Vines twisted and grew on the gray, crumbling outer walls, their leaves obscuring the doors and windows. Sunlight filtered through the cracks, casting delicate beams of light in the hall.
"*Cleanse*"
In the abandoned castle hall, Benjeri of the Abyss sat quietly, lifting a finger to point at the empty space before him.
A brilliant blue magic spread out.
In an instant, the dust in the room was swept away completely, along with the cobwebs inside the broken wall lamps and the moss in the corners.
Magic was truly wondrous.
Benjeri of the Abyss had always believed that the power of any "Tier Magic" was a testament to the Magic Caster's endless pursuit of knowledge.
Ding~
He lightly tapped the table with his finger, producing a cheerful sound.
Benjeri of the Abyss slightly swayed his two heads, feeling rather good during this time.
The gloom that had been hovering above him finally gave way to a sense of "clearing the clouds to see the dawn," even though the Undead were not fond of sunlight.
Swish!
The air before him rippled.
Iville Ai's figure suddenly appeared in the hall.
Benjeri of the Abyss halted his heads simultaneously, both pairs of crimson eyes filled with goodwill and anticipation as they looked at the vampire lady across from him.
Her petite form resembled that of a human child, but if she were of the Undead race, that would be a meaningless external appearance.
Even with his experience, Benjeri of the Abyss could not discern the exact age of the vampire lady before him.
He suddenly thought it necessary to develop a magic that could detect age, which would allow him to gather useful intelligence indirectly.
For the Undead, the longer one existed, the richer their knowledge and experience became. If he could ascertain someone's age, he could determine their level of knowledge to some extent.
"Hello, vampire lady."
Benjeri of the Abyss was unaware of her name, even though they had exchanged words several times without her revealing it.
He could make some guesses, though.
Given her use of a magic item to conceal her Undead identity, she belonged to the type of Undead that acted among the living or sought to expand their influence.
This style of Undead was always cautious; after all, all Undead were enemies of the living, and hiding one's identity and name was a perfectly normal behavior and habit.
"Lord Benjeri."
Iville Ai nodded lightly in response, pulling out a wooden chair and sitting down across from him.
The leader of the Abyss Body extended an invitation; their previous transaction had essentially been completed.
Though she could not accurately deduce the specifics of the purpose behind this meeting, Iville Ai could guess some of it.
"Thank you for your generosity."
"In terms of the transaction, the value of the knowledge we provided is less than that of this 'Magic Rise Ritual.'"
Benjeri of the Abyss expressed heartfelt gratitude; this was not flattery but a fact.
The mysterious Undead lord behind the vampire lady must be an extraordinary scholar of the Magic Caster type.
This series of transactions had not involved powerful magical knowledge; instead, they leaned towards legends and cultural materials.
The recent knowledge on "vampire Undead research" was likely aimed at this vampire lady.
Generosity!
This was another impression Benjeri of the Abyss had of that mysterious Undead lord.
If the timing were right, he would have surely tried to bring her into their ranks, and this vampire lady was indeed qualified.
Through the gaps in her white mask, Iville Ai looked at the figure across from her, her tone calm: "Lord Benjeri, may I ask you to state your purpose directly?"
"Ah, it's like this."
Benjeri of the Abyss found it a bit difficult to speak, but for the sake of that "certainty," his voice carried a hint of hope:
"May I request to meet that fellow lord in person?"
"Sorry." Iville Ai responded immediately.
As expected.
Benjeri of the Abyss thought to himself.
The transactions between them had gone smoothly overall, aside from a small mishap regarding information related to the "Saint." However, that lord had never shown their face.
Initially, their purpose was due to a high-tier magic mishap that caused a complete invisibility effect, and they hoped to find a solution from the Abyss Body.
And the subsequent smooth transactions.
The other party had not made any contact with them; instead, they simply sent this vampire lady to communicate with him.
The outcome was easy to guess.
It was nothing but their current predicament as the Abyss Body.
"To be honest,"
Benjeri from the Abyss paused briefly, feeling the need to share part of the truth, a price that had to be paid:
"We have already begun to prepare for resistance. That 'bloodsucker' clinging to us wants to meet with your esteemed one behind you to seek further assistance."
"We are all compatriots… um, I don't mean to play the emotional card. What I mean is… the original purpose of the Abyss Body was not to cause trouble or expand the organization or anything like that."
"We undead possess eternal lifespans, and what we seek is merely knowledge…"
Iville Ai suddenly interjected, "Wait a minute."
Benjeri from the Abyss was taken aback, its two heads turning in confusion to look at the other side.
"You're planning to resist right now?" Iville Ai's voice rose a few notches.
One of the reasons for this meeting was to push the relationship between the Abyss Body and the mysterious True Dragon Lord to a complete breaking point.
Not only did the Dragon Lord want to quickly ascertain the identity of the mysterious True Dragon Lord, but Iville Ai felt the same way, as per the Dragon Lord's instructions.
The destruction of the Imperia Kingdom and turning everyone into undead was a powerful Origin Magic.
If they could meet that mysterious True Dragon Lord, they would be able to confirm whether it was the other party who destroyed the kingdom!
In this regard, Iville Ai wanted to know more than anyone else.
"Arrogance is a form of ignorance, vampire lady."
Benjeri from the Abyss thought Iville Ai believed they were too hasty in preparing for resistance right after acquiring the Magic Rise Ritual. Its tone became serious as it said:
"We began preparing a long time ago; this is not a hasty decision. Our original plan was to find a new 'suppressant' to counter that guy."
"Now! With the power of the Magic Rise Ritual, we have already attained the realm power to use the Divine Domain."
"This power is sufficient to serve as a suppressant!"
Benjeri from the Abyss spoke with growing excitement; the long-standing oppression was finally at a breaking point.
Finding a way to counter that guy was not a simple task, as it also involved whether the new suppressant would become like the other party, turning into a new bloodsucker.
But now!
That problem was resolved. The magic power of the Tenth Tier was unanimously deemed capable of countering that guy by the internal members.
If they could also bring the vampire lady, who similarly possessed the magic power of the Eighth Tier, to assist, perhaps they could completely eliminate that guy!
"Is that so?" Iville Ai suppressed the emotions stirring within her.
Unexpectedly, these undead from the Abyss Body, having just acquired the power of the ritual, were ready to resist. It was clear that the oppression from the mysterious True Dragon Lord had reached an unbearable level for this group!
However—this was simply excellent!
"The lord has instructed us that we do not intend to intervene in this matter," Iville Ai feigned concern.
Deep down, she eagerly hoped for both sides to engage in battle immediately!
"No, no!"
Benjeri from the Abyss quickly replied, "This time we are willing to pay any price!"
When it came to the words "any price," its tone noticeably intensified, causing the negative energy in the hall to surge.
This was the resolve that was necessary!
If they succeeded, there was no need to elaborate, but if they failed, the consequences were clear; their entire Abyss Body would be utterly destroyed.
To put it in the words of the living, no matter how many gold coins one possessed, once dead, those coins would become meaningless.
Benjeri from the Abyss was very serious, its crimson eyes glowing with anticipation as it looked at Iville Ai.
Having thrown out so much important information!
This had reached an extraordinary level of trust.
The reason for this was not only that the other party was also undead compatriots but also because that esteemed one had shown a friendly attitude by entrusting them with the ritual.
The Dragon Lord had foreseen this!
Iville Ai's heart trembled as she recalled that when she first presented the ritual for trade, she felt the value was unbalanced.
At that time, the Dragon Lord had said that what he valued was never the knowledge of the trade, but all the knowledge of the Abyss Body.
"I truly admire your determination."
"Since that's the case—then I need to report to the lord and hear his opinion."
Iville Ai slightly raised her head, looking at the undead before her, which was even more powerful than she was, with a pitiful expression.
This seems to be a predetermined outcome!
Although everyone is an Undead, Iville Ai doesn't like the others. She was originally human, not one of their kind.
In her heart!
Iville Ai exists as the self-identity of a "living being" and "human."
On the other side.
When Tang Zheng received the message relayed by Iville Ai, he was quite surprised and caught off guard.
What was originally the most troublesome matter unexpectedly went smoothly. He didn't expect that the Abyss Body would be so eager to resist that mysterious Dragon Lord.
In the face of this situation!
Tang Zheng wouldn't refuse; he had been stuck at level 60 for some time. Right now, it wasn't a matter of experience but rather a matter of his profession.
There was far too little information on acquiring High-Tier Jobs or Special Classes.
At his current level, he clearly wasn't enough to engage with the top powers and individuals of another world!
Iville Ai began to make contact more frequently.
Meanwhile!
The internal members of the Abyss Body started to transport the knowledge and materials they had researched, like ants moving their home.
In Tang Zheng's view, Benjeri and the others from the "Abyss" had clearly prepared for the worst.
—Abelion Hills.
After nearly three months of effort, Anri and Beast General Hector Weiss led the demi-human army to clear out the remaining Undead in the hilly area.
Until this moment!
The crisis brought by the legendary Undead, the Death Knight, was finally eradicated. Perhaps there were still scattered small groups of Undead deep within the hills, but they no longer posed a threat.
On the desolate grassland.
Beast General Hector Weiss bent down, looking at the green sprouts emerging from the dry yellow ground, a slight smile appearing on his stern face.
"It's quite late for grass to sprout at this time of year, but the drought in the hilly area has clearly eased."
Beast General Hector Weiss exhaled, standing up and gazing into the distance, a mix of sadness and relief flickering in his eyes.
Suddenly.
Out of the corner of his eye, he caught sight of a slender figure.
Beast General Hector Weiss paused, and in his line of sight, there was a small elite team composed of several demi-human races, including Horsemen, Blade Beetles, Beast-bodied Quadrupeds, and half-human half-beasts.
Their distinguishing feature was their agility.
Only those with strong mobility could have eradicated the Undead that had spread throughout the hilly area in just three months.
Yet among these demi-human races, there was only one human figure.
Step!
Beast General Hector Weiss moved forward with his four beastly hooves, steadily approaching the solitary figure sitting on the ground.
"Anri, you've worked hard during this time."
Beast General Hector Weiss reached her side, his gaze drifting toward the distance as he spoke softly.
After three months of interaction, the initial strangeness and wariness between them had long since vanished. In some ways, this human girl before him had even earned his respect.
"Teacher."
Anri's chestnut hair fluttered as she looked up, bursting into a bright laugh.
The originally petite figure had grown much taller, her skin now a wheat color, exuding an aura that rivaled elite soldiers.
Beast General Hector Weiss raised an eyebrow but ultimately chose not to correct her; perhaps he had simply grown accustomed to being called that by this human girl.
"The Undead have all been dealt with. What do you plan to do next?" Beast General Hector Weiss suddenly asked.
"Is there something I want to do?"
Anri blinked, her eyes momentarily clouded with confusion before they brightened: "I'd like to go home for a visit; it's been a while since I last saw the captain."
At this point.
Anri raised her arm, clenched her fist, and flexed her arm, her rolled-up sleeves tightening to reveal solid muscles: "If I go back, everyone will surely be surprised."
Beast General Hector Weiss said nothing more, simply nodding. After all, they belonged to different races.
If it weren't for the disaster caused by the Undead, they would never have been able to coexist!
"Teacher…"
A familiar voice rang out.
Beast General Hector Weiss instinctively wanted to respond, but he quickly realized what was happening, staring in astonishment at Anri, who was smiling at him with her mouth closed.
"What did you do?"
Beast General Hector Weiss felt a bit incredulous. Anri had clearly kept her mouth shut, yet her voice resonated directly in his mind.
Is it magic?
However, during this time, there was no sign that Anri could use magic.
"Isn't it amazing, Teacher?"
Anri stood up, brushed the dust off her backside, and exclaimed with wide eyes, "I just discovered it today; it feels a bit like magic."
"If we could communicate directly with those close to us, it would definitely be useful in military operations!"
She was no longer the girl who knew nothing; she referred to Beast General Hector Weiss as "Teacher" because she had learned a lot about military skills from him.
Beast General Hector Weiss looked at Anri with an expression of confusion, feeling that this human girl was quite special.
"Captain, you must know something."
Anri formed a circle with her thumb and index finger, bringing it to her lips to let out a sharp whistle.
Whoosh—
A black figure dashed in from the distance, and in no time, it was right in front of Anri.
"Teacher, I'm off now."
Anri skillfully mounted the Evil Spirit Dog, gripping the bone chain with one hand while waving goodbye to Beast General Hector Weiss with the other, loudly saying:
"And everyone, thank you for your guidance during this time!"
Before long!
Anri, riding the Evil Spirit Dog, had vanished from the sight of the gathered demi-humans.
Watching the figure fade into the distance.
"Humans... How should we demi-humans and humans coexist in the future of the hills?"
This thought crossed Beast General Hector Weiss's mind. The hill area was now occupied by the adventurer known as "Free Will."
The one who should be most troubled by this was not him, but Kokash from "Seven Color Scales."
---
In a peculiar castle.
Night fell.
As a core member under Tang Zheng, the Emerald Witch, White Mist Witch, Lizardman Kuruche, and Anri were seated at a spacious dining table.
The table was filled with steaming, delicious food, but the atmosphere was not very lively.
Just then!
"Hey there, everyone."
A smiling voice suddenly rang out from one side of the hall.
The four at the dining table quickly turned to see the figure that had appeared in the hall and stood up swiftly.
"Captain!"
"Leader."
"Sir."
"Sir."
Three different titles came from the four, and because Anri was present, the Emerald Witch and the others opted for simpler titles.
"I just arrived and already smell something delicious; it really whets the appetite." Tang Zheng smiled at the four, pausing his gaze on Anri for a moment.
Anri had grown taller, and the softness that once characterized her had vanished, replaced by a sense of composure and calm.
"It's been a while, Anri."
Tang Zheng approached the table, looked at Anri, and spoke gently, extending his hand to lightly touch her hair, gesturing to indicate her height:
"You've grown."
"Captain!" Anri felt the familiar warmth on her head, her eyes turning red as she smiled brightly, "I'm not a child anymore."
"That's right."
Tang Zheng chuckled in response and turned to the Emerald Witch and the others: "If you keep standing there, I'm going to eat by myself."
The atmosphere, which had been somewhat subdued, instantly became lively with Tang Zheng's arrival.
He had been in the territory of the "Imperia Kingdom" for some time, and most of the items from the Abyss Body had already been transferred.
Once the transfer was complete, It would be time for the Abyss Body to confront that mysterious True Dragon Lord.
"It won't be long now."
Tang Zheng picked up a piece of roasted beast meat and put it in his mouth, thinking to himself.
Most of the knowledge he had acquired was likely copied data from members of the Abyss like Benjeri and others.
These members of the Abyss Body clearly wouldn't just hand over everything to him, but even so, the gains were substantial.
Returning to the hills this time.
It was to confirm the weapons and armor crafted by the Dark Dwarves and Dwarven Artisans. He hadn't forgotten his promise to provide a batch of weapons to the human tribe in Despair Valley.
He initially thought a month would be more than enough.
But now, it had dragged on, and they had barely managed to produce anything. The situation was complicated by the fact that there were still plenty of low-tier Undead remnants in the hills, which affected the Dwarves' ability to mine and forge.
"Captain, it seems I can use magic now." Anri turned her little head and spoke uncertainly to Tang Zheng, who was currently enjoying a hearty meal.
In the Imperia Kingdom, there was no food supply, and Iville Ai, being Undead, also didn't require food.
Tang Zheng could only eat the supplies he had stored, and with a table full of genuine food in front of him, his appetite naturally surged.
"Magic?"
Tang Zheng was a bit surprised; he didn't remember Anri having any magic-related abilities.
Anri eagerly shared the details of her newfound ability with Tang Zheng, her face lit up with a mix of pride and anticipation for praise.
"This ability... could it be!"
Tang Zheng's spirit jolted. He hadn't expected such an unexpected surprise to come so suddenly. He said, "Anri, demonstrate it."
"Okay, Information!"
Anri nodded, closed her eyes, and silently activated the skill.
Buzz—
『Skill "Information" detected, requires intermediary profession [Commander], current conditions not met...』
『[Genius] profession has been converted to [Corporal], learning conditions met. Do you want to spend 3 Skill Points to learn?』
Tang Zheng could sense a faint mental energy trying to connect with him, unsure if it was Anri's issue or if some conditions were lacking.
This prevented "Information" from fully connecting with Tang Zheng.
-----------
Machine Translation by: https://beta.randomtranslator.com/
Read 1111+ original & fanfic translations in English, Español, Português, Deutsch, Français, or Русский at: https://beta.randomtranslator.com/
Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/NSWvfN7vua
-----------https://inkstone.webnovel.com/novels/view/33277706100775505