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Translated By Arcane Translations
Translator: FusionX
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“…It would be a Death Dragon, possessing a dragon’s soul…”
While the difficulty would increase exponentially, success would mean having a dragon under my command. Of course, fully controlling its power would require me to reach a comparable level, but its potential was undeniable.
I calmly assessed the situation.
‘I can’t do this alone.’
I needed help, specifically from a necromancer specializing in souls.
‘Someone at or near my level…’
I didn’t know any necromancers.
Very few operated openly; most lived in seclusion, hiding their identities.
The infamous Black Star of the Southern Great Forest likely had necromancers who fit my requirements, but…
‘That’s too dangerous.’
The Southern Great Forest was forbidden territory, and the necromancers of the Black Star were notorious. If my ability to endlessly generate demonic energy became known to them…
‘I shudder to think.’
Requesting assistance from the dark elves wasn’t ideal either.
‘While they use dark magic, they lack true experts.’
I doubted they even had anyone at my level.
Which meant…
‘Should I… contact my master?’
My knowledge of the dark elves’ lack of powerful necromancers stemmed from my master in the previous iteration. He loved his people and dreamed of their resurgence. That’s why he had made the dangerous pact with a demon king.
The problem was…
‘He’s not someone who can be easily persuaded.’
His objective was clear: the revival of the dark elves. He wouldn’t be easily swayed. Moreover…
‘Even if I could persuade him, there’s still the problem of his pact with that damned demon king.’
Breaking such a pact was no easy feat.
Necromancers made pacts with demons to gain power, wagering their souls in the process. Necromancers were human, and they were generally more selfish than most.
Having gained power, they naturally desired to reclaim their souls.
Demons, however, were reluctant to relinquish them, and very few necromancers succeeded in breaking their pacts.
‘The grimoire I found in that dungeon is a prime example.’
Despite being a 6th circle necromancer, he failed to break his pact.
Whether he couldn’t find a suitable offering or simply forced the issue, he ultimately died trying.
‘Something that would tempt a demon king…’
An offering valuable enough to convince a demon king to relinquish my master’s soul… I knew the general terms of their agreement.
He desired the resurgence of the dark elves.
Judging by his attempt to use me as a vessel, he likely intended to summon the demon king and establish a colony here, securing a place for the dark elves.
He couldn’t simply break the contract on a whim; he needed compensation, something akin to a penalty.
He had expressed regret while teaching me, but he never abandoned his plan to use me as a vessel.
I had a plan, but it was a long-term one.
‘I was going to attempt it in a few years.’
Now, however, it seemed I needed it sooner. I didn’t intend to contact him immediately. I wasn’t powerful enough yet.
‘Once I reach 7th circle, or Kayla becomes a Master…’
Then, I would have the minimum qualifications to speak with my former master.
Without sufficient power, I would be captured before I could even negotiate.
‘The demon king would recognize my value instantly.’
Since using the dragon’s corpse directly was out of the question, I had to rely on conventional methods.
Even those were simple.
‘Reach the peak and meditate consistently.’
In the past, the opportunity had arisen suddenly while I was organizing and consolidating my knowledge. It was likely enlightenment.
I had rejected it then.
I had originally planned to reach 7th circle and prepare thoroughly before breaking my master’s pact, but that seemed unlikely now.
My master was more than qualified in terms of skill. He was also an expert in manipulating souls.
After discovering the powerful soul within the dragon’s heart, I halted all research related to the dragon itself.
It was a shame to abandon such an intriguing subject, but I wasn’t willing to take the risk.
Therefore, I resumed my previous efforts, expanding my capacity and refining my magic.
Time passed, and about a year after our arrival in Lineta County, Athena, who had been regularly traveling to Desert Shield, returned with news.
“House Lineta has successfully reclaimed the territory beyond Cross Fortress. And… the envoy sent by the Demihuman Alliance has contacted the Septran royal family.”
The visit was scheduled for two weeks later.
A single envoy, escorted by royal guards. Prina Lineta had also expressed her desire to meet with me, so I decided to head to Desert Shield a little early.
Upon hearing of my departure, Kayla immediately ceased her training and joined me, while Orie remained at the tower.
Only four of us traveled: Kayla, Athena, Annelise, and myself.
The Skeletal Steeds were mounts, not companions.
Kayla radiated a strange aura.
“Did you… make some progress?”
“I don’t think she’s reached the next level yet.”
“Indeed. But I feel… I’m improving.”
While it had once felt like an insurmountable wall, she now felt it was within reach.
“The Dragon Slayer’s techniques, despite being ancient, are quite insightful. No, to be honest, they’re superior to my own.”
Centuries-old techniques were superior to her current skills. They were more sophisticated, yet less intuitive, making them difficult for ordinary individuals to learn, even with the manual.
“I wouldn’t have been able to comprehend them if I hadn’t reached my current level.”
I was glad they were proving helpful.
“Oh, I should have trained with Master too.”
Kayla shook her head at Athena’s regretful comment.
“Unfortunately, I don’t have time to teach you.”
She was too focused on her own growth to teach others.
“At this rate, Baldur might surpass me.”
Athena, responsible for communication and resupply, spent much of her time traveling.
While she enjoyed seeing Thea frequently, it meant less time for training. Baldur, on the other hand, had been constantly engaged in combat at the third oasis.
He had matured considerably, becoming a seasoned high-ranking Expert, seamlessly coordinating with his undead subordinates.
While the undead had limited growth potential, Baldur, driven by his talent and constant real-world experience, continued to improve rapidly.
Of course, not everyone could achieve such growth. Baldur’s rapid advancement was a testament to his exceptional talent, as Kayla had mentioned.
While Athena was currently stronger, if she continued to lag behind, Baldur would inevitably surpass her.
Athena had sacrificed her own training for the benefit of the group.
‘But that’s likely to change soon.’
If my meeting with Prina went well, there would be no need for her frequent trips to Desert Shield, and Thea would likely take over those duties.
‘She might insist on accompanying us, but Thea wouldn’t allow it.’
Thea didn’t want to remain under Athena’s protection forever. She wanted to contribute to the group, not be a burden.
She had remained silent until now due to the circumstances, but she wouldn’t want Athena’s unnecessary protection.
‘I’ll assign her a sufficient escort as well.’
“I’ve noticed the monster population has decreased significantly. Especially since I travel frequently, it’s quite noticeable.”
I agreed with Athena’s observation.
“They said the frequency of attacks on the oases has decreased.”
It wasn’t just because we had secured three oases.
The overall monster population in the Barren Lands had decreased drastically.
“But it’s still dangerous.”
“You said the underground monsters are appearing more frequently?”
It was likely due to the decrease in surface prey.
‘Well, at least the monsters aren’t leaving the Barren Lands anymore.’
Our efforts were paying off.
When we arrived at Desert Shield, Prina Lineta was already waiting.
“It’s been a while.”
“Indeed, my lord.”
We met in one of the castle’s largest rooms, seemingly a former office that had been cleaned in preparation for our meeting.
“It’s astonishing. To clear the Barren Lands and restore Desert Shield in just a year…”
While its appearance had changed, rebuilding the castle was no small feat.
“It looks a little different from what I remember, but it’s incredible considering the circumstances.”
“It was limited to the walls, gates, and towers.”
“Those are the most important parts.”
She was right.
Restoring the interior was relatively simple. It hadn’t been completely destroyed anyway. But that was beside the point.
“I doubt you called this meeting just to commend me.”
“That was one of the reasons.”
Prina smiled faintly and continued,
“Rewards and punishments must be clear. It’s fundamental, and without it, Lineta County cannot survive.”
She was right.
“But I believe you have more pressing matters to discuss, so let’s move on.”
She had previously addressed me as “Necromancer Do Inha,” but now, perhaps acknowledging my contributions or recognizing me as an independent power, she addressed me as “Do Inha-nim.”
I bowed slightly in acknowledgment.
“You wish to discuss a permanent alliance, correct?”
At my words, Sir Atrok, the old knight standing beside Prina, frowned.
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His frown, however, was fleeting. He sighed briefly and regained his composure. I couldn’t hide my surprise at his reaction, and Kayla and Athena openly expressed their displeasure.
Annelise and Thea, while more reserved, also seemed offended.
Their reactions were understandable. I had provided invaluable assistance to Lineta County, second only to the royal family.
While I had requested compensation and set a shorter timeframe than the royal family, my demands were reasonable, and considering my contributions, I deserved better treatment.
Being a necromancer wasn’t a valid excuse, I was Lineta County’s officially recognized necromancer, and Atrok hadn’t shown any hostility towards me during our first meeting.
His sudden change in attitude was understandably offensive.
Prina, seemingly understanding our reactions, apologized.
“I apologize for Sir Atrok’s rudeness.”
“…While I’m somewhat offended, I’ll assume there’s a valid reason.”
“Yes, it seems Sir Atrok believes the compensation I’m offering is excessive.”
“Of course, I still object. As I’ve repeatedly stated, I’m against it.”
“You’ve done so much for us. I can’t repay you any other way.”
“There are other options! We could have the royal family notarize the agreement or pledge our house’s honor!”
“That would affect Diar as well. I want him to safely reach adulthood and become a capable lord.”
“Your current choice will affect the young master regardless.”
“But the impact will be less severe, especially for future generations.”
My companions and I remained silent, observing their heated exchange.
“…I didn’t remain in this territory for this. Not for the young master, nor for you, my lady.”
“I know. And this is my decision.”
“…As you wish.”
It seemed Prina had won the argument.
“I apologize for that unpleasant display.”
“…It’s fine.”
While I was curious about the cause of their disagreement, knowing it concerned my compensation, I decided not to pry. I would find out soon enough
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