Category: This Necromancer Wants to Capture the Hearts of Deceased Beautiful Girls

Chapter 20: Playing with Illusions?

Abyss remained calm, not even flinching as the transformed Bender lunged at him, his elongated, rat-like teeth bared.

Crack!

A small stone, hurled by Leona, struck Bender in the mouth, shattering his teeth before he could reach Abyss.

“Argh!” Bender shrieked, clutching his mouth, collapsing to the ground, and writhing in pain.

Abyss had been about to kick Bender away, but Leona had acted preemptively. He glanced at her, a handful of pebbles in her hand, a smug grin on her face. Abyss smiled back, a flicker of their former connection, their unspoken understanding, resurfacing despite his amnesia.

“Get up,” Abyss said, grabbing the writhing merchant by the collar and lifting him. “You haven’t answered my question.”

“I’ll talk! I’ll tell you everything! It’s… it’s a crystal found in the brains of magic-wielding animals… That’s how they use magic!” Bender blurted out, his body trembling in fear. His elongated teeth had retracted, but blood seeped from the cracks in his now-normal incisors.

“And you grew those rat teeth by eating one of these crystals?” Abyss asked, holding up the pouch.

“Yes! Yes!” Bender confessed eagerly. “I found a crystal in a magic-wielding rat, and I ate it! Then I could grow teeth like a rat!”

“I see. I thought you were some kind of monster. You’re just a human who acquired power you couldn’t control,” Abyss said, nodding. “Now, tell me how you killed your companions. I’m curious.”

Normally, he would have simply resurrected the dead merchants and asked them directly, but he was maintaining his Druid persona.

“I’ll talk! I’ll talk! Sir, please let me go! I won’t run!” Bender pleaded, frantically trying to pry Abyss’s hand from his collar. “I’ll tell you everything! Anything you want to know!”

“If you promise not to run, I’ll release you,” Abyss said, nodding. He hadn’t been holding him tightly, just applying enough pressure to maintain control and instill fear.

He released Bender, who, his face now adorned with a servile grin, looked up at Abyss. “That crystal you’re holding… I extracted it from the brain of a magic-wielding panther… It’s… Look out! Behind you!”

Bender suddenly pointed behind Abyss, his voice filled with feigned terror.

Abyss, unconcerned about a potential attack, turned around. Several grotesque, slime-covered monsters stood there, their gazes fixed on him.

They were vaguely humanoid, their proportions distorted, their forms hideous. Their mouths were filled with sharp teeth, yellow pus dripping from their fangs.

“Wh-what are those?!” Bender asked, his voice trembling.

“Those are your pathetic little tricks,” Abyss said, turning back to Bender, a smile playing on his lips. “You used an illusion on me, didn’t you?”

Bender’s feigned fear vanished, replaced by despair.

Snap!

Abyss snapped his fingers, and the illusion dispelled. He looked behind him again. The monsters were gone, replaced by his three followers, Maggie, and Baggs, who was now perched on Maggie’s shoulder.

“So that’s how you killed your companions. You used illusions to trick them, creating some kind of distraction, then lured them away to their deaths,” Abyss said, nodding. “That crystal granted you some interesting abilities. Too bad you encountered me.”

Abyss had faced and defeated a god of illusions. Such tricks were child’s play to him. And Bender’s magic-induced illusions were even less of a threat.

“Please… Spare me…” Bender pleaded, his last resort having failed, his voice now filled with genuine fear. “I was blinded by greed. I wanted that crystal for myself. And I had a disagreement with my companions. So I… I killed them… Please, let me go… I won’t do it again…”

Bender was lying. Abyss could sense it. His actions had been premeditated.

Abyss, his disgust evident, chanted a spell, then flicked a small spark of light towards Bender, who collapsed, unconscious before he could react.

Abyss stood up, turning to the others. “I’ve altered his mind. He’ll spend the rest of his life atoning for his sins.”

“There might be another crystal in his brain,” Rebecca said, pointing at the unconscious Bender. “Any ideas? Should we extract it?”

“Good point,” Abyss said, chanting another spell, then placing his hand on Bender’s chest.

A translucent flame flickered in his palm, and Bender coughed, his body convulsing briefly, then becoming still.

“I’ve sealed his magic core. Unless a Supreme Mage intervenes, he won’t be using magic again,” Abyss said, nodding.

“I’d like to study this crystal,” Rebecca said, extending her hand towards the pouch Abyss was holding. “It seems interesting.”

Chapter 19: Two Potions

Abyss’s sudden action surprised everyone. No one had expected him to sniff a sweaty, middle-aged man’s coat.

Leona’s hair stood on end. Flora and Maggie stared at him, their mouths agape. Baggs, perched on his shoulder, remained silent. Rebecca, however, after a moment of thought, seemed to understand, nodding slowly.

Bender, his face contorted in disgust, said, “Sir, I’m not into that sort of thing… But if you’re willing to escort me out of this forest…”

“It’s the smell of lies…” Abyss said, looking up, his turquoise eyes cold and sharp, as he stared at the merchant’s plump face. “You’re lying, aren’t you, Mr. Bender?”

“What are you talking about?” Bender asked, his voice indignant, gesturing towards the bodies of his companions and the dead horses. “What lies could I possibly tell? My friends are dead, my horses are dead, I’m ruined, and I have to compensate their families. I’m going to be bankrupt! What would I gain from lying to you?”

“But why do you smell of potions?” Abyss asked, unfazed by his outburst. He stepped closer, his gaze intense, making Bender uncomfortable. “I can smell the ingredients. They’re all meant to repel wild animals. But your companions…”

Abyss walked over to one of the bodies and sniffed it.

“Your companions also have potions on them, but with the opposite effect… These potions attract wild animals, especially predators,” he said, his voice cold, his gaze piercing, sending a shiver down Bender’s spine. “Both potions contain a strong fragrance to mask their true nature, but my sense of smell is far more acute than you realize. You can’t fool me.”

“I didn’t do anything!” Bender exclaimed, his voice filled with panic. “I bought this potion from a traveling merchant. We were going hunting, so I bought a potion to repel wild animals. I gave everyone a bottle. This one is the sample he gave me to test. I used a bit of it, so I didn’t give it to my companions. But that damned merchant must have given me fake potions!”

“You’re a skilled liar. You can tell a story without flinching, but you can’t fool me,” Abyss said, circling him slowly. “Something felt off from the start. First, the wolves attacked your companions, but they left you alone, keeping a safe distance. You were seemingly trapped, but they never actually attacked you. Even if your story were true, it wouldn’t explain why your companions’ bodies are arranged in a circle.”

He gestured towards the bodies, and they noticed their circular arrangement. They were still clutching their weapons, as if they had been trying to fend off the wolves. It seemed they had been attacked after moving away from Bender, the magic-wielding wolves too fast for them to escape. Their bodies were charred, their muscles paralyzed by lightning magic before they were torn apart.

“Second, you and your companions were only in the Elven Kingdoms for two days, dissecting a few animals, then you decided to leave? Although I have no proof, I find that suspicious. You were eager to profit from those rumors, yet you gave up so easily. Why were you in such a hurry to leave? And why did you encounter those wolves on your way out?” Abyss continued.

Bender’s eyes darted nervously, his face pale, his voice trembling. “One of my companions fell ill. We had to return…”

“That’s a pathetic excuse,” Maggie said from atop her horse, swinging her bare feet. “You could have sought treatment in the Elven Kingdoms. Druids offer free healing to travelers, and you could have traded for medicine. And if you had gone to one of the Elven cities, you could have found skilled healers. Elven medicine is renowned for its effectiveness and its reasonable prices. It would have been far more convenient than returning home.”

“Third, when I grabbed your coat, it wasn’t just to smell it…” Abyss said, opening his hand, revealing a small pouch containing a tiny, diamond-shaped crystal. “I apologize, but I took something from you. I hope you don’t mind.”

“What?!” Bender exclaimed, his composure shattering, his feigned fear replaced by a sudden rage. He lunged towards Abyss, trying to snatch the pouch. “Give it back!”

Abyss smiled, closing his hand around the pouch. Bender clawed at his hand, but it was useless. He couldn’t even leave a scratch.

“Tell me, what is this? And why did you kill your companions for it?” Abyss asked, his grip firm, his voice cold and calm. “And while you’re at it, tell me how you did it. I’m curious.”

Bender, his face contorted with rage and fear, stared at Abyss, his chest heaving. After a long silence, he suddenly lunged again, his mouth wide open, revealing two long, curved teeth, like those of a rat.

Chapter 18: The Magic Wolves

Abyss watched the charging wolf with an indifferent expression, his body unmoving.

His undead warhorse, mirroring its master’s demeanor, also showed no fear, its gaze fixed on the wolf, its body crackling with electricity.

The wolf, mid-leap, felt a surge of confusion. Shouldn’t a horse be terrified by a lightning-wreathed wolf charging towards it? Why wasn’t this horse reacting?

Before it could process this anomaly, the undead warhorse casually raised a leg and stomped on its head.

Thud!

The wolf, its momentum abruptly halted, its head pinned to the ground by the horse’s hoof, whimpered, its eyes rolling.

The other wolves, surrounding the merchant, paused, surprised by the newcomers’ strength.

The alpha wolf, its gaze fixed on the undead warhorse, its intelligence surpassing that of ordinary wolves, assessed the situation. This horse, which had effortlessly incapacitated one of its pack, was merely a mount. The human riding it was likely even more powerful.

After a moment of consideration, it growled, and the pack, understanding its command, retreated, abandoning their attack. The wolf trapped beneath the warhorse’s hoof, with Abyss’s silent consent, scrambled free and fled.

Within seconds, the wolves vanished into the forest, their movements swift and silent, their knowledge of the terrain unmatched.

Abyss dismounted, approaching the merchant, who was cowering among his horses.

The merchant, seeing the wolves gone, let out a sigh of relief, emerging from his makeshift shelter and bowing deeply to Abyss. He straightened up, his hands clasped together, his voice filled with gratitude. “Thank you, brave warrior. If you hadn’t arrived, I would be wolf food now.”

“How did you get surrounded by wolves? Your caravan seems quite large. Wolves usually avoid such large groups,” Maggie asked, jumping off her horse, curious. “Speaking of caravans, have you ever seen a truly massive caravan? I once saw one with over three hundred guards…”

“Don’t let her start. She’s a chatterbox,” Baggs said from Abyss’s shoulder.

The merchant, startled by the talking cat, then, remembering he was in the Elven Kingdoms, quickly composed himself. “Ah, a Druid, I apologize. I didn’t recognize you.”

“We’re curious as well. Why were you attacked? Food is abundant this time of year. I doubt they were starving,” Baggs said, his tone serious when addressing outsiders.

The merchant sighed, recounting his experience. “You see, Master Druid, I’m a merchant from the Western Empire. I came to the Elven Kingdoms seeking treasure, the valuable resources supposedly found within the bodies of the magic-wielding animals. I’ve been hunting in these forests for two days, but I haven’t found anything. I don’t know if I offended these wolves somehow, or if their newfound magic has made them bolder, but they attacked us as we were preparing to leave.”

He glanced at the bodies of his companions, his face etched with grief. “Those damned beasts, with their magic, ripped open my horses’ bellies like they were made of cloth, then chased us down and trapped us here. My companions tried to fight them off, but they were killed. I was too terrified to move, so I’m the only survivor…”

“That’s terrible,” Maggie said, her voice filled with sympathy. “It’s not your fault. You might have died as well. It’s good that you survived.”

“So, their magic has made them more aggressive? I wasn’t aware of that,” Baggs said, his cat eyes widening slightly. “You’re quite unlucky.”

“I feel so guilty… I should have warned them, told them not to underestimate those magical beasts, but…” the merchant’s voice choked with emotion. “Benny… Owen… Gru… Greta…”

“Do you have any idea why they attacked you?” Abyss asked, crouching down, looking at the dead merchants.

“I dissected a few of those magic-wielding herbivores, but I didn’t find anything unusual. I just took their hides. I left their carcasses behind. That shouldn’t have attracted the wolves…” the merchant said, sighing. “This is a disaster. I’ll be ruined…”

Abyss examined the scene, the tracks on the ground, the terrified horses, their bodies trembling. “That’s strange. Did the wolves lose their minds after acquiring magic? Are they seeking something beyond mere sustenance?”

“I don’t know… By the Nine Gods, why is this happening to me?” the merchant wailed.

Abyss patted the horses, then returned to the merchant, his gaze sweeping over him.

“Have you discovered the reason for their attack?” the merchant asked, unnerved by Abyss’s intense scrutiny.

“Perhaps… perhaps not…”

“Could you escort me out of this forest, warrior? I might be ruined, but I need to return home. I have a wife and children waiting for me. I must…”

Before he could finish, Abyss grabbed his coat, bringing it to his nose and inhaling deeply, sniffing it.

“What are you doing?” the merchant asked, alarmed. Had he encountered someone with peculiar fetishes? This young man was handsome, but he wasn’t interested in men!

Chapter 17: Where is Agnes Buried?

“ABC, how did you make that earth rise? When did you learn Druidic magic?” Leona asked through their telepathic link. “I don’t remember you having that ability. When we were uprooting those trees in the Ossi Kingdom palace, you said we needed a Druid.”

Abyss thought for a moment. “Although I don’t remember our visit to the palace, I don’t know any Druidic magic.”

“Then how did you do it?” Leona asked, curious. “Telekinesis?”

“Telekinesis is less precise. It only pulls objects towards the caster,” Abyss explained, smiling. “I used bone magic to achieve a similar effect. I created bone structures underground to lift the earth. Then I dissolved them, fertilizing the soil.”

“So you didn’t secretly learn Druidic magic,” Leona said.

“If we can recruit Miss Agnes, I’m sure I’ll learn quickly,” Abyss said. “Aren’t we currently investigating those magical animals and searching for Agnes’s burial site?”

They weren’t heading directly towards the Druid council. They had taken a detour through areas with a high concentration of animals, observing their behavior and searching for Agnes’s grave.

Abyss had asked Baggs about her burial site, but the answer had been disappointing. Agnes, upon her death, hadn’t had a funeral. Animals had laid her to rest in a secret location.

She had wanted to prevent her remains from being disturbed. The location of her grave was a mystery. The Druids had a statue of her, but Abyss wasn’t interested in statues.

He wanted to find her body, to meet the legendary Grand Sage. According to Flora, he had intended to resurrect five geniuses. Agnes was the fourth.

They had visited several elven villages, but their inquiries had only yielded legends. No one knew where she was buried.

…

“Wait, I hear wolves. They sound angry,” Leona whispered.

“Wolves?” Maggie asked, blinking.

“I hear them as well. Miss Leona has excellent hearing,” Baggs said, his cat ears twitching. “They seem to have cornered their prey… I hear dying horses. Perhaps a caravan has been attacked.”

“Let’s investigate,” Flora said, concerned. “The animals are more dangerous now. Those travelers might be in trouble.”

“Alright, Leona, lead the way!” Abyss said.

Leona urged East Wind forward, and the swift steed galloped towards the sound, followed closely by Abyss’s undead warhorse, carrying him, Rebecca, and Baggs.

As they drew closer, they heard the wolves’ menacing growls. There were many of them, preparing to attack.

“Help! Someone, help! I’m surrounded by magic-wielding wolves!” a desperate voice, speaking in broken Elvish, cried out.

Both East Wind and the undead warhorse understood human and elven speech. They knew their mission was to rescue the traveler and they accelerated, weaving through the trees. They soon found several dead and dying horses, their bodies ripped open, some with scorch marks. The wagons were abandoned, their contents scattered.

A small clearing appeared ahead, surrounded by dozens of wolves.

In the center were more wagons, a few terrified horses, and a stout human man, his voice filled with panic.

Several bodies lay nearby, also with scorch marks, their wounds gruesome.

“Brave warriors! Please help me! My companions are dead! They’re going to eat me!” the man shouted.

The wolves, noticing their arrival, turned to face them, their fangs bared.

The alpha wolf growled, and one of the wolves charged towards them, its speed increasing, its body crackling with blue electricity. It lunged, a blur of motion, a bolt of lightning, striking the undead warhorse.

Chapter 16: When in Doubt, Blame the Outer Gods

Abyss and his companions gave their names and their reason for visiting to the guard. Of course, the girls didn’t reveal their true surnames, their families too well-known among the elves. Their purpose, however, wasn’t a secret: they were attending the Druid council meeting to address the issue of the withering sacred tree and the animals’ strange behavior.

“Alright, that’s all the information I need. Normally, you would have to present valid identification, but since you’re Druids, I’ll make an exception,” the dark elf warrior said, handing the completed form to another guard. “You’re free to enter. You can continue your journey, or sit here and pray to the God of Nature. It’s up to you.”

“Miss, you mentioned earlier that humans are flocking to the Elven Kingdoms, seeking treasure. Could you tell me more about that?” Abyss asked, not leaving yet.

If he were an ordinary human, she wouldn’t have bothered answering. Dark elves didn’t trust outsiders, especially halflings, whom they often suspected of harboring ulterior motives.

But Abyss’s youthful, handsome face was her weakness. He was the “young and innocent” type she found irresistible. She couldn’t refuse him.

“Well… If you’re that curious, I can tell you what I know, but I don’t have all the details. Those treasure hunters are secretive, as if they’re afraid I’ll steal their nonexistent treasures,” she said after a moment of thought.

“Thank you,” Abyss said, bowing politely.

“I’ve stopped several merchants from Ossi trying to enter. Fortunately, this isn’t a major trade route. The guards at the border with the Western Empire are much busier,” she said, complaining. “These humans claim that dangerous animals have appeared in the Elven Kingdoms, and they believe these animals possess valuable resources, so they’re here to hunt them.”

“They’re hunting our animals?” Leona asked, her voice filled with disdain. “Their greed knows no bounds.”

“Surely the elves won’t allow them to hunt freely within your territory?” Rebecca asked.

The dark elf nodded. “Of course not. We elves might have been fooled by humans in the past, but we’re not stupid. We were simply too trusting. The Gray Elf council is enacting new laws to restrict hunting by outsiders. We won’t give them many opportunities. And even now, we’re imposing heavy taxes on any animal products leaving our territory.”

“That should deter them,” Rebecca said, nodding.

“I have faith in our Druids. You wouldn’t approve of these humans disrupting the ecological balance for their own profit, would you?” the dark elf asked Abyss, smiling.

“Of course not. Balance is essential. We Druids despise those who disrupt the natural order,” Abyss said, nodding in agreement.

“Exactly! If those humans get out of hand, we’ll show them the power of nature!” Maggie exclaimed, punching the air.

Druids believed in harmony with nature, but that didn’t mean they were pacifists. They were fierce protectors of the balance, willing to use force against those who threatened it. They wouldn’t hesitate to beat up and expel any poachers.

Their current methods were relatively civilized, thanks to societal progress. In ancient times, their methods had been more extreme—any species that disrupted the balance was eliminated, including humans.

“Well, it seems you Druids are doing your job,” the dark elf said. “That’s all I know. Even those treasure hunters don’t have many details. You Druids better solve this problem quickly, before it spreads to the rest of the world.”

“Of course, my dear,” Baggs said. “As you’ve recorded, we’re here to address the animals’ unusual behavior. We’ll make sure those greedy humans don’t profit from it.”

“Very well. You may pass,” the dark elf said, opening the gate for them.

They crossed the border, officially entering the Elven Kingdoms. Their next destination was the Druid council, located in the heart of their territory.

If they went directly, concealing their mounts’ true speed, they could reach it within a day. But Abyss had other plans.

“I don’t think we should rush back to the Druid council yet,” he said, turning to Baggs, who was perched on his shoulder.

“Ah, I understand, Mr. Belator. You want to meet with those treasure hunters, to learn more about the animals they’re hunting, right?” Baggs asked.

“Exactly,” Abyss said, nodding. “There must be a reason why they believe these animals possess valuable resources. I want to know what they’re after. And if it’s connected to something… beyond mortal comprehension.”

“You mean… Outer Gods?” Baggs asked, his eyes narrowing. “You know about them? You’re quite knowledgeable.”

“Yes, Outer Gods,” Abyss said, pleased that Baggs was aware of them. “It seems you’re also familiar with these beings. When something unusual happens, it’s always wise to suspect their involvement.”

Chapter 15: Prove You’re a Druid

The dark elf warrior’s refusal was swift and decisive. She disliked humans, especially those who, like Abyss, lacked permits and showed no respect for their rules. She rolled her eyes, ready to dismiss them.

“I’m a human Druid. May I enter?” Abyss asked, his fluent Elvish surprising her. She looked at him more closely.

His face was even more appealing up close, the kind of handsome young man she preferred. She felt a flicker of interest, her voice softening slightly. “You’re a Druid? I’ve never seen a human Druid. How can you prove it?”

“Big sister! I can vouch for him! I’m a Druid too!” Maggie exclaimed, eager to help.

“You? You’re an elf, but even elves need permits or identification. Do you have any? We’ve tightened our security recently due to an influx of suspicious individuals. Don’t take it personally,” the dark elf said, her gaze fixed on Maggie. “If you’re truly a Druid, you can enter without a permit. Show me a Druidic spell.”

“I can transform into a bird!” Maggie offered.

“That’s not enough. Transformation magic is also used by mages of the Transformation School,” the dark elf said, shaking her head.

Maggie thought for a moment. “I can make plants grow rapidly. Mages can’t do that.”

“Alright, then show me. Prove you’re a Druid.”

Maggie began chanting, and a nearby patch of grass grew rapidly, its blades thickening, even producing seeds. She jumped off her horse, plucked a long blade of grass, and presented it to the dark elf.

“Big sister, is this enough proof? It’s growing so well! But it’s not as impressive as the flower I’m growing back at the Druid council. It can withstand a scythe’s blow! Speaking of scythes, they’re used to harvest reeds. And reeds are used for…”

“Alright, your plant-growing abilities are impressive, but that’s enough,” the dark elf said, interrupting her. Her instincts told her that if she let Maggie continue, she wouldn’t get off duty anytime soon. She turned to Abyss. “Your elven companion has proven her identity. Now, show me a Druidic spell. But no shapeshifting. I don’t want you impersonating a Druid.”

“Alright,” Abyss said, nodding. “What kind of spell would you like to see?”

“Anything.”

The three girls watched, curious. He wasn’t a Druid. His knowledge of their magic was limited. This was partly due to the Druids’ beliefs. They lived in harmony with nature, and even in death, they adhered to their principles, resistant to resurrection, even by someone like Abyss.

If he had his memories, he would remember his attempt to communicate with a deceased Druid, who had angrily refused his offer of resurrection, forcing him to return the soul to its rest.

Abyss didn’t hesitate. He raised his hand, palm upwards, his fingers pointing towards a small mound of earth, then began chanting softly.

The mound rose slowly, growing taller, transforming into a small hill.

“An Earth Druid!” Maggie exclaimed, her enthusiasm undimmed by the dark elf’s earlier interruption. “Wow, you’re very skilled! If my master had ten fingers, he would give you a perfect score!”

“Manipulating earth, hmm?” the dark elf said, nodding. “That’s definitely Druidic magic. Ordinary mages can’t do that. Very well, I’ll open the gate. Fill out these forms with your names, your purpose for visiting, and your destination within the Elven Kingdoms.”

“Thank you,” Abyss said in Elvish.

“You’re welcome. It’s my duty,” the dark elf replied. She wanted to flirt with this handsome young man, but duty called. “We’ve had a lot of humans trying to enter our territory recently, treasure hunters. It’s a nuisance. But we can’t just refuse entry. We have to follow protocol.”

She climbed down from the watchtower, opening the gate, its surface covered in runes.

“Why are they looking for treasure?” Maggie asked, curious. “I’ve only been gone for a few days. What treasure has appeared?”

“Who knows? Humans are always chasing rumors of wealth,” the dark elf said, shrugging. “Most of them end up as cannon fodder or victims of scams—I’ll tell you more later. Names, please. State your purpose, your destination. And you, the cat on his shoulder, you’re a Druid as well, right? You need to register too.”

“My dear, how did you know I was a Druid?” Baggs asked, surprised that his disguise had been seen through by an ordinary guard.

“That’s easy. I’ve never seen a cat pick its nose before,” the dark elf replied, smirking. “Especially with its pinky finger.”

Chapter 14: Elves and Despicable Outlanders

Abyss captured the magic-wielding butterfly effortlessly.

Its magic, although deadly to the chameleon, was harmless to him. He didn’t even bother dodging the burning scales, simply lowering his hand’s temperature with a touch of ice magic, neutralizing the attack. He wasn’t even scratched—a warrior of his caliber wouldn’t be so easily harmed by anything less than divine power.

The animals’ intelligence hadn’t increased. Their use of magic was instinctive, their spells crude and uncontrolled, lacking the precision and complexity of human magic. The chameleon’s spell had simply been a concussive blast of mana, and the butterfly’s scales had been imbued with a burning effect.

Abyss froze the butterfly with ice magic, preserving its life, then stored it in his pocket for later study. A magically frozen insect wouldn’t thaw, making it a safe and convenient specimen.

Without wasting any time, they rode towards the Elven Kingdoms.

A mountain range separated the Ossi Kingdom from the Elven Kingdoms. To reach them, they either had to cross the treacherous mountains, risking encounters with the Elven border patrol, or travel south through Oakning, the territory ceded to the Western Empire, then cross the border into the Elven Kingdoms.

Although the Elven Kingdoms were a loose confederation of city-states and tribes, they were united in their defense of their borders. Humans weren’t well-regarded by the elves, and the Iron Lilies, a group of extremist elf-hating terrorists, posed a constant threat. The elves, in their naivety, had once believed in peaceful coexistence, opening their borders to humans.

This had initially resulted in increased trade, but it had also allowed the Iron Lilies to infiltrate their territory, committing several atrocities. In their most heinous act, they had disguised themselves as merchants, slaughtering an entire village of Wood Elves. Their reasoning was absurd—they believed that elves, as an ancient race, were obsolete, destined to be replaced by humans. They wanted to confine the elves to reservations, claiming their resource-rich lands for themselves.

The Elven Kingdoms occupied a desirable territory, its climate mild and temperate, its resources abundant, its natural harbors ideal for trade. This made them a tempting target for human nations. The powerful Eastern and Western Empires hadn’t attempted to conquer them only because the elves, naturally gifted mages, were formidable opponents. A war against them would be costly. For now, they maintained a facade of peace, engaging in trade. However, this didn’t prevent unscrupulous human merchants from exploiting the elves, who, lacking in cunning, were often cheated.

The elves, having learned their lesson, had tightened their border security and implemented strict immigration policies, carefully scrutinizing all visitors, maintaining detailed records, and banning anyone with a questionable past.

These measures had made it difficult for the Iron Lilies to operate, significantly reducing the number of attacks. And with dishonest merchants banned, the number of scams had also decreased, leading some halflings to believe they were being discriminated against. They had even petitioned the Western Empire’s Emperor for protection, only to be revealed as fraudsters themselves, some even attempting to use pumpkin seeds as currency.

After a day’s journey and a night’s rest, Abyss and his companions finally reached the border.

A thick, sturdy wall, woven from vines, stretched along the border, protecting the Elven Kingdoms. A large wooden gate, covered in runes, marked the official crossing point, flanked by watchtowers and small barracks, manned by elven soldiers.

“Those walls were built by the Druid council,” Maggie explained, sitting on East Wind’s back, her arms wrapped around Flora’s waist. “They’re not just beautiful, but also incredibly strong, capable of withstanding even a mid-level Dou Warrior’s attacks. And if they’re damaged, the Druids will know instantly. They can even extend vines to capture anyone trying to climb over them. No one has ever breached these walls.”

“Can’t they just dig a tunnel underneath?” Leona asked.

“These vines have deep, extensive root systems. Anyone trying to tunnel through will be caught. And being trapped underground is far more dangerous. They could suffocate. Speaking of suffocating, let me tell you about the time I went swimming and got my foot tangled in seaweed. I held my breath for half an hour! I had eaten some grapes before swimming. They were sour, but delicious…”

“Halt!”

As Maggie rambled, they approached the gate. A tall, dark elf woman, a bow in her hand, her gaze sharp, watched them from atop a watchtower.

“We wish to enter. Is that possible?” Abyss asked, his voice polite but firm.

“Humans? And with such a large entourage?” the dark elf asked, her brow furrowed, scrutinizing them. She could see Maggie, but she wasn’t about to lower her guard. “Do you have a permit?”

“No, we don’t.”

“Then you cannot enter! Turn back!”

Chapter 13: Danger to the Natural Order

In the warm, humid air of the Ossi Kingdom’s southern region, a butterfly flitted through the air, its brightly colored wings a blur of motion.

But it hadn’t noticed the predator watching it.

A chameleon, its skin perfectly camouflaged against the tree branch it clung to, its only movement the slow rise and fall of its chest as it breathed, had locked onto its prey.

The butterfly wasn’t slow, but the chameleon’s eyes followed its every movement. Having tracked its flight path, the chameleon opened its mouth slightly, its long, sticky tongue poised to strike.

A faint glint of light flickered in the chameleon’s eyes, and the butterfly, struck by an unseen force, its wings shedding a shower of iridescent scales, spiraled downwards.

The chameleon, its tongue lashing out, snatched the falling butterfly from the air and swallowed it whole.

Only the shimmering scales, drifting slowly downwards, remained.

But as the scales landed on the chameleon, something unexpected happened. They ignited upon contact, their heat intense, burning the unsuspecting predator’s skin.

The chameleon hissed, its body convulsing, then falling from the branch, writhing on the ground before becoming still. Its once vibrant, color-changing skin was now dry and charred. It lay there, its legs twitching, dead.

A small slit appeared on its belly, and a pair of antennae emerged. Then, the butterfly, its wings slightly singed, crawled out, its movements sluggish, as if intoxicated. It rested on the chameleon’s corpse for a moment, then fluttered away.

“That’s a typical example of an animal using magic,” the old cat, perched on Abyss’s shoulder, whispered. “The butterfly’s magic isn’t powerful, but it’s enough to kill a predator.”

“That’s a brutal counterattack,” Leona said, her voice filled with surprise. “I’ve never seen a chameleon get killed by a butterfly.”

“No wonder the Druids are worried,” Rebecca said, frowning, as she watched the butterfly flitting among the flowers. “This disrupts the entire food chain. If we don’t find the source of this magic and stop it, the ecosystem will collapse. The consequences could be devastating.”

Abyss, his companions, and the two Druids were perched in a tree, observing the magical battles between animals unfolding below, their expressions a mix of concern and fascination. Maggie, however, seemed to be enjoying the spectacle.

“Indeed, Miss Rebecca. Your understanding of nature is remarkable, despite not being a Druid. It’s like finding an oasis in the desert,” Baggs said, his cat eyes twinkling. “Yes, this is our greatest concern. If animals naturally evolved magical abilities, we wouldn’t interfere. But this is different. Their powers are random, unpredictable, potentially catastrophic for the entire ecosystem.”

“Is their magic as strong as that butterfly’s?” Maggie asked, curious.

“Fortunately, their magic isn’t very potent yet. They can’t consciously accumulate and control mana like humans, enhancing their magical capacity—but who knows, they might develop that ability eventually,” Baggs said, his voice filled with worry.

“This is indeed a serious problem,” Abyss said, nodding.

He knew the potential consequences of a disrupted food chain. Even Leona’s knightly romances, often set in other worlds, featured magical animals, their powers disrupting the natural order. If such creatures appeared in Hai-Teweru, it could lead to a disaster.

The collapse of the food chain would have catastrophic consequences. This had been predicted by an elven Druid, Agnes’ grandfather, three hundred years ago, his warnings about artificially modifying organisms now widely accepted by Hai-Teweru’s scholars.

“Can I capture that butterfly for research?” Abyss asked Baggs.

Baggs swished his tail, thinking. “For research purposes, capturing a single butterfly shouldn’t be a problem. But don’t mention it to the elders. They would be furious.”

“Yes, yes, the current Grand Sage scolded me once, tying me to a tree for an hour, just because I picked a flower and wore it in my hair,” Maggie said, her voice filled with a childish complaint.

Druids had a strange obsession with the balance of nature, although Baggs seemed more pragmatic, his views more open-minded. And his apprentice, Maggie, was even more so. They were a perfect match.

“Only an hour?” Leona asked, surprised. “Isn’t that typical for stubborn old men?”

Baggs licked his paw. “Oh, no, the current Grand Sage is far more verbose, but Maggie is incredibly talkative. She would respond to every sentence with ten more, all pointless chatter. He couldn’t handle it, so he let her go.”

“He said he respected everyone’s right to speak, so he didn’t silence me. I appreciate that. I don’t hold any grudges against him,” Maggie said, then, her thoughts taking a sudden detour, “Speaking of being silenced, I remember once, I was eating a potato, and I took such a big bite that I couldn’t chew it, and I couldn’t spit it out either. Do you know how that potato was dug up? It all started when I discovered it…”

“Enough!” they all shouted in unison.

Maggie, her hand flying to her mouth, fell silent.

Chapter 12: Where Are the Fantastic Beasts?

“According to Druidic tradition, we don’t use spices or complex cooking methods. We only use local, natural ingredients,” Baggs explained, sitting on the ground, his cat form speaking fluent Common Tongue, occasionally lapsing into Elvish. “So our meals are… simple. But recently, our sacred tree has been showing signs of decay. Its leaves are withering and falling. This has never happened before. The Grand Sage, Agnes, was our wisest leader, chosen by the gods. The tree she planted is a symbol of our faith, our connection to nature. Its decline has caused great concern among the Druids.”

“I understand the gravity of the situation. I apologize, I’ve never seen this sacred tree,” Abyss said.

“That’s understandable. A free-spirited Druid like yourself, traveling the world, wouldn’t be familiar with our sacred sites,” Baggs said, nodding. “And the tree’s decline isn’t our biggest problem. We Druids can maintain the ecological balance of the Elven Kingdoms without the sacred tree. It simply makes our task easier. Its death would be a great loss, but not a catastrophe. The real problem is the animals.”

“What’s wrong with the animals? Have they transformed into monsters?” Abyss asked, tilting his head. “Did they consume something unusual?”

“No, they haven’t transformed. They’ve… learned magic,” the old cat said, his expression a mixture of bewilderment and concern.

Leona’s jaw dropped. “Animals learned magic? How is that possible? Doesn’t magic require knowledge of the ancient language? Can animals speak the ancient language now?”

“Actually, if we look back at history, the first humans to use magic didn’t rely on language. Ancient texts suggest that magic predates the ancient language we use today,” Rebecca said, her vast knowledge surprising them. “The language we call ‘ancient’ isn’t the oldest language. It’s a relatively recent development, a combination of several ancient dialects.”

She was right. The ancient language used by mages was a constructed language, created by elves thousands of years ago, its structure designed to resonate with the world’s magical energies. It had been widely adopted, then gradually replaced by simpler languages, its complex grammar and pronunciation now only used by magic practitioners. Before its creation, various languages had flourished, and mages had existed even then.

These ancient mages didn’t use incantations. They channeled mana through pure willpower, their magic crude and unstable, but it had laid the foundation for Hai-Teweru’s civilizations. Some archaeologists believed that the discovery of fire, accidentally created by a primitive human wielding magic, had been the catalyst for civilization’s development.

Mana was a naturally occurring, renewable resource, accessible to all mortals. Modern magic was simply a refined version, its safety and control greatly enhanced.

Leona, remembering her history lessons, which she had mostly ignored, her memories vague, now understood. If what Rebecca said was true, then animals using magic wasn’t so far-fetched.

“But why would they suddenly learn magic?” Leona asked, frowning. “If it were just one or two animals, it would be understandable, but all of them? That’s strange, isn’t it?”

“Indeed, Miss Leona. You’ve identified the core issue,” Baggs said. “The animals did learn magic suddenly. It started in a few isolated regions, quickly attracting the attention of the Druids. Then, similar reports emerged from other areas. If our sages’ predictions are correct, this phenomenon has likely reached the Ossi Kingdom as well.”

“Really? Master, why didn’t you tell me sooner?!” Maggie exclaimed, her boredom forgotten, her interest piqued. “Where are these magical animals? Take me to them! Oh, right, speaking of magical animals, let me tell you about the time I was learning shapeshifting…”

“Silence, Maggie! You were too busy playing during our meetings. Don’t blame me for your ignorance!” Baggs said, his tone exasperated, silencing his apprentice, who obediently covered her mouth.

“Hmm… Animals using magic… and the phenomenon is spreading?” Abyss asked, his expression thoughtful. “Are these animals causing any problems? Are they dangerous?”

“No major incidents yet, but I suspect some hunters will soon meet unfortunate ends… The Druid council has forbidden hunting, which has caused some unrest,” Baggs said, sighing. “We’re worried that the animals might use magic to defend themselves, which could be disastrous. And if this continues, the animals’ newfound abilities will disrupt the ecological balance. That would be a serious problem.”

“I understand. Let’s investigate. We can search for these magical animals, then discuss the matter with the Druid council,” Abyss said, nodding, readily agreeing to help. “Mr. Baggs, would you care to join us? We have horses.”

“Ah, your generosity warms my heart like a fire on a winter’s night, Mr. Belator,” Baggs said, his cat eyes twinkling.

“Oh, right, do you know where the esteemed Miss Agnes is buried?” Abyss asked suddenly.

“Miss Agnes?” Baggs asked, surprised. “You intend to…”

“Pay my respects,” Abyss replied.

Chapter 11: The Master of Flattery

“Monster!” the woman screamed, dropping the cat and fleeing.

The cat, unfazed, sauntered towards Abyss, studying him for a moment before speaking. “Ah, greetings, handsome young man. If I’m not mistaken, you must be the high-ranking Druid Maggie sought. A human Druid, how unusual. You’re quite dashing, I must say. There are many non-magical folk in this village. I’m speaking to you in this form to avoid alarming them. You don’t mind, do you, fellow Druid?”

“Of course not,” Abyss replied, nodding. He was fond of animals. Chatting with a talking cat wasn’t unusual for him.

“Maggie, I asked you to find a high-ranking Druid, not three beautiful young ladies,” the cat said, his eyes twinkling as he looked at the girls, clearly enjoying the sight. “You truly understand me, my dear Maggie. These young ladies are as radiant as goddesses, their beauty warming my heart like the morning sun.”

“They’re my companions,” Abyss said quickly. “I apologize, Master Druid, but Maggie didn’t bring them here for you.”

“Ah, I see,” the cat said, his gaze still lingering on the girls, who were blushing at his compliments. “I thought it was too good to be true. Although I’m worthy of the most elegant ladies, the most beautiful women, I’m still not worthy of such perfection.”

“Don’t mind him… He’s always like this… He loves to flatter people. He doesn’t have many friends because his words are too… flowery. And he’s a flirt. He even flirts with me sometimes. Don’t give him any ideas!” Maggie whispered to Flora.

“Hey! Wait! Maggie, have you gotten pregnant during your trip? Have you fallen for Mr. Belator?” the cat suddenly exclaimed, pointing a paw at Maggie’s stomach. “Look at that round belly! By the God of Nature! Are you leaving me? Have you forgotten my affections?”

“Master… I just ate too much… I’m not pregnant,” Maggie said, clutching her stomach. “And please stop harassing your apprentice! I’m over a hundred years younger than you!”

Flora finally understood why Maggie was so talkative, and why her master tolerated it—he was clearly smitten with his beautiful apprentice.

“Well… allow me to introduce you,” Maggie said, stepping between them, gesturing towards Abyss. “Master, this is the high-ranking Druid I brought from the Ossi Kingdom palace, Mr. ABC Belator. Mr. Belator, this… um, this cat is my master, Baggs Mustalian, also a high-ranking Druid, but he lives in the Druid community, like me.”

“Ah, Mr. ABC Belator,” the cat, Baggs, said, extending a paw towards Abyss, as if offering a handshake. “I was wondering what kind of Druid could achieve such a feat in the Ossi Kingdom, commanding millions of insects. You’re truly impressive, a young man of great talent, as radiant as a diamond under the sun.”

“Likewise, I almost mistook you for an ordinary cat. Your knowledge is as profound as the pericardial fat of a giant sawtooth whale in the Stormy Sea,” Abyss said, crouching down, taking the cat’s paw and shaking it gently.

“Hmm… That’s an interesting metaphor, very creative, like a small flower blooming in winter,” Baggs said, continuing his flattery, then turned to Maggie. “My dear Maggie, what about those three beautiful ladies? Introduce me! I can’t wait!”

“This is Miss Flora, Miss Leona, and Miss Rebecca,” Maggie said. “They can’t reveal their surnames for personal reasons. Please address them by their first names, Master.”

Human and elven cultures differed. Humans valued individuality, while elves emphasized family lineage. Humans addressed each other by their first names, while elves preferred surnames. The girls had withheld their surnames for this reason. Flora’s surname was unique to Saints, Leona’s was the royal family name of the Western Empire, and Rebecca’s ancestors had been prominent figures. Revealing their surnames would immediately expose them as undead, and Abyss as a necromancer.

“Excellent, excellent. Your names are as melodious as the wind rustling through the willows, as enchanting as a nightingale’s song at dusk…”

“Abyss, can you make this flattery machine shut up? He’s even more annoying than Maggie,” Leona said through their telepathic link, her patience wearing thin. Flora and Rebecca agreed.

“Mr. Baggs, perhaps we can discuss your predicament later. I’m curious about the details. What exactly are the animals near the sacred tree doing? Are they being influenced by its power?” Abyss asked, changing the subject.

“Hmm? Maggie, didn’t you explain the situation to Mr. Belator?” Baggs asked, glancing at his apprentice.

Maggie scratched her head sheepishly. “You brought me here so suddenly. I didn’t have time to investigate. And I was playing when the animals started acting strangely…”

“My apologies, Mr. Belator. My apprentice is easily distracted. I’ll explain the situation,” Baggs said, sighing, sitting down and swishing his tail back and forth. “It’s not just their behavior that’s changed, but also their forms. We’ve tried everything, but we can’t restore them to normal…”