This Necromancer Just Wants to Plant Trees - Chapter 183

Chapter 183: War Orders and Bio-Airships

"It's impossible!" Zeller declared firmly.

The Minotaur shrugged, "Well, I don't know. Right now, it's all over Bigfoot City. Even Rhaegar's death is being narrated vividly."

Curiously, Matthew inquired, "How did he die?"

Little Patton chimed in, "They say he was skewered from head to toe, like a kebab."

"The culprit is Harrison, the demon prince of the Bru Tribe," added Patton.

"They say Harrison has made a great achievement this time. With the male heir of the Blood Flag Kingdom killed, it's just a matter of time before the Bru Tribe seizes Eskana in war."

At this revelation, Zeller furrowed his brow, shaking his head, "Impossible."

"Rhaegar wouldn't die so easily... Wait, was there only news about him? What about Dulin and Asma?" Matthew questioned.

Patton pondered, "In any version of the street rumors I heard, none mentioned Rhaegar having companions."

Zeller and Matthew exchanged a glance, both relieved.

Street rumors were definitely suspect. It was highly likely a smoke screen fabricated by the Bru Tribe or the Blood Flag Kingdom. It wasn't out of the question that Rhaegar himself might be involved in concocting the false information.

As they contemplated this, Patton began rummaging through his belongings. First, a box of light bulbs, followed by a small crate of pure white crystals, two large coils of copper wires, and some peculiar components.

"Do you know about light bulbs? These are amazing; just add a bit of electricity, and they provide continuous illumination," Patton explained casually.

"Other stuff I grabbed when no one was looking. Let's see if any of it's valuable."

Matthew glanced over and discovered the white crystal was a rare Star Realm White Crystal, known for its flawless purity, amplifying or focusing magical energies. The quality of the copper wire was exceptional, almost luxurious for wiring purposes.

The precise craftsmanship of the crystals and wires hinted at Stulock Industries' advanced metallurgy and processing capabilities.

As for the peculiar components, according to Patton, they were pilfered from a generator-related warehouse. According to him, given time, he could even swipe a whole small-scale generator.

That seemed far-fetched. Even if Stulock Industries was relatively new to Bigfoot City and had uneven management, such a serious oversight was unlikely.

More likely, it was due to their recent rapid expansion, where warehouse and transportation management couldn't keep pace.

"Maybe I should inquire more about Rhaegar?" Patton strategically showcased his worth, cautiously suggesting to Zeller.

After deep consideration, Zeller spoke solemnly, "Stay safe, report daily, and if things seem off, use the Escape Scroll without hesitation. Don't hold back, understand?"

Patton patted his chest confidently, "You can trust me. I'll make sure to bring back reliable news about Rhaegar."

Matthew couldn't help but rub his nose. Did this guy make up his previous story?

However, Zeller didn't seem to doubt it and handed Patton a frog plushie, emphasizing, "Keep it with you. It might come in handy."

Patton gladly accepted the toy and scurried off towards the crevice.

Observing his departure, Matthew suddenly asked Zeller, "I haven't asked before, but what's the frog plushie for?"

Zeller, with a faint smile, replied, "You'll find out."

Matthew felt intrigued but sensed a mysterious aura around it. Perhaps there were specific conditions tied to the power it held, possibly related to Zeller's warlock lineage?

Thinking this, he couldn't resist asking, "By the way, what creature does your warlock lineage trace back to?"

Zeller lightly chuckled, "Care to guess?"

It couldn't be something weird like a Lord Frog, right? Matthew pondered and tentatively asked, "A dragon? A blue one?"

Zeller neither confirmed nor denied, simply saying, "Let's say it is."

The more cryptic Zeller was, the more curious Matthew grew. "If you won't tell me, I'll ask Rhaegar."

Surprisingly, Zeller glanced at him, "Rhaegar won't tell you."

Matthew continued, "Then I'll ask Sivak."

Zeller smiled, "Sivak doesn't know."

Matthew, trying to be clever, said, "Then I'll ask Sivak to ask Rhaegar!"

Zeller chuckled, "It's rare to see this childlike side of you."

Matthew shrugged, "Curiosity strikes everyone."

Zeller raised his hands in surrender, and in the next moment, his eyes shimmered with a faint purple haze.

The haze appeared dreamlike, like two ethereal clouds merging and parting.

Simultaneously, his temples sprouted faint purple scales.

The anomaly lasted only a few seconds before fading away.

Matthew sensed a strong draconic aura. "Definitely a dragon, but not a blue one," he murmured.

Zeller revealed the mystery, "A Violet Crystal Dragon, a gemstone dragon nearly extinct in the multiverse. I've never encountered another in my life."

"The Violet Crystal Dragon possesses both magical and psychic powers. Unfortunately, my talents are shallow; I've only grasped magic, lacking any psychic abilities."

Matthew, somewhat envious, commented, "Sometimes I envy you warlocks. Mastering magic effortlessly."

Zeller chuckled, "I haven't heard of any warlocks mastering necromancy."

Matthew realized that the necromantic field was indeed a blind spot for warlocks.

Zeller continued, "You mentioned wanting to check on Rhaegar. Are you serious?"

Matthew replied, "Can't put all our hopes on Patton. If the information becomes increasingly unreliable, how do we decide?"

"In the end, it's up to me to make the trip."

Zeller pondered, "But you've mentioned the risks of traversing outer planes."

Matthew explained, "The likelihood of me getting caught by the Dark Gods is much lower than Rhaegar getting caught by his siblings."

"And I won't go alone. I plan to use alliance channels. Though the Seven Saints Alliance won't intervene in outer planes, there are travel passages. Additionally, I might need to hire a bodyguard."

"Can expenses for interplanar travel be reimbursed?"

Zeller nodded, "No problem, just report to me."

Matthew shook his head, "I'll report to Rhaegar."

Zeller chuckled, "Rhaegar's treasury is with me. As long as the amount isn't too exaggerated, it should be fine."

Matthew's interest piqued, "Not too exaggerated means... slightly exaggerated?"

Amused by his expression, Zeller joked, "You figure it out. Just don't empty Rhaegar's nest egg."

"Give him some of Sivak's dowry, at least?"

...

Thirty minutes later.

The Crucible House.

"For our final practical lesson, I'll accompany you on a trip to the Purgatory," Margaret announced.

Today, Margaret wore a simple white outfit, somewhat resembling ancient Roman warrior attire Matthew had seen before, yet with a more flowing lower half.

Feeling reluctant, Matthew said, "The final one? I feel like there's so much more to learn from

you. Can I add more sessions?"

Margaret smiled, "Those sessions don't hold much meaning for me. I used to aim for legendary status through actual alchemy, needing coins and sessions."

"But now, things have changed. I've resolved to journey to the Blood War Plains to achieve legend status. Those things are just passing clouds to me."

"It's strange. When I wasn't sure about it, going to the Blood War Plains was a mere concept. But once I committed, I eagerly awaited that moment. I've been preparing for it these days."

"If you don't contact me within three days, you might have the honor of being the first teacher in the Alliance's history to skip lessons."

Her determination was palpable, and Matthew sensed a sort of urgency, as if being influenced by an inexplicable yet tangible force.

"Good luck," he sincerely wished.

"Must succeed," Margaret affirmed, "For this journey, I visited my mentor again."

Matthew was astonished, "You found space to squeeze more?"

Proudly, Margaret raised two fingers, "I managed to squeeze in even more!"

Matthew was amazed, "Another two million borrowed?"

Margaret nodded, "I'm probably the most expensive mage in Alliance history now."

"See my fist? Devils, tremble! They'll be meeting a four million and six hundred thousand punch!"

Matthew found it somewhat intimidating. He even felt tempted to touch the newly added spell modules on Margaret's body. However, reason stopped him. A level 500,000 pauper necromancer shouldn't mess with a nearly full-level 4.6 million.

"Speaking of which, why would your lord venture into such dangerous places between planes?" Margaret asked as she contacted the array mages.

Matthew briefly explained Rhaegar's identity, omitting the existence of the Purgatory portal.

Margaret nodded, "He's quite the hot commodity."

"If he's willing to bring the Blood Flag Kingdom's troops, he could become a strong candidate for the human king competition in the southern part of the continent."

Matthew waved it off, "But he's not interested."

Margaret's eyes held a hint of surprise after hearing Matthew's explanation of Rhaegar's intentions. She fell silent for a moment before saying, "It's rare. What he's doing is shouldering all the danger."

"When I say danger, I don't just mean the war in the primary material plane but also the demons and devils in Eskana."

"Do you understand?"

Matthew nodded solemnly.

Rhaegar faced pressure from both sides.

The news from the portal evidently couldn't be kept completely secret. Once known, creatures from outer planes like devils and demons, desiring to meddle in the main material realm, would fix their sights on Rhaegar.

If Rhaegar is unwilling... then kill him. Find someone willing to take his place. That's why Rhaegar found it so difficult to make decisions before. Just like Margaret said, he bore all the danger alone.

In the main material realm and in Eskana, many would wish for his demise. Of course, there are also many who wish for his survival. Matthew is one such person.

He's well aware of what it means to have a good-natured leader in this tumultuous time ahead. After spending so long in Rolling Stone Town, he's grown attached and doesn't want to wander anymore.

So, Rhaegar must stay alive.

"You mentioned war just now. Since there's a war brewing in the main material realm, why must you head to the Blood Flag Plains?" Matthew suddenly asked.

Margaret shook her head. "The intensity of the impending war in the main material realm pales in comparison to the Blood Flag Plains. Have you heard of the War Edict? It's due to be fully enforced next month, strictly controlling the intensity of this wave of war in the main material realm."

"War Edict? What's that?" Matthew asked, surprised.

Margaret raised an eyebrow. "Isabelle or Eckmonde didn't inform you?"

"They haven't been in touch much lately," Matthew admitted.

Margaret wasn't surprised. "That's why my mentor, Suerel, is better. Everything is calculated with money, no random neglect or unnecessary favors, just fairness."

"Let me get you a copy. There are many troublesome clauses, like playing house with kids," Margaret said, handing over a thick magical document to Matthew.

As Matthew skimmed through, he discovered the War Edict applied to all mages in the Seven Saints Alliance and all lords within the alliance's reach. As Margaret mentioned, it seemed to have many restrictive clauses seemingly to control the war's intensity.

Matthew noted several crucial pieces of information...

"---Mage Registration Principles:

Every Seven Saints Alliance mage must register their affiliation or non-participation within their city-state within a month of the order's issuance.

Mages choosing non-participation cannot favor any side during the war in any form;

Must avoid involvement in human warfare to the maximum extent;

Cannot engage unless provoked by mortal lords;

Mages choosing to fight must abide by the one mage per city rule, meaning one mage can only register in one city-state, but multiple mages can register under one city;

Mages should avoid civilian casualties during the war;

Forbidden to conduct taboo experiments in the name of war;

---Battle Principles:

Among city-states with similar strengths, conflicts can be resolved through fair and openly conducted battles.

The battleground will be agreed upon by both sides, and the Seven Saints Alliance will appoint a referee to ensure smooth proceedings.

Before the battle, both sides must sign a voluntary agreement, strictly adhering to the battle's outcome.

Typically, the total number of combatants in a single battle won't exceed a thousand.

---Ambush Principles:

During the war, strategies like ambushes and raids are not prohibited.

However, any city-state caught using these tactics will be deprived of the chance to request a battle.

---Reciprocity Principles:

When one side in the war resorts to unrestricted actions, the other side can retaliate in kind but within certain limits."

Following were forty-seven detailed pages of rules. Matthew felt speechless. Could the intensity of war really be manipulated at both macro and micro levels? He could understand the Seven Saints Alliance's upper echelons and their ambivalence toward the impending war. They wanted to minimize casualties yet understood the inevitability.

In the backdrop of outer planes' eagerness and the industrialization of demons and devils, the Aendu continent, still in an agricultural society, needed a spark.

However, they didn't want this spark to engulf themselves. This contradiction reflected vividly in this edict. It felt like they wanted everything.

"Why call it a 'secret' when it's clearly an order?" Matthew asked, puzzled.

Margaret chuckled. "Because this detailed guide won't be publicly announced. It'll only secretly reach the intended audience. Everyone knows but pretends not to."

Matthew was even more perplexed. "Can war intensity even be controlled?"

"Once war starts, it's not easily halted. Even legendary mages up high can't disregard the rage and hatred of mortals," Margaret remarked, waving her hand dismissively.

"I'm not sure, but it seems they believe as long as legendary mages don't intervene, things can be controlled," Matthew gently shook his head.

The Seven Saints might not directly intervene, but they have friends, family, and descendants, right? The concept of retribution for blood debts is hard to suppress. And once rules are broken, these 'secret' orders become mere jokes.

However, Matthew didn't voice much. Even he couldn't think of a better solution. This edict, though, showcased the Seven Saints Alliance's confusion and vulnerability.

Perhaps after losing their celestial mage, the seemingly glorious Seven Saints Alliance was treading on a precarious path.

Thinking so, he felt an added weight on his shoulders.

Stowing away the edict, Matthew decided to hand it over to Zeller for analysis.

As they chatted leisurely for a while, Margaret's appointed mage arrived.

"This is the formation mage, Happy. Just call him Lele."

"This is Matthew, my apprentice," Margaret casually introduced.

Lele, the formation mage, was a gentle young man. He greeted Matthew warmly, "Hello, hello! You're Margaret's only student since she started teaching?"

Matthew was taken aback. "The only one?"

"Indeed. Before you, everyone complained her prices were too steep," Lele chuckled.

"After all, everyone's knowledge points are quite limited," he explained.

"I believe it's worth every bit," Matthew defended.

Margaret puffed her chest proudly. "See? Worth every bit! Now, those who want to learn won't get the chance anymore. Expensive things have their reasons! I should be expensive!"

Lele shrugged. "Doesn't matter to me. Anyway, I'm not one for fights."

"Where are you headed? Eskana, right? It's been quite unsettled there lately. I heard the male heir of the Blood Flag Kingdom was killed by demons, defiled, then turned into a zombie by a necromancer, and left exposed in the wilderness," Lele warned.

"Exactly, we're going to save that zombie," Matthew quipped.

Lele efficiently opened a portal in no time. "Quick in, quick out. My secret door can last for only seven days. After that, it'll cost you more," he informed Matthew.

Evidently, he knew Margaret wasn't rolling in riches.

Passing through the portal, they arrived in a scorching world with vast expanses of red soil. As they surveyed the terrain, a scorpion with glowing red eyes stealthily crawled through rock crevices nearby.

Sensing something, Matthew was about to cast a spell on the scorpion when Margaret stopped him. "Wait, let's watch."

After the scorpion darted past, five minutes later, a phantom figure appeared in the distant horizon. Moving

at an incredible speed, it arrived before them in a blink.

Looking closer, it resembled a fish-like creature with a glass and mechanical upper body, almost like an airplane or an airship.

Two demon-like figures were inside the fish. They docked it nearby and excitedly jumped out, attempting to communicate with Matthew and Margaret in a broken common tongue.

"Ro...b..." Before the demon's syllable came out, a perfectly articulated Abyssal Common Language reached Matthew's ears.

"Robbery!" Matthew exclaimed.

The two demons were taken aback. The next moment, a small figure appeared behind them, lifting them effortlessly.

Swoosh! Margaret darted upward like lightning, instantly appearing dozens of meters in the sky, then plummeting down at an incredible speed.

Boom! A cloud of smoke billowed. There were two human-shaped imprints on the ground, and between them stood Margaret's petite figure.

She clapped her hands and casually approached the fish-like creature, tapping on the glass cover. "Let's go. Come aboard with me."

Following Margaret's lead, Matthew nervously took a seat at the back.

Margaret occupied the driver's seat in front. Given the small size of the craft, they were positioned close to each other, akin to riding a motorcycle.

Margaret operated several arms and tendrils of the fish-like craft in front of her.

After a while, she couldn't help but ask, "What's that hard thing pressing against me?"

"You're leaning on me!" Matthew realized and quickly retrieved the frog plush hanging from his waist.

At that moment, the glass cover above them slowly closed.

Cheerfully, Margaret said, "Hold onto my waist. I'm going to speed up, Matthew."

Nervously, Matthew inquired, "What is this thing, and are you sure you can operate it?"

Margaret casually replied, "Stulock's creature airship. Nothing fancy. For any transportation, find the accelerator and stomp on it!"

The next second, a tremendous thrust pushed them back, followed by a jolt that threw Matthew against Margaret.

This pattern continued—acceleration and sudden stops. The creature airship stumbled and staggered towards the horizon!

Meanwhile, in a valley littered with corpses, a blood-soaked Rhaegar looked at the frenzied demon before him.

The crystal horn on her forehead shimmered in the sunlight. Her tongue involuntarily licked pure blood.

"Lilith, please, don't do this," Rhaegar's voice trembled. "For the sake of my daughter, Sivak's horn looks exactly like yours."

Lilith chuckled softly. "Don't pretend, Rhaegar. Whatever you say won't sway me this time!"

"Without leaving behind a hundred children, you won't leave the Blood Flag Kingdom!"...

Certainly! Let's continue:

"Lilith, please, I beg you. There's no need for this bloodshed," Rhaegar pleaded, his voice cracking with emotion.

But Lilith's eyes burned with an unyielding determination. "The Blood Flag Plains have soaked in innocent blood for too long. It's time for our kind to rise!"

Her words echoed in the desolate valley, a stark contrast to the silent cries of the fallen soldiers and the sanguine stains painting the earth.

Rhaegar's heart sank as he realized Lilith was resolute in her pursuit of vengeance. His thoughts raced as he contemplated his options, knowing well the devastating consequences of this conflict.

"I won't let you continue this slaughter!" Rhaegar declared, summoning the ancient powers coursing through his veins. His eyes shimmered with a radiant light as he channeled his magical prowess.

But Lilith was prepared. With a swift motion, she invoked a complex spell, conjuring a formidable barrier that repelled Rhaegar's magical onslaught.

The clash between them intensified, each wielding immense power honed over centuries. The valley trembled with their unleashed forces, sending shockwaves that echoed through the Blood Flag Plains.

As they battled, Rhaegar's mind raced through memories of a time when Lilith was not consumed by vengeance, when they had fought side by side against the encroaching darkness threatening their realm. But those days seemed distant now, overshadowed by Lilith's unrelenting pursuit of retribution.

Desperate to find a way to end the conflict without further bloodshed, Rhaegar attempted to reason with Lilith once more. "Please, Lilith! This cycle of violence will only bring ruin to our world. There must be another way."

But Lilith's eyes blazed with a fervor that brooked no compromise. "You speak of peace while our people suffer under the tyranny of mortals! I will not stop until our kind is free!"

The confrontation reached a critical point, energies swirling around them in a tempestuous dance. Rhaegar knew that if the battle continued, it would engulf the entire region, leaving devastation in its wake.

In a decisive move, Rhaegar summoned all his strength, not to strike Lilith but to create a barrier, enclosing both of them within its protective confines. The magical barrier glowed with an ethereal light, shielding their conflict from affecting the surrounding landscape.

"Lilith, please listen to reason. This endless cycle of vengeance will only bring about our downfall," Rhaegar implored, his voice resonating within the enclosure.

But Lilith remained unyielding. "I will never relent until our kind is free from the chains of oppression!"

Their deadlock continued, the intensity of their struggle echoing in the confined space. Rhaegar's heart ached with the realization that he might not be able to persuade Lilith to abandon her quest for revenge.

Meanwhile, miles away, in the speeding creature airship across the Blood Flag Plains, Margaret and Matthew experienced turbulence as the ship lurched forward.

Margaret glanced ahead, noticing a flickering disturbance in the distant sky. She tightened her grip on the controls, steering the craft towards the anomaly.

"There's something ahead," Margaret exclaimed, her eyes fixed on the growing disturbance.

Matthew leaned forward, straining to see. "What could it be?"

As they drew closer, the shimmering barrier enclosing Rhaegar and Lilith came into view. The magical energies crackled around it, creating a visible dome that encapsulated the two powerful beings locked in conflict.

Margaret maneuvered the craft closer, her expression focused. "This is unexpected. It's a powerful barrier. We should approach cautiously."

Matthew nodded, his gaze fixed on the barrier. "But how do we intervene? What can we do?"

Margaret pondered for a moment, her mind racing through possible solutions. "I have an idea, but it's risky. We might be able to disrupt the barrier momentarily."

With practiced precision, Margaret manipulated the controls of the creature airship, directing its course toward the barrier. As they neared the shimmering dome, she initiated a sequence of maneuvers, channeling the ship's energy into a concentrated blast.

A surge of energy surged from the airship, impacting the magical barrier with a brilliant burst of light. The barrier quivered and faltered, creating a momentary breach in its structure.

"This is our chance!" Margaret exclaimed, seizing the opportunity.

With swift determination, she steered the craft directly into the weakening barrier, aiming to breach it and enter the enclosed space.

The airship collided with the barrier, and for a fleeting moment, a small breach formed, allowing passage through the protective enclosure.

Without hesitation, Margaret guided the craft through the opening, maneuvering it into the confined space where Rhaegar and Lilith remained locked in their intense struggle.

As the airship breached the barrier, entering the enclosed space, the energies around them surged and flickered, creating a dazzling display of magical illumination.

Within the enclosed space, amidst the crackling energies, Rhaegar and Lilith momentarily paused their conflict, astonished by the sudden intrusion.

Margaret guided the airship closer, her voice resolute. "Rhaegar, Lilith, this conflict must end now!"

Rhaegar and Lilith, momentarily taken aback by the unexpected arrival, stared at the newcomers within the barrier, their expressions a mix of surprise and bewilderment.

What will happen next? The confrontation between Rhaegar, Lilith, and the unexpected intervention by Margaret and Matthew hangs in the balance within the enclosed space of magical energies.

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