Chapter 285

Chapter 285: What Should You Call Me?

Upon entering the forest, Philid found his concerns unwarranted.

Every monster along the path immediately detoured upon spotting the young girl astride the colossal wolf ahead, while figures of the Ant Tribe remained perpetually visible in the distance.

Having claimed dominion over the town, the Ant Tribe no longer concealed themselves from the human race as before, though they still primarily moved underground to avoid detection.

"The entire forest resembles their hunting grounds… no, perhaps their private garden would be more accurate," Simon marveled.

After hours of travel that brought them to afternoon, the caravan halted abruptly, their mouths agape at the unfolding vista.

"This… isn’t this the Death Fog Zone?!"

"How did we come to be here?"

They recognized this treacherous realm.

The Forest Fog Zone, infamously dubbed the Death Fog Zone, represented one of Granville Forest’s most perilous regions. Its inhabitants surpassed ordinary Fog Zone monsters in both level and cunning, mastering ambush tactics that even seasoned adventurers feared to confront.

The young girl and her Wind Wolf had already dissolved into the swirling mists.

Not just Simon and Philid, but even Laikalis – who’d hunted multiple times in Granville Monster Forest – stared apprehensively at the vaporous barrier. His prior foray had ended in hasty retreat, not from monsters, but from the fog’s disorienting nature where thickening and thinning mists obscured all bearings. Deeper penetration risked fatal disorientation, especially when combined with the zone’s vicious inhabitants.

"Could the Ant Tribe have established colonies within this Death Fog Zone…?"

As the group hesitated, the girl reemerged from the fog astride her lupine mount.

"Follow. The Fog Zone’s denizens won’t harm you."

Somewhat reassured, Laikalis urged his horse forward first, the others trailing cautiously.

Within the mist, they witnessed the truth behind Red Pupil’s assurance – any approaching monsters fled before the alpha wolf’s presence, their own paralyzed states confirming the creature’s fearful retreat.

"The ‘Intimidate’ skill…" Philid gulped, recognizing the phenomenon.

"Induces ‘Fear’ status, potentially immobilizing targets. Its potency scales with the user’s tier – a Class A Monster’s intimidation proves truly dreadful…"

As time passed, thinning tree density correlated with fading mists.

The fog’s white tendrils seeped from arboreal roots, making vegetation control key to managing its density. With clearer visibility came sightings of Ant Tribe units.

"These must be their patrol guards," someone murmured.

"That’s right. Since this is the ant nest where the Queen Ant resides, there will naturally be guards. We must be nearing our destination."

"It’s incredible; encountering these ant monsters in the Fog Zone somehow puts my mind at ease."

As they continued following the young girl ahead, the number of visible ant monsters gradually increased.

Then,

Through the wispy fog, an aged colossal castle materialized before the group.

"This… this is!"

"A castle?? Constructed by the ant tribe?"

"Impossible! How could creatures with sleek forelimbs like ants erect such a structure, let alone one of this magnitude?"

"True enough, though the castle appears quite ancient – it must’ve stood here for ages."

"So… our invitation leads to this castle? I’d assumed we’d be descending underground…"

The human race murmured among themselves.

「The castle’s dilapidated state might amuse you all, I fear.」

A telepathic voice abruptly cut through their discussions.

They recognized this voice.

It was… no, she was the Queen Ant!

「Little Pupil, bring them to the Parlor. I await.」

At the address of "Little Pupil", the young girl’s gaze flickered faintly.

She turned and beckoned to the humans.

"Follow me."

The group hastily complied, trailing behind her.

After some distance, they noticed what seemed to be… a ranch adjacent to the castle?

Undoubtedly a ranch, housing various domesticated monsters…

Approaching the castle gates,

The weathered fortress loomed ever larger as they drew near.

Passing through the entrance and bypassing both hall and grand chamber, they ascended to a prepared Parlor on the second floor.

Upon opening the door, all eyes immediately caught the white silhouette by the window.

A stunning woman of twenty-three or four stood there, her crystalline ruby eyes gleaming like precious stones. Cascading white curls framed her face, with a vibrant lock from her right temple bound by a hairband and draped across her chest.

Poised and elegant, her voluptuous figure clad in pristine white robes radiated noble purity, yet her bewitching eyes held traces of seduction.

Matron – the term surfaced in every mind.

No innocent maiden could possess such sophisticated allure.

Yet this matron surpassed all women they’d ever seen in captivating charm.

Notably, the white-haired woman’s right hand rested lightly on her slightly swollen abdomen.

Could it be…?

This must indeed be the Queen Ant who employs Psychic Call. And that rounded belly… presumably cradles unborn ant progeny?

They exchanged meaningful glances, expressions growing peculiar.

"Little Pupil."

The white-haired woman smiled warmly at Red Pupil entering with the humans.

She approached Red Pupil, extending her right hand to affectionately pat the girl’s head from her superior height.

"You’ve served me well, dear daughter."

"Since they’re delivered, I’ll take my leave."

Red Pupil met her gaze, nodding as she turned to depart.

"You’ll remain."

The girl froze mid-step, slowly pivoting.

"Further instructions?"

"What should my dear call me? I believe I missed it earlier."

"…"

The girl stared impassively.

Their eyes locked in silent contest.

While the girl’s expression remained neutral, Magic Rainbow’s resolve began faltering.

Just as the Queen Ant teetered on retreat,

The girl suddenly beamed with angelic sweetness.

"Mama."

She flung herself into Magic Rainbow’s embrace, startling the white-haired woman.

"The rest is yours, Mama."

"Ah… indeed."