[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-damn-necromancer":3,"chapter-damn-necromancer-damn-necromancer-chapter-65":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","Damn Necromancer",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":20,"prevChapterSlug":21,"totalChapters":22,"novelImage":23},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":16,"volume":17,"translator":18,"content_hash":19},1212592,1580,"Chapter 65","damn-necromancer-chapter-65",65,"\u003Cp>[Translator – Prøks]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Proofreader – Prøks]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chapter 65: The Trial Grounds (2)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[You have entered the ‘Opensia Arena.’]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a massive colosseum with crowds of various species in the stands.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the center of the arena, a fierce battle between a lizardman and a gnoll was taking place.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>―Yeah! Go, Gomongo! Stab him right there!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>―Smelly gnoll scum! Just kill him already!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>―Kalex! Don’t lose! I bet today’s wages on you!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The gnoll, called Kalex, was pushing the lizardman back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He found himself in a small prison cell at the edge of the arena.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An old gnome approached the cell and grinned, revealing his yellowed teeth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“First time here? You look like a newbie.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Who are you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Me? I’m your overseer. Why’d a weak human like you end up here? Did you get sold off?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Seems like it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Tsk. Humans, I swear. Anyway, you’re up next. If you don’t want to die, you’d better fight with all you’ve got, though it might not help…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Who’s my opponent?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Karligo.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What’s that?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You don’t know the ‘Butcher’ Karligo? Man, you’re in trouble. He’s a troll who crushes the heads of rookie gladiators like you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A troll?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were typically level 200 to 250, roughly in the upper-C-rank range.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘So I just need to beat this troll to pass the trial?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a Diamond-level trial, this seemed almost too easy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His puzzled look seemed to further confirm the gnome’s perception of him as a clueless newbie.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He clicked his tongue in pity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Seriously? You don’t even know what a troll is? Did you just crawl out of a cave?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I know.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just then, the gnoll called Kalex smashed the lizardman’s head with a mace in one strike.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The crowd erupted in cheers as the gnoll raised his weapon in victory.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So killing is allowed?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This is an illegal arena. No one cares about rules here. Choose carefully. If you try to surrender early, you’ll just be thrown to the dogs.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Got it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The gnome opened the cell door.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Go on. Good luck surviving, kid.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He handed him a sword.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a simple, rusty blade, but it would do.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Come to think of it… I don’t have my weapons or equipment.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All his gear had been stripped away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Initiate – Diamond’ trial begins!]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[First stage: Defeat the ‘Butcher’ Karligo.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Difficulty: Diamond]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Difficulty adjustments are being applied!]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[1st Stage]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[1. Karligo’s health increased by 300%.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[2. Existing equipment cannot be used.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[3. Consumables cannot be used.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[4. Skills cannot be used.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Well, that’s one way to make it a challenge’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It made sense that a Diamond-level trial would have significant limitations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No consumables, no equipment, no skills, and a heavily buffed opponent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet, it didn’t worry him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Equipment?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He just needed this one sword to defeat the troll.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even with 300% health, a sharp enough blade would still do the job.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he were a typical necromancer, the lack of skills would be a massive problem, but he was anything but typical.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even without skills, he could slice through his enemies with ease.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The announcer’s voice boomed across the arena.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Introducing a new challenger, a first-time fighter in the arena! He goes by the name ‘Kim Minwoo!’ And his opponent is none other than the Butcher himself…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the opposite side of the arena, the gates rolled open, and the ground trembled with each step of the approaching giant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A towering troll nearly 5 meters tall emerged, wielding a massive iron mace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Butcher, Karligo! Known for crushing the bodies of countless rookies!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>―Yeah!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>―Hah! We know who’s going to win this one!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>―I’ve got one minute on the human!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>―I bet one minute and 30 seconds!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The crowd was abuzz with excitement, making bets on how quickly Karligo would crush him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their enthusiasm was palpable, though their expectations for his survival were grim.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>―Hey! I’m betting one ruble on the human to win!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>―Are you crazy? Betting one ruble on this? You’re nuts!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The crowd murmured in disbelief as he chuckled to himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These people couldn’t imagine a scenario where he wouldn’t get crushed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was like hitting the lottery.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for him, he couldn’t imagine losing this fight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>―Let the match begin!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A drumbeat echoed across the arena, and the troll charged at him with his massive iron mace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Here we go.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Karligo swung the mace, he leaped onto it, using its momentum to carry him forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He ran up the handle, jumped onto his shoulder, and then plunged his sword deep into Karligo’s neck, cutting through flesh and bone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The troll gurgled as he tried to swat him away, but he swiftly sliced off two of his fingers before leaping away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By the time his other hand smashed down where he had been, he was already on top of his head, driving his sword into his skull.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No matter how much health a troll had, a brain-piercing stab was enough to end the fight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The troll stumbled and then collapsed, dead, in less than 10 seconds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>―…Huh?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The announcer blinked, clearly surprised.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>―…The winner is Kim Minwoo! That was lightning fast! Did we just witness the birth of a new super rookie?!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The crowd erupted into chaos.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>―My money!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>―Hey, what kind of trick is this, you crazy human?!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>―You guys are rigging this match to take our money!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The gamblers went berserk, turning into instant paupers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Karligo, the supposed rookie killer, had fallen in just a few seconds, leaving them all in shock.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The announcer, sensing the crowd’s anger, quickly adapted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>―Well, if we end it here, it’s not much fun, is it? Karligo was just the gatekeeper! Let’s move on to our second contestant!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Second Stage: Defeat the ‘Iron Ogre’ Turuk.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Difficulty: Diamond]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Difficulty adjustments are being applied!]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[2nd Stage]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[1. Turuk’s health increased by 300%.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[2. Existing equipment cannot be used.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[3. Consumables cannot be used.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[4. Skills cannot be used.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[5. Random curse applied.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The new challenge details popped up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just then…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Curse of Endurance has been applied!]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Huh. What’s this curse about?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wondered, getting ready for the next opponent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The itchy sensation spread from his fingers to his arms and then across his entire body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It felt like bugs crawling under his skin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was unbearable, making him want to scratch every inch of his body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He bit his lip to suppress the urge to roll on the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘What the hell?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He thought while scratching his arm, but the itch only intensified.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cold sweat began to form on his forehead as he looked ahead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The iron gate had opened, and a massive ogre was stepping out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unlike the troll, the ogre had armor plating on his entire body, making him more durable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>―Roar!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ogre bellowed, swinging a massive iron club.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The betting odds for this round were 7:3, indicating that many gamblers still believed the ogre would win.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Human! I’ll tear you apart!.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>―Can the rookie overcome the fearsome Iron Ogre Turuk? Let’s start the match!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Boom. Boom.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ogre charged toward him with heavy footsteps.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[‘Law of Victory’ is activating!]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[All stats increased by 10%!]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[All damage increased by 10%!]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The iron club swung at him with tremendous speed and force.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was faster than the troll’s attacks, but that didn’t change the outcome.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He dodged the club, moving closer to the ogre’s legs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Despite the armor plating, there were still weak points.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He drove his sword into the Achilles tendon, splitting bone with a resounding crack.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ogre stumbled and tried to bring his club down, but it was another miss.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Break his legs.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With 300% more health, headshots would take longer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Immobilizing the ogre was his best option.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He struck the same spot on his leg again, deepening the wound.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Consecutive attack!]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Damage increased by 11%!]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[‘Drill Down’ is activating!]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Additional damage applied!]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every successive hit added more damage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After the third strike, the ogre’s leg was completely severed, and he collapsed to the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>―Roar!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ogre’s pained cry echoed through the arena as he plunged his sword into his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It took about two minutes to defeat him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn’t due to fatigue—it was that cursed itch that made it harder to concentrate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thankfully, the curse dissipated after the ogre fell.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He turned to look at the announcer, who seemed impressed by his quick work.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>―Turuk has fallen! We might be witnessing the rise of a legendary newcomer! Kim Minwoo, would you like to continue?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He nodded, ready for the next challenge. But before he could move, a message appeared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[You have achieved perfect scores for the first two stages!]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[It’s impossible to gauge your limits with the Diamond difficulty!]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Hidden difficulty levels are unlocked!]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[You can ‘select’ your next opponent.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[1. ‘Black Knight’ Idric]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[A knight with a mask known as the strongest warrior in the Opensia Arena. He normally doesn’t appear in matches, but given your current performance, you might be able to summon him. Note: choosing him will increase the difficulty.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[2. ‘Cerberus’ Sastera]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[One of the Cerberus species fighting in the Opensia Arena.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[3. ‘Chain Scythe’ Jemerson]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[A warrior known for his incredible skill with a chain scythe.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The list of potential opponents had expanded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Among them, Idric stood out the most.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Normally, he wouldn’t even appear, indicating a higher level of challenge.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Guess it’s time to see what this hidden path is all about.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He thought, considering his next move.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a hidden route, there must be a significant reward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It made sense to take the risk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Let’s do it.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Turning to the announcer, he said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Black Knight Idric. He’s the only one who might be a challenge for me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The announcer paused, the crowd falling silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If someone said that without backing it up, they’d be laughed at, but given his track record, they couldn’t deny he had some credibility.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, he’d taken down Karligo, the rookie crusher, and Turuk, the veteran killer, without breaking a sweat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>―Idric? He’s calling out Idric?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>―This is going to be interesting!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>―Hey, announcer! If you don’t bring him out, you’ll lose all respect!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The announcer nodded as the crowd roared with excitement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>―Alright, let’s do it! We’ll bring out the best warrior in the Opensia Arena!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a brief wait, the announcer returned with someone in tow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>―Here he is! The crowd’s favorite—the Black Knight, Idric! Get ready for an unforgettable match!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The audience erupted with cheers as the Black Knight strode forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had the typical look of a knight, but with a metal mask covering his face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[You’ve unlocked a special route!]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Warning! The difficulty has changed from ‘Diamond’ to ‘Lethal’!]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[‘Lethal’ difficulty!]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Stage 3: Survive for 3 minutes against the ‘Black Knight’ Idric.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Applying difficulty adjustments!]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[‘Lethal’ difficulty.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[1. Existing equipment cannot be used.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[2. Consumables cannot be used.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[3. Skills cannot be used.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[4. Two random curses will be applied.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[5. Idric’s stats are increased by 100%.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[6. Kim Minwoo’s all stats are fixed at 100.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was supposed to survive for 3 minutes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At first, he wondered why they called it “Lethal.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the answer was clear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His stats were capped at 100, while Idric’s were doubled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Given that he was likely in the level 300-400 range, his strength and agility would easily exceed 800.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘And they added two random curses?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was indeed a lethal setup.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Strangely, he felt a rush of excitement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The previous rounds had been almost too easy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, he finally had a real challenge on his hands.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Translator – Prøks]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Proofreader – Prøks]\u003C\u002Fp>",1923,"2026-06-03T14:21:21.387Z","2026-06-03T14:21:27.249Z",1,"novelbin.me","c38ec016198a7fae3f0a1ddcaabd2eec658afee73216ee8008a434d5221bdf5d","damn-necromancer-chapter-13","damn-necromancer-chapter-283",362,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fdamn-necromancer-cover.jpg"]