This Necromancer Just Wants to Plant Trees - Chapter 172

Chapter 172: Battle Reflection

The world before Matthew's eyes felt dreamlike.

Vast swirls of purple and crimson twisted like vortexes, assaulting his retinas.

A single-celled organism surrounded by cilia swam past him.

Next moment,

Its cellular nucleus erupted like a volcanic lava flow.

The scene kept expanding.

Above the volcano, a massive dark cloud suddenly surged.

Above the cloud,

Dozens of haloed angels chanted solemnly.

Their expressions devout, clutching sacred tomes adorned with golden crosses.

One of the books' golden crosses floated toward Matthew's pupils.

A golden light violently distorted.

Faintly,

He heard a mournful horn.

He saw the continents slowly shifting, volcanoes erupting, the land parched and desolate, hinting at drought and decay.

Then came a deluge from the skies.

Countless waters filled the gaps between the plates, nourishing everything on the planet.

Songs of whales and dolphins echoed from the sea.

Forests emerged, mountains dotted the land.

On a smoke-filled battlefield, towering humanoid figures wielded weapons against peculiar-shaped foes.

In a dry, enclosed cavern, a shrine was set down by weathered hands.

Thus began the age of the gods.

Matthew saw people flying in the sky, countless beings kneeling on the ground, and at sunset, households devoutly reciting the names of different deities.

These scenes intertwined among colorful distorted blocks.

An indescribable, dazzling spectacle.

Subsequently, everything sped up.

Matthew blinked once, and the world seemed to have passed ten thousand years.

Suddenly, he witnessed the planet exploding, breaking into tiny dust particles.

Afterward, the world returned to tranquility.

Only enormous halos lingered over this celestial expanse.

Yet his "body" continued to traverse, journeying incessantly.

He soared past the dust, the stars, through blue and green nebulas, arriving at the pitch-black edge of the starry realm!

Abruptly,

A strong sense of weightlessness struck him!

He jolted awake suddenly.

"Note: You've explored the microcosm.

You've observed a fraction of the world's changes from the perspective of microorganisms.

Your knowledge (World Origins and Changes) +20."

"Wasn't it all an illusion just now?" Matthew vigorously blinked, realizing he hadn't moved too close to Hasman yet.

This surreal visual journey left an indelible impression on Matthew.

Initially, he thought it was all an illusion, but now, at least a portion seemed real.

He firmly etched this memory into his mind.

"Hasman willingly shared his domain with me, indicating his expertise in the Sporos Domain, exploration count between 8 to 12 times. There are no other competitors in this domain. Barring any unforeseen events, he'll become the domain's lord—meeting the '13 explorations of the domain and declaring dominion' conditions is almost a done deal!"

"No wonder the confident Kreet of the Yellow Jade Dragon claimed that a Fungal King would emerge in the future..."

"My luck's not bad this time. I've completed the 'Initial Entry' in one go, meaning I've effectively explored the Sporos Domain 2 to 3 times."

Matthew marveled at Hasman's might.

However, amidst the process, he not only observed the world's changes from a microorganism's viewpoint but also felt a profound sense of solitude.

This loneliness stemmed from two souls—the Fungal Lord Hasman and the Solar Spirit Duderly.

The latter due to losing all his kin and feeling isolated.

While Hasman, for being the sole oddity within his kin.

The emergence of such advanced intellect from microorganisms was indeed rare.

Perhaps, it was their shared loneliness that drew them together.

Gathering his thoughts, Matthew carefully examined the three abilities granted by the Sporos Domain.

...

"Winemaking: You can place any type of food or fruit in a wine vat, then summon a group of microorganisms from the Sporos Domain to magically ferment the raw material.

After sealing it for six hours, you'll obtain a cask of fine wine.

Note: Different food or fruits produce wines of various tastes and attributes;

Daily use limit: 3 times."

"Decomposition and Fertilization: You can rapidly decompose the remains of any animal or plant, taking 30 seconds to 5 minutes. They will be fully broken down into nutrients.

You can inject these nutrients into specific plants for cultivation;

Also, you can evenly spread the nutrients on the ground, slightly enhancing soil fertility.

Note: No daily usage limit, but it consumes a certain amount of energy when used."

"Four Seasons as Spring: You can maintain a spring-like climate in a space of up to 2 acres.

This ability lasts long-term.

At least a month before changing the designated land."

...

All three were remarkable abilities.

Fine wine was always in demand everywhere, and brewing through this method was quick and excellent, with a chance of added attribute enhancements!

Just this ability alone could cultivate a promising future vintner.

"Can any food or fruit be brewed?"

"What kind of wine could be made using mushrooms?"

Matthew was filled with curiosity about this ability.

"Decomposition and Fertilization" could serve as a supplement for the Sanctum of Life and also prove the existence of the Sporos Domain.

It formed the cornerstone of communication between life and death.

With this ability, Matthew now had a specific means of communicating within the domain.

It wasn't just for planting trees; it was versatile!

Most importantly,

This ability had no daily usage limit.

Matthew was confident about his energy.

If need be, he'd resort to energy potions.

"Cotton crops failing in the Highleaf Realm, wheat in the Golden Fields facing emergencies... How about asking Rhaegar for a plot of land to try self-sufficiency?"

"But having a Spell Consultant work the fields seems a bit excessive. I'll have to convince Rhaegar to pay me handsomely for it."

Matthew indulged in his thoughts.

As for the last ability, "Four Seasons as Spring," it was indeed a miraculous land cultivation technique.

Roughly estimating, two acres could accommodate 60 oak trees.

This meant a significant boost to tree planting progress during summer.

Moreover, during climate crises, this ability could provide basic food supply.

Apart from the Sporos Domain,

Matthew's Plague Domain also underwent an enhancement while resonating.

He glanced at it.

His Plague Domain was still at the entry-level (2 times).

...

"Note: You've progressed further in the Plague Domain.

Your ability 'Rot Control' has been strengthened, with the following enhancements—

When the spores you control and spread are inhaled and reach the digestive tract, it will cause severe abdominal pain, followed by uncontrollable diarrhea after 10 minutes.

-

You've gained the ability 'Blinding Fungus.'

Blinding Fungus: You can activate this ability at any time, causing a unique fungus to attach to the palms of your hands.

Thereafter, when you engage in unarmed melee combat, merely touching the enemy's skin has a high probability of causing the 'Blindness' effect on the target after 5 seconds.

The duration of the Blindness effect depends on the opponent's physique and resilience, lasting no less than 18 seconds at the shortest.

Additionally, you can specify a wilderness form to share this ability's effects."

...

A smile crept upon Matthew's face.

"Rot Control" had been further empowered.

Although not lethal, it was quite an annoying ability.

Furthermore, "Blinding Fungus" was a useful ability for close combat.

It didn't directly harm the enemy but provided a valuable opportunity to gain the upper hand.

"Wilderness form?"

"The situation might require using the wilderness form for more decisive control."

Matthew carefully pondered over the possibilities and then decided to inquire about it later.

He turned his attention back to the main matter at hand—the Sporos Domain.

This exploration was relatively smooth.

With Hasman willingly sharing his domain and the exploration completed in one attempt, Matthew felt fortunate.

"Now, the only thing left is to establish the official connection with Hasman."

Matthew couldn't help but anticipate the interactions following their official agreement.

At the same time, his curiosity about the Fungal King's role and their future path was piqued.

The journey within the Sporos Domain had opened his eyes to the extraordinary.

Matthew's gaze gradually focused, returning to reality.

He looked at Hasman, who was still hovering before him.

...

In the afternoon, Matthew and Duderly were discussing experiments on reproductive fission.

Their conversation grew more engaging, with Duderly offering Matthew more mushrooms. Matthew selected a few to take along, intrigued by the magical mushroom breeding process. It wasn't merely about decomposition and fertilization; there were certainly other abilities involved.

However, even for Duderly, completing this process required Hasman's assistance.

Matthew had startled Hasman so much that it would take several days for him to fully accept it.

For Matthew, it was somewhat regrettable. They couldn't linger too long on Eternal Island.

On one hand, their purpose for this trip was combat training. The encounter with the Yellow Jade Dragon had disrupted their plans. Logically, they should promptly interrupt the course and return to the main material plane.

On the other hand, they weren't prepared for extended planar travel. Their bodies weren't sufficiently adapted to new planes.

The longer they stayed, the more they felt the inner planes rejecting them—a subtle yet tangible sensation.

Extended stays would become uncomfortable, leading to increased irritability.

Matthew knew this was due to elemental deficiencies. Whether in negative energy planes or elemental planes, these inner planes had singular elements. People from the main material plane would weaken due to this lack of elements if they hadn't prepared adequately beforehand.

Their changing moods and unpleasant feelings served as a warning for their bodies.

At most, they could stay in the inner planes for three to five days—strictly a numerical limit. They weren't embarking on a survival challenge, so pushing those limits wasn't feasible.

As evening approached, the Yellow Jade Dragon, Kreet, hadn't returned from his sea hunting.

Matthew had to leave a farewell letter, promising to return next time.

After noting the coordinates of Eternal Island, amidst Duderly's reluctant gaze and Margaret's company, they departed the planes.

They flew toward the Sixth Ring of the negative energy plane.

On the magic carpet, Margaret spoke solemnly:

"I still feel there's something significant about Duderly. I can sense he's legendary, but I can't pinpoint his level exactly."

"It feels exactly like Lord Hasman, the Necrotic Lord."

Matthew pondered, "You suspect Duderly has merged with Hasman?"

"It's very likely!" Margaret advised, "Even if they've merged, retaining two souls is rare. Based on Duderly's rational behavior, he might not be parasitized by Hasman. It could be a symbiotic relationship, but I can't be certain."

"Regardless, be cautious when dealing with them," she warned.

Matthew nodded gravely. Despite similar feelings, neither Hasman nor Duderly had shown malice towards him. Hence, he was inclined to give the Sporos Society some trust, albeit cautiously.

"Thank you for your concern," Matthew expressed gratitude.

Over these few days, Margaret appeared straightforward, lacking in guile. Her demeanor in dealing with others was sincere, with few noticeable flaws, aside from being a bit blunt at times.

"This is expected; after all, you're my student," Margaret joked, adjusting her glasses.

Matthew chuckled, seemingly misunderstanding her, prompting her to clarify: "Hey, don't get the wrong idea. Apart from putting on an act in front of that old dragon, there's nothing between us."

Still, he inquired, "Weren't you always insisting that I sponsor you?"

"It's a deal with clear terms. It has an expiration date. I don't want to be tied down in my life, no matter how excellent the man may be! I aim to be the strongest battle mage, free from worldly constraints."

"Can acquiring magical abilities truly make you the strongest battle mage?" Matthew queried.

"That's why I've been honing my skills and trying to enhance them through other means. It seems my project failed; no one wants to invest in my real alchemy. My legendary path has once again hit a dead end. But such setbacks are minor in my life. Once I'm done with your lessons, I plan to hone my skills at the Blood Battle Plain—since the path of real alchemy isn't feasible, let blood and fire sharpen my combat skills. Don't look at me like that; I'm the best battle mage below legends in the Alliance. Those demons and devils in the Blood Battle Plain are destined to be stepping stones for me. Perhaps, when you hear my name again after my visit, it'll mark the day I ascend to legendary in the realm of combat!"

Matthew listened quietly, offering only a "Good luck."

He could sense Margaret's struggle. Her rise was peculiar; Suerel was both her mentor and creditor, her aid as well as her obstacle. Without Suerel, she might have been an ordinary mage. But with him, her pursuit for further advancement might entail far greater torment and agony than just being an average mage.

That's the path to legendary.

For most natives, becoming legendary was a distant dream. Many hadn't even found their path to legend, wandering aimlessly throughout life.

Even for those who found their legendary path, how many persevered till the end? And even if they did, not many reaped favorable outcomes.

Among the few people Matthew knew, many struggled for their legendary status. Li Weiqi was a typical example; he'd been stuck at level twenty for many years due to the extinction of the Panlong.

Margaret was in a similar situation. The path of capital investment didn't suit her; she lacked shrewdness and innate talent. Despite mimicking Suerel in mannerisms, she only ended up with a project bankruptcy and no investors.

She sought nourishment for her combat skills in the Blood Battle Plain. Becoming a combat mage might be her only way out.

Realizing this, Matthew softly stated, "Before heading to the Blood Battle Plain, it would be better to inform me."

Margaret snorted, "What's up? Are you offering me a ride? No need for that. If I go there, it'll be stealthy, no grand announcements. It's not something to be publicized. If I die in an alternate dimension, you might as well forget you ever knew me. And don't go around claiming your combat skills came from me; it'd be embarrassing."

Matthew fell silent.

"Don't overthink it. I haven't finished your lessons yet, and my creditors won't let me die so easily," Margaret said casually. "Live a little carefree, Matthew."

"Even if I don't return from the Blood Battle Plain, don't be sad. I'll find my rightful place somehow; that's already better than most people."

Her optimism rubbed off on Matthew, who then asked with a smile, "Is this also Margaret's philosophy of battle?"

"No, this is comfort between friends."

"I guess we're friends now, right?"

...

The return to the main material plane was uneventful.

As stowaways summoned by Little Fei, their inward-to-outward plane travel naturally received gravitational favor.

Within three seconds, they returned to the Cauldron House.

After agreeing on the approximate time for their next practical lesson, Matthew returned to the Oak Forest.

This practical combat training was highly rewarding. Aside from gaining combat experience, the biggest takeaway was Duderly's mushrooms.

Matthew planned to cultivate some mushrooms in the forest, enriching its ecosystem and creating a buffer zone in the central areas of the two ritual grounds.

Upon returning, he promptly sought out Obeest

and Agus, inquiring about the conditions of the two mounts.

The centaur's response pleased Matthew. The presence of the World Tree made the Golden Pegasus swiftly adapt to the Oak Forest. It seemed reluctant to leave in the short term.

The Black Knight, Agus, reported, "The Nightmare is fond of the graveyard, but its nature is too wild. The graveyard can't contain it; whenever I'm not watching, it sneaks out to the dungeons beyond. It stays there for half a day, which worries me."

"In that case, I'll have Peggy keep an eye on him," Matthew pondered.

Agus sighed, "It was Lady Peggy who encouraged him to explore the nearby dungeons!"

Matthew remained silent.

Soon, he found Peggy in the kitchen.

Peggy, upon seeing Matthew, enthusiastically donned an apron: "What do you fancy for dinner tonight?"

Matthew casually mentioned a few dishes, then hesitantly asked, "I heard you've been riding the Hellfire Nightmare around nearby dungeons?"

Peggy nodded, "Yep, yep."

Before he could say anything, there was a sudden thud.

Peggy pulled out a fist-sized object from her apron and slammed it on the chopping board, saying, "I was just about to tell you; I've picked up a lot of stuff from the deep dungeons. Take a look; do you want this? If not, I won't go again!"

Matthew stared at the object intently, trying to voice his concern about her wandering.

...

"Hint: Your companion Peggy has presented you with a piece of Mithril!"

...

"Did you just want to tell me something?" Peggy asked, puzzled, while preparing a meal, looking at Matthew.

Matthew accepted the piece of mithril, coughed, and then solemnly stated, "Next time we go out, bring Abing along."

"Be extremely cautious. Don't bring potential enemies home."

"And most importantly—when encountering such things next time, remember to search the vicinity thoroughly."

...

The next morning, Matthew, as usual, went to the lord's manor to laze around. Today, Zeller wasn't there. It was said that there was unrest near the Highleaf domain, so he went to Kevin Village on the border to assess the situation.

The office only held an anxious Rhaegar and a mentally drained Matthew. Rhaegar's unease stemmed from Suerel. To understand Suerel's unusual condition, he had to make a trip back to hell. Currently, he was feeling somewhat hesitant about going back.

Meanwhile, Matthew's mental fatigue originated from the ability that was about to emerge but had been stuck for a long time. Initially, under the potion's effect, a brief battle was all he needed to directly awaken that ability. However, things became somewhat uncontrollable after encountering the Yellow Jade Dragon.

Although he reaped many benefits from the Sporos Society afterward, this ability remained stubbornly locked away. Matthew had tried for most of the night, but no matter what he did, that something refused to emerge. It was inevitably frustrating for him.

Throughout the morning, Matthew was uncontrollably yawning. At noon, he planned to slip away, but to his surprise, Rhaegar didn't take his usual nap.

Exiting his room, Rhaegar approached Matthew's office holding an intricately styled small round shield.

"I'm about to head to hell and must make proper preparations. I found this thing in my previous adventure gear. In theory, it's a magic immunity shield, capable of deflecting all magic. But I'm worried it might have deteriorated over the years," Rhaegar said, showing the shield to Matthew. "Could you help me test it?"

Yawning, Matthew replied, "Sorry, Rhaegar, I'm not feeling well today."

"How about tomorrow? I'll surely help you test it tomorrow," he added.

Rhaegar offered five gold coins, to which Matthew reluctantly smiled, "It's not about money. My focus seems to be off today. I don't think I can cast spells."

Unhappy, Rhaegar said, "Before, when you asked me to practice spells with you, I always agreed."

"It's really not that I'm avoiding it. It's just my focus... Well, I'll go ask Mrs. Wesley for a cup of coffee to see if it helps me get into the right mindset for spellcasting," Matthew said with a wry smile.

Waving it off, Rhaegar said, "Do you really need coffee..."

Suddenly, he lifted the shield, shouting grotesquely, "You little..."

An indescribable anger erupted from Matthew's heart. He couldn't resist casting a malicious polymorph spell!

Puff! A bright light hit the supposedly magic-immune shield.

Rhaegar, shield and all, turned into a sheep in an instant.

And in that moment, Matthew's eyes sparkled. He suddenly felt it.

That thing in his mind—

It emerged!

...

"Hint: After a period of battle and exploration, you've mastered a new ability, 'Combat Reflex.'

Combat Reflex: When faced with a specific crisis or under certain conditions, you'll instinctively use corresponding spells or abilities without the need for contemplation. The spells or abilities used via Combat Reflex aren't limited by daily usage."

...

Excitedly, Matthew gazed at the sheep on the ground. He wished he could pick it up and give it a kiss. He hadn't expected the issue bothering him for most of the night to be resolved just like that!

He was about to dispel the polymorph for Rhaegar when a somewhat weak voice echoed down the corridor:

"Matthew? Are you there?"

It was Suerel's voice.

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