Volume 6: Fighting for the World Chapter 310: The Ghost Knight King Who Wasn't Provoked
In fact, according to Haishaer's strength of the middle level of level 10, and he is also a flying knight, facing the siege of the upper level 9 black bone dragons, even if he is outnumbered and cannot resist, he should still be able to break through and escape. After all, in addition to the three thousand black bone dragons, none of my level 10 undead accompanied me on this expedition. Under normal circumstances, it is impossible to trap Haishaer and the two lower level 10 ghost knights. This is probably the main reason why Haishaer, who has a higher IQ, dared to ignore the absolute disadvantage in numbers and launched a surprise attack on the black bone dragon army with hundreds of upper level 9 ghost knights. But Haishaer's luck was too bad. The black bone dragons he faced were not scattered soldiers and guerrillas of the nature of a plate of sand. They were all my subordinates as an undead wizard, obeying my command and acting under my command. They were no longer unorganized guys who did not know how to cooperate and only knew how to fight on their own. Under my command, I first showed the enemy weakness, lured them deep into the enemy, surrounded them with heavy troops, and then suddenly attacked and suppressed them near the ground. At the same time, I personally went out to cast the "Intermediate Puppetry" magic to contain and assist in the battle - killing the blood clan "law enforcer" Sanadan, and the basic mental power attribute was further improved to reach the second level of super silver. The power of the "Intermediate Puppetry" magic was further enhanced. With a two-pronged approach, the situation was reversed in a short period of time and Haishaer was severely damaged. However, the two lower-level ghost knights of level 10 were still very loyal. Seeing that the general situation was over and the defeat was already determined, when I was fully focused on dealing with Haishaer, the strongest, and had no time to take care of the two of them, they did not take the opportunity to break out and escape on their own. They still deliberately dealt with me and tried their best to rescue Haishaer from danger. As a result, they also lost themselves and became my captives and subordinates.
Although the loss was a bit large, the result was not bad. In just a battle that lasted for more than an hour, I was able to subdue three level 10 ghost knights, which was quite efficient. At the same time, I also gained more than 30 ghost knights of the upper level of level 9, which was at least equivalent to my previous day's hard work. This was only in the border area of the ghost knight country. I believe that as I gradually expand to the central area, I should be able to gain greater rewards. It would be best if I could encounter more ghost knight groups like Haishar, which are so lucrative and have useful subordinates, so that I don't have to spend time and energy signing "soul contracts" with too many useless ghost knights, which would be too tiring.
In the following two days, I didn't have such good luck. I defeated many ghost knights and expanded my territory, but most of them were lower and middle level ghost knights of level nine. I didn't subdue many upper level ghost knights that met my needs. Fortunately, after dealing with ghost knights for a few days and subduing so many of them, I already had a good understanding of them and developed a certain eye. I only needed to take a glance from a distance to roughly judge the level of the other party and decide whether it was worth going to subdue. I gave up all those that didn't meet my needs and only looked for those who reached the upper level of level nine to sign contracts. Finally, I was able to save a lot of time, speed up the expansion, and improve the efficiency of subduing. However, such progress still didn't make me too satisfied. Level ten ghost knights were okay. Although I haven't found any upper level ten ghost knights so far, I have subdued one middle level ten ghost knight and four lower level ten ghost knights in just a few days. Compared with other areas in the Lost Continent, such results are already very good. It seems that as I expected, as a major race of undead creatures, the undead knights are still very profitable. The number of level 10 individuals is definitely not something that special races such as the Undead Ghost Phoenix and the Eight Extreme Yin Demon can match. The more troublesome thing is that the members of the main battle force of the upper level of the ninth level, which is in great demand, are too scattered and relatively few in number. The efficiency of conquering them is not much better than that of the black bone dragon that occupies the mountain as the king, but it is somewhat beyond my expectations. There are indeed ghost knights everywhere, but it is a pity that there are not many individuals worth conquering, especially the ghost archers and ghost lancers of the upper level of the ninth level that are suitable for transformation. The number is even more pitiful. After working for a few days, there is still a big gap with my predetermined goal. Compared with the giant magician dragon knight, the ratio between input and output is obviously quite different. At least for the current situation, the transformation of ghost archer dragon cavalry and ghost lance dragon cavalry requires too much time and energy, and it is not feasible enough.
Perhaps this is also because my range of activities is still in the border area of the Ghost Knight Kingdom, where most of the Ghost Knights are of lower levels, and the number of upper-level Ghost Knights of level nine is relatively scarce . However, as I stopped the overall expansion and stopped conquering all the defeated Ghost Knights, continuing to use the Black Bone Dragon to invade the deep areas of the Ghost Knight Kingdom is likely to cause greater turmoil, which may cause the situation to get out of control and the outbreak of a formal "Undead War". For this reason, I am actively preparing to build an expansion army composed of Ghost Knights. The main members are those middle-level and a few lower-level Ghost Knights of level nine, including Haishaer and four lower-level Ghost Knights of level ten, leading a group of ghost-shaped, upper-level Ghost Knights. Elite teams are responsible for dealing with larger groups of Ghost Knights encountered, as well as those level ten Ghost Knights. With these local forces replacing the Black Bone Dragon Legion to charge, internal conflicts are much smaller than the momentum and influence of foreign invasions, and should not cause too many irrelevant Ghost Knights to come and interfere.
The idea was set, and I drove the Black Bone Dragon Legion to carry out the last attack. At the same time, I began to dispatch the Ghost Knights who were ready to participate in the subsequent attack to gather at the front line. After the army was reorganized, I could go deep into the Ghost Knight Kingdom and launch my local expansion plan. When the fierce battle was in full swing, the Ghost Knight team responsible for reconnaissance suddenly sent back a warning that a group of Ghost Knights in the distance were approaching this side quickly. Since I encountered the surprise attack of Haishar, which caused me a relatively large loss, I have strengthened my wartime vigilance. After suffering a loss once, I naturally cannot make a second mistake. After that, I dispatched a group of flying Ghost Knights to accompany me in every battle, responsible for going deep into the enemy camp and keeping sentry for the Black Bone Dragon to avoid suffering unnecessary losses due to emergencies. After receiving the alarm, I immediately observed the enemy situation directly through these Ghost Knights deployed on the periphery. The number of the attacking was not large, but it was at least more than 300 Ghost Knights, and what was even more amazing was that they were all flying Ghost Knights, flying straight towards the battlefield area with great momentum. There was no doubt that the target was definitely me.
Such a large-scale group of ghost knights, especially the flying ghost knight group, is the first time I have seen it in the past few days of invading the ghost knight kingdom. According to the preliminary understanding I have gained from conquering so many ghost knights, although the flying ghost knights are not as good as the ground knights in terms of assault ability, they are better at mobile attacks. But this mainly refers to the ninth-level ghost knights. Once they reach the tenth level, they basically have the ability to fly, but some ghost knights only use flying as an auxiliary means. If a battle occurs, they will still retract their wings and mainly fight on the ground. Another part of the ghost knights use air combat as their main combat ability. At present, this group of ghost knights, numbering more than 300, can actually fly. The scale of their momentum is far greater than that of the hundred or so ghost knights in Haishar. More importantly, they are not afraid of the black bone dragon group that is much larger than them, and they rush straight over. Not only does it mean that their overall strength is stronger, but it is also likely that the level of the ghost knight leading them should be above the tenth-level middle-level Haishar. Even if it is not the mysterious ghost knight king rumored, it is at least likely to be a ghost knight of the tenth level. If I could gather all the main forces, I would not be afraid of this group of ghost knights. Perhaps I would be more than happy to take the opportunity to subdue some more powerful subordinates. However, the strength at hand is too weak. They are all level 9 undead. The only level 10 ones are the newly subdued level 10 middle-level Haishar and four level 10 lower-level ghost knights. If the number of enemies is smaller, I can deal with them more calmly. If such a fierce group of people forces me, even if the opponent underestimates my strength, it will definitely not be an easy one to deal with. It is said that there is some hidden strength. If I encounter an unexpected strong opponent, if I don’t make effective preparations, it is easy to suffer too much loss under the opponent’s surprise attack. I dare not be too arrogant at the moment. I immediately ordered the various attacking forces to shrink the front and pay attention to strengthening the defense against the incoming enemies. I also gave up subduing the ghost knights who were knocked to the ground and retreated with them. I will see how the situation develops before making plans.
I don't know if they underestimated me or they were too confident in their strength, but the incoming ghost knights were still very aggressive. Facing the active retreat of the black bone dragons, they continued to press forward without hesitation, chasing after me. It seemed that they were well prepared and would not give up easily. The enemy was also chasing very fast. In order to keep a distance from them and avoid a premature close combat with scattered forces, I had to command the black bone dragon army to retreat to the rear until they approached the sphere of influence under my direct control. Only then did I complete the initial assembly and reorganization, set up a relatively tight defense formation, slowed down the retreat, and began to confront the incoming ghost knight cluster head-on, ready to resist their attacks at any time.
The distance was close, and the defense formation had been arranged. I had time to carefully observe these ghost knights who were constantly approaching. Although I had been mentally prepared, the result was still somewhat beyond my expectations. The situation should be quite unfavorable to me. The attacking ghost knight group seemed to be quite powerful. Many of the ones in the front row did not look like ordinary goods. Judging from their body shape and appearance, most of them were similar to the lower-level tenth-level ghost knights or even Haishar. They should belong to the same level, at least dozens of them. If it was true, dozens of level ten ghost knights, plus more than three hundred level nine ghost knights to help, even if they might not be able to completely defeat me, it would be enough to make me pay an extremely heavy price. If there were a few more mid-level or especially upper-level level ten ghost knights, the threat to me would be even greater. I felt uneasy and did not dare to take the initiative to fight back. I ordered the Black Bone Dragon cluster to continue to retreat slowly and enter my sphere of influence to deploy defenses and respond to the ghost knights I had subdued, preparing to fight the enemy together. Fortunately, I still have an absolute advantage in numbers. Even if the other party dares to launch a strong attack, I have the strength to fight and should not be easily defeated by them.
The incoming ghost knights quickly approached the sphere of influence under my initial control. The "border guards" I had subdued and reorganized had already entered the designated defense positions, especially the ghost archers and ghost lancers, who had assembled into two clusters and were ready to attack on the ground under the protection of the melee ghost knights. The black bone dragon army also deliberately lowered its flight altitude to cooperate with these ground defense forces so as to coordinate ground-to-air operations and better resist possible attacks from the enemy. Perhaps because they noticed my arrangement, the enemy did not continue to rush forward. They temporarily suspended their advance outside the range of the ghost lancers, spread out their formations, and formed a confrontation with us in mid-air.
Then, the enemy's ghost knights dispersed from the middle to both sides like a tide, leaving a passage in the middle of the formation. A ghost knight with a special shape walked to the front position. Not only was its body taller and stronger, but its mount, the ghost Pegasus, was obviously larger than the other ghost knights. Moreover, the armor and helmet equipped on its body were not pure black, but seemed to shine with a faint golden light, as if it was made of black gold. The weapon in its hand was a huge saber, which was definitely the largest model I had ever seen, and it also shone with the luster of black gold. It should be a melee ghost knight, but it had five objects that looked like javelins stuck in its back. It looked a bit like a ghost lance cavalry, or perhaps like Red Star, a special type of ghost knight that was suitable for both melee and long-range attacks. Behind it, one on the left and one on the right, there were two ghost knights following closely. They should be guards, and they were not ordinary guys either. They looked obviously more powerful than the other level 10 ghost knights nearby. At least they felt stronger than the intermediate level 10 Haishar that I subdued.
Such a grand ceremony, such a mighty appearance, could it be the legendary Ghost Knight King who has come? I couldn't help but feel a little bitter. Although I came to develop the Ghost Knight Kingdom to strengthen my own strength and conquer more soldiers, especially the tenth-level Ghost Knights, I naturally wanted to defeat and conquer the rumored Ghost Knight King who was even more powerful, and I would not let him go easily. However, such a powerful king appeared a little too early. I have only invaded the Ghost Knight Kingdom for about a week, and I have only initially established my own sphere of influence, and I have not had time to consolidate my rule. It is another long expedition without enough strength around us and without the help of level 10 elite combat forces. The overall strength can be said to be quite weak. For the time being, we do not have the qualifications to challenge the local Ghost Knight powers, especially the top existence like the Ghost Knight King. Even if we have the intention to get involved, we do not have the strength to conquer it. If the attacking enemy is really the Ghost Knight King, once this battle starts, it can almost be said that there is no chance of winning. I will not have any chance. Not only will I suffer heavy casualties, but I am afraid that the sphere of influence that I have just developed will also be forcibly taken back.
"Evil invaders, I am the Ghost Knight King Heinrich. Whoever is the main messenger among you, stand up and answer the question." The leading Ghost Knight shouted.
The other party's words shattered my last fantasy. The enemy that attacked was actually the most mysterious and powerful Ghost Knight King in the rumors. Why, why did the Ghost Knight King come so early? I haven't caused much damage to the Ghost Knight Kingdom. I just made some minor harassments in the border areas. It's too unreasonable for the mysterious Ghost Knight King to personally lead the army to fight. Even if I invaded the territory directly under its jurisdiction, this reaction is too intense. There has not even been a formal "Undead War". The territory I occupied is not large, but they came to attack me brazenly. This is not like the style of a king. Does the Ghost Knight attach great importance to his own territory and does not allow any invasion? It's too unfortunate to provoke the Ghost Knight King so early.
Those black bone dragons that were only at the upper level of level nine were naturally not qualified to represent me in dealing with the Ghost Knight King Heinrich. The newly conquered Ghost Knights were even less likely to face the questioning of their king, so I had to deal with it myself. Heinrich did not directly attack, so he must have something to say. The matter might still be resolved peacefully through negotiation. It was best not to anger him and turn it into a violent conflict. I did not have the strength to eat up Heinrich and his more than 300 direct subordinates. No matter what the final result was, I would be the one who suffered the loss, and I would not be able to gain any advantage.
I also walked out of the group of ghost knights and stood in front of the formation. Of course, I only slightly surpassed the ghost knights in the front row of my side, and did not get closer to the hostile ghost knight king Heinrich. I have to be on guard against others. The five javelins behind it that looked like weapons really made me feel guilty. Maybe they could attack from a very long distance. I don't want to capsize in the ditch and accidentally encounter some conspiracy. "Hello, ghost knight king Heinrich, I am the undead holy mage Ah Dai, I wonder what you want to see me for?"
"So you are a mysterious necromancer. No wonder you are so powerful. Let's put it this way. As a fellow warrior of the 'Dead Space', I don't want to fight with you directly. As long as you promise me two things, I will forgive you and your men and let you safely evacuate our Ghost Knight country."
Fighting head-on doesn't have much chance of winning, nor will it gain any advantage. It will only lead to unnecessary losses. It's better not to fight if you can. Although Heinrich's tone seems to want to completely expel my forces from the Ghost Knight Kingdom, but since I have provoked the Ghost Knight King and my current strength is insufficient, a temporary strategic retreat is still feasible. As long as I don't hurt the foundation and accumulate experience, I can come back in the future and compete with the Ghost Knight King again. There is no need to hold on blindly. "I don't know which two conditions are they?"
"First, you and your men must immediately withdraw from the territory that has been occupied by our Ghost Knight Kingdom, and swear in the name of the supreme Lord Death that you will never invade our Ghost Knight Kingdom again."
It's really too dark. I originally thought that it would not embarrass me too much since it knew the power and reputation of our necromancers. I didn't expect it to be such an arrogant fool. It seemed that it had already taken me. The first condition was so harsh that I definitely couldn't accept it. Wouldn't it force me to resist? If I wasn't at a disadvantage in the fight, I would have turned hostile immediately. I barely suppressed my anger and asked, "What about the second condition?"
"I can let you take all the Ghost Riders you have subdued, but you must leave one for me and completely release your control over it."
" Oh, I wonder which one?" This condition seemed easier to accept, but I didn't know which Ghost Knight was worthy of the Ghost Knight King's attention and would come forward to ask me in person.
"Haishar."
Is it it? Thinking of the overpowerful strength of Haishar's men when they attacked me, which was not like a normal group of ghost knights, I immediately had an idea. Could it be that Haishar and Heinrich have some direct relationship? He deliberately proposed such a condition, which obviously shows that he values Haishar very much. Perhaps Heinrich's expedition this time was because of Haishar. Otherwise, it would be impossible for it to rush here in a hurry after I invaded the ghost knight country for so many days, and it also knew that Haishar fell into my hands. This happened two days ago, and it was not there, how could it know? Even if it was reported to it by other ghost knights, if there was no relationship, an ordinary level 10 intermediate ghost knight, who did not have special attributes such as evolution, should not be seen by the high and mighty ghost knight king. "How can you be sure that this Haishar is in my hands? Even if it and I have encountered it before, wouldn't it have died in battle?"
"Haishar is a junior that I have worked hard to train. I have high hopes for him and he is of great use to me. Therefore, there is a special spiritual connection between him and me, and I can roughly sense his condition. He is still alive, but his soul is restrained by a more powerful force and has to betray me. This is a unique method used by you necromancers. You can't hide it from me."
Damn, it really has a direct relationship with the Ghost Knight King. After signing the "Soul Contract" with Haishar, I saw that it was only a level 10 intermediate and had no special attributes or skills, so I didn't pay much attention to it. I just asked about some information about the Ghost Knight, but didn't involve the Ghost Knight King. I thought it was impossible to deal with these rumored guys so soon, and I didn't think about hitting them. It turned out to be a big fish with such an important identity. Needless to say, the reason why Heinrich was provoked was probably because I caught Haishar. I really don't know if I am unlucky or lucky. I wanted to develop step by step, but I got into such a big trouble at the beginning.
If it was just the second condition, since Haishaer was only a mid-level tenth-level player and had no special abilities, and his combat power was not particularly outstanding, it would not be a pity to give it up, and I could still consider agreeing to it. The first condition required me to swear in the name of the dead old man not to invade the Ghost Knight Kingdom again, which was equivalent to forcing me to completely give up the relevant interests of the Ghost Knights. Not only would the teleportation magic array be set up in vain, but I would also lose a good opportunity to enhance my own strength, which was something I absolutely could not accept. "I wonder if these two conditions can be discussed again. Not letting me get involved in the Ghost Knight Kingdom again is a bit too harsh, isn't it? At worst, I can promise to avoid your territory and develop in another place, and not infringe on your direct interests."
"We, the Ghost Knight King, do not have a clear division of territory. Any place in the Ghost Knight Kingdom is our sphere of influence. No matter where you develop, it may harm my interests in the end. You have no room for bargaining and must do as I say. Considering that you are a necromancer, the conditions I propose are already generous enough. Otherwise, facing our assault, you will not be able to withstand the strength you have." Heinrich was quite arrogant and spoke very impolitely. I don't know if it was because of his nature as a king or if he was really confident in his own strength and could indeed defeat me.
"You are certainly not weak in strength, but I have an absolute advantage in the number of my men. It may not be that easy to defeat me."
"Humph, do you think that as the noble Ghost Knight King, I will only bring such a small number of people to the battle? This is just the vanguard led by me personally. There are more men behind us. Once the battle starts, as the battle continues, they will continue to rush to join. You will not have the slightest chance of winning."
Heinrich seemed quite confident, but his conditions were too harsh for me. Even if it meant a life-and-death fight and the sacrifice of more of my men, I could not surrender and was forced to swear an oath to give up my development in the Ghost Knight Kingdom.
As if seeing through my thoughts, Heinrich continued, "Don't try to resist. That would only be a meaningless sacrifice. Don't try to escape either. Even if your black bone dragons are able to escape, those ghost knights are not able to escape our pursuit. And as far as I know, you necromancers are not good at speed, and you are not very powerful. You won't be lucky."
