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

Chapter 140: The Worst Parents

Abyss’s expression turned strange.

“You castrated your own son for money, then sent him to the palace?”

Apos’s mother, clearly aware of her actions’ severity, lowered her head, her voice barely a whisper. “Back then… I couldn’t function without alcohol. My husband had gambled away all our savings. No one was working… So…”

“Did you ever consider getting a job to buy your own alcohol?” Leona asked, her voice filled with disdain. Abyss’s shared consciousness allowed her to understand their conversation.

“Apos would occasionally do odd jobs, bringing me money for alcohol, but I couldn’t work without drinking… I get too agitated…”

“Right, I understand,” Rebecca said, cutting her off. She couldn’t stand listening to this drunkard’s excuses. Fortunately, she was dead now, free from her addiction, her speech coherent. But she still seemed to believe her actions were justified, constantly finding excuses.

“So, I believe I understand what happened. Let me summarize, and you can correct me if I’m wrong,” Abyss said, sighing. “Apos was close to a neighbor’s daughter. They often read and studied together, which sparked his dream of becoming a scholar. But his family was poor and in debt, forcing him to work odd jobs. You, driven by your addiction and your need for alcohol, decided to castrate him and send him to the palace as a eunuch, hoping to receive the reward money and his future wages. And you actually did it… If I’m not mistaken, the neighbor’s daughter stopped interacting with him after that, right?”

“Men who are castrated often have trouble controlling their bladder, resulting in a persistent, unpleasant odor. Most people avoid them,” Rebecca said, shaking her head. “And it must have had a profound impact on Apos’s personality.”

“Exactly! It’s all her fault! My son might have been a bookworm, but he was a healthy boy. He could have earned a living. But she went mad and had him castrated! He became frail, his personality grew darker. He stopped interacting with the neighbor’s girl. They moved away a few months later, and Apos just stayed home, reading her old books, never speaking to anyone!” Apos’s father said, pointing an accusing finger at his wife.

“How dare you blame me?! He was always like that! And you, you gambled away all our money, leaving us in debt! After you killed yourself, we were evicted, forced to live in a shack by the city walls!”

“If you hadn’t been a drunkard, refusing to work, I wouldn’t have gambled so much! A little gambling is harmless. I never bet big. I was just trying to earn enough to change our lives! You drove me to suicide!”

“Harmless?! Harmless my ass!” Apos’s mother shouted, her voice filled with rage. “You spent every day with your gambling buddies, giving away our money! Do you even know how your best friend, Bobby, treated us after your death?”

Abyss, Leona, and Rebecca all facepalmed. This couple was truly unbearable. They blamed everyone but themselves for their son’s misfortune, their selfish actions ruining his life for a paltry sum of money. If Apos had passed the palace tests, it might have been a different story. He could have thrived in the palace, his self-taught knowledge giving him an advantage over the other eunuchs. But he had failed. It was all for nothing.

Within a few days, he had lost everything. As a castrated boy with a persistent, unpleasant odor, he couldn’t face the girl he had once admired. And his parents’ attitude made it clear that he wouldn’t be sent to a prestigious academy in the Eastern or Western Empires. He couldn’t even find a decent job to earn money for his education.

No wonder he had become so bitter and resentful. His interactions with Abyss had revealed his deep-seated malice towards others, likely stemming from envy, but ultimately rooted in his own tragic experiences.

“Did Apos stay with you until your death?” Leona asked his mother.

She shook her head. “After what I did to him, our relationship was strained. And he refused to work, just staying home, eating our food. I sent him away. Then I drank myself to death. Fortunately, someone in town gave me a proper burial, although they buried me with that useless man. Damn it! I don’t want to be anywhere near him!”

“You, with your wrinkled face, your yellowed eyes, your bird’s nest hair, you reek! And you have the audacity to say that?” Apos’s father retorted.

“Let’s get back to the matter at hand,” Abyss said, interrupting their pointless bickering. “Did Apos ever experience nightmares? Before your deaths, did he ever mention having recurring nightmares?”

“I wouldn’t know. I was always drunk,” Apos’s mother said, shaking her head.

“I don’t think so. I sometimes saw him sleeping peacefully when I came home at night. He didn’t seem to be having nightmares,” his father said.

Abyss questioned the other Kohler wraiths, but none of them knew anything about Apos having nightmares. This suggested that the Lord of Nightmares hadn’t targeted him years ago. Apos had become his follower later.

“Do you have a plan?” Leona asked, patting Abyss’s hand.

“Apos’s personality is set, and he’s done too much evil to redeem himself. He must face the consequences of his actions. But I believe we can exploit his weaknesses… I’m going to start planning our next move,” Abyss said, then turned to Apos’s parents. “You two, take the others and return to your rest. Although you’re dead, I must tell you that having such selfish parents was Apos’s misfortune. I suggest you reflect on your actions before finding peace. I’ve given you enough spiritual energy to last for a few years. Now, go and reflect.”

The wraiths, not daring to disobey, knelt before Abyss, kowtowing repeatedly, then, along with their relatives, departed.

“Now, we’ll wait for the Restoration Army to begin their march, then we’ll find a way to lure out that pathetic and hateful creature,” Abyss said, clapping his hands, satisfied with the completion of this small task.

Chapter 139: Apos’s Parents

Abyss cleared his throat. “Ahem… Greetings, everyone…”

But before he could explain his purpose, one of the wraiths, for reasons unknown, suddenly knelt before him.

The other wraiths, seeing this, followed suit without hesitation. Before Abyss could even greet them, they were all prostrated on the ground, as if in the presence of a powerful overlord.

“…What’s going on?” Abyss asked, confused.

“They have an instinctive respect for you. Even I feel it,” Rebecca whispered. “These are just ordinary townspeople. They probably see you as some kind of ruler of the dead.”

“Please, rise. There’s no need for such formalities,” Abyss said, addressing the wraiths. “I’m not your lord. I’m just a passing necromancer.”

The wraiths hesitated for a moment, then one of them stood up. The others, emboldened by his action, slowly rose as well, but they still avoided eye contact.

Abyss counted thirteen wraiths, a mix of ages and genders. Some resembled Apos, likely relatives.

“Please listen carefully. I’m here in Silverwind Harbor Town to investigate a man named Apos Kohler. If you know him, please raise your hand.”

Half of them raised their hands.

“Those who don’t know him may return to their rest. I apologize for the disturbance. And those who do know him, are you all members of the Kohler family?” Abyss said, releasing the unfamiliar wraiths, then turned to those who had raised their hands.

One of the wraiths hesitated, then stammered, “Kind sir, that woman and I are Apos’s parents… The others are relatives. What has he done? Has he caused trouble? We’re dead now, so we can’t discipline him…”

“I have some questions for you. Please, step forward,” Abyss said, gesturing for Apos’s parents to approach him.

His search had ended quickly. He had found the parents who had taken Apos to the palace all those years ago.

“Sir, please ask away. We’ll answer any question we can, and we’ll do whatever you ask,” Apos’s father said, bowing repeatedly, his eagerness to please evident in his every movement, his eyes darting around nervously. He didn’t seem particularly old, likely in his forties when he died.

Beside him stood his wife, her head bowed, her silence suggesting fear. She looked much older than her husband, her face wrinkled, although her hair hadn’t turned gray. She resembled Apos, but her hair was messy, her clothes tattered and dirty. A wraith’s appearance reflected their state at the time of death. It seemed she hadn’t died peacefully.

“Hmm… May I ask how you died?” Abyss asked, intrigued by this seemingly unpleasant couple.

“I died first,” Apos’s father said. “I gambled away a lot of money, couldn’t repay my debts, and poisoned myself.”

“I… I died later. I don’t know how. I was drinking… and then I felt tired. I closed my eyes, and that was it,” Apos’s mother said, her voice hesitant, her fear of Abyss evident.

“I see,” Abyss said, nodding. So the father was a gambler, and the mother was a drunkard. It was hard to imagine that Apos, raised by such parents, had received a proper upbringing.

Rebecca, never one for subtlety, addressed them directly. “Your son, Apos, has done something terrible… He’s a follower of an Outer God, and he’s helping this Outer God’s servant usurp the throne.”

The two wraiths were stunned.

“What… You’re saying our son is a follower of an Outer God and a traitor?” Apos’s father exclaimed, his voice filled with disbelief. “Our useless son, who couldn’t even become a palace servant, is capable of such things?”

“Exactly!” Apos’s mother chimed in. “Miss, are you sure you haven’t mistaken him for someone else?”

“Since you mentioned sending your son to the palace, let me ask you two questions. First, where did Apos receive his education? His knowledge and his manners suggest a good upbringing. Second, why did you send him to the palace? What happened?”

Abyss had a hunch. Apos’s current state, his allegiance to the Lord of Nightmares, must be connected to his parents.

“We didn’t send him to school. He learned those useless things from borrowed books. We weren’t wealthy, but our neighbors were. They had a daughter, and our son often read with her. He’s self-taught,” Apos’s father said dismissively. “What good is education? We didn’t bother stopping him.”

“He wanted to be a scholar, but I objected,” Apos’s mother said. “Scholars don’t make money. He should have gotten a job at the tavern instead of wasting his time on those books.”

Rebecca almost laughed. She had become the continent’s most renowned alchemist, her wealth vast, thanks to her dedication to learning, her knowledge surpassing that of most scholars. If she hadn’t intentionally limited the scale of her business, she might have become the wealthiest person on the continent, surpassing even the emperors of the Eastern and Western Empires.

“And what about the palace?” Abyss asked.

“Ask her. It was her idea,” Apos’s father said, pointing at his wife. “I wasn’t involved. I just accompanied them to the capital, hoping for a bit of luck.”

Apos’s mother glared at her husband, then, unable to avoid the question, turned to Abyss. “I needed money for alcohol. Apos was always reading with that neighbor’s girl, never earning any money. So I drugged his drink and took him to the local doctor… and had him castrated… The King offered a reward to the parents of any boy who became a eunuch. It was enough to buy me a lot of drinks…”

Chapter 138: Searching the Town

“So, he visited the palace as a child,” Leona said, holding the copy of the palace records Abyss had acquired, carefully reading it. She placed an empty pipe in her mouth, puffing on it thoughtfully. “Well, that makes things easier. We just need to visit his childhood home based on this record and find him.”

“With all due respect, Leona, I doubt he’s still living in his childhood home,” Abyss said, patting Leona’s head, interrupting her detective roleplay. “We won’t find him there. And there’s no guarantee his house even exists anymore.”

“Hmm?” Leona frowned, considering his words, then nodded. “Very good. I was just testing you. You’re indeed a sharp thinker, my reliable assistant!”

Rebecca, amused by Leona’s antics, said, “Detective Leona, I have an idea.”

“Please enlighten us, Assistant Rebecca,” Leona said, extending her hand dramatically, inviting her to share her insights.

“Let’s read the record carefully,” Rebecca said, not bothering to take the paper from Leona. She had already memorized it. “Apos Kohler, age ten, a native of Silverwind Harbor Town in the western region of the kingdom, applied for a position as an attendant in the palace, but failed the loyalty test and was rejected.”

“Is there something unusual about that?” Leona asked, confused.

“Of course, Detective Leona. As you’ve noticed, Mr. Kohler was only ten years old when he first applied for a position as an attendant, a eunuch. He likely wasn’t alone. I suspect his parents brought him to the palace. Perhaps he lost his… manhood in an accident, and they were hoping to find him a new life,” Rebecca explained.

Leona nodded, impressed. “Excellent deduction, Miss Rebecca. You are indeed my most trusted assistant. I agree with your assessment.”

Rebecca, indulging Leona’s roleplay, said, “Therefore, I suggest we visit Silverwind Harbor Town in the western region of Ossi and find Kohler’s parents…”

“…Or their graves,” Abyss added.

Having a necromancer on their team was convenient. If a source of information was deceased, they could simply resurrect them. No need for complicated investigations. The concept of “taking secrets to the grave” didn’t apply to necromancers, especially not a skilled one like Abyss.

“Excellent! Let’s go!” Leona exclaimed, tucking the paper into her pocket, clapping her hands. “We’ll find his parents and learn more about him! We’ll surely uncover valuable information!”

A large head suddenly appeared beside them, its massive, dragon-like face filled with eagerness. “Do you need me?”

“Yes, Little Fire Dragon. Fly west. We need to find the town where Kohler was born, then locate his family and learn about his background,” Abyss replied.

They were already in the Shadow Realm, prepared for immediate departure.

…

Little Fire Dragon had been a valuable asset, providing them with transportation. As long as they rewarded him with a few trinkets from their treasure hoard, he was happy to oblige. Of course, it wasn’t because he was easily fooled. Abyss’s “gifts” were always valuable treasures, which this discerning dragon appreciated.

His back was a bit cold, but the ride was smooth and comfortable. Dragons might have scales, but they were still animals. Thanks to Abyss’s necromantic preservation magic, his back had just the right amount of give. They enjoyed their flight, soaring through the sky towards the western coast of the Ossi Kingdom.

As Little Fire Dragon landed, they were greeted by the cool, humid air and the pungent smell of the sea. The town before them was a fishing port, its surrounding villages all dependent on the sea.

Based on the information gathered by Abyss’s network of spies, this was Silverwind Harbor Town, Apos Kohler’s hometown.

They instructed Little Fire Dragon to wait for them, then Abyss, holding Rebecca and Leona’s hands, exited the Shadow Realm. He didn’t need to snap his fingers to enter or exit the Shadow Realm. It was just a personal preference, a dramatic flourish.

“We’ll need to wait here for a moment,” Abyss said, rubbing one of his rings. He summoned a group of soldiers clad in ancient armor.

They were the spirits of an ancient scouting unit, killed in battle. Abyss’s master had found their remains scattered in the wilderness and had given them a proper burial. Grateful for his kindness, they had pledged their loyalty to him. After his master’s death, they had, like his other undead servants, transferred their allegiance to Abyss.

These scouts were wraiths, invisible to ordinary humans, but not to Abyss and his companions.

“My friends, I have a task for you,” Abyss said, using magic to write the name “Kohler” in the air. “Search the town for any families with that name. And search the nearby cemetery for any deceased individuals with that surname. Awaken their souls and bring them to me—focus on the cemetery. I suspect the person I’m looking for is dead.”

The soldiers saluted in unison, their ancient language echoing through the air, then dispersed without a word. They had been a disciplined unit in life, their loyalty and efficiency unwavering.

Abyss and the girls found a clean spot to sit down. It wasn’t long before the scouts returned, accompanied by several confused-looking wraiths.

“Master Abyss, we couldn’t find any families with that name in the town. But we found several graves with that surname in the cemetery. We’ve brought them all back,” the scout captain reported.

“Good work. I need to question them. You may return to your duties,” Abyss said, nodding, then turned to face the wraiths.

The wraiths stared at him, their expressions blank, their minds confused. But they sensed something emanating from him, a power that compelled them to obey, even though they didn’t know him.

Chapter 137: The Palace Records on Apos

Since Princess Givia’s public act of Blood Atonement, which had been widely accepted, Prince Kevin had rarely been seen. And with several of his most ardent supporters among the surrenderist nobles being targeted by Givia’s powerful allies, losing their lands overnight, the remaining nobles had become wary, distancing themselves from him. Kevin was now truly isolated.

Life in the palace continued as usual, but no one catered to Kevin’s whims anymore. Except for a few soldiers who dutifully delivered his meals, no one dared approach him.

Strangely, Kevin seemed to have lost his appetite, his food untouched.

The entire Ossi Kingdom awaited Givia’s return, eager to sever their ties with Kevin. Years of disappointment and resentment had eroded their faith in their current ruler. Those who still served in the palace did so out of fear, knowing that Kevin, despite his isolation, still held absolute power.

The former king, imprisoned for years, had been secretly released. His health had deteriorated, his body ravaged by illness and neglect. He spent most of his days asleep, receiving treatment from alchemists.

Although Kevin’s support had dwindled, it didn’t mean his reign was over. Givia had sent letters to the nobles who secretly supported her, urging them to remain patient. Kevin still had loyal followers within the kingdom’s army and among the nobility. Any support for the Restoration Army had to be discreet, to avoid triggering Kevin’s wrath and a potential massacre.

Abyss suspected that the Lord of Nightmares had firmly established his influence in Ossi. Some military leaders and nobles were likely not just Kevin’s supporters, but also followers of the Outer God. This war wouldn’t be easy.

This opportunistic Outer God was cunning. Despite his disdain for mortals, he had cultivated a network of human agents. If he had relied solely on Shadowlings, his reign in the Ossi Kingdom might have already ended. Abyss would have acquired the Dream Shear and confronted him directly.

The palace was silent. At the entrance to the archives, a hushed conversation was taking place.

“What? You want to access the palace records?” the archivist asked, frowning. “Do you have authorization? I can’t grant you access without it.”

“My friend, I have authorization from someone… special,” the palace guard replied. He should have been at his post, but he had somehow slipped away and found his way to the archives.

“Who authorized this?” the archivist asked, curious. “Isn’t the Spymaster ill?”

“The princess,” the guard whispered, leaning closer.

“The princess?” the archivist exclaimed, his voice barely a whisper, his eyes wide with surprise. “How did you contact her? And she’s a traitor now. I can’t…”

“Look at this,” the guard said, pulling a piece of paper from his pocket.

It was a letter, written in elegant script, granting permission to access the palace archives. And at the bottom of the letter, below Princess Givia’s signature, was her personal seal.

Seals could be forged, but perfectly replicating one was nearly impossible. Seals were made of stone, and important seals often had deliberately created imperfections, tiny cracks and fissures, their patterns unique, like fingerprints, visible upon close inspection.

The archivist, having worked here for over a decade, recognized the princess’s seal. He examined the cracks and confirmed its authenticity. This was indeed the princess’s letter!

“This is a secret mission. No one will know, whether you succeed or fail. You don’t need to worry about Kevin. He’s been preoccupied lately, hiding in his room like a statue,” the guard said, his voice persuasive. “The princess needs this information. If you assist her, she’ll remember your loyalty. And when she reclaims her throne, you’ll be rewarded… It’s a risk-free task. Are you sure you want to refuse?”

The archivist hesitated, tempted by the offer. He had no strong political affiliations, but he preferred Princess Givia to the cruel King Kevin. And she was known for her generosity.

“What do you need?” he finally asked, his voice low, glancing around to make sure they were alone. “I’ll find it for you.”

“Thank you. The archives are vast. It would take me forever to find what I need,” the guard said, relieved.

…

A while later, the guard emerged from the archives, a sheet of paper in his hand. He walked through the palace, taking a circuitous route, his movements furtive, finally stopping behind a wall.

A young man, his face adorned with a smile, appeared before him. It was Abyss.

“I have it. This is Apos Kohler’s record from the palace,” the guard said.

Abyss took the paper, thanking him. “Thank you. This is a great help.”

“Kevin and his followers are my enemies. It was my duty to help, Mr. Abyss.”

“I apologize for our previous actions, which led to your execution. I’m grateful for your willingness to help us now,” Abyss said, his voice sincere, as he stored the paper in his magical catfish’s belly.

The guard shook his head. “Mr. Abyss, you altered everyone’s memories, hiding our deaths, and resurrected us, allowing us to spend our remaining days with our families. We hold no grudge against you. We’re willing to do whatever we can to help.”

After exchanging pleasantries, Abyss snapped his fingers, entering the Shadow Realm, then unfolded the paper, his eyes scanning the information.

“Hmm… So that’s how it is… No wonder… No wonder…”

Chapter 136: The Abyss Detective Agency Sets Out

“When did you buy this hat?”

After interrogating the three followers of the Lord of Nightmares, Abyss and his companions left the guesthouse, leaving the unconscious men, their memories partially erased, in the care of the Restoration Army. They would rejoin their unit when the main force met up with the guerrillas. Flora remained in Rebecca’s laboratory, diligently repairing Abyss’s clothes, while the other three prepared to investigate Kohler, hoping to find a way to lure him out.

Leona, having mastered the art of using Abyss’s magical catfish, summoned it and retrieved a hat from its belly, placing it on her head. It was a hat designed by her ancestor, Star, with brims both front and back, and earflaps that could be folded up. It was known as a “detective hat” and had frequently appeared in Star’s stories about a fictional character named “Sherlock Holmes.”

Such hats weren’t commonly worn in Hai-Teweru. Leona had somehow acquired one and stored it within the catfish’s belly.

“I bought it in Lavoisier City,” she said proudly, adjusting the brim. “How do I look?”

She did look adorable, her silver hair peeking out from beneath the round hat.

Abyss patted her head. “You look great. It reminds me of a unique type of burial mound in the Boergan Khanate. The mounds are shaped like…”

Before he could finish his sentence, Leona, her cheeks puffed out in annoyance, stuffed a carrot into his mouth. She had been carrying it with her.

Rebecca almost burst out laughing. She, like Leona, enjoyed reading novels and knew that this type of hat, invented by Star, had become a staple in detective stories. Leona was clearly trying to channel her inner detective.

She was always so childish.

“Where are we investigating first?” Leona asked Rebecca, adjusting her hat, her voice eager. “I can’t wait!”

“Let’s ask Alva,” Rebecca replied. “She’s observant. She might remember some details about Kohler. We need to figure out where he came from.”

Abyss, munching on the carrot Leona had given him, said, “Kohler’s Common Tongue was flawless. I couldn’t detect any accent. But Alva, as an Ossi native, might be able to identify his regional dialect.”

Even in a small kingdom like Ossi, different regions had distinct accents, a remnant of their past as separate tribes, their languages merging to form the modern Ossi language.

“Let’s go!” Leona exclaimed, eager to play detective.

They wasted no time, heading to the headquarters. Learning that Alva was at the barracks, they set out for the military camp.

The soldiers at the barracks recognized them. They had the princess’s permission to enter any area, so they passed through the gates without any questioning.

The camp was even busier than before, the new recruits diligently learning combat skills, the veterans maintaining their weapons and practicing formations. The quartermaster and the logistics teams were busy preparing supplies, and several temporary ovens had been set up, bakers from the town baking hard, salty bread for the soldiers.

They found Alva with Haina and Cassandra. Haina, her spirits high, was practicing magic with her staff.

“Good evening. What brings you here?” Alva asked, approaching them. “Haina just learned a new spell. I was helping her practice.”

“We’re here to inquire about Apos Kohler,” Rebecca said, getting straight to the point. “Miss Alva, you must remember some details about him. Could you share them with us? We need to know where he came from, to gather more information about him. It will help us in our fight against the Lord of Nightmares.”

“Apos?” Alva’s expression turned serious. “I do remember a few things. Let’s sit down and talk.”

They sat on nearby benches, and their discussion began.

“Alva, could you identify Apos’s accent?” Abyss asked.

“His Ossi accent?” Alva thought for a moment. “He did speak Ossi in the palace. His accent… It was from the western region of the kingdom. The west is coastal, their fishing industry thriving, but their location limits their trade. They mostly rely on sea routes to the Western Empire. The people there aren’t very… refined. Most Western Ossi people are quite rough. Someone as well-educated as Apos is rare.”

“Hmm, that’s true. His Common Tongue was flawless. That alone sets him apart from most Ossi people,” Abyss said, nodding.

Alva didn’t disagree. Fluency in Common Tongue was indeed an indicator of one’s education.

“I have another question. If Apos Kohler wasn’t originally from the palace, why is he a eunuch?” Rebecca asked. “Most men wouldn’t willingly… remove their manhood.”

“The Ossi Kingdom palace recruits eunuchs as servants every year,” Alva explained. “Some men castrate themselves, hoping to secure a position in the palace. Of course, not everyone succeeds. Those who pass the tests receive compensation and a stable job, but some are rejected.”

“I know, I know. The Western Empire’s palace also recruits eunuchs. It’s to prevent them from having affairs with the maids, which could cause chaos,” Leona chimed in. “But self-castration is forbidden in the Western Empire. Anyone caught doing so is disqualified and fined.”

“Officially, self-castration is also forbidden in Ossi, but we usually turn a blind eye. Since it’s considered a great shame in Ossi culture, few men resort to such measures.”

“Hmm… I think I understand why he’s helping Kevin now,” Abyss said thoughtfully.

“Then our next step is to investigate the western region of Ossi,” Rebecca suggested.

Abyss hesitated, then said, “That’s a good idea, but I think there might be a more direct approach…”

Rebecca, understanding his implication, asked, “You’re suggesting…”

Chapter 235: The Lord of Nightmares’ Recruitment Tactics

Flora sat on a low stool, her head bent low, meticulously guiding a needle through Abyss’s tattered clothes, pulling a thin thread, creating a small floral pattern.

Abyss’s outfit, after his battle with Kohler, was in tatters. Flora couldn’t restore it to its original state, and using Divine Arts to repair it wasn’t an option—manipulating matter was beyond the scope of the powers granted by the Nine Gods. However, this hadn’t deterred Flora, who had spent the past few days diligently studying needlework, even seeking guidance from the local women. She skillfully embroidered patterns onto the torn fabric. Abyss’s clothes, originally black, now adorned with these intricate designs, looked almost brand new.

Leona, perched on an alchemy table, hummed a tune from the Western Empire, a carrot in her hand, watched them work.

Unlike Flora and Leona, who seemed to be enjoying a peaceful afternoon, Abyss and Rebecca were engaged in a rather unsettling activity. The three followers of the Lord of Nightmares they had captured from the guerrilla camp were strapped to bone dissection tables, their bodies held in place by Abyss’s magic. Rebecca, holding a smoking jar filled with a green, noxious gas, wafted it towards their faces. The three men, their eyes glazed over, their speech slurred, answered Abyss’s questions.

They looked like villains from a horror story, their expressions cruel, their actions even more so.

Interrogating their enemies was a simple task for Abyss and his companions. Flora could use her Divine Arts to relax their minds, making them vulnerable to suggestion. Rebecca could brew truth serums, forcing them to confess. Abyss, with his knowledge of anatomy and his necromantic powers, could inflict unimaginable pain. And Leona, well, she relied on brute force and intimidation.

These three unfortunate followers of the Lord of Nightmares had been subjected to all of the above. Abyss had intimidated them, Flora had relaxed their minds, and Rebecca had administered her truth serum. Their mental defenses were shattered, and they were now confessing everything they knew.

They hadn’t been falsely accused. They were indeed followers of the Lord of Nightmares, but they hadn’t joined the Restoration Army with malicious intent. They had become the Outer God’s followers later.

Before Givia’s Blood Atonement, before she had publicly declared her resolve, the people of Ossi had been consumed by fear and uncertainty. Some worried about their nation’s future, while others feared for their own lives. They didn’t know which leader to follow—Givia, although ambitious, lacked resources and experience, while Kevin, although powerful, was a cruel tyrant who didn’t care about his kingdom.

They feared both siding with Kevin and betraying him. Even some of Givia’s soldiers were plagued by doubts, their anxieties manifesting as nightmares.

Nightmares were the Lord of Nightmares’ domain. He might be arrogant, but he wasn’t stupid. He had a backup plan. His followers were his secondary weapon, deployed when his Shadowlings failed. He would infiltrate their dreams, tormenting them with their deepest fears, breaking their minds, then offer them salvation. Most agreed, and those who refused faced continued torment until they succumbed or died.

He had a powerful influence over those with weak minds. Those who had endured his nightly torments for decades (he could control the flow of time within dreams) had become his most devoted followers, abandoning the Nine Gods and worshipping him as their sole deity. These followers weren’t organized like those of the Lord of Submergence, but their loyalty was unwavering.

Humans were capable of developing a strange dependence on their tormentors, even a sense of respect. The Lord of Nightmares had perfected this manipulation, turning them into willing pawns.

These followers didn’t offer him sacrifices, but they obeyed his commands without question.

They lived with nightmares, but these terrifying dreams were like an addiction, a source of twisted pleasure.

The three captured followers had been with the Restoration Army for a long time. They hadn’t participated in the recent attack. It seemed the Lord of Nightmares was keeping them as a backup plan. But he hadn’t anticipated Rebecca’s abilities, her potion revealing his hidden agents. This would surely disrupt his plans.

Abyss couldn’t extract any further information from them. They were telling the truth, but they were ignorant of the Lord of Nightmares’ overall plan. He only issued commands, keeping them in the dark.

“It seems we’ve learned everything we can,” Abyss said, clapping his hands, looking at Rebecca.

Rebecca made a throat-slitting gesture, her eyes questioning.

“Oh, no, there’s no need to silence them. They might be traitors, but they were driven to this by the Lord of Nightmares’ torment. Most people can’t withstand his influence,” Abyss said, shaking his head.

“Heehee, I was just teasing,” Rebecca said, her smile mischievous. “I’ll use a combination of potions and hypnosis to erase their memories of the Lord of Nightmares and recent events. They can return to the army. As long as they’re courageous, they shouldn’t be susceptible to his influence again. The Restoration Army needs every able-bodied soldier. They can still serve their kingdom.”

Chapter 234: Let’s Get His Shears

“What is that?” Leona had expected to see a gruesome injury, but instead, Abyss was simply holding up a pile of tattered cloth.

“Wait… Don’t tell me. Let me guess,” Rebecca said, stroking her chin thoughtfully. “Isn’t that the outfit you were wearing earlier?”

“You guessed right,” Abyss said, sighing. “This is what happened to my clothes after my fight with that Apos—or rather, Kohler. As you know, his weapon is a pair of gardening shears called the Dream Shear. It can split anything in two, fuse things together, and it seems to have the ability to transform objects into Shadowlings. It wasn’t an easy fight.”

He placed a pile of cloth scraps on the table.

“These were my pants.”

He then laid out the other scraps, identifying their original forms. “This was my shirt, my coat, my cloak, my underwear…”

“Why are you showing us your underwear?! And why are you even keeping that tiny scrap of fabric?!” Leona exclaimed, her face flushed.

“I feel bad…” Abyss said, pouting. “You all put so much effort into choosing those clothes for me. Except for the underwear… Sorry, I got that mixed up. Forget about that one.”

“Why feel bad?” Rebecca said, laughing. “I was worried something terrible had happened. It’s just a few torn clothes. I can buy you a new set. A hundred new sets, if you like.”

“But you all put so much thought into choosing those clothes. I felt I should at least inform you,” Abyss said, smiling sheepishly. “I’m glad you’re not angry.”

The three girls sighed in relief. It seemed Abyss hadn’t suffered any serious injuries.

Flora picked up the tattered remains of his coat and cloak. “I can’t fix the pants, but I can repair the coat and cloak. As for the shirt, it’s best to get a new one. It’s close-fitting. I wouldn’t want you to feel uncomfortable wearing a repaired one.”

“You can fix them?” Abyss asked, his eyes widening in surprise. “You learned how to sew?!”

“I spent some time learning. I can make them look as good as new,” Flora said, smiling gently, gathering the scraps. “But besides repairing these precious fabrics, don’t you have something more important to tell us?”

“Ah, yes, you mentioned wanting to hear about my fight with Kohler. Let me tell you everything.”

…

Abyss recounted the details of his battle with Kohler, his memory sharp, reliving every moment, the danger he had faced making the girls, who had initially been relieved, gasp in horror. If not for his meticulous preparations, he might have been killed by that cunning follower of the Lord of Nightmares.

The Dream Shear, like the mask wielded by Bishop Dallan, possessed absolute power, a force that couldn’t be countered with brute magical force. This made confronting its wielder incredibly dangerous. Abyss had relied on his quick thinking and his adaptability, narrowly avoiding Kohler’s—or rather, the Lord of Nightmares’—traps.

“Those are all the abilities I’ve discovered so far. He escaped after retrieving his severed hand, which was holding the shears, by tearing through space,” Abyss said, spreading his hands. “It’s the first time anyone has escaped my Shadow Realm. And he seemed to do it effortlessly, although he was clearly injured.”

“That’s interesting…” Rebecca said, her voice thoughtful. “He can cut through space? Or perhaps… he can cut through worlds?”

“Hmm… Yes, he might have cut through a world,” Abyss said, correcting himself after considering her words. “He tore through my Shadow Realm, escaping through the rift he created. I should have followed him, but he vanished too quickly, and the tracking spells I had placed on him were severed. Thankfully, I didn’t send any of my sentient undead with him.”

“Your necromantic link can’t cross worlds,” Leona said, sitting on Abyss’s bed, her voice analytical. “That place is likely the Lord of Nightmares’ domain, where his power reigns supreme. Your necromancy wouldn’t work there.”

Abyss agreed. “Yes, that’s a possibility. So, if I ever venture into that realm, I’ll need to take some precautions… But I’m not sure what those precautions would be yet. Our next goal is to find Kohler and take his Dream Shear. We need to study it.”

“He’s not stupid. He won’t let you find him and steal his artifact so easily,” Leona said.

“We have time. No need to rush,” Abyss said, chuckling. “We might not be able to achieve it now, but we can at least plan.”

“I’ll help you devise a strategy,” Flora said. “He might need time to recover from his injuries, or he might be healed already. But I don’t think he’ll keep us waiting for long. We might need to lure him out.”

“We need to figure out what he values…” Abyss said, thinking. “We need to learn more about him. This Apos Kohler was a nobody before joining Kevin. I only learned his full name from a document I found in the palace. I know nothing else about him. Why is he a eunuch? And why is he a follower of the Lord of Nightmares? We need to find out.”

“Another investigation?” Leona asked, her eyes sparkling with excitement, as she swung her legs on the bed. “Count me in!”

“Of course. Let’s interrogate those three we captured tonight. I’ve placed them in Rebecca’s laboratory. After that, we’ll head to the Ossi Kingdom, ahead of the Restoration Army. We can have some fun… And maybe bring you back some souvenirs.”

Chapter 233: Abyss is Injured

Compared to the Lord of Nightmares’ Shadowlings, Rebecca’s alchemical golems, incorporating various advanced technologies, possessed several unique advantages.

Firstly, they could perfectly mimic living beings, including heartbeat, pulse, body temperature, and breathing. And since they were created using divine power borrowed from Flora, no magic could reveal their true nature—their primary components were water and various herbs.

Abyss had sensed the Nine Gods’ hesitation during their initial attempt to create these golems. They were surprised by Rebecca’s audacity. If she had given them souls, she would have crossed into the realm of artificial life, a domain even the gods dared not touch. Only the Creator God possessed the authority to create life.

But the Nine Gods had ultimately agreed, lending their power to Abyss and Rebecca, allowing them to complete their experiment. The subsequent golems were created by Rebecca with Flora’s assistance, her divine power purer and far more potent than Abyss’s, resulting in incredibly realistic golems, indistinguishable from living beings. And Abyss’s knowledge of the Corpse Puppetry school of necromancy had provided Rebecca with the inspiration for controlling these golems.

These golems had other potential applications, but those involved Rebecca’s past as an adult novelty inventor, a topic she wasn’t ready to discuss—too embarrassing.

“You’ve helped me so much. I don’t know how to repay you,” Givia said, having changed back into her own clothes. Since they were all women, there was no need for modesty. She wiped away the sweat, her regal composure returning. “The Restoration Army is about to march on the Ossi Kingdom. Please join our victory celebration when the time comes.”

“You seem confident, Your Highness. Don’t worry. We’ll handle the Lord of Nightmares,” Rebecca said, nodding, her heart filled with admiration for Givia’s newfound strength.

Givia was no longer afraid. She had confronted her past, her guilt and her fear replaced by a resolute determination. As the leader of the Restoration Army, the future of her kingdom resting on her shoulders, she had found her purpose. The Lord of Nightmares would gain nothing from her now. She, like Abyss and his companions, possessed the courage to face any enemy.

“The Restoration Army will prevail. We are the future of Ossi. We will write our own history,” Givia said, her voice firm. “Now, I must finalize our plans for the invasion. The time is right. And those three followers of the Lord of Nightmares you captured have been transported to your location. Do as you see fit with them. Those who serve an Outer God are no longer my people. I have no sympathy for them.”

The three traitors, transformed into stone by Rebecca’s potion, were now immobile and harmless. And with Abyss likely present at the guesthouse, the girls weren’t concerned about any potential complications. They would interrogate them later.

“Please, Your Highness, attend to your duties. And remember to rest. You can finally enjoy a peaceful night’s sleep. Don’t waste this opportunity,” Rebecca said, curtseying politely, then, along with Leona and Flora, led the now-inert golem out of the room. They hadn’t seen Abyss in over a day and wanted to discuss Apos Kohler’s attack. Abyss had informed them through their telepathic link, but they hadn’t heard the details.

…

Upon returning to the guesthouse, they were greeted by Cassandra.

She was no longer wearing her usual concealing attire. Her scarf was gone. She had been fully restored.

The burn scars that had covered half her body had been removed with Rebecca’s potions, replaced by new, healthy skin. Her disfigured face had regained its beauty. Rebecca, wanting her to look natural, had even added a few wrinkles—she hadn’t removed the wrinkles from the uninjured side of her face because Cassandra didn’t want to appear too young. She believed the marks of time weren’t a bad thing.

And her missing arm had been replaced. Rebecca had created a new arm using alchemy, crafting artificial bones and muscles, then covering it with lifelike skin. The new arm, although lacking sensation, was fully functional, its movements fluid and natural. Cassandra, who knew some magic, could control it effortlessly.

Cassandra was whole again. After years of disability, she appreciated her newfound wholeness. Now capable of working, she had been assisting Haina and the Restoration Army, keeping herself busy.

“Mrs. Cassandra, you’re here,” Flora said, smiling, curtseying politely. “Her Highness has returned to headquarters.”

“I know,” Cassandra said, nodding. “She must be busy preparing for the invasion. I won’t disturb her. I was helping out at the camp, carrying supplies. I just saw Haina off. She’s still there. I was chatting with Mr. Abyss, and I’m about to leave.”

“Is Abyss here?” Leona asked.

“He’s in his room, reading. He said he was waiting for you,” Cassandra replied. “He was injured during his last mission. It doesn’t seem serious, but he said he wanted to inform you about something.”

The three girls were puzzled. Abyss, with his regenerative abilities, could quickly recover from any non-fatal injury. What could be so important that he needed to inform them personally?

Leona’s heart sank. Had Abyss lost something vital during his fight with that eunuch? Something irreplaceable? It was possible! After all, Apos was a eunuch himself!

She bowed to Cassandra and rushed towards Abyss’s room. “I’ll go check on Abyss!”

“We’ll join you. Thank you for your hard work, Mrs. Cassandra. Goodbye,” Flora said, and they followed Leona.

As they entered Abyss’s room, they saw him sitting in a chair, dressed in new clothes, his expression miserable, holding up a pile of tattered cloth.

Chapter 232: Rebecca’s Specialty

Givia’s speech at the guerrilla camp had been a resounding success. Despite the unexpected interruption, her unwavering composure in the face of the so-called “truth-revealing” Divine Art, and her proud defiance, had further ignited the soldiers’ enthusiasm.

They didn’t understand the intricacies of Divine Arts, but they knew that its power surpassed all magic. Since the enemy’s spell hadn’t affected Givia, it meant she was the real princess. Their courageous leader had risked being attacked by a sinister curse to encourage them. They were deeply moved.

And since it was no longer a secret, Givia had even revealed the truth about their enemy’s alliance with an Outer God. This revelation had initially caused some concern, but she quickly reassured them, explaining that the Restoration Army wasn’t powerless. Their four allies, the heroes she had brought with her, were their weapons against this divine threat. And they had already achieved some success in containing the Outer God’s influence.

Givia was likely the first leader in history to publicly reveal the existence of an Outer God. It was a bold move, but not a reckless one. Firstly, it wouldn’t offend the Church, as long as the people remained loyal to the Nine Gods. And Givia had clearly positioned the Outer God as their enemy. Secondly, since the enemy had chosen open confrontation, it was important for her soldiers to be aware of the threat. Continuing to hide the truth could have disastrous consequences.

She had initially planned to introduce Leona and the others, but seeing them busy below the stage, she had abandoned that idea.

They had a task assigned by Abyss. Flora and Leona were responsible for Givia’s safety, guarding against potential assassins. Rebecca had a more important mission: to identify any Shadowlings or followers of the Lord of Nightmares lurking within the guerrilla ranks. Abyss hadn’t been sure if the Lord of Nightmares had enough followers to pose a threat, but the enemy’s recent actions confirmed that he was now utilizing his human agents.

The small amount of divine power Rebecca had extracted from the mutated apple trees and fruits proved useful. Using it as a catalyst, she created a special potion based on the Divine Grace-storing formula she had acquired from the Alchemy Club. This potion could detect any connection to the Lord of Nightmares.

Flora had provided assistance. The Church’s Divine Arts users possessed a spell that could detect a believer’s loyalty. The more devout a believer was, the more divine favor they received. The difference was subtle, but measurable. Rebecca’s potion worked on the same principle, detecting any traces of the Lord of Nightmares’ favor within the guerrilla ranks.

Their efforts were successful. They identified three individuals with connections to the Lord of Nightmares. With Givia’s approval, the guerrilla commander agreed to let them take these suspicious individuals for questioning.

The guerrillas’ high morale was a welcome sight for Givia. They were not only her bravest soldiers, but also seasoned veterans, their morale crucial for their upcoming campaign.

After her speech, Givia conducted a formal inspection of the troops, finalizing their battle plans, then returned to her base.

…

Shodo Town was still bustling with activity, but the initial excitement had subsided. The farewells between the soldiers and their families had ended, and the army had resumed their training, preparing for war. Givia’s return was met with enthusiastic cheers from the townspeople, their support for the Restoration Army unwavering.

Givia, accompanied by Abyss’s three followers, the “Abyss” imposter, and one of her guards, returned to the headquarters.

Leona, following Givia inside, walked into her room and, with a swift movement, hoisted Givia onto her shoulder, as if she were a sack of potatoes.

If anyone else had witnessed this, they would have been shocked. Such disrespect! To casually carry the leader of the Restoration Army, the rightful heir to the Ossi throne, on her shoulder?

But Givia didn’t react. She seemed dazed, as if nothing had happened.

“Your Highness, you can breathe fresh air now. That inspection tour must have been tiring,” Rebecca said, turning to the guard who was following them.

The guard, her face hidden beneath her helmet, removed it, revealing a beautiful, sweat-streaked face. She took a deep breath, smiling. “I never imagined Mr. Abyss would be so thorough. If I had stayed here, or gone on that tour myself, things would have gone terribly wrong. But now, everything is perfect.”

“Ray’s alchemical golem is truly remarkable. It’s so lifelike, even its breathing and heartbeat are simulated,” Leona said, patting the “Givia” on her shoulder. “Thanks to this, we were able to deceive the enemy completely.”

“I was inspired by the Lord of Nightmares’ Shadowlings,” Rebecca said, smiling. “If he can create puppets, why can’t we create our own protective doubles?”

Yes, the one who had delivered that passionate speech wasn’t the real Givia, but an alchemical golem controlled by her. The imposter Abyss had also been a golem controlled by Rebecca. The inspiration for these golems came from the Shadowlings. And what Rebecca hadn’t revealed to Givia was that her invention also incorporated Flora’s Divine Arts and Abyss’s understanding of necromancy—and her own experience as an inventor of adult novelties.

This was their secret weapon, the key to protecting Givia from the Lord of Nightmares’ followers and successfully rallying the troops!

Chapter 231: The Dream Shear’s Other Abilities

The Dream Shear could not only separate objects, but also fuse them together!

Abyss barely had time to register this thought before bending backward, narrowly dodging the attack.

But Kohler wouldn’t stop there. He hovered above Abyss, his movements defying gravity, his attack shifting from a thrust to a downward slash, aiming to cleave Abyss’s head in two.

“It’s over!”

“Not yet!”

Abyss didn’t just wait to be bisected. He channeled his Dou Qi, his arms exploding with orange flames, pushing himself backward, his knees simultaneously extending two bone spikes that severed his own lower legs, allowing him to escape. Kohler’s attack missed his head, but sliced through his abdomen.

Abyss, propelled backward by his arms, quickly healed his injuries with magic. His severed legs regenerated, forming new bone prosthetics, and his bisected abdomen closed, his intestines escaping before the wound sealed.

“Not bad!” he exclaimed, praising Kohler’s attack.

Abyss’s clothes were torn, his body covered in blood, but Kohler knew he was still at his peak. Such injuries were insignificant to a powerful necromancer like Abyss.

“You reacted to that?” Kohler said, his voice filled with disbelief, as he watched Abyss stand up on his new bone legs, his flesh regenerating rapidly. “And you had the guts to sever your own legs. No wonder Master desires your fear so much. The fear of someone like you must be incredibly rare, its flavor exquisite.”

“I almost fell for your little trick,” Abyss said, smiling faintly. “If I had assumed your shears could only separate objects, my head would be in two pieces now.”

“Hmph, yes, the Dream Shear has many abilities. Can you counter them all?” Kohler sneered. “You’ve only discovered its ability to fuse objects. That’s just the tip of the iceberg.”

“It’s a fascinating artifact. I want it,” Abyss said, ignoring Kohler’s taunts. Kohler was trying to engage in a psychological battle, but Abyss wouldn’t play his game.

“Hmph, let’s see how many times you can rely on your quick thinking…” Kohler said, his voice laced with disdain.

Boom!

Before he could finish his sentence, as he was about to transform into mist, Abyss’s severed legs exploded!

Kohler, having never fought a necromancer before, hadn’t anticipated this. Sharp bone fragments, propelled by the blast, sliced through his limbs, severing them, including the hand holding the Dream Shear!

His severed hand flew through the air, and Kohler, finally feeling pain, cried out, falling to his knees.

“Aaaaaargh!”

“Give it to me!” Abyss shouted, using magic to pull the severed hand towards him.

“I am the wielder of the Dream Shear! You can’t have it!” Kohler roared, trying to reattach his severed hand.

Abyss felt a powerful force resisting his magic, preventing him from seizing the hand. Their powers clashed, a stalemate.

Kohler, his body trembling in agony, his severed hand spraying blood, unable to access the Lord of Nightmares’ power without the Dream Shear, desperately crawled towards his hand, trying to reach it.

Abyss wouldn’t let him succeed. He moved towards the floating hand as well.

But as he took a few steps, he sensed something shift, a change in the atmosphere.

“Hiss!”

His instincts screamed at him, a wave of danger washing over him, and he leaped aside just as a monstrous claw swiped at him, missing its target.

He looked around, his eyes widening in alarm. The dream realm was now filled with grotesque creatures, the debris, the shattered furniture, everything writhing and growing, transforming into monsters.

Regardless of their original forms, they all became viscous, black mud creatures, resembling the undeveloped Shadowlings he had encountered while purging the mutated apple trees.

They charged towards him. Abyss didn’t hesitate. He chanted a spell, his hand outstretched, and a barrage of bone spikes erupted from the ground, some impaling the Shadowlings, others flying towards Kohler.

Kohler, sensing the danger, abandoned his restraint, chanting a prayer in a strange tongue. His body transformed into black mist, vanishing.

Abyss refocused his attention on Kohler’s severed hand, but it was too late. A Shadowling had grabbed it, its grip tight around the Dream Shear. It swung the hand, a black rift appearing in the air, then closing instantly, swallowing both the hand and the artifact.

The darkness around Abyss vanished. The Lord of Nightmares’ domain was gone. His mind felt clear, as if he had awakened from a dream. He looked around, seeing the bustling streets of Shodo Town, its inhabitants oblivious to him and the ruined headquarters—he was back in the Shadow Realm.

“He tore through space and escaped. So that’s another ability of the Dream Shear… It’s a shame I couldn’t acquire it,” Abyss said, patting his tattered clothes, his smile returning. “But the outcome is still satisfactory.”

Kohler might have escaped, but the Lord of Nightmares, in his attempt to seize the initiative, had inadvertently revealed more of his secrets.