Receiving Them

Chapter 64: Receiving Them

When everyone thought the Undead Mercenary Group had no chance of turning things around, the last surviving Dark Magician of the group used their final Life Force to unleash ten times the magic power. The other seven deceased Dark Magicians transformed into Advanced-level Undead Creatures under his command. Just before his own death, he ordered the seven Undead Creatures to use Black Magic and turn him into an Undead Creature as well.

When a Dark Magician turns a person into an Undead Creature, that person becomes their slave. However, ordinary Inferior-level Undead Creatures lack wisdom and have low strength. On the other hand, Advanced-level Undead Creatures possess formidable combat abilities and high intelligence. If the Dark Magician who turned them dies, the person-turned-Undead Creature becomes free and no longer bound to their commands.

Creating Advanced-level Undead Creatures requires powerful magic, as well as sacrificing Life Force. Even an adept 8th level Dark Magician would meet their end after creating 20 Advanced-level Undead Creatures. Hence, most Dark Magicians avoid producing them. Artificially manufactured Undead Creatures cannot undergo natural Level Up like naturally created Undead Creatures. Their strength remains fixed and cannot be improved.

The severely wounded Dark Magician, knowing his impending death, had no fear of wasting his Life Force. He used a Secret Technique to amplify his magic power tenfold and successfully created the seven Advanced-level undead Dark Magicians. Then, just before he died, he commanded them to turn him into an Advanced-level Undead Creature.

This plan was indeed audacious. While he transformed into an undead Dark Magician, he, in turn, died. In other words, the seven individuals turned into free Undead Creatures and were no longer obliged to follow his orders. It was uncertain whether they would turn into Advanced-level Undead Creatures like him. Even if his plan succeeded and the seven individuals transformed into Advanced-level Undead Creatures, he would only be a regular Undead Creature from then on. He could no longer eat, sleep, or experience the pleasures that humans enjoy. It made one wonder if it was truly worthwhile.

No one could answer this question, except perhaps the members of the Undead Mercenary Group. However, they would not respond. If that person's plan succeeded, turning his seven partners into Undead Creatures and then turning himself into an Undead Creature, it would truly solidify the reputation of the Undead Mercenary Group.

A Mercenary Group composed of eight undead Dark Magicians could not possibly engage in noble deeds. These eight individuals were incapable of doing any good. Instead, they devolved into becoming the most notorious Bandit Group on the continent.

However, they had to consider the overall situation and avoid offending the powerful clans. Although the eight members had turned into Undead Creatures, their strength had diminished. If they were to provoke these formidable clans, they would likely be annihilated. While the name "Undead Creature" implied invulnerability, they could still be eradicated by skilled experts.

Nonetheless, the ruthless actions of the Undead Mercenary Group struck fear into the hearts of these powerful clans. In the eyes of the clans, the members of the Undead Mercenary Group were a group of lunatics. Consequently, no one dared to provoke them. The situation continued to stagnate, and the Undead Mercenary Group continued their lawless ways.

Due to these reasons, the Undead Mercenary Group had gained a significant reputation on the continent. Nobody was willing to provoke them, and they were considered untouchable.

Green had naturally heard of the infamous Undead Mercenary Group, which explained his concerned expression. He did not wish to provoke them, as they were now a group of lunatics. Offending them could potentially bring catastrophic consequences to the Buda Family.

Green looked at the flag ahead and confirmed that it was indeed the flag of the Undead Mercenary Group. They had stationed their flag there as a warning to passersby that the Undead Mercenary Group was conducting their affairs. It was best not to disturb them, lest they become enemies of the Undead Mercenary Group.

Green turned to Zhao Hai and said, "Young Master, we should retreat for now. I have something to discuss with you."

Zhao Hai, who had been observing the ongoing battle, nodded upon hearing Green's words. He gestured for Alien to retreat, and silently they withdrew behind the hillside. Unnoticed by the battlefield, they retreated to a nearby forest, where they found a secluded spot. The three of them, Zhao Hai, Green, and Merine, entered the confines of the magical space.

Inside the space, Green and the others gathered in Zhao Hai's room, where Green proceeded to provide a brief account of the Undead Mercenary Group's situation. Merine was also familiar with the group, but Blockhead, Stonehead, and Meg, who had spent most of their lives in the imperial capital, were relatively unaware.

Zhao Hai attentively listened to Green's narration. He had not expected the Undead Mercenary Group to be so ruthless. However, when Green mentioned that the eight members had turned into Undead Creatures, Zhao Hai's eyes lit up.

While Green was speaking, Zhao Hai paced around the room, occasionally touching his forehead. After a while, he stopped and forcefully slammed the table, muttering to himself, "What to do? Let's take the risk."

Green and the others looked at Zhao Hai in confusion. Zhao Hai turned to Green and asked, "Grandpa Green, did you say that the eight members of the Undead Mercenary Group turned into Undead Creatures?"

Green nodded, and Zhao Hai smiled, saying, "Do you remember the response of the Undead Creatures when they enter the space?"

Green was momentarily stunned, then his eyes lit up, and he exclaimed, "Right, they become our allies!"

Merine, who had just realized Zhao Hai's intention, joined in, her face filled with excitement. The realization dawned on them all: if they could convert the Undead Mercenary Group members into their own forces, it would greatly benefit the Buda Family.

The family's primary need was a military force. Subduing the Undead Mercenary Group would provide them with a formidable army. It would be challenging for others to harm the Buda Family without careful consideration.

The prospect of gaining the Undead Mercenary Group's allegiance stirred great excitement within them. Zhao Hai observed their reactions, couldn't help but smile, and said, "Furthermore, we can also cooperate with Markey Family. This will greatly benefit our future endeavors."

Green's excitement subsided upon hearing Zhao Hai's words. He immediately understood the potential advantages of assisting Markey Family.

Markey Trading Company was a renowned trading company on the continent. Establishing a relationship with them would greatly benefit the future development of the Buda Family. What could a large trading company bring to a noble family? Abundant wealth and an extensive intelligence network.

Green nodded and stood up, saying, "Young Master, let's go now. If we're late, the people from Markey Trading Company might not be able to handle the situation."

Zhao Hai agreed, saying, "Alright. Blockhead, Stonehead, both of you stay in the space to take care of the slaves. Your presence outside might draw too much attention. Don't go out. Grandpa Green, let's go." With a thought, the four of them left the space.

Immediately upon exiting the space, Zhao Hai released all the Undead Creatures he had gathered. A vast army of Undead Creatures appeared before their eyes. The variety of creatures was staggering, ranging from human-shaped Undead Creatures to insect-like ones. These creatures were of all sizes, including some massive beings like Alien and a large, old mouse. The sheer number of Undead Creatures was far greater and more impressive than the army of the Undead Mercenary Group.

Without hesitation, Zhao Hai mounted Alien while Meg and Merine sat beside him. Green sat at the head of Alien, and with a wave of Zhao Hai's hand, the formidable army of Undead Creatures surged toward the soil bank.

The Undead Mercenary Group's army consisted of over 3,000 Undead Creatures, including dogs, chickens, sheep, pigs, and other domestic animals. Evidently, the group had slaughtered numerous villages to amass such a force.