This Necromancer Just Wants to Plant Trees - Chapter 203

Chapter 203: Preparing for Battle, the Hand of Balance

The appearance of Melinda is probably related to Sivak's coming-of-age ceremony.

This woman's demeanor is extraordinary.

She gives off a sense of superiority and invincibility.

Matthew can't figure out her strength.

So, he turned to Lolan.

Lolan squinted his eyes and said, "Fifth tier, very close to legendary. It's very likely that she has all the conditions for advancement to legendary, but for some reason, she has been suppressing her progress."

Matthew blurted out, "Domain?"

Lolan nodded and said, "Possibly. The elements of her domain are very complex, perhaps in the process of further deepening."

Matthew looked in the direction Melinda disappeared, sighing, "She looks mysterious, coming and going, almost leaving no trace."

Lolan chuckled, "She was indeed light when she arrived, but when she left, it might not be as calm as you think."

Matthew looked at him with confusion.

Lolan pointed to the group behind Matthew, including himself, and said, "She might have been intimidated by us."

Matthew turned around to look.

Oh boy.

He hadn't noticed before, but his companions were all exuding a strong killing intent. Craig, in particular, kept his hands on the hilts of his dual blades the entire time.

The intention to draw blades at the slightest disagreement was evident on their faces.

No wonder Melinda left hastily without saying much.

The dragon-slaying squad led by Matthew possesses the power to intimidate even a quasi-legendary.

She, being a quasi-legendary herself, naturally wouldn't linger in a situation where the distinction between friend and foe was not clear.

Or perhaps.

Is she feeling guilty?

Matthew even suspects that there might be some past between her and Reaga on this land.

Otherwise, she wouldn't have said those things upon encountering him.

Unexpectedly encountering Reaga's ex-wife.

For Matthew, it's just a minor incident.

He will find an opportunity to inform Reaga, but not tonight.

Returning to the barbecue site with the group, Matthew began to explain to everyone what they needed to do next.

"I believe most of you have some understanding by now. I gathered everyone together for one purpose only: to slay the dragon!"

"The Black Dragon Meiounogas is our sole target on this journey. He is a dragon of unknown origin who has currently taken control of the neighboring Highleaf territory. He is suspected to have colluded with the Red Dragon Kusules in the south of Rolling Stone Town. Therefore, Rolling Stone Town is currently under immense pressure."

"As a member of Rolling Stone Town, I love this land and have a good relationship with its lord, Mr. Reaga."

"The upcoming battle between Rolling Stone Town and Highleaf Territory is inevitable, and I will participate in this war, vowing to slay the Black Dragon!"

"Of course, before inviting you all to join my team to slay the dragon, I must explain the risks involved."

At this point, Matthew took a deep breath, his face very serious.

"If you join me in this war, you may face risks in three aspects."

"The first risk comes from the Black Dragon itself. Although Meiounogas looks like a young dragon, his size is developed beyond his age, almost comparable to an adult dragon. His strength is much greater than that of an ordinary black dragon. He seems to have some blessings from higher-order entities, providing him with special abilities such as concealment and escape. I have already prepared a very detailed plan for this. But there are always unexpected events. After all, confronting a giant dragon itself is a risky endeavor."

"The second risk comes from the battlefield. In theory, my squad is part of the official forces of Rolling Stone Town, belonging to the Special Operations Unit. We can operate independently and have a high degree of autonomy. The probability of unknown harm reaching us on the battlefield is high. But at the same time, war is full of uncertainties. In case the enemy has prepared some means that we did not anticipate, you may also face the risk of being hit by ranged attacks on the front lines. Swords and spears have no eyes. Although you are all skilled, I will do my best to ensure everyone's safety, but there is still risk involved. I hope everyone thinks carefully."

"The third risk is the least likely to occur. It is the possibility that we successfully kill the Black Dragon but suffer a major defeat on the front lines. At that time, we will have to face pressure from the front lines. Due to the probable nature of the war between Rolling Stone Town and Highleaf Territory, it is likely to be a conquest war where only one side can survive, according to the rules issued by the alliance. Although conquest wars must follow the three battles, two victories rule, the first battle is crucial. Considering the situation of these two territories, if we lose the first battle, the subsequent battles are likely to be a one-sided affair. So, neither side can afford to lose."

"Of course, most of the soldiers in Highleaf Territory are being manipulated by the Black Dragon Lord. The exact combat power and morale remain uncertain. However, Rolling Stone Town is different. I can assure you that the hearts of everyone participating in the war are united."

Having said all this in one breath, Matthew signaled everyone to think carefully.

He himself picked up a string of mushrooms from the nearby barbecue grill and tasted them.

These mushrooms were the latest harvest from the mushroom house.

The quality was exceptionally tender and sweet.

Combined with the wine brewed by Matthew himself.

It was truly a delicious and satisfying experience.

However, before he could enjoy it alone for too long, the elven sorceress Emilia was the first to stand up.

"I am a professional soldier and fully understand the risks of war. However, I am here on behalf of Miss Popo and will definitely participate in this war. You can rest assured; I have enough war skills and excellent escape experience. In the unlikely event of a complete defeat, I will protect myself well. So, count me in. Can I have a string of mushrooms, not spicy, please?"

Matthew smiled and handed her a string.

Then, the orc female sword saint Craig also stood up. Her eyes were bright, and her attitude was sincere.

"If it weren't for you, I might have already died under the gaze of the abomination. I have no fear of war, and I will fight to the end. But from what I see now, it seems unlikely to happen, as everyone looks quite strong."

She looked around.

Then, she looked at Matthew with a generous smile.

"Give me two strings of beef, please."

Matthew quickly handed them over.

Samantha followed suit, stating, "Craig said exactly what I wanted to say. The last exploration of the insect nest was too dangerous, and I don't even remember what happened. But I owe you a great favor, along with the resonance of the Oak Domain, participating in this war is even hard to repay. Well, no need to hand it to me; I'll take it myself."

After speaking, she took the initiative to come over and help with the grilling.

Next was Lumiere.

As the future king of the Rainforest, he didn't say anything, just came over and gave Matthew a hug.

Whispering in Matthew's ear, he said, "When my tribe was in dire need of money, you gave me a large sum of money— I know you might say it was what I deserved. Even so, it was rare."

The outside world always seems to be full of prejudices against our tribe.

Many elders have wanted to leave the jungle.

But taking that step out is just too difficult.

Really, Matthew.

You've been a great help to me.

I know you wrote to me before wanting to continue helping me.

But I really feel bad about continuing to trouble you.

If I can help you this time, I'll be very happy.

Remember.

No matter who you go to war with.

I will always stand by your side."

He spoke very quickly, some words even mixed with the language of the Jango tribe, and Matthew could only grasp the general meaning.

But he noticed Lumiere's slightly blushing cheeks.

Realizing that this guy was also not good at expressing emotions.

So, he patted Lumiere's back.

Softly said:

"Thank you."

Lumiere grinned, and the tense and awkward atmosphere eased a lot, then he went to get some skewers to eat.

Finally.

Only Lorand was left.

When Matthew's gaze met his, the latter looked relaxed:

"Relax a bit. When I was young, I consulted a famous fortune teller."

"He said even if the world ends, I won't die."

"So, a mere war won't scare me at all."

Matthew curiously asked:

"What happened to that fortune teller?"

Lorand took out the emerald green flute from his waist, smiling:

"The day after he told my fortune, he was hit and killed by a runaway carriage."

Matthew fell silent.

Then he asked again:

"You've been saying that something big will happen near Rolling Stone Town or Highleaf, is the black dragon attack considered a big event?"

Lorand shook his head:

"Not really."

Matthew's expression tightened:

"So, there might be even more serious events later?"

Lorand said seriously:

"Frankly, I don't know. Bards can only pick up some clues, and our predictive abilities are far inferior to true fortune tellers."

"Even the most powerful fortune teller cannot determine the future's course."

"I can only tell you about some abnormal signs I've sensed."

"Rolling Stone Town still has the highest probability of a major event in the entire south."

"Highleaf comes next."

"As for how and when these things will happen, I only have a vague sense, and this feeling is not accurate."

"In the end."

"We are all ordinary people swept forward by the tide of fate."

"But you don't have to be so nervous."

"The outbreak of major events does not necessarily mean disaster, usually, it brings considerable opportunities."

"In the current situation in the south."

"Rolling Stone Town is relatively the best place."

"And besides."

"I'm here."

Saying that.

He gave Matthew a reassuring look, then put the flute to his lips and began playing a cheerful tune.

With Lorand's flute playing.

The whole forest seemed to come alive.

Lumiere took the lead in coming down and dancing.

Craig and Samantha didn't hold back either.

Only the elven spirit Emilia stood on the side, watching everyone dance with curiosity.

Matthew, after watching for a while, was about to join in the fun.

Who knew that at this moment.

A zombie climbed up the stairs below the passage.

Behind this zombie.

There were many of his kind and even more skeletons.

They followed the music played by Lorand, twisting their bodies and dancing gracefully.

In that moment.

It was as if the oak trees had all come to life, some swaying with the rhythm, some pointing and commenting on the dance of the undead.

Matthew ran to the graveyard for a look.

Goodness.

Lorand's flute sound spread throughout the entire underground space.

Seemingly infecting all living beings and undead with that cheerful mood.

On the data bar.

...

"Hint: Your companion Lorand played the legendary poem 'Midsummer Night's Love,' all units listening to the music gain +1 morale;

Willpower check significantly improved;

Peach Blossom Luck +1"

...

Soon.

The flying horses in the oak forest, the burrowing owls in the burrows, the pine chickens by the stream...

All creatures in the oak forest also became active.

The living and the undead.

Under the moonlight, amid the love poem, seemed to cast aside past prejudices and conflicts, harmoniously dancing together.

Matthew could feel the genuine joy from everyone's soul.

Except for the mother of toilers, Mo'sa'ki, who complained to him that even the toiler zombies weren't working properly under such wonderful music.

The rest of the units were very happy.

Even the arsonists in the workshop were more energetic when working!

So, Matthew also relaxed.

Immersed in the wonderful ocean of music with everyone else.

...

After a brief moment of joy.

The tense preparations for battle continued.

July 26th.

Reaga, representing Rolling Stone Town, officially submitted a battle application to the Seven Saints Alliance.

The target was Highleaf.

The war mode was "Conquest."

In theory, Conquest is a three-battle, two-win format, but everyone knows that the winner of the first battle can almost win them all.

According to the scout Zeller lurking in Highleaf, the Black Dragon Lord is sending people to collect war supplies door-to-door, including military weapons, various oils, wood, and iron tools.

Highleaf is almost a purely agricultural territory.

Rolling Stone Town barely has some textile industry.

In addition to producing food and cotton, Highleaf has only rich land resources and mountain reservoirs.

This news greatly boosted morale within Rolling Stone Town.

Because Reaga didn't need to collect supplies from the public much during the preparations; if something couldn't be bought on the market, he would issue a collection list to residents through the town hall.

The items on the list were traded at market prices.

So, overall, Rolling Stone Town's preparations for war were still optimistic.

Matthew didn't participate in the direct battlefield confrontation, nor did he get involved in the overall preparations of the main forces.

He mainly provided magical support and led the Dragon Slayer Squad in special operations.

But to support Reaga's newly established "Arson Team," Matthew provided a large amount of fire glue, incendiary bottles, and high-purity sulfur.

Many of the incendiary items were from his inventory.

Matthew wholesale sold them to Reaga at a price 20% below market value.

After this deal was concluded.

He received a payment of 120,000 gold coins in one go.

It can be seen.

Making money from war is indeed the fastest way!

In terms of price negotiation, neither of them were overly calculating.

The accounts had to be settled individually.

But for the common interests of Rolling Stone Town.

They were both willing to make some concessions.

For example, the negotiation result for the "Capital's Dragon Slayer Scroll" was—

Reaga paid 250,000 gold coins, Matthew paid 50,000 in cash, and Suirel provided a 300,000 interest-free loan.

The ownership of this scroll remained firmly in Matthew's hands.

In return.

Matthew had to make the following commitment: "This scroll must be used in the defense of Rolling Stone Town or related wars."

And as a reward.

Matthew will have the highest priority claim on the proceeds from slaying the dragon.

In other words, after converting the dragon's earnings into cash, the actual cost of Matthew (400,000) must be reimbursed first, followed by Reagan's earnings.

Considering the significance of dragon slaying, which can almost determine the course of the battle, Reagan willingly gave up the right to claim profits exceeding 600,000.

In other words,

If the slain dragon has a higher value, the surplus has nothing to do with Reagan.

Of course,

Both of them discussed the relevant terms with the aim of minimizing losses.

Especially,

To prevent Matthew from incurring losses, Reagan proposed that after the victory, Matthew and his dragon-slaying team would receive 15% of the tax revenue for the next 30 years from Highleaf.

This is a considerable amount.

When Reagan proposed it, even Matthew was shocked.

You see,

Reagan has to support an army of nearly 1,000 people.

And Matthew's dragon-slaying team currently consists of less than 10 people.

Being able to make such a decision

indicates his strong confidence in Matthew and the others' actions.

It further proves that Reagan's popularity is not without reason.

All of this is not an isolated case.

Launching a war involves too many vested interests, even between Matthew and Reagan, various economic relationships must be calculated one by one.

During the war:

- Rations expenses;

- Casualty subsidies;

- Additional subsidies and reward mechanisms;

- Costs incurred by the consumption of weapons and items;

- Depreciation costs of various large equipment...

All these factors needed to be meticulously calculated.

In summary, for a whole week at the end of July,

Various people, including Matthew, went in and out of the Lord's mansion's main hall.

Not to mention Zeller,

Even Reagan was almost smoking from being so busy.

However, all of this was sorted out before the end of July.

Being able to achieve such high administrative efficiency

is not only due to Reagan and Zeller's overtime efforts but also because of the significant contribution of Little Patton.

This guy is a former tax official, outstanding in calculation, and seems to be quite skilled in administrative work.

Many wartime economic contracts were drafted by him.

In comparison,

Matthew, as a spell advisor, gradually reduced his frequency of going to the main hall.

He mainly exploded in the cemetery.

Since reaching level 16, Matthew's maximum limit for a single summoning creature has increased to 480.

In other words,

He can summon up to 480 zombies plus 480 skeletons at most.

The number of undead in the cemetery is obviously not enough.

At this time,

The nearly 3,000 corpses that Matthew previously brought from the Golden Plains came in handy.

With the various blessings in the cemetery,

He tirelessly called the dead in the graveyard day and night.

Zombies and skeletons formed one after another.

The number of active undead in the cemetery almost doubled!

They will play a crucial role in the upcoming battle.

During this process,

Matthew also found that the newly summoned zombies had completely lost the "Silver Moon" effect.

This means the Moon Goddess's subtle alienation.

After the last divine event,

Matthew became more cautious towards her.

It seems she is too lazy to act now. Even when the only contact person between them, the owl Eira, came to help ripen the seeds, she didn't talk much with Matthew.

This indicates that she is only fulfilling her duty.

For a natural spirit like her, the will of the Moon Goddess is above everything.

Matthew can only express a little regret about this.

In comparison,

Samantha, another favored one of the Moon Goddess, seems much more normal.

She still joined Matthew's dragon-slaying team in her personal capacity.

Seemingly not hindered by the Moon Goddess.

However, in Samantha, Matthew also keenly noticed something unusual.

Since her arrival,

She seems to be always looking around.

A look of disappointment often appears on her face.

Matthew didn't understand what she was losing at first.

Until she started hinting about Eli's whereabouts, Matthew vaguely understood what was going on.

But looking at Eli, who is close to her and the female orc Craig,

Matthew was confused.

What's going on with these people?

Asking about Eli's whereabouts while hugging Craig,

It's like Matthew doesn't know why Eli didn't make it.

Otherwise, Matthew would feel embarrassed for them!

Time passed in this tense atmosphere.

July 28th.

Night.

In the workshop of the cemetery,

"Sizzle!"

A cold chill spread from Matthew's right hand.

Terrifying negative energy spread from the palm to the forearm, all the way to the elbow, and all the skin turned grayish-blue.

Looking at this scene,

Matthew's eyes showed satisfaction.

On the data panel,

...

"Hint: "Negative Energy Transformation" successful, your right hand (including the forearm) is now filled with negative energy! These parts have the following effects:

1. Palm (Pale Hand/Negative Energy Transformation): Instant Death Judgment/Vampiric Judgment

2. Forearm (Negative Energy Transformation/Physical Armor): When "Physical Armor" is activated, your forearm will be filled with negative energy and gain 18 points of "Innate Armor."

3. Right hand (Overall): You have gained localized strength equivalent to 18 points of overall strength.

Negative effects:

In a state of negative energy saturation, your right hand will have difficulty in performing fine operations, such as writing, transcribing scrolls, casting mage spells, etc."

...

The first round of negative energy transformation was quite successful.

Since his right hand was already solidified with the "Pale Hand," many negative effects could be ignored.

Usually, just wear a leather glove.

And the "Physical Armor" provided by the forearm is quite powerful.

It turned Matthew's forearm into an iron hand!

18 points of innate armor can be compared to the second form of Agus's Shield of the Odd Mountain.

Especially for a mage, it's a god-like attribute.

In theory, as long as his hand speed is fast enough, he can easily pluck arrows barehanded.

But at this stage,

Matthew's attempts have not ended yet.

Taking advantage of the fact that the negative energy in his right hand has not yet dissipated, he slowly activated the Oak Domain.

The next moment,

A huge surge of life energy involuntarily gushed out from the domain.

Ruthlessly pouring into Matthew's right hand!

...

"Warning: Your right hand has been damaged. Do you want to use the 'Oak Domain' for healing?"

...

Matthew pondered for a moment.

Chose "Yes."

The inspired life energy rushed into Matthew's palm, and the previously injected negative energy resisted slightly and quickly withdrew.

In the end,

Except for a small black dot in the center of his right hand's arm,

Everywhere else was occupied by life energy.

Matthew shook his right hand, realizing it had returned to its original state, and even the effect of the Pale Hand was deprived!

...

"Warning: Your right hand has been treated with the life field, losing the characteristics of negative energy. Do you want to activate the 'Undead Domain' for repair?"

...

Matthew pondered for a moment.

In the end, he decided to take a bold step.

First, he opened the Balance Domain, ensuring sufficient focus, and then proceeded to open the Undead Domain.

Suddenly.

Negative energy began to counterattack.

Matthew could only see his right hand alternating between gray and green.

Both sides engaged in rounds of intense confrontation.

At the most critical moment.

Matthew's hand back turned as black as charcoal, while the palm flowed with a green substance, creating a stark contrast.

Fortunately, the Balance Domain ultimately played its role.

Under the coordination of the Balance Domain.

The life energy and negative energy preliminarily reached an agreement to alternate control of the right hand.

Ten minutes later.

Matthew's hand returned to its normal skin color.

But on the back of his hand.

A domain map composed of three commas appeared prominently!

Oak, Undead, Balance.

The three balanced each other.

Achieving a temporary unity.

On the data panel.

...

"Hint: You have preliminarily coordinated the conflict between life energy and negative energy, gaining a new ability, the 'Hand of Balance'!

The Hand of Balance has two forms:

1. Pale Hand (when using the Pale Hand, you will consume negative energy, releasing instant death and vampiric effects externally, while proportionally converting life energy)

2. Healing Hand (when using the Healing Hand, you will consume life energy, continuously outputting healing effects externally, while proportionally converting negative energy)

Your balance element +20!

You have earned 1 practical point (Path of Legends)!

Warning: Due to the lack of the 'Domain Covenant,' the balance effect of the current Hand of Balance is difficult to maintain for an extended period. Please complete the writing of the 'Domain Covenant' within 360 days."

...

Done!

Matthew marveled at his right hand.

At this moment.

He could feel the powerful negative and life energy attached to the same hand.

The originally conflicting two energies merged perfectly.

With just a thought from Matthew.

He could freely switch between the Pale Hand and the Healing Hand.

And if he chose to suppress the domain power.

The displayed result would be the normal state of the 'Hand of Balance.'

The Hand of Balance had no special features.

Just a bit stronger than normal.

Aside from that.

Matthew noticed that the drawback of the Hand of Balance was that it tended to make him sweaty and oily.

Not a big issue.

Just prepare a few more handkerchiefs.

"360 days should be enough for me to find materials that can bear the Domain Covenant, right?"

"By then, coordinating the right hand and the ritual site successively, my path of legends can take a big step forward!"

Satisfied, Matthew thought.

At this moment, Peggy suddenly walked in.

She said, somewhat displeased:

"Matthew, you haven't called me for a fight lately. Do you think my combat power is dragging you down?"

"I want you to understand that I am the number one fighter under you!"

"In this upcoming battle, you must let me participate!"

Matthew looked her up and down and suddenly asked:

"Leveled up?"

Peggy excitedly said:

"Yes!"

"On the day the Black Dragon attacked Rolling Stone Town, I suddenly jumped to level 17!"

"Although I don't know why, I'm now a Tier 5 powerhouse!"

Level 17.

Just one level higher than Matthew.

Matthew suspected if Peggy had some strange settings on her.

The reason he didn't let Peggy join the fight was actually out of a protective mentality.

Last time Peggy fought, she lost quite a few bones.

Matthew felt quite sorry about it.

But seeing her high spirits, Matthew couldn't dampen her enthusiasm:

"Don't worry, I will definitely bring you along in this battle, and I'll also assign you some challenging tasks."

Peggy was suddenly overjoyed:

"Really?"

"Then I'll aim for ten kills!"

Matthew smiled somewhat guiltily.

Cooking for the large army should be considered a challenging task, right?

Deep down, he truly didn't want anyone around him to appear on the battlefield.

If possible, peace was Matthew's greatest wish.

Unfortunately, on the road to peace.

It was destined to be full of obstacles.

...

The next evening.

Outside the official inn of Rolling Stone Town, people were bustling, and the place was busy.

Today is Sivan's birthday.

It's also the time for her coming-of-age ceremony.

Matthew arrived early at the venue in the inn, his gaze sweeping back and forth among the visiting guests.

Not long after.

Little Patton, who had been busy in the venue for most of the day, came to Matthew.

Matthew asked in a low voice:

"How is it?"

"Did you tell Reaga?"

"How did he react?"

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