William hadn’t expected what he found beyond the massive stone doors.

Based on everything he’d heard about the mysterious cult, he imagined a dark chamber filled with twisted figures performing grim, malevolent rituals.

Instead, he saw the complete opposite.

The place was—essentially—a magic academy.

The only practical difference? Entry was restricted to necromancers.

Naturally, that meant fewer students overall, but at its core, it was structured like any other magical school.

The entire building was made of solid stone. Corridors stretched in every direction, and students moved about—busy and focused. All wore dark robes, the standard uniform of this institution.

“We have everything we need here,” the recruiter said. “Living quarters, shops, study halls for both theory and practice, and of course, crops and livestock. We try not to leave the premises more than necessary.”

Kali and Geneva were just as surprised by what they saw. It was wildly different from what they’d imagined.

“You’ll each be assigned a place to sleep and classes to attend. Mostly for the two of you,” the recruiter said. “He’ll follow a slightly different schedule.”

William had displayed an impressive number of necromancy spells to secure his spot in the cult. As a result, he was already regarded as a more advanced practitioner—unlike most of the students here.

The recruiter gave them a full tour of the cult’s facilities, pointing out classrooms, libraries, practice chambers for spellwork, and even places to eat.

It was exactly like any other magic school. William was beginning to think the cult’s dark reputation might’ve been a little exaggerated.

The recruiter also showed them their rooms. Kali and Geneva were sharing one, located in the section designated for novice necromancers.

William’s room was in the same wing—even though his skill level placed him well above beginner status.

“I’ll go get your uniforms and class schedules,” the recruiter said. “Please wait in the room if possible. I’ll be back shortly.”

Kali and Geneva stayed inside, but William followed the recruiter deeper into the facility.

“You and I need to speak to a superior,” the recruiter explained. “I’ll report your situation and see what rank you’ll start with. I’m guessing you’ll be one of us—another recruiter.”

“A recruiter?” William raised an eyebrow. “I thought recruiters went out looking for new members. You seem to stay here.”

“We do both. Recruiters are just slightly more advanced necromancers. We help train newcomers. No point bringing people in if we can’t make them stronger.”

Fair point. It wasn’t just about numbers—the cult needed powerful members, ones who could grow and contribute.

“But it’s not all sunshine. We’re also responsible for the base. We leave to recruit, gather supplies, defend the perimeter, and even take on missions assigned by higher-ups. The novice necromancers mostly stay inside—safe and focused on practice.”

William liked what he was hearing. The recruiter seemed… genuine. And with that impression, William decided to ask something riskier.

“Tell me—do you actually use people for sacrifices?”

Sure, everyone here seemed normal. And the place operated more like a disciplined academy than a twisted cult. But William hadn’t forgotten what Kali told him—about the supposed plan to sacrifice Rebo and Undir.

“Yes and no,” the recruiter said. “On rare occasions, living subjects are used for spells. If it happens, it’s done to criminals—the worst of the worst—hiding in the region. We don’t harm innocents.”

That was completely different from what Kali had told him.

The recruiter leaned in slightly.

“Sometimes we pretend we’ll use someone’s family as a sacrifice… to pressure them into joining. Talent for necromancy is rare. We need students. Simple as that.”

William froze. That was exactly what had happened to Kali.

Whether the recruiter had overheard her story—or was twisting the truth to manipulate William—he couldn’t tell. Time would reveal if this place was truly dangerous… or just strategic.

Eventually, the recruiter led William through several stone corridors to the office of the individual who ran this cult base—their version of a director.

“Recruiters handle most things, but the director gives orders and keeps everything organized,” the recruiter explained.

In other words, the head of operations. Less hands-on—but still in control.

They entered the office and met the director.

He was relatively young, wearing robes similar to the rest—with subtle design differences that signified his rank.

The office itself was basic. A cluttered desk buried in papers. A shelf full of books. A side table for meals. One extra door—leading into the director’s private quarters.

“How can I help?” the director asked, glancing up as they entered.

He set the papers aside, giving William a direct stare—intense enough to make William feel a flicker of discomfort.

The recruiter was the one who explained the situation. He told the director how he’d nearly dismissed William because of his missing arm—but changed his mind after witnessing the incredible mastery William had over a wide range of necromancy spells.

“What?” the director said, surprised. “You can use all those spells? That’s… impressive.”

It was rare to meet someone with such refined technique across so many spells. Most people took years to reach that level. William had done it in a fraction of the time.

“You made the right call recruiting him,” the director said. “You can assign him as a recruiter as well. There’s no reason to treat him like a beginner necromancer or put him in basic classes.”

“Understood,” the recruiter replied. “Sorry for the interruption.”

With that, the two of them left. The recruiter was clearly excited to have William onboard as one of his own.

“Let’s go grab your friends’ uniforms. And yours too. After that, I need you to come with me—there’s something else.”

William nodded. They picked up the items and returned to the dormitory, where Kali and Geneva were waiting eagerly.

“I’m officially a recruiter,” William told them.

He explained how he had nearly been rejected, and how he had to demonstrate more of his spell repertoire to earn acceptance—securing a higher rank in the process.

“I’m glad it worked out in the end. And knowing you’re one of the recruiters puts me at ease,” Geneva said. “It’s good to have a friend in a high position, right? I know you’ll have our backs.”

“Of course I will.”

As much as William wanted to stay and talk, the other recruiter had a job for him.

In theory, William and the recruiter held the same rank. But William was new—he barely knew the place. For now, he’d follow orders and absorb everything he could.

They left the dormitory together.

“You just got here and we already need to head out,” the recruiter said. “There are two new prospects. One of them is extremely talented—a perfect addition to our cult. You and I are in charge of recruiting them.”

“But why me?” William asked.

The recruiter laughed. “Technically I’m in charge of this mission. But I’m required to take someone with me—and I chose you. So don’t make me regret it.”

Not exactly what William had imagined when joining the cult, but there was no way around it. They exited through the same hidden tomb entrance William had used earlier.

Now they were outside the cemetery once again—but everything had changed.

William wore the same dark robes as the recruiter now, along with a mask he could use if needed.

“Aren’t we taking any supplies?” he asked.

“We are,” the recruiter replied. “But we’ll buy what we need in the city. We’re not allowed to take gear allocated for beginner necromancers.”

It was impressive how the cult prioritized the growth of beginner necromancers. They did everything possible to create an ideal learning environment, and harming a novice necromancer was strictly forbidden.

Eventually, they returned to the nearby city—the same one William had spent the night in. There were plenty of shops selling basic supplies like food and water.

The recruiter, like William, had a magical pouch capable of storing large quantities. Together, they stocked up on provisions, filled their packs with food, water, and tents for sleeping on the road.

William took the opportunity to retrieve the horses they had used when arriving in town. The tavern owner had continued caring for them since the night before.

“These horses will help a lot during the journey,” the recruiter said. “I was about to buy a pair for us, but since you already have them, we’re saving a good bit of coin.”

“And where exactly are we headed?” William asked.

“Outside this desolate region. We’re visiting the estate of a nobleman—someone wealthy. It’ll take us a few days to reach it.”

William considered revealing his creature-taming skill to speed things up. He was starting to resent constant horseback travel. But for now, he chose to keep that ability hidden. It didn’t feel right to reveal everything so early—not until he knew whether this cult was truly good or bad.

And so, the two traveled together for days on horseback. They spent time talking, sometimes fighting off threats along the road. William used his new necromancy spells frequently—summoning skeletons and letting them handle things while he simply watched.

Eventually, they arrived at the nobleman’s estate—the one the recruiter had mentioned. Apparently, this noble had a daughter with a rare talent for necromancy.

The cult had reached out after discovering her potential, and naturally, the noble was thrilled. Having a powerful mage in the family was always a valuable asset.

Someone came to see them the moment they arrived.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep