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

Chapter 90: Absolute Confidence

“Oh? What about your precious Flora? Where did I make a mistake?”

The scene around Abyss shattered, dissolving into darkness. The Lord of Nightmares’ voice echoed from all directions.

“Just as you’re unwilling to reveal your weaknesses, I won’t reveal mine. I know you can peer into the hearts of mortals, but this isn’t your domain. If I don’t speak, you can’t read my thoughts,” Abyss said, seizing the opportunity to exploit the Outer God’s curiosity. He wouldn’t give him what he wanted so easily.

“Hmph, I didn’t expect you to tell me,” the Lord of Nightmares said, seemingly realizing that Abyss was using his own tactics against him. “What I find curious is… You don’t doubt. Mortals always doubt. Why don’t you doubt your magic’s failure?”

“I do doubt, but I only doubt others, those whose motives and abilities I don’t fully understand,” Abyss said slowly. “As for myself, I never doubt my own power.”

“You’re that confident? Remember the hero from that other world I mentioned? He was fearless, but he also doubted. I believe doubt is an inherent trait of mortals.”

“Doubt is indeed a human capacity. I possess it as well. But as I said, I don’t doubt myself,” Abyss said, tapping his chest lightly. “If you perceive me as a reckless fool, you’re gravely mistaken. I’m perfectly sane, my actions driven by rational thought. I understand that I’m a mortal challenging beings far more powerful than myself—entities whose power is beyond my comprehension. Therefore, I must have absolute confidence in my abilities.”

The Lord of Nightmares fell silent, but Abyss could sense something intangible swirling around him.

“If I doubted my own power, would I be worthy of challenging the gods? I believe those who constantly doubt themselves can never achieve greatness,” Abyss said.

“Hmm… You make a valid point,” the Lord of Nightmares said, surprisingly agreeing with him. “If a lowly mortal like you dares to challenge the gods, you must possess unwavering resolve. Although you’re destined to fail, I respect your conviction. Rest assured, in the next world, if I encounter someone worthy, I’ll tell them your story.”

“Thank you, but now that I’ve realized I’m in a dream, I also remember my contingency plan. You distorted my memories after pulling me into this dream, didn’t you?” Abyss said, a smile spreading across his face. “You can control the flow of time within this dream, but you can’t stop it completely. My contingency plan should be activated soon. Therefore, I must take my leave.”

“Ridiculous! You think your little girlfriends can help you? They’re all asleep. No one can wake you up. Before your magic fails, before anyone discovers your predicament, you’ll be tormented for eons within my dream. I’ll erase your memories now, give you a new experience to savor…”

“Farewell, esteemed Lord of Nightmares. I’m afraid I must decline your invitation,” Abyss said, grinning. His form flickered, then vanished from the dream.

A long silence filled the darkness.

After a while, the Lord of Nightmares’ voice echoed, “So that’s it… As expected of you, Abyss Belator. Now I crave your fear even more. I will taste it eventually… No mortal is truly fearless. No one!”

…

Abyss opened his eyes, seeing the moon and stars in the sky—their positions hadn’t changed, meaning that despite spending what felt like hours in the dream, little time had passed in reality.

“Good… The timing was perfect. Any earlier or later would have been troublesome,” he said, smiling, sitting up and looking around. His three followers lay on the ground, unconscious, victims of the Lord of Nightmares’ power. Even they, undead and sleepless, had been affected.

But they didn’t remain unconscious for long. Flora stirred, her brow furrowed, then opened her eyes. Rebecca and Leona soon followed.

“Here, let me help you up,” Abyss said, approaching Flora and offering her his hand.

Flora smiled, taking his hand and letting him pull her up.

He then helped Rebecca and Leona to their feet.

“Rebecca, your plan worked. We achieved a great victory tonight. You’re the hero of the hour,” Abyss said, crouching beside her as she smoothed her hair and adjusted her clothes.

“I was a bit worried,” Rebecca said, patting her chest, earning a jealous glance from Leona. “I’ve never confronted an Outer God directly before. I wasn’t sure if it would work. And you took us to the palace right after I completed the potion. I was terrified! I had a nightmare when I collapsed, but I don’t remember the details…”

“I had a nightmare too,” Leona said, her voice filled with a childish complaint. “But I don’t remember it either. I just remember feeling incredibly hopeless. Abyss, you’re responsible for this!”

“Of course, of course, I’ll make it up to you,” Abyss said, his hands clasped together in apology.

“I also forgot the content of my nightmare,” Flora said, standing up and smiling at Abyss. “But waking up with you by our side makes it all worthwhile.”

She chanted a prayer, casting a Divine Art towards Prince Kevin’s location.

“This will prevent Kevin from taking his anger out on the guards,” she said, turning back to them, smiling. “I cast a calming spell on him. He’ll be less prone to anger.”

“Well done, Flora,” Abyss said, giving her a thumbs-up.

“What’s next?” Leona asked, curious. “Is there anything else we need to do?”

“That’s all for now. Let’s return to our rooms. We can discuss our successful mission later,” Abyss said, stroking Leona’s head. “And I’ll think of a way to compensate you for your suffering. I’m sorry I put you through this.”

Chapter 89: “You Don’t Understand”

“Flora, you have a white hair…” Abyss said, reaching out to touch the stark white strand that stood out against her golden hair.

“Don’t…” Flora said, grabbing his wrist. “Don’t touch it…”

“What’s wrong?” Abyss asked, his brow furrowed with concern. “I don’t remember you having any white hairs. And undead don’t age. Why would you have a white hair?”

“I don’t know…” Flora said, her voice laced with a hint of sadness. “I’ve been feeling unwell ever since we returned from the Ossi Kingdom palace… I wanted to be with you…”

“Let me see,” Abyss said, gently taking the white hair between his fingers.

But he couldn’t pull it out. The moment his fingers touched it, the strand turned to ash, crumbling into dust, leaving a faint white mark on his skin.

Abyss frowned. What had the Lord of Nightmares done? Why was Flora’s hair turning to ash?

“Abyss… Will you truly stay with me forever?” Flora asked, her golden eyes fixed on him, her voice filled with a desperate longing. “I… Perhaps I’ve been thinking about you too much… I finally understand. My feelings for you aren’t just dependency, but love. I want you, Abyss. I want you to feel the same way…”

“I’m sorry… I’m not ready…”

“Please… Love me. I can’t live without you,” Flora pleaded, her voice trembling, tears welling up in her eyes, as she grabbed his wrist. “I was a Saint. In life, I was forbidden from interacting with men, from falling in love. But I’m dead now… I’m free to choose whom I love. And I’ve chosen you… I don’t want to lose you…”

Abyss looked at her, his brow furrowed, not because her request was unreasonable. If she truly desired him as her lover, he would consider it. But there was a more pressing matter.

As Flora’s emotions intensified, more white hairs appeared near her temples, her golden locks turning white, one strand after another, as if time itself were accelerating, her hair turning gray before his eyes.

“Flora, please calm down. Your hair is turning white. This isn’t normal,” Abyss said, taking her hand, his voice gentle but firm. “Let me address this first, then we can talk about love. I promise I’ll make you happy, alright?”

“Okay…” Flora said, nodding, but her voice was laced with disappointment, the light in her eyes dimming.

Abyss touched another white hair, and it crumbled to ash. He brought the ash to his nose, sniffing it—it had no scent, as if it had never existed.

As he turned his attention back to Flora, he noticed that one of her arms was also turning gray.

“Abyss… I feel strange… What has the Lord of Nightmares done to me?” Flora asked, her voice filled with panic. She chanted a prayer, trying to heal herself with Divine Arts. A faint golden light flickered around her arm, but it continued to turn gray, the discoloration spreading to her shoulder, her neck, her face…

“Flora?” Abyss was stunned, watching in disbelief as she seemingly disintegrated before his eyes.

What was happening? He tried to check her status through their necromantic link, but it was severed.

“My necromancy… it’s not working?” He stared at his hands, then back at Flora, who was still looking at him with her beautiful golden eyes. But now, one of her arms, half of her body, was crumbling into white ash… Without his connection, her undead body was being rejected by this world’s laws…

“Abyss… I’m sorry… I should have told you sooner… I’m sorry… I was too cowardly…”

Tears streamed down her face as she spoke, but the vibrations of her vocal cords caused cracks to appear on her neck and chin, pieces of ash falling onto his bed.

Then, her voice vanished. Her body disintegrated completely, a pile of white ash settling on the bed, her nightgown collapsing, empty. The beautiful girl who had been lying beside him moments ago was gone.

“Flora!” Abyss exclaimed, reaching for the ash, but it was just dust, nothing more.

“ABC! ABC!” Leona’s voice echoed from outside. Before he could react, the door burst open, and Leona rushed in, limping.

“My body feels strange… I…”

She looked at Abyss, her voice filled with panic, then she too turned to ash, her clothes collapsing, her small boots rolling across the floor, spilling white ash from their openings.

Abyss checked Rebecca’s status through the link. It was also severed.

“No!” he cried out, grabbing Flora’s empty nightgown, his voice filled with despair. “I’m sorry! I shouldn’t have brought you on this adventure! I’m a fool! Why did I do this?!”

But there was no response, only silence.

He looked up.

“Are you satisfied now, Lord of Nightmares?”

Silence.

“You think I’m afraid of this?” He suddenly laughed. “My dear Lord of Nightmares, you’ve made a grave mistake. Let me tell you something—I’m not just arrogant, but also incredibly confident in my necromancy. It’s flawless. No one, nothing, can make me doubt my skills, not even a god.”

He slowly stood up.

“I know you targeted my followers to make me suffer, but the moment Flora entered my room, I knew this wasn’t real. You might know a lot, but you don’t understand my Flora.”

Chapter 88: A Clean Getaway

“Well done, Flora. I knew I could count on you,” Abyss said, lying comfortably with his head in Flora’s lap, giving her a thumbs-up. “My dear Flora, you’re my most reliable support!”

“What about me?!” Leona, crouching nearby, protested immediately.

“And me!” Rebecca chimed in, echoing Leona’s complaint.

“Leona is my sword, and Rebecca is my armor,” Abyss said quickly, offering them somewhat clumsy metaphors. But they seemed satisfied with his praise.

He sat up, the uprooted apple trees piled beside them, a dozen or so, a successful harvest. The guards, still under the illusion’s influence, remained oblivious to their activities, diligently patrolling their posts.

“We’re currently in the Lord of Nightmares’ territory. Although Flora’s Divine Arts are powerful, their effects are temporary. We should leave quickly,” Abyss said, stretching, addressing the three girls. “I’m taking these apple trees with me. As for the guards… If Kevin wakes up and discovers his trees are missing, he might take his anger out on them. Flora, could you cast a subtle calming spell on him? Make him more reasonable, so he doesn’t harm the guards. They might be serving Kevin, but they don’t deserve to die.”

“Of course,” Flora replied, chanting a silent prayer. An invisible force descended from the sky, reaching Kevin’s location. No one could see it, but Flora knew the spell had taken effect.

Abyss summoned his magical catfish, enlarging it, and began feeding it the uprooted trees, one by one. The catfish’s stomach was a bottomless pit, capable of holding even these large trees.

“Excellent,” Abyss said, hands on his hips, surveying the palace courtyard, now dotted with holes where the trees once stood. He was pleased with his night’s work.

He had gathered some intelligence from the Lord of Nightmares and acquired the apple trees used to create Shadowlings. A successful mission. His next step was to find a way to dismantle the Lord of Nightmares’ power completely. He didn’t know the location of the artifact, so he planned to return later, bringing Flora with him for protection.

Having a powerful Divine Arts user by his side made confronting Outer Gods much easier.

He brought everyone into the Shadow Realm, summoned Little Fire Dragon, and they departed.

…

Back at the guesthouse, Shodo Town was asleep, only the sentries at their posts, maintaining the town’s peace. As Little Fire Dragon flew over the town, they noticed that the lights in Givia’s headquarters were off. It seemed she had consumed the potion and, following Rebecca’s instructions, hadn’t continued working. A leader like her carried a heavy burden. Rest and relaxation were crucial. If Rebecca had discovered her still working, she would have intervened.

Their next step was to analyze the Lord of Nightmares’ weaknesses, using the newly acquired information. As long as he was bound by this world’s rules, he would have vulnerabilities. Abyss’s plan was to identify all possible weaknesses, then eliminate them one by one through investigation, formulating a comprehensive strategy to subdue the Outer God.

Leona, wanting to be entertained, asked Flora to read her a knightly romance. Rebecca, upon returning to the guesthouse, immediately retreated to her room to work on her potions, claiming she had been inspired by their visit to the palace.

Abyss also returned to his room, extinguishing the lights, and sat on his bed in the darkness, his back against the wall, contemplating his next move against the Lord of Nightmares.

Time passed slowly, the world outside silent and still. The grandfather clock in the guesthouse’s main hall ticked rhythmically, its pendulum swinging back and forth, the only sound in the darkness.

After about an hour, he heard soft footsteps approaching his room from the direction of Flora and Leona’s room.

He recognized them instantly. It was Flora. He hadn’t expected her to visit him so late at night.

A gentle knock, barely audible, came from the door. If he had been asleep, he wouldn’t have heard it.

“Come in, Flora,” he said softly.

Flora opened the door a crack, peeking inside with one beautiful golden eye. Seeing him sitting on the bed, lost in thought, she smiled, her eyes crinkling slightly.

She entered, carrying a pillow, dressed in the pretty nightgown they had bought in Lavoisier City. The loose-fitting gown didn’t reveal her figure, but her bare feet and the smooth skin of her lower legs gave her an unexpected air of sensuality.

“May I lie down with you for a while?” she asked hesitantly.

“Of course,” Abyss said, smiling, patting the bed beside him. “My bed is quite large. If you’re tired, you can sleep. I’ll cast a calming spell on you.”

“Well… I’m feeling a bit unwell… So I wanted to lie down with you for a while,” she said, her voice soft, her bare feet making no sound as she approached the bed.

“Unwell? What’s wrong?” Abyss asked, his voice filled with concern.

“I…” Flora hesitated, her lips pouting slightly, like a child about to throw a tantrum. She climbed onto the bed, placed her pillow beside her, and lay down on her side, facing him.

Abyss smiled, his expression gentle and indulgent. Despite her mature and elegant demeanor, Flora had a childish side, a quality he found endearing.

She lay there, silently gazing at his face, her cheeks flushed.

“Abyss, will you always stay by my side?”

“Of course. I can extend my lifespan indefinitely, if you wish. We can be together forever,” Abyss replied, smiling.

But as he spoke, he noticed a single white hair near her temple.

Even in the darkness, even though it was just one strand, he couldn’t miss it.

Chapter 87: Drawing the Serpent Out of Its Hole

“Please, would you kindly refrain from toying with my followers, esteemed Lord of Nightmares?” Abyss’s voice was cold, his gaze fixed on the figure that resembled Flora. “Or do you prefer I address you by your true name, Lord Schlezhech?”

He had used magic to pronounce the Outer God’s name, his voice mimicking the complex sounds, the clicks and trills that were beyond the capacity of human vocal cords.

“You are incredibly audacious, more audacious than the masters of the most delectable fears I have ever consumed. And… you are the most insolent mortal I have ever encountered,” the Lord of Nightmares’ voice echoed from all directions, no longer playful, but laced with anger, his tone dark and menacing. “You used your pathetic little tricks to eliminate Givia’s sleep, didn’t you? Do you realize you’re provoking me? Defying a god’s will is a suicidal act, and now you dare to taunt me?”

As he spoke, the forms of Abyss’s three followers dissolved, fading into the darkness. The moon and stars in the sky, even the flickering flames of the braziers within the palace, vanished, plunging the world into an oppressive darkness, a suffocating void. An immense pressure bore down on Abyss’s soul, a force that could crush the minds of ordinary mortals. But Abyss remained unfazed, his gaze steady, his expression impassive.

“And you used the same trick to eliminate your own sleep. I’ve been waiting for you to visit me, but you simply refused to sleep. I was almost tempted to use more… forceful methods to compel you to meet with me,” the Lord of Nightmares continued, his voice now circling Abyss, as if he were pacing around him. “You foolish mortal, you think sleep is the only way I can inflict nightmares upon you?”

“I apologize, Lord Schlezhech, if I have offended you. Please accept my sincerest apologies,” Abyss said, bowing slightly. “But I assure you, although I’ve been trying to provoke you, I’ve never underestimated your power.”

“Hehe… You’re testing me?” the Lord of Nightmares chuckled, his voice laced with a chilling amusement. “Testing my power, and daring to trespass on my domain? Do you know why you’re experiencing nightmares without sleeping? Because you’re currently within my Divine Realm. My power can directly influence you here. You might be strong, but you’re still mortal. Before my absolute power, you’re no different from an insect!”

“So your method is to expand your Divine Realm, to directly influence me?” Abyss asked, his voice calm and curious, not intimidated by the Outer God’s threats. “So, if I had continued avoiding you, I would have eventually fallen victim to your influence?”

“You finally understand your predicament? Yes, if you had continued running and hiding like a coward, I would have found you eventually,” the Lord of Nightmares said, his voice filled with a smug satisfaction. “I would have plunged you into an eternal slumber, tormenting you within your dreams. You know, that Givia you’re so determined to protect is in grave danger. My plan for her is already in motion. No matter how much you try to protect her, you can’t prevent her from falling asleep and waking up insane.”

“That sounds rather ominous,” Abyss said, shrugging. “But can you overcome the local deities of Hai-Teweru? What if I used Divine Arts to protect her?”

“Divine Arts are merely fragments of divine power bestowed upon you by your Nine Gods. If they intervened directly, they would have a significant advantage, and I might not be able to prevail—but they can’t interfere. The Creator God’s command is absolute. They cannot meddle in mortal affairs. We, the free gods, are not bound by such restrictions,” the Lord of Nightmares said, his voice filled with confidence, undeterred by Abyss’s suggestion. “Givia’s doom is inevitable. You can’t change that…”

“If it were that easy, she would have already succumbed to madness,” Abyss said, his eyes narrowing. “There must be a reason why you can’t directly influence her within her own territory. Would you mind telling me?”

“Hmph,” the Lord of Nightmares scoffed, refusing to answer. “My true form hasn’t fully descended upon this world yet. I’m still bound by your world’s rules. Although your local deities haven’t intervened directly, their power still restricts me. However… these limitations will eventually become my greatest advantage.”

“It seems you’re confident in your ability to fully manifest in this world,” Abyss said, nodding. “I won’t bother asking for more information. You’re clearly unwilling to share. I should return now. May I leave?”

“Leave? Hahahaha!” the Lord of Nightmares roared with laughter. “I won’t let you leave. You came to me, and you think I’ll let you escape so easily? Although you fear nothing, I’ve found something you might be afraid of. In your next dream, I want you to savor the taste of fear. Abyss Belator, when you awaken, you will be driven mad, running through the streets under the rising sun, until my loyal servant, Kevin, puts an end to your miserable existence!”

“I apologize, Lord of Nightmares, but even if you wish to keep me as your guest, I must take my leave,” Abyss said, grinning. He hadn’t expected the Outer God to release him so easily, but he had a backup plan…

Suddenly, he felt a tug on his consciousness, a jolt that brought him back to reality.

He opened his eyes, seeing the moon and stars in the sky, and Flora’s concerned face, her hand outstretched towards him, a faint glow still emanating from her palm. The sweet, floral scent of her presence filled the air. He felt the soft, comforting pressure of her thigh beneath his head.

“Abyss, you’re awake!” Flora exclaimed, her face breaking into a smile. “You were right. The Lord of Nightmares attacked. I used Divine Arts to awaken you, just as you instructed!”

Chapter 86: Garden Destroyers

Leaving the insomniac Prince Kevin staring out his window, the four exited the royal bedchamber.

It was easy to distinguish the trees Kevin had pruned. Before his arrival, the palace gardens hadn’t been meticulously maintained. The Ossi Kingdom wasn’t known for its appreciation of aesthetics. The trees received only basic pruning to prevent them from becoming unsightly.

But the trees shaped by Kevin were different. They were meticulously sculpted into various geometric forms, their branches trimmed with precision, creating a sense of order that contrasted with the natural beauty of the untamed trees within the palace grounds.

Most of these pruned trees were fruit trees, and a significant portion of those were apple trees. It was early spring in the Ossi Kingdom, a time when deciduous trees like apple trees should be bare, their leaves shed during the winter. But these apple trees were lush and green, their foliage as vibrant as the evergreen trees in the palace, even bearing small, green fruits. Perhaps it was due to a temperature-regulating magic array, a special potion, or some other unknown factor. This aligned with Abyss’s suspicions. The Lord of Nightmares must have tampered with these trees. The Shadowlings were somehow connected to these apple trees.

Abyss cast a high-level illusion spell on his companions, then, with a snap of his fingers, they exited the Shadow Realm. The large cracks in the ground created by Little Fire Dragon vanished, and the extinguished braziers reignited, their flames flickering back to life.

“Wait a moment. I need to confirm our theory,” Abyss said, smiling, rubbing one of his rings.

A small, humanoid creature, its limbs long and slender, its body covered in sparse fur, materialized beside him. Rebecca hadn’t seen it before, but Leona and Flora recognized the gluttonous ghoul instantly.

“Master!” the ghoul exclaimed, its fanged mouth wide open, its throat bobbing as it tried to suppress its drool, a marked improvement over the typical ghoul’s constant slobbering. It hopped around excitedly, like a giant toad. “Does Little Glutton need to help? Little Glutton can help! Happy to help!”

“Yes, Little Glutton,” Abyss said, crouching down to meet its gaze, then pointed at a nearby apple tree. “I’m going to give you some apples from this tree. Tell me what they taste like.”

“Okay! Okay!” Little Glutton chirped, hopping excitedly.

Abyss chanted a spell, and several apples detached from the tree, floating towards him. He caught them and tossed them into Little Glutton’s gaping maw.

Crunch! Crunch!

The ghoul lived up to its name, devouring the apples with gusto, its sharp teeth tearing through the fruit, juice spraying everywhere. It didn’t forget its task, however, its eyes rolling as it savored the flavor.

Rebecca, crouching beside it, watched with amusement. She could also analyze ingredients through taste, but she knew the black mud was foul-tasting and had no desire to sample it. Abyss, aware of this, had summoned the ghoul, which had no concept of “disgusting.”

Little Glutton swallowed the last of the apples, then looked up at Abyss. “Master! Little Glutton tasted! Rotten apples! Not fresh!”

“These apples are still green, unripe. Why would they taste rotten?” Abyss asked. “Do they share any similarities with that black, slimy stuff I gave you before?”

“Taste very similar to black, slimy stuff! But no human blood, no cow blood, no pig fat!” Little Glutton reported.

“Excellent,” Abyss said, looking at the three girls. “Our theory was correct. Let’s get to work. Time is of the essence.”

“Understood! Do you need my help?” Leona asked, cracking her knuckles. “I can chop down these trees with my bare hands!”

“I do need your help, but not to chop them down. I need you to uproot them,” Abyss said, smiling. “I’m taking these trees with me. We’ll each handle half. Be gentle. We don’t want to damage the garden too much. Givia will be living here.”

“That’s easy! Leave it to me!” Leona said confidently, approaching an apple tree, grabbing its trunk with both hands, and pulling. With a few heaves and a twist, she uprooted the large tree, its roots and the clinging soil releasing a soft rustling sound.

Abyss, meanwhile, chanted a spell, and another meticulously pruned apple tree levitated, rising slowly from the ground.

Thanks to Abyss’s illusion, the guards remained oblivious to their act of vandalism. The palace grounds were still and peaceful.

“I wish we had a Druid,” Abyss said, as he uprooted another apple tree, his movements effortless. “They could make these trees walk on their own. After we deal with the Lord of Nightmares and fulfill Leona’s wish, we’ll visit the Elven Kingdoms and find that genius Druid. And I can start building my grand graveyard there. Perfect.”

“Abyss, it’s not even that warm. Why are you sweating? Let me wipe your brow,” Flora said, approaching him with a handkerchief and a gentle smile.

“Thank you,” Abyss said, smiling back.

Flora extended the handkerchief towards his forehead.

But Abyss stepped back, dodging her touch.

The handkerchief in Flora’s hand wasn’t a handkerchief at all. It was a piece of flesh, blood oozing from its surface, dripping onto the ground and turning into black goo…

Chapter 85: A Ghostly Midnight Visit

Deep into the night, silence fell upon the Ossi Kingdom’s palace. King Kevin preferred darkness, and he had forbidden anyone from wandering the halls at night. The palace lights were extinguished, save for a few essential ones for security. Even the guards were silent, their movements hushed.

Amidst this stillness, a faint whooshing sound echoed through the air, like the beating of giant wings. The sound grew louder, closer, its rhythm steady and powerful.

What began as a gentle breeze quickly intensified into a powerful gust of wind, buffeting the palace, its trees and plants swaying wildly, their leaves rustling and swirling in the turbulent air currents.

A massive shadow descended from the sky, its long neck, powerful wings, and sturdy legs, covered in neatly arranged scales, clearly visible—it was a dragon, a creature thought to have vanished from the continent long ago.

Yet, despite the arrival of such a magnificent beast, the palace guards remained unfazed, their gazes fixed on their designated areas, as if the dragon didn’t exist. Even as the tassels on their spears were whipped by the wind, and the flames in their braziers were extinguished, they remained oblivious.

The dragon landed with a resounding thud, the ground cracking beneath its weight, sending tremors through the palace.

Four figures, three women and a man, jumped from the dragon’s back. The man looked up at the massive creature, his voice filled with gratitude. “Thank you, Little Fire Dragon! Your eyesight is truly remarkable!”

“You’re welcome, Master Abyss. It was my pleasure. I hope the three mistresses enjoyed their ride. I did my best to minimize the turbulence.”

“You did wonderfully, Little Fire Dragon! You’re the best dragon I’ve ever ridden!” Leona exclaimed, her voice loud and clear, as she looked up at the dragon’s scaled face. Riding on Little Fire Dragon’s back had fulfilled her childhood dream of becoming a dragon rider, a fantasy fueled by countless knightly romances.

It was a title even more prestigious than a Griffin Rider, a legend come to life.

“If there’s nothing else, I’ll take my leave. I hope you enjoy yourselves, Master,” Little Fire Dragon said, then transformed into a swirling mist, disappearing into Abyss’s ring.

This, of course, wasn’t the real world, but Abyss’s Shadow Realm. Here, they could act freely without affecting reality. The guards remained oblivious, their perceptions altered by Abyss’s magic.

“Abyss is truly a man of action,” Rebecca said, chuckling, as she looked around. Her undead vision allowed her to see clearly in the darkness of the palace. “I thought he would rest before coming here.”

“Do you need to rest?” Abyss asked, smiling at her.

“Of course not. Now that I’m undead, I never get tired. I could brew potions all day and night without breaking a sweat,” Rebecca said, playfully poking his cheek. “We undead don’t experience fatigue. I was worried about you.”

“I’m fine. Your fatigue-eliminating potion works wonders. I can ignore physical exhaustion, and as for mental fatigue—the thought of causing chaos energizes me like a two-headed ogre’s stomach,” Abyss said, winking at her. “We won’t officially declare war on the Lord of Nightmares tonight, but we won’t let him rest easy either. I intend to thoroughly annoy him. I don’t want him lurking in the shadows, plotting against us.”

“The best defense is a good offense,” Leona said, nodding in agreement.

“Let’s visit Prince Kevin while we’re in the Shadow Realm,” Flora suggested. “We can’t attack him directly, not without causing a commotion, but observing him might be useful.”

“Indeed. Let’s find his bedchamber. I want to see what kind of person collaborates with the Lord of Nightmares,” Abyss said, heading towards the largest palace, assuming it was the king’s residence.

The king’s palace wasn’t difficult to find. They located Kevin’s bedchamber after a brief search. The area was heavily guarded, and the surrounding trees were meticulously pruned, just as Alva had described. It seemed this seemingly heartless Kevin did have a talent for gardening.

They entered the palace, then Kevin’s bedroom, using Abyss’s Wall-Phasing spell.

“Just as Alva described,” Rebecca said, unconcerned about being discovered, thanks to the Shadow Realm’s properties. She skipped towards Kevin, observing him closely.

He was a large, muscular man, not much older than Givia, perhaps three or four years older, his features similar to hers. His eyes were cold and calculating, his expression indifferent, his aura unsettling.

He wasn’t asleep. He sat in a chair, his posture rigid and unnatural, his eyes fixed on the window, as if in a trance.

He didn’t seem human. If not for his steady breathing, he could be mistaken for a wax figure.

“Is that Kevin? I don’t like his aura,” Leona said, frowning. Her instincts told her to avoid this man.

“Wearing his personality on his sleeve, this Prince Kevin is quite transparent,” Abyss said, observing him, shaking his head. “Besides staying up all night, staring out the window, there’s something else about him that seems off. I can’t quite place it. It’s more of a feeling… I haven’t found any concrete information yet, but just in case, I’ll observe him more closely.”

He began scrutinizing Kevin, memorizing every detail.

Leona, bored, asked, “ABC, how are you planning to provoke the Lord of Nightmares?”

Abyss, his gaze still fixed on Kevin, replied, “Oh, that’s simple. Look out the window.”

Leona looked. The garden outside was meticulously landscaped, its trees pruned into various shapes, a picturesque scene.

“What are you going to do?” she asked, still confused.

“I’m going to uproot all these trees and take them with me,” Abyss said, looking at her, a mischievous grin spreading across his face.

Chapter 84: Kevin and the Apple Trees

“One last question: During your time in the palace with Prince Kevin, did you notice any unusual rituals or behaviors? Anything out of the ordinary?” Abyss asked.

Alva thought carefully, then replied, “No, besides his fondness for gardening, he had no other hobbies, and his behavior wasn’t unusual. The only thing that set him apart was his personality.”

“I see… It seems our investigation should focus on his gardening then,” Abyss said, nodding, his gaze fixed on Alva, a hint of admiration in his eyes. “Thank you for your assistance. I’m impressed by your detailed recollection of the events within the palace. It’s truly remarkable.”

“Protecting the princess is my life’s mission. I was responsible for the palace’s security, so I had to be aware of every detail. The Queen once showed me kindness. She’s gone now, but her daughter has inherited her spirit, her dedication to this kingdom. How could I not do everything in my power to repay that kindness?” Alva said, her voice calm and steady, her words devoid of any pride, as if it were simply her duty. “I would gladly give my life to protect the princess.”

Haina, listening intently, fell into deep thought. The usually timid and easily flustered girl now wore a serious expression.

“It’s getting late. You should return to the camp. I apologize for taking up your time. If I require your assistance again, I’ll visit you personally. And if you need anything, feel free to come here. I’ll help you in any way I can. Oh, and please keep my identity as a necromancer a secret. Revealing it could damage the morale of the Restoration Army. You understand, our school has a rather… negative reputation,” Abyss said, standing up and shaking Alva’s calloused hand. “Rebecca, bring the potions.”

Rebecca, ever prepared, retrieved a bundle of glass vials filled with potions from her bag and handed them to Alva.

Alva looked at them, curious. “These potions are…?”

“I heard about your injuries. I asked Rebecca to brew these potions for you. They’re specifically designed to heal internal injuries. The Restoration Army needs your strength to protect the princess, so please use them,” Abyss said, glancing at Rebecca. “Don’t hesitate. Rebecca is the most talented alchemist on the continent. You might even find her name and her accomplishments recorded in history books.”

“Consume one vial every night before bed. I added some fruit extracts. They taste quite pleasant. You should be fully recovered within three days. Keep the rest for yourself or share them with others in need,” Rebecca explained patiently. “I apologize, I can’t produce a large quantity of these potions on my own. I can’t supply your entire army.”

“No, no, Miss Rebecca, I’m honored that you would brew these potions for me,” Alva said, bowing deeply, her gratitude sincere. She desperately needed these potions. Givia had brought back a large supply of healing potions from the Eastern Empire, but those were for emergencies, for soldiers on the brink of death. Alva wouldn’t waste such precious resources on her own non-life-threatening injuries. Alchemy was underdeveloped in the Ossi Kingdom. Rebecca’s potions were a valuable gift.

“We’ll take our leave then,” Alva said, after thanking Rebecca.

“Mr. Abyss…” Haina said hesitantly. “May I visit you again?”

“Of course, as long as we’re here, you’re welcome to visit,” Abyss said, nodding. “Just don’t disturb Rebecca while she’s working—her experiments can be dangerous.”

“I… I want to see Miss Flora again…” Haina said, blushing. “After visiting the Church’s tomb and retrieving the Fountain’s Draw, I researched Saint Flora out of curiosity. I never imagined I would meet her again. I admire her noble character and her elegance. Miss Flora, could I perhaps… learn from you? I have so many questions… I promise I won’t be a bother!”

“Of course,” Flora said, smiling warmly. “I’m happy to share my knowledge with you.”

“Thank you, Saint Flora!” Haina exclaimed, bowing deeply.

“Please, don’t call me Saint. I’m no longer a Saint, nor am I affiliated with the Church. I’m just a traveler now,” Flora said, correcting her gently. “You can call me Flora. I’m a few years older than you. You can call me ‘sister’ if you like.”

“Okay! S-Sister Flora!” Haina said, her voice filled with joy.

Alva and Haina left the guesthouse. Abyss and his followers remained, discussing Prince Kevin.

“Do you remember the ghoul I summoned earlier?” Abyss asked Flora and Leona.

“I remember, that little glutton. It ate everything,” Leona said, raising her hand eagerly. “I even remember the recipe it mentioned! Human and cow blood, pig fat, and rotten apples!”

“Yes, doesn’t Alva’s information about Kevin’s gardening hobby seem connected to the ghoul’s reaction to the black mud?” Abyss asked, smiling.

“You’re suggesting the Shadowlings are somehow related to Kevin’s gardening?” Flora asked.

“Exactly,” Abyss said, snapping his fingers. “Perhaps they’re growing Shadowlings from trees! Although they’re creations of an Outer God, their components are from this world. This suggests the Lord of Nightmares might not have the ability—or the authority—to create matter out of thin air.”

“And the object he uses to influence this world might be among those gardening tools!” Rebecca exclaimed, her eyes widening in realization.

“Yes! That’s what I’m thinking!” Abyss said, snapping his fingers again, his smile widening.

Chapter 83: Prince Kevin’s Hobby

Alva didn’t exaggerate. Abyss could sense the calmness in her soul as she spoke. This brave warrior truly knew the inner workings of the palace.

“If you can provide me with some information about the palace, it would be a great help,” Abyss said, leaning forward slightly, his voice filled with anticipation. “You’re right. Although I’m powerful, I’m still mortal. Even the weakest god can crush me with their divine authority. I need to find each Outer God’s weakness.”

“When Princess Givia was still in the palace, I was responsible for its security. I’m aware of everything that happened within those walls. I remember it all. But I don’t know what’s relevant to the Lord of Nightmares. You’ll have to ask me specific questions,” Alva said, her confidence evident when discussing her area of expertise. “For the princess’s safety and our victory, I’ll answer everything you ask.”

“Wonderful. We don’t need to sit so far apart. Let’s move closer,” Abyss said, standing up and using magic to move his chair behind the table, gesturing for Alva and Haina to join him. Rebecca and Leona, understanding his intentions, sat down beside him, one on each side.

“Let’s talk face to face. Our initial greeting was a bit… informal,” Flora said, gently patting Haina’s shoulder, offering her a warm smile.

Haina, sitting so close to Flora, could smell the faint, pleasant fragrance emanating from the legendary Saint, her mind momentarily overwhelmed.

I’ve been touched by Saint Flora… She’s so gentle…

“Let’s go, Haina. We need to have a proper conversation with Mr. Abyss,” Alva said, gently nudging Haina, snapping her out of her reverie.

They sat down across from Abyss, Flora joining them, and their discussion about the Outer God began.

“First, I’d like to know when Prince Kevin entered the palace,” Abyss asked.

“He was never a favored child. He didn’t live in the palace. He only moved in during the chaos of the war with the Western Empire,” Alva said, her disdain for Kevin evident. “He’s cruel, vindictive, bloodthirsty, and utterly indifferent, as if devoid of human emotions. He exudes an aura of malice. It’s no wonder His Majesty forbade him from living in the palace.”

“Is that so?” Abyss asked, his eyes narrowing. “You’re suggesting he returned to the palace seeking revenge, lashing out at everyone because he felt abandoned by the King?”

“Yes, I believe that’s the case. But he’s not entirely mad. His cause has garnered support from many nobles, especially those who favored peace at any cost. His successful coup wouldn’t have been possible without their assistance. Those cowardly nobles were the ones who placed him on the throne.”

Alva’s voice was filled with a mixture of anger and resignation.

“Since the Ossi Kingdom couldn’t withstand the Western Empire’s might, some nobles chose to surrender, seeking peace at a smaller cost, to protect their wealth,” Abyss said, nodding. “That’s understandable.”

“But mark my words, the people of Ossi won’t tolerate such a humiliating treaty,” Alva said, her voice firm. “Greater chaos will erupt within our kingdom. The people will rise up against these cowardly rulers. Those nobles who supported Kevin are nothing but greedy, opportunistic rats. They don’t care about our kingdom. If the Western Empire offered them better terms, they would switch sides in a heartbeat—but the Western Empire wouldn’t want those corrupt officials.”

“I understand. Now, do you remember anything Kevin brought with him when he entered the palace? Anything at all,” Abyss asked.

“Brought… something?” Alva asked, confused.

“Yes,” Abyss explained, leaning forward, resting his arms on the table. “Outer Gods don’t directly descend upon this world. They require an anchor, an object to connect to this realm. Some known Outer Gods use masks, scimitars, or crowns, influencing those who come into contact with these objects, gradually amplifying their negative emotions, turning them into fanatical followers… Sadly, most worlds corrupted by Outer Gods are ultimately destroyed by internal conflicts, mortals turning on each other.”

“Inciting mortals to fight amongst themselves?” Alva asked, her eyes widening. “I thought Outer Gods gained power from mortals’ worship, then unleashed their destructive power upon the world.”

“Some do, but they always sow discord first, before their arrival. A single spark can ignite an entire warehouse.”

“Let me think… Such details are easily overlooked, but I’ll try to remember… When Kevin entered the palace, he was accompanied by a close confidant, a eunuch named Apos. The guards at the gate recognized him as the King’s son and didn’t dare stop him. He claimed a palace as his own and settled in. The King didn’t object, seemingly accepting his son’s insolence, perhaps out of guilt…”

Alva closed her eyes, recalling the events of that day.

“They weren’t on horseback… Prince Kevin wore ornate light armor and carried a short sword at his waist. The eunuch… wore ordinary clothes and carried a bag containing gardening tools… Perhaps he also served as Kevin’s gardener.”

“Hmm… Nothing particularly suspicious so far… But you mentioned his eunuch was also his gardener? Is he fond of gardening?”

“Yes, Prince Kevin enjoys gardening. After claiming that palace, he redesigned the surrounding gardens. He has excellent taste, I must admit. The trees he pruned and shaped are quite beautiful.”

Abyss exchanged glances with his followers. This detail might be worth investigating.

Chapter 82: Clearing Up Misunderstandings

“Is the Lord of Nightmares the monster in the princess’s dreams?” Haina asked hesitantly, raising her hand.

But Alva seemed more informed. Before Abyss could explain, she said, “I know about the Outer Gods. Princess Givia’s nightmares are caused by the Lord of Nightmares. The monster in her dreams isn’t the Lord of Nightmares himself, but a creation of his power. He’s currently collaborating with Prince Kevin.”

As Captain of the Royal Guard, Alva had access to information unavailable to ordinary citizens. The fact that Givia was being tormented by an Outer God was a closely guarded secret, and Alva was one of the few who knew.

“So you’re aware of this. That makes things easier,” Abyss said, smiling. “Yes, my ultimate goal is to challenge the gods. You might think I’m powerful—and I am, practically invincible among mortals. But I’m not strong enough yet. I need to defeat the gods and claim their power! The Outer Gods are part of my plan. I will challenge them and turn them into my allies.”

His voice was filled with passion, his emerald eyes burning with intensity, as he spread his arms wide.

Haina couldn’t understand his enthusiasm, but Alva seemed to share his sentiments.

“I understand your intentions, Mr. Abyss. You want to free mortals from the gods’ control, to allow us to determine our own destinies, right? I’ve had similar thoughts ever since learning about Her Highness’s nightmares,” Alva said, her gaze steady, meeting Abyss’s eyes without succumbing to drowsiness. “These Outer Gods who invade our world must be contained. And the gods who allow mortals to be consumed by higher powers must be punished or replaced. Only then can our world be safe from destruction.”

Her words were audacious, bordering on blasphemous. Everyone on the continent worshipped the gods, and the Church had confirmed their existence. For a mortal to utter such words was more rebellious than challenging a monarch’s authority. If a Paladin were present, they would surely challenge her to a duel.

Haina glanced nervously at Flora, then realized that the former Saint, now Abyss’s companion, likely shared his views.

“You’ve grasped a part of my plan. I’m impressed,” Abyss said, nodding. “Yes, mortals’ destinies shouldn’t be determined by the gods. If they refuse to leave, someone has to force them out.”

“That’s… incredibly bold,” Alva said, stunned by the scale of his ambition.

Most powerful individuals aspired to become emperors, to rule the world. Their ambitions remained within the realm of mortals. Alva had never encountered someone who dared to challenge the gods, and what was even more astonishing was that he was actually acting on it. Although she didn’t know his methods, his confidence suggested he possessed extraordinary power.

The gods were the foundation of this world, everything belonged to them. Mortals were merely intelligent beings inhabiting their creation. In the eyes of the gods, even the most glorious human civilizations were fleeting, insignificant. Even if all mortals perished, as long as life existed, with the potential for intelligence to emerge, the gods would remain unchallenged. This was the Church’s doctrine. Centuries ago, people believed that gods needed mortals to exist. But three hundred years ago, an elven scholar had proposed and proven the theory of evolution, changing everything.

Now, mortals were even more fearful of the gods, knowing that while the gods ruled over them, they didn’t depend on them. The relationship between mortals and gods wasn’t that of subjects and rulers, but of grass and sunlight.

And now, a defiant challenger had emerged.

“Why are you telling us this?” Alva asked. She didn’t doubt his resolve. She had witnessed his power, his casual summoning of undead to destroy the Church’s invincible Supreme Golems. She knew his abilities were beyond her comprehension. But she was curious about his motives for revealing his plans.

“Because the gods can’t touch me yet,” Abyss said, smiling, shrugging. “And when they can, my secret will no longer be a secret. I’ve already taken action, and I’ve achieved some success. Telling you won’t change anything. Even if you reveal it to others, what good would it do? I’m telling you this to clear up any misunderstandings, to assure you that I’m a friend of Princess Givia. I have no ulterior motives.”

He was telling the truth. The Nine Gods of Hai-Teweru weren’t concerned about him, and the Creator God was absent, his whereabouts unknown. The Outer Gods might be wary of him, but they hadn’t considered him a threat yet.

If he successfully defeated the Lord of Nightmares, the other Outer Gods might become more cautious, but that was a problem for the future. He wasn’t concerned about it now.

Alva had suspected Abyss of harboring malicious intentions towards Givia, and perhaps even the Ossi Kingdom, because he was a necromancer. She had been terrified when she saw him with Givia earlier that day, although she hadn’t shown it. But now, after hearing his seemingly absurd explanation, she felt reassured.

She glanced at Haina, who seemed to have calmed down, Flora’s presence having a soothing effect on her. It seemed she also believed Abyss’s words.

“If confronting the Lord of Nightmares is part of your plan, I might be able to provide some assistance. If I’m not mistaken, you’ll need to use strategy, not brute force, to defeat a god, right?” Alva said. “As Captain of the Royal Guard, I’m familiar with the inner workings of the palace. I might even know things that the princess herself is unaware of.”

Chapter 81: A Frank Discussion

As Abyss and Leona, having finished their roasted goose, were looking for a place to wash their hands, they saw Flora emerging from Rebecca’s room, her gait unusual, as if she were trying to keep her legs together. She refused to explain, her face flushed, as if hiding a secret, even when Leona questioned her.

Had Rebecca given her a strange potion? Abyss couldn’t imagine what kind of potion could affect Flora’s walking style.

Unlike the predictable world of alchemy, Abyss’s battles against Outer Gods were unpredictable, a constant struggle for survival. Inspiration was crucial. Before sunset, he had taken Leona, who couldn’t sit still in the guesthouse, on a walk through Shodo Town, observing the people and their daily lives. They returned as dusk settled, not wanting to disturb Givia, who was still buried under a mountain of reports from her guerrilla units, trying to assess the current situation.

Upon their return, Flora was attempting to learn needlework, using an old curtain and a set of needles and thread she had found somewhere. Despite her lack of experience, she was surprisingly adept, her stitches neat and even.

Rebecca was still in her room, conducting experiments, lost in thought. A new, opaque steel container sat on her table, filled with a strange alchemical ingredient. She occasionally retrieved a small amount with tweezers, burning it to ashes in a crucible. Abyss was curious, but Rebecca, like Flora, remained tight-lipped, as if they were planning a prank.

As the sun set, the residents of Shodo Town returned to their homes, the training cries from the military camp ceasing to avoid disturbing the peace. The town was quiet and tranquil.

Leona, who had been reading a novel borrowed from the town’s library, perched on Abyss’s bed, her legs dangling, suddenly perked up. “ABC, someone’s coming. Are those the two people you mentioned earlier?”

“Oh, they’re here?” Abyss closed his notebook, standing up. “I should light a few lamps. It’s a bit dark in here. They might be scared.”

“You should reflect on your behavior earlier today. ‘Come to my room tonight’,” Leona said, mimicking his casual tone, her expression exaggerated. “Any girl would be scared of such an invitation!”

“You’re right,” Abyss said, nodding seriously, using magic to light the lamps in the room. “I’ll be more careful. Go and get Flora and Rebecca.”

The guards at the entrance soon informed Abyss that he had visitors. He nodded, his room now brightly lit, a subtle shimmering effect added to the ceiling with a simple spell.

Alva appeared at the door.

The brave warrior, seeing Abyss, showed no fear. She performed a standard salute, placing her right hand on her left clavicle and bowing. “Mr. Abyss, please accept my sincerest gratitude.”

As she bowed, Haina, who had been hiding behind her, was revealed. She glanced nervously at Abyss and Flora, then quickly bowed as well. “Thank you, Mr. Abyss.”

“Hmm? What are you thanking me for?” Abyss asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Without your intervention, we would have been crushed by the Church’s Supreme Golems. And we wouldn’t have retrieved the Fountain’s Draw—Saint Flora’s pendant,” Alva said, her gaze steady, meeting Abyss’s eyes. “We deeply regret stealing the Saint’s relic, but it was the only way to save Her Highness. The people of Ossi need her. The Restoration Army needs her leadership.”

“You saved our lives, and you saved Her Highness,” Haina added, her voice trembling slightly despite her prepared speech.

“Please, relax. Have a seat,” Flora said, pushing two chairs towards them.

“S-Saint… Saint Flora?” Haina stammered, her eyes wide with fear, too intimidated to sit down.

The Church’s most powerful Saint was offering her a chair. But that wasn’t the most shocking part. This Saint had been dead for over forty years! And now she was here, speaking to them, even offering them hospitality!

“It’s me. But don’t worry, we’re all friends of Givia,” Flora said, smiling gently. Her smile had a calming effect, easing Haina’s anxiety. She sat down.

“I invited you here to clear up any misunderstandings. There’s no need to be so formal,” Abyss said, addressing his guests, who still seemed a bit apprehensive. “I’m sure you have many questions. Why am I with Princess Givia? Why am I traveling with a Saint of the Church? What are my intentions? You want to know, don’t you?”

“Yes,” Alva said, nodding. Although she appeared calm and polite, her curiosity was evident.

“Let me answer the first question. It’s not a secret. We accompanied Givia on her journey to and from the Eastern Empire, offering our assistance. It started as a coincidence, but we realized our destinations aligned. We naturally became friends,” Abyss said, getting straight to the point.

Their expressions relaxed slightly. They were relieved to hear he meant no harm to Givia.

Necromancers had a terrible reputation. Finding one who wasn’t a ruthless killer was as difficult as finding a chaste dark elf. Their concerns were valid.

“Second, since you kept my secret, not revealing my identity to the Church, I’ll share something with you. I’m currently gathering a group of exceptionally talented individuals as my companions. Note that I said companions, not slaves. As you can see, beside you is Flora, the former Saint of the Church, and this is Princess Leona of the Western Empire, the world’s most skilled knight. And this is Rebecca, the youngest business tycoon in history,” Abyss said, introducing his followers.

He saw them gulp, clearly stunned by the revelation. He wasn’t worried about them spreading rumors. They weren’t gossipy, and there was nothing to gain from it. Even if they did, it wouldn’t be a problem. He and Flora could easily erase everyone’s memories.

“And third, my goals. My current objective is to uncover the truth about Prince Kevin and find a way to defeat the Lord of Nightmares. My ultimate goal, however, is to wage war against the gods. I intend to challenge the divine!”