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

Chapter 100: More Than Just a Spar

The soldiers, bound by strict military discipline, remained silent, but their eyes were fixed on Leona, their gazes filled with awe.

The officer’s swift attack, his pride and joy, had been effortlessly deflected by Leona, the tips of their wooden swords meeting perfectly. Even for a skilled swordsman, maintaining such precise control with two swords was difficult, let alone deflecting a surprise attack with such accuracy.

“Again,” Leona said, seeing the officer’s stunned expression.

The officer, his pride slightly bruised, snapped out of his daze, remembering his task. He retreated swiftly, his Dou Qi enhancing his agility and balance. He then lunged forward, his wooden sword a blur, a flurry of blows aimed at Leona.

Crack! Crack! Crack!

The wooden sword in his hands became a whirlwind of motion, each strike carrying considerable force. His fifth-tier, second-grade Dou Qi amplified his strength, each blow carrying hundreds of kilograms of force. If not for the protective layer of Dou Qi reinforcing their wooden swords, they would have splintered under the impact.

The officer’s movements were blindingly fast, but Leona, her feet planted firmly on the ground, her posture relaxed, effortlessly deflected every blow with a single hand, her arm a blur of motion. Splinters of wood, propelled by the force of their clashing swords, flew through the air.

The officer was clearly a skilled warrior. Against an ordinary opponent, even with a wooden sword, he could shatter bones in seconds. Yet Leona stood firm, unmoving, her silver hair swaying gently in the breeze, her expression calm and serene, a stark contrast to the officer, who was now breathing heavily from his exertion.

Crack! Crack! Crack!

Frustrated by his inability to land a single blow, the officer increased his attack speed, his movements even faster than before.

But Leona remained unmoved.

Just as the soldiers were hoping he would at least graze her, Leona spoke. “That’s enough. Now it’s my turn.”

She hadn’t even attacked yet! They finally realized it!

“One.”

With a swift flick of her wrist, she disarmed him, his wooden sword flying through the air.

“Two.”

A surge of orange Dou Qi flames erupted around her, an invisible force slamming the officer to the ground, pinning him there.

“Three.”

Her sword rested against his throat, his body pressed into the earth by her overwhelming Dou Qi, his breathing labored.

The officer was incapacitated. General Howard announced, “Miss Leona is the victor!”

Leona, having secured her victory, bowed gracefully to her fallen opponent, adhering to knightly etiquette. As an unmarried female knight, she wasn’t obligated to help him up.

The soldiers finally understood the extent of her power. She had effortlessly crushed a skilled officer.

She had deliberately divided her actions into three moves: disarming him, pinning him to the ground with her Dou Qi, then placing her sword against his throat, a finishing blow. If this were a real duel, a fight to the death, it would have been over in an instant. The officer wouldn’t have stood a chance.

The wooden sword she had disarmed him with finally landed, its trajectory taking it high into the air, falling right before General Howard. He caught it, his eyes widening as he examined it closely.

Training swords were plain, undecorated, but this one was different—it was covered in intricate carvings of small animals: cats, dogs, birds, butterflies, even a strangely shaped jellyfish.

The artist was obvious. Leona, during their brief exchange, had not only effortlessly defended herself but had also carved these intricate designs onto his rapidly moving sword with the tip of her own weapon?

It was terrifying! It demonstrated her speed, strength, and precision, all far beyond the capabilities of ordinary mortals.

Howard could no longer underestimate this seemingly harmless young girl. Her strength was monstrous! Such a warrior was practically invincible!

He didn’t need to see Abyss, Flora, or Rebecca in action. Leona’s assistance alone would guarantee the Restoration Army’s victory!

He was awestruck by Givia’s charisma. How had she managed to enlist the help of such powerful individuals? Had she truly inspired them with her ideals, these people who could do as they pleased on this continent?

“As you’ve witnessed, Miss Leona is an incredibly powerful Dou Warrior, her Dou Qi reaching the ninth tier, a rare feat on this continent!” Givia announced, addressing the soldiers. “And now, Miss Leona is our ally, a righteous knight who supports our cause. And we also have Mr. Abyss, Miss Flora, and Miss Ray, all equally powerful individuals, fighting alongside us!”

Leona’s earlier explanation hadn’t reached those who didn’t understand Common Tongue, but her demonstration had spoken volumes.

“Let’s give our heroes a round of applause!” General Howard exclaimed, finally abandoning his skepticism.

After a moment of stunned silence, the soldiers erupted in thunderous applause!

“Victory for the Restoration Army!”

Chapter 99: Let’s Spar

The soldiers’ reactions were expected. Even General Howard, without witnessing their abilities firsthand, had been skeptical.

“I know many of you doubt these heroes’ ability to turn the tide of war, but I urge you to witness their strength for yourselves,” Givia said, anticipating their skepticism. She had planned to recount their adventures in the Eastern Empire, but since Abyss and his companions had decided to demonstrate their abilities, she wouldn’t steal their thunder.

Abyss stepped forward, addressing the soldiers, his voice calm and clear, amplified by magic, reaching even the farthest ranks. “Soldiers, I know many of you are wondering why Her Highness values our abilities so highly. We’ll begin with a demonstration of Miss Leona’s martial prowess. Is there anyone among you skilled in combat who would like to spar with her?”

Even without revealing any other abilities, his subtle use of magic to project his voice showcased his power. Amplifying one’s voice wasn’t difficult for a mage, but Abyss’s technique wasn’t simply amplifying the sound. He was channeling his voice directly into their ears. Those with magical knowledge understood that if he wished, he could render them all deaf in an instant.

“That would be me!” Leona said, stepping forward with a confident stride, her movements now precise and elegant, the knightly etiquette she had once learned returning instinctively. She knew she had to make an impression.

Her silver hair and her Western Empire features were unmistakable. The soldiers were puzzled. Why would a Westerner help them? Didn’t she know that if Givia reclaimed the throne, the treaty signed by Kevin would be nullified?

Abyss, sensing their confusion, communicated telepathically with Leona. After a moment of thought, she addressed the soldiers. “You must be wondering why I, a Westerner, would help you. I am indeed from the Western Empire, and I love my country. But I’m also a knight. A knight’s code forbids us from bullying the weak. The Western Empire’s war against you was an act of aggression, a blatant act of bullying. If I had the power, I would never have supported it. If you can reclaim your territory without harming innocent civilians of the Western Empire, I will support your cause. There are things more important than profit in this world!”

The war had been orchestrated by Leona’s most hated enemy, Empress Sienna, and supported by the spineless Emperor Beos, whom she despised. She, too, abhorred this unjust war. Her sincerity resonated with the soldiers.

However, she still looked like a child. How could such a young girl be a knight?

“Now, I’d like to demonstrate my skills,” Leona said, a smile playing on her lips. “Is there anyone among you who considers themselves a skilled warrior? I challenge you to a spar. We’ll follow standard dueling rules. The first to be incapacitated loses. How about it?”

No one moved. It wasn’t that they looked down on women. Ossi culture valued strength, regardless of gender. Ossi history was filled with powerful female warriors and rulers. But Leona looked too young. Who would challenge a child? With her beautiful silver hair, her bright eyes, and her delicate features, no soldier had the heart to fight her.

“Don’t let her appearance deceive you. Miss Leona is eighteen years old, a fully trained knight, older than some of you,” Givia said, encouraging them. “I challenge any of you to last three moves against her!”

General Howard added, “Whoever accomplishes this task will receive a roasted chicken as a reward!”

The Restoration Army’s rations were meager. Meat was a rare treat. The promise of a whole roasted chicken tempted a few of them.

An officer stepped forward, raising his hand. “I accept your challenge, Miss Leona!”

“Excellent! Come forward!”

“Yes, Your Highness!” the officer said, approaching them. “Baron Offord, fifth-tier, second-grade Dou Warrior, reporting for duty!”

A fifth-tier, second-grade Dou Warrior was considered a formidable opponent. Most ordinary soldiers were around second-tier, third-tier being veteran status. Fifth-tier indicated specialized training, placing him among the elite.

Leona and the officer faced each other in a cleared space, each holding a wooden training sword.

“Use your Dou Qi freely. Dirty tricks are allowed. Don’t hold back. Don’t worry about injuring me. Fighting at your full strength is a sign of respect,” Leona said.

“Understood!” the officer replied.

“Begin!” Givia announced.

The officer moved instantly, his body a blur, his movements too fast for most soldiers to follow, his body enveloped in blue Dou Qi flames, his sword thrusting towards Leona. A speed-focused Dou Warrior!

Clack!

The sound of wood meeting wood echoed through the air as the officer’s attack was abruptly halted. Leona had blocked his sword with her own.

The soldiers gasped.

If she had simply parried his attack, they wouldn’t have been so surprised. But she had blocked his thrust with the tip of her wooden sword!

The two sword tips met perfectly, not a millimeter off!

Chapter 98: The Main Force

“I’m not sure. She just arrived. I haven’t had a chance to speak with her yet,” Alva said apologetically. “I can ask Haina if you’d like.”

“That won’t be necessary,” Abyss said, smiling and shaking his head. “I was just curious. We can ask Haina later.”

“Alright, then I’ll go see Her Highness,” Alva said, bowing before heading towards Givia. She likely wanted to report on her improved condition.

Givia spent a considerable amount of time with the new recruits. While waiting, Abyss pulled out a deck of cards and started playing a game of “Slave Master” with Leona and Rebecca. Flora, unfamiliar with the game, watched them curiously, memorizing the rules.

After a while, Haina, having received Alva’s message, rushed towards them.

“Oh, you’re all here!” she exclaimed, changing her course and approaching them.

“Haina, you’re here,” Flora said, smiling warmly. “Alva told me your mother came to visit. It must have been a difficult journey for her. How is she doing?”

“She’s settled in. I found her a room at an inn,” Haina replied, touched by Flora’s concern. “She traveled alone and is quite exhausted, but thankfully, the enemy didn’t harm an elderly, disabled woman. She’s safe.”

“That’s good,” Flora said, nodding.

“I’m late, so I’ll go see Her Highness now!” Haina said, bowing before rushing towards Givia.

Shortly after Haina’s departure, the soldiers’ break ended, and Givia concluded her visit to the new recruits’ barracks. Their morale boosted by her presence and her encouraging words, they declared their willingness to fight and die for her.

Givia, emerging from the barracks, saw the four waiting for her. “I apologize for keeping you waiting,” she said.

“It’s alright,” Leona said, waving her hand dismissively. “We were playing cards. We didn’t mind waiting.”

“You won’t have to wait any longer. I’m taking you to see my main force,” Givia said, pointing towards the inner part of the camp, where the sounds of training echoed. “The new recruits are outside, but my veteran troops are training within. They’re the soldiers who chose to follow me after I was forced to flee the palace. They’re well-trained and incredibly loyal. You must meet them. And if you’re willing to demonstrate your abilities, you can do so before them. They’re the main force of our army, the ones who will lead the charge to reclaim Ossi.”

Givia’s voice was filled with pride as she spoke of her troops. She clearly admired these soldiers who had risked being labeled traitors to follow her.

“Leona, it’s your turn to shine,” Abyss said, patting her shoulder. “The Ossi people value martial prowess. Your strength will impress them. Don’t embarrass yourself.”

“Who are you underestimating? I would never embarrass myself,” Leona said, glancing at him, seemingly annoyed by his reminder. “No one knows combat better than I do.”

“Leona?” Givia asked, looking at the significant height difference between them. “I understand.”

Alva and Haina joined them. As members of the princess’s Royal Guard, they had similar, if not higher, authority than Givia’s current guards.

They arrived at the training grounds of Givia’s main force. The soldiers’ training cries echoed through the air, their energy and enthusiasm palpable even from a distance.

As they approached, the soldiers stopped their training, forming neat rows, standing at attention, and shouting in unison, “Welcome, Your Highness! Long live the princess!”

Their discipline was a stark contrast to the new recruits’ enthusiasm, their synchronized movements and their powerful voices inspiring awe. It seemed Howard had informed them of Givia’s visit. They were ready.

After their greeting, they stood motionless, awaiting her inspection.

Givia nodded, her voice strong and clear. “Excellent! This is the army of Ossi! With such spirit, we fear no enemy!”

Unlike her usual gentle demeanor, she now projected an air of authority, a commanding presence. She walked among the ranks, observing her soldiers, occasionally adjusting a misplaced piece of armor or correcting a soldier’s posture.

“Good! You all look sharp!” she said, after inspecting every formation. “Maintain this spirit, and on the battlefield, you’ll make those traitors tremble! Show the people of Ossi who are the true defenders of this kingdom! General Howard!”

“Your servant!” Howard, having made all the necessary preparations, replied loudly.

“How is the soldiers’ food supply?”

“They have meat every three days, fresh vegetables daily, and all the bread they can eat! And clean drinking water!”

“And their training?”

“Daily training, without fail! Rain or shine!”

“Excellent! We’ve gathered enough strength. It’s time to confront the enemy, to reclaim our kingdom, to liberate our people from their tyrannical ruler!” Givia exclaimed, raising her arm, addressing her soldiers. “Once we achieve our first victory, with the support of our people, we will be unstoppable! I will personally claim the traitor Kevin’s head and present it to you!”

“We will follow you to death, Your Highness!” the soldiers roared in response, their voices echoing across the training grounds.

“And now, I’d like to introduce you to our powerful allies. You might have heard of them. They are all exceptional individuals! With their help, our strength will increase, and we’ll minimize our losses. I want you to remember them. Soon, they will fight alongside us against the traitor Kevin!”

Givia introduced Abyss and his companions, and all eyes turned towards them.

But their gazes quickly turned puzzled, although no one spoke.

These… heroes… seemed awfully young. Every soldier in this army was older than they were!

Chapter 97: Princess Givia Visits the Troops

Except for Leona, who was busy looking around, Abyss, Flora, and Rebecca all sensed General Howard’s distrust.

They didn’t comment. They were here to observe, not to impress this stranger. These exceptionally talented individuals didn’t care about the opinions of ordinary people. If someone underestimated them, it only meant they hadn’t witnessed their true power yet.

“Howard, I brought these heroes here so my soldiers can meet our valuable allies. They’re not members of the Restoration Army, but we share a common enemy,” Givia said, addressing the general. “Issue a command. Everyone must show them respect, regardless of their age.”

Howard, realizing that Givia had sensed his skepticism, blushed and quickly replied, “Understood, Your Highness. I wouldn’t dare disrespect them.”

Leona, overhearing their conversation, looked at General Howard’s white beard and said, “Orders won’t change their minds. If the soldiers don’t trust us, they won’t trust us, even if we run laps around the barracks. I say, let’s show them what we’re capable of. If they witness our strength, they’ll understand.”

“That’s not appropriate. You’re our honored guests. We can’t ask you to perform like circus animals,” Givia said, shaking her head.

“I think it’s a good idea. It’s an opportunity for your soldiers to witness our abilities firsthand. It will boost their morale,” Abyss said, agreeing with Leona. “The Restoration Army needs a spark, something to inspire them, to fuel their determination to reclaim Ossi.”

His words, devoid of any modesty, surprised General Howard. He had expected some polite demurrals, but Abyss’s confidence was unexpected, rendering his prepared pleasantries useless.

But he was a seasoned veteran, a high-ranking officer before fleeing Ossi with Givia, despite his current humble circumstances. He wasn’t easily swayed. Abyss’s confidence piqued his curiosity.

These young people looked like aristocratic children on a leisurely outing—a beautiful blonde woman, a seemingly pampered young girl, a well-dressed, scholarly-looking, and clearly wealthy young lady, and a pale young man, the type often seen among the nobility, his vitality seemingly drained by excessive indulgence. What abilities did they possess that made Givia trust them so implicitly?

“Do you require my presence, Your Highness?” Howard asked.

“No, General Howard. I know you’re busy. I won’t disturb you,” Givia said with a smile. “I just want to inspect the troops. I hope you haven’t disappointed me.”

“I’ve been diligently training our soldiers during your absence, Your Highness. Please, inspect them to your heart’s content,” Howard said, his voice filled with pride. It seemed he was truly confident in his army’s capabilities.

“Very well. I’ll look forward to it. You may leave,” Givia said, nodding, dismissing him. Howard glanced at Abyss and his companions one last time, then turned and left.

The soldiers had just finished their lunch and were enjoying a short break before resuming their afternoon training. Givia led Abyss and the girls to the new recruits’ barracks.

As the name suggested, the barracks housed the latest additions to the Restoration Army, mostly young Ossi men and women eager to reclaim their kingdom’s glory. They cheered when they saw Givia. These young people could have easily pledged their loyalty to the Western Empire, enjoying the benefits of their thirty-year preferential policies, but they had chosen to follow Givia instead.

Wherever she went, she was met with enthusiastic cheers, the officers’ attempts to maintain order proving futile. Givia held a special place in their hearts.

Finally, Givia herself ordered them to rest, and the enthusiastic youths calmed down.

Many of these recruits were formerly farmers or artisans. Givia walked among them, expressing her concern for those who seemed frail, instructing the kitchen staff to provide them with extra rations. These young people were thrilled to meet their princess, to receive her personal attention. Givia spent a considerable amount of time with the new recruits, boosting their morale, her encouragement inspiring them to train harder and alleviating their fears and anxieties.

The other soldiers didn’t know Abyss and his companions, only that they were powerful allies of Princess Givia. Abyss didn’t try to steal the spotlight, finding a nearby rock to sit on, patiently waiting for Givia to finish her interactions with the new recruits.

As they waited, they saw a figure approaching.

“Look, it’s Alva,” Leona said, spotting her in the distance.

Alva quickly approached them, her voice filled with gratitude as she addressed Rebecca. “Thank you for the potions. I feel much better after consuming one last night. They’re incredibly effective! I’ll repay your kindness someday!”

“It’s nothing. I’m glad you’re recovering,” Rebecca said, waving her hand dismissively. “Those potions didn’t require any rare ingredients. And I’m not a miracle worker.”

“The sooner I recover, the sooner I can protect Her Highness. I don’t want to be a burden,” Alva said. “I heard she was visiting the barracks, so I came to see her.”

“Where’s Haina?” Flora asked, glancing behind Alva.

“I sent someone to inform her. She should be here soon,” Alva replied. “Her mother came to visit her today. She’s quite old, over sixty, and she had a difficult journey crossing the border. Haina is helping her settle in. Her mother is missing an arm, which makes life difficult. If not for the assistance of our comrades, she wouldn’t have been able to make the journey.”

“Hmm? Why would an elderly, disabled woman travel so far?” Abyss asked, puzzled. Was Givia’s charisma that powerful, attracting even ordinary people across borders?

Chapter 96: Visiting the Barracks

Givia repeated her daily routines and habits for Abyss, who meticulously memorized every detail. Soon, he could transform into her, his impersonation flawless.

Givia addressed her soldiers in Ossi. This wasn’t a problem for Abyss. Although he wasn’t accustomed to speaking the language, he was fluent in it. By mimicking Givia’s accent and intonation, he could easily pass for a native Ossi speaker.

Despite her current hardships, Givia’s every movement exuded a regal elegance, efficient and precise. Leona, observing her closely, felt a pang of shame. She was a princess, yet she knew nothing about proper etiquette.

Abyss tested his transformation, walking around the town and even chatting with Givia’s guards without being recognized.

“It should be perfect now,” Givia said to Abyss, who had just returned. “I’ll inform you of my itinerary in the next few days. You’ll ride my horse and visit several guerrilla units near the border and within the kingdom.”

“Don’t worry, Your Highness. I won’t disappoint your soldiers,” Abyss said, nodding.

“By the way, do you have any plans for today? I’d like to take you to visit the barracks in Shodo Town,” Givia said, quickly finishing the last of her meal. She had been so engrossed in discussing their plans with Abyss that she had almost forgotten to eat.

“A visit to the barracks?” Leona asked, her interest piqued. “I love visiting barracks!”

Flora also seemed eager to go. She wasn’t familiar with military life. As a Saint of the Church, she had rarely been involved in military affairs. She was also curious about Haina, the young mage who admired her, and wanted to see how she lived in the barracks.

Rebecca was indifferent, but she was always happy to explore new environments, hoping for inspiration for new potions.

“We don’t have any pressing matters to attend to,” Abyss said, shaking his head. “We completed our tasks before coming here. Will your reports be alright?”

“I’ve finished reviewing them, including the ones that arrived this morning,” Givia replied. “I’m now fully aware of the current situation. Staying here would be a waste of time. It’s time to visit our people and our soldiers.”

She was a true leader, understanding the importance of connecting with her followers.

“If it’s on our way, we’d be happy to accompany you,” Abyss said, smiling. “I believe our presence at the barracks will boost their morale.”

“Of course. You’re all incredibly powerful individuals. Your presence will inspire them,” Givia said, nodding. “Everyone wants strong and reliable allies. Knowing they have such powerful friends will reassure them.”

After obtaining their consent, Givia changed into her military attire, applied her makeup, and, accompanied by her guards and Abyss’s group, left the headquarters.

Everyone in Shodo Town recognized Princess Givia. As she walked through the streets, people gathered to catch a glimpse of their beloved leader.

Abyss and his companions also attracted attention. People whispered among themselves in Ossi.

“That gray-haired boy looks younger than my little Jim. Is he really a powerful mage?”

“Yes, they all seem so young. That silver-haired girl looks barely ten years old! I heard she’s a knight? What kind of kingdom knights a child?”

“Hmph, you don’t understand. They might look young, but they could be much older.”

“Oh? Why do you say that?”

“Think about it. Powerful mages like them can easily reverse their aging. If they get old and frail, they can simply cast a spell and become young again.”

“That makes sense. We ordinary folk can’t understand the ways of these powerful individuals.”

“Anyone Princess Givia trusts must be extraordinary. If she says they’re powerful, we’ll believe her. We can’t be wrong.”

“Exactly!”

Having reached this consensus, they no longer questioned Abyss and his companions’ youthful appearances.

Their whispers, however, didn’t escape their keen ears. They were indeed young. Excluding the time they spent as undead, Leona, at eighteen, was the oldest, while Abyss, at sixteen, was the youngest. They weren’t using magic to maintain their youth. They were simply naturally gifted.

Surrounded by the townspeople, Givia led them out of Shodo Town, towards the military camp outside the town walls.

The camp was still within her territory, its location not far from the town. The townspeople didn’t object. Many of the soldiers were their sons and daughters. Although they couldn’t visit their families freely while serving in the army, it was comforting to know they were close.

“Her Highness approaches!” the guards at the camp’s entrance shouted, opening the gates and sending a messenger to inform the commander.

An elderly man, his build large and muscular despite his age, hurried towards the entrance. Abyss hadn’t met him before, but judging by his physique, he guessed he was another of Givia’s trusted generals.

“Your Highness,” the old man said, kneeling before Givia.

“General Howard, there’s no need for formalities today. I’m here to inspect our troops, to see how their training is progressing, to ensure our new recruits are mastering the necessary combat skills,” Givia said, gesturing for him to rise.

“I understand, Your Highness. I thought you had some important orders to deliver personally,” Howard said, glancing at Abyss and his companions. “These must be the heroes you brought with you. It’s a pleasure to meet you. You all have an impressive aura.”

Despite his polite words, his tone hinted at a hint of skepticism. Although Abyss and his companions were dressed appropriately and possessed a commanding presence, they were simply too young.

Chapter 95: Abyss’s Hidden Talent

Givia was puzzled. “How? How can I inspire my troops without being present?”

“As you said, Princess Givia, your presence is essential. Your soldiers need to see you, their leader, standing before them, delivering an inspiring speech,” Abyss said, winking mysteriously.

Givia didn’t understand, but the three girls, realizing his intentions, exchanged knowing glances, their expressions a mixture of surprise, amusement, and anticipation.

Boosting the Restoration Army’s morale was simple. Flora could simply walk among them, casting an inspiring Divine Art on each soldier, turning them into fearless warriors capable of single-handedly defeating two-headed ogres. But that, of course, wasn’t an option. Firstly, such a large-scale and unconcealed use of Divine Arts would attract the Church’s attention, and they wouldn’t tolerate such blatant interference. Abyss wasn’t worried about the Church. He or Flora could easily dismantle the entire organization if they became too troublesome. But the real problem was the Nine Gods.

If Flora used her Divine Arts to grant an army victory, it would disrupt the balance of the world. Those soldiers wouldn’t have won through their own strength, but through Flora’s borrowed divine power. The Nine Gods wouldn’t tolerate such a large-scale disruption, even if they overlooked minor imbalances.

The Nine Gods were more powerful than the Outer Gods. Hai-Teweru was their domain, regardless of their status as “mere” servants of the Creator God. Abyss could outsmart the Outer Gods, but he couldn’t directly confront the Nine Gods if they were displeased.

But Abyss had another solution.

Who was Abyss? Besides being the world’s most powerful and audacious necromancer, he was also a man who could effortlessly crossdress, even embracing the role with surprising enthusiasm. And by “man,” she meant someone capable of achieving feats beyond the reach of ordinary men.

The three girls, having witnessed his crossdressing prowess, instantly understood his plan.

“Tell me, what’s your solution?” Givia asked, her curiosity piqued.

“Ahem, Your Highness, I can transform into you,” Abyss said. “But there’s one condition. You must allow me to observe you closely, to memorize every detail of your appearance and your mannerisms, to ensure a flawless transformation.”

“You can transform into me?” Givia asked, her eyes widening, then she quickly understood. “You’re referring to the Transformation spell used by mages, right? I remember that perfectly mimicking another person’s appearance without detection requires advanced skills.”

Transformation was a common spell, a basic skill for any mid-level mage of the Transformation School. But it wasn’t typically used for impersonation. It had several limitations. Firstly, it consumed a massive amount of mana. Secondly, prolonged use could make it difficult to revert to one’s original form. Thirdly, it only altered one’s appearance, not their voice. Changing one’s voice required manipulating the vocal cords, consuming even more mana. And finally, the transformation was easily disrupted by physical impacts, draining mana and potentially revealing the disguise.

Impersonation was the specialty of Illusionist mages, but Abyss couldn’t use illusions on Givia’s soldiers. She wouldn’t approve.

Since he wasn’t an Illusionist, Givia’s skepticism was understandable.

“Don’t worry, Your Highness. I’m quite skilled in Transformation magic. And more importantly, I have an immense amount of mana. You don’t need to worry about my disguise failing,” Abyss said confidently, then chanted a spell, transforming into a dwarf.

“How do I look?” he asked, his voice now rough and gravelly, his usual lighthearted tone the only recognizable trait. “This is the owner of a tavern in the Western Empire’s capital. I drank there for several days, memorizing his appearance and his mannerisms. Now, if I just adjust my tone of voice… Like this. Hehe, Your Highness, what do you think?”

“Wow! It’s perfect!” Leona exclaimed, pointing at him. “That’s Dal, the owner of the Ugly Dwarf Tavern! You even sound just like him!”

“And my disguise is quite resilient,” Abyss said, turning to Leona. “Hit me, Leona. But don’t send me flying. I don’t want to break anything.”

“Alright!” Leona said, approaching him and flicking him hard on the forehead, the sound echoing through the room, making Givia wince. Leona, delighted at the opportunity to “discipline” the usually taller Abyss, had put considerable force into her flick.

If Abyss were an ordinary human, his skull would be fractured.

“Good job, Leona,” Abyss said, rubbing his forehead, wincing slightly. “Your Highness, now you’ve seen how stable my transformation is.”

“I have…” Givia said, nodding quickly, convinced by Leona’s demonstration. “So, how will you observe me? Do I need to… undress?”

“If you wish…” Abyss started to say, then, noticing the strange looks he was receiving from the three girls, quickly corrected himself. “…That won’t be necessary. I just need to observe your appearance and your mannerisms. I’m already familiar with your speech patterns. There’s no need for a special performance.”

“If you can do this, I’m willing to let you impersonate me. It might not be courageous, but it’s the best option for countering the Lord of Nightmares,” Givia said, nodding firmly. “Alright, Abyss, I’m counting on you!”

Abyss dispelled the transformation, returning to his usual form.

“In a few days, I’ll transform into you and visit your soldiers. You’ll remain hidden in a safe location. I’ll use some methods to relay my observations to you, so you won’t miss any important information. I have a feeling this will be… interesting.”

Chapter 94: The Meaning of Leadership

As expected, Givia’s eyes widened in surprise when she heard Abyss’s words. “What? You went to the palace last night? How? Was it safe? That’s the Lord of Nightmares’ domain!”

“We flew there. I have my methods,” Abyss said, flapping his hands playfully, mimicking the motion of wings. “Don’t worry, we were discreet. The Lord of Nightmares did cause us some trouble, but we handled it. We weren’t reckless. We wouldn’t enter an Outer God’s domain without proper preparation.”

“Did you find anything?” Givia asked, setting aside her map and bread, her interest piqued. She wasn’t concerned about the potential consequences of his investigation. She and Kevin were already sworn enemies. If Abyss was willing to antagonize him, she wouldn’t object. Kevin might be her brother in name, but she barely knew him. He had only forced his way into the palace after the war began. Her memories of him were from her early childhood. There was no sibling affection between them.

“I apologize for not informing you beforehand. It was a last-minute decision. Rebecca discovered a potion that could counter the Lord of Nightmares’ hypnotic abilities, so I decided we should act quickly,” Abyss explained, sitting down. “We discovered that the Shadowlings are connected to the apple trees in the palace gardens. Kevin had them pruned after he arrived. Do you remember that?”

“Pruned apple trees?” Givia thought for a moment. “Yes, I vaguely recall something like that, but I didn’t pay much attention to it.”

“Outer Gods can’t directly influence this world. They need a conduit, an object to anchor their power—they can only fully manifest after accumulating enough energy,” Abyss explained. “I suspect the Lord of Nightmares is using a set of gardening tools as his conduit. He’s influencing Kevin and his confidant, Apos, using them to sow despair in your kingdom, harvesting nightmares—his sustenance—to grow stronger.”

“You’re saying the Lord of Nightmares changed Kevin?” Givia asked, frowning.

“Perhaps, perhaps not,” Abyss said, his voice serious. “Outer Gods amplify the darkness within a person’s heart. Perhaps your brother was already corrupt, and the Lord of Nightmares simply empowered him, turning him into his champion, just like the Church serves the Nine Gods.”

Givia bit her lip, lost in thought.

“I had a brief conversation with the Lord of Nightmares. He claimed he’s enacting a plan against you, but I suspect your presence within your own territory somehow restricts his power, preventing him from directly influencing you,” Abyss said. “Do you have any plans to leave your territory soon? If so, be careful.”

“Now that you mention it… I’m planning to visit our guerrilla units. The potions have arrived, and I’ve sent a portion of them to the front lines. It will greatly enhance their combat capabilities,” Givia said after a moment of thought. “I plan to visit them in two days, after I’ve finished my work here. Those young men and women are fighting every day, harassing Kevin’s forces, disrupting their supply lines. They’re not like us, training and resting in safety.”

“Are you the only one who knows about this plan? When did you decide to visit them?”

“This plan was finalized before my trip to the Eastern Empire. I made thorough preparations. Santos and a few of my trusted officers were involved. If the potion acquisition was successful, I would proceed with this plan… Ah.”

Givia’s voice trailed off as she realized the implications. If the plan had been decided before her departure, the Lord of Nightmares would have had ample opportunities to learn about it during their journey to and from the Eastern Empire.

If Abyss’s theory was correct, the Lord of Nightmares would surely seize this opportunity, now that Givia was outside her territory, to learn about her itinerary and formulate a counter-strategy.

“You realize what this means, don’t you?” Abyss asked, his gaze serious. “I suggest you cancel all your travel plans and remain within your territory. I’ll protect you and uncover the Lord of Nightmares’ plot.”

“I’m afraid that’s not possible,” Givia said, shaking her head firmly. “I haven’t just been reading battle reports. I’ve also received intelligence from my network. Our guerrilla units are losing morale. The enemy forces are strong, and they’ve gained several powerful new recruits. Our guerrillas are suffering unexpected losses. If I don’t visit them personally, they might not be able to continue fighting…”

“Do they need your encouragement that badly?” Leona asked, puzzled. “Can’t you send one of your generals? They’re important figures as well. I remember soldiers finding comfort in being visited by their superiors.”

Givia glanced at Leona, her Western Empire heritage evident in her features, then shook her head. “Leona, you’re from the Western Empire. Your nation is powerful and prosperous. Your soldiers don’t require much comfort—they’re well-fed, well-paid, and their families receive generous compensation if they die in battle. But my Restoration Army is different. They’ve joined me because of my promise: I will lead them to reclaim our kingdom and restore Ossi’s glory.”

Leona scratched her head, the Western Empire’s long-lasting peace making it difficult for her to understand the Restoration Army’s struggles.

“Our soldiers here are barely eating any better than I am. If not for the generosity of the people of Oakning, they wouldn’t even have fresh vegetables. We don’t have enough money to pay them. We can only keep track of their service, promising to repay them someday. And their families receive no compensation. We simply don’t have the funds,” Givia said, sighing. “But they still follow me, enduring these hardships. If I hide from them now, their morale will plummet.”

Givia’s concerns were valid. These soldiers, despite their patriotism, couldn’t fight on empty stomachs and empty promises, especially if their leader remained hidden.

Givia was their only source of inspiration. She couldn’t afford to show any weakness, any fear.

“In that case, we might have a solution for you,” Abyss said suddenly.

Chapter 93: Rebecca’s Complete Form

Leona, still dazed from Abyss’s sudden kiss, stared at him, speechless.

“Leona, you’re my lucky star!” Abyss exclaimed, clapping his hands excitedly. “I’ve been planning my grand graveyard in the Elven Kingdoms, but I’ve been struggling with issues like privacy, security, accessibility, and the environment. Your suggestion was a revelation! I don’t need to worry about those trivial matters anymore!”

“Hey! What was that for?!” Leona finally reacted, realizing he had kissed her cheek. She could still feel the tingling sensation where his lips had touched her skin.

Rebecca, turning to Flora, whispered, “Why is Abyss so excited? Does he really want a house that badly?”

Flora chuckled softly. “Before he met us, he was a wanderer, with no permanent home. Now that he has a safe place to stay, he’s overjoyed.”

“Leona, we have a home now! Aren’t you happy?!” Abyss exclaimed, his excitement still bubbling over, as he grabbed her shoulders again.

“Help! ABC is being a pervert!” Leona shouted, struggling playfully. She didn’t exert her full strength, or she could shatter his bones with a single shrug. “I’m not marrying you! At least… At least not without a pro… pro…”

“Ah, I apologize. Did you not like that?” Abyss asked, suddenly realizing he had gotten carried away. He released her immediately. “I got a bit excited. I’m sorry.”

Leona, her face crimson, stared at him, speechless, the rest of her sentence caught in her throat.

“That’s so Abyss,” Rebecca said, giggling.

Flora smiled wryly, anticipating Leona’s reaction.

Bam!

Leona, in a fit of embarrassed rage, threw Abyss out of the room.

…

Rebecca now had her own familiar. After Abyss explained the summoning spell, she excitedly transferred her equipment and ingredients from the magical catfish’s belly into her Anywhere Door.

The space within the door was hemispherical, its floor a large circle, its area vast, almost seven thousand square meters, far exceeding her initial expectations. According to Abyss, expanding the space was simply a matter of providing more mana. He could easily enlarge it whenever she needed more space.

The space’s appearance was also determined by its creator. Rebecca had chosen white ceramic tiles for the floor and a sky-blue dome for the ceiling. Leona and Flora helped her arrange her equipment and ingredients, organizing the portable laboratory. With so much space, she even designated an area for their clothes, a temporary dressing room until Abyss’s grand graveyard was built.

Abyss had offered to help, but Leona glared at him whenever he tried to enter the laboratory. He sat outside, dejected, wondering why she suddenly disliked him.

By midday, Rebecca’s alchemy laboratory was complete. Now, she was truly in her element. As an academic genius specializing in alchemy and mechanics, she was different from Leona and Flora. Leona excelled in combat, her skills always readily available. Flora’s Divine Arts were also easily accessible. But Rebecca’s strength lay in her intellect. She needed a space to experiment and bring her ideas to life. Now, she could not only work whenever inspiration struck, but also take advantage of the slower time flow within the Anywhere Door, conducting her experiments without the pressure of time constraints. She had achieved a state of alchemical nirvana.

As long as either Abyss or Rebecca was outside, they could summon or dismiss the door at will. It was incredibly convenient. However, when the door was dismissed, the exit within the laboratory also vanished, trapping anyone inside.

Having completed their tasks, they left the guesthouse. It was almost lunchtime, and they decided to visit Givia. They couldn’t keep her in the dark about their midnight escapade at the palace.

Upon arriving at the headquarters, the guards, now familiar with them, allowed them to enter without much questioning.

Givia was indeed having lunch, sitting at her small table, a heavily marked map in one hand, a piece of bread in the other. She smiled when she saw them. “Good afternoon. Have you eaten yet? If you’re hungry, you can join me. I hope you don’t mind the simple fare.”

Her meal was far from what one would expect of a princess: a piece of plain bread, a plate of chopped fruits and vegetables, a small dish of cheese slices, and a glass of water, likely to prevent choking on the dry bread.

“Why are you eating so little? This isn’t enough! Can you even get full on this?” Leona asked, her voice filled with concern.

“This is my usual meal. The Restoration Army’s funds are limited. As a princess, I must set an example. We need to conserve our resources,” Givia said, smiling gently. “Don’t worry, if we’re going to battle, I’ll eat a proper meal. I need my strength to fight.”

“How is the situation?” Flora asked, her voice filled with concern.

“We’re still in a stalemate. The situation remains dire. We acquired a batch of potions, but according to my intelligence reports, the enemy has suddenly gained a significant number of high-ranking Dou Warriors and mages. They haven’t caused us significant losses yet, but we can’t be reckless. It’s not time for a counterattack yet,” Givia explained. “I suspect those new recruits are Shadowlings, those monstrous creatures Kevin has been creating. They’re a nuisance.”

“If you’re talking about Shadowlings, we might have some information about them,” Abyss said. “We visited the palace last night and retrieved the trees Kevin uses to create them.”

Chapter 92: Behold, the Anywhere Door!

“Of course,” Abyss replied, without asking for details.

The inventor likely had another brilliant idea that required his assistance. It seemed that after joining him, Rebecca had become more emboldened in pursuing her unconventional ideas.

“It’s about the familiar,” Rebecca said, approaching him with a flattering smile, then looped her arm around his. “You see, Flora and Leona both have familiars you created for them. I want one too, please? But my request is a bit… unusual. Please don’t be angry when you hear it.”

“Why would I be angry with you?” Abyss asked, stroking her hair. “Just tell me what you need, and I’ll do my best to fulfill your request.”

He thought to himself, even Leona’s outlandish requests, with her endless list of additions and modifications, hadn’t fazed him. What could possibly be considered “troublesome”?

“Alright, here’s my request,” Rebecca said, retrieving a sheet of paper from her bag and a pencil. She began writing, explaining as she went. “I want a familiar that’s… large enough to swallow me whole, preferably without me having to bend down.”

“That’s easy,” Abyss said casually. “A larger familiar simply requires more mana, and I have plenty of that.”

“And the space inside should be large, like a potion factory. Multiple levels would be even better…”

“Hmm? I’ve never created a familiar with such requirements.”

“And it would be wonderful if time flowed slower inside, like, I spend a whole day inside, but only a few hours pass outside… I’m undead, after all. My lifespan is infinite. I don’t mind spending extra time inside,” Rebecca said, her expression increasingly ingratiating. “This… This isn’t too much to ask, is it?”

Flora and Leona, watching them, giggled, anticipating Abyss’s reaction.

“And I’d like to store my entire alchemy laboratory inside. I can summon the familiar whenever I need to work, enter it, then dismiss it when I’m done, with everything inside preserved. And… if possible, ample lighting and fresh air would be ideal,” Rebecca finished, adding a sketch of her ideal laboratory layout to the paper.

Abyss looked at her, surprised. “My god, I thought Leona’s requests were outlandish, but yours are even more extraordinary.”

“Is it impossible?” Rebecca asked, pouting, pressing herself against him. Abyss felt the cool softness of her body against his arm.

“Well… It’s a new challenge, but I’m willing to try. Your idea seems to be inspired by my magical catfish. I created that by accident, but I remember the process,” Abyss said, not backing down. “For you, I’m willing to face this challenge.”

“That’s so sweet!” Rebecca exclaimed, her eyes sparkling. “Can you repeat that last part?”

“I created that by accident, but I remember the process.”

“No, the next part!”

“That’s so sweet!”

“Grrr!” Rebecca, frustrated, bit his shoulder.

…

Creating a familiar required immense magical power, enough to temporarily solidify mana into a physical form with specific properties. It also required precise control over that mana, allowing for fine adjustments to the familiar’s appearance.

Some unqualified mages had attempted to create familiars, but their lack of power resulted in small, misshapen creatures, both hideous and useless. And a familiar was bound to its mage’s soul. There was no going back.

Abyss, having accepted Rebecca’s request, sat in his room, manipulating a ball of mana, trying to replicate the functions she required.

Leona watched him intently, not because she was particularly interested in Rebecca’s “mobile alchemy laboratory,” but because she enjoyed watching Abyss work his magic, shaping mana like clay.

Flora, ever attentive, served them tea and snacks, using her Divine Arts to soundproof the guesthouse and reinforce its structure, preventing any potential mishaps from Abyss’s experiments, such as explosions.

Rebecca sat beside him, providing further details about her vision as he asked questions.

Abyss’s understanding of spatial magic was limited. He didn’t know how the space within the catfish’s belly was created, and since time was frozen inside, no one knew what it looked like. He didn’t even know where the items he stored inside went. All he knew was that it was incredibly vast, capable of holding anything he threw inside.

But with Rebecca’s guidance, her expertise in spatial magic proving invaluable, he managed to create a large, stable space with circulating fresh air, after several failed attempts.

Flora, having once stopped time with her Divine Arts, taught him some of the underlying principles.

Abyss’s magic had always been influenced by Divine Arts. Combining the two came naturally to him. As dawn approached, he finally managed to create a space where time flowed differently than in the outside world. Leona volunteered to test it, entering the space, counting to one hundred at a rate of one number per second, then exiting. Abyss had only counted to fifteen.

As for lighting, that was easy. He created several permanent Everbright spells within the space, providing a constant source of illumination. Even after dismissing the familiar, the lights remained, confirming that the space could indeed store objects.

Finally, guided by Flora’s artistic sense, he designed the familiar’s appearance. Unlike the typical animal familiars, Rebecca’s familiar was a door. Opening it revealed her alchemy laboratory.

By the time he finished, the sun had risen, and the residents of Shodo Town were already awake, starting their busy day.

“It’s done! Rebecca, this is your familiar now. Give it a name,” Abyss said, patting the doorframe.

“I’ll call it the Anywhere Door,” Rebecca said, her voice filled with satisfaction, as she looked at her unique familiar. “A magical door that can be opened from anywhere, leading to my personal laboratory!”

“By the way… Abyss,” Leona said, stroking her chin as she observed the door. “If you can create something like this, do you still need to buy a large plot of land for your ‘grand graveyard’?”

Abyss froze, then, in a sudden burst of excitement, grabbed Leona’s shoulders and kissed her cheek, much to her surprise.

Chapter 91: A Unique Potion

It wasn’t long before Abyss and his companions returned to the guesthouse without causing any disturbance.

Shodo Town was quiet in the dead of night. Its residents, exhausted from a day of hard work, were sound asleep. As they flew over the town on Little Fire Dragon, Abyss noticed a light on in Givia’s headquarters. Rebecca went to check on her.

Fortunately, Givia wasn’t working. Having consumed the fatigue-eliminating potion, she sat quietly in her room, reading a book of poetry. They were slightly surprised by her literary interests, but it made sense. As the leader of the Restoration Army, she lived a life of constant stress and pressure, with little time for leisure. Now, free from the nightly torment of nightmares, she could finally indulge in relaxing activities.

The Lord of Nightmares had claimed his plan was in motion. Abyss wasn’t going to be caught off guard. He summoned several undead ravens, stationing them around the headquarters. These ravens weren’t intelligent, but they obeyed his commands, alerting him to any unusual activity.

Satisfied with his precautions, he returned to the guesthouse.

The three girls, who didn’t require sleep, gathered in Abyss’s room, excitedly discussing Rebecca’s ingenuity.

“Rebecca, you’re so clever! Before I met you, I thought ABC was the smartest person in the world, but now I’m not so sure!” Leona exclaimed, showering her with praise. “You actually found a way to counter the Lord of Nightmares!”

Rebecca blushed. “It’s nothing, really. I just realized that potions don’t have to be liquids…”

Rebecca’s solution, of course, involved the ancient potion formula from the Alchemy Club, the one that could store Divine Grace. After some experimentation, she had perfected the formula, modifying it slightly, and had Flora test its ability to store her Divine Arts.

She hadn’t done this recklessly. She had consulted Abyss about the Nine Gods’ stance on the matter.

After their failed attempt to control him, the Nine Gods had adopted a laissez-faire approach towards Abyss, no longer interfering in his actions, hoping he would eliminate the Outer Gods who threatened Hai-Teweru.

Since they needed him, Rebecca deduced that they wouldn’t object to Flora using this special potion to store a portion of her divine power. After all, they hadn’t intervened when Flora used her powerful Divine Arts directly. Why would they care if she stored some of that power in a potion for later use?

Perhaps they would summon Abyss for a discussion if he tried to sell these potions, but simply storing Divine Grace should be safe.

With Abyss’s approval, Flora had infused the potion with her Divine Arts, and under Rebecca’s guidance, it had worked. However, it hadn’t worked with her most powerful spells. Perhaps the Nine Gods were unwilling to lend her such potent power to be stored in a potion.

Thus, Rebecca had created a supercharged version of the fatigue-eliminating potion—a potion that could completely erase a person’s exhaustion and awaken them, its effects amplified by Divine Grace. It even worked on undead, as long as they could withstand the holy energy.

Once the potion was perfected, Abyss had proposed using it to infiltrate the Ossi Kingdom palace and investigate the trees, which he suspected were connected to the Lord of Nightmares. Entering his domain directly would be dangerous, and this divinely empowered potion was their only chance of success.

But simply consuming the potion before entering the palace would be suicidal. The Lord of Nightmares wouldn’t give them the opportunity. The potion, which erased fatigue and awakened its target, only worked on those who were already asleep. If they fell asleep due to the Lord of Nightmares’ attack, how could they possibly drink the potion?

This challenge had inspired Rebecca. She had quickly devised a solution, creating special capsules and filling them with the powdered potion.

This way, the potion wouldn’t take effect immediately upon entering the stomach. It would activate only after the capsule dissolved. They could consume the potion beforehand, and it would activate automatically after a set time.

After some adjustments, Rebecca had determined the precise dissolving time for the capsules in both Abyss’s human stomach and their undead stomachs, perfecting the final product.

The Lord of Nightmares hadn’t anticipated this. He had assumed Abyss’s contingency plan involved Flora awakening him and had intended to surprise him by dragging Flora into the dream as well. But Abyss had turned the tables on him.

“Rebecca, there’s no need for modesty. We’re all impressed by your ingenuity,” Flora said, smiling, taking Rebecca’s hand. “Honestly, I always thought of potions as liquids. I never considered the possibility of a capsule form. If not for your innovative thinking, we would still be struggling.”

“I’m excited to contribute to our fight against the Outer Gods,” Rebecca said, smiling. “Traveling with Abyss is so thrilling! I never had such opportunities before.”

“By the way, Rebecca, I’ve been meaning to ask, what were those strips you added to the potion?” Abyss asked, his curiosity piqued. “I remember the ancient formula mentioned adding…”

“Don’t ask! Don’t ask!” Flora exclaimed, her usual calm demeanor replaced by a sudden panic, her face flushed crimson, as she covered his mouth with her hand.

“…?” Abyss was surprised by her reaction, but he obediently closed his mouth, not wanting to upset her further.

“Abyss, you mentioned compensating us, right?” Rebecca asked, winking at him, her voice slightly hesitant. “I have a small request. It might be a bit troublesome. Could you fulfill it for me?”