Chapter Twelve: Analysis

At this thought, Komer’s gaze instinctively turned toward the map hanging on the wall. Above Homer was Silesia, belonging to the Ferdinand family, and Poznan, belonging to the Hainé family. These two regions had long served as a solid barrier protecting Homer. But after the entire north, including Jazair, fell, Silesia and Poznan became far less important to Homer. Especially Poznan—in Komer’s eyes, the Hainé family there was nothing but a local bunch who could be easily crushed. A family lacking vision and content only with survival dared to engage in risky dealings with the orcs—wasn’t that pure suicide? With such simple-mindedness, if they wanted to die, it would be better for them to end it quickly.

Yet Komer also knew that Poznan and Silesia were inseparable. Challenging one family was essentially declaring war on both. He didn’t yet have the audacity to do so, not until his troops were fully trained—he didn’t want to take that risk.

Komer carefully assessed the dangers and troubles he faced. The other three major lords of the kingdom could no longer pose a real threat. Even if Zerlin, Hainé, and Ferdinand joined forces, they wouldn’t be able to exert much influence over Homer. The pressure from the orcs already kept Ferdinand immobilized. To get Poznan and Galle to unite against him, Komer doubted Zerlin had enough charisma to earn the trust of the Hainé family.

As for Göteborg and Katyn, no matter his stance, neither side could play a significant role. He only needed to use a few tactics to keep Kakiya and Hoffman locked in a struggle, refusing to yield. If one fell, he would support them; if one became too arrogant, he would discipline them. Such a situation was most favorable for his own survival. Even if Kakiya and Hoffman guessed his intentions, they would be helpless—unless they could set aside their differences, but that was too difficult. As long as they harbored selfish motives and placed their own interests above those of the entire Kingdom of Nicossia, his strategy would remain successful. Komer was convinced that neither Kakiya nor Hoffman could do that.

Having ruled out threats from the political sphere, Komer focused on his own personal safety. The Battle of Bosen Plain had dealt a severe blow to the Light Church’s reputation, and subtle changes had begun to emerge within both the Northern Alliance and the various religious factions in Nicosia—like a seed suddenly sprouting in the cracks of the Northern Alliance. A series of changes would follow, and if the Light Church wanted to maintain its influence in the northern regions, it had to eliminate the negative effects of the Battle of Bosen Plain. If it couldn’t completely deal with Komer and his allies, the pressure they would face would only increase without limit.

The Light Church wouldn’t just sit idly by. Komer was aware of Vazinki’s influence within the church, and the behavior of his old enemies from the Inquisition after learning of his reappearance was even more suspicious, further intensifying his sense of crisis. Under normal circumstances, Vazinki and Nojola seemed unlikely to ally, as though they belonged to the same church, but their relationship might not be any better than their own relationships with themselves. Yet, given the threat to the Light Church’s foundations, could they team up against him?

This possibility couldn’t be ruled out. Komer pondered carefully. If both factions had plans to deal with him, even with an army at his disposal, he might not be able to stop them from breaking in. He could either disappear and hide like before or engage in a decisive battle to determine his fate. That battle was inevitable, but he needed to plan carefully to take action before they did.

Komer counted on his fingers to assess his own strength. Even without military support, his forces were rather weak. The Caucasus Mage Corps would struggle greatly to face the entire Inquisition. Even if he could endure the toughest battles, Mihajic and Clarence wouldn’t be able to compete with the other Inquisition masters. If he could rescue Rebril, maybe they still had a chance.

Uma’s undead army, the Dark Forces of the Great Secret Sect, and the hidden power of the Salvation Society are all forces with considerable uncertainty. Especially Uma’s current state and whether the Salvation Society will dare to openly side with her are questions. In comparison, dealing with the Great Secret Sect might be a bit easier. Under his strict demands, he believes Xuluo and the others will support him, even though their infiltration in the south is also progressing vigorously.

Uma still hasn’t fully conquered Elenia. The struggle between the two souls within one body remains tied. However, with Komer’s careful assistance, Uma is no longer in the desperate situation of being expelled at any moment as before. Instead, she has begun to launch continuous attacks. As one side gains strength and the other loses, Elenia’s situation is becoming increasingly difficult. The process of conquest is arduous, but without such a life-and-death struggle, Uma couldn’t truly take control of such a rare body. After this brutal battle, Uma’s understanding of the principles of light might deepen significantly.

Komer even looks forward to that day more than Uma does. When the Holy Maiden of the Light Church finally transforms into a true representative of the undead sovereign, this sense of achievement will make Komer even prouder than winning a battle on the Boson Plains. This is the victory of darkness over light, proving that darkness can indeed defeat light. The idea that light is invincible is merely a shackle imposed on the common people by the Light Church over hundreds of years through their control of traditional resources, repeated lies, and various elaborate performances and hints. Once this doctrine, covered in countless halos, has its beautiful facade stripped away, people will realize it is nothing but a complete lie.

Perhaps some space should still be left for Elenia’s soul. Only in this way can Uma always maintain a sense of crisis. This approach also serves as a good bait for the Light Church. Of course, before having the strength to challenge the entire Light Church, it’s better not to use such a bait.