This Necromancer Just Wants to Plant Trees - Chapter 187

Chapter 187: The Wonders of Contracts

"Chaos Puzzle," as the name suggests, its effect leads to the erratic and chaotic behavior and thoughts of individuals.

The three major puzzles of the gods are intricately linked:

The Intelligence Puzzle causes the inhabitants of this land to forget the gods and their history.

Losing history leaves people lost;

The Civilization Puzzle blocks the potential development of civilization, essentially locking away the future.

Unable to see the future, people become even more lost;

And the Chaos Puzzle effectively traps people in one place, causing them to spin in madness.

Because thoughts and actions become chaotic, one moment a decision is made, the next, actions contradict the initial intent.

In this situation,

Civilization on the Aendu continent barely progresses.

This is precisely the scene the gods long to witness.

And when people's confusion accumulates to a certain extent, they might earnestly seek the gods' return for guidance.

This is also the loophole the gods found when meticulously studying the rules set by the Cataclysmic Mage upon their ascension at the Heavenly Palace—

If one day,

the inhabitants of this land wholeheartedly welcome their return.

Then, indeed, there is a chance they might come back."

That explains it.

The third puzzle is, surprisingly, the Chaos Puzzle!

Matthew frowned in reflection.

He checked his actions in memory to ascertain if he, too, was affected by the Chaos Puzzle.

"Is the Seven Saints Alliance indifferent to this?" he inquired.

Margaret shook her head and responded, "Certainly not. In fact, the legendary mages led by the Seven Saints have made significant efforts to counter the gods' puzzles.

However, you must understand, the gods setting these puzzles was a desperate move in dire circumstances.

They were careful, their plans meticulous.

To neutralize their puzzle's influence, the quickest method is to locate its position and isolate it.

Yet, in the search for the three major puzzles,

the Alliance suffered considerable damage.

Because all three puzzles are on outer planes, many malevolent forces have their eyes on them.

And after the Cataclysmic Mage departed,

the Alliance lost the ability to single-handedly suppress the entire universe.

That period was said to be quite oppressive within the Alliance.

The three Supreme Mages were almost constantly occupied with the matter of the three major puzzles.

The first to be found was the Intelligence Puzzle.

It was discovered about a week after the gods placed the puzzle.

It was located in a secondary plane wedged between the Aendu continent and the Abyss.

It was heavily guarded by the gods, suspected to have dimensional traps specifically targeting legendary and divine mages.

Though we couldn't completely destroy it,

its influence was significantly weakened through appropriate counter-spells.

As long as your intelligence is above fifteen, you can prevent forgetting by reading historical books or transcribing divine deeds.

You see, in its unrestrained state, almost everyone forgot what had happened before.

That was the most terrifying, oppressive time.

But to contain the influence of the Intelligence Puzzle, one of the three Supreme Mages, Lord Lind, had to vigilantly guard outside the secondary plane.

For over a hundred years,

his body suffered from the constant onslaught of cosmic starlight and radiation.

His condition reportedly deteriorated significantly."

With that said,

Margaret sighed softly.

"So, the Alliance's situation isn't as rosy as people imagine."

However, she merely hinted at it,

then continued, "The second puzzle found was the Chaos Puzzle, hidden on an abandoned planet within the Star Realms.

The one who discovered the Chaos Puzzle was Lady Isabelle.

And before that,

do you know how chaotic this land had become?

Family feuds, friends turning against each other, those were understatements.

The order of life for all races, including humans, was on the brink of complete collapse.

During the three months when the Chaos Puzzle was active,

Aendu's population decreased by three percent.

A truly terrifying figure.

During that time, people's mental states almost reached the stage desired by the gods.

Everyone was bewildered, unsure of where to go, unaware of what had happened, only feeling a sense of deprivation.

That's the terrifying aspect of these puzzles.

Sometimes, I wonder.

The Cataclysmic Mage exiled the gods, cleansed the domains, yet didn't entirely strip them of their authority.

This allowed the gods an opportunity to counterattack.

Regarding the aftermath of the Chaos Puzzle,

I know little.

Various rumors circulate within the Alliance.

One version claims—

Lady Isabelle devoured the Chaos Puzzle right then and there!

That's how my mentor put it.

But I'm unsure if her 'devouring' was metaphorical or literal.

After that,

the effect of the Chaos Puzzle was similarly greatly reduced. In the lives of ordinary people, it resulted in relatively libertine behavior—

But compared to its prior effects,

it was insignificant.

Instead, Lady Isabelle herself seemed to be more affected.

She became somewhat neurotic, slightly eccentric.

Simultaneously,

the residual power of the Chaos Puzzle concentrated more on the mages.

Especially the Alliance's mages.

Hence, you'll always find mages' behavior quite eccentric.

I'm not making excuses for ourselves.

Perhaps mages naturally are an eccentric group.

But the influence of the Chaos Puzzle on us is undeniably real.

If one day you find yourself turning into an oddball,

don't be disheartened.

It might not be your fault.

It's all due to the Chaos Puzzle!"

Margaret earnestly stated.

Matthew carefully contemplated.

He realized her words seemed quite flawless.

This information was exceedingly valuable.

Matthew not only etched it into his memory but also took out his magic pen to jot down notes fiercely.

"If Isabelle indeed turned into her current state due to the Chaos Puzzle, then the Alliance truly can't act against her."

"But when Eckmonde discussed Isabelle's drastic change with me last time, he didn't mention a word about the Chaos Puzzle."

"He couldn't know less than Margaret, could he?"

Matthew pondered silently.

Eckmonde might intentionally conceal, deliberately guiding him to harbor animosity or fear toward Isabelle.

Or perhaps, he simply didn't want anyone close to Isabelle.

And, pushing further speculation,

Could Ronan's exile be related to Eckmonde's interference?

Matthew wasn't sure.

The waters between the legendary mages were too deep; he just wanted some benefits, gossip, and to keep a safe distance.

Moreover, from Margaret's subsequent descriptions,

Matthew learned that the last puzzle, the "Civilization Puzzle," remained elusive to the Seven Saints Alliance.

In the end, they had to abandon the search.

The impact of this particular puzzle is relatively minor, considering it doesn't affect the league's ruling status or cause significant harm to regular folks' lives.

At most, it's just causing a stagnation in productivity levels.

This is under the premise that Aendu has a powerful barrier surrounding the primary material plane.

No matter how prosperous the outer planes develop, it's challenging for them to invade.

But as of now...

It seems the gods have possibly voluntarily lifted the civilization's puzzle.

The smoke of war is a clear indication of this.

After listening to Margaret's lengthy narrative, Matthew rubbed his sore wrist, neatly stashing away the dense notes.

"All this knowledge about the three major puzzles, including the history of the Blood Flag Kingdom, did you acquire it all in the grand library?" he inquired.

Margaret nodded eagerly, "Interested? Want me to introduce you to my bestie?"

"Her method of imparting knowledge is top-notch!" Matthew mused, "I could just read books on my own from the past."

Margaret blinked, "It's not that simple."

"The books in the grand library aren't for borrowing, only for reading within its walls. But the process isn't straightforward; you'd know if you tried once."

"Believe me, earning money and then buying knowledge infusion is the most cost-effective way, no doubt!" Margaret asserted.

Matthew contemplated, "Actually, there's another way. You buy the knowledge infusion and then share it with me orally. I can compensate you with some points."

Margaret shook her head, "Theoretically plausible, but practically, nobody would go along with that."

"Mages willing to buy knowledge infusion either aren't short on cash or, like me, are already drowning in debts through ordinary means of earning."

"Most importantly, mages are a bunch who particularly dislike hassle; the process of sharing knowledge is too long, and those eager to teach are ultimately few."

Matthew concurred inwardly.

Indeed, he hadn't found any basic knowledge remedial content in various league training courses.

Perhaps, these things need to be sought in the magic academies that train mage apprentices.

And for more advanced knowledge, he'd have to rely on reading in the grand library or purchasing knowledge infusion services.

The two conversed like this as they walked.

Along the way, Engineer Margaret cleared four "minefields" using her body.

In less than three hours, they arrived at the end of the spider tunnel.

And during this process...

Matthew also discovered the secret of the spider tunnel.

Every ten steps they took in the tunnel triggered the effect of "Spider's Stride" on them.

This spell remarkably increased their walking speed.

The efficiency was almost akin to someone constantly using "Dimension Door" along the way.

It was a rather astonishing effect.

Matthew speculated that this tunnel was used by the Blood Flag Kingdom to transport forces during special times.

If similar tunnels were spread throughout the kingdom...

The domestic warfare potential of this country would undoubtedly be formidable.

To understand how "Spider's Stride" was solidified within the tunnel...

Matthew pried off a few bricks from the wall, clearly imbued with magical aura, intending to study them later.

At the tunnel's end...

The duo passed through a triggered secret door.

The sight before them suddenly became clear.

They were currently situated on a gray-black volcanic mountainside.

Looking up...

Eternal black smoke loitered around the volcano's crater all year round.

The ancient castle below the crater was obscured by the black smoke.

The distinctive landscape formed by the lava had a pungent sulfur scent.

And gazing downward...

A mighty city rose from the volcano's foot, extending halfway up the mountainside.

The architecture of that city exuded a hellish vibe, with round towers and soaring construction platforms visible everywhere.

...

"Hint: You've discovered the 'City of Volcanoes.'"

"You've found the 'Red and Black' Castle!"

"You've discovered the 'Inferno Towers,' 'Sky Land' (Construction Platforms), and 'Inferno Evil Trees'..."

...

The City of Volcanoes is the capital of the Blood Flag Kingdom.

Here, there's a significant population of Tiflins and Infernal Humans.

The 'Red and Black' Castle is the Blood Flag family's place of origin.

It stands to the east of the volcano, overlooking the capital at the foot of the mountain and the vast infernal plains below.

Previously, the two had meticulously studied the map given by Rhaegar.

After exiting the tunnel...

Margaret swiftly activated an 'Invisibility Sphere.'

The two navigated the rugged mountain path towards the volcano's crater.

The Blood Flag ancestors' graveyard lay at the castle's rear mountain, a stone's throw away from the volcano.

Via the standard route, one needed to cross the castle's courtyard and traverse a heavily guarded stone forest to reach the graveyard.

However, Rhaegar's map indicated a small path around the volcano's crater.

But this path was equally treacherous.

Aside from the harsh terrain, this area was infested with numerous Quasits and Wimps.

They were servants of the Blood Flag family, wandering under the castle's orders, obstructing every path to the graveyard.

Fortunately, Margaret not only possessed great strength but also had an array of methods to handle various situations.

The duo crossed the devil-infested area without incidents and reached the crater's edge.

Walking here...

Matthew could even hear the bubbling of lava within the volcano.

This volcano wasn't just active; it was highly active.

'Red and Black' and the 'City of Volcanoes' surviving amidst frequent volcanic activity likely had some means of guiding the magma.

The two circumvented nearly half of the volcano.

Soon, they arrived at the graveyard's vicinity.

The area was shrouded in billowing smoke, making it pitch dark, not an exaggeration but a factual description.

Despite the smoke, there were no devils roaming.

But the entire graveyard was surrounded by grim 'Infernal Evil Trees.'

These trees devoured anyone who approached, even legendary powerhouses would struggle to pass.

Flying over these trees was wishful thinking.

According to Matthew's perception...

These evil trees were integrated with the graveyard. As you attempted to fly over them, the trees would swiftly grow to intercept you.

Though this graveyard wasn't specifically arranged as a ceremonial site...

Its defense capability was hundreds of times stronger than Matthew's small graveyard!

As they cautiously moved through the smoke towards the area with evil trees, Matthew retrieved the three vials of blood left by Rhaegar.

He smeared one vial of blood on his and Margaret's palms.

Then, they extended their hands forward.

Step by step, they approached the densely arranged tree wall.

With blood from Mend Feiste, a high-level demon, theoretically suppressing the Infernal Evil Trees...

As expected, upon sensing life nearby, the wall of trees didn't immediately attack the duo.

Twisted faces emerged on the bark of the evil trees.

Their branches, as hard as stones, softened and draped on the ground, like vines tightly hugging the trunk and surface.

These twisted faces coldly stared at Matthew and Margaret.

There was only about a 20-centimeter gap between the arranged wall of evil trees.

Boldly, Matthew inserted his bloodied hand into the gap.

The trees on both sides immediately softened.

The twisted faces on the trunks showed fearful expressions. They emitted silent screams, and the tree trunks leaned to both sides, creating an opening.

A crescent-shaped crack appeared amidst the tree wall.

Seizing the opportunity, Matthew and Margaret slipped through.

Leveraging Rhaegar's blood...

They consecutively passed through eight tree walls.

As they headed towards the ninth tree wall...

Strange cries suddenly echoed from the sky.

Margaret swiftly pulled Matthew beside her, activating the invisibility sphere instantly!

Two seconds later...

A devil riding a huge mechanical bat soared over the tree wall.

While flying, the bat sprayed a grayish-white powder downwards.

Whoosh...

This powder fell like snowflakes.

However, due to the tree wall's barrier.

The smoke from the volcano's crater is hardly visible here. The visibility has greatly improved.

Both of them were a bit nervous! They weren't sure if this powder had the ability to reveal invisibility.

Fortunately, the devil-like creatures on the mechanical bats seemed unconcerned about what was happening below.

After scattering the powder, he turned and headed in another direction without looking back.

Matthew breathed a sigh of relief.

But soon, he noticed that after the white powder fell, the nearby infernal evil trees became more active.

He glanced downward. "Not good, Rhaegar's blood is drying up..." He quickly looked towards Margaret, whose small face also betrayed nervousness.

However, she still reached out and caught some of the white powder to examine it. After a few seconds, she disdainfully scattered the powder on the ground. "It's bone powder. The Blood Flag Clan uses high-quality bone powder to nourish these infernal trees. No wonder these trees grow so well! While these trees are feeding, let's move quickly!"

At those words, Matthew's mind raced. As the two swiftly passed through the final tree wall, he discreetly scooped up some bone powder with Aesdor's Claw from the ground.

Once they successfully crossed the last tree barrier, detailed information about this bone powder flashed across the data panel.

"Volcanic Bone Powder: Formed by blending volcanic ash, sulfur essence, and biological bone ash, infused with a small amount of starlight.

Use 1: Regularly feeding plants with volcanic bone powder can accelerate their growth by more than 20 times and significantly increases the probability of acquiring an 'animal template.' Additionally, volcanic bone powder can make the land more fertile and has a strong nurturing effect on specific plants.

Use 2: Bathing undead with volcanic bone powder can enhance their soul fire and elevate their levels.

Undead who regularly consume volcanic bone powder will have stronger bones and greatly enhance the level of their 'innate armor.'"

This was a valuable find. If not for the concern that snatching food from the infernal trees might trigger an alert, Matthew would have eagerly scraped up all the bone ash from the ground.

The efficacy of this substance far surpassed the druid's growth green liquid. The strength lay in the fact that plants induced by bone powder didn't count as "unnatural creations."

"If there's a chance, I must get hold of this bone powder formula. Other raw materials are easy to acquire, except for the starlight, which might pose a slight challenge, but it's manageable. The blending ratio is a bit tricky; individually preparing it would be too inefficient."

With thoughts swirling, Matthew planned to establish a 'Skull Gateway' in the cemetery upon returning, although it was costly. It would recruit skeletons regularly from the negative energy plane. The high-quality ones would serve as reserve skeleton soldiers while the lower-quality ones would contribute to Matthew's tree planting project.

His thoughts swiftly shifted as Matthew earnestly surveyed the scene within his cemetery—

The cemetery was always enveloped in dense fog, causing low visibility. They had entered from the western side of the cemetery, mere hundreds of meters away from the 'Sacrificial Area.' However, there were at least three Blood Flag Clan graves along this path, and the number of traps nearby was significantly higher than in the spider tunnels.

Most importantly, Margaret's usual method of deduction wouldn't work well here, as it could easily trigger an alarm. Matthew retrieved the talisman given by Rhaegar and wore it.

They cautiously used spells to detect traps and mechanisms, gingerly avoiding any potentially dangerous areas.

Twenty minutes later, they slowly passed what was indicated on the map as the most dangerous area. In the mist ahead, a building with a sharp peak emerged—a structure somewhat resembling a pyramid with its base submerged underground.

This was the entrance to the underground tomb of the Blood Flag Clan, the gateway through which all tomb chambers were accessed.

After lingering at the entrance for a while due to the dense fog blocking their senses, as they took a few steps into the entrance's corner, a skeleton suddenly emerged!

"Warning: You have encountered the 'Undead Guardian (LV16)' of the Blood Flag Cemetery!"

"Who are you?" the Undead Guardian sternly demanded. "And why are you here in this cemetery?"

Matthew hastily raised the talisman in his hand and delivered a rehearsed line: "We are descendants of the Blood Flag Clan, here specifically to pay respects to our ancestors."

Glancing at the talisman, the Undead Guardian puzzledly responded, "To pay respects to the ancestors, you can just look at the tombstones above ground. How did you get here?"

Matthew was about to craft a cunning reply when Margaret boldly stepped forward, grasping the skeletal hand of the Undead Guardian. Her watery eyes sparkled with admiration. "Wow, you must be the legendary guardian, Mr. Randall, in the cemetery, right?"

"I've heard a lot of elders speak highly of you. Seeing you today, indeed, you're quite handsome!"

Matthew glanced at a not-so-prominent wooden sign hanging from the skeleton—Randall Annon.

The skeleton appeared bewildered. "I'm Randall. Do people really mention me often?"

"Come to think of it, I've forgotten what heroic deeds I did in my lifetime. Could you tell me?" Margaret chirped.

"Of course," she continued eagerly, "but before that, could you give me your autograph? You're the most admired hero in my heart."

As she spoke, she produced a pristine sheet of paper and eagerly handed it to the Undead Guardian.

Randall hesitated for a moment, then, under Margaret's expectant gaze, took the quill and swiftly wrote his name on the paper.

"Now, can you tell me..." Randall's words were cut short as Margaret swiftly shook the paper and sternly commanded, "Randall, kneel!"

In an instant, the paper transformed into a weighty parchment, densely covered in words, with Randall's signature at the bottom.

Matthew glanced and realized it was a slave contract! "No!"

"You deceived me..." Randall's voice dripped with anger, yet he obediently knelt.

Margaret triumphantly turned the contract toward Matthew. "See? This is also part of the practical lessons. When dealing with enemies with limited intellect, a pre-prepared slave contract disguised with illusion magic can solve many problems."

"But it's only effective in the inferno or nearby planes, as the contract domain is one of the core domains in the inferno, where beings are more bound by contract than anywhere else. Enemies from the main material realm find it hard to comply, even if they sign a contract, as the laws there are more solid. But in the inferno, the rules are different—here, the power of contracts supersedes everything."

Matthew nodded, genuinely learning something valuable from Margaret's practical experience.

Regret filled Matthew as he realized this was their final lesson.

At Margaret's command, Randall led the way. She then inquired, "How much do you know about this tomb?"

Randall sadly replied, "Not much. My memories are very fragmented. I only know I must guard this cemetery and can only patrol a small area nearby; I can't venture farther."

Margaret glanced at Matthew, who nodded slightly, indicating that such situations were common. Many undead guardians in cemeteries, despite their high levels, were essentially bound spirits, forcibly detained in the cemetery. Even if conscious, their situation was quite pitiable.

Margaret asked a few more questions, but Randall's answers were not very enlightening. The group could only slowly make their way towards the tombs.

Throughout the journey, Randall suddenly asked, "Do you know what I did in my lifetime? I mean, honestly, I really want to know, without any lies. Could you satisfy my curiosity?"

Matthew pondered for a moment.

Matthew realized this might be Randall's obsession as an Earthbound Spirit.

Answering or dispelling the Earthbound Spirit's obsession is a risky business. If it fails, it could provoke a mad attack from the Earthbound Spirit. This kind of attack might even take precedence over Margaret's slave contract.

In theory, they shouldn't answer. However, on one hand, successfully resolving the Earthbound Spirit's obsession might lead to a significant chance of receiving the Earthbound Spirit's legacy. On the other hand, Randall's memories seemed useless for exploring the graveyard.

Matthew and Margaret discussed for a while.

"Are you sure your answer is correct?" Margaret asked skeptically.

Matthew asserted confidently, "Absolutely!"

So Margaret nodded in agreement.

Matthew then addressed Randall, "You were a tomb raider in your life."

Randall was shocked, "How is that possible!?"

"I..."

"It's true..."

Randall stood despondently in place.

Suddenly, his soul fire burned intensely.

A burst of white light flashed.

Randall's bones scattered on the ground.

He completely vanished.

Immediately after, a glistening golden key appeared in the pile of bones.

On the data panel...

"Hint: Your ability 'Companion Scent' is in effect.

Companion Scent (Graveyard Domain): You have discovered a tomb raider (Randall), currently 1.2 meters away from you.

You successfully resolved the Earthbound Spirit Randall's obsession.

You have obtained Randall's legacy, the 'Universal Key.'

Universal Key: Insert it into any lock to open it. This key can unlock magical, divine, or physical locks, including those in legendary and divine domains.

Remaining uses: 2/10.

Note: This is an artifact crafted by the God of Travel commissioned by the God of Craftsmanship, intended to unlock a peculiar cage imprisoning a tormented girl and her sisters."

...

"Such a fantastic item?" Matthew picked it up and handed it to Margaret.

Margaret's eyes sparkled, yet she returned the Universal Key to Matthew, saying, "You keep it. The places I'm heading will be filled with battles, and I won't make use of this key."

"Just a pity for my slave contract."

The two continued forward.

The underground chamber grew increasingly dim.

White mist seemed to seep in from the surface.

The sensation of being blocked off was quite uncomfortable.

Matthew held Rhaegar's blood in one hand and clutched an amulet in the other, closely following Margaret.

"Indeed, the pressure from grave robbing is immense," he thought.

While thinking so, another skeleton suddenly appeared ahead.

This time, Margaret immediately cast the 'Undead Paralysis' spell!

The undead froze in place.

Margaret frowned, "Such high resistance. I can only hold him for thirty seconds at most."

"This time, why don't you try?" She handed Matthew a disguised blank slave contract.

"What's this? A pop quiz?" Matthew was surprised that even in such a perilous environment, Margaret maintained her classroom attitude.

However, her actions did relax Matthew somewhat.

His mind raced, and shortly after, the skeleton broke free from the paralysis, loudly demanding, "Who are you people?"

Matthew waved Rhaegar's blood and the amulet in front of him.

The skeleton was immediately perplexed.

In a swift move, the summoned Abe and Renaismae rushed in, pinning the skeleton to the ground! Renaismae's strength was overwhelming, leaving the undead guardian unable to break free.

Matthew slammed the contract in front of him, instructing Renaismae to remove the skeleton's palm and then sign the contract vigorously.

"Lorkenning Desli."

No choice.

Who knew that even the guardians in the Blood Flag Family's graveyard were so straightforward? Each person had a wooden tag bearing their name around their waist.

Matthew didn't need any formalities, just made the other party sign the contract!

...

"Hint: You've amicably signed a slave contract with Lorkenning Desli.

Slave contract in effect!

You've obtained a new slave, 'Undead Guardian LV15'!"

...

Seeing this scene, Margaret showed a relieved smile, "Looks like you've learned to extrapolate from one situation to another."

Matthew handed the slave contract to Margaret.

The undead guardian stared in disbelief, "You're clearly not demons, how come you're more unreasonable than demons?"

Matthew was about to reply when a strange power surged within him.

...

"Hint: You've profoundly embodied the devil's cunning in contract usage and gained the appreciation of Bato, the remaining consciousness of the Lord of Nine Hells.

You've officially entered the domain of contracts!

As a reward for entering this domain, you will gain one of the following three abilities —

1. Supreme Contract (You can enforce the 'Contract Above All' rule no matter where you are, similar to being in the Nine Hells).

2. Conceptual Substitution (When creating a contract, you can blur two concepts to complete a fraudulent contract).

3. Overlord Agreement (When making a contract, you can propose some overbearing terms, forcing the other signer of the contract to reluctantly accept)."

-----------

Table of content

• You can access publicly available chapters of "This Necromancer Just Wants to Plant Trees" right HERE.
• Your invaluable feedback and ratings mean the world to me. Please take a moment to rate this novel at Novelupdate.
• You can also check out the other Novels I'm currently translating by clicking HERE.
• If you come across any mistakes within this chapter, kindly notify me in the comments below, so that I can make the necessary corrections.