Chapter 130: Rapid Progress

The Bone Prison is a spell that every intermediate necromancer must master. When wielded with skill, this magic creates the perfect conditions for dark creatures to easily crush their enemies.

For three consecutive days, in the graveyard behind the Babylon Academy of Magic and Martial Arts, Han Shuo practiced the Bone Prison spell alone. His indomitable willpower, combined with the newfound clarity of his mind following the expansion of his brain’s potential, allowed him to grasp the essence of necromancy with increasing precision.

Previously, certain complex magical concepts might have required long periods of contemplation, but now, his mind was remarkably sharp. Whenever he calmed himself to ponder these topics, he found he could unravel their meaning in a short amount of time.

In just three days, he had progressed from constant failure to being able to cast the Bone Prison with at least a rudimentary level of proficiency. He had also begun formal practice of the Bone Shield spell. This rapid pace of cultivation was astonishing even to Han Shuo himself.

"Clap, clap, clap!"

The sound of applause echoed from nearby. The graceful and alluring Emily appeared from the graveyard, smiling as she walked slowly toward him.

Han Shuo stopped his practice and looked at the approaching woman. "I have already met with Candida. I didn't realize your status within the Dark Veil was so high. It seems I am to be included in your mission."

"Hehe, my mission requires your communication with the forest trolls regardless. Although my status isn't as high as that old fox Candida, he still owes me a favor, and he had to grant my request regarding this small matter. Once you join this mission, I will yield the majority of the credit to you upon its completion. That should be enough to boost your rank in the Dark Veil by two stars," Emily said. Once she reached him, she naturally slipped her arm through his, smiling in a coaxing manner.

Just as Han Shuo was about to offer a compliment, he remembered what Candida had said. A new layer of caution regarding Emily’s background surfaced in his mind. With a somber expression, he said, "After meeting with Candida this time, he spoke to me about your true identity and warned me to be careful in how I handle things to avoid unnecessary trouble. It was only then that I learned you are the younger sister of Lord Emias. However, I am still unclear about your other identity. Can you tell me now?"

At these words, Emily’s expression shifted slightly. She looked at Han Shuo intently for a long moment before letting out a soft sigh. "It seems Candida thinks quite highly of you, fearing that I might deceive you. Very well, since it has come to this, there is no need to hide it. The truth is, I was married several years ago, but my husband left for the front lines shortly after our wedding and never returned. He died on the battlefield, and I have been a widow ever since."

After hearing this, Han Shuo fell silent for a time before asking, "That man must have held a significant position; otherwise, Candida wouldn't have warned me so pointedly."

Emily nodded. "That is true, but he is gone now, so there is no point in discussing it. Because of my involvement with the Dark Veil, my duties have often forced me to act in ways that seem eccentric. Consequently, my reputation among the empire’s upper crust is not particularly good."

"How so?" Han Shuo asked, looking at her steadily.

Emily shook her head with a self-deprecating smile, her expression dimming. "Just like when you first met me and assumed I was a woman of loose morals. Because of my status as a widow, and the nature of my work with the Dark Veil, I have inevitably been the subject of malicious gossip."

Han Shuo had been the one to take her innocence; while others might doubt her, he could not. Seeing her expression now, he couldn't help but pull her into his arms. "I don't care what others say. I know the truth, and I know you are not the person they claim you to be. Don't worry, I won't be swayed by those rumors."

Emily shook her head with a look of gratitude. "Candida’s words were a warning, and it seems I must face the facts. Given your talent and progress, your future achievements will be immeasurable. But because of my specific status, it seems we must maintain this clandestine relationship. Otherwise, it would be detrimental to us both."

Han Shuo understood her meaning perfectly. Much like Emma had warned him about his relationship with Fanny, the class structures and taboos of this world were unavoidable; challenging them would surely lead to harsh consequences.

He kissed her, then said in a cold, determined voice, "Don't worry. I won't let you stay in the shadows forever. One day, we will be able to walk together in the light. The only reason we cannot be blatant now is because I have not climbed high enough. When my position is such that I can decide the fate of others at will, I believe everyone will hold their tongues—or, if they do speak, it will be to offer us their blessings."

Upon hearing this, Emily’s face lit up with ecstasy. She wrapped her arms tightly around him, moved to tears. "You can do it. I believe in you!"

After a moment of intimacy, Emily, still flushed, said, "You must handle the forest troll matter quickly. The Medivh Chamber of Commerce has already begun contacting merchants who trade with them and is heading toward the Darkwood Forest. They intend to purchase that batch of siege equipment, and you must ensure the trolls hand it over to them."

Han Shuo nodded in understanding. "I have a thief friend who is quite reliable. He wants to assist with this mission. Would it be possible to include him?"

"No problem. I am in charge of this mission, and many of my subordinates have already joined. One more won't hurt. If he is trustworthy, I can call upon him directly when I return. That way, if you are at the Babylon Academy, I can reach you through him. My own presence at your academy is not particularly appropriate, after all," Emily replied readily.

"Very well. His name is Chester. Recently, he has been responsible for guarding the northern outpost. If you have any instructions and it is inconvenient for you to appear yourself, you can have him do it. I will return to the Darkwood Forest as soon as possible. You should go attend to your affairs," Han Shuo said.

"Very well. I will contact you if anything comes up. Rest assured, I am certain this mission will be completed quickly," Emily said before taking her leave.

Once she was gone, Han Shuo contemplated his next steps and headed toward the Buster Chamber of Commerce. It was still two days before his scheduled meeting with Phoebe, but with the weather turning colder, he worried about the dwarves' supplies. He decided to make a trip to the Death Graveyard to secure enough food for the winter.

Now that he possessed a spatial ring with greater capacity, one trip would be sufficient. He would also need to prepare supplies for the forest trolls, whose numbers were significant enough that his ring might be strained. It was best to handle the dwarves' needs first.

Arriving at the Buster Chamber of Commerce, Han Shuo found that Phoebe was out, and he was received by Fubin instead. Given their current relationship, Han Shuo could handle the matter without Phoebe's direct involvement.

Fubin, whose status had risen steadily alongside Phoebe’s, led Han Shuo to the storage warehouse. Under Fubin's orders, the doors were opened, and Han Shuo loaded all the supplies he and Phoebe had previously prepared into his spatial ring in one go.

"Please tell Miss Phoebe that I will need more supplies. Have her prepare them, and when I return in two days, I will settle the payment in full," Han Shuo said with a smile.

"Hehe, no problem at all. Given our relationship, I can handle this small matter for you myself. You have nothing to worry about," Fubin promised with a beaming smile.

"It seems your status at the Buster Chamber of Commerce is rising, Mr. Fubin," Han Shuo remarked, surprised by his confidence.

"Oh, it is all thanks to you. If not for your appearance, I don't think I would have climbed this high so easily. Miss Phoebe values me so much likely because I was the one who introduced you to her. Truly, I must thank you. And my nephew, Jack—I never expected him to benefit from your favor as well. It seems you are our benefactor," Fubin said sincerely.

"You are too kind. Please give my regards to Jack and tell him I stopped by, but I am too busy today to catch up properly," Han Shuo said, exchanging pleasantries before smiling and leaving the firm.