Necromancer, summoning 055? What the heck?

Chapter 406 Respecting Others' Fates: Detecting the Black Mist of the Ghost Temple
Bullying the weak and fearing the strong is a biological instinct.

Who says undead creatures aren't living beings?
Therefore, after confirming that the Ghost Temple had grown into a large nest, Dongxia was fully armed, focused, and on high alert. As a result, they discovered that these undead creatures, like the radiation cloud that came out of the Sea Serpent Island, automatically diverged and changed direction when approaching Dongxia's sea or airspace, and all of them went around Dongxia.

After a slight surprise, the commanders of Dongxia felt a mix of joy and disappointment.

Not too many, but ultimately unavoidable.

"They were so well prepared, and yet they just didn't come!"

"Should we say they're sensible, or not?"

For the commanders of the [Compassionate Voyage] Command Center, this large nest on the Sea Serpent Island was already considered theirs for the taking.

The nest is productive.

Of course, given the current state of the Blue Star world, the output of this Ghost Temple is probably not something too valuable.

Whether it's a ruin or a nest, they all follow the most basic principles of energy conservation and matter transformation. There is no output without input, and the type of input and output are highly correlated.

In the restoration plant of Hanhai City, in that world filled with psionic energy, iron ore is input to produce spirit crystals.

The "Silver Abyss" of Dongxia requires the input of spirit crystals produced in the Starry World, and the use of electricity to amplify the effect of the spirit crystals. An additional amount of silver is also required to produce spirit crystals that belong to the Blue Star.

Although silver is a precious metal, for Dongxia, which has mastered the technology of large-scale industrial electrolytic purification of silver, supplying the consumption of a nest is not a major problem that cannot be afforded.

However, this is an extra strategic resource consumption out of thin air, which has led to a recent surge in silver prices in the international commodity market, despite years of sluggishness, leaving the metal futures market bewildered.

Based on the known input-output relationship, even if the Ghost Temple is a large-scale ruin, in the spiritual desert of Blue Star, what it produces is most likely a variant of some kind of Blue Star native resource transformed through its internal mechanism, and should not have much to do with spirit crystals.

This greatly reduced its appeal to Dongxia.

Spirit crystals are a hard currency that transcends two timelines and are the core energy that drives extraordinary technology and research; there's never enough of them.

One advisor suggested that they should seize the time, control the ruins area, and conduct targeted research. However, after some deliberation, the [Cihang] command decisively abandoned this somewhat hasty approach.

"Don't worry!"

Several of the top-ranked commanders left one by one, leaving Gu Liyang, the executive commander who remained, back to the stage where, in the absence of a tiger, the monkey reigns supreme.

As for why all the commanders left, it's because the leaders are extremely busy, and the affairs of the "wanderer" are of great importance to them; the mere sea serpents are really not worth mentioning.

As a result, Gu Liyang became the top decision-maker.

"Our leaders are farsighted and upright, but we cannot ignore the specific circumstances."

"The undead that have emerged from this ruin, whether out of fear of our World Tree [Sprout] or because they have sensed some other influence, have always avoided us like the plague. I don't think that's a bad thing."

"What Earth is currently experiencing is essentially a passive and brutal reshuffling process."

"Perhaps you still remember that the enemy deliberately created the massive infection that swept across the entire planet a few years ago, with the intention of utterly destroying us!"

"And the final result? It pushed their already crumbling industrial and social systems even further to the brink of collapse."

The advisors and experts remained silent. Who could forget those days filled with gloom and bloodshed? Who would dare to forget them?

It is in turbulent times that true heroes emerge.

After suffering a heavy blow initially, Dongxia survived thanks to its superior organizational capabilities. Then, it watched as the enemy's social backbone fell one after another, and its order crumbled inch by inch.

In just a few years, the already staggering total export volume has nearly doubled again, which is undoubtedly thanks to the competition.

"This time, the enemy used almost the same method!"

"This drug, specifically designed to target O-type gene infection, is obviously something the bald eagle prepared especially for us. What would our country be like without the support of [Wanderer] and the protection of [Budding Sprout]?"

Gu Liyang asked a question, but it seemed that no answer was needed. After a slight pause, he continued speaking.

"I'm sure everyone still remembers the disaster warning we issued to relevant countries and international organizations not long ago, based on humanitarianism and international responsibility. What was the response we received?"

What Gu Liyang was referring to was that after a large-scale infection event occurred on the land of the Four-Clawed Sea Serpent, Dongxia had issued a proposal to various countries to intervene in this emergency.

In return, they received a lukewarm response from certain countries that have long dominated the discourse on Earth.

I am deeply regretful and extremely shocked. Upon closer examination, further discussion is needed...

We express concern regarding the information provided by Dongxia... The situation requires further verification... We urge all parties to exercise restraint and respect the autonomous management of the sea snakes... We oppose any unauthorized unilateral actions...

Etc., etc!

In short, the translation conveys the same message: Dongxia, don't meddle in our business. We'll handle it ourselves, although we don't intend to!
If you try to intervene, then I'm sorry, I'll be scrutinizing you closely to see if you've committed any "human rights violations," and I'm ready to wield the big stick of public opinion at any time.

However, they never expected the situation to change so quickly!

Seeing that most of the people present understood what he meant, Gu Liyang coughed lightly and explained his point of view.

"Frankly speaking, at this moment, I feel deep sympathy for this disaster that has spread from the sea serpents. However, I firmly believe that we should not interfere, nor are we capable of doing so!"

"This is our consistent principle, and of course, it is also the foundation of Dongxia's nation-building."

"After all, we are still a country in the midst of a difficult development process!"

"Continuing to guard our gates, taking care of our citizens, and properly screening and identifying those entering the country are our core priorities right now!"

With things said to this point, how could anyone not understand? Gu Liyang's intentions were practically out in the open.

They don't care about this, and neither do we. We respect other people's fate!

The plan was quickly approved: closely monitor the situation, maintain distance, adhere to the bottom line, and refrain from intervention for the time being.

Meanwhile, with the collective wisdom and efforts of all the advisors, they proposed some proactive measures in addition to the passive response.

Experts from the foreign affairs department pointed out that although issuing warnings is useless, or even ignored and scorned by some countries and forces, Dongxia should still continue to issue warnings in a reasonable and measured manner.

"We believe that, on the one hand, this can fully demonstrate Dongxia's responsibility as a major power and its internationalist spirit, and on the other hand, it can also lay the groundwork and foreshadow certain actions in the future."

"After all, we had already made our promise beforehand, and we have done everything we could to be kind and righteous."

Gu Liyang nodded. This method is commonly used in Dongxia and is perfectly acceptable!
The military also offered its own suggestions.

"At the current stage, the entire territory of the Four-Clawed Sea Serpent is in a state of disorder, chaos, and crisis, with the living and the dead entangled in a mess. We have had a clear discussion on this situation, and we will not deploy ground troops until the Sea Serpent's own government and military system completely collapses and society is in complete disorder."

"Even if the Four Sea Serpent Islands really become a chaotic place, we will not consider intervening on the ground until its population is reduced to a certain level."

"However, leaving such a large ruin as the Ghost Temple unattended is not the best option either."

"I suggest sending elite troops to scout the area and conduct necessary observations and research in advance."

The military should pay extra attention to the historical sites.

Currently, the only medium-sized nest in Dongxia, "Silver Abyss," is under the dual management of the Eighth Research Institute of [Cihang] and the Dongxia military. If there is a chance to lay out a large-scale ruin in advance, the Dongxia military will certainly not let go of this rare opportunity.

They even came up with specific research objectives.

"First, to explore the basic operational mechanisms and energy fluctuation patterns of the ruins;"

"Secondly, without alerting the core, probe the defensive strength of its outer areas and the behavior patterns of the undead guards;"

"Third, collect as many samples as possible of any spills or variations that may have been generated by the site, and analyze the nature and potential value of these outputs;"

"Fourth, conduct a comprehensive assessment of the investment required, potential risks, and long-term benefits if the site were to be controlled or utilized by us."

"By making preparations for early intervention and gaining a thorough understanding of the situation, we can quickly get started if needed in the future, saving a lot of preliminary procedures."

Gu Liyang pondered for a moment and nodded in approval of the exploration plan.

The last to speak was Xia Hong, commander of the Jiuquan Independent Column.

The Jiuquan Independent Column was expanded from the original Jiuquan Independent Brigade and is currently the only undead direct-line force in Dongxia.

In the past year or so, with the expansion of the [Wanderer]'s transport capacity, as well as the growth of the necromancers of the Vast Ocean and the increase in the number of undead creatures, more and more undead warriors have been sent to Blue Star. As a result, the Nine Springs Force has grown from a brigade to a division, from a division to an army, and finally developed into the current Special Column.

The days when Commander Xia Hong, accompanied by Deputy Commander Xiao Bai and a ghost dog, would be the days of the army's family photos are gone forever!

However, for Xia Hong, no matter how many undead warriors there were, they were all his precious treasures, and he couldn't afford to lose a single one. After being given permission to speak, Xia Hong spoke with great passion and fervor.

"Our unit's meritorious veteran, outstanding undead warrior, and excellent corps officer, Comrade Afu, is still missing!"

The "Afu" that Xia Hong mentioned is naturally the same as the "Afu" that outsiders refer to.

"According to the information we have collected so far, Comrade Afu was last seen in the vicinity of the Ghost Temple area."

"Through certain special channels, we also learned from some survivors who managed to escape from the vicinity of the ghost temple that there is an undead warrior near the ghost temple whose form is similar to a flesh giant, who has been fighting against and attacking the evil spirits of the ghost temple!"

"Therefore, we believe that Comrade Afu has not been killed or disappeared. He is very likely still active in the vicinity of the Ghost Temple, fighting against the evil forces emanating from that ruin in his own way!"

“Afu is not only one of our outstanding soldiers, but also an excellent student sent from the ‘Wanderer’ side. I suggest that if the engineering department decides to send a reconnaissance team to Sea Serpent Island, could finding and confirming Comrade Afu’s whereabouts and helping him evacuate safely be included as one of the core mission objectives?”

Well, this brings up the "wanderer" banner again. It seems this trip to the sea serpent is a must.

With the direction set, the [Compassionate Voyage] Engineering Department immediately deployed its operations.

Three combat readiness teams were deployed, one main team and two deputy teams. The main team landed on Four-Clawed Sea Serpent Island by airdrop. The two deputy teams, on the other hand, departed by boat and landed at two non-port areas of the island.

The sea serpents don't even care about the lives of their own citizens anymore, so naturally they won't care about illegal entry, which opens the door for adventurers all over the world.

Although the dead are terrifying, many people are looking for that thrilling feeling.

Today, a large number of vessels, from dilapidated fishing boats to luxurious yachts and cargo ships that have been clearly armed, float on the waters outside the Four-Clawed Sea Serpent. They linger near this death-shrouded sea area like hyenas that have smelled carrion.

They coveted the spirits of the dead in the land of the sea serpents, and also coveted the wealth of this land, as well as the men and women who could be sold for a price.

They set up casinos on the ship, threw silver parties, and provided some special entertainment for those bored rich people.

For example, hunting.

The wealthy used sophisticated rifles equipped with expensive scopes and silencers, or even crossbows, to shoot at the lowly zombies that wandered aimlessly ashore from the side of the ship, a practice they called "just punishment."

However, always being "just" isn't exciting enough!

Their targets became the living sea snake survivors that appeared in their field of vision, trying to find food or rescue.

After the gunshot, there were loud cheers and bursts of laughter, or comments on the "prey's" struggle before its death.

Soon after, new "entertainment projects" were introduced.

Armed men would use small boats to lure or capture some survivors who were still alive from the Sea Serpent Island. After humiliating them, they would throw the living and the zombies into specially made cages in full view of everyone, amidst deafening music and frantic shouts.

Witness a gladiatorial combat show full of primitive charm!

The wealthy men's eyes were bloodshot and their pupils were dilated. This scene, which combined sex, violence, death, and a sense of absolute dominance, gave their numb nerves a new taste of intense stimulation, causing a surge of dopamine.

For them, this is an absolute "free" paradise where there are no laws, no morals, and where they can unleash all their dark desires.

What could make them feel the joy of wealth more than this?

Perfect! These days, no matter what the sea serpents do, nobody will bother them! Isn't this much more fun than St. James' Island?

Against this chaotic backdrop, sending a few combat teams down from Dongxia wouldn't even cause a ripple.

The first special operations team of Dongxia boarded the transport plane bound for the Sea Serpent.

To minimize their visibility and avoid being detected by other forces, they chose to operate at night.

The landing site was chosen on a piece of land that had been cleared by undead creatures and then bombarded by Dongxia aerial bombs, and was now clean, quiet and peaceful.

The night was as dark as ink, with only sparse starlight, and the earth, devoid of power, was utterly silent.

The transport plane mingled with a formation of aircraft routinely heading to Snake Island for "deterrent" bombing. After reaching the designated airspace, it quietly detached, descended, and opened its hatch.

The "Sky Dance Leaf" was activated, enveloping the falling team members and allowing them to glide silently towards the dark earth like feathers at a speed that defies physical intuition.

Along with the troops, two replicas of the Sea Serpent Guard Type 69 armored personnel carriers also landed.

Well, I wouldn't call it a copy; it's more like a reproduction. The exterior has even been given a special antiquing treatment.

If there is any flaw, it is that the performance of these "copies" is strictly in accordance with the publicly disclosed design parameters of the Type 69, and even some key components have been optimized.

The real Sea Serpent is the Type 69, but heaven knows how many fakes those Sea Serpent craftsmen actually produced...

The team members landed and looked up to see a scene of devastation under their night vision goggles.

Life is so fragile. In this devastated ruin, even cats, dogs, mice, and birds have all vanished without a trace.

Life is so tenacious. On this scorched earth, some thin grass sprouts still stubbornly emerge, swaying and wondering as the night wind blows towards these uninvited guests who have traveled from afar.

Under the command of team leader Li Xun, the first group quickly completed its assembly.

This is a team of twelve, all of whom are professionals, including four orthodox warriors, two shaman warriors, two elemental mages, two healers, and two necromancers.

Each profession has double insurance.

The most unique among them are the necromancers of Dongxia.

Despite possessing the complete necromancer heritage from the Starry World, over three hundred different summoning spells, a wide variety of magical materials, and all the necessary altar manipulation techniques, they were still unable to summon even a single skeleton from the Underworld.

No matter how hard they tried, they could not get a response from the underworld.

How embarrassing!
To explain this phenomenon, the Necromancer Research Institute conducted numerous controlled experiments and repeatedly discussed the issue with necromancers in the Starry World, proposing a variety of hypotheses in different directions.

The most widely accepted theory currently holds that the cosmic environment of the Blue Star world is fundamentally different from that of the Starry World, a cluster of planes with active spiritual energy and interwoven realms, at the level of laws.

As a space that is "psychic-deprived" or "psychic-inert," Blue Star's state makes it virtually impossible for conventional interdimensional summoning spells based on psychic resonance to penetrate that thick barrier.

Signals cannot be sent or received, and communication via altar transmission is impossible.

And the Wanderer is the most special one among them. Some mysterious bloodline, or rather, cultural heritage, allows his call to transcend the barriers of time and space.

Apart from [Wanderer], all other attempts failed. Whether it was the necromancer from the Starry World holding the coordinates of Blue Star, or the necromancer from Blue Star holding the pass to the Underworld, they were all unable to connect.

Of course, the inability to summon the undead does not mean that necromancers have no value in Dongxia.

On the one hand, Dongxia still needs this professional team to continue to conduct in-depth research on the theory of necromancy, help [Wanderer] organize, improve and optimize its power system, and provide technical support for [Wanderer]'s advancement and power expansion.

On the other hand, these necromancers on Earth bear an irreplaceable and crucial responsibility—to communicate and adapt to alien undead creatures, act as translators before they learn Xia language, and assist instructors and teachers in their re-education.

These alien undead creatures were naturally mercenaries from another world, transported from the Starry Continent.

They were summoned from the underworld by necromancers from the Starry World. After a period of adjustment and training, they were transferred to Eastern Blue Star, where they were received by necromancers to provide emotional support and initial communication before being gradually transferred into the [Nine Springs Independent Column].

This time, the necromancer in the first group brought four gargoyles, six wraiths, and two flesh giants.

With satellite reconnaissance, gargoyles finding their way, and armored vehicles clearing the way, they finally arrived at the outer area of ​​the Summoning Ghost Temple after a long and winding journey.

The first thing I felt was an invisible "pressure".

The air was thick and cold, as if breathing through a thick, damp sheet of paper, making one involuntarily gasp for air. Accompanying this was a kind of discomfort that reached the very level of the spirit.

The night vision goggles' field of view was greatly compressed, and it was only vaguely possible to see that a section of the ground in front of us had collapsed, forming an irregular basin shrouded in deep fog.

The fog wasn't pure black, but rather a murky hue mixed with gray, black, and even a touch of pale white, slowly rolling like water. At the edge of the fog, the outlines of twisted, broken classical buildings could be vaguely seen, resembling neither temples nor towers, with an eerie style.

The healers quickly cast [Evil Exorcism] on their teammates, and the squad deployed into battle formation, slowly advancing forward.

Before they had gone far into the black mist, a ghostly figure let out a resounding hiss of soulfire.

Although the vibrations were inaudible to the human ear, the vibrations from the psionic detection array still drew the attention of the team members.

Li Xun immediately gripped the Soul-Severing Blade tightly. In this situation, a blade was more effective than a spear!
"what's the situation?"

A necromancer turned slightly to the side, exchanged a brief conversation with the ghost that had sent the signal, and then excitedly reported in a low voice.

"Reporting to the team leader, they say they can smell Afu!"

(End of this chapter)