A Necromancer Who Just Wants to Plant Trees

Chapter 456: Big Rip and Legendary Sniper

Chapter 456 The Great Rip and the Legendary Sniper

…

Six months later.

Northland.

Sword Winter City.

Half Ear Inn.

Alicia pushed open the door panel covered with sword marks and rivets, and quickly entered the tavern hall on the underground floor.

Noisy sounds and a foul smell hit us.

She sniffed.

The scene that she had previously disliked was now not only familiar to her, but also gave her a sense of security.

“I’m really hopeless...”

The woman in her early twenties scratched her long chestnut hair in frustration.

Faced with the bartender who came over to show his attentiveness.

She waved her hand impatiently, and then walked directly to her exclusive booth.

She took off her left boot and vigorously shook off the foreign matter inside -

A few coarse stones fell down.

These guys were the culprits for the skin of her toes that she accidentally scraped when she was doing a private job today.

She put the soles of her feet on her knees, glanced at the blisters underneath, then took a needle from her belt, placed it on the candle flame for a few seconds, and deftly popped the blisters.

“It doesn’t hurt too much…”

She did not put her shoes back on in a hurry, but left her feet to dry out and let them air out for a while.

Then burn the area where the blisters have burst by holding it close to the candle flame.

This is a little trick taught to her by the group leader.

Although it may not really work.

But she was eager to learn any skills related to this new livelihood.

She studied well.

In recent months, the group leader has praised her for her intelligence several times.

She acted very modestly, but in her heart she acknowledged the compliment.

Alicia indeed has extraordinary adaptability.

If this is not the case.

As a pampered aristocratic lady, after the earth-shattering disaster six months ago took away all her family and property, there was no way she could survive until now!

In the past six months.

She had been thankful countless times at night that her father had chosen swordsmanship and poetry for her.

She was also fortunate to have been taught by several fencing teachers.

certainly.

And my past self was not lazy in this regard.

Otherwise, even if she survived that catastrophe and found one of the few safe cities like Sword Winter City, she would not be able to survive like she is now—

On the way to Jiandong City.

She saw too many girls of her own age walking into makeshift tents with strong men of the opposite **** for a little food.

What's even more hateful.

In a disaster, most people have no integrity at all. Even if some people are willing to share some food, it will be far different from what was agreed in advance.

So most of them became corpses in the wilderness.

The worst time.

They, and the weaker ones, themselves become food for the stronger ones.

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　…

She was so lost in thought that her soles pressed directly against the candlelight, which made Alicia shudder and lean back. The old chairs in the tavern suddenly creaked.

not far away.

The lizard man boss shouted loudly:

“How many times have I told you not to play with your niche hobbies in public!”

“Otherwise, the candles on the table will be charged based on time!”

Alicia gave the other party a clear middle finger.

Then he put on his boots silently.

After doing all this.

She asked the bartender for a glass of ale mixed with water.

He also counted the income from this private work:

　　“I only earned eight small alliance gold coins after working so hard…”

“It’s not easy to be a mercenary...”

The former aristocratic girl sighed softly.

There are too many colleagues.

These days, just pull a few disheveled, idle young people from a corner of Jiandong City and dare to claim to be mercenaries who have participated in dragon slaying.

But what if tomorrow there are new gaps in the work of digging the moat.

Those young people are experienced diggers again.

According to the head of the group.

Now it is no easier to find a decent job in the city than it is to find a paladin in a brothel.

In the past.

Mercenaries are only active at sea, especially in the more chaotic Free Islands.

But after the disaster that was called the "Great Rip" by the people.

The landscape of the entire Northland has undergone earth-shaking changes, and the environment has become harsh.

Many people died.

But many people reached the city alive.

They lack jobs and are willing to do anything just to get a bite of steamed buns.

Artisans, mercenaries, prostitutes, thieves…

The entire Jiandong City has gathered ten times more people than before.

Most people are having a hard time.

But the local rich people in Jiandong City got rich because of this.

In order to protect these wealth.

They hired more people.

This is of course good news for those powerful mercenary teams.

But the temporary team that Alicia is part of seems to be just fine, although its strength is not bad.

However, because his qualifications are too low and his reputation has not yet been established, it is difficult to accept tasks in the city.

Everyone is having a hard time.

Fortunately, I can barely eat enough.

“With today’s money and the income from the next mission, we should be able to redeem the magic bracelet we pawned…”

“Damn hobgoblin profiteers, they are trying to make 30% of my profits!”

The reason why it is 30% is because of the leader’s face.

But Alicia was still unwilling.

She took a sip of ale, her eyes wandering, wondering whether she wanted to visit the hobgoblin traitor one night.

But when I think of the two barbarian men who are inseparable from each other.

She was a little timid.

She didn’t want the regiment leader to go to the moat to collect her body for her the next day...

At this time.

There was a whisper from the next table:

“Have you heard? The mages are collecting taxes again!”

“Collecting taxes again? Three times a month? What’s the name this time?”

“Don’t worry, we can’t collect anything from us yet. The main thing is to ask the rich people in the city to pay taxes. It can be gold coins or various useful materials, especially fine wood!”

“What do they need so much wood for?”

“The wife of a relative of my brother once worked as a support person at a mage college in the Alliance. According to what she said, the mages are not only collecting wood, but also searching for scarce metal resources such as gold and mithril...”

"What are they going to do? They didn't come out to save people during the great rupture, but now they have barely settled down and know how to collect taxes?"

"Heh...I've told you a long time ago that those mages are not good people. They claim to be guardians, but none of them are true."

"Well, I heard that there is an Alliance mage in the south who is quite dedicated..."

“Are you talking about the tree planting mage in Rolling Stone City? Haha, don’t think too much, the world is as dark as crows, and I happen to have some dirty information about him here, do you want to listen?”

“Say it quickly, say it quickly…hehehehe…”

Alicia’s perked ears gradually relaxed.

Nothing new.

These are just scraps of gossip, as real as her bust size when she dressed up for a dinner party.

But my views on the Seven Saints Alliance.

Alicia is not much different from other low-level mercenaries.

The continent of Irondor has been at peace for too long. The Alliance always boasts that it is their contribution, but in the face of a real disaster, no mage has been heard of standing up to turn the tide.

At least that’s the case in the north.

nowadays.

After the natural disaster situation initially stabilized, the presence of the mages suddenly became stronger.

The news Alicia learned was further advanced than that of those sitting next to her—

She heard that the mages were plundering wood in order to build a fleet that could withstand the rough waves of the ocean.

Some people say more.

The wizards wanted to build a big ship out of gold and use magic to make it float on the sea.

They were going to escape overseas on that big ship.

They are going to abandon Irondor completely!

There are some more outrageous rumors.

For example, the mages discovered a fertile new continent in the southern part of the Endless Ocean after the Great Rip, where there was a more stable and secure environment, and soil more suitable for people’s survival;

　　Some people also say.

The big tear is just the beginning of the disaster.

The continent of Irondor is about to sink completely. The mages have no choice but to do this in order to protect themselves.

Some even claimed.

After the disaster, the fog of the journey to the Eastern Continent has dispersed. The Seven Saints Alliance plans to move collectively to the East to seek cooperation with the Sioux people in order to deal with the next crisis of annihilation.

These rumors once made people in Jiandong City panic.

It can take a long time.

Everyone is living their lives as usual.

At most, we just have more to talk about after tea and dinner.

Alicia finished the ale, and a strong sense of weariness filled her heart.

She was about to lie down on the table and make a small squat, but in her peripheral vision, she saw a girl with a frightened face being dragged into the nearby storage room by two strong bald men.

The storeroom on the basement floor of the tavern is a tacit secret room for many regulars, and prostitutes are also used to receiving customers here.

But the girl is obviously not a prostitute...

Alicia hesitated for a moment. She held the dagger at her waist, but after a few seconds, she slowly let go.

She turned her face to the other side with a stiff expression, with slight loss and regret in her eyes.

She couldn't save the girl.

It's not that they can't defeat the two strong men, but even if they drive them away this time, they will put the blame on the girl.

She may have been mistreated even worse during the introduction.

Alicia can't always be by her side.

She is struggling to maintain herself and has no energy left to take care of others.

“This world…”

She cursed in a low voice.

But at this moment, outside the storage room, I suddenly remembered the lizard man boss’s curse:

“Who the **** is in there?”

“If you don’t follow the rules in broad daylight, get out of here!”

“Don’t ruin the flour I just bought!”

In chaos.

The two big men walked out with a smile. They were kicked in the butts by the lizard man boss, and then left through the back door while laughing and cursing.

After a while.

The lizard man boss led the bewildered girl to the kitchen.

Alicia sighed softly.

According to past experience, this girl will stay as a helper, and the lizard boss will give her a bite to eat.

But actually.

The number of idlers kept by the Half-Ear Inn has seriously exceeded the standard.

Once in the middle of the night.

She saw the lizard man sighing at the bill sent by the flour merchant.

I don’t know how long this good old man can last.

“This world!”

Alicia took a bite and felt no sleepiness at all.

She rested her chin on one hand in boredom, her eyes vacant and dazed.

Fifteen of an hour later.

Teammates from the regiment appeared in the tavern one after another.

The first to arrive were two fellow warriors.

These two people have quite distinctive looks. One has a slender nose, fierce eyes, and a keen sense of smell. He looks like a hunting dog;

The other person has barbarian blood, and his body is covered with needle-like hairs. When he gets angry, these needle-like hairs will explode like a porcupine.

Their names are complicated.

Alicia didn’t bother to remember them at all, and usually just called them hunting dogs and porcupines.

But these two people happily accepted it.

Alicia knew it well.

The warrior brothers are all interested in themselves, and they will show their kindness whenever there is nothing to do.

Change to the past.

She is actually not very good at rejecting men's pursuits, nor is she willing to extinguish their thoughts in advance.

But the experience of more than half a year has made her understand a lot of truths.

Under the current chaotic situation.

Don’t easily provoke violent men.

Even if Alicia is not afraid of them in a duel, she does not want any **** drama between herself and her companions due to love and hatred.

Hence her refusal attitude early on.

It is confusing however.

The two brothers are still enjoying it and pursuing her in various ways.

At the beginning.

Alicia thought it was because her charm remained the same as before.

She found out later.

These two brothers seem to enjoy competing with each other—

No matter what you do.

They will all set a common goal, and then compete with each other. The process can be called fierce, but they rarely lose their principles.

The same seems to be true when it comes to chasing women.

soon.

Alicia then realized that she had become part of this special "competition game" between them.

So she felt even worse towards these two people.

Then the group leader and his wife, both senior warriors, arrived, as well as Alicia’s most hated member of the team—

That was a female mage with fair skin and a soft voice.

Her name is Lilac.

certainly.

Mage is Lilac’s self-proclaimed name.

In Alicia's eyes, Lilac is just a warlock who has taken a one-year extra course at the Mage Academy.

She only knows some basic tricks and dark spells. She has not learned any serious auxiliary healing spells.

If that was all, Alicia's impression of her would not rise to the level of disgust.

The reason why she hates him is—

Lilac is always seducing the head of the group in a subtle way!

There are some sins that are unforgivable.

In addition, the leader’s wife—a powerful and kind-hearted barbarian woman—had saved Alicia’s life.

She felt that she had an obligation to keep an eye on Lilac, this promiscuous person!

At least we can’t let the leader, who looks quite in line with Alicia’s aesthetics, be confused by the other party...

“Everyone is here?”

“Let’s go to the box.”

The leader smiled and greeted everyone.

The so-called private room is actually the wine cellar on the second underground floor.

　　Previously, the group leader led people to kill a group of rat men entrenched in the sewer for the lizard man boss for free.

The wine cellar is open to them free of charge when not in use.

The leader is a very optimistic man. He calls this place the residence of the Dream Mercenary Group, and verbally calls it the box.

Because of previous ventilation.

Alicia knew that the group leader would bring a new commission today.

But before telling.

He introduced a new temporary member to the other members -

It was a young man with a piccolo hanging around his waist and a shy smile.

His facial features are quite handsome, but there are many dark spots on his face, which makes him lose a lot of points.

After hearing more about the young man’s introduction from the group leader, Alicia couldn’t help showing a disapproving expression on her face—

Professed to have learned some magic.

Still learning the skills of the bard.

Want to go further north to find relatives.

I won’t cause trouble to anyone.

The above elements are put together, and "I am a burden" is almost written on the face!

Alicia and other members looked at the group leader with some suspicion.

The head of the group explained unhurriedly:

“He is just accompanying us along the way.”

“He doesn’t pay for anything.”

“He also knows the art of making bread and making water. I have personally verified that his skills are not bad.”

Hearing that there is no money.

Everyone breathed a sigh of relief.

After the third sentence.

Hound Dog and Porcupine brothers were the first to hold Alicia’s hand and hold the young man’s hand:

“Welcome to the Dream Mercenary Group!”

“We will get along very well!”

After the pleasantries, it’s time to get down to business.

The leader is happy to announce that the Dream Mercenary Group has received a well-paid **** commission.

The task is to participate in escorting a caravan from Sword Winter City to the King's City further north.

The goods escorted were mainly some piglets and a large amount of linen.

These resources are considered scarce in Sword Winter City itself.

However, in other more severely affected areas.

They can fetch truly sky-high prices.

Despite the risks, excess profits still make businessmen go through fire and water.

This is also one of the reasons why the mercenary industry is becoming more and more popular.

soon.

The group leader spread out the rough map and briefly explained the route of the trip.

There are two main roads from Sword Winter City to King City.

One is to walk north along the coastline for a while, then cross the entire Bronze Dragon Hills, complete supplies in Wildfire Town, and then continue north. There is a road to reach the King's City.

This is the Eastern Front.

It is also the route that most businessmen will choose, because it is close enough and can save a lot of costs.

The second route, the western route, is actually safer.

That is to take the Avenue of Order and enter the territory of the City of Order, where there is the protection of elemental life. Robbers do not dare to cross the border easily. It is much safer for merchants and mercenaries.

But it would take too long to walk that way.

Furthermore, after the Great Rip, the landscape near the City of Order underwent many changes, and it is said that many new countries were born.

This discourages many businessmen.

The same goes for this commission.

After detailed discussions between the group leader and the caravan leader, they still chose the more dangerous eastern route.

On this line.

Almost everywhere along the way are human robbers, wandering goblins, and demons spilling out of the abyss.

Among them, demons are the most troublesome.

After the great tear.

A large number of demons appeared in the material world. Although the Alliance organized several encirclements and exterminations of the demon army afterwards, it also successfully killed the main force of the demon army.

But there are still a large number of stragglers wandering across this land.

They have caused greater harm to the already peaceful security environment in the North.

With the combat effectiveness of the Dream Mercenary Group.

If you encounter a demon team of five to eight people, you probably have to save your life.

As for more…

Whether he survives depends on God’s will.

How else can we say it is a job of licking blood with the tip of a knife?

Even so.

Such a commission needs to be fought for in the city -

Alicia can imagine the scene in her mind when the group leader shouted hoarsely and glared at how many people he had to deal with in order to win this commission.

"all in all."

“Good assignment, good client, good reward… but very dangerous.”

“And after discussions between the caravan leader and I, we decided to set off from the north gate tonight!”

“There is not much time left for everyone to prepare.”

The leader said slowly.

“Walking at night?”

Alicia couldn’t help but question:

“The devil will be more active at night and our sight will be obstructed. Do we really need to set off so late?”

The leader smiled:

"it does not matter."

“Listen to me and just go get ready.”

At this time, Lilac also interjected:

“I believe in the leader.”

Alicia couldn't help but roll her eyes.

However, she also knew that although the leader was usually very talkative, once a decision was made, it was almost impossible to change it.

So I just asked one more question and turned back to prepare to go.

Everyone goes back to their rooms.

A few hours later.

The north gate of Jiandong City.

The night falls slowly.

The Dream Mercenary Group followed the trains of carriages out of the city.

When leaving the city.

Alicia noticed something was wrong:

“How come there are so many caravans leaving the city at the same time?”

“Are there so many colleagues?”

“Have you all made an appointment to go on a night journey together?”

The leader just smiled and said nothing.

But very quickly.

Alicia’s doubts were answered.

After leaving Jiandong City for a few miles.

All caravans slowly moved northward along the mainland along the coastline.

　　followed by.

They saw giant glowing magic carpets on the dark sky!

That is-

“The Eidolon Magic Carpet of the Southern Legion of Mages.”

The leader’s eyes flashed with excitement and yearning:

“I also spent a lot of money to find out this news.”

“The Southern Magistrate Corps will conduct a mopping up operation against demons in the area north of Sword Winter City tonight.”

“We just need to follow them.”

“The place where the people of the Southern Division Legion pass must be the safest place in the world.”

As if to confirm his words.

The giant magic carpets on the horizon spread out in all directions.

There are giant crystal **** suspended one after another on the magic carpet.

Those crystal **** are like searchlights, illuminating everything on the earth with incomparable clarity.

The magic carpet slowly moves north.

The caravan followed suit.

Although they were outside the city, both mercenaries and merchants felt a sense of security that was rare in troubled times—

Although the reputation of the Alliance of Seven Saints has declined seriously after the great rupture.

But mages are indeed the only ones that ordinary people can rely on.

“I knew it was right to trust the leader!”

Lilac Hua interrupted at the right moment:

"I know those magic carpets. Those Eidolon magic carpets are all mass-produced in Roderick's factory in the north."

"They once recruited mage apprentices. I went for the interview, but because of the interviewer...I failed in the end, alas..."

The head of the group gave a few words of comfort.

Lilac immediately showed tears of gratitude.

This scene made Alicia feel sick to her stomach.

She has heard this Bitchi tell the story countless times about how she went to recruit at Roderick's Mage Factory but failed because of the interviewer.

According to Lilac.

She is qualified to enter Roderick's factory.

But the interviewer coveted her beauty and asked her to devote herself.

Lilac naturally refused to give in.

Eventually another woman who slept with the interviewer got the job.

Alicia was almost certain that this was falsehood.

Even if the interviewer really covets women.

Probably she also dislikes Lilac because she is not as beautiful as the other one——

This Bichi always wants to portray herself as a chaste and fierce woman in front of men.

　　It just seems that men really like this!

Alicia always felt that the team's attitude towards Lilac was too good. Even the two hunting dogs and porcupine brothers who had been chasing her before showed signs of "transferring love" after Lilac joined.

This made her very unhappy.

In line with the principle that doing more is worse than doing less.

She just watched Lilac Hua seducing the group leader coldly, and did not do anything more extreme.

But in this process.

She discovered that she was not the only one in the Dream Mercenary Group who had different opinions on lilacs—

That young handsome guy who just joined.

Alicia accidentally observed that when he looked at Lilac and spoke, there always seemed to be a hint of mockery in the corner of his mouth.

This made Alicia's impression of him greatly increase.

Even so.

She is still very aware that in today's troubled times, it is difficult for a weak man like the handsome boy who only knows a little magic to survive, let alone become the arm of others.

There are only warriors like the regiment leader.

He is a man who can really be relied on. "It's a pity. If I were stronger, maybe I could really consider it..."

Alicia thought so.

At that moment.

She suddenly noticed that the handsome boy looked towards her and gave her a friendly smile.

Alicia lowered her head in confusion, and then saw the green little piccolo.

She suddenly felt a little flustered in her heart.

Fortunately, the leader’s voice came from the front:

“We have to speed up.”

“Keep up with the mages as much as possible.”

“We must enter the Bronze Dragon Hills before dark tomorrow.”

So everyone hurried on their way.

No words all night.

Only the sound of carriages and horses sounded in an orderly manner in the wilderness.

Under the disguised **** of the Northern Army Legion.

At noon on the second day.

They arrived at a fork in the coastal road.

So far.

The Eidolon Magic Carpets no longer deliberately slowed down their progress, but flew toward the Death Triangle further north—

It is a place where demons are rampant.

Part of the caravan was diverted westward, heading to the City of Order ruled by the Ingram family.

The other part of the caravan went all the way north like the Dream Mercenary Group.

They will climb over the Bronze Dragon Hills and head towards the dangerous outskirts of Kingdom City.

After the Eidolon Magic Carpet disappeared from sight.

　　The nerves of the mercenaries suddenly became tense, and the order seemed to collapse in an instant, leaving only the cruelty of intrigue.

The speed of the caravan crossing the Bronze Dragon Hills was obviously much slower than before.

On the one hand, it is because the road has become worse.

On the other hand, it is because you need to be wary of robbers and bandits hiding in the dark.

According to the introduction of the group leader.

Many years ago, the Bronze Dragon Hills was actually a very safe place.

There is a maze in the hills.

In the labyrinth lives a bronze dragon who enjoys dispensing justice.

Any creature that enters the hills must abide by the rules set by the bronze dragon, otherwise it will be arrested and punished by him.

That bronze dragon also likes to settle cases for things that happened in other places.

Every autumn.

He will randomly recruit some spectators from his territory, and publicly decide some cases that are difficult for ordinary people to decide in front of everyone.

Many of these cases have become the talk of the town.

The Bronze Dragon is also worthy of the name of fairness, winning the sincere support and warm cheers of the audience every time it resolves a case.

Over time.

That bronze dragon is also called the "Dragon of Justice".

“Unfortunately, the Dragon of Justice had disappeared for many years before the Great Rip, and the labyrinth was also missing.”

“There are many monsters appearing in the Bronze Dragon Hills now, we must be careful at all times.”

The head of the group warned.

Everyone nodded in agreement.

However, I don’t know if it’s because of the Northern Magistrate Corps.

The caravan came along this way.

Hunted to find any robbers or goblins.

Until the afternoon of the third day of departure.

Some strange situations appeared on the road ahead.

"what happened?"

After the caravan stopped for no reason.

The people from the Dream Mercenary Group immediately came to the front to investigate the situation.

“A forest appeared in front of us. This was supposed to be a road, and there shouldn’t be such a dense black forest.”

“In fact, let alone the Bronze Dragon Hills, I have never seen such deep black woods in the North.”

“They feel... very gloomy.”

The person in charge of the caravan discussed with the group leader nervously.

Everyone can see it clearly.

The road ahead extended into a dark forest that could not be seen.

The woods appeared so unexpectedly.

Beyond the woods, there are only bare hills.

The weather in March.

The ice has not melted.

At most, the hillside is covered with some broken branches and moss.

Such a dense forest is indeed unusual.

“It’s the tree planting mage!”

“I’ve heard some rumors about him.”

Lilac suddenly spoke:

“I heard that his woods would grow legs and disappear from one place and then suddenly appear in another.”

“Everyone who passes by his woods must pay a high tax, otherwise he will turn him into an undead creature!”

“I heard that he is particularly lecherous and likes to force women, especially pregnant women…”

“I even heard that the Alliance of Seven Saints had expelled him because of these bad behaviors!”

The more Alicia heard, the more wrong she became.

She asked doubtfully:

“Isn’t the tree-planting mage the guardian of Rolling Stone City in the south?”

“He is one of the few mages who fulfilled his promise as a Guardian during the Great Rip.”

“Even if this forest really belongs to him, how could he do such a thing?”

Lilac stuck out her tongue and looked at Alicia with innocent eyes:

“Sister Alicia.”

“I’ve heard that too!”

I really want to rip this Bichi’s head off!

Alicia had a forced smile on her face:

"Is it? lol…"

However, the conversation between the two women could not change the caravan's decision.

After a quick discussion between the group leader and the caravan leader.

The caravan still walked slowly along the road into the forest—

By now.

It is impossible for them to turn back.

It is also impossible to choose a riskier detour.

They can only pray for a safe journey.

Even if you meet the legendary tree-planting mage.

Pay some tax, just pay some tax.

In short, it is impossible to give up halfway!

The caravan followed the road and entered the dark woods.

After entering.

They are moving slower.

The light here is too dark and full of all kinds of obstructions. Even an experienced traveler can hardly discern the direction.

Fortunately, the path that traverses the north and south of the Bronze Dragon Hills has not disappeared.

They were able to stumble forward.

The sky is getting dark.

They didn’t know how long they had been walking.

Suddenly a huge open space appeared in front of me.

There is a lonely cabin standing in the open space.

On the ground outside the wooden house.

There are a lot of zombies and skeletons roaming around!

As if feeling the approach of a stranger.

The undead immediately surrounded him.

　　followed by.

In the frightened eyes of everyone.

A large number of undead also silently emerged from other parts of the forest.

These undead surrounded them.

A large amount of soul fire floated around them.

Everyone’s faces became very ugly!

　　followed by.

A cold voice sounded from the wooden house:

“Trespassing into my woods without permission.”

“Do you also want to become my slaves?”

The door of the wooden house was opened.

A young mage with a pale face and sunken eyes walked out of it.

This mage fits every stereotype Alicia has of a necromancer.

He looked as if he had just climbed out of a coffin.

There is an aura of gloom and death all over him!

“We are members of Hanhaoniao Caravan and Dream Mercenary Group.”

“Excuse me, who are you?”

The leader cautiously stepped forward to negotiate.

The other party replied proudly:

“Is there a second tree-planting mage in this world?”

The head of the group immediately accompanied him with a smile:

“We took the wrong path, I’m very sorry.”

“We are willing to make amends to you, you see how much it takes…”

The mage interrupted coldly:

“You have disturbed the peace of the deceased. This is not something that money can solve!”

The leader's face tightened.

The next second.

The mage said calmly:

“The woman and the carriage stayed.”

“Others left on foot.”

“I don’t like killing innocent people indiscriminately, I just need to give you a small punishment.”

When everyone heard this, they felt bitter in their hearts.

The head of the delegation still wants to discuss.

Unexpectedly, the other party suddenly turned his face and said:

“Not willing?”

“Then let’s all die here!”

The next second.

He suddenly pointed his right hand, and two gray rays shot out between his index and middle fingers. The rays hit the two horses pulling the carriage.

Only for a moment.

The two horses didn't even make a whine, then they fell to the ground and turned into two cold corpses!

See this scene.

Everyone’s heart suddenly tightened.

Don't fight against mages easily.

This sentence is almost the golden rule of mercenaries.

But only in the face of real magic.

Everyone can feel the fear coming from the mage!

Especially the evil necromancy!

“Forget it, I am a kindhearted person and I am too lazy to deal with your bodies.”

“So I will give you another way.”

“You, and you, you two stay, the others can get out now!”

Seeing that his spell successfully frightened everyone.

The mage leisurely changed his words.

The two people he selected were Lilac and Alicia from the Dream Mercenary Group!

The rest of the people looked at each other.

The caravan members just breathed a sigh of relief and hurriedly mobilized other horses to pull the carriage.

The leader’s wife seemed to want to say something else.

But he was grabbed by the group leader!

In Alicia’s incredible gaze.

How others reached an agreement to abandon them so easily!

Including hunting dogs and porcupines!

In the mage’s joking eyes.

Others in the caravan moved toward the gap left by the undead in silence.

The leader took his wife and stumbled away.

Along the way.

He also tried his best to whisper something into the ear of the leader’s wife. The barbarian lady, who was always warm-hearted, actually chose to follow her husband’s dissuasion.

She glanced at Alicia and Lilac with great guilt.

soon.

The others walked away through the gap made by the undead.

Lilac looked at Alicia sadly:

“So, is this our destiny?”

The mage laughed loudly and said:

“Don’t be so pessimistic, little beauties.”

"Soon, you will find that it is better to serve me than to serve those lower creatures!"

Alicia’s heart tightened and her lips turned lavender.

“Clang!”

She pulled out her sword, pointed it at the mage, and said with disappointment in her eyes:

“I knew that all crows in the world are as dark as crows, and the tree-planting mage is no exception…”

“It’s a shame that I spoke for you before.”

“You are simply a beast!”

However, at this time.

She spotted an unexpected figure in her peripheral vision—

It’s the young man who knows how to bake bread!

He didn’t leave!

Just when Alicia cast a doubtful look at him.

The young man Shi Shiran opened his mouth and said:

“He is indeed a beast.”

“But the tree-planting mage is probably not…”

Hold tight.

He actually strode towards the "Tree Planting Master"!

The mage also said "Hey", and it seemed that he just realized that there was still someone left.

“You want to be a hero?”

The mage laughed ferociously, pointed out the void with his right hand, and a series of gray rays hit the young man's body.

But to his surprise.

Those rays containing instant-death energy did not cause any harm to the young people!

Even his forward speed was not affected in any way!

"who are you?"

The mage seemed to realize something was wrong.

He stepped back continuously, chanting spells as he backed away. Under Alicia's fearful gaze, a tentacle glowing gray and full of suckers appeared on his body!

That is one of the Necromancer’s signature spells—

　　『Asdra’s Claw』!

"careful!"

Even though Alicia had realized at this moment that this young man who temporarily joined her mercenary group was definitely not a mortal, she couldn't help but remind her worriedly.

However, faced with the menacing Claws of Esdrael.

There was a mocking smile on the young man's face:

“You’re just looking for someone like this to pretend to be me?”

“Isn’t it too cheap?”

“The Claw of Esdrael...isn’t what it’s used for!”

The next second.

His left hand was slightly raised, and suddenly, several thicker tentacles emerged from his shoulder.

Snapped!

Just once.

Matthew's Touch of Death easily defeated the opponent's Claw of Esdrael!

“Ah, kill them!”

The mage yelled hastily.

When it is.

All the undead heard the words and swarmed over.

Matthew opened his mouth slightly, and a sharp whistling sound burst out from his chest——

「Necromancy: Bone-breaking Wail」!

A burst of sound waves shot out to the surroundings.

After the sound.

Alicia covered her ears in panic, only to see that the tide of undead before had now fallen apart into bones and corpses on the ground!

The young man and the man pretending to be a tree-planting mage are gone.

She and Ding Xianghua were the only ones left looking at each other.

A few seconds later.

The dark woods beside them slowly disappeared, leaving only a smooth road leading to the north.

"In the end what happened?"

Lilac whispered.

Alicia’s heart was also filled with confusion.

What just happened was so fast that she could only passively bear the information pouring into her mind.

So much that it is impossible to make much judgment at all.

“We...should be safe for now.”

Looking at the completely darkened sky.

Alicia let out a long breath.

It can be used in the next second.

She suddenly said sadly:

“But where can we go next?”

Having gone through this kind of thing.

The mercenary group will definitely not be able to go back, and Jiandong City may no longer have a foothold for them—

To other people.

It would be far worse for both of them to be alive than to be dead.

not to mention…

This also involves the suspicion that someone is pretending to be a tree planting mage and doing evil.

“Tree-planting mage…”

“He is a real tree-planting mage!”

Alicia hummed as if she had discovered a new world!

Lilac’s eyes were full of doubts:

"What's the meaning?"

Alicia pursed her lips.

She remembered some rumors.

So she skillfully lit a homemade torch and illuminated the nearby space.

A few seconds later.

She actually found three "protective scrolls" on the ground as rumored, as well as a bag containing some bread and water.

The next second.

Suddenly she no longer looked towards the north, but turned 180 degrees and stared towards the dark road.

“I’m going to the south.”

Alicia suddenly said firmly.

in the dark.

Lilac came over:

"I will go with you."

“As long as you don’t dislike me.”

It’s still so full of bichi flavor!

Alicia snorted as usual.

But the next second.

She hugged Lilac's soft shoulders forcefully:

"So."

“We will be true companions from now on.”

Lilac Hua hid for a moment and said softly, "Hmm!"

The night is sinking like water.

The unhappiness of the past has long since disappeared under the greater crisis.

Two lonely figures hugged each other and headed south.

The torch whistled slightly in the wind.

The figure on the mountain road gradually lengthened.

…

“Tell me, who asked you to pretend to be me?”

In the demiplane.

In the soul cage.

Matthew coldly questioned the imposter's soul.

In the past three months.

There have been reports of "tree-planting mages doing evil" in various places in Irondor.

He didn’t take it seriously at first.

Thought it was just someone pretending to cheat.

But as the impostor's behavior became worse and worse, Matthew gradually realized the seriousness.

He attempts to locate the impostor through divination spells.

　　But they were all cunningly avoided by the other party.

Without any choice.

That’s why he chose to hide himself and keep a low profile in areas where impostors are active—

Matthew has walked back and forth on the road between Sword Winter City and King City several times.

This time he finally caught this guy!

“I said, I said…”

“Don’t kill me!”

This man is a necromancer. He probably knows the methods of his colleagues, and he doesn't sound very harsh.

But the words just came to his lips.

suddenly.

A strange smile appeared on his face:

“Hehehe…”

“Matthew, you don’t really think he has a chance to speak, do you?”

“Don’t get me wrong, I just want to play a game with you.”

“I know you are about to be promoted to a legend, but on the way to a legend, you will inevitably be slandered by others. Guess, how will I squander your fame next?”

“I will ruin your reputation.”

"If you have the ability, come and catch me, hehehe..."

In strange laughter.

The soul of the necromancer seemed to evaporate and instantly turned into **** of super-high-temperature gas!

　　His!

Looking at the clues that were finally captured disappear into thin air.

A look of solemnity flashed across Matthew's face.

On the data column.

…

“Warning: You sense that someone is trying to snipe your path to legend.

You have obtained the clues "Atomized Soul" and "Legendary Sniper"!

Legendary Snipers: In Irondor, there is a special profession. Their level is between legends and mortals, and they enjoy preventing others from becoming legends.

Their way to be a legend is to prevent others from becoming legends! "

…

“Is there still such a profession in Irondor?”

A look of surprise appeared on Matthew's face.

“I have to find a way to find out.”

“It’s a pity that the alliance’s channels have been almost cut off since the big tear...”

When I think of this.

Matthew sighed softly.

The disaster half a year ago changed the fate of too many people.

He suddenly went from a popular mage in the Alliance to an outsider who was rejected by the Seven Saints Alliance in disguise.

Even after Ronan and Qin Wuyue returned from the historical world, they did not accept Matthew's request for a visit.

He couldn't get into the cauldron room.

Although he is still a mage in the alliance in name, he has actually been excluded from it.

in this case.

Matthew’s situation became a little tricky.

Fortunately, the base camp of Rolling Stone City is still stable, which is one of the few things that makes him feel gratified.

“In a few days, you can go to the new world to see the situation in the woods. Maybe you will have a chance to resurrect the old man..."

“But I’m afraid we have to keep this matter of the New World a secret. With the alliance’s strong attitude towards the gods, if it is exposed, it may not just be as simple as being treated coldly.”

between thoughts

Matthew returned from the demiplane to the cemetery.

Carried out some daily work.

Then he was planning to go to Rolling Stone City to discuss some matters within the territory with the newly succeeded king, Little Paton.

It can be done at this time.

The crystal ball in his arms, which had been cooling for half a year, suddenly lit up.

“Now, come to me in the Starry Sky Cabin in the Crucible House.”

“You only have three minutes.”

In the crystal ball.

Isabel’s indifferent face lit up for the first time in a long time.

Matthew's heartbeat suddenly accelerated.

Almost without thinking, he rushed to the place designated by Isabel as quickly as possible.