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

Chapter 130: A Troublesome Opponent

“Welcome to my world, the Shadow Realm. It’s a replica of Hai-Teweru, almost identical to our world, but unfortunately, nothing that happens here will affect reality,” Abyss said, gesturing towards Kohler with a playful flourish, his voice casual. “Now, with just the two of us here, shall we have a proper fight?”

Kohler was stunned. He hadn’t known about Abyss’s ability to create a separate dimension. He had lost a valuable bargaining chip.

But he quickly regained his composure. He was the Lord of Nightmares’ champion, not easily rattled. Even though Abyss had brought them here to protect the townspeople, they were still trapped within his dream-like domain. Here, Kohler was in control, his will shaping reality, its consequences manifesting in the outside world, regardless of their location.

“Since you’ve chosen this path, I won’t hold back,” Kohler said, his voice cold, his form dissolving into black mist, vanishing instantly.

Abyss frowned. Kohler, empowered by the Lord of Nightmares, seemed to have a higher level of authority within this dream realm, manipulating matter effortlessly, without relying on magic. Abyss suspected he could freely use Divine Arts within this thousand-square-meter area, only incurring the usual cost when affecting a larger area. This made him a formidable opponent.

But this dream realm was still partially under Abyss’s control. He wasn’t completely powerless.

Without hesitation, he detonated the bone spikes he had planted earlier, creating a massive explosion, shielding himself with a protective barrier.

Rumble!

The already-collapsed headquarters was reduced to dust, bone fragments flying in all directions, some soaring into the sky, others embedding themselves in the ground. Those that reached the boundaries of the dream realm vanished, confirming their entrapment.

And then, something tore through Abyss’s protective barrier!

His mana shield, capable of withstanding even apocalyptic forces, had been breached effortlessly, its protection gone.

“Die! Your puny magic is no match for the power of an artifact!” Kohler’s voice echoed beside him. He swung the Dream Shear, its blades glinting, slicing through Abyss’s waist.

“Hmph! Impressive! That’s not cutting. It’s disintegration!” Abyss’s voice came from behind Kohler.

He had escaped again! Kohler, transforming into mist, vanished, observing the scene. Abyss was clutching his wound, his expression calm, the injury healing rapidly. He had struck Abyss, but not fatally. He had escaped!

Abyss had transferred his consciousness to one of the bone fragments. Kohler’s shears had only struck a phantom image, a delay caused by the spell’s activation time.

How to deal with an intangible enemy? Abyss pondered, summoning a larger mana shield as an early warning system, his body covered in bone armor. Kohler wasn’t using magic to conceal himself. His anti-invisibility spells were useless. He even tried using Divine Arts, but they failed. The gods wouldn’t respond to his prayers within the Shadow Realm, especially not within this nested dream domain.

Kohler’s attack had severed a third of his torso. Fortunately, as a necromancer, he was intimately familiar with the human body and had quickly repaired the damage. Otherwise, he would be incapacitated.

As he was thinking, Kohler reappeared, not beside him, but beneath him, emerging from the earth, effortlessly passing through the soil. He thrust the Dream Shear upwards, its blades aimed at Abyss’s heart!

Kohler grinned, his expression cruel. It seemed Abyss hadn’t anticipated this subterranean attack. As long as he was human, a pierced heart would be fatal!

Shhhk!

The Dream Shear bypassed his bone armor and his mana shield, piercing his chest!

“Aha!” Kohler exclaimed triumphantly.

But Abyss’s body didn’t falter. As Kohler laughed, he vanished, reappearing elsewhere.

Kohler emerged from the ground, his eyes widening in disbelief. How could Abyss move so quickly after suffering a fatal blow to his heart?

“Hmph, I anticipated your subterranean attack. Ugh… It doesn’t hurt as much as a clean cut, but you almost turned me into a eunuch like yourself,” Abyss said, his voice laced with a hint of pain and amusement, as he looked at the stunned Kohler. “I moved my heart beforehand. My blood flow is currently maintained by magic. Sorry, we necromancers have our tricks. You missed my heart. You only pierced my intestines and stomach.”

“What?!” Kohler exclaimed, stunned. Such a thing was possible?

But he didn’t hesitate, his form dissolving into mist once more.

Abyss, his lips pursed in concentration, prepared for Kohler’s next attack. He didn’t bother flying. Kohler’s attacks weren’t restricted by physical obstacles. Flying wouldn’t offer any advantage. His current weakness was his brain. If it were damaged, even he would lose consciousness.

But he had noticed a pattern. Kohler always reappeared briefly, then vanished again. This meant that Kohler couldn’t remain tangible for long without risking injury! There was a weakness, and there was a solution!

Shhhk!

Abyss felt his legs stiffen, his movements restricted.

He tried to teleport, but his usual method failed. His legs were anchored to the ground.

Kohler materialized before him, the Dream Shear aimed at his forehead!

Chapter 129: Please Step into My Trap

“You’re not Givia!” Apos exclaimed, taking two steps back, his eyes narrowed. “It’s you, Abyss!”

“You figured it out so quickly. How disappointing,” the “Givia” said, transforming before Apos’s eyes, becoming a gray-haired young man with a mischievous smile. “Yes, dear Mr. Apos, it’s me. We haven’t officially met, but we’ve crossed paths before, haven’t we? Your Shadowlings were quite troublesome, but ultimately, they accomplished nothing.”

“I’ve been looking for an opportunity to meet you… And you’ve come to me,” Apos said, his composure returning. He casually tossed his warhammer aside, gripping his gardening shears like a weapon. “So that’s how it is. A game of deception, disrupting both our plans. Would you mind telling me where Givia is hiding?”

“I’m afraid I can’t reveal that information. Who knows what you’ll do with it?” Abyss said, shaking his head, smiling. “Oh, by the way, Mr. Apos, I’ve done some research on you. Your full name is Apos Kohler, right? May I address you as Mr. Kohler, following the elven custom? Our names are too similar. It feels strange addressing you by your first name.”

“You have time for such trivial matters?” Apos—now Kohler—said, his voice cold and mocking. “Don’t you realize you’re in a desperate situation?”

“Oh? What kind of desperate situation? Do tell,” Abyss asked, his voice calm and curious, not a hint of fear in his tone.

“Hmph… If things get out of hand, I can’t guarantee the safety of Shodo Town’s residents,” Kohler said, his voice menacing, as he slowly circled Abyss, his shears glinting in the dim light. “Allow me to introduce you to my Master’s gift—the Dream Shear. It can bypass any of your defenses. If I wished, I could cleave this town in two.”

“You’re lying,” Abyss said, smiling faintly. “Your mind might be calm, your soul unwavering, but I know you’re lying. You came here to assassinate Givia. You could have slaughtered your way through the town, but you didn’t. Therefore, I can safely deduce that your ‘Dream Shear’ has a limited range and certain restrictions—perhaps this ‘dream-like’ realm you’ve trapped me in is its effective range? Let’s see how large it is… Hmm, about a thousand square meters?”

Abyss, unfazed, not only analyzed Kohler’s weaknesses but also casually glanced around, confirming the boundaries of the darkened area.

Kohler stared at him, his expression cold. He had received a divine message from the Lord of Nightmares before embarking on this mission. The Lord of Nightmares had warned him that Abyss was fearless, his rationality impervious to threats. And now he was witnessing it firsthand. Most people, even if they didn’t believe his threats, would at least show a flicker of fear. But Abyss was unfazed, his calmness infuriating.

“As I said, any changes within this dream-like realm will affect the real world. Aren’t you worried about the townspeople?”

“Ah, now that you mention it, I am a bit concerned,” Abyss said, nodding seriously.

“Good. If you want to protect Shodo Town’s residents, I suggest you reveal Givia’s location,” Kohler said, his voice menacing. “I know you’re a kind soul. Consider this a chance to perform one last act of kindness before you die.”

“Kindness?” Abyss shook his head. “I’m not a good person. Perhaps ordinary people don’t know this, but you, as a follower of the Lord of Nightmares, must be aware that I’m a necromancer. And we necromancers are quite evil. So I refuse.”

Kohler hadn’t expected to persuade him so easily. It was just a test. In his eyes, Abyss was trapped, with no way out.

Although the Lord of Nightmares couldn’t directly influence this world, his presence through the Dream Shear had pulled Abyss into a dream realm. Unlike the temporary hypnosis he had used before, this dream was inescapable, as long as Kohler remained nearby. The power channeled through the Dream Shear was immense, even capable of bypassing the authority of some local deities. Abyss was trapped.

As for harming the townspeople, Kohler was confident in his ability to do so using the Divine Arts bestowed upon him by the Lord of Nightmares. But that was a last resort. Since the Outer God’s power was incompatible with this world, using it came with a price. He wouldn’t use it unless absolutely necessary. The Dream Shear was enough.

“Aren’t you afraid of the fear this will cause…”

“Enough with the pointless chatter,” Abyss said, his voice suddenly impatient. He chanted a spell, stomped his foot, and a wave of bone spikes erupted from the ground, radiating outwards from him.

Shhhk! Shhhk! Shhhk!

The sharp spikes pierced through everything in their path. Kohler swung the Dream Shear, shattering the approaching spikes, narrowly avoiding being impaled.

Rumble!

Although he was safe, the surrounding environment wasn’t. The building’s supporting walls crumbled, the ceiling collapsing.

Kohler, startled, swung his shears upwards, slicing through the falling debris, creating a gap that saved him from being crushed.

“This will affect the real world,” he said, his voice filled with anger, realizing the extent of the destruction. “You think this will change anything? You’ve only made your situation worse! When the residents of Shodo Town see their headquarters in ruins, they’ll…”

“I’m afraid I forgot to mention something, Mr. Kohler. The moment you attacked me with your hammer, I transported you to another world,” Abyss said, a smile spreading across his face. “Don’t worry, your Divine Realm can still influence the outside world, but it’s not affecting Hai-Teweru anymore. I knew you had infiltrated Shodo Town. I didn’t stop you because I wanted to lure you into a trap. So, please, don’t hold back. Show me your true power. I’m waiting.”

Chapter 128: The Lord of Nightmares’ Second Wave

Shodo Town was a hive of activity. The Restoration Army’s main force was preparing to march on the Ossi Kingdom, to reclaim their homeland from the surrenderist nobles.

The local recruits were allowed to visit their families and bid them farewell. Other Ossi soldiers could write letters home. The town was bustling with activity, fathers sharing drinks with their sons, mothers gifting their children hand-sewn pouches—an Ossi tradition. These pouches, worn beneath their shirts, close to their hearts, contained a single coin, a “lucky coin” to protect them from fatal wounds.

Supplies poured in from the townspeople, their contributions carefully recorded. Princess Givia had promised to repay them with interest from the national treasury after the war.

Fear was absent, even among the soldiers preparing for battle. They were filled with hope, their faith in their princess unwavering. They knew that once they entered the Ossi Kingdom, victory would be theirs—the surrenderist nobles, lacking popular support, wouldn’t last long. And Abyss, their powerful ally, had recently visited the kingdom, expelling several influential nobles from their estates, further bolstering their chances of success.

This war was inevitable. Oakning was a vital trade route and a source of valuable resources. If it fell into the Western Empire’s hands, the Ossi Kingdom’s economy and military would be crippled, their independence lost forever. But if Givia reclaimed the throne and nullified the treaty, they could escape this fate.

As for Emperor Beos of the Western Empire, his opinion was irrelevant. He was a weak ruler, unable to act decisively without his mother’s guidance. And the Eastern Empire, their longtime rival, wouldn’t allow them another opportunity to expand their territory.

Since war was unavoidable, they would face it head-on, fighting for a brighter future.

Unlike the bustling streets, the headquarters was quiet. Givia had left Shodo Town. There were no secrets left to protect, only a few hidden military documents. Two guards stood watch at the entrance, preventing any unauthorized entry.

The two guards stood at attention, their expressions serious, proud of their duty.

An elderly man, his back hunched, dressed in a rough, brown robe and a large cloak, approached them, his steps slow and labored, his hand gripping a walking stick.

“Is this my daughter’s house?” he asked.

The guards exchanged glances. “I’m sorry, sir, but this isn’t your daughter’s house. This is Her Highness’s residence, donated by Mr. Bastion of Shodo Town.”

“This is my daughter’s house. I need to go inside,” the old man insisted, his voice confused, as if he were senile.

This was the headquarters. The guards couldn’t allow him to enter. They tried to reason with him, blocking his path.

As they approached, the old man suddenly pulled out a pair of gardening shears from beneath his robe and swung them towards the guards.

“What the…” The guards couldn’t even scream before their bodies were torn apart, their flesh and blood splattering on the ground.

The old man raised his head, his face, hidden beneath the cloak, revealed. It was Apos, the eunuch Abyss had been searching for, the one who had seemingly vanished.

“Master has finally entrusted us, his followers, with this important task, instead of those Shadowlings… Behold, Princess Givia, you will witness our true power…”

…

Princess Givia should have been gone, but an elegant figure sat in her private quarters, the curtains drawn.

She had a graceful figure, her long, chestnut-brown hair framing her face, her every movement exuding an air of authority. It was Princess Givia, who should have been at the guerrilla camp. She held a magic crystal in one hand, a book in the other, reading silently, careful not to make any noise.

Thump, thump…

Slow, deliberate footsteps echoed from the headquarters’ entrance. She heard someone entering.

She had instructed everyone not to enter the headquarters during her absence. The guards wouldn’t allow anyone inside. Who was this?

Givia frowned, her gaze fixed on the door.

“Princess Givia, it’s been a while. Do you remember me?”

A high-pitched, effeminate voice came from behind the door.

Givia didn’t reply, her eyes narrowed as she watched the door.

“Don’t pretend you’re not here, Your Highness. I know you’re inside…” the voice said, then the door opened, revealing a figure in a rough, brown robe, a pair of gardening shears in one hand. It was Apos, a cruel smile on his face, his gaze fixed on Givia. “Ah… There you are, Your Highness. How have you been?”

“Apos…?” Givia asked, standing up, her voice hesitant, as if she didn’t recognize him.

“Heehee, you’ve forgotten me so quickly? How… disappointing,” Apos said, his smile twisting into a sneer. “But things are different now, Givia. Your life is in my hands. You’re no longer a princess! You’re my plaything! You should regret your cowardice, your decision to avoid that speech! Look out the window, and you’ll understand your current predicament!”

Givia turned towards the window. Even through the thick curtains, she could see that it was pitch black outside.

“This is the power of the artifact! This is a dream, and yet it’s not. Nothing that happens here will be witnessed, but its consequences will be real! For Master, you will suffer and die!”

Apos, his excitement growing, his grip tightening on the shears in his left hand, a warhammer in his right, his body enveloped in a blazing aura of Dou Qi, charged towards her. He was a high-ranking Dou Warrior!

He swung the warhammer at her legs, intending to cripple her!

Clang!

A sharp, metallic clang echoed through the room. Apos, startled, jumped back.

Had Givia just blocked his attack with a single finger?

“Excellent. Now we can fight on equal terms, Mr. Apos,” Givia said, her voice suddenly calm and casual, unlike her usual tone, as she tossed the crystal aside and stretched her neck, preparing for battle.

Chapter 127: A Follower of the Lord of Nightmares

Everyone was stunned.

Divine Arts? Why was a soldier behind the princess using Divine Arts? Was the Church involved?

And the princess was an imposter? What was going on?

The soldiers, who had been eagerly listening to the princess’s promises of rewards and benefits, were now confused and uneasy.

The light on the stage intensified, bathing the platform in a brilliant white glow. But it wasn’t a comforting light. It felt cold, unsettling, radiating an unnatural chill. This wasn’t the Divine Arts of the Church. The power of Hai-Teweru’s native gods was harmonious with the world, their Divine Arts emanating a natural, comforting warmth.

The source of this power was obvious.

“Damn it, can the Lord of Nightmares grant his followers Divine Arts as well?” Leona exclaimed, her voice filled with surprise.

She was about to charge onto the stage and eliminate the imposter when Rebecca grabbed her arm.

“Leona, wait. Abyss thoroughly angered the Lord of Nightmares. He might have new tricks up his sleeve. Don’t fall for his trap.”

“Let me handle this,” Flora said, her voice soft but firm, also concerned. “I won’t let him harm anyone.”

Reassured by Flora’s words, Leona abandoned her plan to punch the imposter’s lights out.

Givia stood frozen, her body encased in a shell of light, the magical energy slowly peeling away. The guards tried to protect her, but they couldn’t move, their bodies paralyzed, even their eyelids frozen in place. The crowd below also found themselves immobilized, their bodies locked in place as they approached the stage.

“Shoot him! Shoot him!” Commander Hunter shouted, his voice urgent. The nearby archers, tasked with protecting the princess, immediately nocked their arrows, aiming at the imposter, who continued chanting, his hand glowing.

Several arrows flew towards him, carefully avoiding Givia, but they, like the approaching soldiers, froze in mid-air, unable to reach their target.

Givia’s body remained motionless, her form encased in the shimmering light, slowly being revealed.

Meanwhile, the imposter’s body began to contort, as if collapsing from within. He twitched uncontrollably, his mouth spewing blood, then black blood mixed with chunks of flesh and organs. Blood gushed from his nose, his eyes losing their focus, but his chanting continued.

He wasn’t a Shadowling, but a follower of the Lord of Nightmares, a living human.

Flora discreetly cast a protective spell, preventing any further disruptions, while Leona and Rebecca watched intently. The imposter Abyss simply stared at Givia. The guerrillas waited anxiously, helpless, until the imposter collapsed, his chanting ceasing, the spell broken.

The suspended arrows clattered to the ground, and several guards rushed forward, surrounding Givia, their shields raised.

The shell of light encasing Givia shattered, revealing her unharmed, her brow slightly furrowed as she glanced at the fallen man.

“Look! She’s a fake… She…” the soldier who had exposed the “imposter” shouted, his voice still filled with conviction, but his words were cut short, as if someone had choked him.

Because the person standing on the stage was still Givia. She was unharmed, her expression calm, as she looked down at the man who had used the Divine Art.

He was dead. His body seemed to have been crushed and hollowed from within, his organs and flesh scattered around him, only his skin remaining, spread out on the ground like a gruesome tapestry.

Givia turned to face the stunned soldiers, her voice clear and strong, echoing across the training grounds.

“He tried to expose me as an imposter, using a false god’s power, but he failed! I am Princess Givia! I never hid in Shodo Town! I stand before you now!”

The soldiers, after a moment of stunned silence, erupted in cheers.

They didn’t understand what had happened, but they had witnessed the imposter’s attempt to expose the princess, and his failure!

“Impossible! Why didn’t you enter the dream realm?! You’re not Givia! He used Divine Arts on you! Why didn’t it work?!” the possessed follower of the Lord of Nightmares shouted, his voice filled with disbelief. His outburst confirmed his humanity. As they had deduced earlier, Shadowlings couldn’t maintain their forms in an environment saturated with faith.

The imposter, who had infiltrated the guerrilla ranks, was dragged away, his cries of despair echoing through the air. He would be interrogated and executed.

“You damned rebels!” he shouted, struggling against his captors, his body bursting with Dou Qi flames, as he tried to attack them. But Commander Hunter, a skilled Dou Warrior, swiftly shattered his shoulders, silencing him. “Damn you, Givia! You think you can escape our god’s wrath? Your cowardly princess, hiding in Shodo Town, is already on the verge of death!”

“Silence him! Don’t let him spread his lies!” the commander shouted.

A soldier grabbed a discarded piece of cloth and stuffed it into the imposter’s mouth.

The crowd, confused, didn’t understand his words.

“Do you see the enemy’s desperation?” Givia asked, a triumphant smile on her face. “They’re bluffing, grasping at straws. Kevin’s days are numbered!”

The soldiers cheered again.

“They have another plan?” Leona asked, turning to Rebecca, her expression calm. “Should I return to the town?”

“I don’t think it’s necessary,” Rebecca said, shaking her head, smiling. “Abyss doesn’t need our help. And the task he assigned us for this trip requires your presence.”

“Let’s act now. There’s no time to waste,” Flora said, her voice low. “Abyss’s suspicions were correct. We can prevent a lot of future problems.”

The three girls exchanged knowing glances.

Chapter 126: The Imposter

“Leona, stop pulling. You might anger him,” Flora whispered.

Leona paused, considering her words. “But shouldn’t he be obedient to Abyss? …He wouldn’t get angry, would he?”

“Shh… Keep your voice down,” Flora said, placing a finger on her lips, not wanting anyone to overhear their conversation.

Rebecca, watching them, smiled knowingly.

The wagons were quickly unloaded. The guerrillas, accustomed to handling supplies, worked efficiently. Soon, every soldier received a fist-sized chunk of meat and a cup of high-quality Ossi liquor—a favorite among adult Ossi men.

The Restoration Army wouldn’t have been able to afford such a generous supply of alcohol, even with the full support of Oakning’s breweries. But Rebecca had solved this problem. She had given the Shodo Town brewery owner a potion to add to their freshly brewed liquor. The potion quickly filtered out the impurities, and after a simple distillation process, it transformed into perfect Ossi liquor, its aroma and flavor indistinguishable from the real thing.

The brewery owner, awestruck by her alchemical prowess, had offered to purchase the formula, but Rebecca had declined. She still wasn’t comfortable sharing her secrets with strangers. Instead, she had gifted him a few extra bottles of the potion as a reward for his support.

Meat couldn’t be conjured from thin air, but the Restoration Army wasn’t completely broke. The Western Empire’s current policy was to encourage trade with Oakning. They had purchased a large quantity of livestock from Western Empire farmers. A war was about to begin. They needed to ensure their soldiers were well-fed. From now on, they would live off the land.

As the Restoration Army reclaimed their territory, the local population would surely provide support. There was no need to be stingy with their funds.

The seventeen nobles Abyss had targeted were only those whose gardens contained the Lord of Nightmares’ mutated trees. There were other nobles who had pledged their loyalty to Kevin. They would all be dealt with, their assets seized and added to the Ossi Kingdom’s treasury. Givia was confident they wouldn’t be lacking funds once the war began.

The new equipment had also been distributed. It was now lunchtime. Givia instructed the soldiers to eat their fill, then, escorted by two guards, she walked among them, inquiring about their well-being, just as she had done at the barracks near Shodo Town, earning their gratitude.

After lunch, the rally began.

The stage prepared for Givia offered a clear view of the surrounding area and was well-protected, preventing any potential attacks from enemy archers. Although the enemy couldn’t reach them, security was still a priority.

Givia ascended the stage, flanked by four guards and two guerrilla soldiers, their shields raised, ensuring her safety. She began her speech.

It wasn’t long-winded. She knew these soldiers weren’t fond of speeches. She praised their accomplishments, outlined their strategy for the upcoming war, and detailed the rewards they would receive upon victory.

This civil war would inevitably lead to a reshuffling of the Ossi Kingdom’s nobility, creating opportunities for those who sought to earn titles through their military service. Givia promised to reward those who distinguished themselves with titles, much to the soldiers’ delight.

“But, my friends, some of us will die in this war. Although the people of Ossi support us, those who have betrayed our kingdom will fight fiercely to protect their interests,” Givia said, clearing her throat, her voice somber, as she addressed the final point of her speech. “If any of you are afraid, you may withdraw now and assist our efforts from the rear. Is there anyone who wishes to do so?”

The soldiers remained silent. They had chosen to fight on the front lines, risking their lives. None of them feared death.

“Good! That’s the spirit I expect from my warriors!” Givia said, her voice filled with pride. “I promise you, the families of those who die in service to our kingdom will receive triple the usual compensation, ensuring their well-being…”

As she was outlining the benefits for the families of fallen soldiers, a voice from the crowd shouted, “She’s a liar!”

The words, like a stone thrown into a still pond, created ripples of shock and confusion among the soldiers. They turned towards the source of the voice. A young soldier, his appearance unremarkable, pointed at Givia. “She’s a liar! Don’t believe her!”

“Who is that?! Seize him!” Commander Hunter shouted, his voice filled with anger and surprise. All these soldiers supported the princess. Why was someone causing trouble now?

Abyss and his companions looked at Givia. Leona, setting down her half-eaten lamb shank, glanced at Rebecca. “Should I silence him? He must be an enemy agent.”

“Let him speak!”

Givia, her voice firm and unwavering, addressed the soldier directly.

“She’s an imposter! Someone used Transformation magic to disguise themselves as her! The real princess is hiding in Shodo Town!” the soldier shouted, as if he knew the truth. “She’s a coward! She’s afraid to leave her base!”

“You bastard! Say that again!” another soldier roared, grabbing him by the collar, ready to fight.

The accused soldier grinned. “Even if you kill me, she’s still an imposter—why don’t we have someone verify it?”

As he spoke, one of the guerrilla soldiers guarding Givia began chanting a strange incantation, a prayer of sorts. A bright light emanated from his fingertips, illuminating Givia.

“That’s a truth-revealing Divine Art! Hahaha!” the soldier in the crowd shouted, his laughter filled with triumph. “The Transformation magic will soon fade! Let’s see what kind of coward our ‘princess’ truly is!”

Chapter 125: A Princess’s Gift

The guerrilla unit operating along the new border of the Ossi Kingdom was buzzing with excitement.

Not only had the surrenderist nobles on the other side seemingly lost their nerve, ceasing their attempts to suppress them, but Princess Givia was coming to visit.

They were on the front lines, facing constant danger, engaging in daily skirmishes with the kingdom’s army, raiding their supplies, and receiving support from sympathizers within the kingdom. Kevin’s recent decree forbidding any aid to the Restoration Army, and the harsh punishments he had imposed, had made it difficult for them to maintain contact with their supporters. Their only motivation, their only source of hope, was Princess Givia’s encouragement.

A few days ago, they had witnessed her Blood Atonement ritual through the celestial broadcast. Although they had been concerned for her well-being, their fears were quickly alleviated by the news of her recovery. Now, they felt nothing but admiration for her resolve, her willingness to confront her mistakes. Her actions had made her seem more human, more relatable.

A leader who acknowledged their flaws was more trustworthy than one who pretended to be perfect. Perhaps Givia’s position in their hearts wasn’t as lofty as before, but wasn’t that a good thing? A princess who stood beside her people was far more deserving of their love and respect than one who sat on a throne, aloof and distant.

The princess had sent a letter, instructing them to regroup and prepare for a decisive battle against Kevin.

And today, she was coming to visit them personally, to deliver a speech, to inspire them before the upcoming war.

Her vanguard had already arrived at their temporary base. It was a special occasion, so all the guerrillas, thousands of them, had gathered, eagerly awaiting her arrival.

The soldiers stood on the hillsides, lining the narrow mountain paths, their gazes fixed on the direction indicated by the vanguard.

“She’s coming!” a soldier with keen eyesight shouted from a high vantage point.

“Everyone! Assemble! Form ranks!” the guerrilla commander shouted, his voice echoing through the valley.

Thousands of soldiers quickly formed ranks. Their equipment was mostly worn and mismatched, their bodies bearing scars from countless battles, but their spirits were high. Their temporary base, chosen for its secrecy, was located in a rugged, mountainous region, making their formation less than perfect, but they stood tall, their determination evident.

Soon, Princess Givia, riding a magnificent horse, appeared around a bend, accompanied by the four heroes she had mentioned in her broadcast—a slender, gray-haired young man, a graceful, golden-haired young woman, a lively, silver-haired girl, and a beautiful, black-haired woman. They were the Restoration Army’s most powerful assets. The soldiers knew that the celestial broadcast, requiring immense magical power, had been the work of the gray-haired young man.

Several heavily laden wagons followed them. The princess had brought not only words of encouragement but also supplies.

“My brave warriors, greetings!” Givia shouted, raising her hand, her voice strong and clear, reaching every soldier, even before she reached them.

“Welcome, Your Highness! Long live the princess! Long live Ossi!” the soldiers roared in unison, their voices echoing through the mountains.

Givia smiled, urging her horse forward. The four heroes followed closely behind, and they soon reached the assembled troops.

The soldiers, seeing their princess up close, trembled with excitement. This gathering meant recognition for their hard work, a chance to finally return to their homeland, to liberate their families from Kevin’s tyranny.

They had volunteered to fight on the front lines. Few feared battle. And they knew that most of the Ossi people now supported their cause. Victory seemed within their grasp.

The princess seemed to have lost some weight since the broadcast, and her right arm, the one she had burned during the Blood Atonement ritual, was noticeably paler than her left arm. They knew she had regrown it.

“Commander Hunter Flower of the Guerrilla Legion, reporting for duty! All five thousand two hundred and twenty-four soldiers present and accounted for! Except for a few injured, all are ready for your inspection, Your Highness!” the commander said, standing at attention before Givia, saluting smartly.

Givia, observing her enthusiastic soldiers and the battle-scarred commander, nodded. “Excellent! General Hunter, your soldiers are in high spirits! You’ve done well these past few months.”

“Long live the princess!” the commander shouted in response.

“My brave warriors, you’ve endured much hardship. Without your sacrifices, our main force wouldn’t have the opportunity to train and prepare. I bring you good news! Our main force is ready for battle! They’re on their way here to join you! The day we overthrow the tyrant Kevin is near! When victory is ours, you will all be rewarded! Those who distinguish themselves in battle will be granted titles!” Givia announced. “But before we begin the rally, I’ve brought you meat, wine, and new equipment. General Hunter, distribute these supplies and ensure everyone receives what they need!”

“Yes, Your Highness!” General Hunter replied, immediately organizing the distribution of the supplies.

Several soldiers from the princess’s escort emerged from the cargo wagons, helping the guerrillas unload the supplies. They were clad in full armor, their helmets gleaming, their swords and shields at the ready. They were clearly elite troops, the princess’s personal guards.

Leona, riding beside Abyss, reached out and pinched his cheek playfully.

“Heehee… This is fun…” she giggled.

Flora, watching them, smiled, amused.

It wasn’t that Abyss enjoyed being pinched by Leona. It was simply that this wasn’t the real Abyss.

But as Leona continued pinching his cheek, her gaze drifted, her face flushing, confusing Flora—what had she thought of now?

Chapter 124: The Poor, Starving Outer God

Strictly speaking, Abyss’s actions hadn’t directly harmed the Lord of Nightmares or diminished his power. The Shadowlings, the mutated apple trees, even the Ossi people he was using as a source of fear—they were all expendable, tools to be used and discarded.

But Abyss had managed to disrupt his food supply, which was why the Lord of Nightmares was so enraged, even sending a Shadowling messenger to personally deliver his threats.

As an Outer God, despite his intelligence and rationality, the Lord of Nightmares couldn’t escape his primal need to consume. Without sustenance, he would become agitated and desperate. Abyss had anticipated this.

Imagine the Lord of Nightmares as an addict, hooked on a hallucinogenic drug called “fear.” If his supplier suddenly cut him off, he would spiral into madness, even though abstaining from the drug wouldn’t kill him. His addiction, his craving, would drive him to lash out, to curse the world, to attack anyone in sight.

The Lord of Nightmares was quite eloquent in his insults. Abyss, his arm still wrapped around a blushing Flora, endured the tirade, patiently listening to the Outer God’s creative curses, until the Shadowling messenger had almost completely dissolved.

“Just you wait, Abyss Belator. You might have disrupted my feeding, but my power remains undiminished. Prepare to face my wrath…”

“I await your arrival, esteemed Lord of Nightmares. And I won’t just wait. I’ll be coming for you. I hope you’ll reconsider your actions and join my side,” Abyss said, bowing to the dissolving Shadowling, then, with a flick of his wrist, obliterated it, its remains melting into the ground.

He didn’t expect the Lord of Nightmares to consider his offer. He was simply trying to provoke him further.

The Outer God’s greatest weakness was his pride, his inflated ego. By constantly antagonizing him, Abyss hoped to expose his vulnerabilities. As a being of chaos and destruction, the Lord of Nightmares couldn’t hide his flaws. This was a pattern Abyss had observed through their confrontations, although he wasn’t sure if it applied to other Outer Gods.

“Let’s go, Flora. Our mission was a success. Thanks to you, I could focus on resolving these issues without distractions,” Abyss said, taking Flora’s hand and leading her into the Shadow Realm.

They stood in the Ossi Kingdom palace, having discreetly eliminated all the Shadowlings except for Kevin. They hadn’t killed Kevin, who was now weakened by the people’s strengthened faith, because Abyss knew that Givia should be the one to deal with him. It was not only for the stability of the Ossi Kingdom, but also because it was unnecessary.

Even if they killed Kevin, the Lord of Nightmares would simply replace him with another Shadowling once Rebecca’s potion wore off. He wouldn’t relinquish his hard-won control over the Ossi Kingdom. Abyss had only cut off his food supply, not eradicated all his pawns.

Flora, her cheeks still flushed from their close proximity, although Abyss hadn’t intended any romantic gestures, replied softly, “I was just doing my duty.”

“I’ll be confronting the Lord of Nightmares again soon. I’ll need your help,” Abyss said, smiling, summoning Little Fire Dragon, and they departed.

…

Upon returning to the headquarters in Shodo Town, they found Givia’s arm fully healed. The newly grown skin was even smoother and fairer than her original skin, like a baby’s. She sat in her chair, gently moving her arm, testing its range of motion. Although her face was still pale, she was clearly out of danger. Leona sat beside her, holding a plate of chicken, seemingly feeding her.

“You’re back!” Givia exclaimed, trying to stand up, but she quickly sat down again, smiling apologetically. “I’m still weak from the regeneration process. I can’t stand to greet you properly. Ray, Cassandra, and Haina are inside that door. Rebecca is creating a new skin for Cassandra. I wonder how it’s going.”

“Just focus on resting. How is it? Is Ray’s work satisfactory? Is the arm functioning properly?” Abyss asked, observing her new arm, nodding in approval. He was glad she had regained her full range of motion.

“Yes… Thank you for helping me with my… impulsive decision… I never imagined alchemy could be so advanced. That potion stimulated my body to regrow muscle and skin over the bone. It feels just like my old arm,” Givia said, her voice filled with gratitude. “But Ray told me my bones still need time to heal. My right arm is still fragile, and the regeneration process has depleted my energy…”

“Ray said eating more meat would help her recover, so I went to the barracks and got her some chicken,” Leona said, her voice filled with pride, as she sat on a stool beside Givia.

“Yes, I couldn’t even speak when my arm first regrew. I was completely drained, even breathing was difficult. I’m much better now,” Givia said, nodding at Leona. “How did it go? Was your mission in the Ossi Kingdom successful?”

“Very successful. I destroyed all the trees the Lord of Nightmares was using to create Shadowlings. But I didn’t kill Kevin. I didn’t want to cause chaos. And I couldn’t find Apos. He seems to have vanished,” Abyss replied. “Now it’s up to your Restoration Army to reclaim your kingdom. The more stable your nation becomes, the fewer places those Shadowlings can hide.”

“Then I need to recover quickly and rally my troops,” Givia said, then hesitated. “But… The Lord of Nightmares will surely attack me again, won’t he? Do you need to impersonate me?”

“Yes, I can’t let you risk your life. But I can make you feel like you’re there,” Abyss said, a mysterious smile playing on his lips. “Don’t worry, Your Highness. Your inspection tour will proceed as planned.”

Chapter 123: The Outer God’s Messenger

The potion released by the undead aphids rained down, its vapors spreading throughout the seventeen gardens and the Ossi Kingdom palace.

Although diluted, the potion retained its effectiveness against the Lord of Nightmares’ creations. The mutated trees, regardless of their location, reverted to their original forms.

The potion, infused with divine power, acted like a weakened version of Flora’s Holy Light spell, purging the Lord of Nightmares’ taint from Hai-Teweru. Abyss wasn’t concerned about its effectiveness. Even a weakened Flora was still more powerful than most Divine Arts users on the continent.

Rebecca’s inspiration had flowed freely since acquiring that ancient formula. And her strengthened bond with Abyss had allowed her to shed her remaining inhibitions, unleashing her true potential.

Only after witnessing her unrestrained creativity did Abyss realize how bold this seemingly rational and cautious alchemist truly was. Like him, as long as innocent lives weren’t at stake, she didn’t care about the Nine Gods’ opinions.

They had spent that day in the laboratory, brainstorming and experimenting. Rebecca had devised the plan to use undead aphids as carriers for the potion, dispersing it across the kingdom. And this was just one of her many experiments that day.

Abyss had even wondered if the Nine Gods would summon him for a reprimand while he was infusing those potions with divine power. He had sensed their hesitation, but he had ultimately received the power he needed.

His judgment had been correct. The Nine Gods needed his help. As long as his actions didn’t disrupt the balance of the world, they would reluctantly provide their assistance.

Abyss had no desire to befriend these deities. If he succeeded in defeating the Creator God, the Nine Gods would have two choices: obey him or face the consequences.

He wasn’t opposed to exploiting them, as long as it didn’t lead to a direct confrontation.

With the Lord of Nightmares’ “factories” destroyed, his next step was to eliminate the existing Shadowlings.

Baron Shoko had been spared a beating, not just because he was covered in the foul-smelling residue of his fear, but also because Abyss had achieved his objectives. The terrified and now powerless noble had agreed to abandon his loyalty to Kevin, relinquish his estate, and leave with his family.

He didn’t care about his ancestral title or the sacrifices his ancestors had made to earn it. Abyss’s generosity, allowing him to take his family and enough money for basic necessities, had filled him with gratitude.

Under Abyss and Flora’s supervision, acting on behalf of Givia, the locals had seized the baron’s estate, claiming it for the princess. They had shown restraint, not harming the baron or his family, although some children had spat on them.

Throughout the afternoon, Abyss and Flora had visited the other sixteen nobles who supported Kevin, driving them from their estates and claiming their lands for Givia. By the time they finished, the moon hung high in the sky.

“Flora, let’s return to Givia,” Abyss said, smiling, extending his hand towards her.

Flora, besides acting as his protector, had also served as a healer that day. Most of the nobles, fearing repercussions from Kevin, had abused their servants who supported Givia. While Abyss dealt with the nobles, Flora had been healing the injured and comforting the terrified victims.

“Alright,” Flora replied, smiling, placing her hand in his.

“Wait.”

A voice interrupted them just as Abyss was about to transport them to the Shadow Realm.

They turned, Flora’s expression a mixture of surprise and annoyance. Who would interrupt them at this hour?

“Oh my,” Abyss said, chuckling, as he saw the figure before them. It wasn’t human, but a Shadowling.

He recognized it instantly because of the gaping hole in its face, revealing the white bone beneath. Only its mouth remained intact, its voice echoing from the empty cavity.

Rebecca’s potion was still lingering in the air, causing the Shadowling’s body to dissolve, its head melting, a gruesome mixture of blood and fat dripping onto the ground, seeping into the soil.

“Abyss, you think you’ve cornered me? You think I have no other options?”

Before Abyss could ask what it wanted, the Shadowling spoke, its voice now replaced by the Lord of Nightmares’ androgynous tone.

“You have truly angered me, Abyss Belator. I will set aside my other plans and focus on tormenting you! Even death won’t release you from my grasp! You filthy scum, you reeking corpse, you will pay for disrupting my plans!”

“With all due respect, you sound as impotent as a rock troll’s brain,” Abyss said, chuckling. “If I hadn’t truly cornered you, you wouldn’t be so desperate.”

Chapter 122: Abyss, the Entomologist

Baron Shoko’s mansion was large, its sprawling garden filled with various fruit trees. It wasn’t the fruiting season, yet the trees were laden with fruits of all sizes.

And it wasn’t just fruits that hung from the branches. Globules of black mud pulsed and wriggled, slowly dripping downwards, taking on vaguely humanoid shapes, grotesque and misshapen.

These black mud creatures twitched and swayed, struggling to detach themselves from the trees. Abyss estimated there were at least twenty Shadowlings forming in this garden alone. The Lord of Nightmares was clearly getting desperate.

He had to admit, Givia’s seemingly foolish decision had been a brilliant move.

The Lord of Nightmares fed on fear, and his primary experience with mortals was their weakness and vulnerability. This arrogant god had likely never anticipated such a powerful display of faith from the Ossi people, inspired by Givia’s ancient ritual.

The Ossi people, ravaged by war, their hearts filled with pain and uncertainty, had been vulnerable to the Lord of Nightmares’ influence. But this small nation, oppressed by the Western Empire, had found strength in their unity, their faith in their princess unwavering. They believed, with an almost childlike innocence, that she would lead them out of darkness, back to their rightful path. This belief had overshadowed the fear and despair sown by Kevin, disrupting the Lord of Nightmares’ plans, forcing him into a corner.

Abyss’s next move was to expel the nobles who continued to oppress the people, who used violence and intimidation to silence those who supported Givia, driving them from their castles, and to eradicate the mutated trees Kevin had planted throughout the kingdom. This would cut off the Lord of Nightmares’ remaining lifelines, making his situation even more desperate.

He wondered if the Lord of Nightmares had ever tasted his own fear. A god’s fear must be a delectable delicacy.

Abyss knew that the accelerated production of Shadowlings was a sign of desperation, a last-ditch effort to launch a counterattack. Without the need to maintain a human-like appearance, the Shadowlings were forming much faster. Two more had already dropped from the trees, their bodies splattering on the ground, their guttural roars echoing through the garden, as they charged towards him.

Abyss chanted a spell, pointing a finger at them. A blast of icy air froze them solid.

But this time, the effect was different. The moment they were frozen, they began to dissipate, transforming into black smoke that spread outwards, some drifting towards him, some dispersing into the surrounding area.

It was the poisonous mist created by the Lord of Nightmares. If it spread unchecked, it would pose a serious threat to the people, weakening their minds, making them vulnerable to the Outer God’s influence.

Abyss watched as the two frozen masses shrunk, their forms dissolving into swirling black clouds.

The fruit trees in the garden continued to produce Shadowlings, another one dropping to the ground, black goo splattering.

Besides Baron Shoko’s garden, sixteen other nobles who supported Kevin also had gardens filled with these mutated trees. Abyss’s carrion beetles, strategically placed within their territories, were relaying information to him. Countless Shadowlings were forming, although not as quickly as in Shoko’s garden. But he didn’t have time to deal with them individually.

“Lord of Nightmares, you’re truly a fascinating opponent. The slightest lapse in judgment, and I’m trapped,” Abyss said, chuckling softly, as he froze another approaching Shadowling, casually sidestepping the swirling black mist.

He didn’t know if the Lord of Nightmares could directly observe the real world, but he knew the Outer God was listening. His seemingly casual monologue was directed at him.

“It seems I’m out of options. Why don’t you stop? I’ll let you go, let you feast on the fear of the Ossi people. But please spare the ordinary citizens. I know you want to maximize your harvest, but pushing them to the brink of madness is like killing the goose that lays the golden eggs. It’s not sustainable,” Abyss said, spreading his hands towards the approaching mist.

But the Lord of Nightmares didn’t listen. The mist continued to advance, the other black clouds spreading.

Fire wouldn’t work. Ice couldn’t freeze gas. Wind magic could slow its dispersal, but it wasn’t a permanent solution.

Abyss could almost hear the Lord of Nightmares’ triumphant laughter, his amusement at regaining the upper hand.

“Sigh, I can’t keep up this act any longer. Honestly, I never considered your little trick a real threat.”

Abyss grinned, taking a few steps back, avoiding the mist.

“You seem to have forgotten that I took those apple trees you modified back for research. I’ve been a bit dramatic lately. My apologies.”

As he spoke, a dark shadow fell over the garden, as if a black silk cloth were descending from the sky. Upon closer inspection, it wasn’t cloth, but a swarm of insects, blotting out the sun.

“Behold, my army of undead aphids—these mindless creatures are easy to control, and incredibly effective. A little trick I learned from my master.”

As the swarm descended, tiny droplets, like a fine mist, rained down from their abdomens. Each droplet contained a potion brewed by Rebecca. The black mist dissipated upon contact with the potion, and the fruits and the developing Shadowlings on the trees dissolved, turning into a gruesome mixture of blood, fat, and rotting fruit pulp.

And above the sixteen other noble estates where the mutated trees grew, and across the entire Ossi Kingdom, countless undead aphids were releasing their payload! Abyss had been waiting for them to reach their destinations before taking action!

He and Rebecca hadn’t been wasting time in the laboratory!

Chapter 121: A Garden of Monsters

Abyss shrugged, glancing at the Shadowling embedded in the wall. “I told you, you shouldn’t have touched her.”

Shadowlings possessed intelligence, but lacked human emotions. The Shadowling, momentarily stunned by Flora’s slap, quickly recovered, pulling himself free from the wall and charging towards her again, his speed now enhanced, his Dou Qi flames leaving a trail of light in his wake. His hand, contorted into a claw, reached for her face.

Although Flora’s physical abilities had been greatly enhanced by Abyss’s necromantic link, she wasn’t trained in combat and couldn’t handle a high-ranking Dou Warrior in a direct confrontation. Abyss didn’t hesitate. He rushed towards the Shadowling, and as he ran, he glanced at Baron Shoko, who was frozen in terror. He discreetly activated a ring on his finger, summoning two invisible wraiths that swiftly pinned the baron’s limbs to the floor.

Shoko, unable to see his assailants, felt a pair of cold, strong hands gripping his wrists and ankles. He had never experienced anything so terrifying in his fifty years of life. He wet himself in fear.

The Shadowling was fast, but Abyss, empowered by Leona’s shared strength, was faster. Before the Shadowling’s claw could reach Flora, Abyss grabbed his wrist.

He didn’t give the Shadowling a chance to react. These creatures were merely mass-produced pawns of the Lord of Nightmares, expendable and of no value to him. He chanted a spell, and an icy chill spread from his hand, enveloping the Shadowling, freezing him solid before he could retaliate.

Then, he kicked the frozen Shadowling in the stomach, shattering it into pieces, revealing the black goo within.

Abyss glanced at the trembling servants, pointing at the Shadowling’s remains. “Take a good look. This is the ‘warrior’ your master hired to protect you. See what’s inside him. If you let him stay here any longer, he might eventually slaughter you all.”

The servants stared at the shattered Shadowling, their faces contorted with disgust at the sight of the black goo. They didn’t know about the Lord of Nightmares or Outer Gods. Such knowledge was esoteric. They simply knew that this creature, filled with black goo, wasn’t human. It was likely some kind of dark magic creation.

Their instinctive revulsion towards dark magic, combined with their fear of the Shadowling, emboldened them. They glared at their master, no longer afraid of him.

But Baron Shoko was no longer concerned about his servants’ loyalty. Abyss, having effortlessly disposed of the “warrior” he had once revered, was now approaching him.

“Don’t come any closer! No… Please!” he shrieked, his voice cracking, his limbs pinned to the floor by an unseen force. “Stay away from me!”

Abyss looked down at him, his foot raised, ready to deliver a swift kick to his gut, then hesitated, lowering his foot.

Shoko, his emotions swinging wildly, cried out, “What do you want?!”

“Silence. You have no right to speak,” Abyss said, waving his hand dismissively. The two wraiths, understanding his command, clamped their feet over Shoko’s mouth, silencing him. He struggled, muffled groans escaping his throat.

It wasn’t pity that had stopped Abyss. He had sensed something approaching.

He turned towards a window. Two figures crashed through it, their movements swift and aggressive, heading straight for him.

“Aah!” a maid screamed.

It wasn’t the broken window or the violence that terrified her, but the appearance of the two figures.

They were humanoid, but their forms were distorted, grotesque. Their bodies were composed of viscous black mud, some parts resembling human skin, others like ink. Their limbs were misshapen, their lengths uneven, their torsos twisted at unnatural angles. They moved with unnatural speed, their hands and feet leaving trails of foul-smelling black goo on the floor.

“The apple trees in the garden,” Abyss said, a cold smile spreading across his face. “You’re retaliating, aren’t you, my old friend?”

The two creatures didn’t attack him. Instead, as they reached him, they exploded, showering him with black goo.

Abyss snapped his fingers and vanished, reappearing by the window, unharmed.

“Mmm! Mmm!” Baron Shoko, still pinned to the floor by the wraiths, couldn’t escape the black goo. It covered him completely. The stench was overwhelming, making him gag, but his mouth was clamped shut. The smell assaulted his senses, driving him to the brink of madness.

Then, the pressure on his limbs vanished.

He was free! He tried to get up, but a wave of drowsiness washed over him. The black mud on his body evaporated, transforming into black smoke, which he inhaled. He lost consciousness instantly.

“Flora, take the servants and leave. I’m going to burn down his garden,” Abyss said, stepping over the broken windowsill and jumping out.

Flora, without hesitation, began evacuating the servants.

Abyss had anticipated this. He had been prepared for the Lord of Nightmares’ retaliation.

Now, the tables had turned. It was no longer Abyss and his companions, or the Restoration Army, facing a desperate situation.