This Necromancer Just Wants to Plant Trees - Chapter 182

Chapter 182: Close Combat Glory and the Fleeing Prince

"Wait, Rhaegar got caught?" Matthew felt a rush of disbelief, but on second thought, it seemed plausible.

He quickly scanned this vision, finding few related images. Rhaegar's face wasn't among them; instead, there were conflicting statements from the Bru Tribe and the Blood Flag Kingdom.

But this world event ability was akin to Lorand's fleeting glimpses—it didn't conjure up information without reason.

Rhaegar must have run into trouble on his way to the Purgatory.

Matthew paced, then decisively left the graveyard, intending to confer with Zeller in town.

Sivak was safely situated in the graveyard.

Currently, Matthew's Oak Forest and the graveyard were the town's safest spots, each bolstered by Obeest and Agus.

Both wielded formidable power; defeating them swiftly in their domains would require at least a fifth-tier quartet.

Such a configuration was rare in the South.

Thus, Matthew departed with assurance.

By the time he reached the Lord's Manor, night had deepened.

Matthew planned to visit Zeller's room but was surprised to see flickering lights in the office from afar.

He entered the corridor and heard coughing before spotting Zeller still working!

"I thought you'd have retired by now."

Matthew's footsteps weren't subtle as he tapped on the door.

Zeller glanced up, flashing a charming smile. "Learning from you mages."

"I've heard the most dedicated mages deprive themselves of sleep to absorb knowledge for twenty-four hours every day."

"Even the next tier down compresses sleep to two to four hours."

Matthew sighed, "Looks like I've lowered the average mage's diligence."

Zeller chuckled, "Necromancers are already outliers. Have you considered becoming a lich someday? Many necromancers dream of that."

Shaking his head, Matthew replied, "To me, that's a desperate choice, an illusion of immortality overshadowed by serving death."

He scrutinized the piled documents on the desk, frowning. "You've got too much to handle, don't you?"

"What about the council of five?"

"Shouldn't they handle some of these tasks?"

Zeller placed the quill on the rack and rubbed his face wearily. "There's an influx of refugees. Specific measures are crucial due to the anticipated war between Highleaf and the Red Soil Mountains. The town acts as a haven, attracting many fleeing locals. Even your Oak Forest would have seen an influx if not for rumors of man-eating trees and zombies."

"This issue must be resolved promptly to prevent greater turmoil."

"The council manages daily affairs, but with recent developments, interconnected information demands vigilance. I don't want the town to lag behind."

Impressed, Matthew said, "You're the least wizard-like wizard I've met."

Zeller sipped ginger water, "Sounds like you've met plenty."

"People often stereotype wizards, assuming they're all carefree and reckless, like how necromancers are assumed to enjoy grave robbing."

"Some of my colleagues do," Matthew chuckled. "But it's out of necessity; human components for spells are expensive."

"True," Zeller agreed, "Your prowess in governance is impressive, unrelated to the wizardry profession."

"No one's naturally inclined toward such mundane tasks."

"But Rhaegar needs someone like that."

Rhaegar needs you?

Matthew was taken aback, "He saved your life?"

Zeller admitted without hesitation, "More than once."

Nighttime seems to open hearts.

They faced each other across the desk, illuminated by flickering candlelight.

Matthew glimpsed reminiscence in Zeller's eyes, "I lived in darkness in my youth. It's hard to describe, like suffocating in pitch-blackness with metallic air. I can barely recall the details now. But the day I met Rhaegar felt like encountering a ray of light."

He fell silent, lost in recollection, until Matthew prompted, "Hard to imagine."

"Initially, Rhaegar was much more impulsive and had his flaws, yet he was endearing."

"Did you ever dislike Rhaegar?" Zeller asked.

"From start to finish, I don't think I ever did."

"And do you like him?" Zeller inquired.

Matthew hesitated, "He's okay, I guess."

"That's it. Despite his flaws, everyone loves Rhaegar; that's his charm."

"But our universally beloved charmer might be in trouble," Matthew recounted his sudden visit's purpose.

"Are you saying you, like a bard, received news of Rhaegar's abduction through some ability?"

Zeller rubbed his temples, looking perplexed. "Perhaps not abduction, but capture."

"That would mean trouble if he's been captured by the demons of the Bru Tribe near the Purgatory. The Blood Flag Kingdom isn't too far from the annihilated nation. This contradicts our recent intel. The Blood Flag Kingdom is formidable, rivalling the Bru Tribe. Is it possible your news is a smokescreen from the Bru Tribe?"

"Are we to trust Rhaegar, then?" Matthew pondered.

"He's not as unreliable as you might think," Zeller affirmed.

Matthew acknowledged, his perception deeply entrenched; he couldn't associate reliability with Rhaegar.

"Rhaegar is quite intelligent. He faced the Infernal alone and even used a Star Projection to steal from the Changeling Giant's treasure chest. He knows the Purgatory inside out, his combat prowess surpassing what you've seen. But he mostly suppresses his potential, rarely letting enemies witness his fury—"

"And that's not fortunate," Zeller consoled, "Tomorrow morning, I'll attempt a prophecy spell to confirm Rhaegar's safety."

"Tonight, I'm too drained for magic."

Understanding Zeller's situation as a fellow spellcaster, Matthew felt relieved hearing Zeller's confidence in Rhaegar.

He briefly advised Zeller to ease off before leaving the office. Yet, even in the corridor, he heard intermittent coughs from behind.

---

On his way back to town, Matthew delved into the ability 'World Events.' He discovered it possessed event tracking.

He marked the tracking for the three messages. This way, if there were updates, Matthew would be more likely to learn of them.

Focusing on the first two messages, he realized they held greater global impact.

Particularly, the Eastern Guardian's slaying of the Abyssal Dragon at sea was an event capable of stirring major shifts in the East.

Opening the details, he saw—

The savage clash between the legendary mage Chen and the Abyssal Dragon, shocking scenes of combat, an epic struggle from sea to sky, causing recurrent tsunamis in the Endless Ocean.

Chen utilized spells—mostly close combat force fields like 'Chen's Adamant Fist,' 'Chen's Bone-Shattering Palm,' and buffs such as 'Legendary Might,' 'Invincible,' 'Giant Slayer.'

Despite being a mage devoted to close-range combat, Chen single-handedly defeated the nigh invincible Abyssal Dragon!

Though the projection was blurry, it left Matthew astounded.

---

"Note: You've discerned some of the Eastern Guardian Chen's traits and abilities—"

Legendary Trait: Close Combat Glory (The legendary mage Chen entirely abandons ranged abilities, focusing on attacks within

five meters. As compensation, his close combat spells are enhanced by 500%.)

Ability: Master of Martial Arts (Chen mastered nearly all martial arts in the Aendu since ancient times.)

Ability: Razor-Sharp Teeth (Chen honed his teeth as deadly weapons, capable of easily piercing armor below level 20.)

Ability: Starlight Tempering (Chen uses stellar energy to refine his body, elevating it to demonic levels from outer planes.)

---

Chen slew the Abyssal Dragon, gaining the "Heroic Power"!

Heroic Power (Plane's Blessing/Main Material Realm): In conflicts within the Main Material Realm, Chen gains top priority judgment from the world consciousness, a blessing bestowed upon heroes.

Duration: 30 years.

As part of the Seven Saints Alliance and humanity, you also benefit. For 36 months after Chen's triumph over the Abyssal Dragon, you gain the "Heroic Descendant."

Heroic Descendant: In battles against monsters, you have a small chance to receive blessings from the world consciousness.

Matthew found himself unexpectedly in the limelight. He was pondering over the distinct abilities of the guardians in the alliance. Chen excelled in close combat force fields, Roderick in prophecy, and Ronan in spells and sorcery. However, the abilities of the western guardian remained a mystery.

After defeating the sea-dwelling Abyssal Dragon, Matthew witnessed its colossal body sinking into the ocean, creating a vortex that grew and disrupted the skies, pulling a city previously suspended in the sky down to the sea. The merging of the vortex and the city birthed a spectacular magical phenomenon. The city now hung inverted above the sea, no longer as distant as before.

Ships cautiously approached the suspended city, unsure of what would unfold. However, it was confirmed that this floating city wasn't the legendary Cloud Ruins or an Eastern fairyland but a newfound floating city in the primary material realm. Such an existence was bound to attract adventurers and ambitious minds.

While the eastern seas seemed to calm, new developments emerged in the troll tribe's territory. Matthew uncovered more details.

Upon observing the visions created by the Troll Kingdom, Matthew extracted crucial information:

- Prosperity: The trolls were tightly unified around their new capital, Stone Armor City, displaying vitality and immense potential.

- Population surge: The kingdom was experiencing a rapid population explosion.

- Unity: The trolls aimed to revive the glory of their ancient empire, with the entire population working together.

- Sweet potato cultivation: They seemed to possess a novel technique for growing giant sweet potatoes underground, boosting their food production significantly.

- Weapon scarcity: Despite being armed, a shortage of weapons was observed. Their usual spears were rare in the market, and trolls weren't skilled in forging.

"This troll kingdom seems promising," Matthew thought. "But it's too far from Rolling Stone Town. Otherwise, it could be a potential ally."

Stone Armor City lay in the northern part of the Helen Mountains, a vast, sparsely populated area. It was previously inhabited by the Winter Sisters and currently hosted a small number of humans, barbarians, dwarves, and trolls. However, its remote location made it less accessible for Matthew, who only planned to keep a casual eye on it.

However, the emergence of the first kingdom hinted at more to follow. The continent of Aendu seemed poised to enter an era of numerous kingdoms.

Returning to the graveyard, Matthew encountered the Hellfire Nightmare, a creature constantly on the move. This entity greeted Matthew fearlessly, attempting to lick him, which he found repulsive. Soon, the Nightmare tilted its head, emitting two beams of light from its ears—a concealed ability. Its ears possessed a dimensional space characteristic, delighting in the two items hidden within.

One of these items was a remarkably detailed map outlining the power dynamics of the Shadow Realm, with numerous levels and a labyrinth of pathways, causing Matthew's head to spin.

"This isn't an ordinary map," he realized. "It's a magical map!"

The map exuded clear magical energy from its corners, hinting at a touch of dark magic. Matthew queried its origin, but the Nightmare's playful demeanor provided only vague clues about a distant, grand city featuring a black dragon statue.

Frustrated, Matthew attempted to identify an inscribed stone but failed. The stone required extensive knowledge, perhaps divine, arcane, or fateful, beyond what he possessed.

Realizing the significance of this, Matthew secured the items, cautioning the Nightmare about reckless wandering and equipping it with two scrolls of escape. He then spent the night in the graveyard studying spells.

At dawn, just as Matthew felt drowsy, he received an update on "World Events" that caught his attention.

"Within Eskana's borders, according to an internal demon from Stulock Industries, the sole male heir of the Blood Flag Kingdom was captured by a major tribe but managed to escape. However, the Bru Tribe is vigorously pursuing the escaped prince. The Blood Flag Kingdom refutes these claims, reiterating the absence of a male heir."

"Rhaegar escaped?" Matthew breathed a sigh of relief, acknowledging Rhaegar's resourcefulness and escape tools. The Infernal Plane was his realm, and Matthew needn't worry excessively.

Feeling reassured, Matthew slept peacefully. The next morning, he planted more trees in the perennial lands but was interrupted by Zeller's urgent arrival.

"Matthew, it's bad news!" Zeller exclaimed. "Rhaegar's been captured again!"

Unperturbed, Matthew replied, "Didn't I know about it last night?"

"I received fresh intel this morning; he escaped again but got captured during his flight," Zeller revealed.

"Captured again? By demons twice?" Matthew was astounded.

"This time, it's a private army from the Blood Flag Kingdom," Zeller explained. "And if I'm not mistaken, their leader is one of his sisters."

"That should be fine, right?" Matthew speculated.

"No, it's worse," Zeller warned. "Initially, Rhaegar planned a secret visit to the Blood Flag family castle, 'Red and Black,' to meet a few trusted old retainers and gather some documents and items discreetly."

"However, the news leaked, and now the entire Blood Flag Kingdom knows he's back," Zeller continued. "His sisters, aunts, everyone is searching for him!"

"They're more dangerous than the demons of the Bru Tribe!"

"Why would they be so threatening?" Matthew inquired.

"If it were demons, I believe Rhaegar could find a way out," Zeller sighed. "But if it's his sisters..."

"We might not see Rhaegar again in our lifetime," Zeller lamented.

"It's not like we can confirm the authenticity of the news right now," Matthew pointed out.

"Divination spells are easily disrupted," Zeller agreed. "Our information might just be a smokescreen."

"The most secure way is to make a trip to Eskana," Zeller suggested.

"How about sending young Patton?" Matthew proposed. "Bigfoot City might have some information. I find him trustworthy."

After much consideration, Zeller reluctantly agreed.

They briefed Patton on the situation, who assured them, "I'll bring back the most accurate news about Rhaegar!"

Consuming a potion, Patton transformed into a minotaur once more and traversed the rift.

Three hours later, the minotaur squeezed through the rift, exclaiming, "This is bad news! I found out Rhaegar has been dead for several days! Oh, and is Rolling Stone Town about to welcome a new lord?"

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