I, the undead, save the world with the dolls

To summarize, the reason was probably this: Andil saw Sun Yang flying back from the outer world after a long wait, so he was very excited and wanted to capture Sun Yang safely. He had been waiting for an unknown amount of time for this strong man who could run away and have fun, and still come back alive.

But as a young and powerful creature, he had little experience in capturing travelers, and Andil failed to control the force and angle. He originally wanted to catch someone, but accidentally knocked Sun Yang away, sending him flying in another direction.

This blow sent Sun Yang into the radiation world, which is why Sun Yang felt like he was near death when he woke up.

Even with the fully enhanced Havel suit, Andil could still knock off nearly half of Sun Yang's HP, even if his HP was at 50. Fortunately, Sun Yang was at full HP and was able to hold on thanks to his strength.

"So it was you, the one who beat me to the brink of death." Sun Yang curled his lips. He really wanted to spit on Andil, but he seemed so much stronger than him. To save his life, Sun Yang decisively chose to give in. His taunts weren't casual; they were necessary tactics. Sun Yang would only attack someone when he was sure he could win.

"I am willing to compensate you with a treasure as a token of my apology." Andil pulled out a brand new spiral sword from the tree trunk.

"Isn't this a weapon stuck in the campfire?" Rukatiye shrank his neck in fear. "Can this thing be taken down?"

289 Negotiation, Clues, Exploration

Sun Yang was also a little confused. To be honest, he thought that being able to extort an exquisite magic sword was good enough, but he didn't expect Andil to directly pull out the spiral sword. This weapon can no longer be described as a treasure.

"Spiral Sword, this sword can change freely and can cast all spells. You can use it freely." Several wooden tentacles placed the spiral, crimson sword in front of Sun Yang.

Sun Yang carefully took it in his hand. When he held the sword, he felt a slight warmth coming from the cold hilt.

He swung the sword subconsciously. Under Sun Yang's will, the spiral sword directly changed into a scimitar. When swung again, it became a long staff.

Isn't this the one in Dark Souls 3's Cinder Lord's avatar's hand? So, at this point in time, Andil had already crafted this weapon?

"You can use this sword to set up a resurrection anchor in another world. At the same time, the sword has the function of strengthening yourself with the power of the soul." Andil explained the other two functions.

This is the function of the Dark Soul Spiral Sword. Andil has already gathered all the functions.

"You gave me the spiral sword. What do you want me to do? Also, if I guess correctly, the spiral sword can 'lock' the space-time of the current area. The spiral sword is said to be connected to the primordial fire. If you insert this sword into other worlds... will this sword burn other worlds?" Sun Yang asked cautiously. Although he said so, he still tried to stuff the spiral sword into another world - this attempt ended in failure.

The Spiral Sword, a magical item that could distort time and space and absorb the power of fire to reshape the bodies of undead, could not simply be thrown back to the main base by Sun Yang across the world, just like he could not easily send a powerful undead back to the base.

"You know a lot, Sun Yang. But the power of fire cannot reach beyond this world. The spiral sword you inserted will only extract enough energy for your resurrection." Andil's tone seemed to have a hint of praise. "Sun Yang, I seek your assistance."

"Assistance?" In Sun Yang's memory, Andil seemed to have been searching for a way to break the curse of the undead. Could it be that he was seeking this help?

"Life is brilliant and beautiful, but it also traps everyone. There once was a King of Light who banished darkness and everything that grew from human nature. As a result, humans gained a fleeting form. But no matter how warm or exquisite it is, a lie is just a lie." Andil recited a series of obscure words.

"Wandering soul, even so, do you still hope for peace? People are allowed to live in peace, and believe and cherish the false cage, even if everything is a lie. Until the curse is born in their body."

"That is the karma bestowed upon us, for darkness is the truth within us, and we all live in a false existence. Yet, clinging to that fictitious, false existence constructed by the Lord of Light; clinging to a warm and sweet world that is bound to become a stranger, is that truly evil?"

"Wandering soul, even so, do you still wish to break this hypocrisy? Once upon a time, King Gwyn of the Dark Cinders threw himself into the flames, bringing prosperity to the Age of Fire—but that prosperity eventually withered. Clinging to the prosperity of the flames and maintaining the legacy of the flames is but a way to prolong life."

"So, the help you seek from me... is for me to help you find a way to break the cycle of fire?" Sun Yang looked at the spiral sword in his hand, his head buzzing. A sudden challenge that was enough to change the whole world, and a task was placed before him.

"That's right. My name is Andil. I once challenged cause and effect, but failed. Now, I am just a person waiting for the answer. Wandering soul, you are constantly struggling in this distorted world. I have gone back to all the past and pondered but still cannot get the answer. But maybe the answer is outside this world? Sun Yang, if you promise, I will do my best to help you. I will try my best to satisfy whatever you ask for." Andil's figure became increasingly hazy under the light of the fire.

"Well, can this spiral sword be strengthened?" Sun Yang felt that the atmosphere was a bit too depressing. He couldn't help but say something strange in an attempt to ease the atmosphere.

"No. It's stronger than any catalyst you've ever seen." Andil's response was simple and straightforward.

"..." Rukatiye nervously looked back and forth between Sun Yang and Andil. The current situation was beyond her comprehension. She felt like a mere spectator.

"I promise you. I will find a way, but my method may not be to your liking, and the price may also be different. You need to be mentally prepared for this, okay?" After hesitating for almost a minute, Sun Yang agreed to Andil's request.

"Clear." Andil also knew that the answer was not always satisfactory.

Collaborating with Andil shouldn't be a bad thing. While he's not a good person, he can at least provide a tremendous amount of assistance. With him around, many things are much easier to handle. Sun Yang's bottom line is still somewhat based on his own temperament.

"I hope you won't regret this decision..." Rukatiye could only whisper in a low voice. She really didn't understand the situation. But rashly agreeing to something when you don't understand the situation is not a good idea.

"Well, I have two requests and one question. First, I need the supplies I need to travel to other worlds, including the Campfire Explorer and other recovery items and strengthening materials."

"No problem. Just go to my mansion. The spiral sword has a secret technique to unlock it." Andil agreed.

"Okay, then my question: that reincarnated spider is the white dragon Sith, right? Was it your former ally? If I want to hunt its soul...?" Sun Yang asked cautiously.

"Its body can no longer withstand the test of time, and the White One has lost its wisdom. If you wish to grant it liberation, I will not stop you." Andil readily agreed, though without much mercy.

"The second request: I want to find Rukatiye's brother, Azratiye of Miller. Rukatiye is an essential teammate for me in battle, so I have to do this." Sun Yang made the request with confidence.

"?!" Rukatiyemo felt a little anxious as she thought Sun Yang would make such a request. She didn't know what to say for a moment. A complex mixture of relief and shame echoed in her heart.

So Sun Yang agreed so quickly because of my goal? Rukatiye rubbed his flushed face, trying hard to suppress his emotions. This is still a negotiation, be serious! Now is not the time for random thoughts and happy moments!

"Okay, wait a moment." Andil was silent for a few seconds, his tentacles trembling violently, as if a strange vibration came from afar. "He is located to the north of here. My residence is: Andil's Mansion, between the Pyroxene Town of Gaidole."

"Is there an exact location?" Rukatiye asked excitedly.

"Yes, but his lines are constantly merging with other wandering souls. He has lost his will and uses his body to kill others and plunder humanity." Andil said dryly.

***

The so-called loss of will, or more directly, complete transformation into a zombie. Miller's Azratie, Rukatie's older brother, had been declared dead by Andil.

Rukatiye couldn't remember what he said. Something like, "Filthy, rotten monster." "Disgusting thing." "No one will believe you."

She remembered letting out a series of incomprehensible roars, followed by countless obscenities, and then swinging her sword to kill the strange garbage in front of her.

Sun Yang on the side quickly hugged Rukatiye's thigh, telling her not to go and fight Andil.

Andil didn't show any contempt or sympathy. He simply returned to the campfire in silence. The campfire with the spiral sword still stood there quietly.

If Sun Yang had not tried his best to hold Rukatiye back, and if Rukatiye had not retained a little bit of her rationality, she would have immediately broken free from Sun Yang's restraints and really wanted to kill Andir.

That was definitely the most reckless move. Rukatiye would not be able to defeat Andil no matter what, and the final result would only be his own death in vain.

After seeing Andil descend silently, Rukatiye's burning sanity gradually returned - how could she fight a monster that could crawl out of a campfire?

Rukatiye's agitated mood quickly cooled. She didn't break free from Sun Yang's embrace, but simply raised her sword and stared at the inscription. Written in elegant handwriting were the words of a promise to meet again.

"Sun Yang..." Rukatiye's voice was a little hoarse, "I, I'm going to look for my brother. I think... I need to leave for a while."

"I don't agree. If you want to go, let's go together." Sun Yang refused decisively.

"This is my personal matter... I promise I'll come back to you after I'm done with it," Rukatiye's tone was heavy and weary. "I've been looking for my brother... I've been mentally prepared. Nothing can surprise me in this damn place... I have to see him no matter what."

"Then, Rukatiye, I hope you can swear on the honor of the Miller Knights that you will come back to me after this is over." Sun Yang released his grip on her thighs.

"..." Rukatiye was silent, and finally she sighed, "I can't eat so many souls you gave me and run away, right?"

"You don't want to swear. You want to end your life after this?" Sun Yang was also a little emotional. "Rukatiye, no matter what happens, I will help you. We have come a long way together, and there is still a long way to go. No matter what happens, I will be here."

"I... I understand. I, Rukatiye, swear by the honor of... the Miller Knights, I will..." Rukatiye clenched his trembling fists, then slowly opened them again, "I can't do it. Maybe, maybe it would be better if you could come along. Sorry, Sun Yang, my mind is still confused right now."

"It's okay, I understand this feeling. Let's get going without further ado. From the Pyroxene Town of Gaidole to the mansion in the north, there should be a large valley and forest. It will probably take a while to find it." Sun Yang held Rukatiye's hand.

"Okay..." Rukatiye didn't say anything, just nodded dejectedly.

***

After leaving Gaidole, Sun Yang and Rukatiye trekked across the mountains and launched a comprehensive search in the north. They found some villagers who hadn't been affected by the chaotic spacetime and the zombies. These people provided them with clues about strange sightings nearby. They reported that a murderous ghost was roaming the valley more than ten kilometers away.

Creatures that have become zombies usually do things they would have done instinctively in life. They will wander aimlessly in one place and do a lot of random things.

Following the clues provided by these villagers, a few days later, Sun Yang and Rukatiye found a tall Miller knight in a hidden wooden house in the dense valley forest north of Gaidol.

There is a campfire next to the cabin, and no one knows what was placed there.

The cabin seemed to have been intentionally cleaned, with some fairly sturdy furniture placed inside and a pot of withered flowers on the windowsill. Although the furniture was covered in dust, its owner had still paid attention to the quality of his living environment before completely losing consciousness.

Judging from the layout of the wooden house, this knight may have lived here for a long time.

The knight's attire was identical to Rukatier's, though slightly larger. His clothes were filthy, and he held an old Miller Knight broadsword at his side.

When Sun Yang and Rukatiye pushed open the door and walked in, the knight raised his head slowly. Beneath the hat was a face that looked exhausted.

"Azra?" Rukatiye asked cautiously.

The knight didn't respond, staring blankly into space. Then he stood up and raised his greatsword toward Rukatiye. The same words were engraved on the sword as Rukatiye's.

"I am Rukatiye, your sister. I have a statue here that can help you regain consciousness." Rukatiye took a few steps back, but the knight in front of him just made an indistinct muttering sound and then rushed towards Rukatiye.

Rukatiye retreated quickly, and the two of them fought directly in the courtyard outside the hut.

The two great swords clashed with each other, familiar swordsmanship, familiar steps.

But Rukatiye was surprised to find that the force coming from her brother was very weak, and his speed was much slower than Rukatiye remembered.

Perhaps it was because his transformation into a zombie had affected his combat abilities, or perhaps it was because of the lengthy battle. Rukatiye, having gained a vast soul, possessed a power that was no longer comparable to that of his brothers.

Rukatiye easily knocked the opponent's sword away and knocked him to the ground, then she tied her brother up with a rope.

"Sun Yang! I'll restrain him! Please prepare a statue!" Rukatiye tightened the rope. She took the statue from Sun Yang and pressed it against her brother's chest.

"Azratiya of Miller! Wake up..." Rukatiya shouted, "Azra! Remember your own face!!"

The strange energy within the portrait merged into Azratiya's body, but Azratiya only twitched and showed no signs of improvement.

290 Rukatiye's Choice

"Remember it now! Damn it! Hurry up! If you don't remember, you'll die!" Rukatiye lifted her brother up, "Azra! Where's your nerve? Wake up!"

But no matter how much Rukatiye scolded, cursed, or pleaded, the zombie in the Miller Knight suit showed no signs of improvement. He still tried to break free with an expressionless face, attacking everything around him.

"Sun Yang, please watch over him first. I'll go to his room and see if there's anything else..." Rukatiye put Azratiye aside, "If, if there's something familiar that can awaken his memories..."

Sun Yang could only put two more metal handcuffs on Azlatiye's hands and feet to prevent him from breaking free and getting up to beat him.

Rukatiye rummaged through the drawers in the room, but there was no place to hide anything. After rummaging through a bunch of things, Rukatiye found a yellowed letter that had been written long ago in the back of a desk drawer.

[Hello stranger, I am Azratiya from the Land of Miller. If you can see this letter, it means that you have defeated me, or I am not here at the moment.]

I came to Dolan Gureg, hoping to find the power of the soul, but I failed. I found nothing. The four giants are simply not something that human power can defeat.

I can't hold on any longer. My hands are shaking. I've forgotten what my parents looked like, who I've killed, and what my teammates said. All I have left are a few memories of my sister and I depending on each other for survival. I believe that if I fall asleep again, I will no longer be myself. I've encountered those who invade me many times. Some of them are clear-minded, while others just wave their weapons in vain. I think I'm probably the latter.

"Stranger, all the treasures I have collected are placed under the wooden house. Please take them as you please. I beg you to kill me completely and then give my greatsword to my sister, Rukatiye."

She was a noble and austere Knight of Miller, and may have even set foot on this land. I beg you, stranger, please let her know of my death.

Please tell Rukatiye this: My dear sister, please forgive me, Azlatiye, for leaving without saying goodbye. I have been cursed with undeath and cannot continue to accompany you.

"Rukatiye, you are a strong and good girl. The days ahead will be difficult, but you must persevere. You must not entertain any terrible thoughts about my death."

"I sometimes fantasize that you might have hooked up with some good guy from the Knights, and I'd attend your wedding and be the godfather of your child. Rukatiye, you're the only one left in the family, and it's hard to survive alone."

This is my last request: Find a companion, Rukatiye. No matter who you are, we all need to support each other. From the Miller Knights, Azratiye.

"You idiot!" Rukatiye took a deep breath. She remained calm as she folded the letter and put it in her bag. "Damn it! If, if I had looked this way from the beginning..."

No, I'm afraid it's too late. This place is so vast that it's difficult for one person to survive in such a hostile environment. In fact, if it weren't for the weapons Sun Yang delivered, she would probably have died and turned into a zombie long ago.

In comparison, his brother possessed greater strength, which supported him to get here... and even after arriving here, he still couldn't find a way to heal himself with soul power.

In other words, the so-called healing method of using soul power is actually just a matter of passing on the fire. Once someone with a powerful soul passes on the fire, prosperity will return to the world, and the undead plague will be eliminated. This is a trial doomed to failure.

Rukatiye took a few more deep breaths. After countless brutal training and difficult battles, her mind and spirit had long since hardened. And now that she had become undead, her physical pain had also become dulled.

After she calmed down a bit, she walked out again. Sun Yang was still standing there, staring at Azlatiye. After hearing footsteps, Sun Yang turned back to look at Rukatiye and asked, "Did you find anything?"

"A letter, a letter left for me," Rukatiye said. "I will do what I have to do. Please remove Azra's chains."

"What do you want?" Sun Yang was a little confused.

"Let Azra die a dignified death—die as a warrior." Rukatiye wiped his eyes.

Sun Yang said nothing more. He untied the shackles and ropes and stood aside. After Azlatiye broke free from the ropes, he picked up the old sword on the ground and made a standard opening move.

The same was true of Rukatiye, who was standing opposite him.

The next moment, both swords clashed. Though Azra was taller and had a longer reach, her speed was far inferior to Rukatiye's. Rukatiye instantly knocked the old sword aside, and then she chopped off her loved one's head in an instant.

Azra's figure turned into ashes in the air, but Rukatiye just gritted his teeth and walked towards the campfire next to him.

Azlatiye's body reshaped itself around the campfire. He propped up his increasingly withered body and swung his sword at Rukatiye again.

"How many times are you going to get up again?" Rukatiye gasped, stabbed Azratiye's heart again and cut off his head.

After repeating this seven times, Azratie's body finally stopped dissipating and fell to the ground in an instant like an ordinary corpse.

***

The work of collecting the body did not take long. Although Rukatiye looked very uncomfortable, he still took off his armor with Sun Yang's help and arranged the remains.

Azlatiye was as withered as a pitch-black firewood. Even Rukatiye could not recognize him as his relative. The body was placed on a rectangular pyre, and Sun Yang released the fire of the spell to cremate it.