Strongest Necromancer System Chapter 788: How To Announce a Relationship

[The Stone Catacombs]

[Gathering Place of The Council of Nine and One]

The tranquil realm of the Stone Catacombs remained as serene and enigmatic as Jason recalled. Emerging from the teleportation zone situated within the imposing tower opposite the Stone Catacombs, Jason drew in a deep, refreshing breath while surveying his surroundings with Jason, Gina, and Hesbeath. Truthfully, Jason hadn’t anticipated returning so soon. It had only been a few months since the trials, yet Jason felt an immense transformation within himself compared to the person who had arrived here three months prior! Gina, too, observed her environment with a look of wonder, appreciating the picturesque landscape. In stark contrast, Hesbeath remained impassive. Her gaze drifted towards the primary castle of the Stone Catacombs, a slight frown creasing her brow as she contemplated the impending trial. Hesbeath couldn’t shake the feeling that this entire ordeal was merely an vexing inconvenience, yearning instead to be back on Earth with her beloved, finally meeting his family!

"Welcome, Queen Hesabeth, Seventh Seat of the Council of Nine and One. Welcome, Jason Marc of Earth, Dead Apostle of Fire. Welcome, Gina Fey, Spirit Sage of Wind. It is indeed an honor to receive you all once more at the Stone Catacombs. I am the Head Keeper, and I shall serve as your guide today. I implore you to uphold the laws of Neutrality while within this world to prevent any repercussions. Should you require any assistance, please do not hesitate to approach me or any of the Faceless Keepers."

Presented before the trio, the Faceless Keepers stood with impeccable respect in a precise, orderly line, all bowing their heads in unison as a form of greeting. The Keepers continued to don their customary long, black cloaks, complete with hoods and masks that obscured their faces. The individual who addressed them was the Head Keeper, positioned at the forefront of the other Keepers. Both Jason and Gina offered respectful nods to the assembled Keepers. However, Queen Hesabeth entirely disregarded them, her attention shifting to the side where her guards from Minori stood in formation, awaiting her presence. Upon noticing their Queen’s gaze, the guards executed a salute. Hesabeth bestowed a brief glance upon them before finally turning back to Jason, addressing him in a composed tone.

"I shall be proceeding to the council chamber now, my dear. Given the circumstances, my position as a member of the council necessitates my attendance in my designated high seat. But remember, you are not without support in that hall. You do not face this alone."

As Hesabeth spoke, she gently reached up to caress Jason’s cheek, eliciting a smile from him. Nearby, the guards from Minori exchanged wide-eyed glances upon witnessing their Queen’s affectionate display towards Jason. The astonishment escalated when Hesabeth leaned in to plant a kiss on Jason, leaving the guards utterly stunned! One guard even took an involuntary half-step back with a gasp, while another nudged him to maintain composure. The guards were dumbfounded! Their Queen had finally chosen a companion! And out of all the individuals she could have selected, it was the Immortal King!? This was monumental news!

A smile graced Hesabeth’s lips as she drew away from Jason. Following this, she shared a brief, heartfelt embrace with Gina before turning and briskly walking towards her guards. The guards immediately snapped to attention as Hesabeth approached. She surveyed them all with a weighty gaze before proceeding towards the adjacent wall and vanishing through it!

In reality, Hesbeth was fully cognizant of her intentions when she kissed Jason earlier. It served as a deliberate declaration to her guards and the council, signifying her romantic involvement with this man. Hesbeth was not the type of woman to broadcast her relationships to the common folk. Therefore, she elected to allow her guards to disseminate the information on her behalf! Let the populace be informed that the esteemed child of the Primordial Expanse had selected a man for herself, and Hesabeth would not tolerate any form of disrespect towards her or her newly formed family!

Back on the teleportation platform, Jason let out a soft chuckle, having easily grasped Hesabeth’s strategy. He then took Gina’s hand and also began to walk towards the wall. Jason was aware that some of his Vympir subordinates were scheduled to be present to welcome him to the Stone Catacombs. However, Jason had previously dispatched a message to Lamina, ensuring that no Vympir would appear to greet him. Jason desired to prevent Lamina and the other Vympirs from treating him any differently than before, thereby assuring the council that Jason harbored no aspirations of claiming the throne of Nox. Jason had already informed Lamina of his wish for her to retain her position as both the leader of Nox and the Eighth Seat of the council, thus it was imperative for Lamina to continue acting as she always had.

Jason was certain the council would bring up his status as the wielder of the Blood Oath, potentially aiming to either strip Lamina from their ranks or prevent Jason from joining. However, he understood the council's reliance on Lamina; otherwise, her earlier resignation request would not have been denied. Therefore, Jason was counting on Lamina's significance to the council to maintain control over the proceedings! Lamina had already entered the Hall of Heroes with other council members to await the trial. Jason decided to observe how the remaining council members treated her before finalizing his next move!

The previous night, while sharing a bed, Jason, Gina, and Hesabeth had discussed the day's potential events. Gina expressed clear anxiety about the council's actions towards Jason, but both he and Hesabeth reassured her. They reasoned that the council couldn't impose overly severe punishment on Hesabeth without risking further destruction. Moreover, Jason couldn't be held entirely accountable for many of his actions, as he had been under Gillian’s control during the conflict with the Machina. The primary reason for the destruction of numerous worlds was Hesabeth's aggression towards him. At most, Jason anticipated a fine for both of them, concluding the matter.

Navigating the familiar corridors of the Stone Catacombs, Jason admired the exquisite architecture and the captivating vista of floating blue clouds visible through the windows. The Head Keeper, who had initially greeted Jason and Gina, followed at a respectful distance. Jason paid him no mind, continuing along the path he remembered toward the Hall of Fallen Heroes.

"Excuse me, where did they say the restroom was? Is it somewhere around here?"

A voice from ahead caught Jason's attention. Turning the corner, he encountered a quartet of small, lizard-like beings approaching him. These bipedal creatures, covered in brown scales, wore flowing robes that trailed behind them. The instant they saw Jason, they gasped in surprise and hastily moved aside. Jason, though, proceeded onward with Gina, unperturbed.

"Isn't that him? The Immortal King? He's the one facing trial today."

"Hey, don't point! He might become your new Overlord soon!"

"There's no way he'll be the next Overlord! The Machina are nearly extinct because of him! They'll send him straight to prison."

"Did you sense his mana? Wow, he's intimidating."