Chapter 034 – A bit unacceptable!
...
As Matthew knew,
Zeller's position in the Lord's Mansion is the head of intelligence and the person in charge of adventurer-related affairs.
This person is deeply trusted by Raga.
This can be seen from the incident of Sif's kidnapping, where Raga entrusted the task of investigating the spy to Zeller.
And Zeller is worthy of Raga's trust.
He rarely appears outside of work, but he can always be found within ten steps of wherever the Blood Flag Patriarch appears, always by Raga's side.
Over time,
To the extent that in some small circles of Rolling Stone Town, an absurd rumor has even emerged - some people say that Zeller is a new lover that Raga found after being betrayed by his wife in anger.
But Matthew thinks this is pure nonsense.
He hasn't noticed any hint of a romantic relationship between the two.
Moreover,
From Sif's mouth, Matthew already knew that Zeller followed Raga before he got married and had children, and the two of them should have built a pure and deep friendship through years of fighting side by side.
The person who fabricated that rumor is probably jealous of Zeller's superior position in the Lord's Mansion and his face that can cause harm to the country and the people.
...
"Thank you for reminding me."
Upon hearing this, Matthew clasped his hands together and pondered:
"So, is your visit tonight the Lord's intention?"
Zeller smiled gently:
"No, this is my intention. Raga is not willing to let a Necromancer interfere with the intelligence work in Rolling Stone Town, but I convinced him."
Matthew clenched his fingers lightly:
"What do you want me to do?"
He sensed that Zeller had something else to say.
Zeller reached into the sleeve of his left hand with his right hand, and between his index and middle fingers, there was a well-made envelope made of cowhide.
He placed the envelope in front of Matthew and said unhurriedly:
"This is all the information. You read it while I explain."
Matthew didn't hesitate.
The envelope was not sealed, and several thin papers slipped out when he untied the red string on top.
Matthew quickly scanned through them and furrowed his brows slightly.
"It's quite tricky, isn't it?"
Zeller took a sip of cold ginger water:
"If it was just the Cataclysmic Cult, it would be fine. I never expected that Rolling Stone Town would be targeted by three notorious evil organizations at the same time. The timing is too coincidental. It's hard to believe that none of them organized and coordinated. Even Blade wouldn't believe it."
Matthew looked at the three organizations mentioned in the intelligence report that might attack Rolling Stone Town recently -
Cataclysmic Cult;
Silver Frost Brotherhood;
Withered Cult;
"What's even more ironic is that these three organizations have sent us threatening letters or challenge letters in their own names!
They even clearly stated the approximate time and location of the attacks. What should I say?
Should I admit that the leaders of these criminal organizations have truly unique thinking?
Or should I lament that Raga has hidden his power for so many years that the outside world has forgotten the cruelty and terror beneath the gentle appearance of the Blood Flag Family?"
Zeller's speech was calm and steady.
But when he said the last sentence,
Matthew felt a burst of anger about to erupt.
"He seems to really consider himself a member of the Blood Flag Family?"
This thought flashed through Matthew's mind.
His gaze quickly scanned all the words.
Before long,
Matthew had understood the whole situation.
"As you can see, the southern leader of the Cataclysmic Cult demands that we hand over the killer of their members and pay 50% of the annual tax as tribute, otherwise they will destroy Rolling Stone Town;
The leader of the Silver Frost Brotherhood demands that we hand over the two arsonists currently in the Rolling Stone Town prison, pay 60% of the annual tax as tribute, and provide a base for training reserve members for the Silver Frost Brotherhood. Finally, they even want us to send 50 women each year to solve the marriage problem for their members;
As for the Withered Cult, ah, they are the easiest to deal with. They only ask for 30% of the tax and their only requirement is to let them destroy the forests around the town."
Zeller still had a gentle smile on his face:
"These bandits are even better at extortion than the demons in hell."
Matthew's expression became serious:
"Can Rolling Stone Town withstand the invasion of three evil organizations at the same time?"
Zeller quickly replied:
"We can resist the invasion, but we can't control the harassment."
Matthew understood in an instant.
The most troublesome thing for a territory when facing evil organizations is that the other party will not play the game of two armies confronting each other.
If the other party is determined to play a harassment tactic without considering losses,
It will be chaotic.
The security situation of the territory will deteriorate rapidly in a short period of time!
Not to mention Rolling Stone Town, even a medium-sized city like Torrent City wouldn't dare to guarantee that they can repel the enemy without suffering any losses.
Only Baiyan City and Emerald Jade Court in the nearby cities have such strength.
"Two of the three organizations are targeting me, and the remaining one is also related to me."
Matthew pursed his lips.
"On the surface, it seems so, but in fact, whether you are here or not, they will launch malicious attacks on Rolling Stone Town."
Zeller lightly tapped his fingertips on his left and right knuckles and said cheerfully:
"It's better to say that you have already resolved an attack from them on our behalf,"
"And with you here, the power of Rolling Stone Town to resist evil has increased. So you don't need to have any other thoughts - as long as you are still a resident of Rolling Stone Town, you will be protected by the Blood Flag Family, and the Blood Flag Family will never compromise with evil."
Matthew nodded.
He believed Zeller's words.
"If the attack times mentioned in the letters are what they themselves stated, where did they get the detailed data on the number of their members, the structure of their positions, and the estimated military strength?" Matthew pointed to the rows of numbers on the intelligence report and asked.
"That's the credit of divination and scouts."
Zeller explained:
"Where there are movements, there are traces. In fact, before receiving the letters, I had already sent scouts to collect information from nearby cities. At that time, I discovered some clues - such a large-scale personnel movement cannot be done silently. They need food, accommodation, and equipment."Matthew looked at him curiously, "How did you come up with the idea of sending someone to investigate other cities?"
Zeller patiently explained, "This has to do with the case of the spy that I was commissioned by Raga to investigate."
Matthew became more alert, "Have you found the spy?"
Zeller confidently mentioned a name:
...
"Vic Bamo, also known as Little Bamo, is the son of Old Bamo, one of the nine great knights who fought in the purgatory with Raga.
Little Bamo is the same age as Sif and appears to be a simple and honest chubby boy. He has always followed Sif around and considered himself her follower, so their relationship is good.
After growing up, Little Bamo was taken by his father to the estate in the west for training, and he had less contact with Sif.
This spring, he suddenly wrote a letter to Sif, inviting her to visit the countryside.
But something happened to Sif on the way.
This guy, or the mastermind behind him, is very cunning and set up many false leads for me to investigate.
By the time I finally locked onto him, it had been half a month. When I sent people to Old Bamo's estate, I regretfully discovered that there was not a single living person left in the entire estate.
The original farmers, maids, gardeners, chefs, and even Old Bamo and his family, they all turned into illusory creations.
My men had to clear the estate, and I found some warlock's manuscripts in Little Bamo's bedroom, which basically confirmed that he was the mastermind.
Honestly, I even held him when he was born.
His innocent appearance is too deceptive.
No one expected him to have contact with dark magic, and the first thing he did after becoming a warlock was to turn his own father into an illusory creation!
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I heard that Old Bamo was very strict when training his son.
Perhaps Little Bamo's hatred stemmed from that.
But no matter what, he is a beast.
Unfortunately, he escaped.
It was when my men were searching for Little Bamo's whereabouts that they accidentally learned that an evil organization was recruiting in the city of Torrent. This information became more comprehensive after I confirmed it through divination, but soon the value of this information was greatly reduced because they directly declared war."
...
Zeller calmly explained the details of the incident.
In the end, he added seriously, "Old Bamo is a good person, loyal and brave. It's just that he is too old, and both Raga and I neglected him. If we had paid more attention to his situation, he might not have been harmed by his rebellious son."
Matthew also showed anger on his face, "So, not only is that Little Bamo still alive, but he may also return to Rolling Stone Town when the three major organizations take action?"
Zeller nodded slightly, "In theory, there is a possibility. Maybe he was the one who lured the Cataclysmic Cult here from the beginning, or maybe he was just the most suitable breakthrough found by the Cataclysmic Cult in Rolling Stone Town.
But it doesn't matter now.
What's important is how we should respond next.
Before sharing my plan, I need to consult your opinion."
Matthew pondered for a few minutes and replied, "Since these three organizations sent separate declarations of war, it means that they are not united internally. The best strategy is to divide and conquer.
Focus on the Withering Cult, as their target is the most concentrated around the Oak Forest. We can lure them in.
As for the Silver Frost Brotherhood, aren't there still two arsonists in prison? Find the right time to help them escape. After they escape, there is a high probability that they will go to the organization, and we can follow the trail.
As for the Cataclysmic Cult, I don't have any ideas. They dared to come after me even after Fain's death, which proves that they have the ability to resist the Bone Dragon. Warlocks are evil and unpredictable, and it's hard to defend against them. But one thing to note is that they are very concerned about the Blood Flag Family's bloodline, so Sif and Raga are the key targets of protection. They can also be used as bait to lure them out, but there are risks involved."
Zeller looked approvingly after hearing this, "Your reaction and ideas are top-notch. Most of your thoughts align with my plan for the 'Second Stage'."
Matthew was surprised, "Second Stage?"
"Yes, what you said, we will do it, but not now."
Zeller explained, "Currently, the members of the three major organizations are probably infiltrating in batches. At this moment, they must be extremely vigilant and not easy to catch.
Evil forces are gathering towards Rolling Stone Town.
But at the same time, our reinforcements are on their way--
...
Of the nine great knights who fought in the purgatory with Raga, only three stayed in Rolling Stone Town. One died, one retired, and only one is still capable of fighting. The rest went outside to make a name for themselves.
We have written letters to ask for their help, and once they receive the letters, they will definitely come back.
He also sent someone to the east to find an old acquaintance, a monk who is almost legendary in strength. With him here, the safety of Rolling Stone Town will be better guaranteed.
In addition, I have used my connections to call in a few old friends to come and help. Even Mr. Richard couldn't help but send a letter to the North when he heard the news.
See, our connections are not weak, we just need time."
Matthew quickly reacted, "So your 'First Stage' plan is mainly to buy time?"
Zeller straightforwardly said, "I want you to impersonate Archmage Ronan!"
Matthew was taken aback for a moment.
Then he nodded, "It's not impossible."
At this moment, Peggy, who had been eavesdropping for who knows how long, finally stuck her head out from under the window sill.
"Will Ronan be unhappy if he finds out?"
Zeller and Matthew almost simultaneously answered, "No!"
"Maybe he will find it amusing."
The two smiled at each other.
They continued to discuss in detail for over an hour.
When the night grew darker, Matthew left Zeller.
The two walked on the stone path in the garden.
Zeller, who was walking in front, suddenly turned around with a smile, ""Mr. Matthew, please forgive me for playing a little trick at the beginning of our conversation to gain your trust—the story about the awakening of the Warlock was not my own, but one I heard from another Warlock friend.
I deliberately made my story sound more tragic to elicit your sympathy and pave the way for persuading you. But it seems unnecessary now, you are the kind of person I like."
Matthew was taken aback at first, then heaved a sigh of relief:
"That's good, at least you haven't actually experienced such painful events, which is a good thing."
A strange light flickered in Zeller's eyes:
"You are a strange Necromancer, your kindness is heartwarming.
I apologize again for deceiving you before.
But speaking of pain, my awakening experience was much more tragic than my friend's."
With that, he went to the gate, elegantly closing it:
"But my story, that's something I'll never tell."
"Good night, Matthew."
……
After seeing off Zeller.
Matthew tidied up the information he had gathered tonight in the living room.
Then he hurried back to the Oak Forest to check on things.
He needed to have a serious talk with Eli about the 'Withering Sect'.
The Withered are the archenemies of the Druids.
Eli must know much more about this organization than he does.
But before that.
Matthew summoned Sodie in front of the cabin.
After a week of hard work.
He had accumulated enough for another "ten consecutive draws".
The crisis was looming.
It was time to need immediate combat power.
So Matthew threw all the enhancement times onto Sodie.
……
「Prompt: You have consumed 10 enhancement times, your summon "Sodie" has been upgraded to LV12, and its overall attributes have been improved!
……
Your summon "Sodie" has gained 7 keywords, 2 of which are "white", 1 is "blue", 2 are "purple", and the remaining two are "gray"!」
……
"Not very lucky."
Matthew sighed lightly.
The two grays were really a headache.
He glanced over.
As usual, he first looked at the blue sky and white clouds.
……
「Backstab (White): When your skeleton attacks from behind, the damage and weapon stiffness it causes are greatly increased.
……
Sprint (White): Your skeleton's movement speed in battle is greatly increased.
……
Storm Combo (Blue): When your skeleton uses a dagger as a weapon and successfully hits the enemy's vital points, it can strike a second and third blow in a very short time as a combo, causing a lot of damage」
……
The quality of the blue sky and white clouds was surprisingly good.
Not particularly powerful.
But it's solid and useful.
"At least it's not farming skills and cub nurturing anymore."
Matthew then looked at the purple entries.
……
「Dance of Colors (Purple): When your skeleton uses this dance, it can leave an afterimage anywhere it goes. During the dance, no matter where it is or what state it is in, it can instantly return to the position of the afterimage.
The current maximum number of afterimages that can be left is: 4
……
Feign Death (Purple): Your skeleton has learned the exquisite skill of feigning death, which is enough to deceive in most situations;
When your skeleton cancels the feign death state, its next three normal attacks will cause extra large damage」
……
"The style is finally getting normal!"
Matthew was greatly relieved.
One of these two purples provided high mobility, and the other provided a cunning killing move.
Although he didn't understand how a skeleton could feign death.
But he figured Sodie must have a way.
Seeing this.
Matthew felt that as long as the next two gray keywords weren't too outrageous.
He could accept it.
……
「Same Hand Same Foot (Gray): In a non-combat state, your summon Sodie has developed a bad habit of unconsciously mimicking your movements」
……
"This one is okay."
Matthew let out a half sigh of relief.
But the next second.
His face changed slightly.
……
「Work Consciousness (Gray): Your skeleton has developed a sense of creating value for you, this sense is not strong, even somewhat humble.
Every 3 months, you need to pay 1 Soul Crystal as a pacifier, which will bring it great motivation.」
……
"This... is a bit unacceptable!"
Matthew instinctively held his head with both hands.
Sodie stood next to him, staring blankly at him.
After a while.
He also mimicked Matthew, holding his head with his bone palm.
The scene was both comical and eerie.
Eli flashed out from behind the house, staring at Matthew seriously:
"What kind of pose is this? Are you trying to summon some evil creature in front of me again?"
……