This Necromancer Just Wants to Plant Trees - Chapter 200

Chapter 200: Above the Masses

The scene before them was truly horrifying.

Aside from their ghastly appearance, Matthew sensed an unnerving, chilling aura emanating from the dried corpses—it wasn't a natural coldness but a power from higher realms.

Confronting Isabelle's icy gaze, Matthew hastily spoke, "It's not that I'm unwilling. I just don't understand why."

Isabelle's desolate gaze, tinted with terror, fluttered over her withered cheeks and pallid eyes. "He betrayed me, imprisoned me! Most importantly, he betrayed the Alliance, betrayed Yin!"

"The primary aim of the Seven Saints Alliance was to exile the gods, safeguard the world. Yet he, along with those supporters behind him, chose to collaborate with the gods. They are all traitors!"

"Traitors deserve death!"

Matthew was taken aback, a chill running down his spine. He knew Yin referred to the Cataclysmic Mage—seemingly, Isabelle was the only one in the Alliance who dared to call that legendary being by its true name.

There had always been tension between Eckmonde and Isabelle, a feeling Matthew had sensed before. But he hadn't anticipated it to be this severe.

Isabelle's surging intent to kill and resentment were undeniably genuine; she had been holding back.

Matthew had no doubt that if he refused Isabelle's request, she would undoubtedly kill him! So, he quietly acquiesced, "I understand. For me, I'll always stand by your side."

Isabelle's resentment eased slightly. She cocked her head, observing Matthew, "You're clever and discerning. However, I must warn you, Eckmonde is just one of the betrayers in my words. There are many more behind him—Fei Capital, Suerel, and that enigmatic fellow."

"I'm well aware I have no choice," Matthew replied. Isabelle chuckled, "You indeed have no choice. I'm just preparing you psychologically. Once you're on my side, it won't be easy to step off my ship."

"But don't worry too much. Though Eckmonde is responsible for guarding me, he can't harm me. As for my current state, it's self-inflicted—I've mentioned this to you before."

"Our world has long perished. Only by letting ourselves perish can we see the truth of this world. So, Matthew, are you willing to see the truth of this world?"

Matthew pondered for a moment. Despite his calm exterior, the pressure within him was at its peak. In an instant, he found a way to respond, "I am willing. However, the idea that one needs to perish to see the truth—I'd prefer to make that judgment myself. I wish to perceive this world through my own eyes. And discussing the essence of the world at my current level seems premature. I hope to decide after obtaining powerful abilities. At least, wouldn't that be legendary?"

After saying this, Matthew was somewhat anxious inside. Isabelle, with her shriveled smile, remarked, "Very good, a cunning delaying tactic. It shows loyalty to me while politely declining. You're far more polished than Ronan was. But in terms of scheming, you're not as adept as Blorken. You're the middle ground between the two. Let's hope you're not just mediocre."

Matthew forced a smile, feeling a sense of relief. However, upon deeper thought, he realized Isabelle might not transform herself into the same state as before in the short term. She might need to cultivate her own power to confront Eckmonde. Until then, remaining hidden from the Mage Lord's notice was paramount.

Legendary strongholds were all astute; each statement seemed to convey one intention while aiming for another destination.

Matthew wasn't sure if his response had completely satisfied Isabelle, yet her demeanor swiftly shifted. The pervasive gloom and darkness dissipated.

Isabelle transformed from a desiccated corpse into an extraordinarily beautiful woman. Her lips were rosy, her skin pure white, and her bright eyes were enchanting—no trace of the horror and eerie feeling from moments ago.

"I'm not much interested in lower-tier spells. I had intended to teach you after you became legendary, but since you've already reached the Fourth Tier, I'll give you a hint," Isabelle lazily stated.

"Remember, the true source of immortality isn't in the Underworld but in the Rootless River."

"The Rootless River is elusive, impossible to locate. Only one person from the Alliance has ventured there—the Archmage Lind."

Matthew recalled this name. Margaret had introduced him once—a member of the Three Skyward Mages, possessing Archmage powers, yet confined to the Star Realms due to an intellectual puzzle, enduring the onslaught of starlight.

"When you grow stronger, you can go to the Star Realms and seek guidance from Lind about the Rootless River. Lind is neutral; he'll grant me that favor," Isabelle said.

Matthew nodded, then curiously asked, "Since Mr. Lind has been guarding the Star Realms, why hasn't the power of the Seven Saints Alliance ever touched the outer planes?"

His mindset was particularly open now—after all, already aboard the thief's ship, what harm would a few more questions do?

Isabelle glanced at him and replied blandly, "The forces in the outer planes are much stronger than you imagine, and the complexities are beyond measure, hard to balance."

"Although the Seven Saints Alliance appears strong, as you've seen, internal conflicts are not few. It's not that we don't want to meddle in the outer planes; it's that we can't."

"In essence, the outer planes belong to the old powers of the gods. As long as the gods aren't extinct, being in the primary material realm is akin to a bird in a cage, unable to soar."

Matthew nodded, grasping the gist, albeit not entirely.

Isabel's words today touched on the enigmatic higher-ups in the alliance. Eckmonde had repeatedly tried to recruit Matthew, hinting that Isabel was insane.

The struggle between them was intense. Setting that aside, Matthew sensed a source of their disagreement: their stance on the gods. Isabel seemed to be the radical faction, advocating for the annihilation of the gods, while Eckmonde took a conservative approach, advocating cooperation with them.

Matthew doubted Eckmonde was completely a puppet of the gods, especially given what Suerel had shared about him. Legendary mages, especially the powerful ones, had their principles. Eckmonde, being a mage, was deeply tied to interests and the alliance.

What advantage did the gods' resurgence hold for him? Matthew wouldn't vilify Eckmonde solely based on Isabel's words. He was cautious, knowing the tale spun.

Still, he played along.

When he restated his determination to Isabel, she didn't confirm or deny. After a while, weariness clouded Isabel's face:

"As for the dragon slaughter you mentioned, I'll ask Suerel to assist you—I'll inform her. She's adept in this, having a fondness for dragons."

Thinking Isabel was jesting, Matthew politely responded, "You have quite the sense of humor."

To his surprise, Isabel glared, "I'm not joking. Suerel has faced many dragons. With her prowess, even the mightiest succumbed, some perishing on the spot. Wonder how she earned the title of 'Dragon Widow'?"

Stunned, Matthew froze. After a while, he left the stargazing cabin, only to find a hefty coffee-colored cat awaiting him at the door. It was Agi, the cat who'd entertained him in Suerel's crystal palace earlier.

"Mr. Matthew, Miss Suerel requests your presence."

Agi seemed more welcoming this time. Matthew followed, perplexed. Were communications between god mages this seamless? Isabel mentioned informing Suerel, and now he was greeted?

Matthew's doubts about Isabel's imprisonment grew. If not for Isabel's profound resentment exhibited while inanimate, he'd suspect a ruse.

Back in the meeting room, Suerel wore a light green casual outfit, exuding warmth and familiarity, like a neighborly aunt. Their dispositions differed greatly: Matthew tiptoed around Isabel, fearing disturbance; Suerel felt approachable, even fostering dependency. However, Matthew knew better. Someone on par with Isabel, even if amiable, demanded respect.

"It seems Isabel hasn't entirely forsaken you, has she?" Suerel offered a cup of coffee with a pleasant smile. Matthew, reserved, smiled back. Suerel continued, "Although Isabel rarely seeks help from me, she once asked for aid for Brorken. Unfortunately, he's quite headstrong and didn't heed my advice."

Matthew was curious about Brorken's visits to Suerel but was interrupted. Suerel suddenly focused on him, saying, "Did she propose a deal with you?" At that moment, tension gripped Matthew. He vehemently shook his head. A gentle yet suffocating pressure settled on his shoulders.

Suerel gestured, and it felt like a finger lifted Matthew's chin, forcing eye contact. She smiled and said, "You're lying. Let me guess, she asked you to assist in Eckmonde's demise?"

Matthew remained silent, resolute. Suerel released him, choosing not to press further.

She reminisced, "Eckmonde is likely her most hated, maybe top five for me too. Despite initiating the imprisonment plan, I supported him. Outside the Seven Saints, if we needed a mage to lead, I'd pick him. He might not be good, but he'd be a competent leader."

"Do you know the essential quality of a good leader?"

Matthew blinked, clueless.

Suerel smiled gently, continuing, "It's the art of compromise."

"Isolating Isabelle was the Alliance's compromise with the gods. Back then, the Alliance was shaky, ravaged by natural disasters in the primary material plane and turmoil in the outer planes.

Isabelle, as one of the leaders, never understood compromise. She deemed herself the one to hold firm, but lacked the strength for it. So, she became the one compromised. A radical individual, unable to fathom our actions. She consumed chaotic mysteries, transforming herself into a godly witch.

Yet, she could do so. Don't try to emulate her, for she retains the power to revert, a power you lack. Her two witch apprentices who followed her back then? They vanished long ago."

Suerel shared this with a smile, but Matthew caught the heavy warning beneath her words. Her implication was clear—collaborating with Isabelle meant facing obliteration.

Matthew bowed his head deeply, then raised it to meet Suerel's gaze. "I'll make decisions guided by my own conscience."

Suerel smiled. "May your conscience steer you right."

"But Isabelle's thoughts have a certain validity," she continued. "Once accustomed to compromise, some never regain their firmness. If sacrificing a few for personal gain becomes a norm, who'd fight to the death? Those sacrificed never get a voice on a higher stage. Their plight means little to those above.

We're sorcerers, legends, wielding powers they can't comprehend. We console ourselves saying it's not compromise, just better trades."

Her tone carried self-deprecation as she spoke. Matthew felt lost, failing to grasp Suerel's stance. He initially thought her akin to Eckmonde, conservative like him, but now, she seemed to acknowledge some of Isabelle's ideology.

He sighed. "These concepts feel distant to me. I'm not much different from the masses. I can't perceive their perspectives or breadth, just a lowly mage."

Suerel's eyes flickered at his words. "Not just a mage. Neither Ronan nor Isabelle would take an interest in an ordinary person."

"Those spells I helped you with—are they something an average person enjoys?" she continued. "Isabelle marked you. I followed suit to avoid her ire, hence charging you."

Matthew was astounded. Suerel's words hinted at a strong understanding between her and Isabelle. They called each other friends but were more like plastic sisters in reality, maintaining an unspoken understanding. Was it necessary to complicate things this way?

Just as Matthew was lost in confusion, Suerel clarified further. "Isabelle had you meet me to signal her goodwill. She wants us to unite against the Nameless Sorcerer. Do you know about him? He, I, Isabelle, and Lind are the four known sorcerers in the Alliance. I took Isabelle's place after she left the Alliance. She's not technically part of it now, but her influence remains strong. Her biggest adversary is the supporter behind Eckmonde, the Nameless Sorcerer, a descendant of Yin with differing beliefs from Isabelle's. He's enigmatic, almost unknown within the Alliance—a true nameless entity and Isabelle's primary foe."

"Don't delve too deep into him," Suerel advised. "You're still weak. The high stakes of power games hold peril for you."

"However," she continued, "don't fret too much. While sorcerers' games are perilous, we are more magnanimous than you think."

"In simple terms, Isabelle brought you to me for one reason—to aid her in defeating Eckmonde. It's symbolic, a gesture for your loyalty. Her pride stops her from seeking my help directly, yet I'm the only one who can assist her in the Alliance. You're just a conduit for her goodwill."

She remarked ironically, "She's a stubborn old lady. I, on the other hand, am a business person, flexible for profit and gain."

Suerel's smile was truly soothing, momentarily lifting Matthew's gloom. He knew it was a spell's effect. After a pause, he asked, "Would you accept her goodwill?"

"I'm a business person," Suerel replied, blinking. "I excel at hedging my bets. I won't refuse Isabelle, I'll assist you as much as possible, but I won't lay a hand on Eckmonde. Similarly, I won't stand idly if the Nameless Sorcerer targets Isabelle further."

"I believe the Alliance needs her, just as the world needs its gods."

Matthew pondered deeply. Suerel's words offered clarity amid the haze. He couldn't grasp the bigger picture, but it fueled his desire to grow stronger.

After a moment, they finally discussed the purpose of Matthew's visit—dragon slaying.

"Dragon slaying is quite straightforward. I noticed you've earned some money again. If I lend you a bit more, you'll be able to use the capital-intensive Dragon Slayer Spear."

Suerel spoke confidently, "For the sake of my best friend, I can directly hand you the scroll, but the price will be higher. The scroll for the Dragon Slayer Spear costs six hundred thousand.

"Your territory seems to face the threat of two dragons, right? If you can muster more money to buy two scrolls at once, wouldn't that solve the issue directly? It might cost a sum, but those two dragons surely amassed quite a wealth from the people."

"If you take them down, you might not necessarily break even, but you won't incur much loss either."

Matthew looked troubled, "I'm not exactly well-off and borrowing too much isn't convenient."

Suerel's expression turned cold, "So, are you looking for a freebie?"

"I could purchase a 'Capital-Intensive Dragon Slayer Spear' scroll. Um, how much could I borrow from you?" Matthew asked cautiously.

Suerel raised three fingers, "For the sake of my best friend, I can offer you a no-interest loan of three hundred thousand gold coins. More is possible, but then interest will be included."

Matthew gritted his teeth, "Then I'll take a loan of three hundred thousand for now, and I'll manage the rest somehow."

Snap! Suerel chuckled as she directly placed a scroll for the Capital-Intensive Dragon Slayer Spear in front of him.

Matthew carefully stashed away the scroll, feeling a bit anxious inside. "Can Rhaegar reimburse this?"

Truth be told, once he held the scroll, his inner turmoil eased significantly. It was the sense of security that strength brought.

Immediately, Matthew inquired, "Besides the Dragon Slayer series spells, do you have any other insights?"

Suerel gave him an annoyed look, "Insights, of course. How much are you planning to spend?"

Matthew wore a troubled expression, "I'm not exactly well-off..."

Suerel interrupted him directly, "If you're short on cash, you can make it up with favors."

"I'll give you my insights into dragon slaying, but in return, within the next twenty years, you must complete a task for me. I haven't decided on the specifics, but it won't surpass your capabilities too much."

Debts didn't worry Matthew much. He was already entangled with Isabelle; would it hurt to tie a bit more with Suerel? So, he promptly agreed.

The next moment, Suerel fetched a thick book from the nearby shelf and handed it to Matthew. Written on it were a few words—'Suerel's Recipes: Dragon Edition.'

Flipping through a few pages hastily, Matthew raised his eyebrows, "You slayed dragons just for culinary cravings?"

Suerel casually adjusted her hair, "And what else?"

"Isabelle already raided the dragon's lairs before me; do you think I'm unaware?" Matthew smirked.

"Hehe... the taste of dragons is indeed exquisite," she smiled warmly, yet Matthew sensed a devilish aura within it.

With the weighty book in his arms, Matthew intended to leave. Just before parting, he found the chance to ask Suerel, "Do you know how Margaret is doing?"

Suerel calmly responded, "Not dead yet. She's floating in the Blood River. Are you quite concerned about her?"

"You're not getting involved with her romantically, are you? If she accidentally dies in the purgatory, her debts will fall on you," she teased.

Matthew, scared out of his wits, hurriedly shook his head, "Margaret and I are just friends!"

Suerel chuckled, "Men are unreliable. Margaret is such a good person; what's wrong with paying off a bit of her debt for her?"

Was it just a bit of debt?

Matthew left the Crystal Palace, drenched in sweat.

Later, past noon, he arrived in the Oak Forest planning to plant some trees. But at that moment, a deafening sound echoed from the sky.

The intense noise resembled a falling meteor. Matthew glanced up to witness a pale blue flame hurtling rapidly towards the Oak Forest.

It seemed aimed at him!

In an instant, alarms blared in Matthew's mind. On his data panel...

"Warning: You've encountered a Cloud Elf Drop Pod!"

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