This Necromancer Just Wants to Plant Trees - Chapter 115

"Next, you will enjoy the following benefits," David proficiently introduced, "First and foremost is the allocation of advanced research project quotas. Every winter, you can submit research proposals for the next year and apply for funding for related projects."

"In your current situation, you can apply for at least one A1, three B2, or four B1 projects, or even more of the C or D level projects. Once these projects are approved, you will receive substantial financial and resource support."

"You've just seen those enthusiastic apprentices—"

"This is the most tempting aspect of A1. Pre-entry apprentices are usually D1 or D2, and they can only apply for projects like 'How to Change the Glow Color of Fireball' or 'How to Enhance the Effect of Shaving Spell' of that level."

"Not only is the funding scarce, but even if they achieve results, no one is interested, and there's no way to accumulate knowledge points."

"So, you can fully utilize this and squeeze out the value you want from those apprentices. Don't be too restrained; everyone does it."

"By the way, I forgot to introduce it to you: 'knowledge points' are a very important resource in the alliance. It is more precious than gold. You can obtain it through gifts from others and by doing research on projects."

"You can use it to exchange for any cutting-edge magical theories or spell models in the alliance's self-developed spell library. Believe me, the research achievements of the Seven Saints Alliance, especially in the 'Combat Spells' series, are beyond the reach of the outside world. They've taken it to the next level, especially those maniacs in the 'Forbidden Land.'"

"If you have enough knowledge points, I strongly recommend enrolling in a 'Combat Spells Crash Course.' No offense, but it will quickly make you realize the vast gap between a wild mage and a traditionally trained mage."

...

Matthew nodded solemnly. He took every word that David said to heart. Even though he didn't plan to follow the traditional path of a mage, learning more couldn't hurt.

"Your second page of the spell license will show real-time knowledge points, look, it's currently zero," David pointed to a corner of the license. "Typically, exchanging for a combat spell costs 1-3 knowledge points. The latest version of 'Spell Counterspell' costs 1.5, 'Spell Deflection' is 2.5, and the more powerful 'Natascha's Hysteria' costs 3 points."

Natascha's Hysteria? Matthew immediately grasped the function of the spell, and it was somewhat similar to the Coughing Wand. He couldn't help but be immensely curious about the alliance's self-developed spell library. The spells he had been self-studying were all the standard versions, which were essentially the magical theories compiled by the Goddess of Magic during the Enlightenment Era. Although magic never really became outdated, compared to the alliance's self-developed spells, his knowledge might as well be considered "ancient magic." Matthew was eager to see what "modern magic" looked like. However, the balance in his spell license made him calm down.

"I'll have to wait until I deal with the 'Mark of the Undead' first," Matthew thought, a bit disappointed.

At that moment, David took out a bunch of shiny gold keys and led Matthew into a room full of cabinets.

"A1!" David called out. The group of fairies on the ceiling flew down. "Are you the young A1? Do you need the services of fairies? It's only 100 gold per hour, hehe."

David waved his hand to shoo them away. "Bring the items over!" The fairies left, and soon they returned, struggling to carry a box.

David took out a crystal key and opened the box. Matthew was instantly blinded by the gleaming gold inside. The box was filled with gold coins!

"Don't get too excited, Mr. Matthew," David reminded him with a smile. "Only the top layer is gold, so there's not that much in total. This storage method was the idea of a legendary mage. He believed that beating the ambition out of new recruits with gold coins was necessary. If you want more money, you should work hard for the alliance."

"Count it yourself. This is the standard inventory for A1. By the way, you came at a good time. The spring bonuses haven't been distributed yet. Let me get them for you."

With that, he headed deeper into the room.

Matthew began to check the items. Apart from the 500 gold coins, the box contained two sets of mage robes of different thicknesses. What puzzled Matthew was that the standard mage robes provided by the alliance enhanced charisma! The enchanted spells on the robes were "Radiant Aura" and "Daily Cleansing." The former could slightly improve a person's appearance, making them look more spirited, while the latter provided an automatic daily cleaning spell. Compared to this, Matthew still preferred taking a regular bath.

In addition, there was a blank spellbook, a 100-point borrowing coupon (for the Alliance Grand Library), a thick "Alliance Encyclopedia," and an old-fashioned style blanket. No, not a blanket. This was a magic carpet! Matthew shook it, and the carpet floated in the air. When he tried to sit on it, the carpet playfully dodged him. If Matthew hadn't reacted quickly, he would have fallen.

"Magic carpets usually have some spirit; you'll need to train it for a couple of days before you can use it," David explained. "If you don't like it, you can exchange it for a flying broom. It's faster and flies higher, which is what young people prefer as a means of transportation."

Matthew asked, "Are magic carpets and flying brooms randomly allocated?"

David clarified, "It's a choice between the two. Those with a rank of B1 or higher have the autonomy to choose. But the default option is a magic carpet unless the user insists on switching."

Matthew inquired, "Why? Is it because magic carpets are cheaper?"

David made an exaggerated gesture, "Do you know how high the mortality rate of flying brooms was before the alliance introduced 'Speed Restriction' and 'Alcohol Limit'?"

"Fifteen percent! Every year, at least 15% of mages who used flying brooms would die from direct falls! The rest suffered injuries, and although magic could heal their wounds, most of them developed acrophobia and couldn't even sit on a magic carpet. The last time I heard of an accident involving flying brooms, a dead baby elephant was found within a five-kilometer radius of the crash site. Once you hear this, you'll understand how crazy mages can be."

David continued, "So, I personally recommend that small flying devices are only suitable for short trips or flirting. For long-distance travel or going to unknown areas, even riding a magic carpet can be dangerous. After all, you don't know if the fluffy white cloud in the sky ahead is disguised by an evil 'Cloud Dragon.' The sky in Aindora is much more dangerous than the ground."

Matthew wholeheartedly agreed. He rarely used the Wild Shape to travel, considering the safety factor. True flying creatures had an instinct to avoid danger. However, human-transformed flying creatures lacked this ability, especially when flying blindly to unfamiliar places. There was a real risk of a fatal fall.

At that moment, Matthew put away the magic carpet. David then handed him a bag that had been tied up with a rope.

"Here, this is your spring bonus as an A1. Inside is 500 grams of 'Labi Beans,' a magical food originating from the Arcane Wilds. Processed by the 'Feasting Lodge' fairies, it has become more flavorful and magical."

"Each Labi Bean you consume will slightly increase your mana, with a small chance for a substantial increase. The drawback of Labi Beans is that they can cause constipation when consumed, so it's best to have some mild laxatives or medications on hand for those days."

David continued, "That's it. The rest of the items are included in your A1 ranking benefits. If you've finished checking everything, please put them away, and we can leave."

Matthew closed the box and then picked it up. David looked surprised, "Are you planning to take this box with you?"

Matthew asked in surprise, "Is there a problem with taking it?"

David managed a forced smile, "Of course, you're an A1. You can do whatever you want."

The two of them left the room.

David led Matthew to the door of a small black room. At this moment, a mechanical gnome introduced in an unprecedentedly serious tone, "This room is your last stop at the Alliance Office today. You've probably heard of the 'Supervising Mentor.' The alliance's higher-ups have chosen a mentor for you. However, this person is quite special. She is currently in the safest tower of the Far North Floating City, the Tower of a Thousand Laws. We can only meet you through a long-range mirror image."

"As for the details, you'll understand when you go inside. All I can tell you is that this person is very special, and you must be very careful with your words."

Matthew nodded and was about to push open the door to the small black room.

"By the way, the name of this person is Isabelle. I'm sorry, I was so nervous I almost forgot to mention it."

As the door was pushed halfway open, David's voice came from behind. "Isabelle?"

For half a second, Matthew's thoughts froze. Suddenly, a rush of memories flooded his mind. However, at that moment, an enormous force pulled Matthew into the room.

With a bang, the door to the small black room closed automatically. Silent coldness enveloped the room, making Matthew shiver.

...

The room's light disappeared in an instant. Matthew felt like he was standing on a surface of water, with shimmering lake water beneath his feet. Above his head was endless darkness, and the only source of light was a cold, high moon hanging in the sky. It illuminated a beautiful woman with long, flowing, white hair.

The woman's hair was voluminous and long, spread out like a dandelion in all directions, lying complete on the surface of the lake.

She wore a thin robe, her eyes expressionless, her facial features sharp and cold. Around her slender, fair neck hung a silver-gray necklace, and the pendant plunged into her chest, revealing an orange-yellow gemstone.

The white-haired woman and the moon in the sky were the most dazzling figures in this space. Although the moon's light was scorching in the boundless darkness, it couldn't match one-thousandth of the charm emanating from the white-haired woman.

Matthew tried to collect himself, and relevant memories flooded his mind. He knew that the woman in front of him was one of the Alliance's three giants, a former Archmage, with a level above LV28, bearing the title of a Divine Mage—the founder of the Dragon Worship, the teacher of Ronan and Blorken—Isabelle.

"Do you need me to ask the question again?"

Matthew gulped as he stood in front of Isabelle, the founder of the Dragon Worship, a former Archmage, and a Divine Mage of unparalleled prestige. Her voice remained steady as she inquired, "Do you remember your kill count?"

Matthew nervously replied, "I don't remember it well."

Isabelle raised an eyebrow and said, "No particular reason to remember? Does that mean it's a high number?"

Matthew found her question quite puzzling.

Isabelle, with her mesmerizing silver hair and piercing eyes, emitted an aura that drew people in, not due to any enchantment but the natural magnetism of knowledge crystallized into laws that affected spellcasters. It was overwhelming. Matthew quickly lowered his gaze, not daring to meet her eyes.

She continued, "Don't be too nervous. Although I've defected from the Alliance, I'm not your typical villain. I don't kill without reason. I have a few mental quirks, but, to be honest, the Alliance declared me as such. I consider myself quite normal. If my appearance makes you uncomfortable, I can change it."

Matthew responded, "No, it's not necessary..."

Before he could finish, the scene changed abruptly. The woman on the lake wore a pair of dark glasses and transformed into a teacher in professional attire. Her hair was shorter, and her lower half now featured a tight-fitting skirt and black stockings.

"Apologies for randomly accessing your memories and preferences. Although this outfit might not be as comfortable, it's rather stylish, don't you think?" Isabelle asked.

She then asked, "Does this appearance make you more at ease?"

Matthew was blushing furiously; he knew that only he could imagine this outfit in his mind, creating an awkward feeling. He stammered, "No, the previous appearance was fine."

Isabelle's tone was unchanged as she asked, "You made quite an interesting choice."

Matthew nodded and was relieved that her strange transformations had ceased.

Matthew took a deep breath and decided to get straight to the point, "I mentioned the Dragon Worship earlier because I want to let you know that I don't care about your past with Blorken. In fact, even if the entire Dragon Worship were wiped out, I wouldn't care. The interesting part is that the Dragon Worship knows that I don't care about them. It's only the Alliance that thinks I care about the Dragon Worship's fate. I have no interest in clarifying this for them. They seem to enjoy making guesses, so let them."

Isabelle casually remarked, and Matthew couldn't discern whether she was telling the truth or not. He could only nod.

"Do you know why they imprisoned me?" Isabelle asked.

Matthew shook his head. He had been warned to be cautious with his words and didn't want to provoke her.

Isabelle continued, "Because I saw things they couldn't. This world is already dead, and we're all walking corpses, deluding ourselves into thinking we're still alive because of the illusion of magic. In reality, all living beings have perished. Humans, elves, any race, mages, Seven Saints, even the Celestial Palace – all life is gone! However, someone has deceived our eyes, making us believe we're reliving what has already happened. Don't you find that tragic?"

Matthew contemplated her words for a while and eventually confessed, "I'm sorry, I didn't quite understand."

Isabelle seemed surprised by his response and cursed, "Useless!"

Matthew could only hang his head and apologize.

She continued, "Never mind. It's not your fault. You're too weak right now."

Matthew continued to apologize, and Isabelle added, "No need to apologize. Your weakness is due to your background. However, if you remain weak after entering this place, it'll be my fault."

Isabelle looked at Matthew and asked, "Your primary area of study is Undeath, isn't it?"

Matthew nodded like a diligent student.

"Give it up. It's a dead-end," Isabelle declared. "Learn something like Biomancy or Divination. You can choose either. I guarantee you can become extraordinary in both, but whether you'll become a double-field legend depends on your talent. You better not refuse me. Blorken, that idiot, messed himself up by choosing Undeath, and he's still not an Upper Legend. It's a disgrace. You know, his potential isn't far off from Ronan's."

Isabelle's demeanor was domineering, and Matthew felt an overwhelming pressure emanating from her, the natural intimidation of someone at the top of the food chain pressing down on the lesser beings.

Matthew almost couldn't bring himself to refuse.

After several seconds, he gasped and said, "I'm deeply rooted in the path of Undeath. I can't give it up."

Isabelle sneered, "How deep is your commitment? Show me."

Matthew nervously responded, "I've explored the Undeath domain once, though briefly, following goblin standards, that's considered quite deep."

Matthew was sweating profusely as he resisted the aura of superiority radiating from Isabelle.

"Anything else in your repertoire?" Isabelle inquired. "Necromancy, Plagues, or Equilibrium? Are you following the path of the Su-Clans? That's a road that has faced divine wrath before."

Matthew was confused, "Su-Clans? I'm not sure I understand."

Isabelle responded casually, "Su is her name, known as the Cataclysm Mage, a title the gods used to defame her. They compared her to a catastrophe, giving her that nickname. Ironically, after her departure, mages started spreading her defamatory title, while her true name remains unknown to most. But that doesn't concern me; I'd prefer if more people defamed her."

She didn't elaborate on how the Cataclysm Mage cleansed the higher-dimensional space. She probably thought Matthew wouldn't understand it.

"Is 'Cataclysm Mage' a defamatory title?" Matthew inquired, recalling the details he had noticed earlier. He realized it might be more than a mere coincidence.

Isabelle shared her thoughts, "The term 'Cataclysm Mage' is indeed defamatory. As the gods defamed her by comparing her to a catastrophe, that's how the nickname originated. It's ridiculous how mages have enthusiastically spread that defamatory title after her departure. And her true name is known to very few."

Matthew realized how misinformation could be manipulated and twisted when passed down through various channels. It could lead to the creation of myths and legends that bore little resemblance to the truth, which was something he had seen countless times in his past life.

"Have you already reached the path of legends?" Isabelle asked.

With a change in topic, Isabelle's tone revealed a trace of disappointment. "I thought I could nurture a little prodigy according to my preferences. But, once again, I'm stuck with a rebellious boy who hasn't even started. I'm not in a good mood."

She shifted from her domineering persona to one that seemed nonchalant, as if criticizing a subpar meal.

Matthew was sweating nervously, unable to speak.

"Wait here; I need to vent," Isabelle said, rolling up her sleeves and walking to her left. She opened a door, and a white-robed mage tried to intervene, but a simple wave from Isabelle pinned him to the wall.

The scene lasted for 15 minutes, until Isabelle returned, covered in blood. Strands of her hair seemed to have been dipped in a pool of blood, and as she walked, they left a fan-shaped pattern on the star-like ground.

"I feel much better now," she said, her tone unchanged. "Killing can be therapeutic for those with mental issues. Don't worry, Eckmond, I kept my promise not to use any spells."

Isabelle said with a casual tone, "Now, Abyss, 7th floor, the Terror King's heart – I brought it for you. It's a little gift."

Matthew was stunned. "You killed a Terror King from the Abyss? Without using magic?"

Isabelle explained, "When a Divine Mage ascends, they can solidify three Divine Spells. The first one I solidified is 'Legendary Warrior's Strength.' This spell grants me the raw combat ability equivalent to a 28th-level Legendary Warrior. Don't assume that mages can't fight."

As she spoke, a massive teleportation array appeared before Matthew, and a foul, blood-soaked wind rushed out.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

A demon heart, nearly three times Matthew's height, oozing blood and magic, appeared before him.

At the same time, a rush of heat spread throughout Matthew's chest, emanating from his spellcaster's license.

Matthew checked, and his Knowledge Points had jumped to 10,000!

Isabelle said, "This is part of the gift."

Isabelle languidly licked her finger, "By the way, do you have a girlfriend? How often do you indulge yourself?"

Translated with some of the requested changes to the light novel style and with corrected names and other edits.

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