Lord-Tier Side Quest: The Rise of the Death Lord! (Two-in-One)

"I've done what I can. Now it's up to her... to see how strong her hatred and resentment are."

Delifa explained, "Transforming from Human Species to Undead Species is an extremely painful process. Most undead creatures have no memories of their previous life because the pain of Undead Species is so intense that their memories are torn apart. The more powerful the template, the more painful the reincarnation process."

"The very few undead creatures that can retain their memories during such a painful process generally become powerful Leader Tier powerhouses."

"The Death Knight that Goliya transformed into is also Leader Tier being, right? Will she retain her memories?" Bai Xiaowen asked. This was related to how he would approach Goliya next—or rather, how he would deceive her.

"Like other Death Knight, she will forget some things, but those very vivid and unforgettable memories will still remain. Of course, the premise is that she can survive. Without a strong enough obsession, the final outcome can only be a failed reincarnation," Delifa explained.

As she spoke, the black mist enveloping Goliya's body writhed even more violently, and suddenly began to contract.

A howling, eerie wind swept through the area, Bai Xiaowen could feel the chilling energy surging in from all directions around the Grand Mausoleum.

In this feeling, Goliya as if she had become a black hole, greedily devouring the surrounding Yin energy!

A hint of joy appeared on Delifa's face as she said, "It seems she's made it through. She can even actively absorb the Yin energy in the Grand Mausoleum... Amazing! She'll definitely be incredibly powerful after her successful reincarnation."

As the yin energy entered her body, the black mist on Goliya's body surface also rapidly contracted and surged into Goliya's body.

Finally, the black mist swirling around her body, along with the gathered Yin energy, was drawn into Goliya's body like a whale sucking in water.

The first thing I saw was a head of white hair, like the snow in the Northern Frontier.

Goliya's armor, which had originally shimmered, seemed to have been tainted by the cold energy, turning from azure to dark blue.

Most notably, Goliya's two-handed greatsword seemed to have been touched by an invisible hand, with blue ice flowers forming all over its surface. The lion's head on the hilt also twisted rapidly, transforming into a skull.

"This... this... Frostmourne?"

Bai Xiaowen felt a little uneasy. Had he accidentally created a Lich King from the Aaron Plane?

Goliya slowly opened her closed eyes.

Her original blue eyes became even more crystal clear, shimmering with a magnificent icy blue light. And at the corners of her eyes, there were wisps of cold air flowing.

Goliya's skin was bloodless, with a sickly pallor, but her figure... was still curvaceous, with long, slender legs that were faintly visible beneath her dark blue armor, making it impossible to look away.

It's worth mentioning that Death Knight belong to the Corpse Demonfolk, while Terror Knight belong to the Bonefolk. Although both are cavalry, their appearances are completely different. Compared to the Terror Knight's skeletal form, the Death Knight's appearance is closer to that of a human.

Bai Xiaowen complained on behalf of the Butcher and the Zombie Doctor, "That's not fair!"

We're all Corpse Demonfolk, so why is it that my Great Butcher is so ugly, Zombie Doctor is so lewd, while Goliya's looks haven't declined?

Goliya's lips parted, and clear words escaped her lips:

"I am the Lord of the Northern Frontier... I am the Lord of Aaron!"

"I control death, I rule over the dead!"

"I will tear apart the world of the living and build a kingdom of death on the earth!"

Three villainous BOSS-like remarks left the newly named White Phoenix Squad dumbfounded.

Bai Xiaowen: "(⊙⊙)"

Li Shuyi: "Σ(っ°Д°;)っ"

Qiao Rui: "(°ー°)"

Delifa wasn't surprised. She explained, "Master, don't be surprised. Intelligent undead creatures are transformed from hatred. After successfully reincarnating, they naturally develop a strong hatred for the living. In fact, it's not just intelligent undead creatures; even weak, mindless skeletons will attack out of instinct when they encounter living beings."

"I'm just wondering Goliya's personality has changed so drastically," Bai Xiaowen said.

"It's common for people to change their temperament after experiencing great upheavals, especially since she died once and her personality has been largely erased," Delifa said.

"She won't attack us, will she?" Li Shuyi whispered.

"Won't."

These two words were not spoken by Delifa, but by Goliya above the altar. Her voice, like her previous chuunibyou declaration, carried a cold aura that sent shivers down one's spine.

Bai Xiaowen silently sent a Insight to Goliya.

[Goliya (Level 8 Boss Tier) / Growth Status]

[Race: Undead Species / Corpse Demonfolk]

[Class: Black Knight]

[Attributes: Strength 75, Agility 36, Constitution 65, Spirit 33]

[Special Skill:???]

[Skill 1: Cursed Blade: Passive. Goliya's basic attacks inflict a curse effect, dealing additional shadow damage and randomly applying a negative status effect to enemies. Actively casting Cursed Blade resurrects beings slain by Goliya as undead creatures to fight for her. These transformed undead creatures persist until they are defeated.]

[Skill 2: Empty]

[Skill 3: Empty]

[Skill 4: Empty]

[Skill 5: Domination of Death LV3: Grants an additional 500 Life Value and 50% tenacity.]

"These attributes!" Bai Xiaowen exclaimed in astonishment. "Strength and physique are both extremely high; the total attributes are completely off the charts!"

What truly caught Bai Xiaowen's attention was the "growth status" Goliya's nameplate.

[Growth Status: Black Knight Goliya possesses immense potential. With the passage of time and further training, she will grow rapidly and become even stronger.]

"Why are there three empty skill slots?" Li Shuyi asked in the Team Channel, puzzled.

After reviewing the information shared by Bai Xiaowen, Qiao Rui thought for a moment and replied in the Team Channel: "Goliya might be in a transitional phase between Rare Boss and a lord. Didn't that Banshee just say that the rebirth process for undead creatures is extremely painful, Rend many memories? Goliya's previous skills might have been forgotten. The Yi-Yi combat skill Xiao Wen detected Cursed Blade, is also based on the passive ability of the Black Knight's special physique..."

Bai Xiaowen nodded. "In other words, Goliya also needs to learn in battle and gradually grow to the Lord Tier."

"We actually created a lord!" Li Shuyi exclaimed in disbelief. "Luckily, she said she wouldn't attack us."

As the three whispered amongst themselves, Goliya met the gaze of the White Phoenix Squad and calmly said, "I remember you, Dio Skellboom."

Li Shuyi winked at Bai Xiaowen. She remembered what the Banshee Delifa: intelligent undead creatures only retain "very vivid and unforgettable" memories.

Bai Xiaowen ignored Li Shuyi's little tricks and started his deception.

"Hello, Goliya."

"I don't feel well. My heart is pounding coldly in my chest, and only death energy flows through my frozen veins. But I will try my best to adapt; this is a new beginning," Goliya said calmly. "You and your Banshee helped me complete my reincarnation, giving me the opportunity to take revenge on the living. I will remember your kindness."

"Well, at least you won't keep chasing me for the Soul Stone anymore," Bai Xiaowen asked tentatively.

If Goliya becomes Black Knight and demands Black Soul Stone to enhance her power, etc., a fight between the two sides is inevitable.

Bai Xiaowen wasn't actually worried. Although Goliya's attributes were powerful, she was still weak after her recent reincarnation. With the strength of the three members of the White Phoenix Squad, they could even contend with a genuine lord, let alone Goliya, a Black Knight who was somewhere between Rare Boss and a lord.

Goliya's icy blue eyes remained unwavering. "Soul Stone are meaningless to me. I would much rather you fall into depravity, join my Death Kingdom, and command my Army of the Dead."

"This... Army of the Dead?" Bai Xiaowen subconsciously looked around.

"I control death, and all living beings are my reserve army. To build Army of the Dead is a piece of cake."

Goliya spoke calmly, as if stating a fact, as if uttering such an incredibly pretentious statement. "Tell me, are you willing to join me?"

Bai Xiaowen was just about to complain when she suddenly received a notification from the Spirit Realm Rules:

"You have been accepted by the Black Knight Goliya. Do you agree to join the new faction: the Death Kingdom?"

"Warning: The Death Kingdom is a special force that is hostile to all life. Joining the Death Kingdom will lower your reputation with other factions in the Aaron Plane World to hostile."

The three members of the White Phoenix Squad received the notification simultaneously. However, the decision to join or not rested with their captain, Bai Xiaowen.

"It seems I have no other choice," Bai Xiaowen shrugged.

It's unknown how many factions exist in other regions of the Aaron Continent, but Bai Xiaowen cannot join either of the two major factions in the Northern Frontier: the Resistance Army and the Imperial Army. To avoid wasting the next eight days idly, joining the Death Kingdom is a good option.

Moreover, the Spirit Realm Rules generally dictate that the greater the risk, the higher the reward, much like gambling. Joining the Death Kingdom is so dangerous, it's easy to imagine that the potential rewards must be substantial.

Bai Xiaowen consulted his two teammates.

Li Shuyi has always followed Bai Xiaowen's decisions. Qiao Rui also seems to trust Bai Xiaowen completely and has no objections.

"I'll join," Bai Xiaowen said.

Goliya's pale face remained expressionless, but a hint of joy flickered in her voice. "You made a wise choice, Dio Skellboom."

Spirit Realm Rules Message:

"You have joined a new faction: the Death Kingdom."

"You have triggered Lord Tier side quest: The Rise of the Death Lord. Do you wish to accept?"

"The Death Kingdom faction reputation is now available. Current reputation level: Revered."

"You are in a hidden hostile relationship with other factions on the Aaron Continent, and you will be unable to join other factions; when your identity as a member of the Death Kingdom faction is revealed, all factions that know your true identity will be openly hostile to you."

"Black Knight Goliya's Affection Level for you has increased. Current Affection Level level: Friend."

"Black Knight Goliya's Infatuation Level for you has increased; current Infatuation Level level: Appreciation."

Upon receiving this notification, Bai Xiaowen was utterly bewildered. Goliya was already an undead, yet she still had Infatuation Level? This... this... was it a love story between a human and a ghost?

However, Goliya seems to have become even more beautiful and has a sexier figure... Should we continue to nurture her?

Goliya was unaware of Bai Xiaowen's despicable thoughts; otherwise, she would most likely have slain him.

In fact, Goliya's Affection Level and Infatuation Level were mainly due to Bai Xiaowen's help in her reincarnation. In a sense, Bai Xiaowen granted Goliya a second "life." In other words, if such a significant event as granting "life" only reached the level of appreciation, the difficulty of raising her Infatuation Level to the next level is self-evident.

After all, there is a boundary between life and death between living beings and undead creatures; this is an insurmountable chasm.

Bai Xiaowen's thoughts wandered for 0.1 seconds before he brought them back. He focused on the Lord's Quest.

[Lord Tier Side Quest: The Rise of the Death Lord]

[Mission Objective: Assist the Black Knight Goliya in developing her into Lord Tier or higher Lord Tier.]

[Task Difficulty: C-]

[Mission Duration: None (Equivalent to your remaining time in the Aaron Plane World)]

[Task Reward: Unknown.]

He actually stumbled upon a lord side quest! To be precise, Bai Xiaowen didn't even actively seek it out; a C-rank lord side quest just popped into his head.

Should I answer? Of course I will!

Bai Xiaowen hadn't expected that what started as a simple act of sympathy—sacrificing an S-Tier treasure, the Frozen Heart, and hundreds of points of Soul Essence to "create" a Black Knight Goliya —would have such a culmination. Clearly, this was a long-term lord side quest, accompanied by many smaller, secondary tasks, and definitely worth completing.

Bai Xiaowen explained his speculations to his two teammates, and the entire White Phoenix Squad accepted the mission. Goliya nodded in satisfaction.

"Right now, I can sense some chaotic life force, very close to us... Harvest them," Goliya said slowly, "Let them become the first soldiers of the Army of the Dead!"

Spirit Realm Rules Message:

"[Elite Tier Side Quest: The First Sacrifice] Begins."

"[Mission Objective: Kill all life forms in the lower level of the Grand Mausoleum.]"

[Task Difficulty: B-]

"[Task deadline: 4 hours]"

"[Task Reward: Unknown]"

Qiao Rui smiled and said, "Just as my junior guessed, it's a B-level Elite Tier mission right off the bat, very good."

"The life forms in the lower levels of the Grand Mausoleum... should be the Royal Halberd Guard who came with the fake prince Richard, along with a few palace guards under Glandis. Although they are all Elite Template and possess the unique skill that increases their Life Value with numbers, they are still no match for us."

Bai Xiaowen analyzed, "The difficulty of the mission lies in killing 'all' life forms; not a single one can escape."

"No problem." Qiao Rui and Li Shuyi nodded at the same time.