think the time is ripe?” Rebrí frowned.
“Well, not quite yet. I still have some matters to sort out,” Komer said without hiding anything.
“The Dark Holy Church?”
“Hmm, Xuro and his group are progressing relatively smoothly in the south. They’ve already brought cities like Piraeus and Thira under control, and some other city-states and kingdoms are also moving in that direction. I haven’t paid much attention to it. Xuro is doing well—his vision and tactics exceed our expectations. But so far, he hasn’t encountered a worthy opponent. Maybe next, when the Dark Holy Church infiltrates the central region, he’ll face some trouble,” Komer nodded.
“Hmm, the Church of Light’s influence is relatively weak along the southern coast, but the further north you go, the stronger the Church of Light and its allied forces become. That’s Frenst’s stronghold and territory—where Xuro will encounter his opponents,” Rebrí agreed with Komer’s view.
“Between Frenst and Vazinki, who do you think is more promising?” Komer suddenly asked, as if recalling something.
Rebrí fell into deep thought before saying, “I can’t predict it. It’s hard to compare the two, and most importantly, it depends on the Pope’s attitude.”
“That ageless, wise old man?” Komer asked, half jokingly and half respectfully.

“Never underestimate him. Even after his soul has gone to heaven, I believe his name can still play an unexpected role.” Rebrí could talk casually with anyone in the Light Church, but he held deep respect only for that old man. If not for his excessive indulgence of Frénst, Vazinki, and the group led by Noyora, the doctrines of the Light Church might not have been distorted by those men, and he himself might not have embarked on the path of rebirth.
Komer nodded thoughtfully. He never ignored Rebrí’s words. The Light Church, though weakened, could still bring endless troubles. Since they had already reached an irreconcilable opposition, extra caution was necessary.
“I hope his soul’s fire has already burned out. I really don’t want to face him one day.” Komer shrugged.
“To have such a day would be a lifetime’s honor. What’s there to regret about death?” Rebrí gazed out the window, his eyes filled with melancholy.