Chapter 61: The Meeting

At the edge of Dehya Valley, at the foot of the Spiral Shadow Mountains, there was a small passage leading directly into the mountain's depths. Within the hundreds of meters of rock layers, there was a small room designated as the meditation chamber for the necromancers.

Vadenina emerged from the passage, tilting her head to face the sunlight she hadn't seen for over a month. She took a deep breath, feeling the warmth of the sun spread across her skin, relishing the sensation. This had been one of her favorite actions when she was still human, feeling the life force of the world around her, each pore of her skin connecting with the vitality of nature. Every time she did this, her beauty, rivaling that of the sun, would leave onlookers awestruck.

But now, all she felt was the dried, decaying flesh clinging to her skull warping under the long-absent sunlight, as if the zombies of worms and maggots were awakening on her face.

A circle of black mist surrounded her, as dark magical power began to pulsate around her body in a tangible form. Having just awakened from a month-long meditation, her magical power had reached an unprecedented level. The lich's undead body required no rest, food, or sleep; it existed solely for power, magic, and wisdom. She could even feel her emotions and instincts as a living being gradually diminishing and fading as her power grew.

Sometimes she wondered what would happen if all these things disappeared completely. Without basic desires and emotions, there would be no goal for consciousness, no thoughts—perhaps even a sense of self would feel irrelevant.

But fortunately, the emotional imprints deeply etched in her soul had not yet vanished. She knew what she had to do.

Not far from the exit stood three figures, seemingly waiting for her. Vadenina walked over, and the three approached her as well.

The oldest among them scrutinized Vadenina from head to toe, nodding as he spoke in a hoarse voice, "Esteemed Lady Vadenina, it's hard to believe that your magical power has reached such heights. Given a little more time, you could certainly approach the greatness of Akibard."

The lich glanced at the three men and replied coolly, "You flatter me, Master Aiden. But I assume you didn't come just to praise me. I'm busy and have important matters to attend to."

"We three wish to ask you some questions today," said a middle-aged man with a grotesque appearance, but his tone was surprisingly gentle.

"It must be an important matter to have troubled the three of you," Vadenina took a step back, sensing the unusual magical fluctuations emanating from her three companions.

"For someone with your power and wisdom, this question should be easy to answer," Master Aiden said calmly. "We remember that you won the last wager and requested our agreement to allow a new member to join. We would like to inquire about the qualifications of the person you wish to introduce to our esteemed organization."

"Absolutely qualified," Vadenina retreated another step, her raspy voice steady. "He should be the most qualified to join the Necromancer Guild."

"Why is that?" Master Aiden's aged voice remained indifferent, as if this were a casual inquiry. Yet he and his two colleagues stepped forward, forming a triangle that encircled Vadenina.

"I have my reasons," Vadenina did not step back further, and the black mist around her began to thicken.

"Hahaha..." Master Aiden let out a laugh that was light and airy like mist. However, the atmosphere remained tense. "Dear Lady Vadenina, we do not doubt your extraordinary wisdom and judgment. But concerning this matter, I believe it would be wise for everyone to deliberate slowly… The newcomer you recommended has recently disrupted a grand plan we collectively devised in the Whispering Forest. I think we need to consider this individual carefully. Out of respect for you, we intend to ask you to rest in a certain place..."

"What do you intend to do?" Vadenina's voice grew harsher, the black mist roiling around her. "Are you thinking of fighting? No fighting is permitted in Dehya Valley."

"Since the great Akibard founded the Necromancer Guild, there has never been internal strife among necromancers. Those who can join this noble organization, even if they do not share the same goals and ideals, possess exceptional wisdom and refinement, and should not resolve conflicts through violence like the lowly and foolish," Master Aiden said, producing a gem that radiated white light from his robes. "I said, we only wish to invite you to rest."

The other two necromancers also produced similar gems. The three luminous stones emitted a soft and pure white light, representing pure white magic. Under the control of the three necromancers, they created an intertwining, milky white magical fluctuation that surrounded Vadenina.

"You are quite generous, using three magical gems to invoke the sealing technique of white magic," Vadenina's black mist had thickened to the consistency of ink, writhing around her like small snakes, frantically consuming the surrounding white light. Her voice sounded like a curse emanating directly from the abyss. "But do you really think three of you can accomplish this? Don't forget that you are not well-versed in white magic. I may not be a match for the three of you, but it won't be easy to imprison me."

A sigh echoed not far behind her, another surge of white magic resonating subtly with the three, suppressing the black waves around her like flames under the ocean.

"So it's you," Vadenina turned to see the person behind her, her voice suddenly dropping to a whisper. "I didn't expect it to be you. Are you thinking the same as they are?"

This person did not hold a magical gem, yet the white magic he released was the most powerful and pure, for it was learned under the tutelage of the most esteemed light mages in the magical academy.

He had a handsome and graceful face, now showing a strange expression. He shook his head, looking at the lich's face, a mixture of zombie and skeleton, with a gaze full of tenderness, speaking in a voice tinged with a hint of pity, "You are still as stubborn, impulsive, and naive as before."

Not long after, the meeting in Dehya Valley convened.

The meeting room was not large, lacking any traces of luxury or decoration; it appeared to be just an ordinary hall. The furnishings inside were simple and unadorned, with each item having a substantial purpose; elaborate decorations and luxury had no meaning here.

It was already late at night, but the meeting room remained as bright as day, illuminated by a large magic crystal embedded in the ceiling, casting a soft and bright glow evenly throughout every corner. The light was akin to sunlight but without being blinding. A small piece of such crystal would typically require considerable effort and expense for many mages to acquire, enough to craft a high-grade wand, but here it was purely used for illumination.

In the center of the hall stood a large, exquisite round table. Its elegant design showcased every line harmoniously, a feat of artistry. This table had been carved from a rare millennial sandalwood by a member who spent three years creating it.

Surrounding the round table were thirteen chairs, nine of which were already occupied. This was the largest meeting of the Necromancer Guild in nearly a decade, and everyone who could attend had come.

In other places, they included wealthiest nobles, revered sages, and impoverished hermits. But here, all worldly fame and fortune held no significance. They were all members of the greatest and noblest Necromancer Guild.

At the center of the round table was a massive crystal ball. Within it, images flickered of the Whispering Forest, aflame.

A circle of gargoyles in the sky was directing sunlight onto the focal point of death through a blood mist magic array. Suddenly, a gigantic fireball erupted from the ground, its diameter nearly half that of the blood mist magic array. The seemingly slow fireball made contact with the magic array, and the crystal ball's image dissolved into a chaotic swirl of fiery red. Though there was no sound, each person seated could feel an underlying tremor.

One necromancer laughed heartily, though it sounded more like a cough, pointing at the dimming crystal ball, "A fireball spell, capable of destruction comparable to a forbidden spell. I believe we should all start relearning the foundational theories of magic from our apprentices."

"But that was our carefully crafted gargoyle..." A well-maintained middle-aged man supported his chin, closing his eyes and sighing. "The magical materials expended, everyone's efforts—if converted to gold, it would be enough to buy a decent-sized country."

Master Aiden opened his eyes and surveyed the others, his unique tone speaking softly, "These are the images replicated from my and Inham's memories. Everyone can deduce what has happened."

"That individual resonates with the divine power of the Sun Well; he should be one who has undergone the sun's baptism among the elves," a necromancer concluded. Others nodded in agreement. "However, according to what you said, he is merely a human. How could a human receive the sunlight baptism from those rigid and ignorant elves? That's a bit hard to believe."

Master Aiden continued, "Let me share some other news with you all. After this incident, I immediately conducted an investigation and found out that the person wanted by the elf clan is actually a priest under the old man Ronis. Not long ago, in a grand drama designed by our esteemed friend Inham that was meant to shock the entire Eastern Continent, this young man and another woman, who had wasted a leaf from the World Tree, together used their blood to kill a vampire. This means he also possesses the vitality of a World Tree leaf within him."

"Why hasn't Inham mentioned such an important matter?" The necromancers looked at the marquis.

The marquis gave a wry smile and replied, "Ronis was vague afterward, claiming it was the effect of a blessing spell. At that time, I was busy with other matters, so I didn't pay much attention, thinking it was just the woman's blood that was at work."

The ghastly-looking necromancer interjected, "Let's set that aside for now. According to Inham, this young man lived in the magic academy with our esteemed former acting president, Sandru. The fact that he can absorb the sunlight baptism gives us reason to believe he studied the True Meditation there. Given the character of our esteemed and noble acting president, this is indeed very likely."

The hall fell silent. The necromancers ceased their discussions and expressions of astonishment. Each fact about this person left them amazed, but when combined, it was no longer mere surprise; it was shock.

"Lord Akibard once said that one day, a person who gathers power will pull up that black star and thoroughly change the world from the center. Throughout history, there have been those who practiced True Meditation, and the elven rituals have continued from generation to generation. It is said that the World Tree leaf once displayed its power among mortals... none of this is particularly surprising." His voice, which had been calm and desolate, grew heavy. "But what matters now is that the Sunwell, the World Tree leaf, and True Meditation are all within one person."

Silence reigned in the hall once more. The necromancers exchanged strange glances.

Master Aiden's tone was oddly tinged, as if it were a bitter smile or a dismissive sneer. "Theoretically, this person could indeed open the black star. If he truly does so, according to the rules set forth by Lord Akibard, we should bow before this necromancer king and follow him to conquer the world." Master Aiden's cold, hazy gaze wandered over the expressions of the members. "I wonder how everyone feels about this matter?"

Silence continued to dominate the hall. After a long pause, a necromancer's cough finally broke the stillness, and he slowly said, "Conquer the world? I think such a dull and vulgar idea is not suitable for us noble and elegant individuals."

The well-groomed necromancer lowered his head, playing with a ring in his delicate fingers, and softly murmured, "Besides, I believe the world is fine as it is, no need to change anything. The key is..." He looked around at his colleagues, showing a kind and confident smile. "The world no longer needs us to conquer it."

The ghastly-looking necromancer nodded in agreement. "There's no need for anyone to touch the black star. Even if it could be pulled out, what might emerge would only be a monster that knows nothing but destruction and chaos. That holds no benefit for us."

"I feel the same way..."

"Yes."

The necromancers slowly but evidently expressed their unanimous opinions.

Once the last member had stated his position, Master Aiden finally revealed a smile. He knew that a long-standing rule had now been completely and utterly shattered.

For every magician, Akibard, said to be the closest to the gods, held even more weight than the gods themselves, as he had once been a living existence. Especially for the necromancers who studied the many spells he created, they could feel the greatness of this magician from the profound magic he left behind.

But even greatness has its limits. Though he may have founded the necromancer guild with the aim of that dark artifact, those gathered in the Dehya Valley five hundred years later were not there out of faith. Each of them was a top figure in human society; none wished for some leader to suddenly emerge from a legendary prophecy.

Master Aiden nodded and said, "Though Akibard is great, and his insights surely have their merits, the power of the black star is unparalleled." His voice fell lightly and confidently, highlighting the main point. "However, what matters most is that this world belongs to us now. We do not need a leader."

"Very well said. This should be recorded in the guild's code." A member clapped, and several other necromancers nodded in agreement.

"Moreover, this individual will not be our leader but our enemy. Everyone should know that Ronis has recently become quite active in his actions against us."

"Yes. That old man seems to be testing the limits of our patience..."

"This person is a crucial part of his plans. With the vitality of the World Tree leaf and the sunlight baptism, it seems he intends to use this young man to destroy the black star. While we have no interest in opening it, we certainly will not allow anyone to destroy it. That is the symbol of our noble organization for hundreds of years." Master Aiden cleared his throat forcefully and said solemnly, "Today, I called everyone here to discuss how to deal with these two enemies: one is Ronis, and the other is the young man bearing these three powers."

"Let's just kill them. We can't remain silent and disorganized any longer; since enemies have emerged against the organization, we should act together."

"That old man Ronis is probably our only enemy in the world; once we kill him, we might find ourselves a bit lonely."

"However, our esteemed former acting president, Sandru, is with him. If they join forces, it won't be easy for us."

Master Aiden interrupted the others' discussion, saying, "Before discussing how to deal with external enemies, I want to address another matter. Have you all not considered? The last World Tree leaf is in the Whispering Forest; I could sense it when I was there. And that duke's daughter must have consumed one leaf. Our friend Inham can surely confirm this, and many in the capital of the Einfast Empire know it as well. So where did the World Tree leaf that the young man consumed come from? The only explanation is... from Lady Vadenina."

"The timing of that human boy receiving the sunlight baptism coincides with Lady Vadenina's trip to the Whispering Forest. The World Tree leaf that Lady Vadenina originally possessed mysteriously ended up in that boy's hands. Furthermore, not long ago, Lady Vadenina and several of us made a bet concerning the war with Orford. Lady Vadenina won, and her bets were all to introduce a new member. As a result, we found our guild's teleportation scroll on that human boy..."

"Are you implying that... Lady Vadenina colluded with Ronis to make that young man a spy?" The well-maintained necromancer frowned, his meticulously groomed brows furrowing as he shook his head along with several other necromancers. "That's impossible."

Master Aiden replied indifferently, "I am not saying that. I am merely stating facts. Whether it is your speculation or Lady Vadenina genuinely wanting that person to open the black star, it holds no benefit for everyone."

"Didn't the Lich Lady attend such an important meeting? We need her to explain."

"Inham and I have already asked her to rest in the meditation room for a while."

"That seems a bit excessive." The old necromancer coughed out his words with difficulty.

Master Aiden answered calmly, "Please rest assured. This is only a temporary measure made for everyone's benefit, to prevent her impulsiveness from jeopardizing our plans. Once we handle Ronis and that boy, we will naturally bring the Lich Lady out. The urgent task at hand is to intercept that young man fleeing with the World Tree leaf and simultaneously deal with Ronis. I suggest that I and the esteemed Aisri go investigate the boy's whereabouts, kill him, and retrieve the World Tree leaf. As for you all, you should plan how to handle Ronis."

As Master Aiden walked out of the meeting room with Aisri, a slight smile appeared on his usually calm and indifferent face. He was pleased with his performance and methods.

After these events, the guild would likely need to recommend a new acting president. He thought for a moment and smiled again.