Chapter 18: Negative Image

“Starfall?!”, an exclamation of surprise came from the masked woman, and Komer was also stirred. He hadn’t expected that his rare star magic would be recognized even in the Southern Seas. Was that woman the so-called Saint Lily Cleiper? Rumors said she was highly skilled in martial arts, but it seemed not to be the case—at least in terms of magical knowledge, she was far beyond ordinary people.

Yet this was of no use to Kayzelen, who was hovering in the air. It was like a waterfall descending from the sky, carrying immense magical energy as it slanted downward. In shock, Kayzelen had to unleash his combat energy, which hadn’t yet reached its peak. A silver-white mist collided violently with a blue light barrier. Kayzelen felt as though his entire body had been struck by a hammer head-on. The intense shock made his chest feel constricted. If he hadn’t used the rebound to his advantage, he might have suffered internal injuries. But now he could no longer stay in the air. If it weren’t for a green sword energy that quietly arrived from behind and swept beneath his feet, he would likely have fallen into the sea on the spot.

Using the momentum from that sword energy, Kayzelen executed a precise sidestep and somersault. He no longer dared to be reckless—his opponent was at least at the level of a grand mage or higher. Any further rash action would only lead to humiliation. If his earlier carelessness could be excused, another failure would surely make him seem utterly insignificant in Miss Helena’s eyes.

Even Komer had to admit that this guy indeed had some impressive skills. With a spinning somersault, even in such a dire situation, his recovery and landing on the ship remained elegant and composed, as if what had just happened was merely a trivial incident. And was the green sword energy sent by Saint Helena, who had helped him from behind, the legendary Green River Sword Energy?

“Who are you? State your name!” As soon as Kayzelen landed, his combat energy surged instantly, rising to its highest level of external release. The violently erupted energy made his clothes float, and his knight’s sword was held straight upward. The flickering sword light, driven by his combat energy, stretched as far as three feet away. Clearly, this disciple of the Sword Saint had been fully ignited by Komer’s earlier move.

“Heh, so Sir Knight can just ask us about our identities at will? If you’re a judge or a coast guard officer, I’d of course obey your orders. But I don’t see any law enforcement insignia on you or on the ship, so please forgive me for refusing,” Komer retorted with a mocking smile, taking this opportunity to see just how skilled this disciple of the Sword Saint really was. Such arrogance seemed like no blessing for the Southern Seas.

Clepper’s sharp gaze swept over Komer’s face. This guy clearly knew the identity of their group yet still dared to provoke them so openly. Could it really be someone with ulterior motives? Collins? Piraeus? Or someone from Katerina’s faction?

“Sir, please don’t go too far. Sir Kaiselen is the leader of Sparta’s Royal Knight Guard. I think he has the right to check your identity.” Even Helena was somewhat angered. The other party completely ignored their identities—who in the Southern Seas would dare to be so presumptuous?

“Miss Helena, the Holy Maiden? In the Temple of Olympus, you are a sacred figure beyond infringement. But are you the same way in the secular world? Does Sparta’s law grant you the power to speak nonsense? Royal Guard? Have we offended King Cyrus’s authority or harmed Prince Shrupig’s interests just by sailing at sea? I don’t see any signs. Could Miss Helena please clarify for us?”

Komer’s half-smiling gaze had already passed over Kaiselen’s slightly bluish face and landed on Helena’s wide-eyed face. Her porcelain-like cheeks showed signs of annoyance, and her long, elegant neck was bare of any decorations. Aside from her somewhat conservative attire as a priestess, which disappointed Komer who wanted to see her chest, everything else about her was flawless.

Komer’s sharp retort left both Helena and Kaiselen speechless for a moment. Convention was not the same as law, and in the Southern Seas, where law was highly respected, the difference was even clearer. Since the other party’s identity was unknown and their attitude was brazen, and with the situation in the Southern Seas being unstable, even though Kaiselen and Helena were highly skilled in martial arts, they didn’t dare to provoke recklessly. After all, they had Sparta’s kingdom backing them, and causing trouble for the kingdom wasn’t in their interest.

“Sir, since you seem to know us so well, you must be our friend. Why don’t you come aboard and have a seat?” Clepper finally spoke after a long silence.

Komer’s gaze fell on Cleaver’s veil. This man was said to have had some inexplicable relationship with Zerlin, but their differing statuses and positions made that relationship end in failure. Perhaps even Zerlin never imagined that this vengeful Saint Lily would steal his daughter years later. He really wanted to have a heart-to-heart talk with this Miss Saint Lily to find out how much sorrow and pain lay hidden within her heart.

“Hehe, it seems I can’t refuse Miss Saint Lily Cleaver’s invitation.” Komer stood up and walked to the ship’s edge. Under everyone’s watchful eyes, he strode with pride, as if walking on clouds, covering the distance of thirty feet in an instant.

“Wind Control?” Cleaver was shocked once again. Even the veil hanging in front of her couldn’t help but ripple. Such an ultimate manifestation of wind magic couldn’t be achieved merely through mastery of wind spells—it required an extremely high level of magical power. And this man before her didn’t seem to be over thirty years old. Even if he had practiced magic since childhood, it seemed impossible for him to possess such advanced skills.

“Hehe, I didn’t expect Miss Cleaver to not only be unparalleled in swordsmanship but also to have such extensive knowledge of magic. Since we’re friends, won’t you show me your true face?”

Komer crossed his arms and stood at the bow of her ship. His powerful aura was overwhelming, leaving Caeleron and Helena puzzled. What kind of sacred being was this? There had never seemed to be such a person in the Southern Seas—so young and yet unknown.

“Dare you!” Despite their confusion, Caeleron and Helena were angered by Komer’s bold and presumptuous words. The sword energy in Caeleron’s hand grew stronger, emitting a low, shrill silver-white light.

“Caeleron, Helena, don’t be impulsive!”

Cleaver’s gaze settled on Komer. Her calm eyes were as still as water. Her veil fluttered gently, as if a wave of air swept upward from below. The veil rose without reason, as if it had always been on her head. “Mr. Komer, are you satisfied now?”

“Komer?! Komer from Nicomedia?!” Caeleron and Helena finally realized why he was so domineering. Surprised and furious, they asked, “Mr. Komer, are all people from Nicomedia this rude?”

“Kaiserlen, did Aristotle also teach you such manners in treating guests?” Komer’s expression darkened instantly. “Even if your master were here, you wouldn’t dare be so rude. The strong don’t prove themselves with force; they should conquer the world with breadth of mind. If you still don’t understand this, I suggest you return to your master and practice diligently.”
A subtle change flashed in Helena’s eyes, but to Kleiper, it appeared as unwarranted worry.
Overwhelmed by Komer’s righteous words and unable to speak in rebuttal, with his master’s name used as pressure, it seemed he was truly on par with his own master. Kaiserlen had never felt so frustrated before, especially in front of Helena. His cheeks were red with anger, beads of sweat glistening on them, and the sharp sword in his hand gleamed fiercely, yet he dared not act. For a moment, he wished he could dive into the sea.
“Mr. Komer, you didn’t come to our Southern Lands just to argue with them, did you?” A sweet smile appeared on Kleiper’s round face, though her gaze carried a clear hint of inquiry.
“Miss Kleiper, of course not. I also have many properties in the Southern Lands—like my Crystal Castle, Cotton Tree Castle, and Sifnos Island. I don’t think I’ve harmed anyone’s interests by coming here, do I?” Komer’s gaze shifted to Helena. “Miss Helena, you remind me so much of my friend’s daughter. It’s surprising. Though their temperaments are completely different, they look so alike.”
Kleiper’s expression changed abruptly before returning to calm. “Mr. Komer is good at joking. But the world is full of wonders—there are so many people with similar appearances, right? Since Mr. Komer is in Sparta, why not visit Athens? King Cyrus is very hospitable.”
Komer sneered inwardly. This woman refused to even ask who resembled Helena, simply changing the subject—clearly hiding something. It seemed his guess was correct. Such a revenge method was truly extraordinary.
“Miss Kleiper, are you inviting me on behalf of King Cyrus? If I have time, I’ll go.” A sinister smile tugged at Komer’s lips. Good. His trip to Patras hadn’t been in vain—he’d stumbled upon such an opportunity. It seemed Kleiper cared deeply about Helena, whom she had raised herself. Perhaps he could take advantage of that?