v2c23: Protecting Her Precious Legacy
Bang!
An explosion erupted as the bone spikes entered the basement, accompanied by a spray of red, glowing liquid.
The bone spikes, traveling at the speed of arrows, pierced through the exploding liquid. However, before they could travel a few meters, they began to melt, dissolving like snowflakes.
The necromancer’s face, hidden behind his bone mask, contorted in a frown. He hadn’t expected Lannis to possess a potion capable of disrupting his control over the bone spikes.
The spikes were formed from a small amount of bone dust and a large amount of mana. The potion Lannis had used not only reacted with the bone dust, dissolving it, but also interfered with the necromancer’s mana control, preventing him from maintaining the spikes’ shape. This was something the eighth-tier necromancer hadn’t anticipated.
Could a mere mortal counter an eighth-tier mage’s attack with a potion?
But his frown lasted only a moment. He chanted another spell, retrieving a small jar from his person and opening its lid.
As Eugene watched in surprise, a translucent figure emerged from the jar, initially just a wisp of smoke, then gradually solidifying, taking on a human form. It was a spectral warrior, clad in heavy armor, a two-handed sword and a light crossbow strapped to his back, a shield and a scimitar in his hands. His imposing figure suggested a powerful and respected warrior in life.
“Kells, pierce the heart of the halfling in the basement. Don’t damage her brain,” the necromancer commanded.
However, the spectral warrior, Kells, didn’t obey immediately. He grumbled, his voice a low growl, reluctantly moving towards the basement entrance.
“Faster. Don’t give her time to prepare,” the necromancer said, his voice cold and commanding. He then began chanting another spell. A thin chain materialized around the spectral warrior’s neck, tightening rapidly. The warrior roared in pain, clawing at his throat, but the chain wouldn’t budge.
This spurred the spectral warrior into action. He leaped into the basement, bypassing the stairs.
“Master, what is that you summoned?” Eugene asked, his voice filled with awe.
“The specter of an ancient warrior,” the necromancer replied, not moving from his spot, his voice calm and collected. “He was powerful in life, perhaps eighth-tier. But now, he’s my slave. I have many slaves, but he’s the strongest. He’ll complete his task efficiently.”
“Amazing! To think you would resort to such measures for me. I’m truly humbled. As expected of a high-ranking mage, your power is boundless…”
“I have my own reasons,” the necromancer interrupted, cutting short Eugene’s flattery.
Eugene, silenced, dared not speak further. He knew that angering this powerful mage could lead to his swift demise—and even death might not be the end, considering the necromancer’s abilities.
They remained outside while the spectral warrior descended into the basement, his weightless form making no sound as he landed.
Lannis stood in the basement, a jumble of alchemical equipment behind her, as if trying to conceal something.
“Grrr…” The spectral warrior stared at her with his glowing blue eyes, his expression hesitant, but he continued his advance, his heavy footsteps echoing through the basement.
Lannis’s smile faltered. She was trapped.
These spectral warriors, controlled by necromancers, only materialized when attacking, and their bodies possessed remarkable regenerative abilities. Even if she managed to injure him, it wouldn’t significantly hinder his combat effectiveness. Although Lannis was an alchemist, she was knowledgeable about various magic systems, especially the infamous and ruthless tactics employed by necromancers. She knew she had no chance.
She couldn’t fight him, not with her explosives. She hadn’t anticipated Eugene hiring a high-ranking necromancer…
She wondered if the gray-haired boy who had entered the portal was stronger than this necromancer, who had effortlessly cornered her without breaking a sweat.
The spectral warrior continued his advance, sheathing his scimitar and shield, drawing his two-handed sword, a weapon better suited for thrusting attacks.
Lannis gritted her teeth, her eyes hardening.
There was one more option…
She pulled out a magic crystal remote from her pocket, channeled her mana into it, and activated several hidden mechanisms within the basement…
Boom!
A ring of explosions erupted behind her, centered around the Gateway to the New World. The basement floor collapsed, the heavy stone slab, along with the portal, falling into a deep pit.
Yes, even though she had known Rebecca was likely gone, Lannis had prepared for this scenario when constructing her house. Beneath the basement was another hidden space, designed to protect Rebecca’s portal at all costs. She had never given up hope of her mistress’s return. All she needed was an opportunity!
And now, she had entrusted that opportunity to the gray-haired boy. Even if she died, she would ensure his safe return to this world!
The powerful blast threw Lannis off her feet, but she quickly retrieved another remote and activated it.
Rumble! Crash!
Another series of explosions rocked the basement. The supporting walls crumbled, and the ceiling caved in, burying everything in a cascade of rubble.
“You might be after me, but you’ll get nothing!” Lannis shouted, her face contorted in a manic grin, as flames and smoke engulfed her.
The massive explosion shook the entire city, and even the necromancer, standing in Lannis’s ruined house, stumbled, his composure momentarily broken.
“Suicide! That madwoman!” he cursed.
A specter’s state was linked to its condition at the moment of death. If Lannis’s brain had been severely damaged by the explosion, her memories might be lost!
He needed her to retrieve Rebecca’s body! He had to!
Desperate, the necromancer channeled his mana, pushing it to its limits, attempting to stabilize the collapsing basement.
But… It wasn’t as difficult as he had anticipated.
“Hmm? Someone’s helping me?” he thought, sensing something unusual.
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