Wizard: I Have a World of the Dead

Cliff was very worried.

Wallenberg’s situation has not been good since the old baron’s death.

The knights suffered heavy losses, and some families began to harbor other thoughts. Many of the fiefdoms that had been granted to them even began to outwardly comply with Wallenberg's wishes but inwardly defy it.

The Knight of Foster is a prime example.

To put it bluntly, it was because Lin Qi was too young, and as the second son who had been hastily appointed to the position, he lacked authority.

Lynch needed to work through these challenges, win people over, and gradually establish his authority to rebuild his prestige among his vassals and knights.

The previous annihilation of the Asdok was a very good start, and the vassals who were on the move in various places became much more obedient after hearing about Lynch's deeds.

If things continue to stabilize like this, and they grow for a few more years, the Valen family will definitely be able to recover.

But ever since Lynch returned, he seems less interested in territory and family, and now spends all his time studying these legends and stories...

But this is really not something that ordinary people like them should try to understand...

Lynch nodded and gave Cliff a reassuring smile: "Don't worry, I know what I'm doing."

Although he was very curious, he was not reckless.

With our current strength, rashly attempting to access wizarding power is tantamount to courting death.

The purpose of collecting this information is simply to prepare for the future.

Changing the subject, to put the loyal old steward at ease, he said, "Let's leave these matters at that for now and talk about Shuanghe City."

"The Asdokians are now practically at our noses, doesn't our Count have anything to say about this?"

Twin Rivers is a city belonging to the Vinhart family, the earl family that guards the southern border.

really.

After hearing Lin Qi talk about government affairs, the old butler's expression improved significantly.

"There's news," Cliff nodded slightly, his voice regaining the composure he used when reporting official business, "The Earl does indeed intend to form an allied force to strengthen border defenses."

"However..." Cliff paused, his tone becoming more cautious, "there will probably be difficulties in implementing it."

Lin Qi raised an eyebrow: "How so?"

Cliff lowered his voice subconsciously: "The Earl's eldest son, Sir Klein, who is also the heir of the Vinhart family, received his knightly training in the North."

"Back in the North, he and Sir Herbert were renowned as the two heroes of the North."

Lynch understood.

Knight Herbert, also known as the new Duke of the North, is currently leading the rebellion in the North.

The heir to the Earl of the South and a close friend of the rebel leader.

it goes without saying.

"The heir wants to side with the North and march north?" Lin Qi asked slowly. "And what does the Earl think?"

Cliff shook his head: "Nobody knows yet."

Lin Qi frowned slightly.

Cliff hesitated for a moment before asking, "Baron, if... if the Earl ultimately decides to side with the Duke of the North, what will become of Wallenberg?"

Wallenberg's situation is rather unique in the south.

The Valen family were the founding fathers of the Kingdom of Lolunt and were directly loyal to the royal family, not vassals of Vinhart.

In other words, the other nobles in the South were required to obey the will of Earl Vinhart, while Wallenberg was required to be loyal to the royal family.

Lynch did not answer immediately.

He sat there, watching the flames in the fireplace gradually dim, and remained silent for a long time before slowly speaking:

"The situation regarding the war between the North and the Kingdom is still unclear."

"Although the forces in the north are slightly weaker, the people are more stable. The vassals in the north are united, which is their advantage."

Lin Qi paused for a moment, then continued, "What about the kingdom? It has a large and powerful army, but our king is not very capable."

"It's hard to say who will win or lose right now."

Cliff nodded in agreement.

"So," Lynch's voice turned somber, "taking sides at this time is not a good choice."

Cliff hesitated, then said, "I'm afraid we won't have a choice then..."

Lin Qi did not respond.

He leaned back in his chair and began to think.

The old butler was right. Located in the southern border, although he was not directly loyal to Earl Vinhart, if the other party really had to choose sides, he would definitely not be able to escape this vortex.

After a moment's hesitation, Lin Qi suddenly asked, "How's things at Wind Ridge Pass lately?"

Wind Ridge Pass is a pass located northeast of the Valen Territory. Beyond the pass lies the main road leading into the interior of the kingdom.

Although its geographical location is not particularly treacherous, it is of great strategic importance, serving as the gateway from the south to the interior.

This important pass belongs to the Warren family.

Cliff didn't understand why Lynch suddenly asked this, but he still answered truthfully: "That place is inland, far from the border, and has always been peaceful, with nothing happening there."

Lin Qi shook his head.

His expression was calm, but what he said startled Cliff: "No, they've already been attacked by the Asdok."

"What?" Cliff frowned instinctively. "How is this possible—"

He stopped halfway through his sentence.

He looked into Lynch's eyes, into those calm, almost indifferent eyes, where the embers of the fireplace were reflected.

Then he understood.

He opened his mouth, but after a long pause, he finally managed to utter a sound: "Your Excellency... you mean..."

Lin Qi's lips curled up slightly.

The Valen family's current strength means that no matter which side they choose, they won't be of much help or pose much of a threat.

But the problem is that by holding this crucial pass, he inevitably becomes someone that both sides want to control.

Then things become simple: just throw out this crucial pass.

First, they release news of the Asdok attack on the pass; if Count Vinhart sides with the Duke of the North and comes to take the pass...

It was a pass that was taken from the Asdokians, not something they gave away themselves.

Although incompetent, he was not disloyal.

Within aristocratic circles, apart from infidelity, other crimes were actually relatively easy to deal with.

Conversely, if we hold the pass, whether the Asdokites will seize it or not, and whether we can defend it, depends on the future situation and the bargaining chips offered by both sides.

He always held the initiative.

"Crackling!" The fireplace flames were burning brightly.

Cliff looked at Lynch, his eyes slowly widening, his mouth slightly open.

Taking a deep breath, the old steward lowered his head and said, "I understand. I'll spread the word right away that Asdok people have been spotted at Wind Ridge Pass."

The worry in his eyes gradually dissipated, replaced by relief.

And there is a growing sense of awe.

......

The Land of the Dead, a place of rest.

"Sizzle—"

A crisp crackling sound, the familiar crackling of electricity, exploded across the desolate wasteland.

Black mist surged, and a portal appeared out of thin air. Lin Qi stepped into this world.

The blood moon still hung overhead, its crimson light shining down on him and on this land that was becoming less and less like a "newbie village".

He has never been particularly concerned about matters concerning his territory.

Whether it's governance, development, or even the infighting and deceit among the nobles—

He had absolutely no interest in it.

Wallenberg's greatest value to him was that it provided a safe and secure rear area.

A safe haven where he can retreat in time when he encounters danger while exploring the world of the dead, a place where he can relax and rest when he is tired.

As long as the people don't starve and the territory remains peaceful, that's enough.

As for the rest?

"Let me see how my real territory is developing."

With anticipation in his heart, Lin Qi strode forward.

The landscape is completely different from what it was a few months ago.

The first thing that catches the eye is the figures busily moving about in the territory.

Thirteen dead bodies in total.

The Undead Domination skill has been upgraded to LV5, and the number of undead that can be controlled has increased from the initial three to thirteen.

Now all thirteen spots have been filled by Lin Qi, and not a single one has been wasted.

Skull 2 ​​still stood at the entrance of the stone fortress, his two-handed greatsword resting on the ground, the deep red flames in his eye sockets flickering slowly.

The Asdok leader stood a little further away, his bluish-gray skin gleaming coldly under the blood moon, and the broad-bladed scimitar at his waist was polished to a gleaming shine.

The remaining eleven undead were all elite-level.

Elite Skeleton Warriors, Elite Skeleton Archers, Elite Skeleton Spearmen.

They are scattered in every corner of the territory; some are bending over and working on the ridges of the fields, some are carrying ore next to the mine piles, and some are carrying stones on the construction site.

Not one was idle, not one was lazy.

They are tireless, ask for no reward, need no rest, and need no incentive.

This is Lynch's most prized "leader".

No, better than the people.

The people will tire, they will starve, they will be afraid, they will rebel. And these dead—

They will only obey.

His gaze shifted from the skeletons to the heart of the territory.

Base level 4.

After being upgraded to level 1 again, the base has undergone new changes.

An additional layer was added on top of the original structure, turning it into a two-story stone fortress.

Several shadow stones were embedded in the wall, gleaming with a cold, eerie light under the blood moon, like the eyes of a stone fortress.

His gaze shifted from the base to the other buildings in the territory.

All four initial basic buildings that were unlocked at the beginning have been completed.

The study is right next to the base; the small stone house stands there quietly, its doors tightly shut.

The blacksmith's shop was on the other side of the study. The stone furnace had been built, complete with bellows and anvil.

The cemetery is on the left side of the territory, surrounded by a semi-circular wall made of gray-black boulders, with the iron gate at the entrance ajar.

Then--

Lynch's gaze fell on the building that was right next to the cemetery.

Hero's Graveyard lv1: Allows you to recruit three undead heroes.