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

Chapter 170: Givia’s Death

As the rake swung downwards, the world around Abyss shifted.

He had been in the Ossi Kingdom palace, witnessing the coronation ceremony, but now he found himself in a large theater, the stage brightly lit, he and the other nobles sitting in the darkened audience, barely able to see each other.

“A dream realm!” Abyss frowned. “So that’s his method! Leona was right. It’s impossible to defend against!”

The nobles were stunned, their whispers of shock and fear filling the theater. Some of the more timid noblewomen even cursed, but their voices seemed to be suppressed, strangely muted. The sounds from the stage, however, were amplified, their every breath audible.

They all looked towards the stage, where only three figures remained: the former king, Givia, and the bishop, his expression dazed.

“Hahahahaha! Greetings, my audience!”

A voice, loud and piercing, echoed through the theater, its source unknown, making them cover their ears.

Abyss recognized it instantly—his nemesis, the Lord of Nightmares!

“He’s here,” Abyss muttered, his gaze fixed on the stage.

“Mortals, you’re here because of your precious Abyss,” the Lord of Nightmares continued. “Allow me to introduce myself. I am the Lord of Nightmares, the Outer God Givia warned you about. Your champion, Abyss, has caused me considerable trouble, disrupting my plans. Now, I will have my revenge.”

The bishop on stage, clearly under the Lord of Nightmares’ control, his eyes vacant, his hand gripping the rake, slowly approached Givia. The spotlight followed him, its beam creating an eerie, theatrical atmosphere.

“You mortals can’t comprehend the power of a god. I will show you. My power is absolute!”

Some nobles tried to leave, but they couldn’t stand up, couldn’t even turn away from the stage. They were trapped, forced to watch. They might be clever, skilled at political maneuvering, but they weren’t warriors. Some, their fear overwhelming them, began to cry.

Panic spread through the audience.

“Don’t be afraid! The Lord of Nightmares is on the verge of defeat! This is his last desperate attempt! Don’t give in to your fear!” Abyss shouted, his voice amplified by magic, reaching every corner of the theater.

“Abyss!” the Lord of Nightmares’ voice roared, his tone filled with rage. “You’ve interfered with my plans time and time again! But have you considered this? Your precious Princess Givia will pay the price for your defiance!”

Before Abyss could reply, the bishop on stage swung the rake towards Givia, who, trapped within the dream realm, couldn’t escape.

The rake struck her, and her head flew through the air, spinning. Her headless body, blood spurting from her neck, collapsed to the stage. The spotlight illuminated her, her blood spraying, the look of shock frozen on her face.

“Givia!” Abyss exclaimed, his voice filled with horror. He hadn’t expected the Lord of Nightmares to act so swiftly, so brutally. He tried to stand up, but he was trapped in his seat. He tried chanting a spell, but his magic was useless here. And like before, he couldn’t access Divine Arts.

“Behold! Hahahahaha! Your new queen is dead!” the Lord of Nightmares roared, his laughter echoing through the theater. “While you’re trapped in my dream, my followers will reclaim this kingdom! I will take back everything I’ve lost!”

The nobles, who had calmed down after hearing Abyss’s words, were now terrified, some screaming, their voices, previously suppressed, now released, filling the theater with their cries of despair.

The Lord of Nightmares was harvesting their fear!

Abyss understood his plan. He was using Givia’s death to break their spirits!

The spotlight shifted to the former king, his face frozen in horror, his body splattered with Givia’s blood. He had lost his only daughter.

“Givia… Givia…” he whispered, his voice trembling.

“And now, it’s your king’s turn,” the Lord of Nightmares’ voice said, his tone cold and menacing. “I wonder, will you despair when your kingdom is left without a ruler, when only my followers remain to lead you? Yes, scream, cry, I enjoy your fear. The more you fear, the greater your chances of survival…”

The bishop, his movements now mechanical, approached the former king.

The spotlight split, illuminating both of them. The Lord of Nightmares clearly wanted everyone to witness the king’s execution.

“If I can stop their fear, I can prevent this nightmare from spreading…” Abyss thought, his mind racing. “I have to hold on until Leona arrives. But time flows differently in this dream… What can I do…? Wait…”

He stared at the stage, a puzzled expression on his face.

He had seen something unusual.

Givia, her headless body, was slowly getting up, her hands groping for her head.

Chapter 169: Gift or Reward

Abdications were rare in Hai-Teweru. Except for the Elven Kingdoms, ruled by councils, most nations followed traditional inheritance laws. The throne passed to the designated heir upon the monarch’s death. While abdication was theoretically possible, few rulers willingly relinquished their power.

But the Ossi Kingdom had witnessed two abdications in recent years. The first was Kevin’s coup, forcing his father to step down. Kevin had simply seized power without any ceremony. The second was Givia’s ascension, a more formal affair, the former king, his health restored, having meticulously planned a traditional Ossi coronation ceremony.

Today was the day of the ceremony. The palace was bustling with activity, filled with nobles and their entourages. Rebecca’s potion, burning in incense burners, filled the air, preventing any Shadowlings from infiltrating the event.

Abyss and his companions sat in the front row, seats reserved for royalty, their central position a testament to the former king’s respect for Givia’s powerful allies. No one dared question their presence. They had witnessed Abyss’s power, his magical broadcast of Givia’s Blood Atonement ritual.

Church officials were also present. Abyss, using a subtle illusion, had altered their perceptions, making Flora appear as someone else, concealing her identity as the deceased Saint.

The former king delivered his speech, then removed his crown, his voice filled with emotion as he sang an ancient Ossi ballad, before handing the crown to a eunuch. This marked his abdication. Givia’s coronation would follow immediately. A kingdom couldn’t be without a ruler.

The setting was similar to the one in Abyss’s dream, although the decorations were different. The seating arrangement, the raised platform, the palace in the background—they were all the same. This was indeed the designated location for important ceremonies.

“Let the coronation ceremony begin! Princess Givia, please approach!” a eunuch announced, his voice echoing through the square. A trumpeter from the royal orchestra sounded a fanfare.

The palace doors opened, and a group of elite soldiers emerged, escorting Givia, Alva, and Haina. The Royal Guard usually followed behind the monarch, but with only two members remaining, both of whom had risked their lives for Givia, she had insisted they stand beside her.

“Your Highness, and members of the Royal Guard, please ascend the platform and receive the Church’s blessings,” the eunuch announced, then retreated. The rest of the ceremony would be conducted in silence.

A bishop, the highest-ranking Church official in the Ossi Kingdom, stood on the platform. As Givia ascended, he offered his blessings, his words carrying no magical or divine power, merely a symbolic gesture of the Church’s support.

“To celebrate Princess Givia’s victory over Prince Kevin, who had embraced a false god, the Church offers these gifts to our future queen,” the bishop announced. “Allow me to present them.”

“Thank you for your support. I’m grateful for the Church’s generosity,” Givia said, curtseying to the bishop.

The bishop nodded, and three Paladins, each carrying a gift, approached the platform, their movements precise and synchronized, their steps measured, a display of discipline and respect. They presented the gifts, holding them aloft for the crowd to see.

“The first gift, a mithril shield blessed by His Holiness the Pope himself, a gift from the Church headquarters, to protect your people and guide the Ossi Kingdom to prosperity.”

“Thank you,” Givia said, nodding.

“The second gift, allow me to use a Divine Art to lessen its weight,” the bishop said, approaching the next Paladin, opening a large box held by the burly man. He chanted a prayer, lessening the object’s weight, then retrieved a half-meter-tall metal statue of the Nine Gods. “This is a gift from the Ossi branch of the Church, a statue of the Nine Gods, to bestow their blessings upon you. It’s not only imbued with their divine grace, but also adorned with precious jewels.”

“Thank you for your generosity,” Givia said, nodding again. She wasn’t particularly moved. She knew the Church’s generosity stemmed from her victory over Kevin, who had worshipped an Outer God. These gifts were more like rewards than genuine expressions of goodwill.

“And the third gift,” the bishop said, smiling, as he approached the third Paladin. “A painting, created by the Church’s most renowned artist, Enniz, depicting Your Highness in battle.”

He opened the lid of a large, ornate box.

But he froze, staring at its contents.

It wasn’t a painting, but a small gardening rake.

“What is…”

Abyss, sensing something amiss, nudged Leona.

And at that moment, a tendril of black mud emerged from the rake, its movements swift and serpentine, wrapping itself around the bishop, binding the rake to his hand before he could react.

Then, the bishop’s hand, no longer under his control, swung towards the crowd of nobles below.

Chapter 168: The Old King’s Two Plans

“Father?” Givia asked, surprised, looking up at him. “I’ve never ruled a kingdom, and you’re still in good health. You’ve served Ossi for decades. You should continue to lead, not abdicate in my favor.”

“I’ve made my decision,” the old king said, shaking his head gently. “Although you lack experience, I’ve heard of your accomplishments as the leader of the Restoration Army. They tell me that my once-reckless daughter has blossomed into a wise and capable leader. Ruling a kingdom isn’t difficult. Trust me, you’ll adapt quickly. The true challenge is to be a good king, a responsibility I failed. My own weakness, my misplaced affection, allowed Kevin to usurp our kingdom. It’s a disgrace. I can no longer face my people.”

Givia was silent. She had planned to learn from her father for a few years, assisting him in rebuilding the kingdom, inheriting the throne after his death. She could have demanded the throne, knowing he would agree, but her pride as an Ossi warrior wouldn’t allow it.

“Father, your faith in me is humbling. I won’t disappoint you,” she said, bowing deeply.

The old king smiled, his eyes filled with pride. If this were the Givia of a few years ago, she would have refused, offering excuses, but she had accepted the responsibility, her determination unwavering. She had matured, her courage now tempered with wisdom and a sense of duty.

“Your light has eclipsed mine, my child,” the old king said, placing a hand on her shoulder. “I had two plans. If you wished to retain your military power, I would have named you Grand Marshal. But if you were willing to accept a greater responsibility, I would relinquish the throne, entrusting the Ossi Kingdom to your care. You are the future of Ossi. The people will love and respect you. And you must honor their faith in you.”

“I will, Father.”

“In one week, I will officially abdicate. The nobles will be informed. They will all witness your coronation,” the old king said. “Ossi has found peace. There’s no need to delay the ceremony any longer.”

He then turned to Abyss and his companions, his gaze filled with gratitude. “You must be Mr. Abyss. I’ve heard of your exploits. Thank you for helping my daughter. Honestly, I was terrified when I learned that Kevin was being manipulated by an Outer God. Hearing about your alliance with Givia, and your victory against that evil being, has eased my worries. But Mr. Abyss, I’m curious, where do you come from? And why are you helping my daughter?”

“Your Majesty, there’s no need for thanks. Our goal is to defeat the Outer Gods. We helped the Restoration Army because we believed in Princess Givia’s cause. The people of Ossi deserve peace and prosperity,” Abyss said, bowing respectfully. “As for myself, I’m just a wandering wild mage, with no affiliations.”

…

As saviors of the Ossi Kingdom, Abyss and his companions were treated as honored guests. The king, finding the capital’s finest guesthouse too humble for them, offered them accommodations within the palace.

Although the Ossi Kingdom wasn’t as wealthy or as culturally advanced as the Eastern and Western Empires, its palace was luxurious enough to impress even Leona. They settled in, preparing for Givia’s coronation.

The night before the ceremony, Abyss remained awake, sitting at his desk, scribbling notes on a sheet of paper.

“Living in a palace is nice…” Leona said, entering his room, humming a tune. Seeing him working, she approached him, patting his shoulder. “Hey, ABC, what are you doing? Givia’s coronation is tomorrow. Shouldn’t you be resting, taking care of your skin?”

“There are more important things than my skin,” Abyss said, glancing at her. “I’m trying to devise a plan to prevent the Lord of Nightmares from disrupting the ceremony. But I haven’t had any breakthroughs yet. He might be weakened, but he could still return. We only have one night left. I need to find a solution.”

“Is that so?” Leona asked, peering over his shoulder, her curiosity piqued, as she examined his messy notes. “You’ve considered so many possibilities. But the Lord of Nightmares is cunning. I think you’ve missed a few.”

“Yes, I told you about my experience in his dream. It’s still troubling me. He might use the coronation ceremony, a public event, to spread fear,” Abyss said.

“Instead of a defensive strategy, why not a counter-offensive?” Leona suggested. “You’ve eliminated all his followers in this world. The only remaining threat is his Shadowlings—he can’t manifest himself directly, can he?”

Abyss paused, then slapped his forehead. “You’re right! I have an idea!”

“Hmph, see? I’m brilliant, aren’t I?” Leona said, puffing out her chest, her voice filled with pride.

“May I kiss you?” Abyss asked, grabbing her wrist playfully.

Leona, her smugness vanishing instantly, blushed. “W-what? No! I don’t want to…”

“Alright, if you don’t want to,” Abyss said, shrugging. “I’ve been sitting for too long. My back is stiff. Could you give me a massage?”

“You pervert!” Leona exclaimed, her face crimson, kicking over his chair and storming out of the room, leaving Abyss sitting on the floor, wondering what was so perverted about requesting a back massage.

Chapter 167: The Kingdom’s Army

As predicted, the Restoration Army’s campaign continued its swift and decisive advance, crushing the enemy’s resistance. Initially, they had to demonstrate their strength, forcing the enemy to surrender, but after Givia informed the nobles of Kevin’s downfall, the battles became increasingly easier. Some regions even declared their allegiance to Givia and the Restoration Army without a fight, their local armies switching sides.

It seemed the Lord of Nightmares, even in his dreams, adhered to a certain level of realism. He no longer believed in Kevin’s ability to maintain control, even if he could somehow restore him to power. The people’s desire for freedom and peace was too strong. He had lost the Ossi Kingdom.

After a little over a week, the Restoration Army reached Ossi City, the capital. The western regions, bordering the coast, didn’t even require their intervention. The local lords, sensing the shift in power, had wisely pledged their loyalty to Givia. It was a bloodless victory.

Today, Givia returned to the palace, a place she hadn’t seen since fleeing Kevin. The intervening months had transformed her. Looking at the familiar palace walls, she couldn’t help but feel a surge of emotion.

“Congratulations, Givia. You’ve reclaimed your kingdom from an Outer God through your own strength and determination,” Abyss said, standing beside her. “It’s a remarkable achievement.”

“Without your help, Mr. Abyss, and the help of Flora, Leona, and Rebecca, it would have been a much more difficult journey, a bloodier one. I’ll never forget that I owe this victory to you,” Givia said, her voice filled with gratitude, but her gaze clear and steady, her joy tempered by a sense of responsibility.

“If not for your courage in confronting the Lord of Nightmares, our efforts to defeat him would have been far more challenging,” Rebecca said, smiling. “We might be powerful, but…”

They were walking towards the royal bedchamber, followed by several generals, Alva, and Haina. The palace guards knelt along their path, awaiting Givia’s judgment, their past service to Kevin now a mark of shame.

Kevin was gone. The former king, secretly rescued and restored to his rightful place, now resided in the bedchamber.

As they approached, a tall, thin figure emerged from the palace.

Abyss, recognizing him, raised an eyebrow. It was King Ludiel, Givia’s father, still the official ruler of Ossi, despite Givia holding the true power.

The former king, his face alight with joy, hurried towards them. Unlike the frail and sickly figure Abyss had seen in the dream, he looked healthy, his steps firm and steady, although he was thinner than he should be for a man his age.

“Givia! My daughter! You’ve returned!” he exclaimed, his voice filled with emotion.

Givia smiled, rushing towards him and embracing him tightly.

Their reunion was a touching moment, both father and daughter deeply moved. The former king sighed, stroking his daughter’s hair, its softness now roughened by the sun and wind, his voice filled with regret. “Givia, you’ve lost weight, your skin is tanned. You’ve suffered so much. It’s all my fault. I couldn’t stop Kevin… I was… too weak…”

The poor king didn’t know that the “Kevin” he had known wasn’t his son, but a Shadowling created by the Lord of Nightmares. His love for his deceased son had been exploited, leading to the loss of his kingdom and almost the loss of his daughter.

His guilt was genuine. Abyss could see the pain in his eyes.

“No, Father, don’t blame yourself. It’s all Kevin’s fault. He’s no longer the son you knew. But I’ll always be your daughter,” Givia said, her voice filled with reassurance.

“Good, good. I only wish for your safety. Seeing you return victorious, a capable leader, fills me with joy,” the former king said, his voice choked with emotion.

Givia released him, then knelt before him, adhering to royal protocol. “I apologize for my late arrival, Father. The Restoration Army has reclaimed our kingdom. Effective immediately, the Restoration Army is now the official army of the Ossi Kingdom, no longer my personal force! Please, Father, resume your command.”

Her decision to relinquish her military power surprised everyone.

If she wanted to maintain her influence, she couldn’t give up her army. Without it, she would have to wait for her father’s death to inherit the throne. And the former king, despite his age, seemed to be in good health.

But the generals, following Givia’s example, also knelt, their loyalty unwavering. They had endured years of hardship with her. They trusted her judgment.

The former king, surprised by her gesture, helped her up. “You could have become the Grand Marshal, commanding our entire army. It’s your rightful position. No one could dispute it.”

“This victory belongs to the people of Ossi,” Givia said. “We reclaimed our kingdom because of their support. Now, I’m returning the Restoration Army to its rightful place, under your command. It’s the right thing to do.”

“Are you sure you don’t want this position? This is your last chance,” the former king said, his brow furrowed.

Givia’s gaze was firm. “I will always serve my kingdom, Father, with or without a title.”

“Very well. Then you’re no longer the Grand Marshal,” the former king said, a smile spreading across his face. “The Restoration Army now belongs to the King, under his complete control.”

“Thank you, Father.”

“I’m not finished. That king… shouldn’t be King Ludiel. It should be Queen Givia!”

Chapter 166: The Artifact of the Lord of Bullying

The Church’s records mentioned a massive monster composed entirely of teeth, a creature Leona had actually seen.

The image came from a vision granted to her by the twin goddesses, a memory of their destroyed world, Bystine. In this vision, the Outer God known as the “Lord of Bullying” had given a scimitar to mortals, inciting them to fight amongst themselves, consumed by a “survival of the fittest” mentality, ultimately destroying themselves and allowing the Outer God to fully manifest, consuming their world and causing their guardian deities to degenerate into the Lord of Submergence.

Leona had recounted this vision to Abyss and the others, so they were aware of the Lord of Bullying, a being far older and more powerful than the Lord of Submergence. His artifact, the scimitar, had been in the Church’s possession, a safeguard against its misuse. The Church, as servants of the Nine Gods, wouldn’t dare betray their masters.

But now, the scimitar was missing, complicating matters.

“So, the Lord of Bullying might have been awakened?” Flora asked, her voice filled with concern.

“Indeed,” Abyss replied, his tone calm, as if discussing a fictional story. “But it’s not surprising. The power of an Outer God is incredibly tempting. With such power, one could do anything they desired. And you know, the Lord of Bullying is known for whispering to mortals in their dreams. Perhaps he swayed the guards who were protecting his artifact.”

“That’s true… But if we had retrieved the scimitar earlier, things might have been simpler,” Flora said, sighing. “Now we’ll have to track it down, and innocent people might die because of it.”

Abyss nodded. “We need to find it before it causes widespread destruction. But don’t worry too much. I suspect someone has been targeting this artifact for a long time. Its recent disappearance might not be a coincidence. And retrieving it earlier might not have been beneficial. It could have been incredibly dangerous. Leona’s vision was vague, but I suspect the Lord of Bullying’s power is linked to the strength of his target.”

Flora, looking at him, considered his words. It made sense. Outer Gods used artifacts to influence Hai-Teweru. These artifacts likely had mind-altering properties. Retrieving them without proper precautions would be incredibly dangerous. This was different from the Dream Shear—the Lord of Nightmares’ power worked through fear, gradually corrupting one’s will, but the Lord of Bullying’s methods were still unknown. As Abyss had suggested, his power might be linked to the victim’s own strength. And Abyss, undoubtedly among the strongest mortals in this world, would be a valuable target.

“We’ll add this to our list of priorities,” Abyss said. “There’s another known artifact, the crown Star discovered. After dealing with the Lord of Nightmares, I plan to visit the Eastern Empire with Leona and investigate it, hoping to solve Star’s riddle.”

“Alright,” Flora said, nodding.

They memorized the contents of the notice board. The Church wasn’t actively pursuing them, which saved Abyss some trouble.

“Flora, do you want to explore the headquarters further?” Abyss asked.

“No,” she said, shaking her head. “This place might have been my home, but I have no fond memories of it. The only person who truly cared about me was His Holiness, and he’s gone now…”

“Then let’s leave. We can return later if necessary,” Abyss said, smiling, gently squeezing her hand, sensing her sadness. “Thank you for showing me around. I know this place holds many unpleasant memories for you.”

“But now, those memories don’t seem so significant anymore,” Flora said, looking around the hall. “I’ve overcome the helplessness and the fear I once felt.”

“That’s good to hear, Flora. Let’s go.”

…

Upon returning to the Restoration Army’s base, they found that the enemy’s resistance had crumbled. The remaining soldiers were fighting not out of loyalty, but out of fear of Givia’s potential retribution. But Givia quickly presented the surrendered soldiers from the enemy ranks, showing them that not only would they be pardoned, but they could also join the Restoration Army, earning honor and recognition through service to their true kingdom.

The battle had ended swiftly, the casualties minimal. The Restoration Army’s victory was assured.

Abyss, sitting in the carriage, watching the surrendered soldiers being integrated into the Restoration Army, remembered a similar scene from the Lord of Nightmares’ dream. The dream had been so realistic that he hadn’t even questioned its authenticity.

Although he was trying not to be paranoid, the inability to distinguish between reality and dreams was unsettling.

With the battle over, Givia, her face beaming with joy, rushed to their carriage to share the good news.

“We’ve won again! We captured over five thousand enemy soldiers and a large quantity of supplies!” she exclaimed, her excitement evident. She was still relatively inexperienced in commanding large-scale battles. This victory was a significant boost to her confidence. “Now, seeing the Restoration Army’s growing strength, the remaining enemy forces will surely surrender and join our cause! Oh, by the way, Mr. Abyss, I heard that some of their soldiers have lost their memories. Was that your doing? Were they followers of the Lord of Nightmares?”

“Yes, they wouldn’t have surrendered willingly. But we’ve dealt with them,” Abyss said, nodding.

“That’s wonderful!” Givia exclaimed.

Abyss smiled, listening to her recount the details of the battle, his mind still searching for a way to confirm whether he was truly awake.

Chapter 165: The Church’s Memo

This was Flora’s former home, the place where she had grown up, only to die here, caught in the Church’s internal power struggles. As she walked through the Church headquarters with Abyss in the Shadow Realm, her emotions were a mix of nostalgia and sorrow. She held his hand tightly, occasionally stopping to share a memory, a story from her past.

The Church headquarters, built by Western Empire artisans in a time of close alliance between the two powers, was a grand display of Western Empire architecture, its white stone walls adorned with gold and silver paint, intricate carvings, and imposing statues.

Its opulence rivaled that of the Golden Griffin City palace, but its scale was far grander, its grounds more extensive, housing a larger population. The surrounding area was uninhabited, any settlements forbidden within a large radius.

They ventured deeper into the complex, reaching the inner sanctum, where the Church’s most closely guarded secrets were kept, its highest-ranking officials resided, protected by layers of security, both magical and divine. But for Abyss and Flora, these defenses were insignificant.

“This palace houses a library and several archives, where the Church’s records and secrets are kept,” Flora explained, leading him towards an elegant building. “I often came here to read. The library isn’t large, but its contents are restricted to the most devout followers, containing esoteric knowledge and hidden histories.”

Abyss looked around, curious. He had visited the Church headquarters before, but never with a guide, never with such intimate access.

“If you want to see our wanted posters, there’s a notice board in the main hall, similar to the Adventurers’ Guild’s job board, although these missions aren’t for public consumption. The Church assigns them directly,” Flora said, guiding him past two Paladins standing guard. “This notice board is restricted. There are two layers of security: the guards, and the inscriptions themselves, which require a specific Divine Art to decipher, a spell only accessible to those with sufficient divine favor.”

The Church’s Divine Arts weren’t simply a matter of memorizing prayers. The different ranks among Divine Arts users reflected the level of divine favor they received. Lower-ranking practitioners, even if they knew the prayers, couldn’t achieve the same results and often suffered greater consequences. This system prevented unauthorized access to sensitive information.

Abyss and Flora, however, had no such limitations. They bypassed the guards effortlessly, their presence undetected within the Hall of Knowledge. And they both possessed an immense amount of divine favor, likely unmatched by anyone else in the world.

“Here it is. This notice board requires a Divine Art called the ‘Eye of Knowledge.’ I’ll teach you the prayer,” Flora said, leading him to a wall in the main hall. It was different from the other walls, its surface dark, like a blackboard, but much larger, its surface blank.

Flora taught him the prayer, a spell he hadn’t encountered before. The Divine Arts user whose soul he had once consulted hadn’t been high-ranking enough to access the Hall of Knowledge.

Abyss cast a subtle illusion, concealing them from view, then they exited the Shadow Realm, using the Eye of Knowledge to decipher the inscriptions on the notice board.

“Ah, here we are,” Abyss said, pointing at a line of text. “We’re still wanted. It seems the Church hasn’t made much progress. Few know about your Divine Arts abilities, and even fewer know I’m a necromancer. Even Givia’s public praise hasn’t revealed our identities.”

The inscription read: “Saint Flora’s tomb desecrated, her remains stolen by a necromancer, still at large. The Saint’s body has likely been resurrected, possibly sighted in Golden Griffin City, but her current location remains unknown.”

They exchanged amused glances, enjoying the Church’s ignorance.

“It seems I don’t need to erase their memories yet,” Abyss said, shrugging. “I wonder how the Nine Gods would react if I attacked the Church.”

“They wouldn’t waste their resources on you,” Flora said, shaking her head. “I know my value to them—to the outside world, a Saint is the Church’s spokesperson, a revered figure. But internally, a Saint is just a mouthpiece, a pretty, well-spoken girl whose words carry weight. And I was a disobedient mouthpiece, daring to seek real power, to challenge their traditions. Many resented me, despised me. They’re only pursuing the matter of my stolen body to save face, not because they truly care about what happened to me.”

Abyss, hearing the sadness in her voice, tightened his grip on her hand.

They continued reading. Abyss noticed that his broadcast of Givia’s Blood Atonement ritual had also been recorded. Not because it violated any Church laws, but because they were curious about the mage who possessed such power—they didn’t like powerful mages operating outside their control.

Then, they found something even more interesting.

“A scimitar, an artifact of an Outer God, has been stolen from the secret vault. Most of the vault’s guards were killed, a few are missing. This artifact is a blasphemous object and must be recovered. Its continued presence in this world could have dire consequences,” Abyss read aloud, then turned to Flora. “What’s going on? How did the Church lose such an important artifact?”

Chapter 164: The Final Cleanup

Flora had been with Abyss long enough to understand his unspoken intentions.

Without any instructions, she knew her role was to prepare for Abyss’s next move while he was trapped in the dream, laying the groundwork for his future plans.

She was worried about him, but she wouldn’t let fear paralyze her. She had grown stronger since joining him, her once passive nature, which had led to her tragic demise, now replaced by a quiet resilience. She was still the same kind and gentle Flora, but her inner strength had blossomed.

Using Flora’s Soul Chains, Abyss effortlessly located all the followers of the Lord of Nightmares, including the dying Kohler, and erased their memories.

He wasn’t as gentle as he had been with the followers in Golden Griffin City. These followers were traitors to Hai-Teweru, and he showed them no mercy, purging their minds completely, giving them a blank slate, a chance to start anew. He only left them with basic knowledge, the ability to speak and essential survival skills. This was an act of mercy. He didn’t want to disrupt the world’s balance.

Kohler’s memories were also erased. The Dream Shear was likely nearby. Flora, using her Soul Chains, could pinpoint his location. Abyss would retrieve it personally.

This man, whose life had been filled with suffering and twisted choices, had found a strange form of peace in his final moments, his memories erased. His story had ended. Abyss wouldn’t risk leaving any loose ends. Even if Kohler no longer served the Lord of Nightmares, the Outer God could still use him. It was best to eliminate any potential threats.

Throughout the Ossi Kingdom, people watched in astonishment as those who had suddenly become mute now wandered around, their memories gone, asking who they were, where they were. But most weren’t concerned. The Lord of Nightmares’ followers, although not outwardly dangerous, had always been unsettling, their behavior eccentric, their personalities strange. Now, their minds wiped clean, they seemed harmless, their strangeness gone.

Abyss finished chanting, took a deep breath, and opened his eyes. He felt a slight drain on his mana, a significant amount, considering the thoroughness of the spell. He had completely erased their memories, replacing them with a blank slate, leaving no chance for recovery—unless someone recounted their past, but even then, it would be like hearing someone else’s story.

“Well, you seem exhausted,” Leona said, fanning him with her hands, as if he were a boxer after a match. “Are you done?”

Abyss smiled, enjoying the cool breeze generated by her small hands. “Not really exhausted. It’s done. Now the Lord of Nightmares’ other path is blocked. His influence in Hai-Teweru must be severely weakened—now, I need to retrieve the Dream Shear. We can’t leave that artifact lying around. Someone might find it. The power of an Outer God is always tempting. Even the Church might not be able to resist it.”

“Are you sure there aren’t any other artifacts or followers?” Leona asked, her voice still filled with a hint of concern.

“I’m not sure, but we must do everything we can to weaken his influence, to prevent him from recovering,” Abyss said, standing up. “He only has two known artifacts, but I don’t know if he has any other hidden tricks.”

“Understood!” Leona nodded. This was typical Abyss—cautious, but not paralyzed by uncertainty. They would deal with any remaining threats as they arose.

“Flora, thank you for your assistance with the Soul Chains. But I still need your help,” Abyss said, turning to Flora. “Accompany me to the Church headquarters. I need you to locate Kohler. I’m going to seal the Dream Shear with a potion and store it safely.”

“Alright, let’s go,” Flora said, nodding. “I know the Church headquarters like the back of my hand. I can guide you.”

“The Church holds some unpleasant memories for you, Flora. You don’t have to go if you don’t want to,” Abyss said, remembering her past, the dream he had witnessed, a nightmare amplified by the Lord of Nightmares, but still rooted in her memories. “I can handle it myself.”

“I’ll go with you,” Flora said, smiling reassuringly. “It does hold some unpleasant memories, but as long as you’re with me, I’m not afraid.”

Abyss, touched by her words, nodded, a smile spreading across his face.

…

To save time, they entered the Shadow Realm and flew to the Church headquarters, not summoning Little Fire Dragon, but using Abyss’s magic for transportation—it wasn’t as comfortable, but it was much faster.

Everything went smoothly. Flora led him to a secluded storage room behind the Church headquarters, where they found Kohler’s body. He was dead, his body covered in bruises, a cloth bag beside him, containing the Dream Shear. He had anticipated Abyss’s arrival and had kept the artifact close.

Abyss cremated Kohler’s body, then carefully sealed the Dream Shear with a potion, adding a few protective Divine Arts cast by Flora, before storing it in his magical catfish.

Now, all that remained was to return to the Ossi Kingdom with the Restoration Army and await the Lord of Nightmares’ final, desperate attempt at retaliation.

“Shall we return?” Abyss asked Flora, as they re-entered the Shadow Realm.

“Abyss, if we have time, I’d like to explore the Church headquarters,” Flora said, taking his hand. “You can’t place your usual undead spies here, so I think we should investigate ourselves. The Church must be aware of our actions.”

Chapter 163: A Choice of One’s Own

Kohler was dying. His body, ravaged by the backlash from using Divine Arts, his organs failing, his continued existence a testament to the Lord of Nightmares’ enhancements.

“You’re hiding in the Church’s headquarters to escape the Lord of Nightmares?” Abyss asked.

Kohler chuckled, his mental voice weak but audible. “Yes, I don’t want to die at his hands. And he wouldn’t grant me a quick death. He would trap me in a dream, an eternity of torment. I’d rather not.”

“I won’t ask how you managed to infiltrate the Church. I’m sure the Lord of Nightmares is eager to find you. He must be furious that you disrupted his plans,” Abyss said.

“But he can’t do anything now. All his followers are bound by your Soul Chains, silenced by your spell. His influence in this world is too weak to reach me here,” Kohler said, his voice filled with a smug satisfaction.

The Church, regardless of its members’ true devotion, was still under the protection of the Nine Gods. By hiding among them, Kohler had effectively shielded himself from the Lord of Nightmares.

According to Kohler, the Lord of Nightmares’ influence in Hai-Teweru had waned significantly. His power couldn’t penetrate the Church’s divine protection. And if he tried to force his way in, the Nine Gods wouldn’t stand idly by. They weren’t unwilling to act, merely bound by the rule that prevented them from initiating a conflict.

“Do me one last favor, Kohler,” Abyss said.

“What can I possibly do for you? Just let me die,” Kohler replied, his voice weary.

“Just answer one question. Are there any other followers of the Lord of Nightmares we haven’t found?”

Kohler paused, then said, “No. At least, not to my knowledge. As the Lord of Nightmares’ champion, I was aware of all his followers, and they’re all bound by your Soul Chains.”

“Good. I’m about to launch my final attack,” Abyss said. “Wish me luck?”

“I won’t live to see it, but I wish you success,” Kohler said, his mental voice fading. “I never thought I would have someone to talk to before I die. Abyss, after our last conversation, I did a lot of thinking. I still want revenge, but I’ve realized that I shouldn’t entrust my fate to others. My life was ruined by others’ choices. I won’t let my death be determined by someone else, not even a god.”

Flora, sharing her perceptions with Abyss, could sense Kohler’s life force fading.

“I envy your strength, your resilience, your optimism. You’re everything I’m not,” Kohler continued, his voice growing weaker. “Our names are so similar, Abyss, Apos, but our fates are so different. I envied your control over your own destiny, but now I understand. I can still choose my own path. I betrayed the Lord of Nightmares. I did what I wanted to do. And I succeeded. I’m dying, but I’m happy. For the first time in my life, I made a choice of my own.”

Abyss remained silent. He couldn’t understand Kohler’s willingness to surrender his free will, but he understood the significance of his final act of defiance.

This man, whose life had been a series of misfortunes, controlled by others’ choices, had finally taken control of his own destiny.

He was intelligent and capable. If he had learned to control his own fate earlier, his life might have been different.

“That’s all I wanted to say. I’m not one for long speeches,” Kohler said, his voice fading. “Let me die in peace. I know you’re a necromancer. Don’t resurrect me. I don’t deserve to live.”

Abyss didn’t offer empty platitudes. “I won’t resurrect you. Allowing someone like you to live would be an injustice to the world. Rest in peace,” he said bluntly.

Kohler had committed too many atrocities. Abyss wouldn’t give him a second chance. Letting him die was his reward for his final act of assistance.

“Hehe, you’re right. It’s a shame we only live once. If reincarnation were real…”

Kohler’s voice faded completely. He hadn’t died yet, but his mind was empty, his consciousness drifting away.

The three girls, having shared Abyss’s conversation through their link, sighed.

“If Kohler had realized this sooner, he wouldn’t have died,” Leona said, her chin resting on her hands.

“Perhaps I would have made him atone for his sins. He might have found peace, but not happiness,” Abyss said. “I wouldn’t forgive someone like him, a traitor who caused so much suffering. It wouldn’t be fair to his victims.”

“Going with the flow is human nature. Most ordinary people do it. He was bitter and resentful, but he never took control of his own life. He suffered a great misfortune in his childhood, but he despaired too easily. That’s what destroyed him,” Rebecca said, offering her perspective.

“One wrong step, and then another,” Flora said, sighing.

“What’s next?” Leona asked Abyss. “Are we joining the Restoration Army’s fight?”

“The Restoration Army… I don’t think we need to follow them anymore,” Abyss said, looking out the carriage window at the Restoration Army soldiers, who were confiscating the weapons of the last remaining enemy troops. “Their victory is assured. And we finally have the upper hand.”

“Then what are we doing?” Leona asked, curious. “Trying to capture the Lord of Nightmares?”

“He won’t be captured,” Abyss said, shaking his head. “But I won’t let him stay in our world either. I’m going to banish him! And I have a bold plan.”

Chapter 162: Communicating with Kohler

Abyss was right. Kohler hadn’t gone into hiding. Flora easily located him through her Soul Chains and established contact.

“Kohler, can you hear me? It’s Abyss,” he sent a mental message through Flora.

“Yes, I hear you,” Kohler’s voice replied shortly after.

Abyss was surprised. He hadn’t expected his attempt to sow discord between Kohler and the Lord of Nightmares to be so effective. After all, the Outer God was Kohler’s object of worship. Convincing him to abandon his faith was as difficult as convincing a devout follower of the Nine Gods to become an atheist.

But the current situation gave him a glimmer of hope. He suspected Kohler was somehow involved in his escape from the dream.

“Kohler, I didn’t expect you to betray your god so readily,” Abyss said, getting straight to the point. “I thought I was going to die. If not for your help, I wouldn’t be talking to you now.”

“How do you know I helped you?” Kohler asked, his voice tinged with annoyance. He clearly still disliked Abyss.

Abyss understood why. His life was too perfect, surrounded by loving companions, his dreams within reach, his destiny under his own control.

“Who else could it be? The Lord of Nightmares trapped me in an inescapable dream, pulling my consciousness into his realm. I shouldn’t have been able to access any outside power, but I did, twice. This made me wonder who had helped me—it couldn’t have been the Lord of Nightmares himself. That would be counterproductive,” Abyss explained, outlining his reasoning. “I never gave up hope during my struggle against him, my desperate fight for survival. I knew you might become my ally. I was waiting for that possibility to become reality.”

“You were right,” Kohler finally admitted. “I helped you. Remember the Dream Shear’s abilities?”

“Creating a rift in space and disappearing through it?”

“Yes. I entered the Lord of Nightmares’ realm. As his first champion, I have free access to his domain,” Kohler explained. “But I can’t stay there for long. It’s not a place for living beings. It would damage my body. I’ve always considered it a last resort, an escape route. But by entering his realm, while remaining unharmed…”

“You created a temporary pathway between Hai-Teweru and the Lord of Nightmares’ domain, right?”

“Exactly,” Kohler replied. He seemed to have adjusted to their telepathic communication, no longer surprised by Abyss’s mental voice. “I didn’t do anything else. I couldn’t. You escaped because you didn’t give up hope.”

Abyss finally understood how he had been able to access Divine Arts, to awaken himself from the dream.

Kohler, using the Dream Shear, had created a pathway, allowing the divine power of Hai-Teweru, including the Lord of Submergence’s power residing within Leona and the power of the Goddess of Life, to reach him.

The arrogant Outer God had been betrayed by his own champion.

“Why did you do it? I thought you wouldn’t betray your god,” Abyss asked.

“I’ve never truly worshipped anyone,” Kohler corrected him. “You know why I followed the Lord of Nightmares. He promised to fulfill my wish, to help me take revenge on human nature. But he broke his promise. He’s no longer of any use to me. I wouldn’t abandon him so readily, but betraying him… that I can do.”

“You wanted to witness him destroy this world, but he saw you as expendable, right?”

“You monitored all his followers with your spies, yet you still fell into his trap. Do you know why?” Kohler asked.

Abyss paused, thinking. “I have a theory, but I might be wrong. It would be best if you explained it yourself.”

“Very well,” Kohler said, a cold smile in his voice. “You thought you were clever, but I’m even more cunning. The Lord of Nightmares instructed me to tell his followers to chant a prayer, using their collective faith to trap you in a dream. I could have simply obeyed, but I wanted to ensure your capture. I had them chant different parts of the prayer. That way, when they uttered the first word, the entire prayer had already been chanted multiple times, amplifying its power. Even you, with your precautions, couldn’t resist it.”

“Is that so?” Abyss asked, surprised. “I thought only Corpse Puppet Necromancers used such tactics.”

“But after doing this, I realized I had fallen into the Lord of Nightmares’ trap as well,” Kohler said, his voice tinged with self-deprecating amusement. “He never intended for me to survive. As the conduit for his power, I bore the brunt of the spell’s backlash. If I had made them chant the entire prayer in unison, there would have been only two outcomes: either I failed, and he would have killed me, finding a replacement, or you would have been trapped in an eternal dream, and I would have died from the backlash.”

“A lose-lose situation,” Abyss said, sighing. “That’s the Lord of Nightmares for you. He never cared about his followers.”

“My cunning saved my life,” Kohler said, sighing. “But only temporarily. I’m dying. My internal organs are failing. I can feel my life force ebbing away.”

Flora, her eyes wide with surprise, tapped Abyss’s shoulder. “Abyss, I just sensed Kohler’s presence at the Church’s headquarters… He seems to be hiding there, perhaps seeking refuge from the Lord of Nightmares.”

Chapter 161: A Crack Between Worlds

The prayer, which should have been ineffective, miraculously worked.

It was a strange sensation, as if a severed connection to the Nine Gods had been restored. Abyss felt his prayer ascend, leaving the dream realm, then a powerful force surged through the rift he had created, entering this world.

The dream realm brightened, the sky turning into a blinding mirror, the light momentarily disorienting him.

Divine power flooded the realm, filling every corner, then, after a brief pause, surged towards Abyss, his body absorbing it completely.

A cool wave spread from his spine, coursing through his nerves, invigorating his mind.

The picturesque dream dissolved into darkness, and he felt an itching sensation in his eyelids. He opened his eyes.

His senses returned, his vision clearing, the familiar jostling of the carriage beneath him, the rhythmic marching chants of the Restoration Army soldiers, and Flora’s comforting scent filling the air. Her face, filled with relief, appeared before him.

“Abyss, are you alright?”

“Abyss! You’re finally awake!” Leona exclaimed from beside him. “You collapsed after sensing those followers chanting. We couldn’t wake you. Flora, in her anger, silenced all the Lord of Nightmares’ followers who were praying!”

“We tried everything, but you didn’t respond. How did you suddenly wake up? Did you succeed?” Rebecca asked, her voice filled with concern, taking his hand. “What did the Lord of Nightmares do to you?”

“How long was I asleep?” Abyss asked, rubbing his temples.

Flora leaned closer, gently massaging his head. “You were asleep for over an hour. The Restoration Army is about to force the enemy’s last remaining troops to surrender. Victory is near. We stayed with you in the carriage. Confronting the Lord of Nightmares must have been exhausting.”

Flora’s gentle touch eased his headache, but he was still unsure if he was truly awake.

“Belator.”

A gentle, melodious female voice echoed in his mind, comforting and familiar, like a mother’s call.

He looked at Flora, who returned his gaze with a questioning look. It wasn’t her.

“Belator, I am Neria, Goddess of Life and Harvest,” the voice said, seemingly aware of his confusion. “You prayed for my power. When I granted it, it passed through a conduit to another world. I require an explanation.”

The Goddess of Life and Harvest was the most widely worshipped deity in Hai-Teweru, her power invoked by healers, doctors, farmers, and all those who sought her blessings. It seemed she had contacted him directly because his prayer hadn’t been used for its intended purpose.

Abyss paused, then asked mentally, “You’re aware of my conflict with the Lord of Nightmares, aren’t you?”

“I am. You were trapped in a dream.”

“It seems you know everything,” Abyss replied. “I don’t understand the details, but I suspect the Lord of Nightmares is influencing our world from another realm—or perhaps a space between worlds. He pulled my consciousness into a dream, but he also pulled it out of this world. That’s why you couldn’t reach me—but someone created a pathway, allowing your power to reach me.”

“Are you referring to… Apos Kohler?”

“Yes, my lady,” Abyss replied respectfully. “It seems we’ve solved the mystery.”

“Good. Congratulations on defeating the Lord of Nightmares, Belator.”

“I haven’t defeated him completely, but thank you, my lady. Your voice is reassuring.”

The Goddess of Life’s voice faded. Abyss knew she had ended their conversation.

He didn’t know how many layers of dreams the Lord of Nightmares had created, nor was he certain he was truly awake.

“Flora, I’ll explain my encounter with the Lord of Nightmares later. Can you preserve my memories from after I awakened? Is there a Divine Art for that?” he asked.

“Well… no,” Flora said, shaking her head. “Human memories are complex. There’s no way to extract and preserve them.”

“Hmm…”

“But you can tell me what you want to remember,” Flora said, smiling. “I’ll tell you everything when you return. You’re planning to use the Lord of Submergence’s power, right?”

Abyss slapped his forehead. “I forgot about the simplest solution. I have you all.”

After explaining his plan, he used the Lord of Submergence’s power, transforming into light and flying towards the sun. This time, he encountered no resistance, reaching the sun’s surface instantly—a sea of fire that didn’t harm him, its warmth comforting.

Then, Flora called him back through their telepathic link. This confirmed that he wasn’t in a dream created by the Lord of Nightmares.

As for whether he was truly awake, he wasn’t concerned. He would deal with that later. Defeating the Creator God was his priority. He wouldn’t waste time on such uncertainties.

With the girls’ help, he quickly recovered the memories he had lost during his brief use of Divine Arts.

“Abyss, what’s our next move?” Flora asked. “The Restoration Army is doing well, and I’ve located all the Lord of Nightmares’ followers. They’re all bound by my Soul Chains now.”

“Excellent work, but don’t deal with them yet. I want to talk to Kohler.”