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

Chapter 60: Who Moved the Nobles’ Cheese?

“Well, well, if it isn’t my old friend, Mr. Eugene,” Titus said, his usual grin replaced by a cold smile, as he leaned against the cage, observing Eugene. He had arrived with Rebecca, greeted Abyss, and was now indulging in a little chat with his nemesis.

Abyss, his hand held by Rebecca, sat down at a distance, choosing not to involve himself in their personal vendetta.

Eugene, gasping for breath, looked up at Titus, his swollen face illuminated by the dim potion lamp and the moonlight streaming through the holes in the ceiling. “Heh… Titus, you’re not going to let me go, are you?”

He knew that with Titus’s arrival, any hope of escape vanished. Titus hated him the most, even if he wasn’t Eugene’s greatest enemy.

Emotionally, Eugene had murdered Titus’s mother, forcing him to witness her death, shattering his peaceful life, and pushing him down this dark path.

Logically, Eugene, as the leader of the Goat Eyes Gang, was the Black Hats’ biggest rival, a ruthless criminal deserving of punishment.

“That’s right, Mr. Eugene. Honestly, I was feeling quite good today. After beating you up… Well, several times, and seizing most of your assets, my resentment has subsided considerably,” Titus said, retrieving his spoon and chewing on it, the metal clinking against his teeth. “If only you hadn’t experimented on those children. You might have been safely imprisoned by the City Guard, enjoying their hospitality, until your patron came knocking.”

“I was just following orders,” Eugene said, leaning against the cage bars. “My boss told me to conduct the experiments, so I did.”

“So you used those innocent, vulnerable children, fresh from the orphanage, who worked tirelessly for you, as your test subjects?” Titus asked, tilting his head, his voice deceptively calm.

“It saved me a lot of money,” Eugene said bluntly, no longer bothering with excuses.

“Mr. Abyss, did you ask him how many children he killed?” Titus asked, turning to Abyss, who was sitting quietly, his chin resting on his hands, observing the scene with amusement.

“Three,” Abyss replied instantly.

“Three,” Titus repeated, his voice cold. “Remember that.”

“I’ve killed far more than that! What are you going to do to me?” Eugene roared, his face contorted with anger. “I don’t have time for this! If you’re going to kill me, just do it!”

“Don’t worry, you’ll die eventually. But I won’t be the one to do it,” Titus said, looking at Eugene as if he were already dead. “My patron will send someone for you soon. He’ll personally interrogate you. But before that, I’ll try to extract some information about your patron from you.”

“You know I won’t talk,” Eugene sneered. “I’m a dead man anyway. What can you possibly threaten me with? Pain? I’m used to it.”

Abyss shrugged. He disagreed, but Eugene’s memories were partially erased. There was nothing he could do about it.

Titus didn’t reply. He stepped into the cage, retrieved a small bottle from his pocket, and popped the cork with his thumb.

“What are you…”

Before Eugene could finish his sentence, Titus grabbed his jaw, forcing his mouth open. Titus, in his prime, his body free from addictive substances, possessed incredible strength, even without formal Dou Qi training. Eugene, in his fifties, was no match for him. Titus poured the entire bottle’s contents down his throat.

Eugene struggled, trying to spit it out, but Titus clamped his hand over his mouth and nose.

“Mmm! Mmm!” The small bottle was still lodged in his mouth. He clawed at Titus’s arm, but it was useless. His face turned purple, and he was forced to swallow the potion.

Titus released him, and Eugene spat out the bottle, blood staining its surface. Titus’s rough handling had cut his mouth.

“Cough! Cough! What did you give me?!”

“A truth serum. I always carry it with me, never thought I would actually use it. But today’s been full of surprises. Your gang’s mech and its pilot are lying upstairs. I couldn’t ignore that,” Titus said, his excitement growing. He bit down on his spoon, the pewter bending under his teeth. “Tell me, who’s your patron? And what are you building those machines for?”

Eugene wanted to resist, but the potion was already taking effect. He felt dizzy, a wave of nausea washing over him, an urge to confess overwhelming his rational mind. “My patron is Duke Myren! We were researching the black mud from Shadow Demons to create a secret army to overthrow Emperor Camper! Duke Myren’s men discovered that the black mud, after processing, becomes a powerful magic-negating material, a counter to the Emperor’s elite guards!”

“They’re planning a rebellion?” Titus exclaimed, shocked by the revelation.

Abyss and Rebecca, listening intently, were also surprised. Abyss had suspected the Goat Eyes Gang’s patron was using the black mud to target mages, but he hadn’t considered a rebellion.

Were the nobles of the Eastern Empire that bold? Based on the stories he had heard, Emperor Camper was a ruthless and merciless ruler. If this plot were exposed, heads would roll!

“Emperor Camper has extended his reach into too many domains, encroaching on the nobles’ interests. A coup is inevitable,” Eugene continued, his words fueled by the potion’s effects. “Duke Myren has been plotting to replace the Emperor’s lineage for years!”

“I thought the Emperor was lenient towards the nobles,” Titus said, his eyes narrowed.

“Hmph, even his leniency doesn’t excuse him for cutting into their profits. Who’s your patron? Has he never considered challenging the Emperor? I don’t believe it.”

“Well… You’ll meet my patron soon. And he has no intention of challenging the Emperor,” Titus replied.

Eugene, now incredibly talkative, asked, “By the way, I’ve always wondered, why do you always carry a spoon?”

“Eh? This spoon?” Titus said, momentarily confused, then grinned at Eugene. “It’s an old habit. I planned to use it to gouge out both your eyes, but for my patron’s sake, I’ll settle for one. You should be more careful about what you ask. I was planning to surprise you.”

“Aah?!” Eugene’s eyes widened in terror.

“Abyss, Ray, I suggest you two step outside for a moment. I need to settle some personal matters,” Titus said, crouching before Eugene, the spoon in his hand glinting menacingly.

Chapter 59: Discoveries about the Black Mud

“Who are you?! Why am I here?!”

Eugene, leaning against the remains of the cage ripped apart by the Shadow Armament, stared in fear at Abyss, who sat casually on the floor, a calm smile on his face.

His memories had been erased by Abyss. All he remembered was being beaten all day, watching helplessly as Titus seized his assets, then being imprisoned in this abandoned restaurant’s basement storage room—and then, somehow, the cage was ripped open, the room was in ruins, with massive holes in the ceiling and walls. And a young man in black cloth armor was sitting there, observing him with amusement.

And his mouth tasted of blood. He probed it with his tongue, discovering two missing molars, a dull ache radiating from the numb wounds.

“Stay calm. You have amnesia. Your subordinate tried to rescue you, but he failed,” Abyss explained patiently. “Do you recognize me? I’m the one who dismantled your solvent machine.”

“You! Ah!” Eugene, putting together the clues—the destroyed room and his missing teeth—realized his subordinate must have used something powerful to attempt a rescue. And if this boy claimed his subordinate had failed, it meant this seemingly powerful mage could withstand their secret weapon’s magic-negating effects!

“Stay put and behave. Titus will decide your fate later,” Abyss said casually.

He had tossed the Shadow Armament and its unconscious pilot back into the shop above. They were an eyesore down here. The pilot, his memories erased and his body unconscious, wouldn’t wake up for a while.

“No! No! Don’t let Titus kill me!” Eugene pleaded, his voice cracking, his body trembling uncontrollably, a primal fear gripping him, perhaps a remnant of his erased memories. “Let me go, and I’ll pay you! I can give you a lot of money!”

“Oh, no need. I’m richer than you,” Abyss said, smiling faintly.

He was waiting for Rebecca and Flora’s report, keeping an eye on Eugene in the meantime. It was a bit boring down here, but he found it amusing to torment the old gangster.

“Abyss! Can you hear me?”

Rebecca’s voice echoed in his mind through the necromantic link. After he had taught her how to use it, she had quickly mastered it, now capable of communicating with him effortlessly.

“I hear you. How’s the situation there?” Abyss asked, his gaze fixed on Eugene, who was now sobbing in his cage.

“Everything’s under control! I’ve administered the antidote to all the affected children. They’re recovering well. I’ve been observing them, and there are no signs of relapse. And your servant, Elton, found me. He’ll ensure the children’s safety. Titus and I are heading towards you now. He said he’s going to settle things with Eugene once and for all.”

Relieved to hear that the children were safe, Abyss relaxed slightly. He had a backup plan. If Rebecca couldn’t handle the situation, he would send Flora to assist her.

He had sent Rebecca specifically because he believed the black mud might be useful to her research. And she had just awakened from a forty-year slumber, becoming his follower. She deserved a chance to prove her worth.

“Abyss, I collected a sample of the black mud the children vomited. I found something interesting,” Rebecca said through the link. “Remember what that necromancer said? He believed I possessed secrets about Shadow Demons. It seems we do have a connection to their origin!”

“Oh? Tell me more,” Abyss said, his curiosity piqued. He casually tapped the cage bars, startling Eugene, who had been planning his escape.

“I found a familiar component in the black mud—it’s the toxin from the air in that other world’s factory, transformed through a series of complex reactions!” Rebecca’s voice was laced with excitement. “The other world I traveled to, using the contaminated crystal, must be the Shadow Demons’ origin. Those creatures infesting the Shadowed Depths might be connected to the Outer Gods. If you’re investigating them, you should explore that world!”

“This is wonderful!” Abyss exclaimed, his eyes shining. The Lord of Silence he had encountered in the other world might be related to the Shadow Demons. Could this lead to a connection with that aloof deity?

Instead of fear, he felt a surge of anticipation, as if he were about to reunite with a long-lost friend.

“Did the souls of those deceased natives transform into Shadow Demons and come to this world?” he asked.

“That’s a plausible explanation, but I’m considering a bolder hypothesis—the Shadow Demons aren’t transformed souls, but the black mud itself,” Rebecca said. “I don’t have any concrete evidence yet, but this possibility keeps nagging at me. We need to capture a Shadow Demon and study it.”

“We must! We must!” Abyss said, nodding enthusiastically, his excitement confusing Eugene, who was watching them from his cage.

“Alright, that’s all for now. Titus and I are almost there. We’ll talk later!” Rebecca said, ending the conversation. “Love you!”

As the connection severed, Abyss basked in the joy of discovering a new lead on the Outer Gods.

Every clue brought him closer to acquiring their power, and every new source of divine power increased his chances of defeating the Creator God. How could he not be happy?

“Leona, Flora, how are things on your end?” he asked, connecting to their minds.

“Waaah!” Leona’s startled scream echoed in his mind.

“Abyss…?” Flora, also surprised by his sudden contact, said, “We’re fine. Princess Givia is safe.”

“Hmph, Abyss, we’re about to end the Goat Eyes Gang’s reign in this city! Your servant, Fallon, stole their other Shadow Armament! A bunch of Goat Eyes thugs chased him here, and Flora and I took care of them! They don’t have many men left!” Leona said, her voice filled with pride, after recovering from her initial shock. “We’re just waiting for you to return!”

Chapter 58: Concocting the Antidote

While Abyss was erasing the memories of Eugene and his loyal subordinate, Rebecca was already formulating several potential antidotes.

The black mud from Shadow Demons was an incredibly rare material on the continent, rarely encountered by alchemists. Firstly, it was extracted from Shadow Demons, and few possessed the skill or the courage to approach these creatures or their lairs. Secondly, the black mud was highly corrosive and contaminating, posing significant handling challenges. And thirdly, and most importantly, its uses remained unknown. In other words, it had “no research value.”

According to reports from expeditions sent to the Shadowed Depths, the contaminated soil produced mutated plants that grew rapidly and bore abundant fruit and seeds, but they were inedible.

Those brave enough to sample the mutated fruit found their taste distorted, no longer sweet, but replaced by a strange, unappetizing flavor that triggered instinctive revulsion. Consumption resulted in vomiting and diarrhea.

The seeds of these plants spread easily, even in uncontaminated soil, outcompeting native plants for nutrients. Therefore, all nations strictly prohibited unauthorized research on the black mud, fearing widespread mutations that could disrupt agriculture and cause widespread famine.

But Rebecca, always fascinated by rare materials, had acquired a permit from the Eastern Empire authorities, after considerable effort and expense, to obtain a sample of the black mud for research.

Now, armed with Abyss’s clues, she quickly formulated several potential antidotes, ready to test them in a safe environment.

Titus, despite owning potion factories, knew little about alchemy. His knowledge was limited to identifying ingredients. He was of little help to Rebecca. Bored, he sat on a table, chewing on his spoon, watching Rebecca and a few eager children, experienced in assisting alchemists, bustling around the alchemy table.

“Tiffany, take a test tube of this potion and give it to Rezel. Remember, only one test tube,” Rebecca instructed, handing a newly brewed potion to a young girl.

The girl nodded, carefully filling a test tube with a few drops of the potion, then rushed to the bedside of a young boy lying on a makeshift cot. His skin was still tinged blue, but he had stopped vomiting black mud.

The unconscious boy swallowed the potion, his body reacting quickly to the magically charged ingredients. The blue tinge on his skin faded, and his furrowed brow relaxed.

“Sister Ray! It worked!” the girl exclaimed, her voice filled with joy, as she turned to Rebecca.

“No, we can’t be sure if it’s completely eradicated the black mud from his system yet,” Rebecca said, shaking her head, her expression serious, urging caution.

Her concern proved valid. Within seconds, the boy’s skin turned blue again. Although Rebecca’s potion had suppressed the black mud’s effects, it hadn’t eliminated it. The boy’s body twitched, a pained groan escaping his lips.

“Ah…” the girl’s face fell, her hope replaced by disappointment.

“Don’t be discouraged. If this formula had an effect, it means it’s valuable!” Rebecca said, already moving on to her next experiment. “Dave, boil that green solvent. Tony, bring me those baskets!”

The children, eager to help their friends, rushed to fulfill her requests. Titus, feeling awkward standing idly by, approached Rebecca. “Ray, is there anything I can do to help?”

“I’m going to add some human blood this time, utilizing its components to achieve my goal,” Rebecca said, her hands moving swiftly as she processed the ingredients. “Find a few healthy men among your subordinates and ask them to donate some blood.”

“You’re adding blood to the potion for the children to drink?” Titus asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Yes, it’s an oral potion. Once it reaches the stomach, it’ll be absorbed quickly, its effects amplified by magic,” Rebecca explained, her focus unwavering.

Titus nodded, retrieved a clean beaker, and placed it on the table. He then pulled out a small knife from his pocket and sliced his wrist, letting the blood flow freely into the beaker.

Rebecca looked at him, surprised. “You don’t need to donate your own blood…”

“I only had a few drinks. I’m not drunk. The alcohol in my blood shouldn’t be a problem,” Titus said, his gaze fixed on his bleeding wrist. “Most of my men are addicts. Their blood is contaminated with hallucinogenic potions. I can’t risk giving that to the children. But I’m different. I never touch those things. I need to stay alert and clear-headed. Don’t worry, I’m perfectly healthy.”

“Thank you,” Rebecca said, her voice soft, after a moment of silence. She had forgotten that Titus’s men were mostly addicts. Giving the children a potion with hallucinogenic properties, even in small doses, could be dangerous, potentially leading to addiction if left untreated.

While Rebecca continued working on the potion, Titus brought her a beaker filled with bright red arterial blood. “Is this enough? I can provide more if needed.”

Rebecca glanced at his face, noticeably paler than before, then took the warm beaker. “You’re incredibly selfless… This is more than enough. I’ll brew you a restorative potion later.”

After processing the blood, she added a portion of the final product to a bottle, shaking it vigorously. After a brief, bubbling reaction, a new antidote was ready.

“Tiffany! Give him another test tube!”

“Okay!”

The girl repeated the procedure. The blue tinge on the boy’s skin faded slightly. The black mud’s effects weren’t completely eradicated, but there was no immediate rebound.

Rebecca instructed the girl to administer the entire bottle to the boy. The blue tinge vanished completely, and after coughing up a large glob of black mud, his breathing stabilized. The expelled black mud had solidified into a gelatinous mass, no longer possessing its corrosive and assimilating properties.

“Success!” Rebecca exclaimed, clapping her hands.

The children cheered, relieved and overjoyed.

Rebecca quickly brewed more antidotes for the other children. Titus, slightly lightheaded, sat at a table, watching them with a satisfied smile.

Rebecca, her face beaming with triumph, felt a surge of pride. Although Flora could have healed the children with her Divine Arts, Abyss had clearly intended for Rebecca to conduct further research, beyond simply treating them. And she hadn’t disappointed him. She had discovered something remarkable…

Chapter 57: Magic-Negating Liquid

The pilot of the Shadow Armament stared in disbelief. He had designed and built this monstrous machine. He knew its power. Even a high-ranking Dou Warrior would struggle against its brute force, let alone a frail mage!

“Boss! I’ll kill him first, then rescue you!” he shouted to Eugene.

“Do it! Kill him! Rip out his guts and hang them from the city walls!” Eugene roared, his voice fueled by pain and rage.

The massive machine lunged towards Abyss, its back tank gurgling ominously. Its heavy limbs swung with incredible force, aiming a backhand blow at Abyss.

This time, Abyss didn’t try to block the attack. He casually cast a wind spell, his body gliding backward, effortlessly dodging the blow.

But the machine’s momentum didn’t stop. Its upper body rotated, using a pivot at its waist, its feet shuffling forward, seamlessly transitioning into another attack!

Clang! Boom!

Abyss was sent flying again, crashing through another wall.

The pilot wasn’t fooled this time. He had never encountered such an uncanny mage. How could he survive a punch imbued with magic-negating power?

The Shadow Armament lumbered towards the hole in the wall, its heavy footsteps shaking the ground, making Eugene nervous. If not for the sturdy cage protecting him from the collapsing ceiling, he would be cursing his luck.

The machine reached into the hole, its massive hand searching for Abyss, intending to crush him.

But it grasped at nothing. The hole was empty.

“Hey, what are you looking for? Need help finding it?” Abyss’s voice came from behind the pilot.

He looked up, his eyes widening in horror as he saw Abyss perched casually on the machine’s shoulder, his legs dangling, his clothes and hair perfectly intact.

“Damn it! Is this mage a ghost?!” the pilot cursed, but he didn’t try to grab Abyss with the machine’s hand. It would be foolish, risking damaging the machine.

The tank on the Shadow Armament’s back gurgled violently, and several hatches on its shoulder slid open, revealing small nozzles. A stream of viscous, black mud erupted from the nozzles, splattering Abyss, who sat directly above them.

“Ugh… Disgusting,” Abyss said, grimacing, trying to wipe the mud off his clothes. But it was incredibly sticky. He managed to remove the surface layer, but a greasy residue remained, clinging to his dress. He regretted letting himself get hit.

“Let’s see you escape this!” the pilot shouted, rotating the machine’s body, flinging Abyss off its shoulder.

Abyss landed gracefully, thought for a moment, then extended his hand towards the Shadow Armament, chanting a spell.

A flicker of flame appeared in his palm, then vanished, a wisp of black smoke rising from his hand.

“You can’t use magic anymore! You’re finished!” the pilot said, a triumphant grin spreading across his face, as he advanced towards Abyss.

“Huh?” Abyss had attempted to cast a basic fireball spell, but it failed. He could feel his magic core, unable to draw mana from the environment.

His other spells were also useless. Only his necromantic link, strengthened by the soul bond, remained active. But if he stayed covered in this black mud for too long, even that might be severed, with disastrous consequences!

The Shadow Armament’s massive fist, powered by the black mud, shot towards Abyss’s face!

“Kill him!” Eugene shouted, his eyes, swollen shut by Titus’s beating, struggling to open.

Clang!

Just when they thought Abyss’s head would be crushed, the unexpected happened.

Abyss didn’t dodge or block. He met the machine’s fist with his own, his pale, slender hand colliding with the massive metal fist.

His arm didn’t shatter. Instead, it punched through the machine’s arm, burying itself deep within!

“If I can’t use magic, I’ll just use something else,” Abyss said, his face adorned with a casual smile, as he withdrew his hand from the hole he had created in the machine’s fist. He then moved with incredible speed, blurring into a phantom, appearing before the stunned pilot, their faces inches apart!

“What…”

Before the pilot could react, Abyss’s hand, like a vise, smashed through the reinforced glass of the cockpit. He then ripped open the seemingly indestructible metal, his movements brutal and efficient.

He grabbed the pilot, who was now as helpless as a chick, and tossed him aside.

“Aah! You! Where did you get that strength?! You’re a mage, aren’t you?! Are you a Magic Warrior?!” Eugene exclaimed, his voice filled with terror. “Impossible! If you were a Magic Warrior, you wouldn’t be so skilled in both magic and Dou Qi!”

“I’m just exceptionally talented. Any objections?” Abyss chuckled, then, as Eugene and the pilot watched in horror, he chanted a holy incantation. A brilliant golden light emanated from his fingertips, and the black mud clinging to him melted like snow in spring, transforming into a clear liquid, then evaporating, vanishing without a trace.

“Divine Arts! Divine Arts! Who are you?! Who are you?!” Eugene wailed, his voice filled with despair.

“Aah! Aah!” The pilot, who had been violently extracted from the cockpit, screamed, scrambling towards a corner, clutching his injured body.

As the black mud vanished, Abyss felt something shift within him. He frowned, then refocused his attention on the two men before him.

“Well, you’ve seen enough of my secrets. To prevent you from spreading rumors and alerting the Church and the Emperor, I’ve decided to erase your memories of tonight’s events.”

He smiled at the two terrified men, his teeth gleaming white.

Chapter 56: Shadow Armament

Bang!

A tremendous impact shook the ceiling above, followed by the sound of shattering concrete and a cascade of debris raining down.

“Hehehe! They’re here to rescue me! No matter what happens, I’ll survive! You better run if you don’t want to die! Get out of my way, and I might spare you!” Eugene, his confidence inexplicably restored, pointed a bloodstained finger at Abyss, his voice filled with manic glee. “You mages are nothing but lambs to the slaughter before this machine! This is our secret weapon! It can not only crush you mages, but also smash a high-ranking Dou Warrior’s head with a single blow!”

Abyss glanced upwards. Cracks spiderwebbed across the ceiling as a heavy object crashed through the floor of the abandoned shop above, its weight causing the entire structure to groan.

Eugene expected Abyss to flee, or at least to investigate this fearsome machine, but Abyss’s reaction disappointed him. He remained seated, unfazed.

“Rebecca, can you hear me?” Abyss contacted Rebecca through their necromantic link.

“Ah! Huh? Abyss? Are you talking to me through magic?” Rebecca’s voice was initially surprised, then she quickly calmed down, a hint of excitement in her tone. “This is amazing! Your voice is echoing in my mind… It’s kind of romantic…”

“I’m using the necromantic link. It sounds like things are going well on your end?” Abyss asked.

“Yes, the hideout Titus provided for the children isn’t far from his secret base. He brought me here. They have a fully equipped alchemical laboratory and plenty of ingredients. After examining the children, I quickly brewed a potion to stabilize their condition. Now I’m working on an antidote. You were right, it’s the same black mud found on Shadow Demons, but it’s been processed somehow.”

“I’m glad the children are safe. I’m with Eugene now. He told me about their experiments with the black mud—they were trying to enhance the children’s bodies with it. The mud usually lies dormant in their stomachs and intestines, activated by a specific type of magic. This information might be helpful for developing an antidote.”

“Great! This is very useful. I have a starting point now,” Rebecca replied immediately. “The children are safe. Titus’s men are protecting us—although I don’t really need protection, the children are a bit frightened.”

“That’s the situation here. The Goat Eyes gang members are using those black mud-powered machines to rescue their leader. I’ll talk to you later.”

“Okay! And… Abyss, I love this feeling of being connected to your mind. Let’s chat like this more often.”

“Of course,” Abyss said, smiling.

Eugene, unable to hear their telepathic conversation, watched as Abyss remained seated, seemingly lost in thought. And then, after a moment, a smile spread across his face.

“This mysterious boy… What is he thinking? Does he think I’m lying?” Eugene wondered. “But he’ll regret his decision soon! Everything I told him is true!”

Crash!

The ceiling shattered as a massive object crashed through it, showering the basement with dust and debris. A large, humanoid machine, over two meters tall, landed heavily, its metal feet cracking the concrete floor.

Abyss turned to face the monstrous machine.

It resembled the child-operated mechs he had seen in the factory, but it was far more intimidating. It was painted black, its limbs thick and heavy, its head replaced by a cockpit large enough for an adult. A window on the cockpit revealed the sweaty face of a Goat Eyes gang member. A large tank on its back gurgled ominously.

“Boss! I’m here to rescue you! Should I kill him?” the gang member’s voice boomed from within the machine.

“He’s a mage! Kill him!” Eugene shouted, grinning.

“Yes, sir!” The massive machine lunged towards Abyss, its fist raised.

Abyss, still seated, casually summoned a small barrier, watching the black fist approach with a calm expression—

Clang! Whoosh!

But the barrier offered no resistance. The fist passed through it effortlessly, the barrier dissolving into thin air! The fist connected with Abyss’s body, sending him flying with incredible speed. He crashed into the basement wall, creating a large, irregular hole, a cascade of debris raining down.

“Haha! Cough, cough… Now you’ve witnessed the power of my ‘Shadow Armament’!” Eugene exclaimed, his laughter filled with triumph.

No mage, except for those shape-shifting Druids, could survive such a blow! His bones must be shattered! That mysterious mage must be a pile of mush now!

“Boss, let’s get you out of here!” the gang member piloting the machine said, reaching for the cage with his massive metal arms.

“Be careful! I’m injured! Don’t hurt me!” Eugene said, his face beaming with relief.

Clank! Clank! Clank!

As the Shadow Armament ripped open the iron cage with ease, several white bones erupted from the ground, piercing the metal floor beneath the cage, forming a new cage, trapping Eugene within. The cage constricted, its bony fingers tightening their grip, crushing Eugene, who screamed in pain.

“I see, your machine’s coating has magic-negating properties. It’s practically immune to magic… I’ve never encountered such a fascinating material before,” a voice said.

Abyss reappeared before them, unharmed, his clothes spotless. He had emerged from the hole in the wall, landing gracefully.

“What?! How are you still alive?” Eugene exclaimed, his voice filled with disbelief. “You should be a pulp! And… This bone cage! You’re a necromancer!”

“I’m not ready to die yet. Let’s see what else your impressive machine can do,” Abyss said, a playful smile on his face.

Chapter 55: Expendable Test Subjects

“Heh, heh, heh…” Eugene let out a cold, dismissive laugh, leaning back against the cage bars. He wasn’t going to cooperate with Abyss, not after being beaten and robbed, his hopes dashed.

Abyss shrugged, not expecting a warm welcome. It was understandable that Eugene wouldn’t be in a good mood after being humiliated and imprisoned.

“Oh, your leg is dislocated,” Abyss said, noticing Eugene’s twisted limb. He chanted a spell, his finger twitching towards the injured leg.

Eugene’s femur shifted, pulled by an invisible force, then snapped back into place with a sickening crack.

“Aah!” Eugene screamed, but the excruciating pain from his dislocated hip subsided, and he could move his leg slightly.

“I fixed your joint,” Abyss said with a smile, crouching beside the cage, observing Eugene’s swollen face through the bars. “Now, can you tell me about the fuel source for those machines your gang is using?”

“Ah… I recognize you now. You’re the mage who defeated the necromancer I hired. Weren’t you wearing a dress before?” Eugene squinted, finally recognizing Abyss in the dim light. Panic flickered in his eyes, then he quickly regained his composure. “What more do you want? You helped Titus destroy my empire. Now you want to crush my last hope, leave me at Titus’s mercy?”

“He hasn’t killed you, has he?” Abyss sat down beside the cage. “If you confess your crimes and quietly rot in prison, you might survive.”

“Hehe, I wonder if he told you about his past. I killed his mother. We’re sworn enemies,” Eugene said, taking a deep breath, straightening his posture slightly. His movements were slow and deliberate, his situation hopeless. “Even if he spares me for the sake of maintaining order, my patron won’t. You think I wanted to defeat the Black Hats and become the king of this city? No, I wanted to escape, to survive!”

Eugene’s words piqued Abyss’s interest in the machines even more. But he had another question for Eugene.

“What were you secretly developing? What did you do to those children?” Abyss asked, his smile fading, his emerald eyes glowing with an unsettling intensity in the dim light.

“Those brats who worked for me?” Eugene asked, glancing at Abyss. “Got a smoke?”

“No,” Abyss said, raising his finger. One of Eugene’s molars was ripped from his mouth by an invisible force.

“Aah!” Eugene screamed, clutching his mouth, blood seeping through his fingers. The excruciating pain made him moan and tremble.

“Tell me, what did you do to those children?”

Abyss remained seated, his gaze fixed on Eugene’s eyes, his voice cold and calm.

The pain jolted Eugene back to reality. He might have nothing left to lose, but he could still feel pain!

“Ugh… Ugh…” The agony of his severed nerve endings made it impossible to speak.

Then, a wave of coldness numbed his injured gum. Before he could react, the bleeding wound was frozen solid, the pain vanishing as the nerves went numb.

He spat out blood and saliva, gasping for air. “I’ll talk! I’ll talk! Our main goal was to make money, but our patron gave us a secret task! To research the applications of the black mud extracted from Shadow Demons! He even sent us a few alchemy experts to guide our research! I offered some children a bit of money, and they became my test subjects! I mixed the processed black mud into bread and fed it to them! When exposed to a specific type of magic, the black mud attached to their stomach and intestinal walls would reactivate! It would start assimilating their bodies!”

“Why?” Abyss asked, his eyes cold. “That wouldn’t have helped your research, would it? If you wanted to create a poison, there are more efficient methods. There are thousands of potions that can kill, and a thousand more that can control the symptoms.”

“We weren’t trying to create a poison. We wanted to grant those who consumed it immense power! But we failed! The black mud is uncontrollable within a human body!” Eugene trembled, his voice filled with fear. “Spare me! It wasn’t my idea! I only care about money and women! I’m not interested in alchemy! I don’t want to be like those crazy alchemists!”

“How many innocent children did you kill for this pointless experiment?” Abyss asked, ignoring his pleas.

“None… We operated within safe parameters…”

“Your soul is trembling. You’re lying,” Abyss said, sighing. He lifted his finger again, and another molar, right next to the previous one, was ripped from Eugene’s mouth.

“Aah!!” Eugene screamed again, but the wound was instantly frozen.

“How many?”

“Three! Three!” Eugene shouted, his voice filled with despair.

“So, you eventually figured out how to use the black mud as a power source for machines. Those children were just collateral damage,” Abyss said, nodding. “And I’m guessing the black mud is more than just a power source. If your men are using those machines to rescue you, they must possess some unique capabilities…”

As Abyss spoke, a faint tremor shook the ground, dust raining down from the ceiling of the long-abandoned basement. Something heavy was approaching.

Clang! Clang! Clang!

The sound of heavy, metallic footsteps grew louder, closer to their location.

“Hey, Eugene, is there a way to save those children who collapsed after being exposed to your magic? An antidote, perhaps?” Abyss asked, looking at Eugene’s bloodstained face.

But the fear and pain had vanished from Eugene’s eyes. He grinned, his expression cruel. “You should worry about yourself! It’s your fault for not asking! These machines… are designed to kill mages like you!”

Chapter 54: Machines with a Strange Fuel Source

Abyss gathered more information from his two disguised undead servants, then finished his drink and stood up.

Titus, still basking in the glory of his victory and his role in Emperor Camper’s grand plan, looked at Abyss, puzzled. “What’s wrong, Mr. Abyss? Is something the matter? If it’s not something you need to handle personally, I can send my men.”

Abyss sighed, his expression troubled. “It seems the Goat Eyes Gang isn’t giving up so easily. Some of their remaining forces are planning to rescue their leader. They’re using strange machines powered by some kind of black mud. I need to investigate. Are you sure the location where you’re holding Eugene is secure?”

Titus’s drunken haze evaporated.

“Now that you mention it, it’s not that secure. I didn’t tell anyone the location, but I didn’t take any special precautions either,” he said, frowning. “If any of my men are disloyal, they could have revealed it. Do you have any way to monitor the Goat Eyes Gang’s movements?”

“Yes, I’m aware of their actions. I’ll handle this. I’ll ensure Eugene doesn’t escape,” Abyss said, patting Rebecca’s back reassuringly. “You have a more important task. Take her to where you’re hiding those children. They’ve developed a strange illness. Several have already collapsed. I need you to help her save their lives.”

Rebecca looked at him, surprised. “What kind of illness?”

“According to my informants, a few of the children suddenly collapsed. Their main symptoms are bluish skin and vomiting black, viscous matter, similar to the substance found on Shadow Demons in the Shadowed Depths. They’re unconscious, and their organs seem to be failing. I don’t think they have much time. Ray, can you handle this?”

“Ray” was the name Abyss used for Rebecca in front of outsiders. Titus and Givia didn’t know he was a necromancer or Rebecca’s true identity. They assumed she was someone Abyss had come to Lavoisier City to meet. After all, Rebecca’s name was well-known in the city, and revealing her true identity could lead to unnecessary complications.

“I don’t know the details, but I’ll find a solution. Leave it to me,” Rebecca said, nodding confidently, her eyes filled with determination.

She knew about the child laborers rescued from the Goat Eyes Gang’s factories, their exploitation and their mistreatment. She despised those heartless gangsters and sympathized with the children. Hearing about their illness, a strong sense of justice surged within her. She had spent her life fighting for the weak and the vulnerable, opposing the gangs, and her death hadn’t changed her compassion. Even though she didn’t know these children personally, she was determined to help them.

“Leona, Flora, stay here and protect Princess Givia,” Abyss instructed. “This will be the Goat Eyes Gang’s final, desperate attempt at retaliation. This location might be hidden, but I can’t rule out the possibility of a traitor among Titus’s men. If they attack, I’m entrusting Givia’s safety to you.”

Titus didn’t object. He knew that although his men were more disciplined than those of other gangs, they were still street thugs. Besides a few trusted individuals, he couldn’t guarantee their loyalty.

Leona, having finished her drink, puffed out her chest, her bony frame making a hollow thumping sound. “Don’t worry, ABC. I won’t let any Goat Eyes scum get within a hundred meters of Princess Givia. You can count on me and Flora.” She then patted Flora’s chest, making it jiggle, causing Flora to blush furiously.

Givia, ever calm and collected, nodded. This level of danger didn’t faze the battle-hardened rebel leader. “I can protect myself. Don’t worry about me. I won’t be easily defeated by those thugs.”

A flicker of Dou Qi flames erupted around her, a testament to her strength. Despite her unassuming appearance, she was a mid-level Dou Warrior.

The feast ended abruptly, everyone dispersing according to Abyss’s instructions. But they all agreed that a farewell party ending so peacefully would be a bit boring.

…

Eugene, battered and bruised, was locked in a large iron cage inside the basement storage room of an abandoned restaurant. A single dim potion lamp illuminated the dark, dusty space, preventing Eugene, who had endured too much trauma that day, from succumbing to madness. The room was empty except for a few crates of moldy, inedible food. The shadowy corners echoed with the occasional scurrying of rats.

Eugene leaned against the cage bars, gasping in pain. He had no visible wounds from sharp weapons, but his exposed skin was covered in bruises. His meticulously groomed face was swollen, one leg twisted at an unnatural angle, dislocated. The once-imposing leader of the Goat Eyes Gang now resembled a beaten stray dog.

Thud, thud.

Light footsteps echoed from above, and Eugene’s eyes widened with a flicker of hope.

The basement door creaked open, revealing a slender figure in cloth armor and a black cloak.

“You! Are you here to rescue me? Help me fix my leg, it’s dislocated…”

“Oh, I apologize. I’m not here to rescue you. I’m here to prevent your rescue,” the young man said, his voice gentle, as he descended the creaky wooden stairs.

It was Abyss, his face illuminated by the dim potion lamp, his emerald eyes reflecting an unsettling, cold light, sending a shiver down Eugene’s spine.

“Before your men arrive, I’d like to discuss those peculiar machines your gang is using. What’s their power source? I’m quite curious.”

Chapter 53: The Emperor’s Mission

“That was Emperor Camper. The ruler of the entire Empire, secretly visiting Lavoisier City, and I had the honor of meeting him. He was incredibly perceptive. After a brief conversation, he deduced my ambition to become the leader of the Black Hats.”

“He didn’t reveal his intentions immediately. Instead, he asked me why I wanted to become the leader. I was overwhelmed by his charisma, his presence. I felt a surge of loyalty towards him, even after such a short interaction. I confessed my plans for revenge.”

“He told me that the suffering I and others like me endured wasn’t due to a lack of strength, but because the world’s power was unbalanced and unchecked. Eugene was too powerful, his actions unrestrained, allowing him to act with impunity, even taking lives.”

“After a night of conversation, I learned his true identity: Emperor Camper of the Eastern Empire. He promised to lend me a significant sum of money to help me become the leader of the Black Hats. And he gave me a task.”

Titus’s expression brightened, and he stood up, spreading his arms wide.

“Unify the gangs of Lavoisier City, become the sole ruler, and use my power to end their conflicts. I could still exploit legal loopholes, engage in less-than-savory activities to make money, but I had to swear allegiance to him, pay taxes, obey his direct orders, and gradually reform the gangs, making them more legitimate.”

“That’s a challenging task,” Givia said. “Gang culture is deeply ingrained in Lavoisier City. Reforming them would be a long and arduous process.”

“It is difficult, but the Emperor didn’t set a deadline. I accepted the task, and I’m making progress. You must have noticed that the Black Hats are different from your typical gang now, haven’t you?”

“Indeed, your gang has a… military feel to it. Your men might lack proper training, but they’re disciplined and motivated,” Givia said, nodding. “And I can tell they’re well-treated. They’re loyal to you.”

“That’s because we focus on creating wealth, not on exploiting others,” Titus said, smiling. “The Emperor’s orders are usually simple: make money, now and in the future. And ensure peace and cooperation with the citizens of Lavoisier City. No chaos.”

Abyss nodded, impressed. Emperor Camper was an intriguing figure. If he ever died, Abyss would definitely resurrect him and have a long conversation with him. Perhaps this Emperor’s methods could truly lead the Eastern Empire to greater prosperity.

He wondered who was more capable: Emperor Camper or Helen, the future Empress of the Western Empire. He didn’t want to see a war between the two empires. A conflict between the continent’s two most powerful nations would be devastating. He might be a necromancer, but he didn’t enjoy seeing people die unnecessarily.

“My journey is far from over. This feast isn’t a celebration of my victory, but a farewell for your departure,” Titus said, raising his glass towards Givia. “May your Restoration Army achieve victory and restore the Ossi Kingdom to its former glory!”

“Thank you,” Givia said, standing up and draining her glass in one gulp. She then placed the empty glass upside down on the table, an Ossi custom to show respect to one’s drinking companions.

“Enjoy the feast. The potions have been loaded onto the wagons and are under guard,” Titus said, mimicking Givia’s gesture, emptying his glass and placing it upside down on the table.

“Abyss, I’ve instructed my men to arrange the children’s departure from Lavoisier City. It should be ready tomorrow. You can personally oversee their departure. And please let me know if you have any special requests,” Titus said, turning to Abyss. “As a skilled mage, you must have ways to ensure their safety during their journey. I’ve assigned trustworthy men and hired reliable mercenaries, but your reassurance would be appreciated.”

“I’ll compensate you for the expenses later, in the form of gemstones. And I do have methods to ensure their safety. Thank you for your assistance,” Abyss said, nodding.

As the feast continued, Abyss suddenly felt a faint fluctuation in his necromantic link. A request for shared consciousness was being sent from somewhere within the city.

He was surprised. The sender was one of his two undead servants, whom he had dispatched as a precaution. If he accepted the request, he would be able to hear the servant’s thoughts and issue commands through the link. It was a quick and efficient communication method. If his servant was resorting to this, it must be something urgent.

“Elton, what have you found? Why are you contacting me through the link?” Abyss said, accepting the request and chanting a short spell, establishing a connection that transcended distance.

“Master Abyss, I’m currently disguised as a Black Hats gang member, among the children rescued from the Goat Eyes Gang’s factories,” Elton’s voice echoed in his mind. “A messenger is on his way to you, but I thought you should know this first—a few of the children have collapsed, and they’re vomiting black mud.”

“Hmm? That’s unusual. I’ll head over there immediately,” Abyss said, frowning. He had never heard of any illness that caused people to vomit black mud. This was clearly more than just a simple illness.

As he was about to inform Titus of his departure, another request for shared consciousness arrived, this time from his other undead servant.

“Fallon, what’s wrong?”

“Master Abyss, I’m currently disguised as a Goat Eyes gang member, among their remaining forces. They’re preparing some kind of powerful machine, and they’re heading towards a specific location—this machine uses black mud as a power source. I have a bad feeling about this!”

Chapter 52: Titus’s Past

“I was just an ordinary street urchin in Lavoisier City. My mother was a dancer at a tavern. My father disappeared after I was born. You know, Lavoisier City wasn’t exactly a wholesome place. My mother worked long hours, leaving me to roam the streets with other kids, learning life’s lessons from the wrong crowd.”

Titus set down his glass, his face calm, the alcohol and the potion’s effects dulling his emotions.

Givia listened intently. As a princess, even in exile, she had always lived a privileged life, leading the Restoration Army. Titus’s journey, from a street urchin to a gang leader, was a fascinating tale.

“My mother rarely disciplined me. As long as I stayed away from dangerous activities, she wouldn’t scold me. Her income as a dancer was meager. She only brought home extra money when she caught the eye of a wealthy patron.”

“Thanks to her, I never went hungry, and I grew into a strong young man. It was only natural for me to join a gang—the Goat Eyes Gang. I became an insignificant grunt. Eugene was already the leader back then.”

“My job was simple: protect their potion factories from rival gangs, participate in brawls when called upon, and act as muscle for the higher-ups. I received a weekly wage, enough to buy food, drinks, and enjoy myself with my friends. My mother no longer had to support me with her meager earnings.”

“I thought it was the perfect life. I had no savings, but I was comfortable. I had my friends, and I was on good terms with a few tavern maids. I could drink and eat whenever I wanted, and if I ran out of money, my friends would cover me. It was a carefree life, a beautiful life!”

Titus paused, taking a long gulp of his drink, then burped discreetly, shaking his head slightly.

“But my peaceful life, my carefree existence, was shattered. One day, while I was enjoying a feast with my friends, a neighbor’s kid found me, urging me to return home. I was annoyed by the interruption, but I thought my mother might need me, so I followed him.”

“He was hesitant to tell me what happened. When I reached home, I found my mother lying in bed, her head wrapped in blood-soaked bandages, on the verge of death.”

“I learned from the neighbors that Eugene had seen my mother dancing at the tavern and was smitten by her beauty. He asked her to spend the night with him. My mother, accustomed to such arrangements, and aware that Eugene was my boss, didn’t refuse. But just as she had entered his house, removed her clothes, and sat on the bed, someone rushed in, reporting that Eugene’s dog had been killed in a fight with another dog.”

“Eugene wasn’t fond of animals, but that dog was a rare breed he had purchased from the Western Empire for a hefty sum. The miser, enraged by the news, lashed out at my mother, striking her head with his cane—that solid alloy cane—and ordering her to leave.”

“My mother, her head bleeding, stumbled home, clutching her wound. She managed to walk for a while, then collapsed. Fortunately, a former patron recognized her and brought her home…”

Titus’s voice choked with emotion, but he quickly composed himself, remembering his audience. He took another gulp of his drink.

“My mother died that night. She couldn’t speak anymore. She just looked at me with her bloodshot eyes and breathed her last. I called out to her, but she couldn’t respond.”

“Later, while arranging her funeral, I found a small cloth bag containing a few hundred imperial coins, a mix of crisp, high-denomination bills and worn, low-denomination coins. A note inside the bag read: ‘For Titus’s wedding.’ My mother had been saving money for me, even with her meager income, while I was busy enjoying myself, never saving a penny.”

“I was enraged. I swore to kill Eugene, that bastard. The day I buried my mother, I left the Goat Eyes Gang and joined the Black Hats. My former friends, those I had shared drinks and laughter with, betrayed me, leading the Goat Eyes to my house and burning it down. But I had already moved everything of value, including my mother’s savings.”

“Within days, I had lost my only family, my supposed friends, and even the woman I loved, forced to break off our relationship to protect her. I had lost everything.”

“But I didn’t give up. Driven by hatred, I climbed the ranks within the Black Hats. I observed the leaders, learned their tactics, built connections, and devised schemes to make money. I craved power, strength, to reach Eugene’s level, to kill him with my own hands.”

“I believed that my weakness, my inability to protect those I loved, was the root of my suffering, the reason Eugene, that scum, had robbed me of my happiness.”

Titus recounted his journey within the Black Hats, the brawls, the assassinations, the bribes, the threats… He described his actions, his struggles, his triumphs, his voice calm, as if a bard recounting a tale of adventure. But everyone knew that climbing the ranks of a criminal organization was a dangerous and brutal affair.

“I eventually became a high-ranking member, a leader in my own right. But the Black Hats’ leader was a cunning and ruthless man. Replacing him seemed impossible.”

“I tried everything, testing the waters, exploring every avenue, but I couldn’t find a way to usurp his position. Without the ultimate authority, I couldn’t amass enough power to challenge Eugene and the Goat Eyes Gang.”

“I was desperate, almost ready to risk everything. But then, I met the man who changed my life.”

“That night, he sat beside me, sharing a drink, his voice deep and commanding, telling me that the root of my suffering wasn’t my lack of strength, but my choice of enemy.”

Chapter 51: The Powerful Patron

Hearing Lannis’s words, Titus’s usual playful grin vanished. He removed the spoon from his mouth and spoke, his voice sincere and resolute. “Lannis, I promise you, as long as I’m the leader of the Black Hats, Lavoisier City will be under my protection. My men and I will operate in the gray areas, but we’ll never harm this city. Trust me, without the Goat Eyes Gang, Lavoisier City will prosper. It will no longer be shrouded in darkness.”

“I don’t know your reasons, but I’ll trust you for now,” Lannis said, nodding. “You wouldn’t want to disappoint a bomb-loving madwoman, would you?”

“Of course not. I wouldn’t disappoint anyone,” Titus said, smiling.

Having seen the place she held dear, Lannis was finally ready to leave. She took the horse Givia had gifted her, returned to her crumbling house, and strapped a large backpack to the horse’s saddle. She mounted her own pony. Now, she finally resembled the stereotypical halfling, a wanderer, always on the move.

After another round of heartfelt farewells, Lannis rode out of the city, heading towards the Western Empire. Rebecca watched her old friend leave, a tear rolling down her cheek.

“If not for Lannis’s decision to preserve my inventions, I might still be soaking in that potion pool in the other world,” Rebecca said, her voice laced with gratitude, as she turned to Abyss. “The potion I used to sustain my life had a shelf life of several decades. I might have ended up bloated and disfigured. That would be a terrible way to be found.”

“We’re all fortunate,” Abyss said, nodding. “Things didn’t go exactly as planned, but we found each other in the end. Rebecca, how have you been these past few days, traveling with us?”

“I’ve been enjoying myself,” Rebecca said, glancing at Leona, who was holding Flora’s hand. “You’re truly capable, gathering such talented individuals. I feel at ease among these geniuses. If possible, I’d like to stay with you all forever.”

“I hope Lannis enjoys her new life, spending her days immersed in alchemy, free from the burdens of dealing with gangsters. She deserves some peace and happiness,” Abyss said, stretching. “We should head back now. After resting with Givia, we’ll depart together. I initially planned to go straight to the Elven Kingdoms, but now it seems a trip to the Ossi Kingdom, to deal with the Lord of Nightmares, is necessary.”

“Wonderful! You don’t need to eat out tonight. It’s my treat. I’ll introduce you to Lavoisier City’s culinary delights,” Titus said, smiling. “Givia accepted my invitation as well. It’s my first time dining with a princess. I’m a bit nervous, to be honest.”

“Titus, you mentioned telling me your story. Would you consider sharing it with us during dinner?” Abyss asked.

“Hmm, I think that’s acceptable,” Titus said, considering the request, then nodded. “My story is confidential, but I don’t mind sharing it with you. You’re all important figures. You wouldn’t betray my trust and get me in trouble with my patron.”

Most gangs in the Eastern Empire had noble patrons, a well-known fact, although rarely discussed openly. Abyss was curious about the identity of Titus’s patron.

…

“Our patron is Emperor Camper,” Titus announced during their dinner.

The feast wasn’t extravagant, but the dishes were delicious and diverse. Besides Titus, only Abyss, the three girls, and Givia were present. Santos had intended to join them, but Givia, sensing the sensitive nature of the story Titus was about to share, had instructed him to remain outside with their guards.

Givia hadn’t expected such a shocking revelation from Titus, especially after only a few drinks. She raised her wine glass, her curiosity piqued. “Emperor Camper? Why would he involve himself with gangs?”

“It’s not difficult to understand. Emperor Camper needs money, and we, the gangs, are efficient at generating profits. He needs and desires wealth more than any previous emperor,” Titus said, addressing the group with a smile. “The Eastern Empire might seem powerful and prosperous, but it’s riddled with problems, burdened by centuries of accumulated issues, most of them deeply rooted and difficult to eradicate. Emperor Camper is a man who wants to heal this nation.”

Abyss, his interest piqued, set down his wine glass, took a bite of the delicious roasted meat, and chewed slowly.

He had never met Emperor Camper, but he knew he was the most assertive and decisive ruler the Eastern Empire had seen in generations. “Prosperity for those who obey, destruction for those who defy” accurately described his approach to governance.

Titus, his voice filled with awe, recounted Emperor Camper’s deeds. During his first three years in power, he had executed dozens of nobles who dared challenge his authority, showing no mercy. He even personally carried out some of the executions. But he was also generous towards those who supported his rule and governed their territories effectively. He spent lavishly, but never wastefully.

Under his rule, the Eastern Empire’s economy had flourished. He had also developed his own businesses, his imperial status deterring other nobles from competing with him, allowing him to amass a fortune.

But he wasn’t a man of pleasure. He reinvested his wealth back into the Empire, his investments fueling further economic growth and development.

“Lavoisier City is a crucial part of the Emperor’s plan to strengthen the potion industry. It’s a distant border city, its power dynamics complex, with numerous noble families vying for control. It’s not easy for him to exert his influence here directly,” Titus said, taking a sip of his wine, then patted his chest. “So he came here in disguise, and he met me—a young man blinded by hatred, consumed by a thirst for revenge.”