Chapter 33: Dark Alchemist? (1/2)

The humanoid figure continued its unsteady sway towards us. As it came within 50 meters of us, the figure finally revealed its identity. A section of the robe slid off its finger as a result of its unsteady gait, revealing a pale white bone finger.

Undead!

We immediately got into formation with No.3, and Big 4 rushing in front to shield me, their bone shields raised high and ready.

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Under One-eye’s command, the five shieldbearers marched to the front and with as much strength as they could muster in an instant, drove their heavy shields into the ground with a loud bang. The shield wall was erected just like that, a wall reminiscent of the city walls of medieval times; sturdy and safe.

A set of orderly footsteps came up from behind as the trained saber wielders marched forth. Soon, their Mo sabres were in position atop the walls, their fangs ready to strike.

“Stranger, please be at ease.”

Upon seeing our defensive formation, the robed skeleton stopped in tracks. As he looked up at us, his hood was immediately blown back by the surrounding winds, revealing his bone white skull.

His jaws chattered up and down as he spoke in a surprisingly human fashion: “Please do not attack, this old one merely wishes to greet the intelligent life forms. It’s been several hundred years since this old one has had any visitors.”

“Can we talk?” He asked in the devil’s language. The fact that he was able to talk without any vocal cords was strange but then again, I’ve already reincarnated twice in this world of swords and magic; so I guess it isn’t that strange after all.

“That’s right, this old one desires the simple pleasure of having a conversation.” As he said this, his bony white arms reached out from under his robes, revealing that he no weapons hidden underneath; this was a sign of his peaceful intent. He then continued: “Living by myself for such a long time has made me…lonely.”

“Hold it right there, just stay where you are and don’t come any closer!”

He seems like an amiable sort, for an undead. But is that really so? In this land of the undead, all the undead we’ve encountered so far possessed no intelligence of their own, at least while they were low level…wait, while they were low level?!

The skeleton halted after hearing my demand. As he stood there looking at my reaction, he stroked his chin in an inquisitive fashion: “Stranger, you seem troubled.”

“Can you tell me your level?”

*gulp* This is bad…he’s definitely higher level than me and I’m still unsure of his intentions. Furthermore, can an undead’s words really be trusted?

“This old one’s level cannot be revealed, but this old one can guarantee that you are no match for this one in a fight.”

“Let’s give it a try then!” One-eye’s black sword was pointed at the undead in a taunting pose as he said so, his shield ready by his side to defend me. “You can look down upon us, but I definitely won’t allow you to look down upon our Master! Our Master is the greatest, purest…”

Before he could continue his embarrassing string of praises, the robed skeleton’s soul flames burst to life. A second later, the black sword in One-eye’s hands was engulfed by a green flame and began melting from the center out.

Having lost the center of its body, the blade fell to the ground in a slightly molten pile of flames and bones. This mix of green and white flame began eating into the ground as well. In the blink of an eye, a hole the size of a fist was formed with no signs of abatement as the flames continued its ravenous rampage…

One-eye leaped back in surprise, quickly tossing away his melting sword just in case the molten liquid spreads to his body.

“This…this…” The sudden turn of events left One-eye speechless. As for his follower, Nine-finger, he was already hiding behind the heavy shields, enjoying the sense of security it gave.

No.3 and Big 4’s faces weren’t any better, but they maintained their position in front of me, as if to shield me from the eyes of the skeleton.

“Now, do you believe this old one?” He said in an offhand tone that was more suited to a question like [Would you like some tea?]. The soul flames in his eyes danced as if they were mocking One-eye’s ignorance as he said this.

“Hmm…I got it. You guys can stay where you are while me and this…sir, have a chat.” As the words left my mouth, I pushed No.3 and Big 4 aside, and under their disbelieving gaze, I was crossed over the shield wall and walked towards the skeleton.

As I stood in front of the skeleton alone, I asked in a formal and slightly humble tone: “What does sir wish to tell us, or is there some way we may be of assistance to sir? Or did we stumble into a place we shouldn’t be in and ended up disturbing sir?”

“Such an understanding kid. All the kids I met with in the past either tried to flee or attack me after I displayed my powers. You are the first I’ve seen who managed to calm down and make a well thought-out decision.” The robed skeleton gave a strange smile as he continued: “More often than not, those kids just charge at me the moment I appear.”

What he said could be interpreted as praise, but this didn’t make me happy at all. The reason was that he’s still a potential foe whose powers were currently unknown, but were definitely higher than mine. Right now, I’m merely a defenseless sheep standing before a wolf.

Before I stepped out, I had already evaluated our situation. If he had wanted us dead, he could have used that strange flame right as he saw us. But he didn’t do so! As for his intentions, whether they were friendly or taunting…This was a gamble that I had to take. Even though my luck had been bad so far…

“Don’t worry, this old one isn’t an unreasonable person.”

“May I know of sir’s motives?”

“It’s because you have that in your possession, so I decided to have a chat with you.” He pointed behind me with a subtle expression that looked like he had just pointed out the most obvious thing ever. At least, that’s what I thought it was; having no flesh to speak of made discerning his expressions, difficult.

What did I have in my possession? There’s nothing in my hands right now…Wait, if he means behind me!

I turned around and gazed at the female large imp hugging the Grimoire of the Dead…