Still intrigued by the topic of Necromancers, Michael continued reading about them.
He learned more about their limitations, their strengths, and how they related to him.
Michael also realized a significant issue with his current knowledge of the Supernaturals in this world.
While the Supers Association forum had expanded his understanding considerably over the past two days—more than he had in the previous 18 years—his knowledge was scattered and unorganized.
Without a structured foundation, there were gaps everywhere, making him prone to mixing things up.
This realization only strengthened his resolve to enter an academy, if possible.
For example, Michael had initially thought that the inability to place an undead inside the Netherworld would cripple Necromancers, considering it a serious issue.
However, he learned that it was more nuanced.
The problem wasn’t as dire as he’d imagined.
Necromancers with connections didn’t suffer the same limitations. They could place most of their undead—or even all of them—inside the Netherworld, depending on their capabilities.
This meant that only weaker Necromancers were forced to divide their forces between the Land of Origin and the Netherworld, the truly powerful ones likely didn’t face this restriction.
Dividing their forces was a choice to them.
It wasn’t the Necromancer’s true limitation but rather a challenge for the less capable.
After scraping together what he could about the ritual for placing undead into the Netherworld, Michael couldn’t help but agree with what he’d read.
The ritual involved using materials imbued with negative energies and a strong connection to the land of the dead.
As long as one wasn’t overly unlucky, they could successfully summon and dismiss their undead after performing the ritual. The effect of the ritual was comparable to the {Advanced Mastery} of {Undead Summoning}.
With this newfound understanding, the problem didn’t seem as difficult anymore.
Michael’s heart relaxed slightly, but it was also filled with a renewed determination to rank up so he could enter an academy.
At least now, he no longer felt burdened about evolving his undead. Their evolution was part of his strength— the stronger they were, the stronger he became.
Fueled by the same intense drive he’d felt when trying to place Lucky in the Netherworld the day before, Michael decided to go all out.
Three months.
If he spent every day fighting monsters, especially those above his level to maximize his experience points with the multiplier he’d get, he didn’t believe it would be impossible to get close to his goal.
If the real world couldn’t offer him enough monsters, he’d head into the Land of Origin and smash that damn Gargoyle to dust!
For power, even the normally cautious Michael couldn’t help but feel a trace of madness.
Time was too short. He had to go all out.
The Land of Origin was incredibly important to Awakeners because it offered resources and opportunities that the real world could never match.
Although Michael hadn’t yet reached the point where real-world resources were insufficient, and didn’t fully share the sentiment, he still understood it.
For example, the ruins he had found himself in upon his initial arrival were a significant opportunity for Awakeners—one that could not exist in the real world.
This made sense when considering the difference in histories.
The civilisation history of the land of origin was hundreds, if not thousands, of years old, while Aurora, the real world, barely had 300 years of history since the start of the Dark Age.
When you really thought about it, it was easy to see why the Land of Origin was so cherished.
Michael suspected that if Awakeners couldn’t die in the real world, they would likely care little for it and fully embrace their other identity in the Land of Origin.
It was also the Land of Origin that explained why, contrary to his initial thoughts, Necromancers weren’t unsettled by the need to divide their forces between both worlds.
While not stated directly, Michael noticed that most Awakeners preferred to develop themselves in the Land of Origin, and for Necromancers, {Undead Summoning} was primarily a convenience. It was annoying not to have it at their disposal, but it wasn’t as crippling.
Of course this depended heavily on the type of Necromancer.
Yes.
There were actually different types of Necromancers, just as there were various types of Beast Tamers, their most comparable class.
Michael could only find three types of Necromancers that were commonly discussed.
Commander Necromancers, Horde Necromancers, and Specialist Necromancers.
Commander Necromancers focus on commanding a smaller group of high-tier undead, valuing the strength and potential of each individual. This group prioritizes quality over quantity.
For example, at rank one, the highest number of undead they would contract would not exceed 10, with each undead being at least three stars, common rank.
As they advance to rank two, the same approach applies, but with rare-ranked monsters.
The cycle continues, with the undead growing stronger.
Although their standards slightly loosen, especially for lower-rank undead as they grow in strength, this group remains focused on quality.
Michael suspected that the truly capable Commander Necromancers—if not all—could summon all their undead from the Netherworld, thanks to their low numbers and steady strength increase.
Horde Necromancers, on the other hand, are a group specialized in overwhelming enemies with sheer numbers—typical bullies.
They focus on commanding vast swarms of undead, using all their contract slots as soon as possible, with the quality of their undead only improving as their rank increases.
This was a group Michael wanted to show he was part of, except he wasn’t the type to bully with low-rank undead, but with demigods!
Of course, it was a future thing, but the potential was there!
Also, Michael figured this group would likely struggle the most with the Netherworld, as they relied on having a vast number of undead at their disposal.
However, if they could summon and dismiss all their undead at will from the Netherworld, they would be a terrifying force—truly the representative group for Necromancers, to be called a one-man army.
The last was the Specialist Necromancers, who focused on specific types of undead, such as mages, tanks, or assassins, to create powerful synergies within their forces.
This type emphasized specialization and tactical advantages over brute strength or sheer numbers.
Michael read with interest, and before he knew it, he arrived at the Association.