Necromancer, but pre-collapse civilization

　“Okay, Velvi.”

　With a soft sigh, Moros's tone was filled with helplessness and resignation.

　“Alright, Vilvie. Since you’ve made up your mind, I’m willing to be your guardian on your journey. But you must remember, this is just a preliminary attempt; do not go too far. I will accompany you personally to ensure that every step you take is safe and secure.”

　Upon hearing this, a radiant smile bloomed on Vervi's face.

　She nodded gently, her voice trembling slightly.

　“Yes! I will remember, Moros. Thank you for giving me this opportunity.”

　He smiled and nodded, then Morros gently patted the back of Vervie's hand.

　"I believe in you, Vilvi. Now, let's enjoy these little desserts first. They are the fruits of your labor and a sweet testament to our love."

　As he spoke, Moros picked up another small dessert, savoring its sweetness and Miss Baiwei's thoughtfulness.

　Wilvi also picked up a dessert, and the two smiled at each other, enjoying this slightly luxurious tranquility and sweetness in this increasingly chaotic era.

　As we all know, while some people enjoy a peaceful life, others are always carrying a heavy burden.

　For example, right now.

　As the necromancer meticulously instructs his only apprentice, who is also his beloved partner, on the fundamentals of necromancy, the Fusion Warriors of the Firemoth are rushing to the front lines of Honkai disasters around the world aboard the latest Honkai energy transport aircraft.

　Unlike the human civilization of the same period in the original world, thanks to the timely action of the necromancer, the Eleventh Herrscher of Binding did not inflict a devastating blow on the Fusion Warriors of the Firemoth.

　While the loss of several Fusion Warriors is regrettable, it is still within the acceptable range for the Firemoth Fusion Warrior force as a whole.

　In this starkly different context, the trajectory of human society on this planet naturally stands in stark contrast to the tragic fate of the native world during the same period.

　At the same time in the original world, the Eleventh Herrscher, the Herrscher of Binding, pushed human civilization to the brink of collapse.

　Not only was the army-sized fusion warrior force severely damaged by its overwhelming power, but only the thirteen heroes remained, struggling to hold on.

　Even more tragically, countless human cities were reduced to nothing under the influence of the [Divine Grace Barrier].

　When the Lawbearer of Restraint finally perished under the flames of the Heavenly Judgment, only three isolated cities remained of human civilization, teetering on the brink of destruction.

　In this world, all these tragedies can be avoided.

　Humanity did pay a heavy price in the eleventh Great Collapse, but still maintains a population of over one billion and hundreds of cities.

　With the generous technical assistance provided by Velvi, the Moth of Fire's reaction speed to Honkai events has made a qualitative leap.

　This also gave the Fire Moth the leeway to rescue more survivors of the Honkai Impact 3rd disaster.

　"Ninety-four...ninety-five...ninety-six...very good, not one missing."

　Exhausted, after confirming that everyone in the collapsed building was safe, Sakura breathed a sigh of relief and fell to the ground from a height of about four stories.

　In her sight, it was

　A small patch of sky gently enveloped by the setting sun.

　The forests are destroyed, the rivers are destroyed, and in this apocalypse, only the sky remains so beautiful.

　Soon, some children's heads briefly entered this field of vision. Although they had just escaped death, they were still bold and curious, and came in groups to look at the big sister lying on the ground.

　only……

　Almost everyone only stood there for a few short moments before being forcibly pulled away from her.

　She sat up, feeling a little strange.

　Looking around, she was the only one lying in the pale golden sunset. Those she had just rescued were huddled in the shadows of the ruins, holding their children tightly in their arms.

　The look in their eyes when they looked at the girl was one of terror, just as it was when they faced the Honkai Beasts.

　why?

　The girl sheathed her sword and walked toward the survivors, wanting to tell them the location of a nearby shelter.

　When she took her first step, people's eyes turned suspicious.

　When she took her second step, people's eyes turned to disgust.

　When she took her third step, people's eyes turned to hatred.

　So she stopped walking...

　People's eyes finally filled with hostility.

　why?

　"Mom, what are my sister's ears...?"

　The child's mouth was immediately covered.

　"That's a monster."

　The sound was very soft, so soft, but how could it possibly escape the notice of those ears?

　The girl looked at the person in front of her, then at the path that would allow her to leave. No matter which way she went, it would only take ten steps at most to reach the end.

　But why are the steps so heavy?

　So much so that they can neither advance nor retreat?

Chapter 572 Tax Payment

　41 days after the end of the eleventh Great Collapse.

　The world is slowly but steadily rising from the ruins of the last catastrophe.

　However, in this era that is increasingly showing signs of despair, the threats faced by ordinary people are far more than those rampant collapse disasters.

　It could even be argued that, compared to disasters caused by human factors, the Honkai disaster may not be the most cruel and merciless of all.

　In a village in Borneo, bathed in the dark gold of the setting sun, such a heartbreaking scene unfolded.

　Beside the ancient stone tablet at the village entrance, a group of ragged, haggard villagers gathered helplessly.

　Their eyes were filled with a deep fear of the unknown future and an endless despair for their current lives.

　The afterglow of the setting sun struggled to penetrate the sparse clouds, casting dappled shadows upon them, but it was powerless to dispel the heavy gloom in their hearts, nor to offer them even the slightest comfort or hope.

　The reason is very simple.

　Under their watchful eyes, a tax official in a magnificent uniform, carrying a ceremonial sword, led several equally well-equipped and imposing attendants into the open space bathed in the afterglow of the setting sun.

　A cold and arrogant smile graced his face, as if he were already accustomed to the impending human tragedy and remained indifferent.

　Approaching the villagers, the tax official announced in his cold and authoritative voice.

　"According to the lord's order, this month's taxes must be paid in full."

　He scanned the pairs of eyes filled with despair and helplessness before him, his tone unwavering as he continued.

　“I know this year’s harvest is not good, but an order is an order. As your lord’s subjects, you must unconditionally fulfill your obligations.”

　The tax official's words echoed for a long time in the empty square, each word like a cold arrow, piercing deep into the hearts of the villagers, causing them waves of pain and despair.

　The villagers looked at each other, their eyes filled with a mixture of fear and despair.

　They knew that the tax official's words about "paying in full" meant they would have to hand over the last of their food and possessions.

　They might even lose their last hope of survival as a result.

　At this critical moment, an elderly man stepped forward, trembling.

　His eyes were filled with murky tears, his hands gripped a worn-out cane tightly, and his voice was weak and trembling.

　"Sir, we really have no more to give. This year's harvest was already bleak, and with the successive disasters, we have suffered heavy losses. Now we can hardly even maintain the most basic food and clothing."

　The tax official's gaze lingered on the old man for a moment, but his eyes showed no sympathy or pity.

　"Humph!"

　With a cold snort, the tax officer spoke in an even more authoritative tone.

　“I understand your predicament, but I must also fulfill my duty. The lord’s will is absolute, and you should know the lesson of Bawong Village. Think of your families; if you don’t want to end up like them, obediently pay your taxes in full.”

　The villagers were well aware of the situation regarding Bawang Village mentioned by the tax official.

　Due to failure to meet the deadline

　Upon receiving the tax revenue, the lord was furious and dispatched his private army to make up the shortfall with an iron fist.

　Under the rule of necromancers, souls can be used to pay taxes.

　Since they could not fill the tax gap with material goods and wealth, their souls became the substitute to fill that gap.

　In any case, the lord who rules this region will not use his own treasury to make up for any shortfall in tax revenue.

　Seeing that the respected old man in the small village remained silent, the tax official also said nothing more.

　"Search!"

　At the tax official's cold and ruthless order, his entourage immediately sprang into action.

　Armed with advanced Honkai energy assault rifles, they stormed into the villagers' homes like wolves, ruthlessly looting their belongings.

　The villagers were terrified, screams echoing everywhere. They tried their best to protect their belongings, but everything seemed so powerless in the face of these followers who possessed overwhelming force.

　Under the shadow of death, they had no choice but to hand over the last of their food and savings.

　A young mother tightly hugged her frail child, her eyes filled with despair and helplessness.

　The child was crying loudly from hunger, but she could only weep helplessly.

　The tax officer's gaze swept over them, as coldly as if he were looking at two dead people.

　He simply waved his hand coldly, ordering his entourage to continue collecting taxes, as if the lives and deaths of these villagers had nothing to do with him.

　Under the supervision of the tax officials, the villagers were forced to hand over all their belongings.

　Some families are even forced to include their children as part of the tax payment in order to survive, because they are unable to pay the full amount of taxes.

　The entire village was shrouded in a thick layer of sorrow and despair, as if swallowed by an invisible haze, becoming lifeless and devoid of its former vitality.

　Just as the villagers were forced to hand over all their possessions and the entire village was plunged into despair, the local lord's steward stood before him, respectfully reporting on the day's tax revenue.

　The elderly man, dressed in a crisp butler's uniform, held a heavy ledger in his hands, on which were densely filled with records of the source and precise amount of every tax payment.

　"Sir, this month's taxes have been paid in full."

　The butler's tone revealed a hint of awe.

　Upon hearing this, the obese lord slowly raised his head, a satisfied smile appearing on his face.

　“Very good. In this way, the tax revenue task assigned by Your Majesty for this quarter is already more than half completed.”

　The other half involved transporting these collected taxes to Kuching South City on the south bank of the Sarawak River, where they were handed over to officials.

　Yes, just as his subjects had to pay taxes to him, this lord who controlled several surrounding villages and towns also had to be loyal to his superiors and pay taxes.

　"Yes, sir. The tax officer not only strictly followed your orders, but also took advantage of the villagers' fear, forcing them to hand over all their possessions."

　The butler continued, his tone carrying a hint of flattery.

　The lord nodded, a sly glint in his eyes.

　“Fear is the best tool for ruling. Tax officials clearly know this well.”

　"However, sir. Some families are forced to include their children as part of the tax burden because they are unable to pay the full amount of taxes."

　The steward hesitated for a moment, but still reported the situation truthfully to the lord he served.

　Upon hearing this, the lord showed no surprise or displeasure.

　Instead, he smiled faintly, as if it were all within his expectations.

　"This is their own choice. Since they are unable to fulfill their obligations, they must pay the price for their incompetence."

　In the lord's eyes, these villagers were nothing more than his pawns, lambs to be taken at will.

　Their lives, deaths, joys, and sorrows had little to do with him.

　All he cared about was ensuring the full payment of taxes and consolidating and expanding his power.

Chapter 573 The Journey in Search of Knowledge

　47 days after the end of the eleventh Great Collapse.

　Canberra, Australia.

　After a full week of preparation and collection, taxes from all corners of the territory poured into the absolute political center under the rule of the necromancer, like rivers flowing into the sea.