Chapter 41: Necromancer Kim Tae-min (5)

The massive explosion at the gas station.

The flames finally died down by dawn.

Thanks to the sudden downpour, the fire was extinguished, allowing them to examine the scene.

‘It’s completely in ruins.’

The gas station and nearby buildings were reduced to rubble, with only their frames remaining. The zombies’ corpses were also torn to shreds and scattered everywhere.

Han-seong dispatched the Collector to the scene.

Since Ha-eun’s group had been safely moved to the shopping mall, all that remained was the cleanup.

‘Oh, but…’

How to find Tae-min’s corpse?

As he faced the ruined gas station through the Collector’s view, a sense of helplessness washed over him.

Still, he had to find it.

To confirm Tae-min’s death and obtain his possessions. As he was moving the Collector and searching the area where Tae-min had met his end…

‘Found it.’

A backpack fell from a corpse that was burned beyond recognition. A phenomenon similar to when he had dealt with the Poison Master in the past.

Soon after, a notification message appeared.

[Kim Tae-min: Necromancer (Lv.28)]

*You can acquire the target’s possessions.

▷7,319 Coins

▷Skillbook: Healing Field

▷Enchant Ring (Basic)

▷Very Incomplete Holy Relic of Death

Seeing this, Han-seong felt inwardly relieved.

Being able to acquire the target’s possessions meant the target had completely died. In other words, there was no possibility of Tae-min’s revival.

With this, the matter was concluded.

He put Tae-min’s possessions into the Collector’s pouch. Since he couldn’t view the item status information in Collector mode.

‘I’ll check this later…’

Han-seong looked at the lump of charcoal presumed to be Tae-min’s corpse. Its appearance was a mess, unrecognizable due to the heat of the massive explosion.

It was impossible to tell which part was the head, or even make out the shape of arms and legs. At this rate, it seemed difficult to detach and fuse body parts.

‘Can’t be helped.’

He swung the Collector’s arm to break Tae-min’s corpse into pieces. It was the final confirmation.

After finishing everything.

Han-seong let out a long-held breath.

“Phew.”

After ordering the Collector to return, he leaned back in his wheelchair and closed his eyes. Feeling as if a long-standing worry had been resolved.

Just then.

‘Ah, wait a minute.’

He suddenly remembered something.

A few hours ago, while tracking Tae-min, Han-seong had identified two locations where he might be.

‘The hospital, and the gas station.’

Tae-min had been at the latter.

And at the hospital, there had been a girl in a Jingwang High School uniform. A girl with an unusual appearance, wearing numerous accessories.

Suddenly recalling this fact, Han-seong turned his attention to the hospital marked on the map. A moment later, he couldn’t help but widen his eyes.

‘What? Where did it go?’

The blue dot was nowhere to be seen.

One might suspect she had fallen prey to zombies, but that wasn’t the case either. Because all the red dots that had filled the hospital had also completely disappeared.

‘It doesn’t seem like she was caught in the explosion…’

The hospital had narrowly escaped the blast radius. But with both blue and red dots gone, how should this be interpreted?

As he pondered, Han-seong came up with a plausible guess.

‘Could it be that rather than being isolated…’

Was she hunting zombies?

If so, it made sense.

While Han-seong was dealing with Tae-min, if she had eliminated all the zombies inside the hospital and left, it would explain the current situation.

Having roughly concluded the situation, Han-seong soon lost interest. Because the Collector, having collected Tae-min’s possessions, had returned to the temporary base.

“Shall we head back now?”

“Yes, Mage-nim.”

Ji-hye, who had been making mana potions, stood up quickly. She promptly grabbed the wheelchair handles, and simultaneously, a warp gate opened.

It was a passage home.

“Mage-nim, rest well.”

After returning to the officetel.

Ji-hye bid farewell and left the room.

Left alone, Han-seong carefully examined Tae-min’s possessions he had obtained.

First, the skillbook.

[Skillbook: Healing Field]

▷Heals wounds of all allies within range and recovers 1% energy per second.

▷Duration: 30 seconds

▷Healing Range: 10m radius

▶Job Restriction: Healer

In simple terms, it was an area-of-effect healing skill.

The unique point was that it healed wounds while simultaneously recovering energy. It seemed like a quite useful skill, but he couldn’t learn it.

“Of all things, it had to be a Healer’s skillbook.”

Healer skillbooks were bad stock.

Even the skillbooks occasionally registered in the auction house kept piling up unsold.

Realizing it was an unlearnable skillbook, Han-seong quickly lost interest.

‘Next is the ring.’

A ring named Enchant Ring.

It was basically white, but had a peculiar design with parts dyed black.

Han-seong viewed its detailed information.

[Name]: Enchant Ring (Basic)

[Effect]: Permanently engraves skills of 3-star grade or lower onto the ring. The ring wearer can use the engraved skills, even if they are from different jobs.

-If the number of engravings does not reach the maximum, it can be reset.

[Currently Engraved Skill]: Vampiric Touch

[Creator]: Lee Min-jae

“Hmm, this is…”

At first glance, he thought it had a similar effect to the bracelet. An ability to store skills in advance and use them when needed.

But looking closely, it was a bit different.

The main difference was that once a skill was engraved, the ring wearer could use that skill regardless of their job.

In other words, the effect could be summarized as:

‘A ring that allows using skills from other jobs.’

Han-seong’s eyes lit up.

Of course, there was the drawback of having to use the skill on the ring a hundred times to engrave it, but still, the ability itself was good.

‘But…’

There was one peculiar point.

The creator field. Noticing this, Han-seong was reminded of the potions Ji-hye made. The potions also had a similar creator field.

This meant someone had created the Enchant Ring. Han-seong’s eyes shone with interest.

‘It would be nice to meet them someday.’

If the ring’s creator could be made a collaborator like Ji-hye, it could be quite helpful.

The more Enchant Rings he had, the more skills from other jobs he could use.

Han-seong put the ring in a drawer.

‘Ah, I should reset it first.’

Since there was no one to continue the skill currently being engraved. And he didn’t particularly need the Vampiric Touch skill anyway.

After resetting the Enchant Ring, Han-seong turned his attention to the last item. It was a rather worn-looking goblet.

[Name]: Very Incomplete Holy Relic of Death

[Description]: Reward for the Necromancer’s unique quest.

▷24 hours after death, there is a 5% chance of initiating a Death Contract. If successful, the owner is revived as a high-level undead.

However, it does not activate if the body has disappeared, and if it fails, the owner turns into a zombie.

It was an effect familiar to him.

Similar to the Incomplete Blood Fruit that had turned Ji-hye into a vampire. The difference was that the success rate of the contract was much lower than the Blood Fruit.

Han-seong narrowed his eyes.

“…I did well to confirm the kill.”

Even though the probability was low, what if Tae-min had revived as a high-level undead? What if he had gathered forces and attacked him?

The mere thought sent shivers down his spine.

“But I don’t really need this.”

It also felt somewhat ominous.

Still, keeping it might prove useful somewhere. Han-seong opened his inventory and carelessly tossed the goblet into a corner.

With this, all the loot had been examined.

‘Then the next thing to do is…’

Han-seong wanted to gather those related to the Vampiric Tree and the Necromancer in one place to explain the events related to this incident.

To prevent any misunderstandings from arising later.

Especially the survivors from Kangil Girls’ High School deserved to hear about this incident. They had suffered the greatest damage from falling into Tae-min’s scheme after all.

But it was difficult to do right away.

‘My body feels heavy.’

Perhaps due to fatigue accumulated from the night’s battle, his body felt as heavy as water-soaked cotton. The fatigue he had been suppressing was now rushing in like a tide.

“…Let’s sleep for now.”

He could tell them after waking up.

Besides, it was still dawn now.

Han-seong lay down on the bed with the Collector’s help. Then he fell into a sleep as if passing out.

The next afternoon.

After waking up, Han-seong called those involved in this incident to Jamsil Station through Ji-hye.

Shortly after.

Two groups gathered in one place.

“It seems everyone has arrived.”

Over a dozen survivors from Kangil Girls’ High School.

And Ha-eun, Eun-ji, and Min-cheol.

The two groups, suddenly called out, looked at Ji-hye while standing on opposite sides of a bus stop.

As a somewhat awkward atmosphere lingered, Yeong-cheol cautiously raised his hand.

“Um, Representative?”

“Yes?”

“I understand you’re going to explain about the recent attack, but those people…?”

Yeong-cheol pointed at Ha-eun’s group.

Understandably, they would be unfamiliar. The two groups had never met before.

Ji-hye nodded as if understanding.

“They are the Necromancer’s former companions.”

“…Pardon?”

“Not anymore though.”

Right after her answer.

The expressions of the people from Kangil Girls’ High School hardened rapidly. Especially those who had lost family members in this incident had murderous looks in their eyes.

Meanwhile, Han-seong, watching this scene through the Collector, frowned.

‘No, you shouldn’t say it like that.’

Of course, he understood Ji-hye’s negative feelings towards Ha-eun’s group. When she was confined by Tae-min, Ha-eun’s group would have been bystanders to her.

And while it wasn’t wrong to say they were the Necromancer’s former companions, saying it like that could lead to misunderstandings.

Han-seong conveyed his thoughts to Ji-hye, and she quickly corrected her statement.

“But that doesn’t mean they cooperated with the Necromancer’s plans. They were deceived by the Necromancer just like you all were.”

Strictly speaking, the survivors from Kangil Girls’ High School could also be called the Necromancer’s helpers.

Although they had fallen for his scheme, they had still worked together with him.

“Then I’ll start the explanation.”

Necromancer Kim Tae-min.

The reason he approached Kangil Girls’ High School.

Making a contract with the Vampiric Tree and offering survivors as sacrifices, as well as trying to turn his former companions, Ha-eun’s group, into zombies.

Ji-hye explained in detail the story written in the notebook she received from Han-seong. Including the fact that Han-seong had ended Tae-min’s life the night before.

“The root of all incidents has been dealt with by Mage-nim, and consequently, the Vampiric Tree has also disappeared. So you can rest easy now.”

At those words, some survivors from Kangil Girls’ High School let out sighs of relief. Of course, not everyone accepted the reality.

“Is, is this how it ends…?”

“To end the incident with just a word that all culprits are dead… Then who should we hold responsible?”

“Huh? Responsible?”

“Over a hundred people died in this attack! Someone must take responsibility, if only to appease their souls.”

Some of the survivors from Kangil Girls’ High School made harsh statements. On the other hand, Ji-hye tilted her head as if she couldn’t understand.

“But the Necromancer is already dead?”

“Even so, someone needs to be held responsible. Yes. For example… the Necromancer’s former companions.”

At the man’s words, Eun-ji flinched.

She looked quite anxious.

Ha-eun stood in front of Eun-ji protectively, and Min-cheol also looked at the man with eyes full of wariness.

Ji-hye sighed.

“Sigh, I told you earlier. They are victims just like you.”

“How can we believe that!”

“How do we know they didn’t help at all in this incident!”

She knows everything. Because she watched it all.

As a result, Han-seong found no evidence that Ha-eun’s group had cooperated in this incident.

Moreover, if we’re just looking at responsibility for the incident, Kangil Girls’ High School’s share was actually greater than Ha-eun’s group.

It could be said that the Vampiric Tree was promoted because they fell for Tae-min’s scheme.

‘Of course, I understand how they feel.’

Their family and friends died overnight due to the Vampiric Tree’s attack. But thinking rationally, their claims were close to unreasonable.

Meanwhile, Ji-hye, who had been listening to Kangil Girls’ High School’s story, lightly waved her hand. As if to say she understood what they were saying, so they could stop.

“Then what do you want to do?”

“…We need to take them to Kangil Girls’ High School. And hold them properly accountable.”

The atmosphere quickly turned hostile.

The survivors from Kangil Girls’ High School looked ready to use force to take Ha-eun’s group. Ha-eun’s group also didn’t seem willing to be taken quietly.

In this tense situation.

-What should we do?

Ji-hye asked for his opinion.

Han-seong, watching this scene through the Collector’s view, fell into brief contemplation.

‘It’s true that Ha-eun was Tae-min’s companion.’

This was an undeniable fact.

However, this was only true in the early days of the Upheaval, and as time passed, Tae-min and his group often acted separately.

Above all, Ha-eun’s group did not contribute at all to this incident, and as a result, they were almost turned into zombies by Tae-min.

‘Moreover, all the culprits are already gone.’

Tae-min and the Vampiric Tree no longer exist in this world.

While he understood the desire to hold someone accountable, it shouldn’t turn into a witch hunt.

Therefore, it seemed better to conclude this matter with Tae-min’s death. Han-seong conveyed his decision, and Ji-hye nodded.

-I understand. I’ll tell them that.

Ji-hye moved.

Standing between the two groups, she stretched out both arms as if to clear the air.

“I will convey Mage-nim’s words.”

All eyes turned to her.

The words of the being with the greatest merit in this incident, possessing undeniable power, drew everyone’s attention.

Ji-hye calmly voiced Han-seong’s decision.

“So we will end this matter here. Mage-nim does not wish for unnecessary conflict to arise.”

After Han-seong’s will was conveyed to everyone.

The expressions of the people from Kangil Girls’ High School did not easily soften. They still looked dissatisfied. As Ji-hye’s eyebrows twitched at this.

“Yes, we will follow the decision.”

Yeong-cheol, who had been standing back, quickly came forward. He glanced at Ji-hye once and then bowed his head again towards the Collector.

“We are alive all thanks to Mage-nim. I have no complaints whatsoever.”

He’s indeed a quick-witted man.

Perhaps thanks to Yeong-cheol taking the lead?

The people from Kangil Girls’ High School didn’t voice any further objections. Though their expressions still looked displeased.

Ha-eun’s group also seemed to have lost their fighting spirit.

Confirming this, Ji-hye clapped her hands lightly and spoke.

“Alright then, disperse.”

The survivors from Kangil Girls’ High School withdrew obediently.

They boarded vehicles according to Yeong-cheol’s instructions and crossed Jamsil Bridge. Just as Ha-eun’s group was about to return to the shopping mall.

“You all stay for a moment.”

“Huh? Us?”

“There’s a message from Mage-nim.”

Ji-hye stopped them.

It was to carry out separate instructions she had received from Han-seong. She reached into the Collector’s pouch and pulled out a book.

Skillbook: Healing Field.

The loot obtained from Tae-min.

Ji-hye handed this to Eun-ji.

“First, take this.”

“A skillbook? Wh-why are you giving this to me…”

“Mage-nim said to give it to you. And after learning the skill, please engrave it onto this.”

Next, she handed over the Enchant Ring.

Eun-ji, who had received the ring in bewilderment, asked as if she didn’t understand the explanation.

“You want me to engrave the skill onto this?”

“Yes, just repeat it a hundred times.”

“…A hundred?”

Eun-ji tilted her head blankly.

Ji-hye explained the whole story, and Han-seong silently watched this scene. Then he used Detection to view Eun-ji’s status.

[Name]: Kang Eun-ji

[Owned Skills]:

▷Holy Healing (Basic)

▷Steadfast Mind (+Curse Immunity)

Turn Undead, Holy Attack

Not a particularly impressive status.

Few skills, and a low level. However, Han-seong was focusing on a different part.

‘Her alignment is the exact opposite of the Necromancer.’

Tae-min’s alignment was Chaotic-Evil.

Eun-ji was at the perfect opposite end of this spectrum.

While he didn’t yet know exactly what alignment meant, judging by inference, it could be concluded that Eun-ji was at least a good person.

‘Then she probably won’t do anything reckless.’

She wouldn’t try to pull tricks like Tae-min either.

That’s why he gave her the skillbook and Enchant Ring. If she could engrave Healing Field and use it, it would surely be a great help in emergencies.

‘On the other hand…’

Ha-eun and Min-cheol’s statuses don’t show alignment. The same was true for Ji-hye and Han-seong.

It seemed that if alignment was neutral, it wasn’t displayed separately. Meanwhile, by that time, Ji-hye had finished her explanation.

“…After completing the skill engraving, return the ring to me or the Collector.”

“Ah, I understand.”

Eun-ji nodded.

“Um, but…”

“What is it?”

“The acquisition condition for this skillbook is 3-star grade, but I’m only 2-star grade yet…”

“That’s fine. Mage-nim said you can start working on it after your promotion.”

At Ji-hye’s answer, Eun-ji pondered for a moment before cheerfully replying.

“…Alright. I’ll do it. If only to repay the kindness I’ve received from Mage-nim.”

Eun-ji clenched her fist.

Her face showed a determined resolve.

Having said all she needed to, Ji-hye turned towards the officetel. Just as she was bidding farewell.

“Mage-nim! Thank you!”

Suddenly, Ha-eun’s voice rang out.

Turning the Collector’s body to look, he saw Ha-eun bowing at a 90-degree angle.

“Thank you so much for saving me yesterday, and for taking our side earlier. I’ll definitely repay this kindness!”

What a bright and polite child.

Well, she’s a hundred times better than people who don’t know how to be grateful after receiving help. As she continued speaking.

“From now on, if I find any equipment or skillbooks related to Mages while hunting, I’ll deliver them right away! Please accept them without compensation then!”

“I’ll do the same.”

“M-me too!”

Min-cheol and Eun-ji also joined in.

This was a welcome development. Mage skillbooks rarely appear in the auction house anyway.

Moreover, Ha-eun had actually given him the Enchant-Fire skillbook before, which had been a great help in the battle against the Vampiric Tree.

‘Looking forward to it.’

Wonder what kind of skillbook she’ll bring next time.

Han-seong nodded the Collector’s body up and down, then parted ways with Ha-eun’s group. The day when all incidents were wrapped up came to an end like that.