Evolving My Undead Legion In A Game-Like World

Chapter 638: Aftermath

“So you’re saying this is your undead?”

Currently, there were four people in the room.

Mike sat across from Instructor Yola and Michael, while Jester stood quietly behind them.

After hearing Mike’s question, both Yola and Michael turned slightly, their gazes meeting the calm, expressionless face behind them.

Unlike Michael, who appeared composed now, Yola and Mike both wore uncertain expressions.

They knew what undead were.

But this one…

Was this truly an undead?

Jester stood there with perfect posture, eyes alert, his breathing steady. His aura, though faint, carried the rhythm of life. If one didn’t know better, they would have thought he was simply another student.

Also, why did he look so much like Michael?

They wanted to say a lot, but knowing they might touch on matters that bordered on secrets, a taboo among awakened circles, they chose silence.

Still, while many thoughts went unspoken, what needed to be said had already been said.

The silence lingered for a moment longer before Mike finally sighed and leaned back in his seat. “Alright,” he said, tone even but edged with curiosity. “Let’s move to something practical then, registration and compliance.”

Michael blinked. “Compliance?”

“Yes,” Mike replied, adjusting his badge slightly. “You may not know this, but any supernatural creature, whether it’s a tamed beast, a spirit, a construct, or in your case, an undead, must be registered with the Association if they are going to be active in public area. There’s a creature tax for each one, scaled according to its strength and rank. Think of it as a licence fee for operation

Michael frowned. “A… tax?”

Yola chuckled softly beside him. “It’s more like an operational fee like he sakd,” she said. “Think of it as part of maintaining public order. Creatures capable of destruction beyond a certain level are classified as potential threats, so the government monitors and regulates them. It’s not too different from registering weapons or advanced technology.”

Mike nodded. “Exactly. Creatures like this, especially those at Rank 1 and above, has to be logged into the database. Their owner, or summoner, has to pay an annual tax. The higher the power level, the higher the fee.” He paused briefly, his tone growing firmer. “And if your undead has been active in public without registration for an extended period, that’s technically a crime under federal law.”

Michael’s heart sank slightly. “A… crime?”

“Not a major one if they kept a low profile,” Mike added quickly, though his gaze remained serious. “But depending on the situation, it could lead to fines or temporary confiscation until proper verification. Fortunately, since we intercepted the incident before it caused irreversible damage, you’ll only get an expensive punishment.”

Michael swallowed hard, a hint of unease crossing his face. He hadn’t even known such laws existed, but thinking about it now, it made sense. If everyone could summon or control powerful beings without oversight, the world would be in chaos.

“I didn’t know,” he admitted quietly. “No one told me about this.”

“That’s normal,” Yola said with a small, understanding smile. “After all, you’re still a new supernatural. Also, there are benefits too to this tax.”

Michael looked up, surprised. “Benefits?”

She nodded. “The greatest one is that they can gain an official identity and be classified as citizens of the Federation. With this, there’s no difference between them and the natives of Aurora. At least on the surface, they can even apply for regular job positions.”

Her lips curved into a faint smile as she added, “With the Federation now promoting supernatural awareness, don’t be surprised if, in the future, you walk into a hotel and see a cat receptionist greeting you at the counter.”

Michael exhaled, tension easing just a little. “So… as long as I register him, there won’t be trouble?”

Yola nodded with a smile.

Mike leaned forward slightly, resting his elbows on the table. “Well, there’s still one thing you should be aware of,” he said, tone steady but informative. “The fees themselves aren’t cheap. They’re divided into tiers: Rank 1, Rank 2, Rank 3, and so on. The higher the rank of the creature, the more the registration and maintenance costs increase.”

Michael frowned. “How expensive are we talking about?”

Mike gave a wry smile. “For a creature like yours, one capable of matching the power output of a peak Master-stage cultivator, you’re looking at something around five million dollars annually. It can go up or down depending on combat records or association rating.”

Michael’s heart squeezed. “Five… million?” he echoed, struggling to process it.

Yola chuckled lightly beside him, clearly amused at his reaction. “It’s not as bad as it sounds,” she said. “The Federation has subsidies for academy affiliates, so you might even qualify for a discount. In any case, this tax is only necessary if your undead is going to be active in the public.”

Michael nodded slowly, though his mind still lingered on the figure. After a few seconds of hesitation, he spoke again, voice uncertain. “What about Rank 3 creatures?”

That question made both adults pause. Mike raised an eyebrow while Yola’s eyes widened, a flicker of surprise and realization passing through them.

“Rank 3?” Mike repeated. “You have one of those?”

Before Michael could answer, Yola’s lips curved into a faintly astonished smile. “He does,” she said softly. “If I’m not mistaken, he actually has two.”

The room went silent for a heartbeat.

Mike blinked, then let out a low whistle. “Two Rank 3 undead?” His expression shifted between disbelief and admiration.

Then with a bit of difficulty he continued speaking. “For reference, each Rank 3 creature costs nearly thirty million dollars a year to register.”

Michael felt his pulse spike again. “Thirty million, each?”

Yola smiled faintly at his expression. “Well,” she said, amusement lacing her voice, “welcome to the higher world, Michael. Power always comes with its price.”

Yola leaned back slightly, her smile softening. “Also, keep in mind that while that sounds like a lot, it won’t be hard for someone like you to gather if you work hard.”

Michael nodded faintly, though a hint of pain crossed his face. “I understand,” he said, his tone low. “Still, that’s a lot.”

*

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