Chapter Twelve: Rain Approaches

The magical performances put on by the Caucasus Mage Corps for the barbarian warriors were truly spectacular. The barbarians’ reaction to these displays, which far exceeded their comprehension, could be described as utterly stunned. They stood there in awe, powerless to resist such aggressive displays. After witnessing a series of wind-based magic arrays and large-scale earth-based spells, the seven groups of barbarian warriors were completely frozen in shock. This pleased Komer, but it also worried him—these barbarians clearly had poor resistance to magical attacks. Although many of them were veterans of the southern wars, those conflicts were more traditional in nature, and they lacked the experience and mental resilience to deal with unconventional attacks like magic. It was clear that much work remained to turn this army into a competent force.

Even representatives like Heinem, who were prepared, were completely shocked by the display of human wisdom. Watching the ground split open into huge fissures and traps swallow up everything on the surface, and seeing wind blades as sharp as metal cut wooden stakes to pieces, the representatives of the mountain people were all speechless. It was then that they realized this seemingly calm lord was not as simple as they had imagined. No one could guess how much unknown power he still possessed.

Standing on the inspection platform, Komer certainly wouldn’t miss such an opportunity. While using the mage corps’ performances to shock the mountain people warriors psychologically, he also continuously cast several mental spells—“Deterrence,” “Pressure,” “Divine Might.” These similar mental spells infused Komer’s towering image on the platform deeply into the hearts of the mountain people warriors. At that moment, even those like Heinem standing behind the platform couldn’t help but feel the urge to kneel and worship.

“Warriors, I am glad to see the mountain people warriors from the Cordillera Wasteland standing under the banner of the Caucasus lord. This signifies that brave mountain people warriors can prove their valor in the Caucasus Self-Defense Forces through their actions. Do not disappoint the expectations of your fellow countrymen behind you.”

Komer’s speech was full of hints and ambiguities. This was a rare opportunity for him to give these mountain folk a proper lesson at the perfect time, while also instilling in them the concept of loyalty they needed to understand.
“You have all seen all the members of our Caucasus army, and you will become one of them as well. But before that, I need you to understand a few things.”
“First, you must realize that you are no longer just untamed mountain folk in the Cordillera wilderness. You are first and foremost Great Caucasians. Mountain folk is merely your race. Like half-orcs, half-elves, and mortals, you are Caucasus mountain folk, you are the people of the Caucasus, and you are proud soldiers of the Caucasus Self-Defense Forces! To defend the Caucasus and fight for it is your only creed, and I am the sole lord to whom you owe loyalty!”
Although he knew some of these words might sound too blunt and direct to mortals, Komer understood that for races like half-orcs and barbarians, this approach would help them better grasp what they were supposed to do.
Komer carefully observed the reactions of these mountain folk. After all, they were fundamentally different from half-orcs and half-elves, and they had a long-standing grudge against mortals. Though there was no substantial conflict with the Caucasus, the mountain folk as a whole had been at war with mortals, especially in the south. At least a thousand out of these 3,500 mountain folk warriors had participated in the campaigns against mortals in the south. Now, they had become citizens of the Caucasus region, which was dominated by mortals. Overcoming such a stark contrast required significant effort to change their mindset.

The relationship between half-orcs, half-elves, and barbarians is also not harmonious, especially between the half-orcs. Their competitive relationship has led to confrontations over various issues. Initially, the half-orcs had the upper hand due to their advantage as locals, but now the mountain people, who have obtained legitimate citizenship in the Caucasus, are certainly not willing to accept this unfavorable situation. Of course, they want to protect their legitimate rights and interests, which will surely intensify the conflict between the two sides. However, all of this needs to be restricted to a certain extent. In fact, Komer has already hinted at this to the upper echelons of the barbarians. In the Caucasus, all conflicts must comply with one overarching principle: they must not harm the overall interests of the Caucasus or contradict its strategic interests. Right now is a critical period for the Caucasus, and Komer certainly does not want the armed forces he has painstakingly built to become a source of instability in his territory—he will never allow such a situation to occur.

“Brave mountain people, you have seen the performance of your comrades. Whether it’s the bravery of the half-orc warriors, the precision of the half-elf archers, or the ferocity of the mortal mages, I believe their performance has left a deep impression on you. I hope you will take them as examples and transform yourselves from mountain people soldiers to Caucasus soldiers as quickly as possible. The Caucasus does not need soldiers who are undisciplined and refuse to follow orders, no matter how skilled they may be individually. A military’s combat effectiveness is built on strict obedience. I believe you have realized this. I hope that in three months, we will see a great army of Caucasus mountain people!”

Under Komer’s series of performances and psychological tactics, the mountain people soldiers were completely disoriented. After watching the performances of the half-orc and half-elf armies, they had already lost their pride. The performances of the mage corps further shocked them. In their confusion, guided by Komer’s deliberate mental magic, their feelings turned into unprecedented admiration for him. As Komer continuously changed his tone to restore their courage and confidence, even Heim and the others unconsciously accepted Komer’s absolute authority, without even Heim himself realizing it.