Reborn with a Necromancer System - Chapter 71

Chapter 71: To Ylthara
The road stretched long before them, the wagon’s wheels creaking rhythmically as Kai, Rael, and the merchant made their way toward Ylthara. Ognacious Karthiem, ever talkative, filled the air with tales of his trades and past journeys, his voice a steady companion against the backdrop of rolling plains and scattered forests.

The most interesting thing, and something Kai grilled him for answers about, was his trades with people known as the Lizarthans. Lizard-like people in a small country past the western sea. Close enough to travel by boat for two days. He talked about their avid use of bows and single-edged swords over magic, and the main type of magic used being strengthening magic. He traded weapons, and battle tactics with them.

Ognacious stopped the wagon and rummaged through the back, finding a small wooden box. He lifted the case and of pulled out something Kai was all too familiar with from his past life.

A katana. A pure black sheath and a blade of white metal that seemed to glow on its own.

Rael, during the journey, was ever watchful, his sharp eyes sweeping the landscape, hand never far from his sword.

As dusk settled, they made camp off the road in a small clearing. Ognacious busied himself with a small fire, the flames crackling to life as he prepared a simple meal of salted meat and dry bread.

“Here, lad,” the merchant said, handing Kai a portion. “Nothing fancy, but it fills the belly.”

Kai accepted with a nod, subtly weaving his magic while the others weren’t looking. A faint shimmer surrounded the food for an instant before fading, his barrier, ensuring no surprises from poison and making sure it didn’t rot in his mouth. He took a measured bite, keeping his expression neutral.

Rael, leaning against a fallen log, watched him with a knowing look. “You use magic like it’s second nature.”

‘He saw that? I knew he had sharp eyes, but…’

Kai swallowed harshly before replying. “It’s useful in small ways. Safety first.”

The older man chuckled, the firelight casting deep shadows on his weathered face. “Practical. I like that.”

Later that night, as Ognacious snored in his bedroll, Rael nudged Kai with the hilt of his sword. “You’re good with your magic, but there’s more to combat than quick magic and shadow tricks. Get up.”

“What? Why?”

“You’re just a kid in the road. I’d feel bad leaving you with him if I’m not confident in your skills.”

Kai arched a brow but rose to his feet.

“Fine.”

Rael stepped back, drawing his blade with an easy motion. “Show me how you handle yourself with a sword.”

Kai hesitated. “I mostly use magic.”

“Then consider this a lesson in broadening your skillset.” Rael gestured for him to take position.

Kai grabbed his own blade, pulled from his shadow space, feeling its weight in his hands. Just a dagger with strengthening and lightning sigils carved into it.

Rael didn’t attack immediately, instead walking a slow circle around him. “Your stance is too rigid. Bend your knees a little more. Keep your center of gravity low.”

Kai adjusted as instructed. Rael nodded in approval before stepping forward with a quick strike. Kai managed to parry, the impact jolting up his arm.

“Not bad,” Rael said. “But predictable.” He moved again, faster this time, his blade a blur. Kai countered with a twist, using his agility to step aside rather than meet the force head-on. Their blades clashed in the dim glow of the fire, the sound sharp against the night air.

‘I guess having something that’s not a four-year-old’s body makes a difference.’

After an hour of sparring, Rael lowered his sword. “You learn quick. You rely on instinct, but instinct alone won’t carry you against a real swordsman. Use your magic, sure, but don’t neglect the blade.”

Kai realised something rather quickly. Rael held back when he was a child, because whenever he got closer to reaching Rael’s speed, strength, or technique, the difficulty increased time and time again.

Kai exhaled, rolling his shoulders. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

Rael smirked. “Good. Now get some rest. We’ll go again tomorrow.”

—

The next morning, they set off under a pale sky. The journey was mostly uneventful until midday when the air grew heavy with an unnatural stillness. Kai tensed, sensing something wrong.

Then they saw them.

Creatures.

Half-scorpion and half-cat slithered across the road, segmented tails twitching menacingly. Their eyes glowed with eerie, unnatural light.

Ognacious screamed and piled into the back of the wagon, watching carefully with his balding head poking around the corner of the vehicle.

Rael wasted no time, unsheathing his sword in a smooth motion. Fire magic flickered to life, his blade glowing red-hot as he surged forward. His movements were swift and precise, a swordsman through and through. His blade cleaved through the creatures with practiced efficiency, their charred bodies collapsing into the dirt.

The blood of the creatures sizzled as it touched anything and the grass beneath them melted.

“Their blood is acidic! Get it on you and that might be the end of you!” Rael yelled.

“Got it!”

Kai stepped forward, mana gathering at his fingertips before lashing out in thin, razor-like slashes of shadow. Several creatures collapsed at once, their bodies twitching before going still.

“Fast,” Rael commented as he wiped his blade clean. “Not just your magic. Your movements, too. Not bad kid. Better than I gave you credit for.”

Kai shrugged. “You don’t survive without being quick.”

The older knight studied him for a moment before nodding. “Fair enough.”

‘I really want those corpses. The acid, if that’s more than just in their blood, would be a great addition to my army. But Rael is too smart not to notice the corpses disappearing.’

—

As they traveled, Rael shared fragments of his past. “I used to serve the royal knights in the Citadel,” he admitted one evening as they sat around the campfire. “But that life… it became too rigid. Too many rules, too much blood spilled for reasons that didn’t sit right with me. So, I left.”

Kai listened intently. “And now you want to offer a place for those who wish to leave?”

Rael nodded. “Ylthara’s always been independent. If the Citadel and its church keep tightening their grip, more will want out. Someone has to give them a place to go.”

Kai pondered this. “It’s a noble cause.”

Rael smirked. “Noble? Maybe. Necessary? Definitely.”

—

When they reached Ylthara, Rael prepared to part ways. He adjusted his sword belt, glancing at Kai one last time. “If you ever find yourself in the Arena of Kings,” he said, “look for me. I’ve been invited to train contestants for the gladiatorial fights. Of course, I’ll only accept that once Orrinsby is given a right of asylum.”

Kai nodded. “I’ll keep that in mind. Thanks, Rael.”

The retired knight gave him a firm nod before striding off toward the city, leaving Kai to continue his journey.