Chapter 975: Garrett, Are You Determined to Become the Plague Lord? |
At the Thunder Horn, there was laughter and playful banter—mostly Garrett being on the receiving end of the teasing. Meanwhile, at the Black Crow Swamp, the atmosphere was rather tense.
Lynn stood with his head bowed before a tall, thin necromancer clad in a black robe, his hands clenched tightly. The necromancer's face was pale and bloated rather than round, with dark, deep-set eyes staring straight at Lynn.
His black robe, made of some unknown material, appeared like high-grade velvet at a glance, yet on closer inspection, seemed semi-transparent, with countless pale faces of agony rising and falling within it. Upon closer examination, each tiny face depicted extreme pain.
The robe bore no mage's insignia, indicating the necromancer's prominence and recognition. Lynn certainly recognized him—Gastor Haines, an eighteenth-level necromancer of the death branch, and the highest-ranked necromancer still remaining in Nevis under the Immortal One.
"I'm sorry that Black Crow Swamp couldn't save you when you were in danger."
Mage Haines spoke slowly, his voice hoarse and dry, as if he hadn't used his vocal cords in at least a decade.
Lynn knew this was common; many high-level necromancers preferred to use ventriloquism or let their undead companions speak for them. As for their own bodies, already soaked in negative energy and prepared for lich transformation, vocal functions were unnecessary.
He quickly lowered his head, focusing on the hem of Haines' robe, careful not to let himself get lost in its horrors:
Haines' robe, known as the White Bone Robe, was a famous artifact of Black Crow Swamp, containing hundreds of bound souls and eighteen skulls, forged with spatial magic from his lifetime of enemies, some even killed above his rank.
"When I was in danger, the situation was unclear, and the New World is vast and perilous," Lynn said calmly, his inner peace reflected in his tone, without a hint of resentment. "Neither the traditions of mages nor the customs of Black Crow Swamp would justify risking many lives to save me."
He looked directly at Haines, his gaze steady and unblinking. "Besides, my teacher did everything he could to rescue me. I am very grateful."
"Regardless, we're glad you made it out," Haines sighed inwardly, thinking that this child had indeed been swayed by the Thunder Horn.
No resentment because there were no expectations—how could he truly not harbor resentment if he had expectations from his school or mentor?
Haines took out a space bag and handed it to Lynn. "You advanced to level 9 in the New World, so you might not have exchanged for some fifth-circle spells before leaving. Here are some spells from Black Crow Swamp's collection, along with two magical items as a reward from your school."
While not life-saving, such a gift was still a pleasant addition. Lynn accepted it with both hands, bowing his head as Haines continued:
"By the way, the Eagle God injured your pet. If it hasn't devoured the crystal skull, we'll make it cough it up. If there's more than one, you'll get one."
"Thank you, sir," Lynn bowed slightly, not refusing. The school's willingness to give was met with his gratitude and willingness to reciprocate. Such a win-win situation had no reason for rejection.
Haines nodded, "Your teacher recently advanced to level 13 and will be busy with studies and research. If you have any questions, you can come directly to me." Seeing Lynn nod, he added, "Come with me to meet the other mages who came over."
Lynn hesitated, glancing quickly at Garrett before shaking his head. "Sorry, I think I'd better stay with Mage Nordmark."
Haines waved dismissively, saying no more. Lynn quickly moved behind Garrett, positioning himself between Cirilla and Bernard, and followed Garrett closely, listening as Master Byerbo introduced everyone:
"This is Gasani Munis, your senior sister Philby's disciple, level 15, specializing in force fields."
Munis stepped forward, nodding at Garrett. Despite his higher rank, in front of the Lord of Thunder, Garrett could sit while he stood, discussing and asking questions while Munis only listened.
Garrett quickly nodded back. Byerbo continued, pointing to the next person:
"This is Isabel Radd, level 15, specializing in sound waves."
Isabel smiled slightly but did not move, waiting for Garrett to greet first. Garrett understood instantly—she was probably not from Thunder Horn, likely from another branch of the Evocation School? His teacher, being a rotating legend stationed at Igor Peak, couldn't monopolize such outings without sharing with others.
"This is Archmage Mansfield from the Conjuration School, a ninth-circle arcanist and seventeenth-level mage, specializing in portal construction and mage tower creation."
Wow, a familiar face! Garrett bowed respectfully. Archmage Mansfield smiled and said:
"I was the one who awakened your mage tower initially. In just a few years, you've advanced from level 3 to level 10. Impressive! Keep up the good work, and your mage tower can advance again!"
"That depends on the gains from this trip..." Garrett smiled. Archmage Mansfield laughed too:
"I hope the harvest is good. At the very least, if the council can build the mage tower in the Eagle God's Kingdom using more local materials, it would save the council's resources."
"That will depend on me," another mage interrupted. Garrett turned to see Byerbo pointing him out:
"This is Archmage Vicks from the Alchemy Guild, level 15, specializing in magical equipment manufacturing and precious material identification."
So, he was here to identify and refine materials for the mage tower's supply? It seemed the council intended to establish a permanent base in the Eagle God's Kingdom.
Garrett nodded and smiled at each introduction. The council had brought two level 18, two level 17, and a series of level 16 and 15 mages, each accompanied by one or two high-level combat followers, all above level 15.
Seeing the lineup, Garrett felt a bit apprehensive:
Would the Eagle God's Kingdom's treasury be sufficient?
Would they need to scour the populace, nobles, wealthy merchants, or even dismantle golden statues from temples?
Excessive actions might backfire—they were here to collaborate, not rob.
Others stood at a distance below the airship, not introduced personally by the archmages. Garrett guessed many were apprentices, disciples, or council staff, brought along to assist or prepare for operations in the Eagle God's Kingdom.
"Rest here for three days!" Byerbo's loud voice resonated through the group after the introductions. "Check the airship's condition, replenish food, water, and energy, and procure supplies! Take these three days to understand the New World and purchase items suited to the local conditions. Gather here in three days!"
The crowd dispersed. Some checked the airship, some chatted with local mages, some paired up to explore, while others searched for bargains in shops.
Garrett, intending to tour the airship, was promptly stopped by his senior brother:
"Do you still want to slack off? Go back and write your papers! Before the airship departs, submit your papers so the teacher can review them!"
Garrett: t_t
Not that I want to say, but my recent findings are quite odd, and the teacher might not approve them...
Under his senior brother's forceful supervision, Garrett obediently began writing. The first paper detailed his advancement process, insights, and analysis of the power of faith and its dangers.
The second paper examined the effectiveness of bleaching powder solution in countering the Plague Mist.
The third paper explored using cowpox as a casting material for mass inoculation via Plague Mist.
The fourth paper described his modified third-circle group plague spell.
Master Byerbo frequently checked in, finding Garrett diligently writing with the Endless Ink Pen scratching against the paper.
Sometimes Garrett leaned back with eyes closed, his oak staff controlling the pen to continue writing.
At other times, he jumped up to stretch, the oak staff continuing to scribble, earning Garrett a knock on the head from his senior brother:
"Fine, I'll write myself..."
Garrett muttered to his oak staff and returned to his seat. Byerbo picked up a paper and began reading.
After the first paper, he nodded with a smile. After the second, he pondered. After the third, he frowned slightly. After the fourth...
"Are you determined to become the Plague Lord? All this time, you haven't researched any Evocation spells even a bit?!"
"Ouch, ouch, ouch! Let go! It hurts!"
Garrett winced and grimaced.
Table of content - Next Chapter >>>
