Chapter Ninety-Seven: Strange and Peculiar Materials

On the day he arrived at the academy, Han Shuo noticed that Camilla had hurriedly left that evening, and then for two days in a row, he saw no sign of her. After some inquiries, he heard that something had happened in Camilla’s family, and she likely would not return to the academy anytime soon. That was only the official story, but Han Shuo suspected he would never see her again. Since she was a spy from an enemy nation, the Shadow Curtain would surely not let her remain safely within the Empire.

With Camilla’s disappearance, Duke and Eric held a secret discussion and did not dare stay at the academy any longer. Using the end of their exchange as an excuse, they immediately left, preparing to return to the Cassi Empire. Clark, who had originally planned to visit Vannie in the Necromancy Department, also left the Knight Academy almost at the same time.

As a member of the Shadow Curtain, Han Shuo did not know the exact details of what had happened, but he was certain that the organization had already taken control of the situation; otherwise, it would have been impossible for the three of them to react so strangely and vanish so quickly.

The following days were exceptionally relaxed and pleasant for Han Shuo. He immersed himself in the study of magical knowledge, and whenever he encountered difficulties, he would immediately consult Vannie, always receiving the right answers from her. Yet, due to his cultivation of ‘Soul Molding,’ Han Shuo would sometimes, without realizing it, blurt out bold words hidden deep in his heart during his interactions with Vannie.

Whenever this happened, Vannie would reproach him playfully, but as soon as Han Shuo realized what he'd said, he would try to remedy it in some way; if he failed, he would simply feign ignorance, which usually got him through.

One morning, Han Shuo noticed the weather had turned chilly. He thought that Phoebe had probably already prepared the dwarves' winter provisions, so he left the academy and headed to the Buster Merchant Guild, intending to purchase some materials for crafting earth-armored corpses.

Upon arrival at the Buster Merchant Guild, Han Shuo found the guards had been changed once again. This time, as soon as he reported his name, the guards respectfully let him in. Before long, the radiant Fubinen rushed over from afar, calling out cheerfully, "Hey, Bryan! It's been a while, how are you?"

"Oh, Fubinen, I'm glad you're all right. I thought you might have…" Fubinen’s appearance surprised Han Shuo, who had actually believed that during the last incident when the ‘Shadow’ expert came, Fubinen had been crushed to death by the collapsing building.

"When the building collapsed last time, I hid under my bed. Later, Candice came looking for me and rescued me from the wreckage, so I escaped with my life," Fubinen explained, his face beaming with the joy of having survived a disaster.

Han Shuo nodded, surveying Fubinen. "You look great now. Seems your luck has finally turned!"

"Haha, not really! But ever since Grover died, the ‘Shadow’ people haven’t appeared again. Now that Miss Phoebe has officially taken over the Guild, life has become much better for me," Fubinen replied. Though his words were modest, his joyful expression betrayed his inner pride.

Most of the scenery inside the Buster Merchant Guild remained unchanged, but all the guards had been replaced. As they walked inside, Han Shuo suddenly stopped, glancing at the artificial hill to his left. He remembered that last time, he and Phoebe had hidden in the cleft of the artificial hill to escape Ellis’s pursuit.

Now, looking at the place again, he noticed it had been refurbished; many potted flowers had been placed around, and beside the crevice, there was a rocking chair and a table, seemingly set up for appreciating the surroundings.

"Hey, why has this place changed? I remember it wasn’t like this before," Han Shuo asked, surprised, then turned to ask Fubinen.

"You’re very observant," Fubinen said with a smile. "Miss Phoebe had this place redecorated. She doesn’t allow others to enter here anymore; when she has free time, she comes alone to bask in the sun, sip tea, and enjoy the flowers. Personally, I don’t think this is the Guild’s most beautiful spot, but for some reason, Miss Phoebe loves it."

Han Shuo looked at the crevice where the two of them had once hidden and recalled the ambiguous, tender moments they’d shared. His heart stirred—could Phoebe be sentimental about that awkward encounter? He shook his head in disbelief; surely not. Phoebe was proud and ambitious, her beauty unmatched, and now she held the reins of the Merchant Guild. It was unlikely she would be sentimental about a mere student from Babylon Magic Academy.

Lost in these thoughts, Fubinen led Han Shuo to the main hall. After ordering the maids to bring tea and pastries, he went to invite Phoebe to meet Han Shuo.

Shortly thereafter, Phoebe entered, dressed in a crisp white training outfit, her forehead glistening with sweat. Apparently thirsty, she poured herself a cup of tea and took several sips before fixing her beautiful eyes on Han Shuo. "You came for the provisions, didn’t you?"

Han Shuo nodded with a smile. "Of course. If not for the provisions, why else would I come to the Buster Merchant Guild?"

Phoebe pouted prettily, casting Han Shuo an annoyed glance. "Can’t you come to see your friend?"

Han Shuo laughed. "It’s only been a few days since we last met, and with you just taking over the Guild, I figured you’d be busy. Even if I wanted to visit, you probably wouldn’t have time!"

"Hmph. If you didn’t think of it, you didn’t think of it. Don’t make excuses," Phoebe said, lifting her graceful neck as if slightly irritated. Then she added, "The provisions you need amount to two rooms’ worth. Your space ring must be the lowest quality, and I’m sure it’s already filled with other things. I doubt you can fit that much."

Han Shuo replied, "That’s not a problem. I can make several trips, don’t worry—I’ve already prepared for multiple deliveries." He paused, then took out a sheet listing various materials and handed it to Phoebe. "I also need to buy some other materials. Can you help me acquire them?"

Phoebe looked at Han Shuo with surprise, unable to fathom why he kept buying such odd items. She took the list and murmured, "Ice earth, hot earth, damp earth, blood earth… and some snow, branches, fruit—what are these things? I don’t understand most of them!"

Anticipating Phoebe’s confusion, Han Shuo explained with a smile, "Ice earth is soil from extreme cold regions; hot earth is soil from very hot places, usually found near magma; damp earth is soil from places that are perpetually moist and never see sunlight; blood earth is soil stained red by the blood of soldiers fallen in battle. There’s also snowflakes formed where ice earth is found, magma from hot earth, a dark green weed found in damp earth, and tumor-like fruit from blood earth…"

As Han Shuo explained, Phoebe’s expression grew increasingly bewildered. Some items she could identify by his descriptions, though their names differed from those recorded by Chu Canglan, their shapes and properties matched. Others, she had never even heard of, but promised to ask around.

When Han Shuo finished describing the thirteen materials needed to foster the growth of earth-armored corpses, Phoebe was utterly dizzy from the array of strange items. If it hadn’t been Han Shuo asking, she would have lost patience long ago. Finally, Phoebe, a little vexed, said, "What are you planning to do with all this junk? If you won’t tell me, I won’t help you!"

Han Shuo looked at her helplessly; seeing Phoebe’s stubborn, indignant expression, he recited a magic incantation. A small skeleton wielding a bone knife appeared before him, and at Han Shuo’s command, it darted nimbly around the hall. Eventually, the bone knife flew from its hand straight toward Phoebe.

Startled, Phoebe’s sword flashed with battle energy, clashing with the bone knife. When it spun back into the skeleton’s hand, Han Shuo asked, "Do you think this little skeleton is different from the ones summoned by ordinary necromancers?"

"It’s not just different; it’s unbelievable," Phoebe replied, still uneasy. "I’ve seen necromancers summon skeleton warriors before, but yours is worlds apart. I even feel as if there’s a demon lurking inside its body—it’s frightening, even to me."

"He used to be a regular skeleton warrior, even weaker than most, only good for tossing garbage bags. But after my secret refinement, he’s slowly begun to grow. You just experienced his power. I can only tell you that the materials I’m requesting are for creating a zombie—one as extraordinary as this skeleton," Han Shuo said, his eyes shining as he looked at Phoebe.

No one else in this world possessed the method of magical refinement Han Shuo employed, so he wasn’t afraid to let Phoebe know. Moreover, she’d already witnessed the skeleton’s marvels, and Han Shuo truly trusted her, so he was willing to confide.

"Incredible! This is truly incredible. Your method will revolutionize necromancy. Bryan, how did you do it? You’re amazing!" Phoebe’s gaze toward Han Shuo brimmed with admiration and excitement.

Han Shuo shrugged. "How I did it—that’s my exclusive secret. But Phoebe, we’re friends, so I can tell you this. You should also know that if others find out, it could cause me trouble. I hope you’ll keep this secret for me."

"Have you ever told anyone else besides me?" Phoebe was stunned for a moment, then looked at Han Shuo with a strange expression.

Han Shuo nodded firmly. "Absolutely not!"

Suddenly, a faint blush appeared on Phoebe’s flawless cheeks. She promised with delight, "All right. Even if someone threatens my life, I won’t reveal our secret. You can rest assured!"

"Thank you, Phoebe. I’ll always remember your kindness. I hope you'll help me gather these special items. Only major guilds like yours can reach across cities, throughout the Empire, to obtain them," Han Shuo said sincerely, moved by her promise.

"No problem, I’ll do my best. I imagine these things will cost a lot of gold coins, so you’d better prepare enough. I won’t work for you for free!" Phoebe winked playfully, teasing Han Shuo with a smile.

At first, Han Shuo had thought Phoebe was cold and proud, difficult to approach. But as time passed, and after they’d shared a couple of experiences, he realized her aloofness was just the face she showed to outsiders. Once she truly opened her heart, she became approachable, never putting on airs. Han Shuo genuinely came to appreciate Phoebe, no longer seeing her as merely a business partner.

Han Shuo then spent another hour carefully explaining the origins and methods of obtaining the special materials to Phoebe, who took detailed notes. After loading his space ring with provisions in the warehouse at the Buster Merchant Guild, Han Shuo bid Phoebe farewell and headed back toward the Death Cemetery.