This Necromancer Just Wants to Plant Trees - Chapter 163
Added 2023-12-04 21:08:10 +0000 UTCChapter 163: The Realm of Celebrities and the Dark Priest
In the depths of the oak forest...
Four stones engraved with the symbols of wind, earth, water, and fire encircle a towering oak tree at its center.
At this moment...
This oak tree emits a radiant white light from top to bottom.
Its canopy stretches wider than the other oaks.
A divine aura emanates from it.
This is the natural medium used by Eli and Obeest to construct the Sanctuary of Life.
The oak tree itself is a symbol of nature.
Using the oak tree as a medium for the Sanctuary of Life is only fitting.
Similar to the fountain connecting with the negative energy plane in the graveyard, this oak tree takes on the responsibility of connecting with the natural realm.
The elements of life continuously flow through it into the earth where the oak forest resides.
And the flowers, grass, and trees that can coexist with the oak forest gradually appear in the woods.
Matthew can already foresee the scene where his oak forest becomes vibrant and filled with the scent of flowers and the chirping of birds!
But this isn't the time to immerse oneself in the wonderful atmosphere of the Sanctuary of Life.
Matthew strides past Eli and the centaur.
He enters the sanctuary, places his hands on the natural medium, and turns back, saying, "Release the control, hand it over to me."
Eli has no objections, stating, "It was always yours."
"I activated it using the oak realm," he explains.
His oak realm originates from Matthew.
This makes it incredibly smooth for Matthew to take over; he enters without any hindrance.
Obeest stands silently beside him, looking as if awaiting orders.
"We're too close; the conflict between the two ritual grounds is inevitable."
Becoming the owner of the Sanctuary of Life...
Matthew senses that the two ritual grounds are directly opposed, escalating their energies.
On the land where the graveyard meets the oak forest...
The clash of energies from the ritual grounds almost distorts the air in that area slightly.
Life and negative energies clash wildly.
At this rate...
The energies of both ritual grounds will deplete rapidly.
Matthew needs to intervene and coordinate.
At that moment, he activates the professional attribute of the Balancer -
"Supreme Harmony!"
Normally used to balance internal power imbalances, but since both ritual grounds are under Matthew's control, the principle of harmony is highly similar.
Moments later...
Matthew finds himself amidst the conflict of the ritual grounds.
Forces from all directions threaten to overwhelm him!
"Calm down!"
"Relax!"
"Behave~"
Handling the conflict between the ritual grounds for the first time, Matthew lacks much experience, resorting to coaxing the instinctual spiritual essence of the ritual grounds, much like calming a child.
But this action yields little effect.
Half an hour passes.
Matthew, caught in the middle, feels dizzy.
Both the lively Sanctuary of Life and the grim graveyard show him no mercy.
Instead of easing, the conflict between the ritual grounds intensifies.
"Mere harmony isn't enough."
Matthew steps back, contemplating, "Isabelle once said that balancing two forces isn't meaningful; balancing everything is true equilibrium."
"Maybe her words weren't as I initially understood."
"Balancing everything doesn't signify balance but rather dominance over everything, doesn't it?"
Following this line of thought...
He attempts to convey his will through Supreme Harmony:
"Stop right there, all of you!"
"Whichever side persists, I'll dismantle it directly!"
This signal is sent out.
The previously intense conflict between the two ritual grounds suddenly eases.
Though at their border, there's still an undercurrent.
But it's significantly better than before!
"Note: Preliminary mediation successful. Your 'coordination' factor +5!
Your 'threat' factor +10!
Detected that you've accumulated enough related factors. Enter the 'balance' domain using 'coordination' or 'threat'?"
"The 'balance' domain also includes a 'threat' factor?"
Matthew thinks for a moment. If he isn't strong enough, how could he balance everything?
Yet, whether it's threat or coordination, they are just means to achieve equilibrium.
As long as he discerns these, his legendary path won't go astray.
However, this time, he still refuses to enter the balance domain using these two factors.
Matthew senses...
This is still an incomplete balance domain.
He wants to accumulate elements comprehensively before breaking through.
The balance domain is crucial to Matthew; he doesn't want even a hint of imperfection due to impatience in the future!
"Note: Detected continued friction at the edges of the two ritual grounds. Would you spend 10 'coordination' factors to ensure peace in the short term?"
Successful consumption!
Your ritual grounds: the graveyard and the Sanctuary of Life have further coordinated, forming a temporary 'elemental depression' at the border.
You've achieved deeper coordination. Your coordination factor +10!
Faint signs of element circulation appear within the depression.
Your circulation factor +1!"
"Perpetual motion, huh?"
Matthew feels the ebb and flow of coordination factors.
But what surprises him most is the further compromise between the two ritual grounds.
They form a circular elemental depression at the entrance to the graveyard.
The elements there are scarce, yet the remaining ones exhibit signs of cyclic transformation, a scene only possible in the elemental layer!
The emergence of cyclic elements indicates that the path to great coordination is viable.
Next, it all depends on Matthew's efforts.
At this moment...
Matthew calmly opens his eyes.
Obeest suddenly points in the direction of the World Tree, exclaiming, "Look!"
Matthew follows his gesture.
Upon the branches of the World Tree, there appears a gloomy round moon.
That moon is identical to what Matthew saw in the negative energy plane.
It hangs on the World Tree's branches like an ornament.
Simultaneously...
There's a whistling wind at the entrance to the graveyard.
Matthew rushes over, witnessing a blaze of golden light -
Near the fountain of negative energy, a golden oak tree rises from the ground, shining brightly and illuminating this underground space!
At that moment...
Matthew feels a slight tremor in both his undead and oak realm!
"Note: The resonance and fluctuations between the ritual grounds and realms created two major anomalies - 'Dark Moon' and 'Golden Tree,' which will be captured by the following groups -
1. The farming area and residents nearby.
2. Bards with perception over 18, located in the southern region.
3. Spellcasters proficient in prophecy.
...
Your friend 'Dusk Chantress: Lolan' intercepted this anomaly and promptly used the 'Ability: Broadcast Declaration,' as no major events occurred recently.
Your anomaly rapidly spreads, adding a new group that can capture this anomaly -
4. Gods observing the southern land or creatures from outer planes.
5. Editors of the Alliance Journal.
Your enemies 'Evil Sovereign Lord: Omodochi,' 'Great Demon Teril,' 'Evil Queen Babasha' are attentive to this anomaly;
Your follower 'Midnight Queen (Arcane Wilds/Fairy Lord)' intercepted this anomaly. Pleased with the content, she distributed this message using message craft to other parts of the Arcane Wilds;
Your follower 'Moonlight Goddess: Aesia' intercepted this anomaly, sharing it with the Celestial Palace;
Your friend 'Spirit of the Rainforest: Suya' intercepted this anomaly;
Your friend 'Bob
o Wilkins' captured this anomaly through the 'Mechanic's Steel Crystal Ball.'
...
Due to the widespread dissemination of the Dark Moon and Golden Tree anomalies...
Your world's legend level (Aendore) +1!
You have exceeded the prerequisites for 'Legendary Path: Perfect Promotion' - Reputation."
...
"Oh, no."
"Completely unexpected."
Matthew never thought that merely planting trees and tending graves at home, with a little help from his associates for the ritual grounds, would cause such a commotion!
"Lolan!"
"He doesn't seriously expect me to thank him, does he?"
Matthew has a severe headache.
Even if Lolan didn't contribute, this abrupt anomaly would certainly attract widespread attention.
But the process could have been gentler than it is now.
Yet today's data stream is particularly active.
Before Matthew can digest the previous information, new content arrives in a flash.
...
"Note: Based on your world-class legendary status, you've entered the 'Celebrity' domain for the first time.
As a reward for delving into this domain, you will gain two of the following abilities -
1. Commanding Voice (You emit a commanding shout, pushing all living beings back at least three steps. The effectiveness depends on your reputation; the higher your reputation, the stronger the repelling ability.)
2. Maiden's Bane (As a world-class celebrity, you can gain unconditional adulation from young women by narrating or even boasting about your exploits. Even if proven untrue later, it won't affect the lofty image they hold of you.)
3. World Affairs (You will initially grasp the ability to capture world-class and regional anomalies. When an event occurs that significantly impacts the world's destiny or regional situation, you have a chance of obtaining related information or clues.)"
...
"Alright.
It seems that being a world-class legend doesn't bring only bad news.
Losing three abilities for one.
Matthew undoubtedly chose to discard 'Girl Buster.'
He had no interest in that.
The other two abilities, however, each have their uses.
The former is a useful defensive ability, useful for pushing away those charging at oneself.
Compared to defensive spells.
'Loud Repulsion' is sound-based, immediately effective upon being shouted, which aligns more with human instincts than protective spells.
And the latter grants Matthew a capability similar to Lysanna's whispering messages or shadow-catching ability.
Of course, his ability is undoubtedly much weaker than Lysanna's, given that this is a beginner-level domain ability, and she's a professional bard.
Apart from these two domain abilities.
The realm of fame also brought Matthew a permanent state.
'Fame Effect: As a world-class celebrity, you gain higher value in negotiation, deception, intimidation, and related areas.'
This ability can make it easier for Matthew to persuade, deceive, and even intimidate enemies.
As they say, a person's name casts a shadow.
Reputation does indeed enhance daily skills.
When Matthew regained consciousness.
Eli and Obeest were still overwhelmed by surprise.
Fortunately, the dark moon on the World Tree and the golden tree in the cemetery had both disappeared.
Otherwise, if those phenomena hung around all day long.
Matthew would have really needed a place to hide.
For the next period.
He couldn't be more low-key.
Every day, apart from planting trees and maintaining graves, he didn't even touch the ceremony grounds.
Most of the time, he stayed in the cemetery.
Occasionally, he went for walks.
Also, to check on the arsonists just imprisoned in the dungeon, see if they were doing well, enjoying their meals, and diligently making the fire adhesive.
In the blink of an eye, early June arrived.
The commotion caused by that vision wasn't as significant as Matthew had imagined.
These days, there were some curious onlookers outside the oak forest.
But they were all chased away by the imposing figures of Eli and Obeest.
Rumors outside mentioned the event.
Rhaegar told Matthew it made the headlines in the Alliance Weekly.
However, the residents of Rolling Stone Town weren't as interested.
Perhaps because the legend of the man-eating tree was deeply ingrained.
Overall.
It seemed like this matter passed quietly.
In hindsight, Matthew reasoned that they were only concerned about the dark moon and golden tree.
He might have been noticed incidentally.
Every day in this world, major events happened.
Perhaps the next day, these people would turn their attention elsewhere.
The calmness in Rolling Stone Town until now was evidence enough.
At this thought.
Matthew's mind finally settled.
Two more days passed.
Not only did the five black knights finish their reversal, but they also had their curse-sealing ceremony done by Matthew, who spent every day in the cemetery.
This afternoon.
Matthew intended to perform the final ritual of acknowledgment for them.
In reality, the acknowledgment ritual was the simplest.
Throughout the entire process of making the black knights, he and the undead had built a profound understanding.
The acknowledgment ritual simply made them deeply remember all the features of Matthew through blood droplets, contracts, and burning hair and nails.
The entire ritual was seamless.
In less than thirty minutes.
The five black knights knelt before Matthew.
Their spirits awakened one by one.
Looking at these robust black knights.
Matthew felt comforted.
He began to check the attributes and abilities of each black knight.
First to look at naturally was the black knight transformed from the half-dragon cursed swordsman.
...
"Dark Priest (Half-Dragon/Black Knight/Lv15)
Regular Attack: Dark Orb (Conjures a negative energy orb in the right hand and shoots it at the target)
Ability List:
- Resilient Resurrection (When the Dark Priest is completely destroyed, he has one chance to be reborn, restoring fifty percent of his health) (Undead Fountain Effect)
- Dark Leader (Elite Template: During the process of making black knights, due to an unexpected blending of spirits, the Dark Priest transformed three dragon-blood warriors into his own dark servants.
The Dark Servants have a template similar to the Dark Priest, with regular attacks being dark magic orbs, proficient in spells and crowd spells, having some melee capabilities, but not reliable;
The Dark Priest can transform more black knights into Dark Servants, up to a maximum of ten;
The Dark Priest can command the Dark Servants unconditionally;
The Dark Priest possesses some leadership qualities and commanding abilities;
The Dark Priest has the potential to evolve into a hero template.)
- Exotic Weapon Mastery (The Dark Priest is adept at giant crosses, halberds, sickles, and other exotic weapons)
- Dark Magic (The Dark Priest uses the following spells: Negative Energy Healing, Group Negative Energy Healing, Incitement, Dark Space, Sky-Shrouding Curtain, Instant Death Orb, Eye of Curse, Gust of Wind, Dark Shield, Spell Shift Position) "
...
As he read on.
Matthew's smile gradually faded.
He had anticipated the half-dragon cursed swordsman transformed into a black knight might lean towards the magic side.
But he never expected.
This fellow not only transformed himself into a magic user but also turned three other dragon-blood warriors into magic-based units!
Matthew took a glance.
The attributes of the Dark Servants were mediocre, lacking in durability, and their melee capabilities were poor.
Even if their magic was strong, it might not be more potent than Matthew's.
Their sole advantage was their spells not requiring money, only needing enough negative energy, without any daily spell casting limit.
Moreover.
When three or more Dark Servants gathered under the Dark Priest's command.
They gained the ability to cast two group spells.
These two group spells were 'Dark Matrix' and 'Short-Distance Teleportation.'
The Dark Matrix was a powerful spell similar to a ritual site, mainly used for sealing, weakening, containing, and detaining enemies;
The Short-Distance Teleportation was more significant, with a maximum range of up to 30 kilometers.
These were strategic spells.
Actually, setting aside Matthew's obsession with tanking.
The Dark Priest leading three Dark Servants seemed a viable configuration, not to mention the former's potential to evolve into a hero.
"But all I wanted was a shelter from the storm. Is it that hard?"
Matthew, with a bad feeling, approached the last black knight.
This one was transformed from a wild boar warrior.
This guy couldn't be a magic user, right?
...
"Dark Berserker (Wild Boar/Black Knight/Lv14)
Regular Attack: Axe Swing (Please equip the corresponding weapon)
Ability List:
Inherent Berserk (Passive) (The Dark Berserker's armor is reset to zero, and they gain a 200% physical damage bonus)"
...
Alright.
Indeed not a magic user.
But rather a high-attack, low-defense fragile berserker!
Matthew had no interest in the rest of the content.
He looked at the undead surrounding him, feeling somewhat disheartened.
They looked innocent or confused, each gazing at Matthew.
"It's okay, not your fault."
Matthew thought for a moment.
And his mindset became clearer.
"Maybe I really don't have the destiny to have tanks."
"In that case."
"Let me become the strongest tank in the team!"
He pondered whether he should acquire some
passive spells in necromancy or protection.
These spells weren't as effective as the spell-based abilities.
But they were better than nothing.
As Matthew earnestly considered this.
For the first time since its establishment, the negativity energy beacon that had remained silent suddenly stirred.
In an instant.
A temporal rift from the negativity energy dimension appeared near the beacon.
A figure clad in heavy armor, surrounded by green fire and wielding a huge shield, emerged before Matthew.
...
"Notification: Your negativity energy beacon has been effective.
Agus, the Shield of Oddities, from the negativity energy dimension (Lv17), has been drawn by the beacon and has come to join you.
But to gain Agus's loyalty, you must pass his test."
...
The next moment.
Agus placed the enormous bone shield on the ground and gestured to Matthew.
He emitted a raspy voice:
"Come, hit me, face me head-on."
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