Awesome Shut-In Necromancer

---

It had already been two hours since the nerve-wracking standoff in front of Seo Ha’s house.

Now, I was stuck inside a floating house somewhere in the earth’s atmosphere, having an uncomfortable conversation with two people.

‘…They’ve definitely improved significantly.’

This sky house was created with Henesia’s magic, and with a flick of her wrist, a simple home materialized in an instant.

Seeing that, I was convinced. These two had indeed grown since the days we were together.

‘Well, I suppose it’s only natural.’

They had been changing day by day even back then.

Moreover, considering that the time flow in Thebes and Earth was different, it was likely that about ten years had passed for them since I left.

Ten years would surely be enough time for them to grow significantly.

“So, what exactly is your relationship with the Master?”

“…….”

“Ao, you really are a talkative one, huh? Is it really that hard to discuss?”

“Don’t rush me. There may be circumstances.”

“Astrid, sorry, but our situation is more important right now.”

Henesia seemed displeased with my refusal to answer, but there was nothing I could do. I was currently in a tight spot, making it difficult to speak.

‘…Ugh, this is driving me crazy.’

Above all, the thought of having to endure this nonsense for two more days was particularly irritating.

This was precisely why I didn’t want to use necromancy; all of it was because of that damned fake priest.

“Are you really not going to say anything? I’m starting to get angry here. There’s a limit to camaraderie.”

No, I simply couldn’t explain right now.

Even I was ready to burst from silence.

But if I ignored it further, Henesia really might explode, so I could only look away and mumble like a coward.

“Um, how about we just wait two days…”

“And what happens in two days? Are pancakes going to just fall from the sky?”

“…….”

Had she already mastered the local culture, or was she just quoting proverbs to constantly nag me?

With that, I resolved.

If my power returned, the first thing I’d do was teach that insolent brat some manners.

“Oh? Making that annoying face again? Is this how you want to act right now? Do you really want to get smacked around here?”

“……”

Once again, I lowered my gaze and kept silent like a coward.

I swore that I would repay this humiliation in two days without fail.

Then, the situation took an unexpected turn.

Flash.

Boom.

Krackkkk─!

A sudden lightning strike hit the floating house, causing it to shatter into pieces.

Honestly, I was slow to react since I had no strength, but Henesia raised a barrier around the three of us, so we weren’t harmed.

I panicked, summoned Gordon, and quickly stepped back.

“Protect me, please.”

“…This feels like a troubling opponent.”

What appeared before us was a tall man with blonde hair.

His moderately muscled build and sharp eyes lent him a striking presence.

And above all, the blue sparks swirling around his body were absolutely captivating.

“I finally found you. Are you the infamous duo they were talking about?”

“I don’t know the details, but that’s probably us.”

“Seems like there’s an extra one with you.”

“He doesn’t really matter. I just took him in for a moment because I had business.”

From the way he spoke, he looked like one of the U.S. hunters chasing Astrid and Henesia.

With such confidence against two who had already smashed three S Rank Hunters, and an ability that seemed to control lightning, I could easily guess his identity.

‘Is he Ryan of the Seven Stars from the U.S.?’

Ryan Bristol. Known as Thunder God.

A first-generation hunter with quite a few rumors surrounding him, he had been elusive in recent events.

Whatever the reason, it looked like he collaborated with the U.S. upper echelon to catch the two.

‘Should I gauge his strength as being on par with Xavier?’

If that were the case, he certainly wouldn’t be a pushover.

However.

‘In a one-on-one, maybe, but in a one-on-three, it would definitely be impossible.’

Astiride and Henesia were stronger than I thought. Ryan would likely have a higher chance of losing in a one-on-one battle.

Whether he knew what I was thinking or not, Ryan confidently addressed the two.

“Actually, the U.S. command told me to subdue and bring you in, but I think differently. You two are talents better suited to be allies than enemies. What do you think?”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about. We’re not joining anyone.”

“Is that so? But if you change your mind, just let me know anytime.”

With that, Ryan flared up magical energy at his fingertips and added, “You might just change your mind soon.”

Flash!

Boom─!

The previous strike was merely an introduction, it seemed, as the sky darkened, and multiple massive bolts of lightning began to fall.

The lightning surged even more, and soon a storm began to brew.

In the midst of the chaos, Ryan quietly activated his skill.

“Thunder Blossom.”

Boom!

Krackle─!

As Ryan entered battle mode, Gordon and I had already retreated some distance, but the two standing before him were abruptly struck by a massive lightning barrage.

Honestly, the power of that hit far exceeded my expectations.

I hadn’t even seen Xavier’s full power yet, but that attack surely seemed stronger.

“…Impressive. This is the first time I’ve seen someone other than the Master cast such a powerful spell here.”

“Same here.”

Recent displays from Xavier had made him seem less reliable, but these Seven Stars hunters were undoubtedly formidable.

At this level, even if Astrid and Henesia garnered respect as heroes in Thebes, the attack couldn’t be dismissed lightly.

However, when the lightning finally faded, the two emerged surprisingly intact.

Only a part of their clothing was singed.

“…That’s surprising. For someone who just showed up out of nowhere and spouted cheesy lines, you’re quite strong.”

“Yeah. Much stronger than that last S Rank Hunter we faced.”

In an instant, Henesia changed her expression and gestured to Astrid to step back.

“I’ll handle this. Astrid, just in case, stay back there.”

“…Got it,”

Uh, no need to fall back when I was just watching so intently.

I focused my attention on Henesia, who was looking at me with an aura of determination, while ignoring the fact that Astrid had quickly moved to embrace me again.

Considering the skill level of someone like Ryan, I figured it was a good opportunity to gauge Henesia’s true power.

“Is lightning magic your specialty? Oops, I mean skill, right?”

“That’s right. Just so you know, don’t get the wrong idea that what I just used was my full power.”

“Oh, that’s great.”

Once she finished, Henesia created a massive magic circle in the air with her staff, wearing a slightly annoyed expression.

“If that was your full power, then you wouldn’t even be worth my anger.”

Boom!

Krackle─!

Henesia unleashed her own lightning magic.

A massive beam of light transformed into several thunderbirds that began to fly towards Ryan from different trajectories.

“Whoa, this is fierce.”

Ryan deftly darted through the air, trying to evade them, but realizing he couldn’t escape the ravenous thunderbirds that changed direction, he soon halted.

“Discharge.”

Krackle!
Zap!

Electricity spread wide from Ryan’s body, shooting down the thunderbirds one by one, causing Henesia’s eyebrows to twitch.

She was probably feeling a bit flustered now.

Unlike Thebes’ magic, the skills used by the Awakened Ones on Earth were relatively free in terms of composition and structure.

If she didn’t make a quick assessment here, it wouldn’t be easy to respond.

“You’re definitely strong. I can see why other hunters couldn’t even put up a fight. However, let me tell you it won’t work on me.”

“…Oh, really?”

Now, Henesia seemed to be visibly annoyed.

Perhaps partly because of my continued silence making her frustrated.

Thinking that, I could sense a shiver run down my spine.

“…Henesia, you’re seriously angry.”

With a hint of anxiety, Astrid muttered as she quickly grabbed me and Gordon, pulling us further away from the center of the battle.

I raised my eyebrows, puzzled. “Is it really necessary to retreat this far?”

“…Yeah. There is. Angry Henesia is going to cast a big spell.”

If it’s called a big spell, I know several types. However, I didn’t know of any spell that would cause her to be this cautious.

But soon, Gordon and I would truly understand why.

Boom!

Boom!

Krackle─!

Despite the considerable distance we’d covered, blinding white lightning covered the sky, rendering everything invisible before us.