Chapter 45: Another meeting

Someone: "Hey! Heyyyy!"

Everything was dark. I could hear someone calling me, but I can't think very well yet. I sat myself up and tried to get myself together.

Where am I? What in the hell happened?

Someone: "Hey!"

Someone slapped me in the back of my head. Thanks to that, some of my memories are now clear.

I guess my life force ran out. My fight ended with both of us dying. Well, at least one of us. I just ran out of N.E.

Arit: "Are you with me now?"

Looking up, I saw that I was in the room of the late Skeleton Kings. The Third Skeleton King, Arit, was there.

Arit: "Tsk, tsk. just when I thought we had a bright future. Why'd you end up losing?"

Idmon: "First of all, I didn't lose. It's just that the fight took up all my energies, and that was the cause of my defeat."

Arit: "That's the same!"

He was scratching his head. He looks irritated. I guess he might have put a lot of faith in me.

Arit: "Okay, now that you're here anyway, I'll tell you about my take on the Paladins."

He brought up an ancient map of the continent I was on.

There was a name on the map. It was named Ef.

Hmmm, I didn't see that name in any plans or records we had right now in the present.

Arit: It must've been the original name since we just call it the "continent."

The humans had their own name for it. I saw in a book that they called it Haven.

Arit: "Right now, what you need to do is..."

He told me various things about countering the Paladins and gathering my army.

Arit: "Most important is that you get more allies! It's okay if it's dwarves or whatever you can find, as long as they can add to your army's fighting power."

He was explaining all these things, which felt useless to me now.

Idmon: "(t) Excuse me, Third King. I am dead already, right? How can I follow this advice of yours?"

Arit: "Don't be stupid! If you didn't die by the light, you could still come back! Your soul is just here, wandering around and gathering negative energies to restore itself."

Idmon: "What!?"

Arit: "It just depends on what they do to your body. Your subordinates can hasten it with their spells."

Idmon: "(t) By the way, how do you know of the situation!? I don't remember sending any letters."

Arit: "Tsk... tsk... tsk... You can't underestimate us that much! We can peek through the void from time to time. Especially when you guys use it too much."

Idmon: "(t)Ah. I see. Hmmm, I just noticed; where are the others?"

Arit: "Probably roaming around the vast Void. There are different kinds of creatures and events happening here, too. But I think they might just be discussing their pasts again. They like to blame each other. They've been doing it for—who knows how long?"

I guess it might be really hard to meet the expectations of the other kings. The Third seems to be the most laid-back guy among the kings.

Idmon: "Why give me advice about alliances now? Why didn't you do it when you were the Skeleton King?"

Arit: "Come on. Who would ally with us? Back then, the undead were synonymous with enemies. However, times are changing. And we studied humans extensively, and this is how they win."

Idmon: "(t) Is that so?"

While thinking about these things and the third going on non-stop lecturing, a small purple gate appeared in the middle of the room.

Arit: "Oh, it seems like they're already calling for you, Idmon."

Idmon: "(t) Thanks for taking care of me."

Arit: "Hah! Just make sure you crush those glowing bastards for us!"

Idmon: "(t) For sure."

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(Bon POV)

The situation is terrible.

I've been using my new spell again and again, but Lord Idmon won't come back.

We already repaired his body, but Lord Idmon's soul and energies are nowhere near.

I asked Lina to go inside the Blind Eyes' Castle for a while to calm down. She was distraught and stressed out already.

If she suddenly freezes everyone, it will become impossible to restore Lord Idmon.

While we were doing this, King Wargh had already gone back to Dwarven territory.

Raging, he went back with the intention of punishing and executing the traitors. I ordered the Dread Heroes to guard him just in case.

The Searcher: "How is it going so far?"

The searcher asked about the situation.

Bon: "Not good. How long can Lina hold out? If she sees that there's still no improvement, she'll rampage again."

The searcher: "It's not going well then... I tried searching my records for this one, but I could not find a method to bring back a soul or the consciousness of the undead from death (going to the Void)."

Bon: "How about summoning him?"

The Searcher: "Summoning strong undead from the Void requires vast amounts of energies; we would need both negative and life energies."

Besides, even if we succeed in summoning him, it will only be temporary."

Bon: "Is it the end?"

As the news severely disheartened me, something came down from the night sky.

It was a vampire. It was Pen, the ancient vampire.

Pen: "It looks like Idmon needs a hand."

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Bon: "Please, Lord Pen. Help us."

Pen: "You see, I don't help out without reason. That's just not evil. I came here to see if Idmon did his part of the deal."

He glared at me. He's trying to use his high-level skill.

Pen: "Where is the glowing sword of the Blind Eye King?"

Was there such a sword? I don't remember it being in Lord Idmon's possession. Still, there was no choice anymore.

Bon: "It's in the throne room of the castle."

I made a wild guess, hoping that it would be there.

Pen: "Let me see..."

He was looking at the castle. His eyes might have long-range surveillance skills, or they must be something that can see through walls.

After five seconds, which seemed like an eternity to me, he spoke.

Pen: "It is. Very well, since Lord Idmon kept his end of the bargain, I will cast the ancient spell of

Bon: "Thank you very much, Lord Pen. Without him, we are nothing."

Pen: "Don't thank me yet. This spell will open a gate in the Void, and it will only bring him back if he wants to. If Idmon chooses to rest in peace, there is nothing else I can't help you with."

Now we just have to wait for him. Lord Idmon, please come back!

Lord Pen places the lifeless skeleton of Lord Idmon on top of a magic circle made with blood.

Pen: "I offer this blood to summon a ! (open the path to death)."

A purple gate appeared on top of the skeleton. Lord Idmon's energy should come from there and into the vessel.

Bon: "How long does this take?"

Pen: "Not long."

A few minutes later, a blast of negative energy came out of the gate and into the skeletal body of Idmon.

Idmon: "Guhhhhaaaa... cckkkkk!!!!"

It sounded like he was choking on the energy for a moment there, but he gradually stood up and was now back with us.

Bon: "Amazing... Thanks, Lord Pen."

Pen: "No need for thanks; the pay was worth it. Now, take care of Lord Idmon, because I will take my leave now."

Bon: "Of course."

While Lord Idmon was still trying to feel his body and testing out his movements, Lord Pen had already flown into the night sky.

Bon: "Welcome back, Milord."

Idmon: "(t) Glad to be back, Bon; you being alive and the army that I can see from a distance means that you won? Against the Paladins?"

Bon: "Yes, milord, but only with the help of your acquaintance."

Idmon: "(t) Hmmm?"

Suddenly, Lina appeared from nowhere. She was standing close to Lord Idmon now, and it looks like she won't be moving from that position for a while.

The spirits around her were calm now. It's a good thing since those spirits are different from us. Fighting ghosts isn't my forte.

Bon: "Ah, about your acquaintance... He says that you helped him out a few years ago."

Idmon: "(t) Really? Where is he?"

Bon: "He's outside in a tent, waiting for you, Milord."

Idmon: "(t) Okay, let's go."

I briefed Lord Idmon on what Pen had done for him, and he simply nodded and replied, "As expected of him."

Then we went to the Forest Guardian's tent for some discussions.

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(Idmon POV)

Idmon: "It's nice to meet you, or should I say, long time no see?"

Souta: "Lord Idmon..."

Idmon: "I want to thank you for helping my small army out when the enemy surrounded us. If not for your help, we would not be able to get away without a huge loss. Maybe we would've been wiped out."

Souta: "I wanted to return the favor to you because right now, I want you to take me seriously."

He kneeled in front of me. His human group was surprised.

Souta: "This journey of ours... was made so that I could offer my services to you, Lord Idmon."

He then turned around to his group.

Souta: "I'm sorry for dragging you this far away and, in the end, leaving you. Don't worry; I'll do my best to help you go back to the North Region. It's the only way I can thank you, guys."

Alno stood up and patted him on the shoulders since he had hung his head down, apologizing.

Alno: "It's okay. For me, this was a personal journey too. I got what I wanted, and I'm willing to stay with you to finish my work (Mapping the South) here.

Roln was just nodding and silent.

Lea: "Whatttt!!!!??"

A scream came from Lea.

Lea: "Don't think you could just leave me out here! I'm coming with you guys!"

Souta: "So it's settled. Thank you so much, guys."

Once more, Souta bowed his head to thank them.

Souta: "Would you please accept our help then, Lord Idmon?"

Idmon: "(t)Souta. Hmm. Working with us will be a huge disadvantage for you guys. Once you are with us, you will never be able to go back to your previous lives. We also cast spells that can potentially harm you guys because we specialize in sending living things to their deaths."

I put my hand above his head.

Idmon: "But if you would like to serve me, you shall turn yourself into an undead."

He was hiding it, but I could feel that he was surprised. I said this so that he would back off. We can't just work together with humans. Besides, he needs to die first before turning into an undead.

Souta: "I accept."

Idmon: "(t) Is that so?"

I made an approving nod.

Alno clapped his hands and made a shocking statement.

Alno: "Good idea! I wanted to map the world, but I believe that this human body would die before I finish my work."

Souta talked to Alno about what would happen if we stayed in a place full of undead. He was enthusiastic, saying that he doesn't care about his human form.

Roln was nodding again. He did not voice his agreement or disagreement.

Souta tried to talk to Roln, but all his response was just nodding. At the start of this adventure, he trusted me, and he still does. So I didn't question him further.

Well, about Lea.

Lea: "Whattttt!!??? I don't want to be a skeleton! That's just not pretty!"

Lina spoke after standing there for a long time.

Lina: "You could be an ice witch. I sense great magic in you, and if you want, I'll take you in as my disciple."

Lea: "Really!? You are pretty, Lina."

Lina: "Make no mistake; it's not a joke. It would be hard, and if your soul is weak, you will become feral, and we will put you down.

Lea swallowed.

Souta: "I believe in you, Lea."

Lea: "If that's true, then I accept!"

She was still nervous, but she told Souta before how much she hated her old, boring life. Adventuring with us might be her dream.

From the outside, Lina looks very scary, and she is, but she is also kind.

I did not expect that. It seems that Lina had our kingdom's future in mind. It made things easier for both of our groups.

Lea: "Just to be sure, this will make me a lot stronger!?"

Lina: "Of course, let's go outside so that you can see it."

Lea: "All right!"

The two ladies went outside.

Idmon: "(t) Are you sure about this? You can back out now, and I will even escort you back to the north."

Souta: "I am sure. Please start with the process."

Well, I called The Searcher to ask for his help. I made sure I used my only to him so that they wouldn't know that I'm doing this for the first time.

The Searcher: "Turning people into undead? Raising them into the undead is easy, but turning them when they are alive?"

The searcher made a gesture by scratching his head. He also had a woman assassin who was wielding dual enchanted blades. Her eyes and mouth are covered, and she looks pale.

Idmon: "(t) How about draining their life force while replacing it with negative energies?"

The searcher: "What? That's—wait—that sounds stupid, but it could be it! I never had a live test subject that much, so it hasn't occurred to me."

Idmon: "(t) Okay. Can you draw some magic circles for me? The ones that will make harnessing energies easier."

Souta: "Of course, Milord."

The searcher draws some purple magic circles under Souta, Roln, and Alno. I had them introduce themselves and swear an oath before I started.

I just took the oath on the spot.

(Three of them at the same time): I, Souta, Roln, and Alno, swear eternal allegiance to Lord Idmon. From this life to death, this body shall forever serve him."

Then I started draining their life force with one hand using the spell and filling them up with negative energies using .

Usually, Bon handles the manipulation of energies, but this spell needs a lot of negative energy. I have more than Bon in that regard.

They knelt on the top of magic circles, and their skin slowly fell off. After a few seconds, you can see the white of their bones coming out of their skin.

After a few minutes, we finished the process.

Their bodies turned into skeletons, still wearing their clothes from before. Purple flames appeared in their eye sockets.

Screams of pain could be heard even from outside the tents. Of course, it's painful. They're slowly dying after all.

Idmon: "(t) How do you feel?"

Souta: "Milord... Command me as you will."

Alno: "Oh, goodie! I thought I'd lose my mind when I turned into an undead, but it turned out to be just some kind of painful training."

Roln: "..."

The searcher was thrilled at the results.

The Searcher: "Amazing! Wonderful! Fantastic! This spell is another discovery for us! If we could master the spell, we might be able to turn an entire human army into the undead! On the spot!"

He flew outside of the tent, followed by his woman assassin, Sina. Was it?

Idmon: "(t) Okay, guys. You don't need to be formal or anything. I just try to act like a king sometimes so that the army will see me as a ruler. But since you're going to be directly under my command, I'd like it if you guys acted normally."

Souta: "Certainly! Lord Idmon!"

Souta was indeed the same. He's always cheerful and shouting.

Roln: "..."

Alno: "Okay, okay."

The two guys looked like they were going to act like that anyway.

Another issue was:

Tree person: "Excuse me, Lord of the Undead Army."

A small, tree-like person came into the tent.

Sapling: "I am a sapling representing the elder trees in this region. They can't speak the human language, and because of that, I will speak on their behalf.

Idmon: "(t) Thank you for your help, but I'm sure it wasn't for free."

Sapling: "Indeed, it isn't. The elder trees held grudges against humans for a long time, and they would love to strike them down anytime they get an opportunity."

The sapling then presented a seed or something like that.

Sapling: "If you would take this and accept it as our token of friendship, we would like to smash more humans for you in the future. As long as you treat the forests justly."

Idmon: "(t) Of course. We, the undead, have little use for wood, and our materials mostly come from mines. That is the same for our allies, the Dwarves. You could count on us to protect this region against humans."

Sapling: "We are glad to hear that. Take it."

I took it from the sapling.

Idmon: "(t) May I have your name? Nature's representative?"

Sapling: "Oh, you don't need to. We saplings are just messengers. The thoughts I have are those of the Elders, and they don't like naming themselves."

Idmon: "(t) I see. Thanks for your assistance, and I'm looking forward to working with you."

Sapling: "It's the same for us as well. By the way, there are spells stored in that seed. It is called Nature's Core. You could use various nature spells and recharge it with sunlight when it runs out."

Idmon: "(t) It's a huge help. Thank you. I will think of a fitting gift as well in the future."

And with that, the sapling bowed and left.

Lea: "Ooohhhh!!!"

I could hear Lea's voice from outside. I peek out a bit to check what's happening.

Lina: "See, ordinary humans cannot cast these spells. It is unique to our class."

Lea: "I accept! Please make me into one!"

I could see a huge ice pillar in the middle of the field outside the tent. There were also some Frost Golems standing around.

She has improved these few—what is it? I felt like I was missing something.

Oh, the time!

Idmon: "(t) Bon!"

He came running. He was talking with some soldiers, but he immediately came to me.

Bon: "Yes! Milord!?"

Idmon: "(t) How long has it been since we started our journey from the very beginning?"

Bon: "Hmm... I asked Mr. Souta to verify some information, but it looks like at least four years have passed since then."

Four years. Was it that long? The Dead Lands might have been a larger place than I thought.

Right now, a little rest would be appreciated.

I ordered the army to march back to Undeth. I decided to name the blind eye's fort Un Lorh and had the elder trees guard it for me.