The Undead are special creatures formed when the corpses or skeletons of deceased beings are infused with powerful magic. Compared to regular monsters, the physical attributes and resilience of ordinary Undead are weaker due to their bodies being corpses or skeletal remains. However, the Undead, being devoid of life, also lack fear.
Regular monsters become fearful and lose their composure when injured or in danger. This vulnerability can be exploited by experienced teams. But the Undead are different. They harbor a deep disdain and desire for the living, yet they lack fear. They are drawn to the presence of the living, gathering around them to kill, feast on their flesh, and turn them into their own companions.
Discussions among the teams inside the "Brave" Tavern frequently revolve around the topic of the Undead. Unable to resist his curiosity, Kevin couldn't help but ask Owen, "Owen, are there Undead creatures among the monsters near our town, Gael Town? Where can we find them?"
"Well, you're right. There is indeed a place near Gael Town where Undead creatures exist. It used to be a sizable town that sank underground during a massive tectonic shift in the apocalypse. It still contains a fair amount of supplies and some surviving individuals. We refer to it as the 'Dungeon.' However, when we organized teams to explore the area, we discovered that there wasn't a single living person inside. Instead, it was filled with various types of Undead. Killing the Undead doesn't yield significant rewards, but unlike other monsters, their numbers don't naturally increase. They are born from the bodies and skeletons of the deceased. Additionally, the Dungeon holds many things we need, so some teams regularly venture there to cleanse the Undead. The Adventurer's Hall also offers paid rewards periodically for people to clear out the Undead," Owen explained while sipping his beer, gradually revealing information about the Undead.
"I see. So that's how it is," Kevin quietly absorbed the information about the Undead. He thought about his secondary profession - the Necromancer. The three skills of the Necromancer - Death Gaze, Death's Breath, and Ethereal Form - as well as the name of the profession itself, hinted at a significant connection with death and spirits. And among the monsters, the Undead were closely tied to these elements. Kevin felt that if he were to engage in battles with the Undead or delve deeper into their study, he might uncover more secrets and power within this secondary profession.
As Kevin was pondering how to propose a reasonable idea to Owen and the others about visiting the Dungeon to witness the Undead, Owen spoke up. "Since we're on the topic of the Undead, it's perfect timing. Let's go to the Dungeon tomorrow and see for ourselves!" he suggested. "Why? Didn't we just start battling the Demon Wolves? Why should we immediately shift our focus to the Undead?" Melissa raised a question. Unlike Alex, who was already inebriated and not quite aware of the situation, Melissa had not consumed much beer. Her eyes flickered, and her shoulders trembled, showing signs of fear. This was understandable since the Undead, unlike the tangible Goblins and Demon Wolves, lacked physical characteristics and resembled more ghostly entities. Melissa's apprehension was quite normal.
Kevin, on the other hand, felt a sense of excitement because Owen's suggestion seemed more logical. He knew that Owen wouldn't propose this without a valid reason.
Swallowing the liquid in his mouth, Owen explained his rationale.
"Didn't I mention it last time? I'm about to return to my original team, and I won't be taking you guys along anymore. So, I want to expose you to different types of monsters in the area. You're already skilled in dealing with Goblins, and the Demon Wolves pose little threat to you. The other unique monster category in the vicinity is the Undead. That's why I want to take you to face them,"
he paused and continued. "You've been progressing quickly, and as long as you prepare before the battle and don't underestimate the fight, the monsters in the surrounding areas won't pose much of a threat. The Goblin Shaman is also in a slightly more distant location. Furthermore, Frank's team is about to resume their activities, so I plan to take you to the Dungeon tomorrow morning to gain some experience."
So that's the plan. Indeed, it has been a long time since Frank and the others went on an expedition, about two weeks! Kevin felt a bit dazed as he recalled the moment when Frank came to the church to bandage his wounds and he awakened. He also remembered Eric, who died under the broadsword of the Goblin Warrior, and Robert, who had escaped early while concealing his profession. Although Kevin had been hunting monsters outside during this time, he had also been searching for Robert's whereabouts in his spare time, but he hadn't seen any trace of him in Gael Town. Could it be that Robert encountered other monsters on his way back and met a tragic end? However, Kevin didn't feel any sadness towards the person who caused Eric's death and his own demise.
Owen was about to leave, so tomorrow morning he would take them to battle the Undead to help them acclimate. This somewhat expected yet sudden news made Melissa somewhat worried. She bit her lip, showing deep concern about the upcoming battle with the Undead and the departure of Owen, the strongest captain in their team.
Alex, although somewhat intoxicated, listened to Owen's words attentively. He noticed the slight gloom on Melissa's face and immediately embraced her, slurring his words, "It's okay, Melissa. It's alright that Uncle Owen is leaving our team. I'm a knight, you see. Whether it's Goblins, Demon Wolves, or those Undead creatures, I'll protect you in battle. You just focus on using your magic to blast those monsters away!" Caught off guard by Alex's sudden embrace, Melissa's fear transformed into a blush on her face. She forcefully patted Alex's back and tried to push him away, saying, "Alright, alright! Get up quickly! You're so heavy, and your breath reeks of alcohol. Get up!" Kevin observed this slightly amusing and heartwarming scene with a smile on his face. He didn't feel the need to help Alex up since their relationship was evidently strong enough without his intervention. At the same time, he silently made a pledge in his heart as the team's priest responsible for maintaining the health and well-being of his teammates. He would not allow any more team members to perish.
Glancing at the now upright Alex and the blushing Melissa, who was still lightly tapping Alex's head in a mix of embarrassment and anger, Kevin couldn't help but chuckle. Although Melissa seemed to be hitting him with force, the actual impact on Alex's head was quite gentle, barely making any sound. Alex, on the other hand, smiled foolishly at Melissa.
"I wonder when I'll find a girl I like who also likes me," Kevin thought to himself. However, he immediately remembered his deceased mother, as described by others. She had a close and loving relationship with his father but fell victim to monsters, leaving his father to raise him alone. Even if I were to find such a girl, Kevin thought, I would need to possess great strength to ensure I can protect our lives and livelihoods.