This Necromancer Just Wants to Plant Trees - Chapter 162

Chapter 162: Rhaegar's Sisters

In comparison to the surface, the underground city was fraught with peril. Not only did it house many hidden underground residents, but it was also susceptible to dark creatures from the shadow planes or the realm of malevolent spirits.

Within the Hundred Cities Sealed Plan, the Seven Holy Alliance had warned the mages of each city-state that if they wanted to develop the underground space of their cities, they must strictly adhere to the 300-meter principle when digging downwards. That meant the depth of excavation shouldn't exceed 300 meters, with 180 meters being the safer limit.

Throughout the history of Eindor, instances of disasters resulting from cities digging too deep were not uncommon.

The underground world operated under a different logic of survival. This was related to the time when the Cataclysmic Mage, during the exile from the Celestial Palace, failed to disturb the dark deities hidden in the depths.

Therefore, when Matthew planned his underground space, he strictly adhered to the 300-meter principle. In fact, his graveyard was only 7 to 9 meters from the surface, thoroughly secured against any threats.

However, upon hearing Ali the ghost's description, Matthew's initial reaction was, "Could there be deception in this?"

He wasn't suspicious of Ali setting him up but rather pondered the rarity of exposed sulfur mines underground. Since dark creatures required sulfur, it was considered a valuable commodity in the subterranean world. Any discovered sulfur mines would undoubtedly be promptly exploited.

Considering that the underground spaces in the Prospector's Basin had been extensively traversed by humans, adventurers, and subterranean creatures like gnolls and jackals, Matthew deemed the chance of finding an oversight rather low.

"But if that sulfur mine is close to the surface and strategically placed, it might just slip under the radar."

After detailed inquiries about the sulfur mine's location and confirming it didn't breach the 300-meter principle, Matthew decided to lead an exploration team.

He had Ali guide the way, accompanied by a squad of skeleton soldiers, a team of Silvermoon zombies, and six ghostly wolves, marching resolutely into a narrow tunnel.

During their journey, Matthew had a whimsical idea and used the 'Necromancer Transformation' spell, morphing into a dwarf skeleton, formerly a marksman, blending among the undead soldiers. Due to the dwarf's short stature, he was certain that by diving into the soldier pile, enemies would struggle to pinpoint him. Yet, in turn, it seemed he couldn't quite see much himself.

Along the way, he mainly found himself fixated on the backside of Renaismae...

Their subterranean march lasted about two hours. Ali led them to a rushing underground river, which Matthew speculated could be a tributary of the Old Lady River on the surface.

After another twenty minutes along the underground river, their path came to an end. Ali pointed to the dark stone wall, stating, "Despite its thickness here, about 5 meters further lies a hollow underground basin."

"If it's tangible beings, they can cross via the underground river. I remember an entrance over there."

Matthew instructed Renaismae to venture into the river for a test. Soon after, he sensed through their pact that all was safe. Renaismae wasn't too far, roughly around ten meters away, affirming Ali's truthfulness.

Consequently, he led the team downstream and easily found the underground basin Ali mentioned.

Upon emergence, a pungent, stimulating odor greeted Matthew's senses. The underground basin's air was humid and warm. Initial estimates suggested it was around 800 meters deep with a horizontal space of about 60 meters. The overhead clearance was noticeably shorter, only 3 to 4 meters.

Indeed, an exposed sulfur mine lay here. Though not a mineralogist, Matthew's magical knowledge was enough to conclude that this sulfur mine was easily exploitable and of high purity. If handled properly, it could yield a substantial profit.

This discovery left Matthew both pleased and concerned. Delighted by the sudden windfall, yet worried because such high-purity sulfur appearing here, excluding the possibility of underground volcanoes, hinted at only one potential source – a crack from the abyss.

The sulfur leaked from within. Demons considered sulfur as a supplement and had a natural ability to seek out sulfur mines.

One couldn't discount the chance of a few demons wandering over someday.

"I could conduct a preliminary survey of the node and then seal the crack beforehand. The demons might not make it in time, and even if they did, they likely wouldn't be a significant threat."

With resolve, he asked Ali, "Have you seen any demon-like creatures nearby?"

Ali shook her head, replying, "None. Downstream of the underground river, there's a settlement of troglodytes, but they seldom venture here. About five miles from here in the lower spaces, there's a tribe of terrorclaws, numerous, but this place is too damp; they probably won't come."

Interested, Matthew inquired further, "Do you understand the habits of terrorclaws?"

Terrorclaws were common subterranean creatures, resembling a mix of vultures and giant beetles, with spiky exoskeletons and fearsome clawed limbs. Unarmed individuals caught by them faced brutal outcomes.

Their settlements followed matriarchal traditions, sustaining themselves on anything they could hunt or gather.

Their only noticeable drawback was their aversion to water and disdain for damp places.

This information was essential for a mage but not readily known by others.

Caught in Matthew's curious gaze, Ali's expression dimmed, "In the depths of Zandal's cemetery, there's a library owned by a kind mummy, where we were allowed to freely borrow books but with the condition to cherish each one."

"Spending a long time there, reading many books, I unconsciously underwent some changes. My thoughts seem sharper than when I was alive."

"Unfortunately, the library was destroyed during the Dragon Cataclysm, and the mummy, Mr. Zandal, was captured by the red dragon Kusules."

Acknowledging Ali's overall awareness, Matthew returned to surveying throughout the night. After leaving two ghostly wolves as sentinels, he returned to his graveyard.

While he intended to develop the sulfur mine, the specifics required discussion with Rhaegar and the others. Matthew wasn't accustomed to acting alone.

The next morning, upon waking, he left the graveyard, heading back to his home in the town. He aimed to collect seedlings from the greenhouse before visiting the Lord's Manor.

As he approached his home, he noticed someone outside. Clearing his throat, he called out, "Jeff?"

Startled, the person turned around nervously. "Thank goodness, I've found you!"

The long-absent merchant Jeff appeared elated, exclaiming, "If I hadn't caught you here, I would've ventured into the Oakwood Forest to the east. I just returned and heard that the forest is incredibly eerie, hosting a towering man-eating tree!"

"It was indeed tall; did you plant it? That's amazing!"

Quickly assessing Jeff, Matthew noticed his attire, accessories, and backpack had all been upgraded. Correcting him, Matthew said, "That's the World Tree, not a man-eating tree."

"Where have you been all this time?" Jeff chuckled, "Sorry, Matthew, I can't say."

"I've had great

 adventures! Just look at what I've brought for you this time!" Jeff boasted, gesturing toward his backpack.

Matthew grinned, anticipating what treasures Jeff had procured. "Let's discuss it indoors. Come in, and we'll have some tea."

As they entered the house, Matthew's curiosity piqued. The return of Jeff, bearing gifts and stories of adventure, promised an exciting turn of events.

"I will let the spirits drain some of their energy, weakening their will; then I'll have skeletons and zombies as overseers, also serving as a warning to those who dare to rebel."

"In fact, wouldn't it be good news for Rolling Stone Town if they did rebel? At least there would be a legitimate chance to eliminate them, and I would have another batch of undead to serve me. Producing Inferno Gel isn't a big deal. I could recruit a group of workers!"

Seeing Matthew so confident, Zeller didn't say much, just indicating that by this afternoon, the prisoners would be transferred to Matthew's cemetery.

Matthew got his wish and acquired a group of free laborers, lounging contentedly on the sofa.

"Any news from Rolling Stone Town lately?" He casually asked.

Rhaegar shook his head, casually opening a newspaper. "The recent news is all from Gao Ye territory. It's said that when the Red Earth Mountain's army attempted to attack Gao Ye's homeland crossing the Golden Plains, they were ambushed by a black dragon, resulting in heavy casualties.

Li Weiqi and Howell returned saying the black dragon seemed to have reached some agreement with Gao Ye territory. It occupies the mountains near the mountain reservoir.

The situation in Gao Ye is still chaotic, with small skirmishes happening every day."

Zeller nodded, "The number of refugees fleeing to relatives from Gao Ye has increased recently. I've arranged for increased patrols; it shouldn't affect Rolling Stone Town's security in the short term."

Matthew stretched lazily, content with the calm situation. Considering how even Lolan had gone to Gao Ye, there wouldn't be much big news in Rolling Stone Town for a while.

Moments later, Rhaegar suddenly spoke up, "Something significant also happened at the Watcher's High Ground. Several evil organizations gathered and launched an attack on the Druid Council headquarters.

That night, disturbances were reported in the remnants of the undead near the Watcher's High Ground. Residents claimed to have seen a colossal figure comparable to two or three small mountains.

The Druid Council sought help from the Seven Saints Alliance.

The Alliance is currently forming an investigation team.

But from my estimation, the mages won't intervene; they'll just make a show of it.

The main force behind the attack that night is believed to be from the Withered Ones Organization in the Helen Mountains. Their leader is someone called the Withered King.

It's absurd! Helen Mountains are miles away from the Watcher's High Ground.

Did they fly over in hot air balloons?"

Rhaegar criticized, then chuckled, "If you hadn't been showing up for work every day recently, I'd have suspected you organized this attack.

After all, the papers say the Druid Council's major loss this time was some Sacred Oak seeds.

Feels like something you'd find interesting."

Hearing this, Matthew suddenly felt the small bag of seeds in his pocket grow warm.

Jeff is indeed suspicious! Could he have really been involved in the attack on the Druid Council?

Doesn't seem like him.

He's just an ordinary person, maybe a bit of a pickpocket, his level wouldn't exceed LV3.

How could he be involved with the northern criminal organizations?

Matthew pondered how to deal with the bag of seeds.

Mrs. Wesley, rarely appearing unsummoned, entered, "A few maids rushed to me, saying Suyan's temperature isn't right. I checked; it's serious. Her heartbeat is unstable."

Rhaegar pondered, "I'll take a look, but it shouldn't be a big issue. Blood Flag Clan members can burn up to over fifty degrees."

Mrs. Wesley shook her head, "This child's condition is different from when you were young. I've never seen such a fierce temperature spike with no change in emotions."

"She might be burying something too deep, you catch my drift, Rhaegar?"

Rhaegar nodded solemnly and walked towards the Lord's manor's backyard.

Zeller patted Matthew's shoulder, "Let's go check too."

In the manor's backyard, outside Suyan's room, a little devil was lazily hanging from a chandelier by its tail until footsteps approached, prompting it to jump down.

"Nini? You came out? How's Suyan?" Rhaegar asked, surprised at the little devil.

The devil, with an old-fashioned tone, replied, "As you know, young mistress Suyan doesn't like me. So, whenever she has strength, she seals me, restricting my movement."

"So her condition must be terrible. I saw her grow a horn, but it's only a little, and it's soft, lacking the style of a high-level devil!"

Her voice was melodious, charming.

Rhaegar went to Suyan's bedside, placing his hand on her forehead, his expression changing.

Matthew also entered, examining Suyan's condition. She was wearing thin sleepwear, pale-faced, displaying unnatural stiffness throughout her body.

The most peculiar was the cute and miniaturized horn on her forehead, fleshy pink and not sharp, exuding an inexplicable innocence.

Looking at the horn, Matthew found it strange. He had seen Rhaegar's second form, with two horns resembling a goat. Why did Suyan only have one, similar to a unicorn?

He cast a life detection spell and found Suyan's life force extremely weak, which couldn't be explained by awakening her bloodline.

"I need a bucket of ice-cold water, a large one!" Rhaegar urged urgently.

Matthew quickly replied, "I'll get it."

Soon, strong servants brought a wooden bucket to Suyan's room.

Matthew cast a Water Creation spell inside, then pulled water from a nearby well. He followed with a Frosty Path spell to cool the water, producing nearly freezing water.

Rhaegar picked up Suyan, preparing to immerse her in the bucket.

Matthew hurriedly intervened, "Wouldn't that be too much for her?"

Rhaegar shook his head, "A devil's body is much stronger than you think. Don't worry, Matthew, I'm her father; I know what she needs."

Matthew stepped aside, "Sorry, Rhaegar."

Rhaegar said nothing, slowly placing Suyan's body into the bucket.

Bubbles rose, and a faint mist wafted above the water's surface.

After five or six minutes, Zeller handed a few large ice cubes to Rhaegar, which he added to the bucket.

Half an hour later, Rhaegar emerged from Suyan's room, addressing the two men outside, "Suyan's situation has stabilized; she shouldn't have any issues in the short term. But her awakening is indeed strange. She's clear-headed and shows no change in character. Not just a lack of change, there's no fluctuation at all.

This doesn't fit a devil's norms!

Devils are disciplined throughout their lives, except during awakening periods when they become rebellious and erratic.

But Suyan isn't like that. Although I'm not particularly worried about her successful awakening, for safety's sake, I plan to return to my old home soon, check some records, and ask those old guys in the castle."

Matthew

raised an eyebrow.

When Rhaegar mentioned 'old home', he referred to the Blood Flag Kingdom within Purgatory!

At the mention, Rhaegar seemed distressed.

Matthew couldn't help but ask, "Is returning home that tormenting for you?"

Rhaegar remained silent. It was Zeller who explained, "As the 27th heir of the Blood Flag Kingdom, preceding him are 26 females. While the devils allow female inheritance, as one of the rare males, Rhaegar theoretically has the responsibility to extend the family line. Moreover, to ensure the purity of the upper devil's bloodline, the internal rule of the Blood Flag Clan is incestuous mating."

"Rhaegar escaped from Purgatory many years ago. Although it's been a while, if he returns now, there's a high chance he'll be forced into mating, possibly with higher-ranking heirs, even his sisters."

Rhaegar corrected solemnly, "And aunts."

Matthew clicked his tongue inwardly.

Unfortunately, he couldn't offer much help regarding Suyan's awakening. He could only silently pray for her, wishing Rhaegar a smooth journey to Purgatory.

...

In the afternoon, just as Matthew returned to the Oak Forest, an ecstatic voice rang out, "We did it! We did it, Matthew!"

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