This Necromancer Just Wants to Plant Trees - Chapter 180

Chapter 180: Homeless Corpses

Zeller's voice echoed solemnly, "If such a terrifying entity truly exists in this world, their emergence would be a calamity."

Richard unconsciously retrieved his staff from the shelf, tapping his palm with one end, his tone grim, "It's always been this way. When the powers of the Shapeshifters were revealed during the Enlightenment era, even those gods who were adversaries of the god of murder were exiled alongside the other deities."

"This ability to replace others is too chaotic. The slightest provocation could lead to uncontrollable tragedies. People often fall into cycles of self-destruction due to a lack of trust."

"There have been instances in history where the imminent return of a Shapeshifter was deliberately leaked to disrupt a region's stability. But as long as the seal of the Night Elves remains intact, there's some respite. However, things are different now. Despite the secrecy of the Everlasting Song Forest, I know for a fact that a small faction is aware of this secret."

"The looming war in the south has reached a critical point. It only needs a spark for this chaos to become uncontrollable. Apart from my concerns for Rolling Stone Town, I worry more about someone exploiting this situation."

Storm clouds gather on the horizon.

Matthew massaged his temples, feeling the onset of a headache.

Such is life's marvels.

During his first two years after arriving, he spent each day planting trees, oblivious to any turmoil in this world.

Just as he received the Bone Dragon reward, one significant event after another unfolded.

He was starting to feel numb to it all.

"Since Jasceliwen was sealed, it indicates flaws in the Shapeshifters' abilities," Matthew interjected.

Richard shook his head, "Shapeshifters have almost no flaws. At least, I haven't found a way to discern a Shapeshifter after they've taken someone's identity. Jasceliwen's exposure happened because a Shapeshifter descendant, risking death, disclosed this."

Matthew was astonished, "A descendant of the Shapeshifter? Jasceliwen's child?"

Richard pondered with a complex expression, "It's difficult to describe the relationship between those descendants and Jasceliwen."

"They are entities born of cosmic radiance and natural cosmic rays, devoid of civilized notions of race or morality. To perpetuate their lineage, before ascending to the divine realm, Jasceliwen engaged in relations with males of over a hundred races, impregnating them, and they would birth offspring after three months."

Yes.

The initial Shapeshifter bloodline crawled out from their fathers' bellies.

There were almost two hundred of them.

They were Jasceliwen's closest attendants when infiltrating the Heavenly Palace.

However, Jasceliwen wasn't satisfied with their abilities.

She found these offspring too weak.

Over the following decades, she continued to engage with these descendants. Regardless of gender, she impregnated them, birthing more descendants.

This cycle persisted.

The Shapeshifter community grew to thousands at its peak.

They were supposed to be Jasceliwen's most loyal children, lovers, servants, and warriors.

However, some Shapeshifters developed human-like emotions upon interacting with mortals.

Especially one among them, who developed an unprecedented possessiveness toward Jasceliwen.

After a failed confession, he went insane, revealing the Shapeshifters' secret, ultimately leading to Jasceliwen's discovery.

For centuries afterward, the Shapeshifter community faced extermination.

The informant became an angel in the Heavenly Palace.

However, under the promise and protection of this angel, some Shapeshifters voluntarily sealed their shape-shifting abilities, silently propagating across the multiverse.

The gods realized that all Shapeshifters derived their power from Jasceliwen. Hunting them down was futile; controlling the source was the key.

Thus, gradually, the Shapeshifter descendants branched out across the land like other races.

But no one foresaw the day when the gods of the Heavenly Palace would be exiled.

Despite the diligence of the Night Elves in the Everlasting Song Forest, there remained loopholes.

I fear the attack on Gauss Bottom Prison was just a prelude.

If Sorl truly intends to release Jasceliwen, the evil forces he could amass are beyond imagination.

With that said, Richard sighed heavily, "I should have killed him."

"And then gone after Sorl; I should have done it long ago."

"Him?" Matthew's thoughts raced, "Do you suspect a specific Shapeshifter?"

Richard's lips moved, firm as he uttered the name, "Setrenk!"

Suddenly, Matthew remembered the night on the northern slope of the Trace of the Dead, the lunatic who threw corpses down below, claiming to be the new leader of the Silver Frost Brotherhood, a disciple of the legendary wanderer, Sorl.

That man was Setrenk, Richard dealt with them back then. Yet, due to personal reasons, Richard eventually let Setrenk go.

"You mentioned Setrenk promised not to return to Rolling Stone Town," Zeller inquired.

Richard grimaced, "I believed his promise. But if he's been trailing Sorl after leaving the Jade Court, his fickleness toward me wouldn't be surprising. Sorl, the Red Hunt Killer, is notorious for his despicable and unscrupulous methods. He's the true scourge among wanderers!"

"He's been plotting dreadful massacres."

Zeller calmly stated, "Without concrete evidence, baseless suspicions only add chaos. Although the Shapeshifters possess immense abilities, there must be limitations. If they were that powerful, why not transform into a legendary mage? Clearly, it's not due to unwillingness, but inability."

"Likewise, I don't believe individuals with significant strength would be converted by the Shapeshifter ritual. At least, a few of us can trust each other."

Taking a deep breath, Richard acknowledged, "You're right; I've been on edge."

Matthew softly inquired, "What's your relationship with Setrenk? And with Sorl, you don't seem like strangers."

Richard shook his head, "I've told you about Setrenk's background. He's the son of an old friend. I knew he was a Shapeshifter descendant, but I didn't anticipate his awakening. I placed him in the Wood Elf village hoping for a better upbringing. What unfolded later was far beyond my control."

"As for Sorl, I'm not that familiar with him. Among legendary wanderers, he's younger than me, and we've crossed paths a few times in the Shadowlands. I only know he takes pleasure in slaughtering civilians and likely holds remnants of the god of murder's divinity."

"This fellow constantly plots gruesome killings."

"By the way, I've heard his relationship with Viscount Fan from the Raven's Roost Realm is quite unusual, considering his recent prominence in the Shadow Erosion Realm and the Abyss."

"As for anything else, I'm not entirely sure. After all, I haven't walked the roads for many years."

Matthew and Zeller fell into contemplation after hearing this.

After a moment, Matthew spoke slowly, "If it's indeed Setrenk's handiwork, then his infiltration into Rolling Stone Town must have a purpose."

"Remember when the Cataclysmic Sect's sorcerer abducted Sivak? The Cataclysmic Sect and the Silver Frost Brotherhood are somewhat intertwined. The bloodline of the Blood Flag Kingdom seems to hold great significance for them."

"So, Sivak and Rhaegar should be our primary focus for protection."

Zeller quickly agreed, "Your analysis is accurate. Sivak might indeed become their target again. I suggest she stays with you—until Rhaegar returns."

Matthew hesitated, "Is that appropriate?"

Zeller, earnestly, "Rolling Stone Town is crowded and full of prying eyes. If Setrenk becomes associated with the Lord's Manor, things will be hard to control."

"But you, you're a necromancer, surrounded by zombies and skeletons."

Richard chimed in, "A polymorpher can't strip the identity of the deceased."

"From this perspective, a necromancer seems to be the polymorpher's nemesis."

Matthew considered and realized it might be the only way.

But is it really alright for Sivak, a young girl in her prime, to live in a graveyard with him? Facing Matthew's concern, Zeller simply shrugged, "Extraordinary times."

"I don't think Sivak would refuse," he added.

Matthew sighed, "I'm worried about Rhaegar."

At that moment, Mrs. Wesley approached with three cups of coffee, teasingly saying, "Don't worry, Rhaegar isn't that jealous a child."

Matthew fell silent.

After a while, he turned to Richard, asking, "Are there many Metamorphs in the southern lands?"

Richard pondered, "Not too many, but not abundant either. What matters is the scant number of awakened Metamorphs."

"Once Metamorphs integrate into human society, their bloodline gets significantly diluted. Only a few exceptionally talented individuals might awaken to their abilities to take on other forms."

Matthew coughed, "Speaking of which, I happen to have such a polymorpher in my woods."

Richard's eyes lit up, "Really?"

Matthew nodded uncertainly, "Seems to be."

Richard urged, "Take me to see!"

The three hurried to the Oak Forest.

But the elusive white cat was nowhere to be found.

They combed through the forest, even utilizing domain powers, yet found no trace.

"If not above, then she must be below!" With this thought, they scoured the graveyard but still couldn't find her.

"Strange, where could she have gone?"

Matthew ended up in the graveyard's kitchen.

He looked at Peggy, who was studying recipes, and couldn't help but ask, "Do you know where Akar is?"

Without looking up, Peggy tapped a nearby pot twice against the stool legs.

Clang, clang! The sound resonated throughout the graveyard.

Seconds later, a figure dashed into the kitchen.

It was a casually dressed girl.

She walked in, shouting, "Is it time for food? I hope it's not mushrooms again. They're tasty, but I've had too many lately, and I feel like my brain's getting duller!"

"But if there's that love-infused mushroom supply again, I'll reluctantly eat a few more, hehe..."

Peggy put down her recipe and stretched, "It's not mealtime yet; someone's looking for you."

Akar, the white cat, noticed Matthew and the others at that moment.

She looked warily at Richard and Zeller, her voice slightly trembling, "Matthew, are you selling me out?"

"I'm not just here to freeload all day. Please don't sell me, okay?"

Peggy nodded, "Indeed, while she's been here, she's often played hide and seek with the zombies, picked lice off the skeletons, challenged ghosts in lung capacity, and occasionally caught mice."

Seeing Akar's nervousness, Matthew chuckled softly.

He gently said, "Don't be afraid. I'm not here to sell you— I don't have the authority. This is Mr. Richard and Mr. Zeller, significant figures in Rolling Stone Town. They're merely curious about your abilities, which is why they've come today."

Akar relaxed a bit, then tensed again, "You're not asking me to take on someone's appearance and assassinate the Lord of Rolling Stone Town, are you?"

"I can't do that. I can catch mice, but killing someone? That's too difficult for me."

Richard stepped forward, saying only, "Don't be afraid. Let me see your eyes."

He then produced a crystal flower.

Placing it flat in front of Akar, she, despite intending to avoid it, was captivated by the flower's petals.

Her gaze fixated on the flower.

Soon, under a peculiar force's influence, two dark red dots appeared on her forehead.

Richard retrieved the crystal flower, and the dots vanished instantly.

"What did you do to me?" The girl, belatedly, touched her forehead.

Richard gently explained, "She's a descendant of Metamorphs, just awakening to the second level, not yet a usurper."

Matthew inquired, "What's that flower?"

Richard elaborated, "This is the Eternal Flower I borrowed from the Song Forest. It carries the power of the polymorpher lord Jasceliwen, resonating with some Metamorphs."

"It can be used to find Metamorphs, but unfortunately, it's ineffective against usurpers."

He then gazed softly at Akar, "Do you remember your parents' faces, child?"

Akar shook her head, "I don't remember. I was adopted by a group of night elves when I was young, but they soon expelled me, seemingly because I'm a polymorpher."

"Are Metamorphs inherently of bad bloodline?" Richard chose his words carefully.

"Metamorphs may not be bad individuals, but their power can be too terrifying for ordinary people," he explained gently.

"You must confront your own power and fully master it. Only then can you avoid harming others or yourself."

"Kid, would you like to learn the skills of a wanderer from me?"

Coming straight to the point?

Matthew raised an eyebrow, not saying much. After all, the little white cat was just a casual adoption, and her comings and goings were her freedom.

The next moment, Autumn, with a crisp voice, asked, "Why should I learn the skills of a wanderer?"

Richard thought for a moment, "Because then you can live the life you want."

Autumn puzzled, "But I'm already living the life I want."

Richard's smile froze on his face. He helplessly said to Matthew, "Autumn is a natural wanderer, I can see that. She's talented, and I want her to be my apprentice."

"Moreover, according to legend, there is a certain blood resonance among wanderers. If I can unlock her potential through my training, she might help us find another potential shapeshifter within the borders of Rolling Stone Town."

Matthew waved his hand, "This matter depends on Autumn's willingness; I'm afraid I can't decide."

Autumn, without hesitation, said, "I'll listen to Peggy!"

Peggy yawned, "I... don't listen to Matthew!"

"But Matthew, you can give me some advice."

Matthew coughed, "Mr. Richard is a respected legendary wanderer. He is powerful and definitely a good choice as a mentor."

Peggy immediately pulled Autumn aside. The two whispered.

However, some scattered words still reached Matthew's ears - "old man," "legend," "rich," "study well," "inheritance," and the like.

Richard's face turned dark at the hearing.

After some fuss, under Peggy's strong persuasion, Autumn reluctantly agreed to become Richard's apprentice. But she had two conditions: she wouldn't leave the Oak Forest and graveyard, and any training Richard wanted to give her had to be on Matthew's turf.

In addition, Autumn liked the food Peggy made. During the training period, it seemed only right for Richard, as the teacher, to take care of the student's meals.

While discussing these conditions, when Autumn talked about them, Richard frequently cast puzzled glances at Matthew. Apparently, he regarded all this as an example of "the fish rots from the head."

Matthew could only respond with a helpless smile. It wasn't Peggy he taught, but he seemed to have picked up some quirks from the minotaur.

Fortunately, in the end, they reached an agreement. After setting the daily training time, Zeller and Richard declined the invitation to stay for dinner. The three of them discussed a bit, and Zeller decided to bring Sivak to Matthew's graveyard overnight.

Thus, the storm of the shape-shifters entered a cautious prevention stage. Before obtaining more evidence, it was difficult for them to proceed with the next investigation.

Matthew planned to check the information about shape-shifters at the Crucible House, and also ask Margaret or Vandall for relevant information. However, after Zeller and Richard left, Peggy found Matthew with a letter:

"I went back to the town this morning and found a letter in the mailbox. I brought it for you."

Matthew took the envelope and saw the sender's address was the Harpy Inn on Apple Avenue. The sender was none other than Lumiere.

He quickly opened the letter and began to read...

"Dear Uxu, hello.

I'm really sorry I wrote your name wrong last time. It's not Lady Supervisor's fault; it's my pronunciation problem that caused her to mistake a few letters. After that, I followed her to learn reading and writing for a long time.

Recently, my writing level should be soaring.

I not only mastered the correct way of reading and writing but also learned a lot of idioms from her. I'll try to use some idioms in this letter; I hope you don't mind. I'm not showing off or intentionally adding to your reading burden but applying what I've learned.

Last time, you wrote saying you could recommend a job for me. I was overjoyed, but thank you for your kindness. I'm doing pretty well on my own now, and I won't trouble you with my visit.

Working in the mine suits me well. The pay is good for the hard work, and they have never delayed my salary like they did with other workers. I guess it's because they were impressed by my efforts. More importantly, the job is making me stronger. I can clearly feel my power slowly growing.

Besides, my social skills have also improved over time. Although everyone disliked me at first, I quickly bonded with them through my efforts.

Last week, I was promoted to captain, just below the supervisor and his wife in this mine. Everyone acknowledges my position.

I thought my job in the mine would go smoothly. However, unfortunate things happened quickly. On my second day as captain, a group of goblins attacked six miners under my command. Five died deep in the mine, and the one who managed to escape came back with only one arm.

After hearing about this, the supervisor looked worried. He was afraid the boss would order the closure of this mine due to the incident. But it was too big, and he had to report it all.

Indeed, the supervisor's concern was correct. Our boss is a well-known wealthy merchant on Apple Avenue. His wife is the lady lord of Silver Scale Town, and although they seem to be at odds, they hold considerable power locally.

The boss is a suspicious guy. He believed the goblin attack was because we dug too deep, and sure enough, he closed the mine.

I lost my job. Although the supervisor didn't, he seemed deeply affected by the setback.

I hate those goblins. They ruined my perfect job. So, on the night the order to close the mine came, I went alone deep into the mine.

Following the smell, I found the corpses of the miners. There was hardly any flesh left on their bones.

I carried the bodies out and set off again. This time, I successfully found the goblins' camp.

It took me two days to kill about 300 goblins and over 20 bear goblins.

However, this still couldn't quell the anger in my heart."

So, I went down several dozen kilometers until I encountered a semi-demon, and that's when I stopped.

The semi-demon asked me why I was slaughtering his goblin underlings.

I replied without hesitation: "They were interfering with my mining."

He looked bewildered.

I knew creatures like him couldn't understand a regular person's passion for work.

Considering he was their leader.

So, I ended him too.

When I appeared before the overseer carrying the demon's head and the ears of over three hundred goblins.

I thought he'd be overjoyed.

But truth be told, he nearly cried.

Just from sheer fright.

He seemed utterly terrified.

So did the overseer's wife.

She collapsed in fear.

Frantically, they laid out all their gold and jewelry, begging me to take it, pleading not to harm them.

I couldn't fathom why they were so feeble.

Later on, I gradually realized that the power I wielded was terrifying to many outside the world I knew.

I explained I wasn't some marauding strongman robbing homes.

I was just infuriated by the goblins ruining a good thing for me.

They simply didn't believe me.

They begged me and handed over a substantial sum of money to leave.

I was truly perplexed.

But happy about the money.

However, after leaving the mine.

In a matter of days, I found a wanted poster in the Apple Avenue Inn, targeting a fugitive.

I leaned in for a look.

Lo and behold, it was me!

The accusation: burglary.

A bounty worth 3000 gold coins!

Can you believe it?

I was worth 3000 gold coins?!

In that moment, I wished I could arrest myself.

But somehow, trouble seemed to have found me.

I attempted to return to the mine to explain to the overseer and his wife, but they had vanished.

Thankfully, the region I was in didn't seem quiet.

Military forces from Lion City were sweeping nearby territories.

Everyone here was on edge.

As I roamed the wilderness, passing through the hilly lands south of Apple Avenue, I stumbled upon numerous corpses.

They were soldiers from the neighboring territories.

And along the way, several villages had been completely massacred.

Bodies littered the ground.

No one was around to tend to them.

I urgently write this letter for this reason—

Elders in the tribe mentioned that a large number of unattended corpses could easily trigger a plague.

These unclaimed bodies need a resting place urgently.

That's why I thought of you.

A kind necromancer.

Surely, you'd find a way to handle them, right?

The war near Deep Blue Port is ongoing.

More bodies are expected in the future.

I detest such scenes.

So, I plan to head north, beyond Lion City, to a more civilized place.

I believe, with your compassionate heart, you could provide a home for these homeless bodies.

I thank you on behalf of their departed families!

—Unemployed Lumiere, June 15th, in the cellar of the Harpy Inn.

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