210: Tomb Raider

Chapter 207: Conquering the Ancient Tomb

Having lost all his remaining Undead servants, and even his crucial phylactery destroyed, Isgrasa was now unable to even close the Ancient Tomb.

The Lich's defeat was inevitable.

This Lich, who had lain dormant for centuries under the Dark Lord, was now facing the final chapter of his life.

The force led by the Baron of Qingfeng Valley had surrounded the Ancient Tomb, and the young Baron himself had led troops deep into the catacombs.

Thanks to today's daily intelligence, the traps, ambushes, and various mechanisms within the Ancient Tomb were all deactivated one by one.

As a Life Domain Cleric, Arthur, with his formidable healing abilities, achieved virtually zero casualties for the team.

In this manner, the squad proceeded unhindered, finally locating the evil Lich in the deepest part of the Ancient Tomb.

It was a chilling tomb chamber, permeated by an unsettling, dim yellow glow.

A strong stench of decay assailed the nostrils.

Pale bones were piled on the stone floor, while the walls and ceiling were covered with various eerie runes.

One symbol was particularly striking.

Drawing on his familiarity with DND, Arthur recognized it at a glance as belonging to the demon prince Orcus.

This provided answers to many questions.

It was highly probable that the Lich transformation scroll Isgrasa had obtained originated from this very demon prince.

Orcus was one of the earliest rulers of the Abyss, revered as king by all Undead creatures.

Almost every Ghoul would pray to him during their transformation ritual, seeking his blessing.

In short, this demon, who had been killed and reborn repeatedly, constantly plotting grand schemes in the shadows, was an utterly terrifying entity.

Arthur couldn't help but marvel that Qingfeng Valley was truly a gathering place for heroes.

First, there was the enigmatic Dark Lord, then the Beastkin under Malar, the God of the Hunt.

After that, the king in yellow appeared.

Now, even the traces of a demon prince were involved.

Arthur exhaled softly, directing his gaze forward.

Two braziers made of human bones were burning fiercely.

In the center of the tomb chamber stood a high platform constructed from skeletons.

Upon the platform rested an intricately carved throne.

Seated on the throne was an ugly creature with grayish skin and a decaying body.

Arthur stepped towards the decaying entity slumped on the throne.

His followers instinctively wanted to follow but were stopped by his raised hand.

Arthur knew well that Isgrasa could no longer pose any threat to him; it was merely a lingering shell, a walking corpse, its only remaining support in this world likely just the persistence of its resentment.

"Welcome to my kingdom," the Lich rasped in a cold voice, "My name is Isgrasa, Lord of the Undead.

"And also the ruler of this land."

Arthur ascended the steps leading to the throne, the scattered bone fragments crunching under his feet.

Airo watched all of this with concern, and everyone else wore tense expressions.

On the other side, Jessica had already signaled her subordinates to spread out.

Some searched various parts of the tomb chamber, while others slowly surrounded the throne.

Previously, Jessica's team had spent considerable time clearing the Undead entrenched in the mill.

She had planned to immediately go to the manor to support Arthur but unexpectedly ran into Arthur, who was heading towards the mill, midway.

When she learned that her lord had not only cleared the entire manor estate but also dealt with the hidden dangers in the vineyard, the leader of the resistance couldn't help but marvel at the lord's astonishing efficiency.

On the other side of the tomb chamber, Flora and Airo stood side by side.

The two were closest to the throne, and Airo remained on high alert.

Flora, in contrast, appeared remarkably calm.

Airo finally couldn't hold back and asked her, "You used to always stay by the Lord's side, almost inseparable.

"Why are you so composed now?"

"Because I've realized something," Flora responded, "All this time, it has been the Lord protecting us, not us guarding him."

Airo pondered these words carefully.

She had to admit the female warrior monk was right.

Throughout their journey, Arthur had become almost everyone's guardian angel.

He was like a mountain that could withstand all storms, steady and dependable.

Wherever he was, people felt safe, and their inner courage would be quietly ignited.

Just as she felt now.

"When we win this battle," Airo said, "tell me all about your fight in the vineyard."

Flora actually wanted to tell her companion that she hadn't participated in the entire battle.

She had no idea what had happened beneath the winery.

She only saw black smoke rising from the direction of the winery, after which the terrifying grapevines withered and died one by one.

Flora knew well that the Saint must have endured a difficult, fierce battle.

And she also vaguely sensed that a divine power lingered on him.

It was the power of the Forest Mother, healing his injuries from the inside out.

Meanwhile, the conversation on the throne continued.

"You are no king at all," Arthur said coldly, "You are merely a pathetic creation.

"Perhaps your master could be considered a king, but I am certain he wouldn't care whether you live or die.

"You are just another poor wretch he has deceived."

"No! No!" the Lich shrieked, "All my meticulous preparations...

"Were utterly destroyed by you, you despicable mortal!

"Your fleeting life cannot possibly comprehend the meaning of all this!"

With his roar, the runes on the tomb chamber walls suddenly lit up.

But Arthur, who had been prepared, had already arranged for his subordinates to set up countermeasures in advance.

The scattered bones in the tomb chamber began to reassemble, attempting to form new Undead warriors.

Jessica immediately ordered her soldiers to act, shattering all the skeletons that were just beginning to form.

Seeing his final killer move also foiled, Isgrasa struggled to rise from the throne.

This pathetic creature even tried to strangle Arthur with its withered fingers.

But the young Baron gave it no chance; he stepped back.

His task as bait was complete.

Finally, this Lich, who had been entrenched in Qingfeng Valley for a century, turned into a pile of ashes amidst unwilling wails.

With this, Arthur had finally brought Mist Town largely under control.

As for the small factions still active in the surrounding areas, such as the Kuo-Toa in the Swamp or the Black Blood People, they would not pose too great a threat.

The young Baron could finally breathe a sigh of relief.

Next, he planned to dedicate all his energy to territorial development.

He had to ensure Mist Town possessed sufficient defensive capabilities before the enemies could gather for a counterattack.

That evening, the clearing team returned to town.

News of the Plantation's recapture quickly spread throughout the town, and the Townsfolk emerged from their homes and came into the streets, spontaneously welcoming the victorious team.

Arthur was naturally placed in the very center of the procession.

The veterans of the Pioneer Group loudly proclaimed the Lord's great achievements.

Enthusiastic followers quickly joined in, and a grand parade thus unfolded.

Arthur originally wanted to stop the parade but was dissuaded by Lovich and his sister.

The Lovich siblings were now completely convinced by Arthur.

They had initially believed that the attack on the Ancient Tomb would be an exceptionally difficult and arduous battle.

But ever since Arthur joined, the entire battle had become remarkably smooth.

The soldiers did not fall into any traps, the mechanisms of the Ancient Tomb were all destroyed, and even the ambushers hidden in the corners were avoided in advance.

He is here to save this land, Heir thought, gazing at the young cleric surrounded by the crowd.

The Godmother's prophecy was not mistaken.