Although Zhong Shenxiu visited the library this time, he didn't head for the main hall. Instead, he utilized the special privileges granted by Li Ander to borrow over a dozen books on "Spatial Magic."

The trio strolled casually down the street. Pedestrians were gradually increasing in number, and various mobile vendors were beginning to set up shop.

Just then, a small boy, not much older than Robin, suddenly rushed up to them. Clutching a thick stack of papers, he pleaded with Kaini, "Pretty big sister, would you like to buy a newspaper? It's the newest edition, full of news." Clearly, the child was uneducated and couldn't read the contents of the paper himself.

Kaini was momentarily stunned and looked closely at the boy. He appeared to be only a teenager, wearing simple, coarse cloth—likely from a poor family.

"Certainly, give this sister one, then!" Kaini replied with a gentle smile.

After accepting the money and handing over the newspaper, the little boy also thanked Shaluo before leaving.

Although the newspaper was the latest issue, most of the reported content was from more than ten days prior. This world lacked the internet, so current events couldn't be reported immediately; news usually took several days to be gathered and compiled.

Zhong Shenxiu was generally interested only in knowledge itself, lacking much curiosity for specific happenings! However, when his gaze casually swept over the newspaper Kaini held, his expression froze. He involuntarily reached out and took it.

The piece Zhong Shenxiu read concerned "Necromancers." Unexpectedly, over a month ago, the "Necromancer's Association" had been formally established, leading to the legalization and unification of necromancy.

This was old news, yet due to its immense significance, it had been serialized across several issues.

As was widely known, before this, there was no official "Necromancer's Association"; all organizations related to necromancers were spontaneously formed by individuals.

Furthermore, these organizations usually convened in secluded or sparsely populated areas. The larger the locale, the less likely one was to find them! In "Gulu City," Zhong Shenxiu had searched for necromancer groups but couldn't find a single one in the surrounding areas.

Now, the founding of the "Necromancer's Association" signaled that necromancers finally had a unified body, and it also suggested they would gradually be accepted by the world.

In the past, necromancers had a terrible reputation because their movements were mysterious, they symbolized death, and they utilized the remains of the deceased as weapons, giving off an aura of evil!

In reality, necromancers were not as wicked as the public perceived. Although they could summon skeleton warriors, they rarely took lives arbitrarily. In contrast, those who outwardly appeared righteous might not be good people at all; perhaps the more such people existed, the more egregious the misdeeds they had committed!

After noting the address printed in the news, Zhong Shenxiu returned the paper to Kaini and changed course, heading directly toward the location of the "Necromancer's Association."

Inside the Necromancer's Association, the atmosphere was eerily quiet. Although it had been open for over a month, only the same few familiar faces remained.

Despite the low turnout, every necromancer present was in good spirits. The reason was simple: they could now openly enter and exit major cities without fear. Although they still attracted strange looks, the harassment from those claiming to be "acting on behalf of Heaven" had ceased!

That was enough for them; their demands had never been great!

Just as these few personnel were feeling bored, the door suddenly burst open, admitting three figures.

What struck the staff members as odd was that among the three newcomers, besides one woman, there were two children. Even more surprising was that since none of the three appeared to be necromancers, why had they come? Were they merely sightseers?

They were certain the trio were not necromancers because, unlike themselves, none of the newcomers wore coverings to hide their faces. True necromancers could never walk openly under the sun.

Nevertheless, one staff member approached them, as visitors were rare.

"Hello, may I help you with something?" the staff member asked Kaini, completely ignoring Zhong Shenxiu and Robin, after all, they were just two very young children.

"We're just looking around!" Kaini said with a smile, glancing meaningfully at Zhong Shenxiu.

The staff member didn't leave; instead, he enthusiastically began explaining things to Shaluo, seemingly hoping to entice Kaini into practicing "Dark Magic!"

Kaini listened with a quiet smile, not uttering a word. Meanwhile, Zhong Shenxiu interjected, asking, "What benefits come with obtaining a 'Necromancer Rank Certificate'?"

The staff member clearly flinched, staring blankly at Zhong Shenxiu without replying.

"I'd like to know that too," Kaini quickly added.

Only then did the staff member shift his gaze away from Zhong Shenxiu and begin explaining to Kaini.

After hearing the account, they learned that the "Rank Certificate" was not merely proof of rank; it held various functions. For instance, it entitled the holder to a discount at certain "State-run Stores," and it could grant preferential treatment in specific designated locations.

Furthermore, it could also be used as a form of identification!

To elaborate slightly, the "Necromancer Rank Certificate" shared many functional similarities with the "Mage Rank Certificate," although the latter carried more weight due to its long and established history!

After the staff member finished speaking, Kaini immediately looked toward Zhong Shenxiu, seemingly awaiting his decision.

The staff member found Kaini's repeated glances at the little boy very strange. Just then, Zhong Shenxiu suddenly declared, "Lead the way. I want to undergo rank appraisal!"

"What?" the staff member exclaimed in surprise.

Despite the "Necromancer's Association" having been established only recently, its facilities were quite substantial, in no way inferior to the "Mage Associations."

Led by the staff member, Zhong Shenxiu and the two others arrived in a spacious area. Various unfamiliar apparatuses were sparsely arranged around the periphery; it was unclear if they were related to the impending appraisal.

Zhong Shenxiu stood quietly, waiting. Soon, the staff member returned, accompanied by two necromancers who appeared quite capable.

These two necromancers were presumably the assessors for Zhong Shenxiu's appraisal. However, in a truly baffling turn, one of the necromancers cried out upon seeing Zhong Shenxiu and stopped dead in his tracks.

The sudden development left everyone confused, staring at him for an explanation. But instead of offering one, the necromancer simply turned and fled!

This made the situation even more inexplicable. One of the remaining necromancers asked the other, "What happened? What's wrong with Jaynes?"

"I... I don't know?" the other necromancer replied blankly.

The first necromancer turned, his brow furrowing slightly as he took in Kaini and the two children. He asked again, "You said someone requested a necromancer appraisal. Who is it?"

"That little boy!"

"Are you sure?"

"Yes. I found it strange too, but they insisted!"

The two necromancers fell silent. After a short while, the one who had run off, Jaynes, reappeared, this time accompanied by another necromancer. This newcomer’s attire was distinctly different from the others, appearing far more luxurious, suggesting he was likely a figure of leadership.

"Huh? Why did Jaynes bring the Vice-President?" the first necromancer looked utterly perplexed.

At that moment, the necromancer addressed as the Vice-President suddenly roared with excitement.

"Master! It truly is you!"

With that exclamation, he took two rapid steps that were practically three, closing the distance to Zhong Shenxiu, his eyes filled with disbelief.

Judging by his voice, the Vice-President sounded at least fifty or sixty years old.

Zhong Shenxiu remained silent, observing the Vice-President with an indifferent expression.

"Robin, you've grown taller again!" The Vice-President shifted his gaze to Robin, his eyes softening with paternal warmth.

Kaini, standing aside, refrained from speaking, instead observing the Vice-President curiously. Based on her intuition, he must have known Zhong Shenxiu and Robin, though their exact relationship remained a mystery.

When Robin saw the Vice-President, a strange glimmer flashed in her eyes. Now, hearing the Vice-President speak, she didn't answer verbally but nodded gently.

The Vice-President chuckled, turning his gaze back to Zhong Shenxiu, his voice still brimming with excitement: "Master, I never imagined I would see you again in this place!"

However, Zhong Shenxiu continued to look at him with a placid expression, as if they were strangers.

"Master, you don't remember me? I am Faraday. I once gave you a 'High-Grade Bright Token.' Do you recall now?" A hint of anxiety crept into Faraday’s voice.

At this point, Jaynes and the other two necromancers had also approached but remained quiet, standing respectfully to the side like Kaini.

Perhaps those with good memories would recall by now: Faraday and Jaynes were the two necromancers Zhong Shenxiu had met earlier at the "Necromancer Exchange Assembly." It was also at that gathering that Robin had been introduced to them!

At this juncture, some readers might ask: how did they end up here?

The reason is quite simple. Several months prior, Faraday received a letter delivered by the "Crossed Swords Mercenary Group." The letter concerned the establishment of the "Necromancer's Association" and requested that Faraday travel to the "City of Dream's Twilight" to oversee the operations.

Such a tremendous opportunity was something Faraday naturally couldn't refuse, leading to this encounter today!