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

Chapter 70: Adding a Little Something to the Potions

Givia wasn’t familiar with Rebecca, only knowing that she was a highly skilled alchemist trusted by Abyss.

She knew Abyss was incredibly powerful, perhaps the strongest mage she had ever encountered, and his followers were also exceptionally capable. She didn’t know their ultimate goal, but their strength alone was enough to earn her respect.

The Restoration Army was still locked in a difficult struggle against Prince Kevin’s forces. Gaining the support of a powerful and principled mage like Abyss would be a boon to her cause.

Therefore, when Rebecca, after tasting all the potions and deciphering their formulas in a manner that stunned everyone, requested permission to “add a little something” to them, Givia agreed, despite her shock and confusion.

It was a bold decision. Santos had advised against it, but Givia’s determination had silenced him. If Rebecca was a charlatan, tampering with these valuable potions could ruin them. However, after careful consideration, Givia chose to trust her.

The caravan stopped, allowing Rebecca to set up her portable alchemy equipment and brew several potions. She then opened each bottle of purchased potion, carefully examining its contents before adding a few drops of an unknown liquid. The potions didn’t seem to change.

“It’s done,” Rebecca said, straightening up, her gaze fixed on Givia, her voice filled with gratitude. “Abyss told me your story, Your Highness. You’re truly a courageous and insightful leader. Thank you for trusting my skills. I won’t disappoint you. These additives will react with the original potions, creating a protective mechanism without altering their effects, preventing these fragile containers from breaking.”

Givia smiled. “I trust you, and I trust Mr. Abyss. But could you explain this ‘protective mechanism’?”

“Of course, Your Highness,” Rebecca said, nodding. “But this information must remain confidential, between the four of us.”

Givia understood. If everyone knew, the guards might inadvertently reveal the information to the enemy through their dreams. She agreed to Rebecca’s request. The caravan resumed its journey, and once they were inside the carriage, Rebecca explained her method for protecting the potions, demonstrating its effects with a modified bottle…

…

“Your Majesty, the Shadowlings’ attack failed,” Apos reported, his voice grim, kneeling before Kevin.

Kevin sat on an ornate throne, adorned with a griffin skin. They were alone in the vast hall, no guards or servants present.

“I believe you promised you wouldn’t fail,” Kevin said, his voice cold and arrogant, not even looking at Apos, let alone granting him permission to rise.

“I did promise success, because I have a backup plan. My methods are foolproof,” Apos said calmly, his voice high-pitched. “Although this attack didn’t achieve the desired results, we now know their route, making it easier to set up an ambush. This next attack will be unstoppable. You can look forward to it, Your Majesty.”

“I don’t need to look forward to anything. Just do your job,” Kevin said, his gaze fixed on a signet ring on his finger. “I’ll continue giving you opportunities until Givia reaches her base, Apos. Don’t betray my trust. You know that once she reaches her base, we can no longer monitor her movements. That’s the rule set by Master. Neither of us can break it.”

“Of course, Your Majesty. I understand. I’ll do my best to destroy those potions Givia acquired from the Eastern Empire.”

Apos was about to say something else, but Kevin, seemingly anticipating his request, interrupted him. “I know what you want. The Dream Seer is yours to command. Even if he dies, it doesn’t matter. We don’t have many opportunities. One Dream Seer is expendable. We can always find another.”

“Thank you for your generosity, Your Majesty,” Apos said, bowing his head.

“You may leave,” Kevin said. “And on your way out, announce my decree. I require more maids for the palace. Generous compensation, but only those who have experienced war. This is a special reward for those who have served our kingdom bravely.”

“You need them…”

“For Master,” Kevin said, waving his hand impatiently at Apos, who was already backing away. “Go now. Don’t keep me waiting.”

“Understood, Your Majesty. I’ll handle it immediately,” Apos said, exiting the hall.

As he closed the door behind him, a flicker of disdain crossed his face, but it vanished quickly. Neither the guards nor the servants waiting outside noticed his subtle change in expression.

…

Night had fallen. The caravan stopped at a relatively safe location, setting up camp for the night.

The guards, exhausted, lay sleeping in their tents. But Givia, unlike usual, wasn’t tormented by nightmares. She had slept for an hour, and just as the nightmare began, Abyss had woken her. It was time to try Rebecca’s potion, to see if it could replace sleep and prevent the nightmares.

She consumed the fatigue-eliminating potion, her mind relaxing, a sense of calm washing over her. Although she wasn’t asleep, it felt like she was, her exhaustion fading away.

“It actually works…” she said, her speech slightly slowed by the potion’s effects. “I feel my fatigue dissipating, like I’m sleeping. Even the tension I’ve been carrying has lessened. Ray, your potion is truly remarkable!”

“I’m glad it’s helping,” Rebecca said, smiling triumphantly.

Abyss was also pleased. Givia was a valuable source of sustenance for the Lord of Nightmares. This might annoy him. And a cunning enemy, driven to anger, might reveal his weaknesses…

Chapter 69: How to Protect Fragile Goods

“But Mr. Apos is indeed the Spymaster of the current king of Ossi…” the mercenary leader said, his voice eager, fearing Givia had misunderstood. “Please think carefully, Your Highness. Hasn’t Mr. Apos served King… I mean, Prince Kevin, for a long time? He joined the court later, along with Prince Kevin.”

His words triggered Givia’s memory. “Yes… You’re right. Kevin didn’t grow up in the palace. He didn’t receive a proper education. Perhaps that’s why he’s so barbaric and cruel. It makes sense that he would rely on those who served him before he entered the court…”

“So you remember him?” the mercenary leader asked tentatively.

“Yes, I remember now. This Apos was Kevin’s assistant. I vaguely recall hearing about it,” Givia said, nodding, then looked at the mercenary leader, whose desperation to survive was evident. “As I suspected, Kevin delegated this attack to his subordinates.”

“Your Highness is wise and perceptive! You saw through our plan and averted disaster! I’m truly impressed!” the mercenary leader gushed, laying it on thick. “It’s an honor to be captured by such a heroic figure. When you become queen, I’ll tell everyone about your brilliant strategy and your generous spirit. If you spare my life, I’ll stay far away from these affairs and never serve your enemies again!”

“Enough with the flattery. You’ve seen the power of my companions. You wouldn’t dare defy us now,” Givia said, glancing at Abyss and Leona. Abyss nodded subtly at her. This mercenary leader was weak and had been telling the truth. He genuinely seemed to want out of this conflict. Leona, meanwhile, seemed indifferent. She had already thoroughly beaten up the entire mercenary band. It wasn’t as satisfying as fighting a truly powerful opponent, but it had been a good warm-up.

Santos, still wary, pressed his drawn sword against the mercenary leader’s chin, making him hold his breath. “Since Her Highness, in her infinite mercy, has agreed to spare your lives, you’re free to go. The affairs of the Ossi Kingdom are beyond your reach. Next time, choose your employers more carefully. You should be grateful you haven’t caused any real harm. If you had angered the princess, we wouldn’t have shown you any mercy.”

“Yes! Yes!” the mercenary leader wanted to nod, but he was too afraid to move. Santos sheathed his sword.

Abyss casually chanted a spell, manipulating the mercenary leader’s humerus bones, snapping them back into their sockets. The mercenary leader, relieved, kowtowed twice before Givia, then scrambled to his feet and fled. He had to help his comrades, whose joints had been dislocated by Leona.

“Thankfully, we suffered no losses,” Givia said, wiping the sweat from her brow. “Santos, are any of our men injured?”

“Thanks to Mr. Abyss’s foresight, we have no casualties,” Santos reported, glancing at Abyss gratefully. These guards were his trusted soldiers. Losing any of them would have been devastating. Abyss’s prediction of the enemy’s diversionary tactic had prevented any potential losses.

“Their main target was the potions. It seems the enemy is aware of our movements,” Givia said, her voice serious, as she watched the guards replace the harnesses on the spooked horse, now calmed. “We must protect these potions, but if the enemy continues using these cunning tactics, it will be troublesome.”

Abyss nodded. He hadn’t told Givia about his magical catfish yet. He trusted her discretion, but he was worried that if he stored the potions inside the catfish, the guards would notice, and the enemy might learn about it through their Dream Seers. Without the potions as a target, they would inevitably attack them directly. Protecting the potions was easy, but protecting living, moving targets was more challenging.

Rebecca emerged from the carriage. She had remained inside during the ambush, lost in thought.

“Your Highness, could you give me a sample of each potion you purchased? Just a few drops, nothing more,” she asked Givia directly. “I’d like to analyze their properties. I might have a way to protect them from enemy attacks.”

Givia was surprised. She knew this girl, “Ray,” was a skilled alchemist, but she couldn’t imagine how an alchemist could protect fragile glass bottles.

Many potions reacted negatively with metal, so most of the potions Givia had purchased from the Black Hats were stored in glass bottles. Although the glass was reinforced, it was still fragile, easily shattered by a strong impact. This was a persistent problem in the alchemy world—most potions couldn’t be stored in sturdy metal containers, making transportation a logistical nightmare.

“Of course, Ray is a trusted friend of Abyss, which makes her a friend of mine,” Givia said, her generosity unwavering, despite her confusion.

Rebecca smiled, nodding gratefully, then walked towards a potion-laden wagon, opening several crates with the guards’ assistance, retrieving a bottle of each type of potion.

She then pulled out several droppers from her bag and extracted a few drops from each bottle.

The potions were expensive, but the small amount she took was negligible.

She repeated this process, collecting samples of every potion Givia had purchased, her hand now holding a row of droppers.

As Givia was about to offer Rebecca a place to work, to analyze the potions, Rebecca did something unexpected: she lifted the droppers to her lips and, like someone sampling fine wine, began tasting the potions one by one, swirling the liquid in her mouth, savoring their flavors.

Chapter 68: The Shadowling Assassin

Everyone was startled. The guards’ shouts of “Protect the princess!” came only after the explosion. The elemental magic, unleashed at close range, was devastating. The carriage was engulfed in flames, a powerful shockwave throwing nearby guards and their well-trained horses off their feet. The intense heat scorched everyone within sight. The horses pulling the carriage, their harnesses severed by the flames, neighed in terror and bolted.

The guards quickly regrouped, forming a protective circle around Givia’s carriage under Santos’s command.

And the figure who had emerged from the shadows, now illuminated by the flames, was clearly visible.

It wasn’t human! Its body resembled that of a young, slender dark elf woman, almost six feet tall, her curves accentuated by tight-fitting leather armor. Her figure could tempt even a dedicated lolicon. However, it wasn’t her alluring body that caught their attention—above her sensual form was a face… or rather, three-quarters of a face.

Her left eye and a portion of her skull were missing, as if ripped away by a wild beast, exposing the pink matter within, but strangely, there was no blood. This gruesome injury, even without any expression on the assassin’s face, was enough to send chills down their spines.

However, the dark elf assassin didn’t continue her attack. She stared at the burning carriage, seemingly dazed.

“Oh, you’ve been discovered. I thought you would flee after the attack,” a young man’s voice, calm and casual, came from within the flames. As he spoke, the flames engulfing the carriage vanished with a soft poof.

The carriage, seemingly untouched by the intense heat, reappeared. Abyss sat calmly on its roof, looking down at the assassin.

“I anticipated your diversionary tactic. If I had accompanied Leona to deal with those mercenaries, we would have fallen for your trap. But fortunately, Leona can handle those incompetent thugs on her own.”

He smiled at the dark elf assassin, his eyes filled with amusement.

He wasn’t disturbed by her gruesome appearance. As a necromancer, he had seen countless mangled corpses. A missing eye and a portion of a skull were nothing to him.

The dark elf, clearly a Shadowling, didn’t reply. She darted towards the shadow of another carriage, her movements swift and silent, merging into the darkness with practiced ease.

“Come out,” Abyss said, his voice calm, gesturing towards the seemingly empty space. Any attempt to conceal oneself with magic was futile before him—it was like carrying a torch in the dark. The assassin had initially approached undetected, utilizing some Shadowling ability to diminish her presence, something Abyss couldn’t counter, as he hadn’t encountered it before. But now that she had revealed herself, capturing his attention, escaping wouldn’t be so easy.

He lifted a transparent figure from the shadows, his hand closing around an invisible form. As he chanted a spell, the assassin’s invisibility faded. She struggled, her body contorting, as an unseen force held her captive, bringing her before Abyss.

Abyss was also knowledgeable about Shadow magic. Disrupting its effects was a trivial matter for him.

“Can you speak?” he asked, observing the assassin, her face expressionless, her body struggling, her magic futile against his hold.

Shadowlings possessed intelligence, but they seemed to lack free will. He asked the question out of curiosity.

The assassin didn’t reply, continuing her struggle.

“I see. You’re of no use to me,” Abyss said, shaking his head. With a flick of his wrist, the dark elf’s body was torn apart by a sudden force, the viscous black mud within her freezing instantly before it could splatter, forming a solid mass that clattered to the ground.

Abyss, still sitting on the carriage roof, looked at the frozen black mud, his curiosity piqued. He decided to study it later, comparing it to the black mud from the Shadow Demons. Although their properties differed, they were clearly connected to the Outer Gods. Perhaps this could be a breakthrough in his plan to challenge the Lord of Nightmares.

“I’m back! The mercenaries are dealt with. I captured their leader. What should we do with him?”

Leona’s voice echoed from the nearby hills. Abyss turned and saw her descending, dragging a bruised and battered mercenary, his arms dislocated.

The ambush was over. The enemy’s only achievement was spooking one of the carriage horses—which had been retrieved by the guards, calmed by Flora’s subtle application of a fear-dispelling Divine Art.

“The others are incapacitated. They’re lying on the hilltop with their joints dislocated. Hey, you, cooperate if you don’t want to die!” Leona said, tossing the mercenary leader to the ground. He groaned, his face covered in dirt.

Givia, still shaken, jumped out of the carriage and approached the mercenary leader, flanked by Santos.

“Who hired you?” she asked.

The mercenary leader, clearly terrified by Leona, pleaded, “Your Highness, we’re just mercenaries, doing our job. Please let us go!”

“Answer the question!” Leona snapped.

“Well… Revealing our employer’s identity could damage our reputation…” the leader said hesitantly.

“Then you can look forward to being hunted across the continent for attempting to assassinate a princess, once I reclaim my throne,” Givia said coldly, her usual gentle demeanor replaced by an air of authority. “Tell me, who hired you?”

“I’ll talk! I’ll talk! It was Apos, the Ossi Kingdom’s Spymaster! He hired us and several other mercenary bands to ambush you along different routes, creating a diversion for their elite assassins!”

“Apos? That name sounds familiar,” Abyss said, raising an eyebrow.

“Don’t compare yourself to him!” Leona exclaimed, her voice filled with indignation. “He’s a eunuch!”

“Alright, alright…” Abyss said, raising his hands in surrender. He turned to Givia. “This Apos, is he a close confidant of Prince Kevin?”

“Apos… Apos…” Givia frowned, as if hearing the name for the first time. “I don’t recall any eunuch by that name in the royal court.”

***

T/N:

Ābōsī – :  Replace the ‘o’ with a ‘y’ and you get… Abyss.

阿波斯 (Ābōsī) : Apos

阿比斯 (Ābǐsī): Abyss

 

 

 

 

Chapter 67: The Cowardly Mercenary Band

“Boss, Princess Givia’s caravan is approaching. Can we attack now?”

Hidden in the hills overlooking the road, a group of mercenaries, their equipment a mismatched assortment, lay in wait. A young mercenary, dressed in light armor, his scout’s garb blending with the surroundings, whispered to an older man.

“Have they spotted us?” the mercenary leader asked, his voice cautious.

“I don’t think so. We’re well-hidden. Unless they have supernatural senses, they wouldn’t have noticed us,” the scout replied confidently. “The traps are set. We’re ready to attack whenever you give the order.”

The other mercenaries, their eyes fixed on their leader, waited for his command.

“Listen up, lads. Our target is Princess Givia, leader of the Ossi Kingdom Restoration Army, but our employer isn’t paying us much. Our mission is to harass their caravan, kill a few of them if we can, destroy a few wagons, but don’t risk your lives,” the leader instructed, his voice low. “We attack once, then retreat. We were only paid for one attack.”

“Understood!” the others muttered in agreement.

Unlike the well-equipped dwarf mercenaries they had encountered before, this group was a ragtag band, their services affordable, but their survival instincts far stronger. They were part of the mercenary force hired by Apos, positioned along Givia’s route.

They had set up rockfall traps and planted explosives along the road. Each mercenary carried a light crossbow and a few bolts. And most importantly, they all had horses, ready to flee after the ambush.

Princess Givia, such an important figure, would surely have powerful guards. It would be foolish to engage them directly. They were mercenaries, not heroes. They would do their job and nothing more.

“I hear their wheels… Those handling the explosives, get ready,” the leader said, straining his ears, listening to the faint sounds from below. “And those with the rockfall traps, prepare to release them. On my count of three. The rest of you, after the explosions, charge down the hill and fire a volley of flaming bolts. Then we retreat. Any objections?”

They all shook their heads. “No objections, boss!”

“Good. Get ready,” the leader said, licking his dry lips, loading his crossbow and cocking it. The others followed suit.

The sound of the approaching caravan grew louder. The leader, based on his years of experience, estimated their distance, silently counting down.

“One, two, three!” he shouted.

Several mercenaries cut the ropes holding the rocks and lit the fuses of the explosives with burning coals.

“Remember, don’t be greedy. Your lives come first…” the leader reminded them, waiting for the explosions. The explosives were powerful. If they detonated beneath the wagons, they would destroy the potions, and anyone inside.

Ten seconds passed, then twenty. The leader realized something was wrong.

There were no explosions. No screams, no panicked neighing of horses.

“What’s going on? I told you to light the fuses! And you, why didn’t the rockfall traps activate? What are you doing?!” he demanded, glaring at the mercenaries responsible for the traps.

“We did activate them… Should we send Tim down to check?” one of them asked, his voice filled with confusion.

“No need. Your traps are useless. We have a mage. He disabled them.”

A clear, feminine voice echoed from above, startling the mercenaries.

They looked up and saw a beautiful girl with long silver hair standing there, seemingly out of nowhere. She had spoken those words, her voice calm and casual.

The mercenaries instantly aimed their loaded crossbows at her.

“Who are you?!” the leader demanded, his crossbow aimed at the girl’s eyes. He wouldn’t hesitate to fire, regardless of her age.

“I’m a passenger in the caravan below,” the girl replied. It was Leona, leaning against a tree trunk, observing them with amusement. “You’re quite foolish, aren’t you? You didn’t even bother finding a spot with a clear view. Why hide here?—Oh, I see, this terrain… It’s perfect for a quick escape. My god, you’re such cowards!”

“Damn it, we’ve been discovered! Kill her!” the leader shouted, recognizing her as an enemy. Years of experience had honed his instincts.

Several mercenaries fired their crossbows, a volley of bolts hurtling towards Leona.

But she vanished. A gust of wind swept through the trees, a fleeting orange blur moving among them. Before they could react, their crossbows were gone, their hands empty. Leona reappeared where she had been standing, casually dusting off her hands. A pile of disassembled crossbows lay at her feet.

“What?!” the leader exclaimed, staring at his empty hands, his voice filled with disbelief.

…

Meanwhile, a tall figure emerged from the shadows beneath one of the cargo wagons, a charged explosive spell crackling in their hand.

The guards, already on high alert, noticed the figure, but before they could raise the alarm, the figure unleashed a devastating blast of magic!

Boom!

The wagon, loaded with potions, was engulfed in flames.

A diversion!

Chapter 66: Annoying the Outer God

The caravan traveled smoothly, entering the Western Empire’s territory, heading towards the Restoration Army’s hidden base.

It was midday. Princess Givia sat inside the carriage, engrossed in a book about military tactics. Abyss sat across from her, Rebecca beside him, and Flora, holding Leona, sat opposite them.

“Abyss, when do you think the Lord of Nightmares’ minions will attack us?” Leona asked, unable to contain her boredom. Givia had offered to share her book with her, but Leona had no interest in anything other than knightly romances.

“Their target is likely the potions we acquired from the Eastern Empire,” Givia said, setting down her book. “We must protect them at all costs. Not only did they cost the Restoration Army a fortune, but such a large quantity of military-grade potions is difficult to acquire now.”

“Of course, Your Highness. Leave it to me,” Abyss said, smiling reassuringly at Givia, then turned to Leona. “I don’t know when the Shadowlings will attack, but they might already be lurking along our route. We need to be vigilant.”

“By the way, you didn’t sleep at all last night, but you seem quite energetic,” Leona said, observing Abyss’s alertness. “Is that potion Ray brewed really that effective?”

Rebecca, sitting beside him, winked at him proudly.

“Yes, it’s very effective,” Abyss said, smiling. “I think we should give some to Princess Givia tonight. Your Highness, would you be willing to try it?”

Givia nodded. “I’ve tried countless remedies to escape these nightmares. I’m willing to try anything. If you experienced no adverse effects, I have nothing to fear.”

Givia’s nightmares had been a persistent problem. Leona knew nothing about such things. Abyss’s illusion magic wasn’t powerful enough to counter a god’s influence. Flora could dispel the nightmares with her Divine Arts, but she couldn’t reveal her true abilities. Even though Givia was a trusted ally, using Divine Arts openly would attract unwanted attention. So, Flora had reluctantly refrained from helping her.

But now, with Rebecca’s arrival, a solution seemed possible.

Potions relied on magic, while Givia’s nightmares were caused by a god. Directly countering them with a potion was impossible. But Rebecca had a simple solution: If she couldn’t eliminate the nightmares, she could eliminate the need for sleep.

During a rest stop, she had brewed a potion using a portable alchemy kit and ingredients purchased from a nearby city. This potion, instead of simply acting as a stimulant, eliminated fatigue. It allowed the brain to enter a state of restful alertness, reducing the need for sleep. It slightly slowed reaction time, but the benefits outweighed the drawbacks.

Abyss, who didn’t require much sleep anyway, had felt completely refreshed after consuming the potion. He had stayed up all night, playing cards with the equally sleepless girls, and was still energetic in the morning.

If it worked for him, it should work for Givia as well. He planned to have her consume the potion after an hour of sleep, hoping it would prevent the nightmares.

The Lord of Nightmares had told Abyss that he intended to break Givia’s spirit through fear. Abyss knew it wouldn’t be easy to escape his grasp, but he was determined to annoy him whenever possible.

After all, he and this arrogant Outer God were now sworn enemies. Making his enemy suffer was a worthwhile endeavor.

His only concern was the Shadowlings, lurking somewhere, waiting to ambush them.

Their presence was difficult to detect. Even Abyss had to use his heartbeat detection spell to identify them. And he still didn’t know how they managed to approach him undetected.

The Lord of Nightmares seemed to possess a way to distort perceptions, allowing his Shadowlings to infiltrate their ranks without raising any alarms, even bypassing Abyss’s senses.

There had been no attacks since they entered the Eastern Empire. Abyss didn’t believe the Shadowlings were on vacation. They were definitely planning an ambush.

“Givia, if the Shadowlings attack, prioritize your safety,” Leona said, her voice filled with concern. “Those Shadowlings are expendable. Fighting them directly is pointless. And if they target the potions, don’t try to stop them. Your life is more valuable than those potions.”

“I understand,” Givia said, nodding solemnly. “I trust your abilities. If the Shadowlings attack, I won’t be a burden.”

“Leave it to us,” Flora said, smiling reassuringly at Givia. “We’re traveling with you to protect you and those precious potions. Every potion could save a soldier’s life. We understand their importance.”

Abyss nodded. He knew how crucial these potions were for Givia’s cause. Rebecca could brew them, but the Restoration Army needed a large quantity, a scale only achievable by a proper potion factory. Rebecca, even with eight hands, couldn’t produce enough on her own.

Rebecca, meanwhile, remained silent, scribbling something in a small notebook. A new idea seemed to have sparked her interest. Abyss didn’t interrupt her, respecting her creative process.

They continued their journey, their conversation flowing, the carriage rolling deeper into a dense forest.

“Another forest,” Givia said, peering out the window, her voice serious. She addressed Santos, who was riding beside the carriage. “Warn the others. Be on alert for an ambush.”

“No, tell everyone to spread out. The enemy is already here,” Abyss interrupted. “Mercenaries again, hiding in the hills. Leona, get ready!”

Chapter 65: The Tyrant King

The sun had just set, but the palace of the Ossi Kingdom remained dimly lit.

It was a lavishly decorated room, adorned with animal furs and mounted heads of ferocious beasts. The floor was paved with colorful ceramic tiles imported from the Elven Kingdoms, some inlaid with precious stones. Yet, despite its opulence, only a single oil lamp illuminated the room, casting long, flickering shadows that danced across the walls.

A warrior, clad in full plate armor, knelt before a large table piled high with documents, a sleepy parrot perched on a stand beside it. Behind the table sat a imposing figure, his features similar to Princess Givia’s, but sharper, his eyes colder, a hint of cruelty in their depths. This was Kevin, the undisputed king of Ossi.

“Your Majesty, we have discovered the body of another maid. She hanged herself in her room,” the warrior reported, his voice steady, his head bowed, not daring to meet the king’s gaze.

“Has her body been properly handled?”

“Yes, Your Majesty. She has been buried, and her family will receive compensation within a few days.”

“Good. You may leave if there’s nothing else to report.”

Kevin nodded, leaning back in his ornate chair, draped with a bearskin.

“Your Majesty… I dare to request permission to investigate the nightmares plaguing the palace staff. Perhaps you’re unaware, but three maids have already taken their lives due to these nightmares,” the warrior said hesitantly. “I fear that if this continues, these nightmares might threaten your safety as well…”

“That won’t be necessary, Captain of the Guard. Your duty is to protect the palace. Nothing more,” Kevin interrupted, his voice dismissive. “There’s been some unrest in the palace recently, causing anxiety among the staff. I’ll send someone to console those experiencing nightmares. Once their minds are at ease, the nightmares should subside.”

“Are you sure, Your Majesty?” the Captain of the Guard asked, his voice laced with concern.

“My orders are absolute. I shouldn’t have to repeat myself,” Kevin said, his voice tinged with impatience. “I don’t see the need to waste time on a few maids having nightmares. Is that clear enough? I’m tired. You may leave.”

The Captain of the Guard, not daring to argue, stood up, his head still bowed, avoiding eye contact. “Yes, Your Majesty. I’ll ensure the palace’s safety.”

“Good. Return to your post now.”

“Return to your post! Return to your post!” the parrot squawked.

Kevin dismissed him with a wave of his hand. The Captain of the Guard, bowing respectfully, backed away towards the door, opening it slightly and slipping out, closing it softly behind him.

He let out a sigh of relief, wiping the sweat from his brow.

He considered himself a loyal and dutiful servant, but he couldn’t help but feel a sense of dread whenever he was in the King’s presence. Kevin was known for his violent temper and his tendency to execute those who displeased him. The Captain’s question had clearly annoyed him, and he had been dangerously close to incurring the King’s wrath. He had narrowly escaped death.

As he turned to leave, he saw a thin figure approaching.

It was Apos, a pale, clean-shaven eunuch who wore thick white makeup. He was a close confidant of King Kevin, who seemed to prefer the dimly lit environment. They often held secret discussions, but no one knew what they talked about. Those who had accidentally overheard their conversations had been executed.

Apos glanced at the Captain of the Guard with a cold, dismissive look, then brushed past him, heading towards the King’s room.

He knocked gently. “Your Majesty, it’s Apos. I have a report.”

“Enter,” Kevin said, his feet propped up on the table, his eyes fixed on the door.

The door opened, and Apos entered, his movements quick and precise.

“Your Majesty, the Dream Seer has returned with news. Princess Givia’s caravan has left Lavoisier City. Their wagons seem to be loaded with potions, likely intended to counter our army,” Apos reported, standing before Kevin’s desk. Unlike the Captain of the Guard, he seemed to have the privilege of meeting the King’s gaze.

“Anything else?” Kevin asked, nodding, his voice indifferent.

“The princess’s carriage seems to contain the individual responsible for the previous Dream Seer’s madness,” Apos said, his voice tense. “It seems Princess Givia has found a powerful ally. We didn’t dare conduct extensive observations this time. We only peered into the dreams of one soldier in their caravan, and only for a short time. We beg your forgiveness for our cowardice.”

“Do as you see fit,” Kevin said, his eyes closed, as if resting. “Just bring me the information. How are the Shadowlings?”

“They’re ready to attack. I’ve placed them along every route Princess Givia might take. The mission is guaranteed to succeed,” Apos said, his voice filled with pride.

“Don’t fail me. Instruct the Shadowlings to destroy as many of those potions as possible,” Kevin said, his voice devoid of praise. “If anything goes wrong, you’ll be held responsible.”

“Of course, Your Majesty. I’ve considered every possibility. There won’t be any problems,” Apos said, a flicker of annoyance in his eyes, but his expression remained impassive. “These Shadowlings are resourceful. They’ll cripple Givia’s rebel army.”

“Good. You may leave. I need to rest.”

“You may leave! You may leave!” the parrot squawked.

Kevin remained impassive.

Apos bowed respectfully and left the room.

Chapter 64: Farewell to Lavoisier City

Abyss rarely bought clothes. He had been wearing the same outfit for almost a year. Due to his necromantic practices, his body temperature was unusually low, resulting in minimal perspiration. His clothes rarely smelled. Before meeting his first follower, he would simply wash his clothes in a nearby river and dry them with magic if they got dirty. He had his master, a man with little regard for appearances, to thank for his lack of fashion sense.

Thus, while his magical catfish’s belly was filled with a vast assortment of treasures, Abyss’s wardrobe consisted mostly of armor gifted to him by the deceased. This shopping trip, guided by the three girls, was his first foray into the world of fashion.

Rebecca’s taste in clothing was unremarkable, but Leona and Flora were different. One was a princess raised in the lap of luxury, the other a Saint with a refined appreciation for art. They were experts in selecting clothes.

Abyss was indifferent to the process, simply nodding in approval whenever the girls expressed their liking for an outfit. And with Rebecca, the free-spending heiress, leading the charge, they quickly amassed a mountain of new clothes.

“Now we have outfits for every occasion!” Rebecca declared, observing Abyss in his new attire. “As expected of Flora, she has excellent taste! This suits you perfectly, Abyss!”

Abyss now wore a well-fitting black silk outfit. Black was his preferred color. The clothes were comfortable, not restricting his movements. The silk, a Lavoisier City specialty, was smooth, breathable, and more durable than elven silk, a perfect blend of practicality and elegance. He was pleased with Flora’s choice.

He also wore a new cloak, not his usual rough, black cloth one, but a mage’s silk cloak, imbued with magic arrays. This was Leona’s choice.

According to Rebecca, there was no need for him to dress like a pauper. As the leader of their group, he should present himself appropriately, showcasing his handsome features.

Everyone agreed. Except for Leona, who had read too many knightly romances, they weren’t fond of hiding their true nature. They believed that true strength didn’t need to be concealed. Abyss’s usual “low-key way” was simply to avoid alarming ordinary people and causing unnecessary chaos.

After purchasing a large quantity of food at Leona’s request, storing it within the magical catfish’s belly for future consumption, their business in Lavoisier City was concluded. Rebecca led them on a final tour of the city, bidding farewell to her birthplace.

Their leisurely activities soon ended, and they met up with Princess Givia, ready to depart.

…

“Safe travels, Princess Givia. And Mr. Abyss, until we meet again. I’ll miss you,” Titus said, standing beside the caravan, bidding them farewell.

Titus had solidified his position as the leader of Lavoisier City’s most powerful gang. With Eugene imprisoned and his factories seized and converted into Black Hat assets, the Goat Eyes gang members had started defecting. Titus, however, hadn’t accepted them all indiscriminately. He had implemented a vetting process, accepting only those who met his standards, preventing the Black Hats from becoming too large and unwieldy.

Abyss trusted Titus to bring order and prosperity to Lavoisier City, believing he wouldn’t be corrupted by power. He hadn’t left any spies behind to monitor him. He would return someday and see how the city had changed.

“Mr. Titus, we bid you farewell. Thank you for your hospitality and for providing us with these high-quality potions,” Givia said from inside the carriage, her voice carrying through the open window.

Abyss also leaned out of a window. “Titus, we’ll be keeping an eye on Lavoisier City. We hope you can restore order and prosperity.”

“I will, don’t worry. Within a few years, this city will become a bustling commercial hub. Every idle thug will have a decent job. The crime rate will plummet, and the city will flourish,” Titus said, smiling. Abyss sensed his sincerity. He was truly determined to change this city. Abyss nodded in approval.

“This ring is for you,” Abyss said, removing a ring from his finger and tossing it to Titus. “If you need to contact me, channel your mana into this ring. I’ll send someone to meet you.”

“Regarding the Outer Gods, right?” Titus asked, patting his chest. He had already received instructions from Abyss. “I’ll contact you if I find any information. You can count on me. Although I’m not an expert on this matter, that strange thing the Goat Eyes Gang was developing is definitely related. My patron will investigate it soon.”

“Thank you. Until we meet again, Titus.”

With a shout from the lead rider, the caravan, fully stocked with potions and its horses and wagons well-rested, departed, heading home. At Givia’s request, only Titus and a few of his trusted men were present for the farewell, avoiding any unnecessary attention.

Abyss and the three girls sat inside Givia’s carriage, their presence a testament to their newfound trust and their importance to her.

“Leona, I apologize. I intended to help you fulfill your dream after arriving in the Eastern Empire, but with the current situation, we need to go to the Ossi Kingdom first,” Abyss whispered to Leona.

Leona, sitting on Flora’s lap, her cheeks flushed, replied, “Since you put it that way, I guess I can wait.”

Abyss smiled, stroking her head. “Thank you, Leona. We might face a powerful Outer God and his Shadowlings in the Ossi Kingdom, a foe even stronger than the Lord of Submergence. Are you ready?”

“Hmph, bring it on!” Leona exclaimed, clenching her small fists, her eyes burning with determination.

Chapter 63: Shopping Spree!

“Welcome! What kind of ingredients are you looking for?”

The potion shop clerk sat behind the counter, his greeting lackluster, as Rebecca and her companions entered.

His eyes lit up for a moment when he saw Rebecca. She was undeniably attractive, her features delicate, her eyes sparkling like stars, her ample bosom a sight to behold.

But his enthusiasm waned when he noticed the handsome young man holding her hand.

So she has a boyfriend.

“What kind of ingredients do you sell here?” Rebecca asked, leaning against the counter.

“We have a wide variety of ingredients. Most of what you need, we have it. Just tell me what you’re looking for, and I’ll find it for you,” the clerk replied.

“No, no, I want you to show me your inventory list,” Rebecca said, waving her finger back and forth. “And cheer up, young man. You’ll be busy soon.”

“Huh?” The clerk stared at her, confused.

“Hurry up! We’ll pay you generously!” Leona exclaimed, joining Rebecca at the counter, standing on her tiptoes to peek over it.

Flora discreetly cast a revitalizing Divine Art on the seemingly lethargic clerk. A surge of energy coursed through him, as if a block of ice had melted in his mind.

“Ah… Alright, I’ll get it for you right away,” the clerk said, scrambling to his feet and rummaging through a cabinet behind the counter. He retrieved a bound notebook.

The notebook contained a list of ingredient names, written in a messy script, but Rebecca seemed to have no trouble deciphering it. She scanned the list, then nodded. “I’ll take everything.”

The clerk froze. “Everything? You want everything?”

“Yes, everything,” Rebecca said, looking at him. “Please pack them up for us. If you have other staff, call them to help.”

“Are you joking?” the clerk asked, incredulous. “Do you even know how much all the ingredients in this shop cost?”

“I have eighty thousand imperial coins. Is that enough?” Rebecca asked, smiling calmly. “Leona, show him our money.”

Leona, ever obedient, flashed a handful of imperial coins. “See? We told you, money is no object! After this sale, you can close your shop for months!”

Flora stepped forward, nodding subtly at Rebecca, then said, “If you have any ingredients that are in high demand among the local residents, we can leave some behind.”

“Any other questions?” Rebecca asked, her gaze fixed on the clerk.

“No problem! No problem at all!” the clerk exclaimed, finally snapping out of his daze. He had assumed they were just students from the Mendeleev Academy of Alchemy, expecting a small purchase. But this beautiful, busty woman had just requested his entire inventory!

And she had the money to back it up! This wasn’t a high-end potion shop. They sold basic ingredients, and their entire stock was probably worth only ten or twenty thousand imperial coins.

Who was this wealthy young woman? Where did she get so much money?

“Wait here!” he shouted, rushing out of the shop. He needed to inform his boss, who would bring his entire family to help count the ingredients.

Under Rebecca’s guidance, Abyss and the girls visited several potion shops and alchemical equipment stores in the city. The former economic queen of Lavoisier City was a shrewd shopper, spending wisely, but never hesitating to pay for quality.

They cleaned out three potion shops and emptied the shelves of an alchemical equipment store, their money almost spent.

This sudden surge in purchases was the “unusual event” Rebecca had warned Titus about. If she hadn’t mentioned it, he would have been alarmed, suspecting someone was targeting his gang.

They transported their purchases to a safe location, then Abyss fed everything to his magical catfish.

Rebecca had planned this shopping spree. They would be leaving Lavoisier City soon, the world’s center for alchemy, and she wanted to ensure they had ample supplies for their journey. Bulk purchases also came with discounts. It was a win-win situation.

“Oh, right, Rebecca, if you like my magical catfish, I can create a familiar for you,” Abyss said, stuffing a large distillation apparatus into the catfish’s mouth, as he turned to Rebecca. “Usually, familiars are bound to their mages. Each mage can only have one. But because of your unique circumstances, I can create a familiar that’s bound to you, not to me.”

“Really?” Rebecca asked, her eyes widening in surprise. “Do Leona and Flora have familiars?”

“Yes, I have a horse, and she has a fluffy rabbit,” Leona said. “We can summon them whenever we need them.”

“Great! I need to think about what kind of familiar I want!” Rebecca said, her voice filled with excitement. Although she knew some magic, her skills weren’t advanced enough to create a familiar. She was thrilled that Abyss, a highly skilled mage, was willing to create one for her.

“Anything else you need after we’re done shopping? We can buy it together,” Abyss asked, looking at Rebecca, who was pondering her familiar options.

“Of course. We have one last thing to do,” Rebecca said, tugging at Abyss’s cloth armor. “How long have you been wearing those clothes? They’re covered in patches. You’re not poor. Why are you always wearing the same outfit? Let’s buy you some new clothes. We can change our clothes during our travels.”

Flora, noticing the numerous patches on Abyss’s clothes, sewn by him using bone needles and magic, felt a pang of guilt. She had wanted to help, but as a Saint, she wasn’t skilled in needlework.

“Oh, alright,” Abyss said, nodding nonchalantly. “I haven’t changed my clothes because I forgot…”

Chapter 62: A Scholar at Heart

Abyss’s old acquaintance, Fulmar Elusinos Sangia, was a friend of his late master.

This elderly man lived in a grand castle, presenting himself as a country gentleman who had inherited his ancestral estate. But in reality, he was once a prominent figure.

Despite his current peaceful life, spending his days reading and writing, he had a glorious past. He was a ninth-tier, ninth-grade mage of the Elemental School, a “Supreme Mage” in common parlance. Such powerful mages were highly sought after by various factions, and he had naturally become a court mage, serving the Emperor of the Eastern Empire.

But this highly respected magical genius wasn’t content with his life of luxury and privilege, spending his days researching magic in his Emperor-funded tower, attending lavish banquets, and enjoying a comfortable existence. His true desire was to become a scholar, a polymath. He craved knowledge, yearning to travel the world, learn skills beyond magic, and compile his knowledge for the benefit of future generations.

However, as a court mage, despite his high status, freedom, and generous compensation, he couldn’t simply wander the world. The royal family didn’t employ him for charity. They needed Supreme Mages to maintain their authority and deter potential threats. And resigning wasn’t easy either. The royal family wouldn’t readily release a Supreme Mage of the Elemental School, fearing he might join another faction and challenge their rule.

So, Fulmar devised a plan.

He staged a flawless accident, making everyone believe he was dead. While everyone mourned the loss of the great Supreme Mage, he had secretly left the capital and embarked on his journey.

He officially changed his name to Fulmar, donned the scholar’s attire he had always desired, and traveled to every corner of the world, gathering knowledge in various fields. He visited libraries, interviewed locals, conducted his own observations, filling countless notebooks and memorizing vast amounts of information. It was a demanding and exhausting lifestyle, but Fulmar found joy in his pursuit, becoming a true polymath, his expertise encompassing mathematics, mechanics, architecture, archeology, art, and more.

He later met Abyss’s master. Young Abyss, accompanying his master on their grave-robbing expeditions, had bonded with Fulmar over their shared thirst for knowledge. They became friends, and Fulmar even joined them on their travels for a while. Abyss’s current knowledge of art and various cultures stemmed from Fulmar’s teachings. They developed a close bond, and after Abyss’s master passed away, Fulmar treated him like a nephew.

Fulmar had now settled down, dedicating himself to compiling his vast knowledge and yearning to mentor a group of worthy disciples. Although he had already trained a capable apprentice in each of his areas of expertise, he longed for more students.

“I remember telling you that if you could find me enough students, I would repay you with a surprise,” Fulmar said, pacing back and forth excitedly. “Come visit me after your adventures, or whenever you need my help. I’ll show you what that surprise is.”

“I look forward to it, Mr. Fulmar,” Abyss said, smiling.

They chatted for a while, Fulmar, like a caring uncle, inquiring about Abyss’s health and well-being. But Abyss, now practically invincible, had no concerns. Their conversation ended quickly, and Fulmar rushed off to arrange accommodations for the children. The arrival of over four hundred children delighted the old man, who had been living alone in his vast castle.

As he ended his conversation with Fulmar through Lark, the raven, he heard a voice calling his name.

“Abyss! Hey! Are you listening?”

“Huh?” Abyss turned around and saw Rebecca standing beside him, her voice soft. Flora, smiling, and Leona, her face flushed with excitement, stood behind her.

“Ah, you finally heard me!” Rebecca said, her voice cheerful. “Were you communicating with someone? I called you several times, but you didn’t respond.”

“Yes, I was chatting with a friend of my master’s. He’s the one who’ll be taking care of those children. I needed to inform him beforehand,” Abyss explained, nodding. “Everything went well. Once they arrive at his castle, they’ll have a good life, with plenty of food, education, and opportunities to play.”

“Hehe, we also exchanged the gold for money,” Rebecca said, stepping back and patting Leona’s shoulder. “Leona, show him what we got.”

Leona, beaming with pride, pulled out a handful of high-denomination imperial coins from her pocket. Abyss estimated it was worth tens of thousands. So that was the source of her excitement. Rebecca had taken the girls to exchange another piece of the gold for cash that morning. They had just returned, likely visiting several establishments, as no ordinary shop could handle such a large amount of pure gold.

“You little money-grubber,” Abyss said, chuckling, as he stroked Leona’s silver hair, earning him a indignant protest. She reminded him that she was two years older than him.

“We saw the caravan leaving the city. I hope those children will grow up happy and successful,” Rebecca said, then grabbed Abyss’s wrist and turned to Titus. “Titus, we need to buy a few things before we leave. We’ll be back soon!”

“Of course. Do you need my men to carry your purchases?” Titus asked, preparing to leave as well.

“No, we have other methods,” Rebecca said, winking at him. “Just a heads up, something unusual might happen in Lavoisier City soon. Don’t be alarmed.”

Titus looked at her, confused. “Something unusual? You’re just shopping. What could possibly happen?”

“Heehee, you’ll see. Abyss, Flora, Leona, let’s go!” Rebecca said, her smile mischievous, as she led them away, her hand still clasped around Abyss’s wrist.

Chapter 61: The Children’s Destination

The caravan carrying the excited children was ready to depart.

The children held immense trust in Abyss and the Black Hats, who had rescued them from the clutches of the greedy Eugene. They had witnessed Titus, the gang leader, slicing his own wrist to provide blood for the powerful lady who had brewed the antidote that saved their friends from a seemingly fatal illness. Some of them even idolized Rebecca, wanting to become her apprentices. But she had gently declined, explaining that her life as a traveler wouldn’t be suitable for them.

These children, taken from orphanages by Eugene through various means, had already experienced abandonment twice in their short lives. The Black Hats’ intervention was a beacon of hope in their bleak existence. Except for a few rebellious teenagers who preferred to stay in Lavoisier City and join the gang, all the children eagerly boarded the caravan bound for a “castle filled with happiness and knowledge.”

Abyss hadn’t forced anyone to leave. He had simply instructed Titus to offer them a better path, a chance at a brighter future. The choice was ultimately theirs.

The Goat Eyes Gang had crumbled after yesterday’s battle. Most of their members had lost their will to fight after Eugene’s capture. And their final, desperate attempt at retaliation had failed miserably. Their two Shadow Armaments, one lost and the other stolen by a traitor within their ranks, their pursuit thwarted by a blindingly fast dwarf who had broken the bones of every pursuer, the remaining gang members had surrendered, relinquishing their remaining territories.

Eugene, his eye gouged out by Titus, had been handed over to the City Guard. Titus had shown the terrified official something that had silenced him, ensuring Eugene’s imprisonment, with triple the usual security.

Most gang members were simply opportunistic thugs. Loyalty wasn’t a priority. Any gang would do, as long as it provided a steady income. And it seemed the Black Hats offered a decent life. Their business might not be as profitable as the Goat Eyes Gang’s, and their rules were stricter, but their leader was more generous, ensuring his men received a fair share of the profits.

“Mr. Abyss, shall we depart now?” Titus asked, smiling. He was in high spirits because the children he had helped save were now healthy and energetic, filling him with a sense of accomplishment.

As a gangster, he had taken lives and inflicted pain, but he rarely had the opportunity to save anyone, despite his sense of justice.

Abyss nodded. “Yes, if everything is ready, we can leave.”

His two undead servants, Fallon and Elton, disguised as teenage boys, sat in one of the caravan’s wagons, waving at him. They had proven their worth on numerous occasions. Abyss had initially intended to give them a break, but these two master con artists had volunteered to act as the children’s secret protectors.

Fallon and Elton had been skilled mages in life. They could easily handle any bandits they encountered on the road. And if they faced a more formidable enemy, they could instantly alert Abyss, who could provide support from afar.

Abyss nodded discreetly at his loyal servants, then bid farewell to the children, watching as the caravan departed.

Once the caravan was out of sight, he contacted another undead servant through his necromantic link.

“Caw! Caw! It’s Master Abyss! Lark misses you!”

A boisterous voice echoed in his mind.

Abyss smiled. This servant wasn’t human, but a raven, formerly belonging to his master, granted intelligence through high-level necromancy, serving as a messenger and a spy. After his master’s death, Lark, the raven, had naturally become his servant. But Abyss hadn’t kept him by his side. He had left him with his old mage friend, serving as both an assistant and a communication relay.

“Lark, how are you doing? Is Mr. Fulmar in good health?”

“Caw! Caw! Lark is doing great! Mr. Fulmar reads every day, and Lark brings him tea and water! Mr. Fulmar is doing well!”

The undead raven was diligent, intelligent, and a childhood companion of Abyss.

“Good. Share your senses with me. I need to speak with Mr. Fulmar.”

“Caw! Caw! No problem, Master Abyss!” the raven replied, his senses instantly flooding Abyss’s mind. A near 360-degree view of his surroundings filled his vision.

Through Lark’s shared senses, Abyss saw him perched on a stone windowsill, overlooking a large mahogany desk. An elderly man, his hair and beard white, his face wrinkled but his eyes still sharp, sat at the desk, wearing a monocle, drawing something on a sheet of paper.

“Caw! Caw! Mr. Fulmar! Master Abyss wants to talk to you!”

The old man looked up, his gaze meeting Lark’s.

“Oh? Abyss? Aren’t you on an adventure? Do you need my help?”

“Greetings, Mr. Fulmar,” Abyss’s voice came through the raven’s beak. “I don’t need your help. I have a gift for you.”

“Hmm? Since when did you learn to be so cryptic, young man?” Mr. Fulmar chuckled, his eyes twinkling. “Tell me what it is. Don’t tease an old man.”

“I’m sending four hundred children to your castle. They’re orphans, in need of a home. Would you be willing to take them as your students?”

“What? Four hundred children?” Mr. Fulmar’s eyes widened in disbelief. “Say that again?”

“Four hundred children! Most of them are under ten years old, but there are a few older ones.”

“Where did you find these children? You haven’t done anything illegal, have you?” Mr. Fulmar asked, adjusting his monocle.

“Of course not. I rescued them, along with a gang in Lavoisier City, from another gang who was exploiting them as laborers. They worked long hours for meager wages, barely enough to survive,” Abyss explained. “I believe they deserve a good education, and you’ve been complaining about the lack of suitable apprentices. So I’ve arranged for a reliable caravan, escorted by two of my servants, to transport them to your castle.”

“Good!” Mr. Fulmar exclaimed, slamming his hand on the desk, his aged frailty momentarily forgotten. “You have no idea how much you’ve contributed to the future of this continent!”