This Necromancer Just Wants to Plant Trees - Chapter 177 (Patreon)

Chapter 177: Disciples of the Dark Queen

The demon in a smart suit spoke in Abyssal, a language Matthew understood thanks to an enchantment on him. With a glance between him and Little Patton, both showed interest in moving forward. They were investigating the source of sulfur ore, and the mining vehicle ahead likely led to the factory the demon referred to as Stulock Industries.

Following Matthew's gesture, Little Patton innocently asked, "So, what do we do?"

The demon, Simmons, briskly pushed open the car door, adjusting his tie. "I'm Simmons, a senior manager at Stulock Industries. I see potential in you two. Join our mining team directly at our company. Don't hesitate, it's a rare opportunity. Get in the car."

Pointing to the rear of the mining vehicle, he gestured for them to hop on. Peering inside, they noticed sulfur ore and several demon-like mercenaries holding crackling crossbows, looking menacing.

Their appearance resembled Simmons with pale eyes and sturdy upper bodies, known as "Chaotic Eyes," a symbol of demonic lineage. From Matthew's Abyssal knowledge, they seemed like hybrids of fierce demons and humans.

"Let's go! Get in the car!" urged the lead mercenary impatiently.

Matthew sensed something amiss, and Little Patton, sharp-witted, flashed a naive smile at Simmons, "What's the pay if we join Stulock Industries?"

Impatiently, Simmons retorted, "Pay?? At least a hundred gold per week! You, Minotaur, seem a bit smart, but that's minor. Salary is just a fraction of what Stulock Industries offers. Join us, and you'll rise swiftly. But it all hinges on your effort! Before asking what Stulock can offer, think about what you can contribute! The current situation in Eskana is evident. The changes here in the last decade are thanks to Stulock Industries! The Bru Tribe is transitioning toward an empire. As tribe members, if you don't keep pace, you'll be left behind."

Realizing they saw through his deception, Simmons' persuasive talk was futile. Wanting to decline, Matthew glanced at the data log.

"Warning: You've unraveled Simmons' deceit. You realize his promises about Stulock are lies! Your 'Anti-Deception Factor' +10 (Deception Domain)."

As they pondered an excuse to refuse, Little Patton intervened, maintaining his naive tone, "We can't head to Stulock Industries right now."

Simmons, suspicious, asked, "Why?"

Patton grinned, "Why should it just be the two of us? Leave us an address and token. I'll gather our brothers, sisters, and friends outside the city to join Stulock. They're healthy Minotaurs, not sulfur addicts like him!"

Simmons, intrigued, directed them towards Bigfoot City's center, providing directions to the industry's location.

"You see that tall chimney from here? Head in that direction. Stulock Industries is everywhere. This glove is my token. Find any official employee, show them this, and you'll find me. Hurry! We might fill the spots before you."

Simmons tossed a foul-smelling glove at Patton, laughing as the mining vehicle rumbled away.

"You're clever, not falling for it," he commended.

As the vehicle departed, a ragged Minotaur lying on the ground suddenly sprang up, agile and far from weak. Covered in a huge hood, his voice resonated deeply, warning of the harsh reality within Stulock Industries. He detailed how they'd start well but eventually face relentless exploitation, forced labor, and the insidious sulfur sickness.

He left Matthew and Patton with a haunting question: "Do you know what sulfur sickness is?"

The highly purified sulfur essence, originally a necessity for Abyssal creatures, has now become a dreadful elixir for demons after extensive refinement by Stulock Industries. It induces addictive experiences that grant an otherworldly sensation, easily attainable and utterly irresistible.

Once you've tasted this sensation, breaking free from its allure becomes an insurmountable challenge. To acquire enough sulfur extract, you must toil relentlessly for Stulock Industries. Yet, under the influence of sulfur, your mind deteriorates while your body weakens, rendering you incapable of handling the increasingly burdensome tasks.

Within this vicious cycle, a day will come when you collapse. However, that isn't the end of the line within Stulock Industries. They have specialized doctors to address these situations. Those with better physical conditions are awakened to continue toiling; those slightly worse off become experimental subjects in the lab. Only those completely devoid of value are cast onto the streets, joining the ranks of the homeless.

Bigfoot City is teeming with such individuals, where the Minotaur, Cyclops, and Deer-headed demons, originally rooted here, suffer greatly. The only profiteers are the demon-folk who first aligned themselves with Stulock Industries. They've destroyed countless lives among our brethren, all while proclaiming it's our own descent willingly chosen!

You've likely seen many Minotaurs dressed similarly to me along your journey, right? They've all worked for Stulock Industries, although they were unfairly implicated and afflicted with sulfur sickness. Yet, Stulock portrays them as typical examples of the Minotaur race, lacking ambition and embracing decline. Is this not tragic?

After hearing this account, Matthew and young Patton both wore expressions of astonishment. Patton fixed his gaze on the stranger.

"Who are you?" he inquired.

The stranger replied, "I'm Conley, a ranger. I know Minotaur rangers aren't common, but these days, demons have been neutered into obedient wastes for Stulock Industries. So, Minotaur rangers aren't that unusual."

"Are you two Minotaurs from elsewhere?"

"Remember, don't roam the streets during the day. You've met Simmons. He holds a high position in Stulock Industries. If it were another lesser boss, you'd likely be abducted! Healthy demons in the city are scarce."

Seeing them speak the Abyssal Common tongue, Matthew ventured, "How do you know we're not deceiving him?"

Conley calmly stated, "I'm well acquainted with the Minotaur tribes near Bigfoot City. Even in the outskirts, nothing escapes my notice. I haven't heard of a new Minotaur group nearby, so you must be lying.

Well, children, I don't have time to constantly clarify things for you. I have much to do. Remember, Bigfoot City has drastically changed—why should we, demons, even have room for further decline?

Keep your wits about you, stay indoors during the day, and beware of Stulock Industries!"

With that, he made to leave, but Patton grabbed hold of him.

"Mr. Conley, we've come from a distant place seeking refuge with our relative, Brother Macowan. He's the older brother, and I'm the younger. However, upon arriving today, we've learned of the city's upheaval and couldn't find our uncle, so we're stranded on the streets. Can you guide us to a shelter? Any place to shelter from the elements would suffice."

Conley eyed them disdainfully, seeming to wrestle with inner thoughts. After a few seconds, noticing a mining cart approaching from a distance, he hastily motioned to them.

"Come with me!"

He rushed to the opposite side of the street, revealing a dark passage concealed beneath a cement slab in the corner of an alley.

Though the entrance was sizable, the space inside was cramped. The three of them cautiously squeezed in. Conley secured the cement slab after them, then positioned himself at the front.

"I'll take you to the Revivalists' camp, but you must vow not to disclose its location, or I won't spare you."

"Don't get too excited. I don't wield much authority there; whether you stay depends on the 'Seer's' decision."

With that, he adeptly maneuvered deeper into the sewer.

"What are the Revivalists?"

"What exactly happened in Bigfoot City?"

"Why have the Minotaurs here changed so drastically? It's vastly different from what we've heard before!"

Throughout the journey, Patton skillfully probed for information. He always seemed to sync with Matthew's thoughts. Initially, Matthew interjected here and there, but eventually, he let Patton do the talking alone, focusing on analyzing the information Conley, the Minotaur, provided.

Conley's voice echoed faintly in the sewer, "Just from the name, you can tell, kids, we're a bunch of disillusioned folk, attempting to revive the demon bloodline's glory. You might not know how Bigfoot City was decades ago, but I remember vividly. It was chaotic, with the Minotaur, Cyclops, and Deer-headed demons ruling this anarchic city-state.

There were fights every day, demons gutted and disemboweled, their bodies rotting near the foul gutters.

Oh, those were the days! Then one day, an airship from Stulock Industries docked atop the city walls. Initially, demons from the three cities waged several battles against Stulock's mercenaries. Despite heavy losses, they managed to fend off the invasion. But later, Stulock changed their infiltration strategy.

They began bribing, controlling, and subverting the upper echelons of the three races. Things started to change gradually.

Finally, six years ago, the majority of Bigfoot City's demons were duped into drinking Stulock's 'Tame Potion'—supposedly capable of erasing the inherent aggressiveness in demon lineage, freeing them from endless conflicts and battles.

I witnessed firsthand the terrifying effects of this potion. Demons who consumed it became rational and peaceful, overly fond of discussing moral philosophy. But are demons still demons if they're overly philosophical?

One friend of mine, a stubborn fellow, used to be a butcher who couldn't go a day without stabbing someone. The moment he drank the potion, he transformed into what seemed like a pious warrior, repenting for his past murderous deeds!

Can you believe it? And yet, the most frightening effect of this potion wasn't just the loss of ambition and the desire for violence in demons!

Those who drank the potion became timid and scared.

We, the most fearsome and violent race in this world, started considering banning fights in the city, all in the name of civilization.

Damn civilization! Demon civilization is a civilization of fighting!

I couldn't accept this chemical neutering, so I fled into the sewers, establishing the Revivalists' camp with others.

During this time, I was forced to learn many ranger skills... That's how screwed up things are in this world."

In the depths of the city sewers, a towering two-meter tall minotaur crawled daily.

I even mastered the art of bone shrinking from a devotee of Babasha! But I'm getting off track here, ahem.

The developments behind Bigfoot City were quite predictable, even for a blind man.

Demons deprived of their wild nature became slaves to Stulock Industries. The city gradually turned into a dominion for demonkind.

The once dominant three races lived in constant fear every day. Surprisingly, us sewer-dwelling rats lived relatively carefree lives.

Stulock's people attempted to venture into the sewers but with the protection of the "Sewer God" and the complex terrain, after suffering several painful consequences, they ceased meddling in the underground world.

Conley was a typical cold-faced yet warm-hearted guy. He seemed to disdain the "McKovin brothers" who were new and clueless, but he was secretly helpful. Not only did he risk taking them to his camp but also prattled on about the background and common knowledge of Bigfoot City.

If we translated that knowledge into Margaret's infusion standards, it would cost at least ten thousand gold coins.

Thinking this way, Matthew felt like he hit the jackpot. Along the journey, he recollected why the word "Stulock" felt so familiar—it was the home of the female orc, Kreeg. Presently, it seemed occupied by a detached space undead legion of the An Tu Empire. It appeared that Stulock Industries had ties to them.

The trio navigated the sewers for thirty minutes. After passing a stinky pool, the path ahead opened up suddenly into a vast underground space. Several guards on elevated ground cautiously inspected the newcomers.

"Old Black, it's me, Conley," boomed the minotaur ranger. The lead guard, a demon with massive deer horns and pitch-black skin, looked unkindly at Matthew and Conley.

"Conley, bringing newcomers to the camp again, you never follow the rules, even if you set them yourself," grumbled the deer-horned demon.

Conley shrugged, "I want to take them to see the prophet. Is the prophet in the high tower?"

"According to my informants, Stulock Industries plans a fourth siege on our camp. At this critical juncture, we cannot afford to be complacent," the deer-horned demon retorted, displeased.

"Alright, I know I might not have made the best choice, but these two kids are healthy, exceptionally healthy—you should understand what that level of health means in Bigfoot City. I can't just stand by and watch Simmons ruin them," Conley reasoned.

"I get your point. Health is a luxury these days. But that's why I suspect Simmons set them as bait. If you don't mind, I'd like to use the True Knowledge Gem on them. At least, it can rule out any illusion spells," the deer-headed demon proposed.

Matthew thought, 'This is bad,' exchanging glances with young Patton, both preparing to bolt.

Before Conley could agree, the deer-headed demon retrieved a flashy gem and began chanting loudly. In that moment, Patton instinctively stepped back but was held firm by Matthew.

"Don't be afraid," Matthew suddenly whispered confidently.

Patton's body immediately relaxed. Seconds later, a bright magical aura enveloped them, making their skin glow intensely.

The deer-headed demon observed their calmness and said slowly, "Alright, you may pass through here. For the next while, your bodies will glow, it's inconsequential, just a side effect of the True Knowledge Gem."

Conley huffed, "I told you, these kids are fine. You're clearly making things difficult for me."

The deer-headed demon remained calm, "I'm simply doing what I should."

"You better be!" Conley warned before leading the two into the camp.

The camp's buildings resembled what Matthew had seen above ground, perhaps a bit more primitive. Surprisingly, there were many electric lights here, seemingly on without any cost. Despite being a massive underground space, it was brightly lit, akin to daytime.

During the walk, young Patton found a moment to ask, "Why didn't his True Knowledge Gem expose our disguises?"

"Is your potion that powerful?" Matthew chuckled in response.

On the data panel...

"Hint: You saw through Elder Black, the leader of the deer-headed demons' bluff!

Elder Black used a True Knowledge Gem (Illusion Disguise).

Elder Black cast 'Radiance' on you and Patton.

You not only saw through their bluff but also successfully deceived them.

Your anti-scam attribute +10;

Your bluff attribute +10;

Detected that you've accumulated enough anti-scam attributes, do you want to enter the realm of deception using these attributes?"

The events unfolded in the underground world, prompting Matthew and his companions to ponder their choices and confrontations ahead.

Matthew isn't in a rush to enter the domain.

"Demons aren't exactly innocent residents. I've been swindled twice since I arrived, but luckily, my anti-swindling instincts are strong. If this happens a few more times, won't all the related elements max out?"

"This camp is so poor; they can't even produce a piece of True Knowledge Gem. The captain guarding the gate can only put up a front. It's quite sad, really. The demons in Bigfoot City have indeed fallen, no wonder they're seeking revival."

He thought to himself.

The revivalist camp is indeed livelier than the city above.

Matthew and his companion walked all the way.

They've encountered at least four inexplicable brawls along the way.

The demons here seem more combative compared to those on the surface, but most of them bear some form of disability.

It's likely connected to Stulock Industries.

Conley is quite popular within the camp.

Everyone he passes greets him.

Correspondingly, many inquire about the origins of Matthew and his companion.

For the sake of explanation, Conley claims the duo, the "McKown Brothers," are his nephews.

With numerous inquiries, he ends up responding quite frequently.

Gradually, it seems like he genuinely considers the two as nephews.

His attitude towards them becomes even more affectionate.

Finally, Conley leads the two to a seemingly dark tower.

The tall tower's gates are tightly shut.

Several figures wait on the steps leading to the tower, the most striking among them being a bald woman.

Surprisingly, she's human.

There are also a few Bigfoot creatures and a minotaur beside her.

Conley advises the two:

"You stay on the steps and wait. I'll go in first to greet the prophet. Don't worry, no one here will harm you."

"Oh, and stay away from that woman. She's a devotee of the Dark Queen Babasha, a monk. Though I've learned bone shrinking technique from her, I always feel like she's holding something back... I can't shrink as perfectly as she does..."

However, as he speaks, the female monk quickly approaches:

"Foolish Conley! You can't shrink as perfectly as me because you're missing one!"

"Who are these two? Your illegitimate children? They seem quite healthy," she says, licking her full and sensual lips.

Conley speaks seriously:

"They're my nephews, Rosie. You better not lay a hand on them."

"If you need anything lately, just come to me."

Rosie, the female monk, completely ignores Conley's flirting.

She curiously gazes at Matthew, her eyes flashing with a hint of reminiscence:

"I feel like I've seen you somewhere before. It feels familiar."

Matthew's heart starts racing.

He knows she hasn't seen him before. The reason for this feeling is the special attention from the Dark Queen Babasha!

Just as he tries to find a way to shake off the follower of the Dark Queen...

The door to the tall tower suddenly opens.

An elderly voice echoes from within the door:

"Conley, did you bring those two kids here?"

"Let them in quickly."

Matthew feels like he's received a reprieve.

The two swiftly bypass the female monk and enter the interior of the tower.

The door closes slowly.

In front of them stands a Bigfoot elder leaning on a cane.

The elder kindly says to Matthew:

"What's wrong, child? I sense some unrest in you."

Matthew sighs:

"It's nothing, just that lady outside. She seems a bit too assertive."

The elder speaks gently:

"That's Rosie for you. She's a straightforward girl. If she takes a liking to you, she'll snatch you away overnight."

"But don't worry, she's a loyal follower of the Dark Queen Babasha. How bad can people be who follow Babasha's teachings?"

Matthew feels something's not right:

"Followers of the Dark Queen... can't be bad?"

The elder chuckles heartily:

"Of course not."

"Look at me, I'm also a follower of the Dark Queen. Do you think I'm a bad person?"

"Hahaha..."

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