This Necromancer Just Wants to Plant Trees - Chapter 188

Chapter 188: Observers and the Debt Ring

Visiting realms is quite a fascinating affair. Even though Matthew has traveled through many realms, summarizing their commonalities remains a challenge.

Some realms are fervent and lively, while others are as cold as icebergs. Moreover, in terms of visitation speed and exploration depth, realms vary significantly.

Some realms have a mild temperament, allowing Matthew to choose when to enter, like the newly opened "Necromancy Spells" realm where he's still lingering outside. Conversely, there are realms that impatiently drag people in without a moment's notice.

The "Contract" realm represents this latter category.

Matthew not only enters quickly but exits just as swiftly. In the blink of an eye, his mind is filled with a plethora of knowledge about contracts. Furthermore, his sensitivity to contractual rules has increased manyfold.

Apart from this, there isn't much else that stands out. His attention returns to the three options in front of him.

With three choices narrowed down to two, matters become simpler. Primarily, acquiring the "Supremacy of Contracts" is imperative as it significantly expands the contractual realm's effectiveness in the main material world. With it, Matthew can rely on the contractual realm to achieve undisclosed objectives.

Of course, Matthew, having a profound understanding of the rules within the contractual realm, knows that "contracts above all" is itself a lie. Contracts inherently have numerous loopholes. The idea that they reign supreme is pure nonsense.

It's a well-known fact that devils are masters of manipulating wording. When making contracts with humans, they often lay traps in inconspicuous corners, leading the signer into an irreversible pitfall.

Due to the abundance of such cases, people have developed a stereotypical image of devils—those malevolent beings from the inferno always appearing in their imagination as suave gentlemen, as if devils only engage in calm discussions about contracts and deals.

However, this perception is utterly mistaken.

Devils only engage in calm negotiations and contracts with the powerful. When facing the weak, they mercilessly reveal their most ferocious nature, swiftly devouring them.

In terms of bullying the weak, devils aren't any different from their neighboring demon counterparts. Contracts are just one tool among many in a devil's arsenal.

Because of this understanding, Matthew's extrapolation in handling the situation earns him recognition from Bato, the Lord of the Nine Hells.

Among the remaining two abilities, Matthew swiftly chooses the "Tyrant's Covenant." This ability effectively strengthens the power of contracts and carries a certain coercive effect, especially suitable for dealings with infernal creatures.

Matthew enjoys wielding authority.

As for the "Concept Exchange," even without this ability, Matthew could attempt such maneuvers. The ability merely enhances the fail-safe effects of contracts, falling slightly short compared to the coercive power of the "Tyrant's Covenant," so he discards it in the end.

After a quick decision-making process, just as Matthew is about to redirect his attention to reality, a gentle force beckons him.

It seems to invite him to delve deeper.

Prompt: "You have officially entered the 'Contract' realm, with exploration depth equivalent to 2. Bato's consciousness invites you to explore the deeper layers of the realm!"

Without hesitation, Matthew chooses to decline. No need to be overly courteous; there's often a hidden agenda. While the contractual realm might seem clean after the Disaster Mage's perusal, who knows what traps Bato might have set in its deeper layers? After all, the Lord of the Nine Hells is, in some ways, more potent than the gods themselves.

Matthew genuinely wants to avoid dealings with these top-tier figures.

However, as soon as he declines, a subtle gaze locks onto him.

"Bato's gaze remains fixed on you!"

"Damn it!"

"Wasn't he sealed under the Bridge of Sentients by the Disaster Mage? How is he watching me?"

Matthew feels a chill down his spine.

At this moment, Margaret astutely notices his unease.

She asks in surprise, "Did you just enter a realm?"

Matthew hesitates and nods.

Incredulously, Margaret asks, "Just because of that action?"

"What realm did you enter—Coercion or Duress?" she inquires.

Truthfully, Matthew replies, "Contract."

Margaret exclaims, "Why wasn't I brought in?!"

"Even though your contract was meticulously written by me!"

"Very annoyed!"

Matthew coughs, offering a feeble comfort, "Maybe you're too important..."

Margaret falls silent, her large eyes suspiciously fixed on Matthew, cheeks puffed up.

If she knew he could enter the Necromancy Spells realm at any moment, she'd probably explode in anger.

A dangerous thought flashes through Matthew's mind.

Immediately, he shares his predicament:

"Entering this realm might not be a good thing. It seems I've drawn the attention of the Lord of the Nine Hells, even though I declined further exploration. His gaze remains fixed on me."

"Is there a way to progress further?" Margaret's eyes widen.

Matthew smiles wryly. It seems she's overly fixated on the realm-related topics in their conversation.

At that moment, he quietly senses the ethereal gaze. However, the presence of the white mist continually disrupts his perception. Matthew can't discern the direction from which the gaze emanates; it feels like Bato's scrutiny surrounds him from all sides, no matter where he moves.

This is highly unusual.

Matthew gestures to Margaret, indicating for her to protect him, while he hastily closes his eyes.

Buzz!

Silent ripples emanate from Matthew, centered around him. In that instant, the mist in the tomb chamber sways.

"Prompt: You've activated the 'Tomb' realm! Detection reveals a perfect match between the realm and the current environment. You've temporarily gained terrain bonuses based on the Tomb realm:

1. Perception +2

2. Movement speed increased by 30%

3. Slight improvement in all judgments related to 'movement.'

4. Your ability 'Phase Walk' has significantly enhanced effects:

- Can phase through walls or obstacles up to 3 meters thick (previously 1.5 meters).

- Movement speed while phasing through walls is two-thirds of normal speed (previously one-third).

- If disturbed by insects or attacked while phasing through walls, the process halts, and you reappear intact at the starting point.

Your Perception (+2) detects the 'Observer's Painting'!"

...

Matthew suddenly opened his eyes.

Enhanced by the Grave Domain, his control over everything around him had significantly increased.

At this moment, they were in the passageway leading to various large chambers and sacrificial sites.

Three meters to his left, there hung a painting with an eerie style.

Matthew strode over swiftly.

The painting depicted a massive eyeball with a gaping maw filled with sharp teeth below it.

Behind the eyeball were four robust eyestalks, each ending in smaller eyeballs.

This was an "Observer Eye Fiend."

Matthew understood that the eye fiend in the painting was the source of the haunting gaze.

He tried to remove the painting from the wall.

The observer in the painting remained still, as if it were just a piece of art.

Just as Matthew was about to touch the painting's surface, Margaret, who had followed, abruptly thrust her hand in!

Snap!

She seized the observer eye fiend from the painting, causing it to shriek as Margaret pulled it out!

The greenish devil struggled wildly in Margaret's grasp.

Viscous fluid coated her wrist.

Matthew glanced down.

The landscape in the painting remained, but the observer within it was now missing.

"Snooping isn't very dignified."

"You're not the Blood Flag Clan's informant... Hmm, are you working for Bato?" Margaret interrogated the observer in her hand.

However, the creature remained indifferent, only making hoarse sounds while baring its teeth and claws:

"Release me!"

"Otherwise, the Nine Hells shall offer no sanctuary to you lot!"

Margaret displayed a fearful expression.

"Okay."

Then, veins on her arm suddenly bulged.

Snap!

Her fingers exerted force.

She gruesomely crushed the observer eye fiend!

"Notification: Your companion Margaret killed the 'Observer Eye Fiend.'

You are no longer under Bato's scrutiny;

Your and your partner's Purgatory favor -1;

You have obtained the corpse of an 'Observer Eye Fiend.' Do you wish to summon it as a brand-new undead?"

Matthew chose not to.

He stuffed the eye fiend's corpse back into the painting, covered the frame with a shroud, ensured Margaret's disinterest, and stashed it in their bag.

The current schedule was too rushed; they'd savor these acquired corpses later!

"In the Blood Flag Clan's cemetery, Bato's informants are appearing. How are you guarding the gates?" Margaret questioned the undead guard that Matthew had just contracted.

The latter looked bewildered:

"I don't know when it got in."

Matthew, curious, asked:

"How much do you know about Bato?"

Margaret pondered:

"Not much. At the level of the Lords of Purgatory, knowledge regarding them becomes exceedingly expensive, considering the protection of the weak within it.

I only know Bato as the Eye Fiend Sovereign, always depicted as a one-eyed being, yet in truth, it possesses a hundred million eyes.

They say each eye represents a life.

Thus, Bato is unkillable.

There are records from the Enlightenment era of clashes between gods and Bato, but almost every time, Bato managed to retreat as a victor.

Some say its hundred million eyes can see everything across past, present, and future timelines.

But what I wonder is...

Before the Cataclysmic Mage arrived,

Did it foresee itself being brutally beaten?"

Matthew smiled knowingly.

The Cataclysmic Mage was indeed the pride of the Alliance.

Her record of universal conquest was too astonishing. Even years later, although the younger generation hadn't seen her in person, her feats made them less reverent towards the once exalted beings.

Almost a hint of disdain.

That's human nature.

When you're unbeatable, everyone believes you're invincible.

But the moment you lose...

It sends a powerful message to the world:

You can be defeated.

Once there's a first time, there will be a second.

Based on this psychology, the Alliance's mages treated the gods of the Pantheon and the Lords of Purgatory equally.

It was like saying, "I know you're impressive, but not that impressive."

After this brief interlude, the two continued onward.

The undead guard led the way stealthily.

After activating the Grave Domain, Matthew felt a significant reduction in the previously tense atmosphere.

Perhaps the tension stemmed from the unknown.

After all, their perception had been severely weakened. It was akin to a blind person exploring an unfamiliar place, where the pressure inherently amplified.

Fifteen minutes later.

They silently traversed the corridors and an underground hall of uncertain purpose.

According to the map,

The sacrificial site was just a step away.

It was much smoother than they had anticipated.

There were very few undead guards in the underground chambers, and the traps, though present, were relatively easy to detect.

Margaret didn't disarm the traps; they chose to bypass them.

However, the reason for their smooth progress here was primarily Rhaegar's map.

Without the contribution of this filial grandson, Matthew and the others wouldn't have had such an easy time.

Ahead was the grand gate leading to the sacrificial site.

It was a magnificent stone door, about seven to eight meters tall, with an indiscernible thickness, but certainly robust.

Margaret took a step forward.

She silently read the inscription on the door:

"This is the Blood Flag Sacrificial Site and also where treasures lay covered in dust."

"For those who come later and wish to enter, lightly knock the door thrice."

Seemingly no traps.

After several spell-based checks,

Margaret signaled for Matthew to step back a few paces.

Then, she gently tapped the stone door.

The door remained still.

But the space before them suddenly distorted.

A creature with the body of a lion and the face of a human abruptly appeared before them.

The creature, upon seeing them, coldly inquired:

"Amongst you, who shall answer my query?"

Margaret's eyes lit up:

"Sphinx?"

Matthew had heard of these legendary guardians commonly found in dungeons, tombs, or mazes.

Each Sphinx possessed at least quasi-legendary prowess, controlling a bit of temporal power, a peculiar race abiding by undisclosed promises while traversing through timelines.

Sphinxes moved between timelines, upholding unknown pledges.

Only a few powerful beings can form contracts with sphinxes to guard their treasures.

Those who covet these treasures have only two choices when facing a sphinx.

They can either answer the sphinx's question; a correct answer will grant them passage.

An incorrect answer will lead to the sphinx hunting them down to death.

Of course, there's also the option of not answering the question and leaving on the spot.

Most sphinxes are relatively easy to deal with and are willing to forgive those who repent.

However, if you happen to encounter one of the few irritable sphinxes, you might have to bravely answer the questions.

Of course, there's another option here: defeat it outright.

Matthew glanced at Margaret.

Well, she seemed ready for action.

Was a reward of 4.6 million really enough to boost someone's confidence like this?

He gently pulled Margaret aside.

"How about I go answer first?"

Margaret thought for a moment and agreed.

So Matthew approached the sphinx.

"I'll answer, go ahead and ask."

The sphinx silently stared at Matthew, contemplating for about three minutes, then suddenly spoke:

"If you're a devout believer and an unbeliever asks you this question—do you believe that your deity is omnipotent?

If it is omnipotent, can your deity create something that can defeat itself?

What would your response be?"

If one is a devout believer, then they undoubtedly believe their deity is omnipotent.

So answering this question seems to lead into the paradox of whether a deity can create something to defeat itself.

Margaret furrowed her brows in immediate contemplation.

The sphinx spoke gently:

"I know this question is quite challenging, so I'll give you thirty minutes. In that time, you can use all your resources or connections to seek an answer to the question."

"After thirty minutes, I will kill you."

Matthew looked around.

"We won't need thirty minutes."

The sphinx looked at him indifferently.

"Oh, really? Let's hear it."

He seemed somewhat unimpressed with Matthew's potential answer.

But the next moment, Matthew replied:

"I would immediately kill him!"

The sphinx looked surprised.

"You... but your action isn't rational or wise. It doesn't solve the problem."

Matthew innocently shrugged:

"You've already assumed I'm a devout believer. Is it fair to ask for rationality in such a scenario?"

"When unable to solve the problem, dealing with the person posing the question is a last resort."

The sphinx struggled with its expression.

"Although reluctantly, your answer is logically sound."

"Damn it, if only I knew this method earlier. I could have perfectly countered that human who asked me this question before!"

Matthew sighed in relief:

"So, can we go in now?"

The sphinx gave him a deep look:

"You necromancers always manage to surprise me. Go ahead, but you two can only take one item each, and then leave immediately. If I find out you've taken more, I'll pursue you to the ends of the earth."

With that said, the stone door slowly opened.

A pungent dust wafted out.

Matthew didn't rush in.

He looked at the sphinx with interest:

"Can I answer a few more questions? I mean, for each question I answer, can I take an extra item?"

The sphinx coldly replied:

"No."

Matthew seemed regretful but then asked:

"Who do you work for?"

"The Blood Flag Clan arranged this sacrificial space. It was meant for storing burial offerings. Why is there a sphinx here?"

The sphinx quickly responded:

"Sphinxes enjoy asking questions, not answering them. But given your peculiar thinking, I'll share a bit of information with you: we sphinxes only come to guard the most powerful treasures."

"So, hurry in. Remember, you can only choose one item, and you have only fifteen minutes for selection."

The two exchanged glances and briskly entered the stone door.

Behind the door was a large room.

On all sides of the room were rows of glass display cases.

With the light of mage flames illuminating, the glass cases reflected a bright, dazzling gloss.

Just as Matthew described earlier, this sacrificial space didn't feel like a burial ground for offerings.

It more resembled a large treasure collection room.

The two walked among the display cases.

They could clearly see the style and appearance of each accompanying item.

However, a powerful force blocked their perception from delving any deeper.

Even Matthew's Graveyard domain couldn't extend further.

...

"Tip: You sense that all items in the sacrificial space are under the constant legendary spell 'Dust-Enshrouded Radiance.'"

Dust-Enshrouded Radiance: A spell that maintains the original appearance of all treasures, preventing the sensing of magical fluctuations or additional historical information. Everything can only be observed with the naked eye and perceived through intuition.

...

Damn.

All items here are enchanted with a constant legendary spell.

Rega didn't mention this.

Walking in the sacrificial space, Matthew felt like he was in the treasure vault of a legendary mage.

This sensation was too strong.

It even made him suspect that one of Rega's ancestors transformed into a lich and managed the graveyard like this.

Initially worried about not finding what Sif wanted, Matthew soon realized his concerns were unfounded.

In the northeast corner of the display cases, Matthew spotted something resembling a trophy.

It was cast entirely in bronze, filled with thick, coagulated blood.

The blood occasionally oozed out, flowing over the cup and making a rustling sound.

Just one glance gave off a distinctly sinister vibe.

"No wonder Rega said I'd find it at a glance."

"This is the Sinful Holy Grail."

Matthew reached out, opened the glass case, and held the grail in his hands.

A tremendous evil intent surged within him.

In that moment, he felt an intense desire for slaughter, dominance, and tyranny.

Fortunately, the domains of Restraint and Serenity quickly took effect.

Matthew resisted the temptation of the Holy Grail.

Wiping the sweat from his forehead, he noticed Margaret signaling him, so he walked over.

"Is this the Holy Grail you're fetching for your lord?"

Margaret whispered.

Matthew nodded.

Margaret continued:

"Take another item, and then we leave immediately."

"Remember, you can take one Holy Grail for Rega, and I want this ring. Each of us only takes one item."

Matthew wasn't afraid of the pursuit by the Sphinx. What mattered was avoiding the legendary trace of the Blood Flag Clan. As long as what they took didn't surpass a certain limit, he had a way to block her tracking methods.

"When you're in front of what you want, signal me. We'll grab it together and run!"

Glancing at the display case in front of Margaret, Matthew noticed something seemingly unremarkable—a platinum ring.

Margaret used an advanced identification scroll on the ring. Due to a faint aura of dust, the identification effect lasted only three seconds before vanishing. However, Matthew's data panel faithfully recorded the relevant information.

"Hint: You've discovered the Debt Ring.

Debt Ring: A failed creation accidentally obtained by the legendary mage Fei while crafting a premium gold ring.

Effect 1: When worn for over a year, for each year, you gain 1% of your total debt in gold coins.

Effect 2: Upon activation while wearing the ring, you gain additional spellcasting bonuses, extending the duration of all your spells and spell-like abilities.

The higher your total debt, the greater your spellcasting bonus.

Spellcasting bonuses include but are not limited to—

Potent spells;

Extreme spells;

Extended spells;

Multicast spells;

Instant spells;

Silent spells;

Mobile spellcasting;

Legendary casting (all your spells theoretically achieve legendary strength) (requires a total debt of over 5 million gold coins)."

Matthew was taken aback after reading this. Wasn't this item tailor-made for Margaret?

Suddenly, he recalled Margaret's abrupt interruption during his conversation with Rhaegar.

"You knew what you were looking for here all along?" Matthew realized.

Margaret scratched her head, a bit embarrassed. "I just heard that Mr. Fei's ring ended up in Eskana. I guessed at least half might be in the Blood Flag Clan's possession. It's too high-class for regular folks and if it did end up with the Blood Flag Clan, it'd be more fitting as a burial offering, hehe…"

"Start looking! That lion-man has been eyeing us sneakily," Margaret urged.

Without minding Rhaegar's situation too much, Matthew began scouring the cabinets. He justified taking a single treasure as fair compensation for the effort of this journey.

However, discerning these artifacts with his identification skill proved ineffective. Only the advanced identification technique seemed capable of providing a brief glimpse.

Unfortunately, his supply of advanced identification scrolls had run out. He could only stare helplessly at these burial offerings, unable to distinguish their worth.

But just then, the ability granted by the domain of graves, "Archeologist," came in handy for Matthew. Knowledge about tombs and history flooded his mind.

His gaze swept over the various items. After a moment, he pinpointed an item that aligned with his newfound knowledge—a heavily rusted bronze dagger!

"Could this be the 'Equality Dagger'?" Matthew wondered, a hint of anxiety in his thoughts.

Glancing at the situation near the entrance where the Sphinx was lurking, Margaret eagerly awaiting, he decided, "Alright, I've learned how to enter the cemetery. As long as we're not caught red-handed this time, there will be future opportunities to come back."

Signaling to Margaret, they silently counted down and, in unison, Matthew swiftly grabbed the bronze dagger.

In the next moment, Margaret, wearing the Debt Ring, appeared beside him.

The Sphinx at the door sneered, "You couldn't resist greed after all!"

"Allow me to send you on your way!"

But in an instant, the two vanished in a puff of white smoke, leaving behind only the smoldering shell of an advanced escape scroll in the Sphinx's hands.

Minutes later, outside the castle, Margaret expertly carried Matthew, flying swiftly.

Soon, they landed on a plain beneath the city of volcanic mountains.

Shortly after, a Tiflin riding a huge mechanical bat descended rapidly towards them.

The Tiflin greedily eyed the two and uttered, "Rob…"

"Robbery!" Margaret swiftly knocked him unconscious with a punch and then settled herself and Matthew on the back of the gigantic mechanical bat.

With a series of clicking noises from its twisting chains, the bat slowly ascended into the air.

"Do you know how to operate this?" Matthew couldn't help but ask.

Confidently, Margaret replied, "Of course! Even though this thing lacks a throttle, I just need to maneuver everything movable."

As she spoke, the mechanical bat struggled momentarily, then flew steadily towards the horizon.

The journey was uneventful, and Matthew breathed a sigh of relief. He began carefully comparing the dagger in his hand with the knowledge in his mind.

Simultaneously, the attributes of the Equality Dagger slowly emerged in his thoughts...

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