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

Chapter 180: The Druid’s Plea for Help

“Did I… come at a bad time?”

The elf girl, initially amused, quickly realized the awkwardness of the situation. The three girls stared at her, and the young man, surrounded by them, looked at her with a puzzled expression. No one spoke, their gazes making her uncomfortable.

“Who are you?” Leona asked hesitantly, her body tensing slightly. This elf girl, perched on the windowsill, wouldn’t escape her now. Leona couldn’t risk her current state of undress being revealed.

“Me? I’m Maggie Sesilian. I’m thirty years old, and a Druid,” the elf girl said, introducing herself, seemingly oblivious to the tension. “I’m here to ask for your help. My master sent me. He used his magic to get me into the palace. No one noticed. This mead smells delicious, but my master forbids us from drinking alcohol. He says it corrupts the soul or something…”

“Ask for our help? Why would a Druid seek our assistance?” Flora asked, puzzled. Although they weren’t exactly inconspicuous, their reputation hadn’t reached the Druids, who were known for their reclusive nature, preferring the wilderness to civilization.

“Well…” Maggie said, feigning shyness. “We need your help. I traveled here with my master from the Elven Kingdoms. He’s an old man. He said I would be more… approachable, so he sent me.”

“Help with what?” Rebecca asked, shaking her head. “We have pressing matters to attend to. We might be able to help you later, but not now.”

Abyss sat there, silently observing the Druid girl. He had knowledge of Druids, but no personal memories. This girl, dressed in simple clothes made of animal hides and woven plant fibers, was a novelty to him.

She was quite cute, with the large eyes and pointed ears characteristic of elves, her oak-brown hair adorned with small braids. She was slender and not very tall, her size typical for a Wood Elf. And her scent, a natural fragrance of various herbs and flowers, filled the air, carried by the gentle breeze through the open window.

“Eh? You’re busy?” Maggie asked, swinging her legs, now sitting on the windowsill. “That’s alright, that’s alright.”

“Alright?” Rebecca tilted her head, puzzled.

“Yes, my master told me not to be a nuisance,” Maggie said, smiling, revealing small, white teeth. “If you’re busy, I can help. I can handle some of your tasks while you attend to more important matters. I might not be an adult yet, but my magic is quite good. I won’t be a burden. Speaking of burdens, that wild boar leg I ate yesterday was a burden. My master is a terrible cook. It was burnt on the outside, raw on the inside…”

The three girls exchanged amused glances. This Druid was quite talkative.

“I apologize, Miss Sesilian, but the problem we’re facing is urgent and dangerous. It’s beyond your abilities. We can’t risk involving a stranger,” Flora said gently.

Their current task, collecting the Lord of Nightmares’ remaining power, was indeed beyond the capabilities of ordinary mortals.

They couldn’t just leave this power to dissipate on its own. It could have unpredictable consequences. They had two priorities: to collect this power and to find a way to utilize it.

“Beyond my abilities? What kind of problem?” Maggie asked, seemingly unfamiliar with social cues. “What if I can handle it? I’m quite powerful. And even if I can’t, my master can!”

“Could you please excuse us for a moment? We’d like to get dressed before continuing this conversation,” Leona said timidly. As a princess, she should have been more assertive, but her current state of undress made her feel vulnerable.

“Oh, it’s alright. We Druids don’t wear clothes among our own kind,” Maggie said proudly. “Nakedness allows us to better commune with nature, and it’s more convenient for shapeshifting. Speaking of shapeshifting, I can transform into a lion, a panther, a rabbit…”

“I’m a man,” Abyss said, smiling, raising his hand.

“…My apologies,” Maggie said, interrupting herself, turning around. “You can change your clothes. I won’t peek. Although I’ve never seen a man’s private parts, I’m not curious. Really. I wouldn’t lie to you. I’d never lie.”

“Leona, keep her occupied,” Rebecca said, rubbing her temples, a headache coming on.

…

Despite the unexpected arrival of the Druid girl, their plans proceeded. Rebecca, volunteering to entertain their talkative guest, took her on a tour of her alchemy laboratory, the endless chatter finally ceasing.

“Why would a Druid seek our help? What have we done to attract their attention?” Leona asked, scratching her head.

“Perhaps they noticed Abyss’s display of power during the broadcast? They might have a serious problem that requires his assistance,” Flora said, but her focus was on their own mission. “Abyss, how do you plan to collect the Lord of Nightmares’ power?”

“I have an idea. We can try it now…” Abyss said, smiling, now dressed in fresh clothes.

…

Inside the laboratory, Rebecca was discussing the Druid’s request with Maggie.

“So, that’s the situation. Our sacred tree has been withering, and the animals nearby are acting strangely. We suspect something is wrong, but we don’t know what. My master noticed your use of aphids to disperse that potion. You must have a powerful Druid among you, right?” Maggie asked, her eyes filled with admiration as she looked at Rebecca. “So, beautiful, amazing sister, could your Druid help us? Just identify the problem with our sacred tree… Oh, right, speaking of the sacred tree, it was planted by our great sage, Miss Agnes…”

Rebecca’s eyebrows rose at the mention of that name. Agnes. She was familiar with that name. This legendary sage was next on Abyss’s list of potential recruits.

Chapter 179: The Lord of Nightmares’ Predicament

The Lord of Nightmares had likely never imagined he would one day beg for mercy.

But he had only himself to blame. His arrogance, his desire to defeat Abyss, had led him to invest too much of his power in Hai-Teweru. His elaborate schemes, his attempts to manipulate Abyss through his dreams, had all been carefully planned, but they had also sown the seeds of his own downfall. His decision to directly attack Abyss’s mind, fueled by rage and frustration, had been his undoing.

He had become trapped by his own machinations. If other Outer Gods were observing, they would surely learn a valuable lesson: never underestimate your opponent, and never let your emotions cloud your judgment.

Outer Gods influenced the world through their artifacts, their true forms residing elsewhere. The Lord of Nightmares, to enact his plans, had channeled a significant portion of his power into Hai-Teweru through his artifacts. And then, in his desperate attempt to crush Abyss, he had further depleted his reserves, empowering his followers to launch a large-scale divine attack. Most of his power was now invested in Hai-Teweru, only his consciousness and a fraction of his power remaining in his own realm.

He had wanted to retreat after his defeat, but Abyss’s plan to destroy his artifacts had trapped him.

The artifacts were his only connection to this world. He was like a serpent trying to escape a bottle, its head and a small portion of its body outside, the rest trapped within.

And Abyss had severed that connection, sealing the bottle, trapping the Lord of Nightmares, his influence now limited to the power he had already invested in this world.

The severed head might still be able to bite, but it wouldn’t survive for long.

Abyss couldn’t see anything, the light too bright. He felt the remaining two artifacts weaken, their surfaces cracking under the strain, then he slammed them together.

BOOM!

A deafening explosion echoed through the room, the artifacts dissolving into nothingness.

“Noooo!” the Lord of Nightmares screamed, his voice fading quickly, then vanishing completely.

The light subsided, and Abyss’s body returned to its material form, his clothes tattered rags, his skin pale and exposed.

He gasped, his body trembling, then collapsed, his strength depleted.

“ABC!” Leona shouted, rushing towards him, ignoring her state of undress, her concern overriding any sense of modesty. She had discarded her outer garments, which were now beyond repair, shredded by the divine energies.

Abyss, still conscious, looked at her, his eyes unfocused. After a moment, he spoke.

“Miss, could you tell me who you are?”

The Lord of Submergence’s power had temporarily erased his memories again, but this time, the effect wasn’t as severe. Most of the erased memories were those he had already suppressed himself.

“You’re alright! Thank goodness!” Leona exclaimed, pulling him into her embrace.

Abyss, flustered, said, “Thank you, miss. This is quite comfortable, although you’re a bit sticky…”

Flora and Rebecca also approached him, their faces filled with joy and relief.

Abyss had surprised them again. They had given up hope of acquiring the Lord of Nightmares’ power, since he had refused to negotiate and was planning to escape. But Abyss’s audacious plan had worked, severing the Outer God’s connection to this world, trapping a significant portion of his power within Hai-Teweru.

They just needed to collect it! And the Lord of Nightmares, his connection severed, might not survive in the void between worlds. The other Outer Gods, sensing his weakness, would surely devour him.

“You did it!” Rebecca exclaimed, hugging him tightly. Her embrace was warmer, softer than Leona’s, a comforting sensation that confused the amnesiac Abyss.

Flora, blushing at her state of undress, but unwilling to be outdone, also hugged him gently.

Abyss, his memories gone, didn’t understand what was happening. Three beautiful girls, dressed only in their underclothes, were hugging him.

And the state of the room was even more baffling. The furniture was shattered, the room a disaster.

What had happened?

He didn’t know, and he didn’t dare ask.

“Now we just need to wait for ABC to recover his memories!” Leona exclaimed, her voice filled with joy. “We finally won!”

“Yes! He never disappoints!” Rebecca said, nodding in agreement.

Flora chanted a prayer, dispelling the barrier she had created around the room.

“Did I lose my memories?” Abyss asked, looking at them, a polite but confused smile on his face. “That explains a few things. Alright, I’ll patiently await their return.”

Leona’s ears twitched.

“Wait, someone’s coming!” she exclaimed, her face paling. She was still in her underclothes! And her other clothes were beyond repair, shredded by the divine energies.

But the newcomer was faster than they expected. Before Leona could ask Abyss to retrieve their spare clothes from the magical catfish, a slender figure appeared at the window.

It was a young woman, dressed in leaves and animal skins, a wooden staff in her hand. Her pointed ears and oak-brown hair identified her as a Wood Elf. She stared at them, her eyes wide with surprise.

The room was a disaster, its furniture shattered. Three beautiful girls, dressed only in their underclothes, covered in some kind of sticky substance, were huddled around a young man whose clothes were torn to shreds. The four of them stared back at her, their expressions a mixture of confusion, panic, and resignation.

“As expected of heroes. Even their sex life is so dramatic!” the elf girl said, nodding approvingly.

Chapter 178: O Distant Guest, Please Stay

“Flora, please shield this room. I don’t want anything that happens here to affect the outside world,” Abyss instructed.

“Understood,” Flora replied, chanting a prayer. An invisible barrier of divine power enveloped the room.

“Will this be dangerous?” Leona asked, concerned, sitting up, her bare shoulders exposed. “Do you need my help?”

Abyss shook his head. “No, just protect Flora and Rebecca. I have no memories now. I have nothing to lose.”

Without further ado, he began chanting a prayer. Leona, recognizing the words, realized he was invoking the Lord of Submergence’s power. His knowledge of Divine Arts, unaffected by his amnesia, remained intact.

As he chanted, a surge of divine power flowed from Leona’s soul, channeled through their necromantic link, into Abyss’s body. His pores glowed, his form becoming translucent, crackling with electricity—not ordinary electricity, but the manifestation of divine power. Leona’s strong affection for him amplified the power he received.

He then struck the shovel with his hand, now partially energy, partially flesh.

Crackle!

A loud electrical discharge echoed through the room as his hand made contact with the artifact, a shower of sparks erupting, momentarily illuminating the room in a blinding flash.

Abyss didn’t hesitate. He grabbed the shovel with both hands, the contact points sizzling, a series of explosions echoing, his arms and the shovel crackling with electricity.

A powerful repulsive force emanated from the shovel, the clash of the Lord of Submergence’s and the Lord of Nightmares’ powers almost too much for him to handle, even with his enhanced strength. He gripped the shovel tightly, using his full strength, amplified by magic, to maintain his hold.

Crackle! Crackle! Crackle!

More sparks erupted, their explosions growing louder, the light more intense.

If not for Flora’s protective barrier, the light would have blinded anyone outside.

The crackling sounds deepened, transforming into a rhythmic, drum-like beating, then a rumbling, like thunder.

And then, a deafening roar echoed through the room.

“Abyss! What are you doing?!”

It was the Lord of Nightmares, his voice filled with rage, the force of his roar shattering the wooden furniture, throwing Flora and Rebecca off the bed. Only Leona, her physical resilience far greater, remained standing.

“Ah, Lord of Nightmares! I’m destroying your artifact. I hope you don’t mind,” Abyss said, his voice cheerful.

“You bastard! How dare you?! You will pay for this!” the Lord of Nightmares roared. If Abyss had his memories, he would have realized that this was the Outer God’s most furious outburst yet. His rage was almost tangible, its power affecting the real world.

The Nine Gods must have sensed this. The Lord of Nightmares wouldn’t normally dare to unleash his power so recklessly in their domain.

Abyss’s audacious act had driven him to abandon all caution.

“I know you use these artifacts to influence this world. So, if I destroy them while you’re retreating, you won’t be able to leave, will you?” Abyss said, laughing. “You’re like a parasite trapped inside a body, too large to escape. If I sever its connection to the outside world, a part of you will remain here, won’t it?”

“You bastard! You insect! You despicable wretch! Stop this instant!” the Lord of Nightmares shrieked, his voice, although not produced by vocal cords, clearly trembling with rage. “I’ll kill you! Even a fragment of my power is enough to destroy you! And I won’t just kill you! I’ll torment your soul for eternity! You will never find peace!”

“I’m afraid that’s not possible, Lord of Nightmares!” Abyss said, laughing triumphantly, as he snapped the shovel in two, its surface now riddled with cracks from the Lord of Submergence’s power. The broken artifact erupted in a flash of golden light, its power sending a shockwave through the room. “Is that fragment truly you?”

“Noooo!” the Lord of Nightmares screamed, his voice now a high-pitched wail of despair.

“O distant guest, please stay…” Leona sang, clapping her hands in time with the ancient melody, having finally understood Abyss’s plan. Singing was better than just sitting there.

“Beautiful voice, Leona!” Abyss said, grabbing the shears and the rake, channeling the Lord of Submergence’s power into them.

“Let go! Let go! Screech!” the Lord of Nightmares shrieked, his pride and composure gone, his voice distorted by pain, no longer human—he seemed to have abandoned all pretense, his cries now raw and primal.

“Gods can feel pain as well? Consider this a gift, a token of my gratitude for your hospitality in your dream realm!”

“Aaaaaargh! Please! Let me go! I just want to survive! I don’t want your fear anymore! I apologize! I’ll become your follower!”

“I’ve changed my mind. I don’t want you as my follower anymore,” Abyss said, his face alight with a joyful smile, as he continued channeling the Lord of Submergence’s power into the artifacts.

The lightning intensified, the explosions growing louder, his clothes now tattered rags, his translucent body glowing, his arms radiating light, the two artifacts crackling with divine energy. He looked like a vengeful god.

BOOM!

A deafening explosion filled the room with blinding light!

Chapter 177: The Lord of Nightmares Wants to Leave

“You…” the Lord of Nightmares began to rage, then stopped, a moment of stunned silence hanging in the void before he spoke again. “I was wondering how you discovered my remaining followers. No one should have been able to detect them… So you erased your own memories? You actually did that? You’re insane!”

“Perhaps,” Abyss replied, his voice calm, his gaze sweeping across the empty darkness. The Lord of Nightmares couldn’t manifest a physical form now. With Abyss’s memories gone, he had nothing to fear. “But I don’t remember anything now.”

“You insufferable worm! Is it so difficult to bow before me?” the Lord of Nightmares snarled. “Just give me your fear, and I might lose interest in this world, leave you mortals to your petty squabbles. You’re all so shortsighted, so foolish! Every world I’ve visited, it’s always the same!”

“I might have amnesia, but I’m not stupid,” Abyss said, a cold smile in his voice. “Who knows what would happen if I gave you what you wanted? I don’t trust Outer Gods like you, with your insatiable appetites, to show any restraint.”

The Lord of Nightmares fell silent. He knew Abyss was right. Outer Gods were driven by their amplified desires. Even their considerable intellect couldn’t overcome their primal urges. If he tasted Abyss’s fear, a rare and exquisite delicacy, he would become obsessed.

He knew that if he consumed Abyss’s fear, he might not destroy this world immediately, but he would trap its inhabitants in an endless cycle of nightmares, harvesting their fear, Abyss’s fear in particular, as a recurring feast. And the Nine Gods of Hai-Teweru might not be able to stop him then.

“Abyss Belator, you should be honored. You’re the first mortal to make me experience defeat,” the Lord of Nightmares said, his voice now strained, as if he were trying to control his anger.

“Please address me by my true name, ABC. It’s a matter of respect. Thank you,” Abyss said politely.

“Shut your filthy mouth!” the Lord of Nightmares roared, his composure shattered. “Listen to me!”

“Alright,” Abyss said cheerfully, closing his mouth.

“I admit, for now, I can’t defeat you. My invasion of this world has reached its limit,” the Lord of Nightmares said, his voice filled with resentment. “But don’t get cocky. If not for this world’s restrictions on my power, and my followers’ betrayal, you would have been mine long ago! It wasn’t you who defeated me, but the rules set by the Creator God himself!”

“Ah, the Creator God. Flora told me about him. I was planning to defeat him,” Abyss said, as if recalling a trivial fact.

“Defeat the Creator God? Hahahahaha!” the Lord of Nightmares roared with laughter. “What a joke! Do you even know that in his eyes, we, the gods, are no different from dust? The only difference is that he might deign to speak with us, while you mortals, he wouldn’t even bother glancing at! And you dare to challenge him? Truly, the most enduring thing in this universe isn’t the cosmos itself, but the boundless stupidity of mortals!”

“I won’t know until I try,” Abyss said, shrugging. “I don’t remember why I hate the Creator God so much, but I still want to fight him.”

“Then I wish you ‘success,’ mortal!” the Lord of Nightmares said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. “I’ve never seen how the Creator God deals with those who defy him. If I have the opportunity, I’ll witness your demise… Death might be just the beginning for you.”

“So you’re leaving?” Abyss asked.

The Lord of Nightmares scoffed. “Yes, but don’t think you’re safe. When I’ve gained enough power in other worlds, I’ll return. And then, you’ll know true fear. Just you wait. It won’t be long.”

“I have a proposition,” Abyss said.

“I’m not interested,” the Lord of Nightmares replied, his voice firm.

“Become my follower. Join me, and I’ll find you a new source of sustenance. Leona told me that’s how I dealt with the previous Outer God, the Lord of Submergence. He’s thriving now,” Abyss continued, ignoring his refusal. “Of course, you might have to endure a bit of hunger initially, but I believe, with our combined efforts, my intelligence and your power, we can find a suitable substitute for your… diet. So, there’s hope for you yet.”

He was already making promises, trying to lure the Lord of Nightmares into servitude.

“Damn you, you arrogant fool! You worthless scum, you’re lower than toad droppings in a swamp!” the Lord of Nightmares roared, his voice almost deafening. “You want me to serve you?! Who gave you such audacity?! I’ll remember every insult, and when I return, you will pay! Just you wait!”

“There’s no need to be so angry,” Abyss said, his voice feigning hurt. “It’s a win-win proposition. Can’t you make a small sacrifice?”

The Lord of Nightmares fell silent. He seemed truly exhausted. Abyss could sense his power waning, although only slightly. He was indeed leaving Hai-Teweru, moving on to another world.

The darkness around Abyss faded, revealing his surroundings—his room in the guesthouse, the three artifacts on the table, the curtains drawn. He was back in the real world.

He turned to the three girls, who were sitting on the bed, their outer garments discarded, their bodies partially hidden behind the bedsheets.

“ABC, you’re awake?” Leona asked, seeing him turn. “You fell asleep the moment you touched those artifacts.”

“Yes, I’m awake,” Abyss said, nodding, pleased that she had used his “real” name.

“Did the Lord of Nightmares leave? Did you convince him to join us?” Rebecca asked.

“He refused. And he cursed me, promising to return and seek revenge,” Abyss said, shrugging. “How rude.”

“But at least the threat he posed to this world has been temporarily neutralized. We just need to prepare for his return,” Flora said, smiling. “Our second battle against an Outer God has concluded, hasn’t it?”

Abyss shook his head.

“Not quite. This isn’t over. Hai-Teweru is my home. He can’t just come and go as he pleases.”

Chapter 176: And You Are…?

The guards escorted them back to their accommodations within the palace. Leona, surprisingly, didn’t rush towards the food, but sat quietly beside Abyss, waiting for his instructions. Flora and Rebecca, accustomed to his leadership, also waited patiently.

Abyss dismissed the guards, instructing them to keep their distance, wary of potential tricks from the Lord of Nightmares, then began planning his final move.

“What’s your plan?” Leona asked, her curiosity piqued. “I know you’re planning something against the Lord of Nightmares, but what exactly?”

Seeing their expectant gazes, Abyss shrugged innocently. “I haven’t decided yet. You haven’t told me everything about the Lord of Nightmares.”

“Oh, right,” Leona said, slapping her forehead.

“I’ll explain. I’ve spent the most time with Abyss, dealing with this,” Flora said, smiling gently. “I’m sure he’ll figure something out quickly.”

“If you’re explaining the Lord of Nightmares, please focus on his artifacts,” Abyss said. “Although I don’t have a concrete plan yet, since Outer Gods use artifacts to influence our world, our counterattack should begin there.”

“Alright, I’ll tell you everything I know,” Flora said, nodding. “Using your necromantic link will be more efficient. I’ll share my memories with you directly.”

Using the link was indeed faster, akin to transferring memories. Abyss quickly absorbed all the information Flora had about the Lord of Nightmares, then fell into deep thought.

After a while, he looked up at Rebecca. “I have a plan. Rebecca, give me that rake.”

“Hmm? You have a plan already?” Rebecca asked, handing him the rake, still safely encased in the mana-neutralizing potion.

“Indeed,” Abyss said, smiling. “I’m going to summon my familiar. You said it’s a storage space, right? I need you to retrieve the Lord of Nightmares’ other two artifacts.”

He summoned his magical catfish. The space within its belly wasn’t restricted to him. Anyone who knew what they were looking for could retrieve it.

Rebecca, the most familiar with the artifacts besides the amnesiac Abyss, immediately retrieved a shovel and a pair of shears from the catfish’s belly.

Now he had all three artifacts, safely coated in Rebecca’s potion.

“What’s your plan?” Leona asked, curious. “Summon the Lord of Nightmares and subdue him? But he’s so arrogant. That’s impossible, right? Making him our servant seems even more difficult than defeating him.”

“I’m not planning to make him our servant. Flora’s stories have made his arrogance quite clear,” Abyss said, looking at them with a confident smile. “But I do want to have a chat with him, to resolve our… disagreements. Rebecca, I need that potion that dissolves the coating on these artifacts. And then, I need you to coat yourselves with it. Flora, you can use Divine Arts, so stay by my side, ready to cast any spell I require. Leona, you’re the fastest. You’ll be responsible for protecting them, dealing with any unexpected situations.”

Even with his amnesia, he had quickly assessed their strengths and assigned their roles accordingly.

Rebecca smiled and immediately began working. The amnesiac Abyss still had good ideas. Coating themselves with the potion was a practical, if somewhat unpleasant, solution.

Abyss held the vial Rebecca had given him, watching as they coated themselves with the sticky, mana-neutralizing substance.

“Don’t stare! It’s rude for a boy to watch girls applying potions!” Leona scolded, her face flushed.

“Huh? Why?” Abyss asked, confused.

“Just don’t look! No more questions!” Leona insisted.

“Alright,” Abyss said, obligingly covering his eyes with his hands. “Carry on.”

With Abyss no longer watching, the three girls helped each other apply the potion, a thick, even layer covering their bodies. They had removed their outer garments, leaving only their underclothes, ensuring complete coverage. As undead, they didn’t need to breathe, so the potion effectively protected them. The viscous substance clung to their skin, defying gravity.

“Abyss, we’re ready. You can begin now,” Rebecca said through their telepathic link. “But we’re only in our underclothes, so no peeking… unless you want to see me.”

“Alright, I’ll look at you after we’re done,” Abyss replied, his voice unfazed by her teasing, much to Leona’s annoyance. She wanted to kick this shameless pervert.

The potion coating the artifacts dissolved upon contact with another potion Rebecca retrieved from the magical catfish, revealing the three artifacts.

Abyss, without hesitation, gathered them, holding them in his hands.

As his fingers closed around the artifacts, his vision went black.

“Abyss! You dare return?!” the Lord of Nightmares’ voice roared, his fury echoing from all directions. “After your despicable, undeserved victory, you dare ask for more? You insignificant worm, you worthless scum…”

“Excuse me, but… who are you?”

Chapter 175: The Impeccable Abyss

Givia’s coronation was a success. Despite the unsettling interruption, her courage and resilience within the dream, defying the Lord of Nightmares’ attempt to harvest fear, had deeply impressed the nobles, showcasing her strength as their new ruler.

The Lord of Nightmares hadn’t anticipated Givia’s defiance. After learning of Abyss’s true nature as a necromancer, she had placed her trust in him, believing in his ability to resurrect her—such unwavering faith was rare. Even the Lord of Nightmares, in his long existence, had rarely encountered such strong-willed mortals. Those who had, had quickly crumbled under his influence.

His plan had backfired spectacularly. Givia’s actions had even inspired Abyss, leading him to uncover the Lord of Nightmares’ hidden agents, disrupting his plans.

But the cost of this victory was Abyss’s memory. He now followed Flora, his face adorned with a vacant smile, listening to the girls explain the events he had forgotten.

The coronation was followed by a day-long feast. The royal wine flowed freely, easing the nobles’ anxieties, their boisterous laughter and singing filling the palace hall. They clustered around the former king, knowing Givia’s devotion to him. The orchestra played cheerful tunes, and platters of roasted meats, smoked fish, honeyed fruits, and rich pastries were brought forth, their aromas mingling in the air.

After delivering her speech and toasting the assembled nobles, Givia finally had a moment to herself.

She approached Abyss and his companions, her voice low. “Mr. Abyss, some people in the palace suddenly lost their memories. Did you find more of the Lord of Nightmares’ followers?”

“Um… yes,” Abyss replied, blinking, his smile innocent and childlike. “Flora said so.”

“I didn’t expect him to attack again… Thank you for using your magic to help me in that dream, Mr. Abyss. It allowed me to protect my father.”

Givia didn’t know about his amnesia. She was still shaken by the dream, the Lord of Nightmares’ terrifying illusion, but she had maintained her composure for the sake of her guests. She had learned a valuable lesson from Abyss—not to panic in the face of adversity, but to find a solution.

“Are you Queen Givia? It’s a pleasure to meet you. I believe we’ve met before,” Abyss said, bowing politely.

Givia, confused by his sudden formality, asked, “Did I… Did I do something to offend you, Mr. Abyss?”

“No, Your Majesty, you misunderstand. He’s not offended. He erased his own memories. He doesn’t remember anything,” Rebecca quickly explained.

“Is Abyss my nickname? Isn’t my name ABC?” Abyss asked. He trusted the message carved on his arm more than Givia’s words. Leona’s “ABC” seemed more reliable.

Givia’s eyes widened. “Why would you do that? Did the Lord of Nightmares force you?”

Rebecca briefly explained what had happened, emphasizing that it was Givia’s own willpower, not Abyss’s magic, that had saved her. Givia listened intently, then her face lit up with understanding.

“I see… Mr. Abyss went to such lengths to defeat the Lord of Nightmares… His intelligence and courage are truly remarkable. So, the threat he posed to Hai-Teweru has been completely eliminated?”

“It seems so,” Rebecca said, sighing with relief. “I’ve lived for seventeen years, always attracting trouble, facing countless enemies. But the Lord of Nightmares, with his cunning and his endless tricks, was unlike any foe I’ve encountered before.”

“But I still want to be sure. I want to see if there’s anything else we can do,” Abyss said. “I don’t remember my conflict with the Lord of Nightmares, but Leona told me I despise him. It seems we have unfinished business.”

“Unfinished business?” Givia asked, frowning. “Is that safe?”

“I’m as safe as I’ll ever be. Please excuse me, Your Majesty. I have some matters to attend to regarding the Lord of Nightmares,” Abyss said, spreading his hands. “I shouldn’t delay. The fewer memories I have, the less power he has over me.”

He was right. He was naturally fearless. His only weakness was his followers. And now, with his memories gone, although he trusted the three girls, he hadn’t had time to develop deep emotional bonds with them. His weakness was gone. He might have amnesia, but his mind was still sharp. The girls simply needed to explain the situation, and he could act accordingly.

“I’ll have someone escort you back to your accommodations,” Givia said. “Is there anything else I can do to help? Now that my kingdom is at peace, defeating this Outer God is my top priority. I’ll assist you in any way I can.”

“If the Lord of Nightmares attacks you, Your Majesty, maintain your resolve,” Abyss said, smiling. “Rebecca told me that your unwavering spirit saved us all. That’s all I ask.”

“I will never abandon my beliefs,” Givia said, nodding firmly.

“Then I have no worries,” Abyss said, nodding. “I’ll take my leave now.”

“Guards, escort these heroes back to their accommodations!” Givia ordered. Remembering that they hadn’t eaten yet, she called out to a few eunuchs carrying platters of food. “Take a barrel of our finest mead and a portion of every dish to the heroes’ accommodations! They haven’t eaten yet!”

“Yes, Your Majesty!”

Leona, watching this, her eyes sparkling, said, “Givia really gets me!”

Chapter 174: Removing the Roots

As events unfolded, the three girls not only understood Abyss’s plan but also their own predicament.

The reality they had perceived was a dream, a meticulously crafted illusion by the Lord of Nightmares. They had eliminated most of his followers, but not all, allowing him to maintain a foothold in this world. He had anticipated their actions, leaving himself a way to retaliate, even if he couldn’t directly confront Abyss. He might have abandoned his desire for Abyss’s fear, but he wouldn’t surrender so easily.

And it wasn’t just Abyss and his companions who were deceived. The entire world was under the Lord of Nightmares’ influence. Flora’s sharp ears, enhanced by her undead nature, picked up the confused whispers of those whose memories had just been erased.

“Wait, who are you? I don’t recognize you. Which family do you belong to?”

“Hey, I remember now. Didn’t Mr. Daberin die a few years ago? I met him… But this isn’t him! He looks completely different!”

“Damn it! Who are you?! You’re not Lady Levadin! Guards!”

Several nobles, their voices hushed, ordered the guards to detain the two confused individuals, their memories wiped clean by Abyss. They didn’t want to cause a commotion. Givia’s coronation was about to begin. The ceremony proceeded, its solemnity undisturbed, except for the bewildered Paladin on stage, his mind now a blank slate.

The royal orchestra began playing a majestic anthem, and the former king, his composure regained, prepared to crown his daughter.

He sliced his palm, the blood collected in a skull-shaped bowl, and Givia drank it.

Leona and Rebecca, meanwhile, had identified a suspicious individual, someone carrying a concealed object. But his memory had been erased. He stood there, dazed and confused. He must have been planning to escape with the artifact after the Lord of Nightmares’ attack failed, only to have his memories wiped before he could leave.

As in Abyss’s dream, the crown and the scepter were presented to Givia.

Leona swiftly knocked the confused man unconscious, and Rebecca, coating her hand with a protective potion, retrieved a small gardening rake from his bag.

Clang!

Givia struck the ground with the scepter, the sound echoing through the square. The transfer of power was complete. She had received the throne from her father, the fate of the Ossi Kingdom now resting on her shoulders.

Abyss, his memories still fragmented, watched the ceremony, then turned to Flora, his voice filled with confusion. “Flora, is that woman on stage our friend?”

“Yes, that’s Givia. She’s the queen of this kingdom now,” Flora explained patiently. “We challenged an evil Outer God who tried to break her spirit, to plunge this kingdom into despair. But with her courage and our help, she overcame her fear. We’re here to witness her coronation.”

“Who is this Outer God? Have we defeated him? Did my memory-erasing spell work?” Abyss asked, his questions tumbling out, like a child discovering the world for the first time.

“We’ve destroyed his influence in this world… Oh, Leona and Rebecca have returned. They’ve found the Lord of Nightmares’ last artifact,” Flora said, pointing at the two approaching figures. Rebecca was carrying a small gardening rake, coated in a gelatinous substance.

Abyss’s knowledge of artifacts remained, although fragmented and incomplete.

“Artifacts… Outer Gods use them to influence our world. If we control their artifacts, we can contain their power, right?”

“Yes, one last step, and we can banish him from our world,” Flora said gently, like a teacher instructing a young student.

Leona and Rebecca returned to their seats. Rebecca handed the rake to Abyss. “We found it. If the Lord of Nightmares doesn’t have any other hidden artifacts, this is his last one in this world.”

Abyss took the rake, examining it curiously.

“Allow me to introduce myself. I’m Rebecca, your fiancée,” she said, extending her hand towards him. “You’ve lost your memories. We’ll take care of you.”

Leona, hearing this, felt a pang of jealousy, but she couldn’t bring herself to make such a bold claim. She repeated the words Abyss had once spoken to her: “I’m… I’m Leona, someone more precious to you than a wife…”

“My daughter?” Abyss asked, looking at Rebecca, winking playfully. “You’re not her mother, are you? You seem too young.”

“Not a daughter! A follower!” Leona exclaimed, exasperated.

“Let’s not get sidetracked. We can banish the Lord of Nightmares now. But Abyss, your plan before you lost your memory wasn’t just to banish him,” Rebecca said.

Flora and Leona, surprised, looked at her.

Abyss’s plan to temporarily erase his memories to counter the Lord of Nightmares’ manipulations had been brilliant, a risky but effective strategy. They should have been content with this victory, but Rebecca seemed to want more, to have him continue with his original plan? It was a daunting task, even for Abyss with his memories intact, let alone now, with his mind a blank slate. And how could they possibly control a powerful and arrogant Outer God?

But Abyss, as if his instincts had been triggered, his eyes lighting up with a newfound excitement, asked, “What other plan? Did I intend to acquire the Outer God’s power?”

“Well… it seems so,” Leona said, her voice filled with a mixture of surprise and amusement. “Was ABC always this wicked?”

Chapter 173: Even a Clever God Can’t Make Bricks Without Straw

The three girls exchanged glances, a silent understanding passing between them.

Abyss looked at them, his trusted companions, held up seven fingers, then began chanting, his voice gradually increasing in speed.

As he channeled his mana into his skull, creating a field of pure magical energy, his mind was enveloped in a gentle, non-threatening warmth. But its purpose wasn’t as benign as it felt—the mana, like waves crashing against a shore, washed over his brain, creating barriers around his neural pathways, forming new connections, rewriting his memories.

He felt his mind relax, a sense of emptiness washing over him. He knew what was happening. This wasn’t a spell to enhance his focus, but to erase his memories.

If the Lord of Nightmares’ power relied on dreams, why not eliminate the source of those dreams? A person without memories couldn’t dream. Dreams were composed of fragments of memories, distorted and rearranged, but never entirely new.

Why did the Lord of Nightmares rely on their deepest fears to torment them? Because he couldn’t create something truly terrifying, something universally feared. He had revealed this weakness long ago, but Abyss had overlooked it, like a shadow in plain sight.

But Givia’s actions, her defiance of death within the dream, had reminded him of this crucial detail. He would test this theory. There was no time to waste. He would see what secrets the Lord of Nightmares was hiding.

He was gambling, betting that the Lord of Nightmares couldn’t create a false memory of him having amnesia—his illusions had to be based on reality. Unless he had other, more powerful abilities, this would create a contradiction.

Abyss felt his mind emptying, a pleasant sense of relaxation washing over him. A bright white light flashed before his eyes, a ringing sound echoed in his ears, then silence.

…

He exhaled slowly, opening his eyes.

The three girls looked at him, their faces etched with concern.

“Are you alright?” Flora asked softly.

Abyss looked at her, his eyes unfocused, then spoke. “Hello. Your eyes are beautiful. What’s your name?”

Flora blushed. As a Saint, she had been trained to maintain her composure, but Abyss’s presence seemed to disrupt her carefully cultivated poise.

“Allow me to introduce myself… I am…” Abyss said, his signature smile on his face. “I am… What was my name again?”

“You’re ABC,” Leona said, leaning against Flora’s shoulder. “Have you truly forgotten everything?”

“Forgotten what?” Abyss asked, his smile unwavering, his eyes clear and innocent, like a newborn’s. “Have I forgotten something?”

As he spoke, he felt a sharp pain in his arm. He looked down and saw the inscription he had carved earlier.

The magic was still active, the wound bloodless, but the pain was real. He traced the runes with his fingers, reading the words aloud. “My enemy is an Outer God. I stand with mortals. Beware of dreams. Trust the three girls—if they’re still here.”

He paused, then looked up at them.

“Can you tell me what I need to do?” he asked, his expression serious.

“My name is Flora. I will use my Soul Chains to locate our enemies. You must use your magic to erase their memories,” Flora said immediately. “I’ll explain everything later. For now, please trust me.”

“I trust you three completely,” Abyss said, nodding, not needing any further convincing. “Let’s begin.”

“We’ll go find that rake!” Leona exclaimed, and she and Rebecca stood up, leaving the room.

Although he had lost his memories, Abyss hadn’t lost his knowledge. He didn’t remember where his magic came from, or what he had done with it, but he knew its effects, its applications. And he instinctively knew that these three girls relied on his magic for their continued existence.

Flora knew his memory was truly gone. There was no need for further explanations. She closed her eyes, chanting a silent prayer.

Channeling her divine power, she searched for traces of the Lord of Nightmares’ influence, using the same method she had used to locate his followers—and she sensed something amiss within the palace.

The Lord of Nightmares’ presence was strong there, a place they had previously overlooked. She immediately shared her discovery with Leona and Rebecca through their telepathic link.

“Understood!” Leona said, and she and Rebecca set out to find these new followers and the missing rake.

Flora nodded at Abyss. “You can begin now.”

Abyss, trusting her instructions implicitly, wasn’t surprised by the information she had shared. He unleashed his magic, channeling it through Flora’s Soul Chains, targeting the newly discovered followers.

A powerful surge of mana, like a bolt of lightning, coursed through the Soul Chains, striking their minds, instantly erasing their memories.

Two nobles sitting in the audience, a few guards, some maids, several officials, even a Paladin on stage—they all froze, their faces blank, their eyes vacant.

Chapter 172: Dream or Reality?

Abyss was a quick learner. Through their numerous confrontations, he had discovered a significant flaw in the Lord of Nightmares’ abilities.

The Outer God couldn’t create dreams from nothing. To influence this world, he needed to anchor his power to something tangible—the minds of mortals.

Whether a single-person dream or a shared dream, it was always based on someone’s consciousness, its content influenced by their memories and perceptions.

And this time, for convenience and efficiency, the Lord of Nightmares had chosen Givia as the anchor for his dream. This was her dream.

He had made the same mistake again, his arrogance blinding him. He had assumed that Givia, although stronger than most mortals, was still vulnerable, that killing her in the dream would kill her in reality.

But he had underestimated her will.

Abyss had already revealed his true nature as a necromancer to Givia, along with the identities of his followers. She had been initially shocked, but she had quickly accepted it, her trust in Abyss unshaken.

He had also assured her that his necromancy could grant her a form of immortality, allowing her to pursue her goals without fearing death.

Therefore, even in the dream, believing she was dead, she hadn’t lost her fighting spirit. Her desire to protect her father had been so strong that she had continued fighting even after being decapitated, becoming a natural undead within the dream.

Abyss was amused. He hadn’t used any necromancy. It was Givia’s own willpower, her unwavering resolve, that had defied the Lord of Nightmares’ power.

Givia, after a moment of disorientation, had quickly recovered, checking on her father, while the dream realm around them reverted to normal.

The guards in the hall hadn’t even noticed the shift. From their perspective, the audience had panicked, then a fight had broken out on stage. The bishop had struck down Givia, then attacked the former king, but the princess had miraculously recovered, defeating the bishop.

“Everyone, remain calm!” Givia announced, after confirming her father’s safety, her voice clear and strong. “That was our enemy, the Lord of Nightmares, who manipulated Kevin and usurped our kingdom! He has been defeated! That was his last desperate attack! The coronation ceremony will continue!”

“I hereby declare that the coronation ceremony will proceed!” the former king announced, his voice echoing through the hall, his initial fear quickly replaced by a regal composure.

The bishop, his memories of being controlled now fading, scrambled to his feet, adjusting his robes. He was a high-ranking Church official, after all. He couldn’t afford to appear disheveled, even after such a chaotic event.

The nobles, still shaken, turned their attention back to the ceremony, whispering among themselves, relieved that they hadn’t succumbed to madness.

The rake, the source of the chaos, had vanished, as if it had never existed.

“That was a surprise attack. Good thing Abyss anticipated it and had my ‘east wind’ ready, prepared to dispel the dream and neutralize the Shadowlings with Rebecca’s potion,” Leona said, scratching her head. “So, the Lord of Nightmares has another artifact? But where did it go?”

After announcing the continuation of the ceremony, Givia whispered instructions to a nearby guard, who hurried away. She then glanced at Abyss and his companions, signaling that she had taken precautions. She had clearly ordered the guards to seal the palace, preventing anyone from entering or leaving. The rake’s disappearance was unsettling.

“There must be another follower of the Lord of Nightmares among us,” Abyss said, frowning. “Are we truly in the real world? How could someone bring an artifact into the palace, present it on stage, then remove it without being detected?”

“You’re suggesting someone is using a disguise?” Rebecca asked, understanding his implication.

“Yes, I believe someone is using the Lord of Nightmares’ power to conceal their true identity, even bypassing Flora’s Soul Chains,” Abyss said, his brow furrowed in thought.

“I’m sorry…” Flora said, her voice filled with guilt.

“It’s not your fault, Flora. The Lord of Nightmares must have used some kind of trick…” Abyss said, then chanted a spell, his fingertips extending sharp bone claws. He began carving something onto his arm.

“What are you doing?” Leona asked, alarmed. “Don’t hurt yourself!”

“It’s not self-harm,” Abyss said, continuing to carve, the runes forming words and sentences, the wounds deep but bloodless, thanks to his necromancy.

Rebecca and Flora, equally puzzled, watched him, their concern evident.

“Givia’s willpower, her ability to influence the dream, gave me an idea…” Abyss said, the inscription on his arm growing longer, its message becoming clearer.

The three girls looked at the runes, their meaning becoming apparent.

“The Lord of Nightmares’ illusion must be based on my mind, or perhaps I’m not even in the real world. So, what if I had no memories?” he asked, a smile spreading across his face. “One can only dream of what they remember. There are no exceptions.”

“You’re planning to…” Rebecca asked, her voice filled with surprise.

Abyss didn’t reply. He placed a finger on his forehead and began chanting…

Chapter 171: The Headless Warrior

Abyss was certain he hadn’t used any necromancy on Givia, and he couldn’t access his magic within this dream.

Givia’s movements, her headless body walking, were baffling. Naturally occurring undead were rare, requiring specific conditions, like a stable source of mana and the absence of Church officials or devout followers of the Nine Gods. He didn’t think Givia met those criteria.

As he pondered this, Rebecca, sitting beside him, suddenly shouted, her voice echoing through the theater.

“Look! Princess Givia isn’t dead! She’s getting up! This is just an illusion! There’s nothing to fear!”

The nobles, startled by her words, turned their attention back to the stage. Rebecca was right. Givia had found her head and was now holding it, its expression still remarkably lifelike, her eyes open, as she walked towards the bishop, who was still under the Lord of Nightmares’ control.

The Lord of Nightmares fell silent, his taunts ceasing. He seemed surprised.

The bishop, noticing Givia approaching from behind, his expression still vacant, raised his rake.

But Givia didn’t give him a chance. Still holding her head, she charged, slamming her shoulder into his chest, knocking him off his feet before he could swing the rake. The rake, bound to his hand, remained clutched in his grip, but his attack had failed.

Givia placed her head on the ground, her gaze fixed on the bishop, then charged again.

She was a trained mid-level Dou Warrior, her strength and agility far surpassing the bishop’s, his movements now sluggish under the Outer God’s control. Her body erupted in Dou Qi flames as she lunged towards him, her fist connecting with his forearm, a sickening crack echoing through the theater.

Her blow, amplified by her Dou Qi, had broken his arm. She then spun, delivering a swift kick to his injured arm, severing it completely.

The bishop collapsed, his severed arm flying through the air. As it flew, the vacant expression on his face vanished.

“The princess has won! Let’s cheer for her!” Rebecca shouted, her voice ringing through the theater.

A hesitant cheer arose from the crowd, then another, and another, until the entire theater erupted in applause. It wasn’t just because Givia had miraculously survived and saved her father, but also because they needed to bolster their own courage.

“I understand!” Abyss exclaimed, his eyes widening in realization, a smile spreading across his face. “That’s it! Givia didn’t disappoint us!”

The Lord of Nightmares’ voice, now laced with panic, echoed through the theater. “You think this is over? My artifact will find a new host! Any of you could become my puppet!”

The bishop’s severed arm lay on the stage, the rake still clutched in its hand. As the Lord of Nightmares spoke, the rake detached itself from the hand, the black mud transforming into dozens of spindly legs, scurrying towards the audience like a grotesque centipede.

“Not so fast!” Givia’s severed head shouted, her body rushing towards the approaching rake.

But as she reached it, the rake’s legs turned, leaping towards her and latching onto her arm.

“Surprise! My target wasn’t them, but you!” the Lord of Nightmares roared with laughter.

But Givia didn’t panic. Without hesitation, she ripped her own arm off, the rake still attached.

If this scene had occurred before nobles from other nations, many would have fainted. But these were Ossi nobles. They were accustomed to violence and bloodshed. They weren’t fazed by Givia’s gruesome act. Instead, they roared their approval, their cries echoing through the theater, their fear replaced by a primal excitement. The Lord of Nightmares’ voice, initially triumphant, now faltered, then turned to panic. “What?! What are you?!”

“Even death can’t break my spirit!” Givia shouted, kicking her severed arm across the stage.

Pitter-patter…

A cool rain began to fall, blurring their vision. The stage, the darkened theater, everything faded, like a watercolor painting washed away by the rain, revealing the real world. The black mud on the discarded rake dissolved, vanishing without a trace.

A winged horse soared through the sky, its form barely visible.

It was Leona’s familiar, her swift and powerful steed, carrying Rebecca’s improved potion, the one that had destroyed the Shadowlings, its effects now more potent and longer-lasting.

As the crowd looked back at the stage, Givia, who should have been headless and one-armed, stood there, unharmed. The bishop, his severed arm restored, sat dazed. The former king was also unharmed.

The Lord of Nightmares’ attack had been repelled. And only Givia, Abyss, and Rebecca knew how it had been done.