Dark Wizard: Rise! My undead army!

Lynn walked out of the Dreamweaver Corridor, with Basso and Sim following respectfully on either side of him.

As Lynn walked, he took out a list from his sleeve, which contained a string of names and communication frequencies.

Behind these names lies the influence that Marfa has cultivated over many years, representing a considerable resource.

"Take it."

Lynn handed the list to Basso.

"Contact these people and book a table at the Black Lagoon Restaurant in Ghost Market tonight, and have them all come over."

"If they can't return from outside the academy, have them come to the Dreamweaver Corridor when they do, and I'll meet them in person."

Basso took the list and glanced at it; his pupils visibly contracted. Sim leaned over to take a look, and his expression changed several times as well.

The two exchanged a glance, naturally understanding the meaning of the list.

These were all former subordinates of Marfa, and their colleagues, holding positions in various departments of the academy.

Lynn's move was clearly aimed at winning over these people.

Is it inappropriate to bring everything into the open now? Won't it arouse suspicion from the academy and other wizarding factions?

"My lord, these are all Marfa's old subordinates." Basso looked around and lowered his voice.

"Many of them still hold positions in various departments of the college. Is it inappropriate for them to all come out into the open now?"

"Just do as I say." Lynn continued walking.

Basso and Sim exchanged a glance, both seeing seriousness in each other's eyes.

But they didn't object anymore. Since Lynn made this arrangement, he must have his reasons.

Basso put the list away and took a few quick steps: "I'll go inform them right away. I'll personally make the reservations at the restaurant."

Lynn nodded: "Tell them I'm booking the whole place."

Basso jogged all the way to the Black Reef Restaurant.

This is one of the most famous gathering places for high-ranking wizards in Ghost Market. A lamp carved from reef hangs at the entrance, casting a ghostly blue light.

The restaurant owner was a middle-aged male wizard with slicked-back hair.

When Basso mentioned that he wanted to book the entire venue, he was about to decline when Basso added, "It's for Lord Lynn, the Lord of All Things, tonight."

The owner's smile froze for a moment, then immediately became incredibly enthusiastic: "So it's Lord Lynn! No problem, I'll cancel all the walk-in customers tonight and clear out the entire restaurant for you."

After saying that, he turned to the waiter and shouted, "No outside guests tonight! Prepare everything in the kitchen, to the highest standard!"

"Alright—!"

...

After arranging the restaurant, Basso took the list back to his room in the Dream Corridor, and only unfolded it after closing the door.

The list contains thirty-six names, all of whom are formal wizards. Combined with the forces under their command, they form a considerable power.

Basso first poured himself a cup of "soothing tea," then took out the communication stone tablet and infused it with his mental energy.

The first person I contacted was Erwin, who was associated with curses.

"Who?" Erwin's voice came from inside the stone slab, his tone somewhat impatient.

"It is I, Basso from the Dream Corridor."

"Oh, Basso, what's up? Tell me quickly, I'm busy organizing the supplies list."

"There's a dinner party tonight at Black Lagoon Restaurant."

"A get-together?" Selvin was clearly reluctant. "I'm busy today, I have a ton of chores to do, let's do it another day."

Basso paused for a moment and said, "It was Lord Lynn who arranged it."

The other end of the communication suddenly went silent.

Two seconds later, Selvin's voice rang out again, low and clearly grave: "He arranged this? What exactly happened?"

"I don't know either," Basso said. "I was just in charge of making the announcements. Lord Lynn invited all of Marfa's old subordinates."

Upon hearing that he wasn't alone, Selvin breathed a sigh of relief and began to ponder quietly.

Basso could hear the sound of papers being clenched on the other end.

"I understand," Selvin said, his voice lowering. "I'll be there tonight."

Basso responded and hung up. He glanced at the list and dialed the next number.

This time it's the soul-type Belloc.

The call was answered quickly, and Bellok's voice was gentle: "Basso? What is it?"

"Lord Lynn is hosting a banquet tonight at the Black Lagoon Restaurant."

Bellok didn't refuse outright, but instead asked, "Lord Lynn? How did he find me? Was it just me, or was there someone else?"

Basso said, "It's not just you; all our colleagues are on the invitation list."

Belloc hissed softly, "This is a showdown."

"I don't know, I'm just relaying messages."

"Alright, see you tonight." Belloc hung up decisively.

Basso continued dialing.

The reactions of the next few people were similar.

Some were out on missions, some made excuses to be busy, and some tentatively inquired about the situation, but their attitudes immediately changed upon hearing the words "Lord Lynn".

Even those who are on missions outside the area have indicated they will return to attend the banquet.

After all, it's safer to be with everyone. If I were to meet Lynn alone later, it would probably scare them to death.

One of the inspectors, Thor, was the most blunt: "Damn, are we being forced to regroup?"

"Don't talk nonsense," Basso reminded him.

"Alright, I'll definitely go tonight." Thor sighed. "Who would dare not go to a party like this?"

Another man named Haig, whose tone was clearly flustered, asked, "Basso, give me a heads-up, Lord Lynn won't take action on the spot, will he?"

"I really don't know," Basso said. "He came to the store today to take over the business, but he didn't get angry and seemed quite easy to talk to."

"That's good, that's good." Hague breathed a sigh of relief. "I'll be there early tonight."

Basso notified all 36 people on the list.

After giving the last notification, Basso put down the stone slab and let out a long sigh of relief.

Seeing that it was almost time, Basso sent another message to Sim, asking him to go to the Black Reef Restaurant ahead of time to oversee the setup.

Then he changed into clean clothes and went out to the restaurant.

Lynn went back to the lab to rest.

He released that list and held such a public dinner to give those people a choice.

Those who are willing to show their faces tonight are openly surrendering, making their pledge of allegiance crystal clear.

He accepted everything that came his way.

If you don't give him face, or if you're unwilling to come, don't blame him for settling scores later.

Marfa's henchmen, whom he had cultivated for many years, were a considerable force, and he didn't want to let them go for nothing.

There are nearly forty formal wizards alone, and even more apprentices, scattered throughout the academy, with some even stationed at resource points and projects outside.

Of course, those on this list are only the people who are publicly known; they have long been labeled as part of the Malfa faction.

There were a few spies who weren't on the list; they only existed in his mind.

He planned to contact them personally to see how many he could recruit.