This Necromancer Just Wants to Plant Trees - Chapter 130 (Patreon)

"Just as we feared a few days ago, the Red Earth Clan has invaded the Golden Plains. A mixed army from the south has brazenly destroyed the fertile lands of the Golden Plains, burning down countless houses. They've violated the verbal promise of non-aggression between territories. After capturing the main city of the Golden Plains, Wheat City, the army split into two. One group headed northwest, sweeping through the villages of the Golden Plains and closing in on the Highleaf Territory. The other group stayed in place and advanced northward, ostensibly to chase down the remnants of Wheat City's lord's forces. They are rapidly approaching the Southern Trading Post."

Reiga delivered the frontline report with determination.

Matthew was surprised, "They really took action? They dare to approach the Southern Trading Post? Don't they fear Lord Ronan the Great Mage?"

Zeller shook his head, "Legendary mages typically don't interfere in conflicts between mortals, unless the Red Earth Clan's army commits atrocities within the boundaries of Rolling Stone Town. Furthermore, there have been rumors circulating in the south that Ronan the Great Mage has been lost in the astral plane. While many doubt this news, we can't be sure that the new lord of the Red Earth Clan isn't impulsive."

Matthew nodded in agreement.

Zeller made a valid point; Ronan's reputation was indeed intimidating, but they couldn't rely solely on him.

"The Golden Plains has no means to defend itself. It's primarily an agricultural territory, with the largest military force being the local militia. These militiamen are used to driving away wild boars and jackals, but they are ill-equipped to handle bandits, let alone a full-scale war."

Reiga sipped from an empty coffee cup, seemingly oblivious to his dry mouth, "Perhaps this is the effect of what you called the 'Civilization Enigma Lock.' It protected these small territories from the ravages of war. But now, things have changed. I bet that Enigma Lock has disappeared. Suddenly, the lords of these territories have awakened to the concept of war, realizing that there are means to expand their wealth through external plunder. So, they no longer restrain themselves. But the Red Earth Clan is different. The new lord there is well-organized. The so-called tax reform was just a distraction, shifting others' attention. Over the past few months, he has been covertly recruiting mercenaries. It's even said that on the battlefield of the assault on Wheat City, a force from the Shadow Territories was present, composed of Zol assassins. They are a true elite mercenary force, well-trained assassins. According to Hovin, who went to investigate the situation, these Zol assassins are ruthless. Even before the war began, the lord's family of Wheat City was completely wiped out! These guys have no sense of honor."

Matthew agreed, "You're right, Reiga. When the concept of war awakens among people, there will be frequent small-scale wars on this continent, reshuffling the power dynamics. No one can stop this trend."

Zeller sat at the adjacent table, hands crossed beneath his nose, his eyes flickering, "I've already stationed a lord's guard in the Southern Trading Post. Fortunately, our scouts can still roughly track the movements of the Red Earth Clan's main force for now. In theory, they should spend some time reaping the rewards of the Golden Plains, but we can't guarantee they won't launch a sudden attack."

"The fact is, war is upon us," Matthew said, taking a deep breath.

He could feel the tension and unease in the air from the serious expressions of Reiga and Zeller.

War was not a game. Once it broke out, regardless of the outcome, lives would be lost.

Matthew bit his lip.

Reiga took another sip of his empty coffee cup, looking extremely anxious, "What's your opinion, Matthew?"

Matthew pondered and replied, "The Seven Saints Alliance will be sending a group of mages to visit soon. The location for their visit is near the Memorial of the Fallen. I had arranged a tour of Rolling Stone Town for them, but it seems I'll have to cancel that now."

Reiga's eyes lit up, "A group of mages? Can they make a difference in this war?"

Matthew shook his head, "It's hard to say. In the current Eiondos continent, the relationships between the Alliance, mages, and local powers are complex. The Alliance holds immense power, and its legendary mages are untouchable. They possess earth-shattering strength and are not to be trifled with by mortal forces. However, most mages are not interested in worldly power. They won't meddle in a war unless it threatens their interests. For ordinary mages, they are not as detached and are inclined to align with local powers. Whether it's the Hundred Cities of the Seven Saints Alliance or being a spell consultant for a small territory like me, both are forms of collaboration between mages and local powers. Mages are also cunning and value their lives."

Matthew could employ mages for his projects, such as tree planting or exploring outer planes, all in the name of the Alliance. However, when it came to war, it was a different matter.

In the end, they were just a group of mid-level mages. If they worked together, they could have a significant impact on the war, but why should they?

Matthew knew he wasn't Ronan or Isabelle, and nobody would risk their lives for a few knowledge points.

"Money is one thing, but risking their lives is another. Mages understand this very clearly," he mused.

Yet, when he thought about it, this project could still have a positive impact on the impending war.

"We can spread some information, just like when I impersonated Ronan the Great Mage last time. We can create both true and false information to divert the enemy's attention."

Matthew suggested, "The Red Earth Clan's new lord should still have some apprehension about the mages of the Seven Saints Alliance."

Zeller nodded, "I'll have someone spread the information. But we need to prepare for war. The lord's guard and patrol units are ready. We need to gather the local militias from the northern villages and, if necessary, build defensive fortifications in the south."

He glanced at Reiga and suddenly shouted, "Lady Wesley! Coffee!"

Moments later, three cups of rich coffee were brought into the office.

Reiga only then realized he was holding an empty cup, and he awkwardly moistened his lips, "Maybe it's time for you to be a bit more cautious."

Zeller watched him in silence, a look of hesitation in his eyes.

Matthew, however, had something to say, "One more piece of bad news."

Zeller added, "The Azure Port's city lord, Lady Aeliana, received a letter from Reiga. She swiftly replied, stating that she would immediately set off to visit Rolling Stone Town. She's traveling lightly, so she'll arrive within three to five days."

This news surprised Reiga, "Why the hurry? Didn't I tell Aeliana to take her time?"

Zeller, however, was less patient, "This just happens to coincide with a war in the south. I may not even have time to accompany her..."

He added with a sarcastic tone, "Maybe she's in a rush because she can't hide her belly anymore."

Reiga rolled his eyes, "Don't believe in rumors. Aeliana is a very traditional woman. She has remained unmarried since our divorce. She even adopted her seven daughters. They are all still virgins. It's in very bad taste to make such jokes!"

Zeller couldn't help but facepalm and showed a pained expression, "My god, Reiga, has a mole eaten your intelligence lately?"

"Can't you see what's so obvious even with my hint?"

"You're not thinking of rekindling a romance with that lady, are you?"

Matthew watched as Reiga, now fidgety and slightly confused, and couldn't help but chime in, "There's something odd about this Lady Aeliana."

"Given the current situation in Azure Port, it's quite clear to us. The city to the north, Lionheart City, is amassing troops and annexing a significant amount of territory. So, Azure Port faces a much larger war. In this situation, if she replied to your letter so promptly and is risking traveling to Rolling Stone Town when her rear might be in danger, it's definitely not right."

Reiga reasoned, "Normal people can see that something's off. The only explanation is that her position as city lord is likely in jeopardy!"

"She's coming to seek your help, Reiga!" Matthew added unexpectedly.

This revelation had him looking puzzled. He couldn't fathom why a city lord of Aeliana's stature would come to a remote place like Rolling Stone Town seeking help.

"It's time to make a decision, Reiga," Zeller said with a calm tone.

Reiga mused in silence.

Matthew had no idea what was going on, "Is there something I'm not aware of?"

Zeller gave Matthew a look, "It's time for you to know about it."

After a few minutes of contemplation, Reiga finally lifted his head and said slowly, "I know. Let's go, take Matthew with you."

Ten minutes later...

...

Deep within the military camp beside the Lord's Manor.

After passing through three heavily guarded checkpoints, two layers of magic-imbued doors, and a set of steps leading underground, a doorway appeared before Matthew.

The three proceeded down the steps.

After about seven or eight minutes, they entered a relatively spacious underground area.

Throughout this underground space, massive braziers were lit, their flames flickering in a combination of black and crimson.

Now and then, sinister faces seemed to emerge from the flames within the braziers, only to quickly vanish.

Matthew recognized them as the Flames of Sin, originating from the Abyss! Due to their unending nature, they were also known as the "Eternal Flames."

In the center of the Eternal Flames, an imposing arched stone gate stood ominously in the darkness.

Above the stone gate hung a colossal demonic skull, its six eyes seemingly alive as it scrutinized all visitors from a high vantage point, sending shivers down the spine.

The sides of the stone gate were adorned with countless Abyssal inscriptions.

Matthew noted that even the ground was etched with dark red ritual patterns, creating the perfect setup for the ritual site.

He realized that this ritual site was in a semi-activated state.

The three stopped before the gate.

In the darkness, a gentle breeze seemed to caress their faces, like a devil softly touching their cheeks.

"This is the true secret of the Blood Banner Family," Reiga introduced emotionlessly. "This is also the fundamental reason why Rolling Stone Town has been developing well all along."

"Yes, we have a portal to the Abyss here!"

"And myself, with some luck, I'm the 27th in line to the Blood Banner Kingdom, situated on the 19th layer of the Abyss."

Hearing this, Matthew recalled the days he had spent with Reiga, and he couldn't help but ask, "Have I been a bit too disrespectful recently?"

Reiga glared at him.

Seeing Matthew's complex expression, Zeller smiled and winked, "You're fine for now. When I first met Reiga during my youth, he coldly ordered me, 'Call me Prince His Highness!'"

"At that time, Reiga was brimming with ambition and vowed to become the king who would rule the world."

"However, everything changed after the incident in Rolling Stone Town."

Reiga grumbled, "Stop talking about these useless things, Matthew. This secret is related to the Blood Banner Kingdom and involves the Abyss. I hope you can keep it confidential."

Matthew nodded solemnly.

Then he asked, "So, what happens if we fully activate this portal?"

Reiga calmly replied, "I'll gain an army from the Abyss."

"And this world might face a true Abyss."

"This is the aspect I've been hesitant about."

Leaving the underground space, Matthew was still deeply shaken.

He knew that the Blood Banner Family had to have secrets, but he hadn't expected the secret to be so astounding.

A portal to the Abyss. Even the partially activated ritual site was beyond priceless.

Its existence could attract countless minor demons to it inadvertently.

While these minor demons were common in the Abyss, they were rare in the main material plane.

Zeller revealed that Reiga had become wealthy by providing materials obtained from minor demons to the Seven Saints Alliance.

In the semi-activated state, the area around the portal functioned like a monster-spawning tower, regularly spawning minor demons.

However, once it was fully activated, a tide of the Abyss would descend.

Matthew learned from Zeller that Reiga had a deep and complex history with the Blood Banner Kingdom and a particular Abyssal town.

This had made him hesitant to fully activate the portal.

But now, Rolling Stone Town faced an unprecedented war threat.

Despite Reiga's reluctant attitude, reality might force him into making a worse choice.

This sequence of changes had severely tested Matthew's nerves.

In half a day, he had received too much information. It was as if his peaceful and serene life was about to vanish overnight.

These circumstances filled Matthew with a deep sense of crisis, but he also felt somewhat absurd and powerless.

Reiga had hoped for a peaceful and stable life.

Matthew wasn't any different.

From the moment he left the Lord's Manor, he couldn't shake the constant thoughts of war. Even when he was planting trees, his head was spinning.

This situation continued for two more days.

In the afternoon on the second day, while Matthew was planting trees in a daze, he accidentally placed two saplings in the same hole. He didn't even notice it himself!

The scene was quite undignified.

"You seem a little absent-minded."

It was only when a somewhat familiar voice reached his ears that Matthew realized his mistake. He had mistakenly placed two saplings in the same hole.

While he continued to remove one of the saplings, he looked up to find a burly, testosterone-filled young man standing about twenty meters away, smiling as he watched Matthew.

"Eli?!"

Matthew exclaimed in surprise.

"Did you succeed in your promotion?"

The two embraced upon meeting.

"I followed the call of the Wild Path and killed that troublesome calamity dragon, completing my promotion."

"I'm back, Matthew. Now, I'm a fourth-tier 'Shape-Shift Master'!"

Eli said with enthusiasm, "I improved my strength in the north, and I've also smoothly explored my path to legend."

"At the moment of promotion, natural will told me that I was the natural inheritor of the Wild Path. But there's a fatal flaw in my case: my emotions are too intense."

"I'm too easily moved and can easily fall in love with a woman and lose myself in it."

"This is my bane and what I have to overcome."

"Matthew, I came back to you for two reasons. First, to fulfill my promise of guarding the Oak Tree Forest. Second, to have more chances to interact with human society through you, toughen my will, and overcome my final challenge."

"I swear."

"I will never fall in love with a woman again."

"Any woman."

"This is my commitment to follow the legend."

Eli's declaration was resolute.

Matthew couldn't help but admire him.

Still, he advised Eli, "You don't have to be so extreme. Love can be beautiful, and if you meet the right girl, you might want to give it a try."

"Absolutely impossible!"

Eli said emphatically.

Then, with excitement, he asked Matthew, "Don't you want to know what new Wild Forms I gained during my promotion ceremony?"

Matthew was about to ask him about it when, at that very moment, Peggy suddenly burst out of the forest and shouted, "Matthew, come and see the commotion!"

Matthew asked curiously, "What's happening?"

Peggy exclaimed, "I heard a rumor that the Lady of Azure Port and her most beautiful daughter will be passing through our official road today in the afternoon!"

"It's said that people on the farm side have already seen their beauty. Both the Lady of Azure Port and her daughter are said to be unparalleled beauties!"

Matthew's interest was piqued, not so much by the beautiful women but by the visitors from Azure Port themselves.

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