Awesome Shut-In Necromancer

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Trione was quite a renowned Hunter in the U.S. before entering Hades.

She was the top candidate expected to become the next S-rank. However, her limits arrived much quicker than she anticipated, and amidst her struggles, she realized her true power.

The ability to manipulate human emotions and control minds.

With this newfound ability, Trione could have certainly been a unique existence even among A Rank Hunters.

But then.

‘What on earth is that guy?’

A mysterious Necromancer blocking her path with a dark hood pulled low over his face.

To be honest, the Undead he summoned weren’t that powerful, but something just felt off.

‘…This doesn’t feel right.’

Trione was clearly the one in the advantageous position.

Her minions, whom she had brainwashed and controlled over many years, were pushing the Undead back, yet for some reason, the enemy showed not the slightest hint of disturbance.

“Is this all you’ve got?”

In response to Gordon’s nonchalant words, Trione twisted her face in contempt.

“There’s no way that’s all.”

Boom!

One of the Awakened Ones under her control caused a massive explosion with their abilities, and amidst that, the assassin-types dashed towards Gordon in an instant.

‘But it’s just a rear guard; they can’t do much in a close fight.’

Trione watched Gordon with confidence in her victory.

Of course, there wasn’t an A Rank among the brainwashed Awakened Ones, but since her opponent was a Necromancer, those underlings should suffice in close quarters.

Bam!

Bam!

Slash!

Just as expected, with the follow-up attacks from her minions, Gordon’s body was torn apart and pierced, sustaining a mortal wound.

Thinking it was an unnecessary worry, Trione shifted her gaze to Song Ha Yeon who was positioned behind her.

“It seems both this and that will be over sooner than expected.”

“…Well, maybe.”

Noticing Trione’s puzzled expression at the ambiguous response, Song Ha Yeon shrugged nonchalantly.

“The two going that way are unlikely to make it back safely.”

“Wishful thinking. If those two join forces, even Jackson wouldn’t stand a chance.”

At that moment, an eerie laughter echoed throughout the dilapidated factory.

“Hehe, you sure know how to talk.”

“How on earth…?”

Crack!

Despite sustaining a mortal wound, Gordon, emitting Death Energy from his entire body, clung onto the heads of Awakened Ones who were stabbing him repeatedly.

“Energy Drain!”

Swish!

In an instant, the Awakened Ones were drained of their life force, their bodies withering away. Trione flinched in shock and called over the remaining minions near Gordon.

“You! What on earth are you?!”

He was no ordinary Necromancer. The aura emanating from him was of a type she had never seen before.

Feeling nervously, as she swallowed, Gordon slowly revealed his true form.

Crisp.

Crisp.

“You poor fool. Not even realizing you’re stepping into the Swamp of Death, are you? How pitiable.”

A body made entirely of pure white bones, eyes that seemed to contain the abyss, and Death Energy flowing in between them.

The instant Trione recognized that sight, she stumbled back involuntarily, her expression one of disbelief.

“L-Lich…! Why is a Lich here?!”

Trione couldn’t possibly comprehend the situation. Why on earth would a boss-level Lich from a high-tier dungeon exist in a place like this?

Moreover, the opponent was acting alongside humans; it was something that defied common sense.

‘Wait, hold on. I definitely…’

During her prior investigation into Baek Eun Ha, she had come across information.

The Double Dungeon incident that had recently caused a stir, where the boss of that dungeon was none other than a Lich.

‘There’s no one else who fits.’

If that’s the case, it would mean that the story of the Lich being brought out from a dungeon where the Break hadn’t even occurred is true.

‘Is such a thing… even possible?’

A rising sense of dread began to amplify in Trione’s heart.

If Baek Eun Ha is behind such an event, then what on earth is her true identity?

And that ominous thought soon approached reality.

Whoosh.

Splatter!

Something warm splattered against Trione’s cheek.

When she swiped it with her hand, blood smeared onto her palm. Of course, it wasn’t her own.

“That can’t be.”

Her trembling eyes confirmed a recently severed limb on the ground.

It belonged to Wei, who had chased Baek Eun Ha along with Madison.

“Y-You couldn’t even take care of one person? What a mess.”

Startled by the sudden soft voice, Trione involuntarily shuddered.

“I intentionally left some behind. As a disciple, I can’t steal my Master’s share, can I?”

“…I don’t particularly care.”

Next to Baek Eun Ha was a giant Undead she hadn’t seen before.

And somehow, Trione found the Undead’s outfit familiar.

“N-No way…”

She tried to deny it desperately, but the undeniable reality was right in front of her.

Both of them, looking around high school age at best, had been completely overpowered by that young girl without sustaining any notable injuries.

The realization hit Trione, and it was an overwhelming wave of fear flooding in without pause.

‘…I have to run.’

Wei had been cut down, and Madison had been turned into Undead, her soul captured by the enemy.

It’d be better to die than end up in such a pitiful state.

Whoosh.

Trione poured her magic power with all her might, spreading it throughout the vast space.

Her abilities were not merely about brainwashing. She could easily confuse her enemies over a wide area like this.

“Confusion!”

Whoosh.

Yet for some reason, even after activating the spell, the enemy made not even the slightest move.

Just as she was at a loss for what to do, Trione’s spell was shattered on the spot.

Boom!

Swoosh.

“Why…?”

“I’m already used to it.”

Although she didn’t know the exact means, it appeared Baek Eun Ha had nullified her spell.

Thud.

Trione realized that there were no more options left and fell into despair.

Then, right in front of Trione, distinct footsteps began to sound.

Step.

Step.

Thud.

“…Ugh, I had to go through quite a hassle because of you.”

“…”

Whoosh.

Extending her hand near Trione’s head, Baek Eun Ha hesitated for a moment before continuing.

“If you’re going to brainwash people so recklessly, you ought to expect a payback at least once.”

“What do you mean?”

“I swear to give both my body and mind to you.”

It was the same soul contract she had previously shown against Kwon Min Ji.

“…What if I refuse?”

“Ugh. Then, if you’d rather end up in the same situation as her.”

Seeing Madison, completely turned into Undead with her humanity lost, Trione swallowed hard.

“…I swear.”

Whoosh.

Swoosh.

With that, Trione’s soul was bound to Baek Eun Ha.

And Baek Eun Ha, turning away with a hand over her mouth, immediately issued Trione’s first command.

“First, uhm. Tell me everything you know.”

“…I understand.”

“Oh, wait. First, move back ten meters. Ugh…”

With that, Trione’s first battle with Hades came to an end.

#

[…]

[I’ll stop here with what I know. I can’t really lie in this situation, so no need for proof.]

After binding Trione’s soul, I found the contact details and received Hades’ information over a call from about fifteen meters away.

“Y-You had the form of a competent hunter but only knew this much?”

[I haven’t been in Hades for long, so I don’t know much. In fact, Jackson probably has more information than I do.]

However, I had summoned Penelope’s body during the fight with Jackson, exhausting my resources, and hadn’t realized Hades existed in the first place, so I couldn’t extract information.

It was quite disappointing given the situation.

‘…So there are higher-ups among these guys?’

According to Trione, while there wasn’t a clear hierarchy, four individuals were implied to be upper ranks and treated as such.

Moreover, three among them were Returners. Honestly, it was an unexpected power.

‘Though I had noticed from the moment we were both A Rank, they’re not to be taken lightly…’

Of course, just because they were Returners didn’t mean all of them possessed great strength, but they were definitely targets to be wary of.

No need to look far; I was classified as a Returner as well.

‘And their objective is…’

It was to resurrect some unknown thing.

I tried to probe further, but sadly, Trione couldn’t offer any more details.

“W-What a useless one.”

[…]

Once the light inquiries were completed, Trione asked me with a trembling voice.

[…What do you plan to do with me now?]

“Y-You’ll be No. 3 slave.”

Honestly, no further explanation was necessary. To me, it was just a convenient aide who wouldn’t get beaten up anywhere.

Afterward, I had Trione completely undo Kwon Min Ji’s brainwashing and stuffed her into the trunk of the car, effectively concluding the situation.

Finally, as Trione attempted to join me in the car, I shot her a side-eye and scoffed.

“What are you doing?”

“…Aren’t you taking me with you?”

“Ugh. You need to clean up the mess first. Can’t you tell just by looking?”

“Then how am I supposed to find you?”

“Ah, just figure it out and come back.”

Thud.

With that, we concluded our long yet brief outing and returned home.