This Necromancer Just Wants to Plant Trees - Chapter 154

Chapter 154: Our Rolling Stone Town!

...

"Hint: 'Breaking the Hidden Door' in the Protection Psalm failed! You need a higher level of knowledge about hidden doors!"

...

Matthew wasn't surprised by this.

The Protection Psalm could only break intermediate or lower-level hidden doors, and the teleportation gate inside the Tree Tower's core was evidently of a higher grade.

If it were that simple, Spanther would have dealt with it ages ago.

What puzzled him was the Cloud Ruins being so close to the Cloud Inn. The Cloud Elves were renowned for their formidable flying abilities, so why bother setting up a teleportation gate?

"Unless the normal route can't access the Cloud Ruins."

Matthew found this inference quite plausible.

Simultaneously, he felt both wary and reverent toward the space behind the teleportation gate.

If what Kunna said was true and it led to a treasury, why would the Cloud Elves abandon it?

Judging from their siege of Lolan in the Marshwater City, the technological prowess of the Cloud Elves had reached a terrifying level. Their ability to contend with Sky Giants and Cyber Dragons signified significant power.

It was highly unlikely they'd willingly forsake a valuable location like the Cloud Ruins.

More likely, the benefits behind this gate had been exhausted, and subsequent explorers might find nothing or even face danger.

Regardless, to explore the Cloud Ruins, thorough research and preparation were necessary.

"There should be relevant data within the Alliance. Despite the Cloud Elves' strength, they are subordinate forces under the Seven Saints Alliance's nominal jurisdiction."

"If I could make acquaintances among a few Cloud Elves, it'd be ideal to gather more detailed information."

Matthew wasn't driven by greed. He circled the Tree Tower, meticulously examining the magical runes nearby. Deciphering the hidden door was merely a secondary task. What intrigued him more was how the Cloud Elves anchored such a colossal structure in mid-air.

He hadn't found any enchantments akin to 'Super Levitation' in any level of the inn except at the top of the Tree Tower. There, he sensed traces of solidified force field magic.

Throughout the night, the Frog People bustled around, yet they didn't disturb Matthew's focus.

At some point after daybreak, Matthew wearily descended from the core of the Tree Tower.

"I don't understand."

"It's too challenging, and I simply don't get it."

The book came in handy. Matthew knew his foundational skills were not solid enough, but he hadn't expected deciphering a solidified force field spell to be this strenuous.

A whole night had passed, and he barely grasped the significance of some peripheral materials. As for the core content—it might as well have been an arcane manuscript!

"Fine, I'm just a necromancer who doesn't need too much culture."

He silently consoled himself.

At that moment, voices from the platform below caught his attention.

"We should go back to the ground! That's the ogres' homeland!"

That was Gazal's voice.

"Fool, fate led us here for a reason. Leaving now would lead to regret in the years to come."

Alif scolded fiercely.

"Alright, alright, I'll go with you."

Gazal relented.

"Good boy, give me a kiss."

Alif seemed to know how to manipulate Gazal.

Matthew found their conversation amusing. The two-headed ogre they were talking about had been released by Rhaegar the previous night. Before making the decision, they had even consulted Matthew, ultimately deciding together to release the two-headed ogre.

Ogres were a misunderstood race. Because, apart from their skin, their appearance resembled that of trolls. Even their names were quite similar, leading most to believe they were closely related.

However, ogres and trolls were distant kin in terms of lineage. Trolls belonged to a kind of monster, descendants of ancient earth spirits. They not only had low intelligence but also didn't belong to civilized races.

On the other hand, ogres were a cursed type of giant, a race that once boasted a splendid civilization and advanced intellect among higher species. Their tribes had a legacy of civilization.

Matthew had read in books that before the Age of Enlightenment, before the gods dominated Eindor, the ogres had established an unprecedented empire in the south.

Among them, the ogre tribe was the backbone of the Ogre Empire. At that time, they were not known as ogres but called the 'Savasin.'

'Savasin' in ogre language meant wise ones.

The Savasin tribe produced numerous mages, representing the highest magical proficiency of the Ogre Empire.

However, with the Ogre Empire destroyed by several deities joining forces, the Savasin tribe fell under the curse of the gods. They retained their spellcasting abilities but suffered a decline in intelligence due to the curse.

Eventually, due to their diminished intellect, Savasin mages, who possessed innate magical abilities, faced one tragedy after another.

Years later, as the tribe fragmented, the wandering Savasin mages were gradually stigmatized as 'ogres.'

And now, most ogres had forgotten this history, accepting their ogre identity, even starting to experiment with consuming humans.

Frankly, due to their heritage from the Ogre Empire, most ogres had very discerning tastes in food. Human flesh wasn't their top choice; only the most desperate ogres resorted to consuming it.

Placing ogres and trolls in the same category was a result of deliberate vilification by certain powerful entities—something they excelled at.

"If you come across a lost ogre and understand this epic, tell them of the glory of the Ogre Empire in their bloodline," the book mentioned. "Respectfully address them as the great descendants of Savasin."

"If they shed a tear in your presence, I believe you'll gain a true Savasin friend."

That was an excerpt from the book.

Matthew didn't plan to be that straightforward, but he was willing to offer some chance to the descendants of Savasin.

"Have you made up your minds overnight?"

"Where do you plan to go next?"

Matthew descended from the highest level, smiling as he looked at the ongoing dispute between Alif and Gazal.

"We plan to stay!"

"We can cook for you. Alif thinks you look like a powerful mage."

Gazal spoke up eagerly.

Alif nudged him hard on the head. "Idiot, don't spill our secret talks!"

Then, somewhat embarrassed, she addressed Matthew. "Not only are we good at cooking, but we also know a bit of magic. I can help you decipher the Tower's hidden doors. I was close to success before those annoying withered ones tied us up!"

Matthew looked surprised. "You two were here before the withered ones took over?"

Alif nodded. "Yes, they came later. Gazal and I were living in the Helen Mountains up north—quite far from here. One evening, while we were hunting, we encountered the legendary Void Whale. Have you seen the Void Whale? It's enormous, massive beyond belief! It appeared on the distant horizon, semi-transparent, like a wandering whale in the sky. Gazal claimed he saw figures on its back, but I couldn't. I was fixated on its tentacles near its mouth. They were stunning! I thought if I could cut a few, they might be the most delicious ingredients in the world. But as we gazed, we fell asleep. When we woke up

, we found ourselves tied up here!"

Matthew was astonished. The Void Whale was a legend even among gods, a cosmic existence drifting across dimensions. It was said that whoever could cut the tentacles of a Void Whale would gain incomprehensible power. However, in the history of Eindor, no one had ever managed it.

Matthew didn't doubt Alif's story. Although the Void Whale sighting was unexpected, its existence was well-documented in ancient records.

"I can't believe you encountered the Void Whale!" Matthew exclaimed, his eyes glittering. "I've heard of its existence, but never did I think someone would encounter it in our time!"

Alif smiled coyly. "Then, it must be fate that brought us together. What do you think?"

Gazal interjected, "We'll help you decode the doors!"

"Of course, I'd appreciate your help!"

As Matthew followed Alif and Gazal to decipher the hidden doors, his mind buzzed with excitement. Not only had he found potential allies in these two ogres, but their encounter with the Void Whale added a whole new layer of intrigue to his journey.

"The sunlight on the platform was scorching, causing a stinging sensation on the skin. However, one could vaguely make out the villages and wastelands of the southern land below.

The wind wildly slapped at Matthew's face.

He took a deep breath.

The play of light and clouds before him provided a sense of relief.

"Give this a try," Rhaegar handed over a single-barrel telescope.

The moment Matthew held it, he knew it was a magical item—its weight and the solid gold edges were clear indicators.

Curiosity piqued, he pressed it against his left eye, adjusting the lens slightly, gazing southwest.

The next moment.

"Whoa," he exclaimed.

Within the scope, a remarkably clear image of mountains and rivers appeared! Matthew adjusted slightly.

Soon after, he spotted a high mountain with a gigantic waterfall cascading down.

Not far below the mountain, a town scattered across the plain.

That was unmistakably the town in Highleaf Province!

Matthew swiftly realized the exceptional capabilities of this telescope.

He maximized the magnification.

Almost like satellite maps, he could see clusters of houses and faint human activity.

Yet, as he immersed himself in this view,

A streak of black light flashed through the lens.

Matthew hastily adjusted to catch up.

The next moment.

The shadow of a black dragon flew over Highleaf Province!

However, its head was turned towards the east.

That was the direction of Rolling Stone Town!

"Rhaegar? I spotted a giant dragon!"

Matthew's voice was filled with gravity.

"Don't panic. Take a look south and north," Rhaegar said.

Following his advice, Matthew observed.

Soon, he saw a shadow of a red dragon to the south of the Golden Plains and a green dragon's shadow to the north of Torrent City and Emerald Court.

Like the black dragon, both dragons' heads were directed towards Rolling Stone Town!

"What's happening?"

Setting down the telescope, Matthew asked seriously.

"Don't be alarmed. The direction of the dragons doesn't signify much. This artifact merely warns us of potential threats nearby," Rhaegar replied, taking the telescope.

Despite his words, his expression was far from relaxed.

"This is a strategic treasure. I've won two crucial battles with it. The situation in Rolling Stone Town isn't at its worst, but we can't be complacent. These dragons might not necessarily be coming for us, but I sense conflict with at least one of them."

Rhaegar spoke with a sense of caution.

Matthew fell silent for a long time.

After contemplating, he slowly spoke up:

"Let's be honest, Rhaegar. How much support can I really expect from Inferno?"

Rhaegar locked eyes with him. After half a minute, he turned his gaze towards the distant clouds:

"If I wanted, I could summon a continuous stream of devilish armies."

"But I can give you a clear answer now—I don't want to."

"I won't fully open that gateway."

"As long as I live."

"That scene will never happen."

"I understand what devils are like, and I'm aware of the impact my decision could have on this world."

"Matthew."

"My life has witnessed too much death, whether innocent or necessary. Each life lost weighs heavily on me."

"I know war is inevitable, and I know it's beyond my control."

"I just don't want, nor do I wish to become a blood-soaked king."

"You might find my thoughts absurd."

"Frankly, I find them absurd too."

"Ever since I returned to Rolling Stone Town and became its lord, I gradually lost all ambition."

"And that's why my once dearly beloved wife ultimately left me."

"She was ambitious, eager to build her career."

"And I only wanted to protect Rolling Stone Town and its people."

"I just wanted to peacefully watch Sif grow up, get married, have children."

"Ten, twenty years later."

"Maybe I'll have a few grandchildren, causing chaos in the lord's manor every day, giving me headaches."

"Perhaps I'll retire early, passing Rolling Stone Town to the next generation, and spend my days fishing by the river, living a quiet life."

"Maybe my son-in-law will upset my daughter, and at that time, I might don my armor and sternly lecture him."

"Perhaps my old age will be fulfilling, surrounded by grandchildren, while Rolling Stone Town continues to thrive."

"After my death."

"The mourners will genuinely weep at my funeral."

"They'll inscribe something similar on my tombstone—"

"Here lies Rhaegar, the second lord of Rolling Stone Town."

"He was weak, foolish, and childish."

"But he was a good lord."

"That's enough."

Matthew nodded after hearing this.

He understood Rhaegar's ultimate decision.

"Do you think my thoughts are unrealistic?"

Rhaegar turned to ask him.

"Abandoning the opening of the gates of Inferno—when I've shared this decision with others, they've had their reservations."

"Zeler, Asmar, Brilyn, Richard… even Liweichi advised me. If I don't open this gate, perhaps someone else will open another. This world might suffer regardless, and someday, I might regret it."

"I understand what they're saying," Rhaegar continued.

"But I no longer want to hurt others. I want to protect Rolling Stone Town with our own strength, not by leveraging demons."

Rhaegar silently gazed at him.

There was a glint of hope in his eyes.

So Matthew spoke:

"I don't think their thoughts are wrong, but I believe your approach is right."

"Everyone might have regrets. Making decisions solely based on the fear of future regrets would render many decisions meaningless."

"Put myself in your shoes, maybe I wouldn't want to open that door either. In essence, I support you."

Rhaegar looked touched.

However, he quickly smiled and asked, "So, it's time you share something with me. What's your relationship with the Seven Saints Alliance?"

Matthew pondered for a moment before speaking:

"I'm just a newcomer to the alliance. Eckmonde is only here because my mentor pulled some strings."

"Many in the alliance see a bright future for me—entering at A1 seems exceptional."

"But only I know."

"It's all a façade, lacking a solid foundation."

"At the slightest change, they'll crumble like bubbles."

"If war indeed breaks out, I can only guarantee that I'll give my all."

"As for the mages in the alliance, they probably won't get involved, and I won't expect more from them."

Matthew spoke earnestly.

He never felt his relationship with the alliance was strong.

Were Isabel's students in high regard?

Ronan, before being tossed into the star realm, thought the same.

Throughout, Matthew never forgot her capriciousness and underlying concerns.

He was well aware that everything he had was due to Isabel's impulsive arrangements.

His identity wasn't an immunity card.

Isabel's students were scattered throughout the alliance.

Brilyn was a prime example.

When the hidden big shots in the alliance tried to erase Brilyn, did Isabel intervene?

Clearly not.

She didn't care about the life or death of her students.

Or rather.

At her level of expertise, only those who survived and grew into legends were deemed her students.

Matthew deeply understood his predic

ament. He knew that the only thing he could do was to leverage her influence as much as possible before she lost interest in him.

During this period, he had to stay true to himself, walking on thin ice.

He confided all these thoughts to Rhaegar.

After hearing this, Rhaegar nodded solemnly:

"I understand. You don't need to look so pressured. Rolling Stone Town hasn't stood till now because of one or two people."

"It's all of us—You, me, Zeler, Liweichi, Richard, Bradley, Old Falon, your undead, and that druid kid… and many others."

"We're not fighting alone. We have many allies."

"As long as we're all here, Rolling Stone Town will stand."

"Because it's all of ours—Rolling Stone Town."

"I believe you think the same."

Saying that, he extended his right hand generously, smiling warmly:

"So, it's a pleasure to officially meet you, the death mage who loves planting trees."

Slap!

Matthew and he exchanged a hearty handshake:

"Likewise, pleasure to meet you, the Inferno prince who cherishes peace."

After that.

The two turned towards the distance.

The noon sun shone through the ruins in the clouds.

Rainbows reflected in the nearby clouds.

"Beautiful," Rhaegar sighed.

Matthew silently admired the scenery, choosing not to speak.

After a moment.

Rhaegar suddenly asked:

"How do we get back?"

Matthew's tone suddenly changed:

"Rhaegar? Fancy a thrilling game?"

Rhaegar's expression shifted:

"No!"

But before he finished speaking, a tremendous force hit him from behind. He jerked around, only to find Renaismae standing behind him, delivering a swift kick!

"Matthew!!!!!!!"

Below the platform came Rhaegar's howl.

His body rapidly descended.

The sound of rushing wind filled his ears.

Yet, the next moment.

A strong force firmly grabbed hold of him.

A wind dragon manipulated the air, dangling a startled Rhaegar by his hair and flew a distance.

Then, suddenly tossing him upwards, leaving the shaken Rhaegar back on his feet.

After that, swiftly flying in the direction of Rolling Stone Town.

Not long after.

The dragon reduced its altitude.

The wastelands and forests became clear.

The distant red-walled and black-roofed buildings came into view.

To avoid drawing attention.

Matthew swiftly descended onto the northern wasteland.

He placed Rhaegar down and inquired:

"How are you feeling?"

Rhaegar covered his mouth, struggling for words, and managed to blurt out:

"Damn death mage!"

...

Two days later.

In the cemetery.

Matthew cautiously dragged a body out of a vat of mud.

After carefully checking the body's immersion status.

He took out the dark divine oil.

Beginning the second step in creating the Dark Knight—

Applying the oil.

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