Otherworld Bone Dragon Operation Guide

Chapter 81 Scholar and Zombie Reverse Deciphering Technique (Bonus Chapter)

Siwo used his cane to clear away the residue, revealing the internal structure—coke mixed with a large number of metallic particles, and even some liquid silvery-white substances.

“These giant octopuses have been injected with a considerable amount of lead and mercury,” Violet explained, “to mask the necromantic energy emanating from them.”

"Can this method be used to solve our problem of being tracked?" Su Ming immediately thought of his own situation and hurriedly asked, "I don't mean eating it, but making clothes out of heavy metals to wear and cover up the fluctuations of the undead."

Zijin shook her head. "It won't work. The difference between necromancy and ordinary dark magic is that it contains the reverse of the law of life. The special ripples produced by the coexistence of the positive and negative laws of life are the root cause of why we are easy to track."

"Is that so?" Su Ming was a little surprised. "I just found out about this. It's not even mentioned in the book."

“Of course, this is my latest research result,” the scholar said proudly. “I have been very diligent in evading the pursuit of the Temple of Light.”

"So these sea monsters suppress the operation of the laws of life by ingesting heavy metals, thereby eliminating the ripples of these laws!" Siwo clapped his hands. "Xiao Jin, you've solved another academic mystery. When are you planning to publish this paper?"

"This kind of thing can only be released after I'm done on the run!" Violet's voice rose a little. "Do you expect me to help the enemy better understand the undead fluctuations so they can capture us more easily?"

"That's right."

Su Ming was somewhat disappointed. The sea monster reduced the conflict of laws by injecting heavy metals into its body. This method might be effective for things that were about to die, but it obviously wouldn't work for living people.

The three returned to their previous topic.

Zi Jin opened the book, her fingertip pausing on a string of complex runes. "The zombie system caused a catastrophe three hundred years ago, but it was quickly cracked and eradicated. The relevant information has been destroyed many times, and what has been passed down now are techniques to counter it. For example, this is the most effective anti-zombie technique to deal with them."

Su Ming carefully examined the runes on the pages of the book. "How come this is also necromancy?"

"The one who understands necromancers best is, of course, the necromancer himself." Zi Jin focused her mind on constructing the spell, and after several attempts, she finally succeeded.

She cast her spell on the tentacle fragments, and black smoke immediately billowed out, with foul-smelling pus bubbling up. But surprisingly, the tentacles did not melt; instead, they began to writhe violently, splashing the putrid liquid all over the deck.

“According to the records, the zombies that have been subjected to the spell should decompose quickly,” Zi Jin said, frowning. “The effect is far from what was expected.”

“This is something from three hundred years ago; the zombie technique must have undergone significant revisions,” Siwo judged.

“Yes, magic resistance has been enhanced across the board, and some of the characteristic runes have changed as well,” Violet said. “I need to develop a new version.”

"Hurry up, Violet. If we encounter another sea monster, we need to have a countermeasure," Siwo said.

"It's not like you're making it sound like writing new spells is easy," Zi Jin said, displeased.

“You and Su Ming are currently the only two necromancers on the Federation’s side,” Xiwo said. “That means only you two can cast the Reverse Zombie Spell, and Su Ming must also master it.”

"Eh, me?" Su Ming looked at the complex rune incantation and scratched his head. "It seems quite difficult. Zi Jin, when will you finish writing the improved version?"

"I already said it's extremely difficult!" The scholar slammed her hand on the table in anger. "Can't you guys have any basic respect for academic research?!"

“I have great confidence in you, Xiao Jin!” Siwo said. “You are a top-tier scholar who is the best fighter. You will never lose in something like this, where you are one!”

****
Siwo's report to the Federation that the sea monster was an improved type of zombie caused a huge uproar.

"You bunch of useless idiots!" the person in charge berated the researchers. "I spent so much money hiring you, and you didn't even notice a single clue about something so important!" The test results of the retrieved tentacle fragments confirmed the report's findings. The person in charge had just been severely reprimanded by higher-ups, so he was now trying to make amends.

“Our team doesn’t even have a necromancer, it would be a miracle if we could find it,” a researcher muttered under his breath.

“It’s not the Temple of Light yet…” the other person began, then fell silent. Not far away, Archbishop Stanton, his face grim, was walking towards them.

The Church of Light is facing a storm; we absolutely must not provoke these people.

Stanton was indeed very upset. His application to serve as an observer on the White Triangle had been rejected again, and he was seething with anger.

“His Excellency Archbishop, as far as we know, you and the Chestnut Owl scholars were at loggerheads at the Azure Cliffs.” Charles walked alongside him. “Your resentful demeanor makes you unsuitable for cooperation.”

“That’s precisely why,” Stanton argued, “that I can keep a close eye on her!”

“The White Triangle is key to solving the sea monster incident, and we don’t want any further complications,” Charles said. He glanced at the disgruntled people coming and going and couldn’t help but sigh, “It’s already chaotic enough.”

All parties are shirking responsibility and engaging in a chaotic wrangling. Although they will eventually compromise and reach a mutually acceptable agreement, albeit one that involves minor disagreements, and continue cooperating.

However, this pilgrimage-like tearing process is inevitably annoying.

A man approached Charles to discuss transporting supplies. Because the Blue-Eyed Merchant Guild's ships had been dismantled and broken into pieces, only the Little Coat dared to go now.

Stanton glanced at the two of them, snorted, and walked away.

The research leader was still lecturing incessantly, and some researchers couldn't take it anymore.

“Should we give him some belladonna tonight?” someone suggested, and the suggestion was quickly echoed.

These people were researchers because the Federation offered very generous recruitment conditions. Normally, they would have done plenty of quick-money mercenary work—it's just a matter of changing academic robes, right?

"You can get a burlap sack from the cafeteria to put potatoes in."

"Hey young lady, can you get him to come out later?"

"Watch me, I'll make sure it's all covered!"

The members of the White Triangle were unaware of these matters, nor were they interested in knowing. Some cooked, others repaired equipment. Violet, feeling much better, began working at her desk, researching anti-zombie techniques.

Su Ming also received Miao Xin's report that she had finally arrived at the Dahlgren Test Center in Virginia, USA.

"It's really not easy," he remarked. Then he found a spot to lie down and connected.
-
As usual, Su Ming hid the troublemaker and then arranged for Miao Xin to make a visit to the Dahlgren Experimental Center.

This is the U.S. Navy's weapons testing and development base. The MK71 howitzer, which Su Ming was targeting on this trip, is displayed in the test plaza there.

　This chapter is a bonus chapter for readers whose total monthly votes have exceeded 4.

　　Thank you to Monster Master, Zhang_TLL, All Zhao Zilong, 565888, Pipi Cat, Yuan Chi, and 757989 for their generous donations!
　　
　
(End of this chapter)