Chapter 21: A Battle That Shook the World (4)

Mahagumi’s intelligence network was operating at full speed, with meticulous surveillance of Marco and the Hanging Gardens. After all, a large-scale operation like that of the Wind Riders could hardly go unnoticed. According to Komer’s judgment, if the Wind Riders and the Tribunal truly intended to target him, they would likely not bother to hide their actions.
The moment the Wind Riders set out, it would mean the war had begun. Komer was well aware of how precious time was before that happened.
Sobchak, the Eagle of Bessarabia, had already arrived with two Bessarabian court knights. It was said that the three-person spear formation they used was the best among small combined attacks, allowing them to stand their ground even against five or six opponents of equal strength.
The messenger carrying the invitation to the jellyfish people’s controlled area in the middle reaches of the Catalonia River should have arrived long ago. The jellyfish people’s dual rulers must have set out as well. Trading their people’s health for something in return, the rulers should be satisfied—after all, they would never tolerate their people’s health being in the hands of outsiders for long.
Komer believed he had done everything possible; all forces that could be mobilized had been deployed. Fort Damaskevich would become the site that determined Nicosia’s fate. The Church of Light could not wait, nor did he want to prolong the situation any longer. Such a prolonged stalemate would be unbearable for both sides.
Lomey nestled against Komer, her delicate, fair body entwined around his like a white snake. Her faint scent, mixed with a hint of sensuality, acted like a potent aphrodisiac, making Komer unable to resist the urge to explore her further.
Komer thought of himself as not being the kind of man who favored women. His youthful recklessness was behind him. Although he still had normal male desires for women, it was no longer the most important thing. What was truly important to him?
Love?
That word sounded noble yet bitter. For someone like him, longing for love was clearly a luxury. Even the relationship between him and Vero was unclear—was it a platonic spiritual bond or mere attraction? At least so far, Komer hadn’t felt any desire to possess Vero physically. Perhaps he did, but his willpower was strong enough to control it.

What about the others? Eve seemed to be drifting away from him gradually, but Comer could sense her feelings toward him—his own behavior was increasingly disappointing her. Perhaps it was because she came to see his true nature more clearly and grew further apart from the Comer she had in her mind, which made her leave Nicosia without looking back. There was nothing Comer could do about it.

Perhaps only this woman, who stayed by his side, was his closest companion—loyal and silent, standing behind him without complaint.

“Lomei, when did you regain your memory?” Comer asked softly, stroking the woman’s soft hair.

“Huh?” Her bare body trembled. “What did you say?”

“There’s no need to hide anything. I know your memory has long been restored. But I’m glad you’re still by my side.” Comer smiled, a somewhat eerie smile that appeared especially sweet in Lomei’s eyes.

“A year ago.” Lomei continued to rest her head on Comer’s chest.

“Don’t you hate me?” Comer asked in surprise.

“Hate? Of course I hate you, but that hatred has turned into love,” Lomei said calmly, her expression free of any shyness or embarrassment.

“Hehe, that’s the happiest thing I’ve heard.” Comer’s expression grew even gentler. “Our days ahead will be even sweeter.”

“Are you worried? You’ve never shown such emotions before.”

“Worried? Of course. Caesar and the Wind Riders are no ordinary people—they represent the pinnacle of the light forces.” Comer’s smile turned slightly bitter. “I’m not entirely confident.”

“You’ll win.” Her voice was gentle yet firm, her eyes filled with absolute trust.

“You shouldn’t participate in this battle. I don’t want to put you in trouble,” Comer said after some thought.

“No, I want to be there. I want to stand by your side,” Lomei shook her head.

Their gazes met, and Comer saw the determination in her eyes. He couldn’t refuse.

Shatima was also pondering a question. Comer had made it clear to her that this battle would mark the end of their contract. She could choose to fight in her human form or transform into her dragon form. Those who would come were superpowers of the Light Church—stronger than any human warrior she had encountered before.

The contract is over? Shatima was confused. She had grown somewhat unfamiliar with her lifestyle in the swampy areas. If she lost her current life, she didn’t know where to go—back to the swamps to live that lonely yet free life again?
Shatima wasn’t sure whether to be happy or disappointed. Freedom was freedom, but what was the point of freedom without friends or companions?
Her gaze fell on her current body. Her striking figure always attracted men’s attention, and combined with well-fitting armor, she appeared as a valiant female knight before everyone.
Her massive dragon spear made many male knights feel inferior, and her constantly surging combat energy gave her an air of being at a far higher level. Shatima was very satisfied with her current life, especially the sense of respect she received, which filled her with pride. She didn’t want to return to that damp and messy hut at all—it wasn’t a place fit for a beautiful dragon knight of her advanced wisdom.
Shatima was aware of the crisis Kommer was facing. That guy named Caesar seemed to be one of the strongest in the human world, even far stronger than Vladkov and Sorenberg. Without transforming, she was undoubtedly no match for him. But what if she transformed?
Shatima let out a soft hum. Each transformation drained a considerable amount of her primal energy. The dragon race rarely transformed unless absolutely necessary. Did she really have to pay such a high price this time?
She asked herself, but found that the answer deep in her heart was yes.
What made her make such a decision? Shatima no longer wanted to figure it out. She only needed to be clear about one thing: once a decision was made, there was no need for further hesitation.
If there was to be a battle, then there would be a battle.