The Reason Undead Fear Shadows

"Since the deal is struck and I've agreed to your condition, let's be frank about the other matter."

Olivia seemed satisfied with Greg's reaction. She leaned back in her high-backed chair, returning to her usual lazy posture, though her gaze grew more serious.

"I've visited the scene at the catacombs myself. Others might not know, but I'm well aware."

She leaned forward slightly, her eyes fixed on Greg.

"That fatal wound on the Undead Knight's chest... you weren't the one who caused it, were you?"

She paused, her tone certain.

"You didn't kill the Undead Knight on your own. There was someone else there—or rather, another existence—that dealt the killing blow."

Olivia's gaze was piercing. "Tell me, who was it?"

Greg met her gaze for a few seconds.

Since she had seen him use dark-attribute magic, he didn't plan on hiding it.

"It was an executive of the Demon King Cult, a High-tier Undead. I don't know her name."

Greg replied calmly, "She was the one who awakened and tried to control the Undead Knight. We fought."

"Oh? And then?"

Olivia pressed further. "Where did she go? Why did no one see a trace of her?"

Greg went silent for a moment, then chose the most direct explanation.

"I killed her. As for why there were no witnesses or remains..."

He raised his hand, and a wisp of profound dark mana emerged from his fingertips, flowing slowly like living ink.

"Because... I ate her."

Greg had asked Nightmare about why the Undead Knight suddenly submitted upon seeing Dark-Erosion Armament and why his dark mana showed such ravenous efficiency when devouring Huang Quan.

Her answer had been:

"Soul Cores condensed by undead creatures were once quite tasty snacks for Us. Their power shares a common origin with Our own. There was a time when We were quite fond of them and ate perhaps a bit too many. That is likely why those undead instinctively feel fear and submission when they sense Our aura. As for the efficiency... when fine cuisine is served, a healthy appetite is only natural."

"Ah, and by the way, as a goddess, no matter how much We eat, Our figure will never become bloated like that of a common mortal. This is a divine prerogative."

Though Greg was speechless at Nightmare's final addition—which sounded like she was bragging about not gaining weight—at least he understood the reason.

It was all because Nightmare, the Goddess of Night, used to treat undead as snacks and had built quite the terrifying reputation, causing undead to have an instinctive urge to submit to her power out of fear.

As for the devouring efficiency, it stemmed from the shadow power's instinctive craving for food of the same origin.

That explained what had happened.

............

Olivia was stunned when she heard Greg's words.

Then—

"Pfft—Hahahaha!"

She suddenly burst into a fit of unladylike, boisterous laughter!

One hand slammed hard against the solid mahogany desk, making a dull thud, while the other clutched her stomach as she doubled over. Tears pricked the corners of her eyes, and her cowboy hat nearly flew off from her exaggerated movements.

"Ha... haha... Ate... you ate her?! Hahahaha!"

She laughed until she could barely breathe, repeating the words in fits and starts as if it were the funniest joke of the century.

Greg stood there expressionless.

He had no idea what part of that statement had tickled her funny bone.

It took a while for Olivia's laughter to subside into uncontrollable chuckles and gasps.

She wiped the tears from her eyes and sat back, her shoulders still trembling with residual laughter.

She looked at Greg, her eyes full of curiosity, playfulness, and a light that suggested she had found an incredibly interesting toy.

"Interesting... very interesting..."

She muttered to herself, then gave Greg a dazzling, almost blinding smile.

"Greg Sass, it seems you're far more interesting than I anticipated!"

She didn't seem intent on prying further. Perhaps she felt it wasn't important, or perhaps she already had her suspicions but chose not to voice them.

She waved her hand dismissively, returning to her usual idle state.

"Fine, I have a general idea of what I wanted to know. I'll have someone look into that Demon King Cult executive's identity. As for what you ate and how you ate it, that's your own business and secret. As long as you don't harm the academy or cause me any massive trouble, I don't care."

She picked up a half-empty bottle from the desk, took a swig, and let out a satisfied sigh before pointing toward the office door.

"Now, you can leave."

Greg had no intention of staying. He nodded, turned, and walked toward the door.

However, just as his fingers were about to touch the cold handle, Olivia's voice, slightly tipsy and lazy, drifted over from behind.

"Right, I almost forgot to remind you. According to the regulations, mentors accompany their students to the exchange. And your mentor... is that young Professor Alice, right?"

Greg paused and looked back.

Olivia shook the bottle, looking at him with a half-smile.

"I heard that since you haven't shown up at the lab in a long time, she's already gone to participate in the mentor selection for this year's freshmen. So, I suggest you go say hello as soon as possible. Otherwise, her love might end up being split in two."

"..."

Greg was silent for a few seconds before calmly responding, "I see. Thank you."

With that, he didn't linger. He turned the handle and stepped out of the alcohol-scented office.

The heavy oak door closed silently behind him, cutting off everything inside.

Standing in the empty corridor, Greg let out a long breath, feeling a slight chill on his back.

"Dealing with these women... you really can't let your guard down for a second."

He rubbed his aching temples, thinking back to Olivia's final reminder.

"But that is indeed something I need to do."

In fact, ever since he had obtained the Golden Glow Spider Silk from Lady Eight-Legs' Boss room, he had been looking for a chance to speak with his mentor, Alice.

But for some reason—perhaps his bad luck was at work—Alice was never there whenever he went to the lab, and it had been delayed until now.

"I didn't expect her to participate in the mentor selection for the freshmen..."

Although it differed from the original plot, it gave Greg a chance to "happen upon" Alice, ensuring he wouldn't miss her again.

As for whether Alice would recruit a junior disciple for him during the selection, he didn't care at all.

After all, no matter who joined the group, they were destined to become his tools. Hehehe!

Having made up his mind, he looked through the stained-glass window at the end of the corridor toward the Student Council office.

"But before that..."

Greg's eyes grew calm.

"There are more important things to take care of first."