Chapter 337

Chapter 337: The Dragon Cave Is Vast, Yet Less Cozy Than an Ant Nest

During their stay at Foggy Castle, Old White had encountered several ant tribesmen capable of assuming human forms, among whom Worker Liquor stood as one.

Setting aside their insectoid origins, he mused, these creatures might as well be genuine members of the human race. Yet despite this observation, the aged man dared not initiate conversation with these shape-shifting beings.

Those who could don human guises were clearly no ordinary ants – a single misstep causing offense might bring dire consequences. He’d consequently issued strict warnings to his twenty-four laborers against approaching Worker Liquor or other Class A ant-folk.

Unlike his wizened self, these workers were vigorous youths in their prime. Without proper restraint, their youthful exuberance might spark unforeseen incidents. After all, most humanoid ants appeared as delicate maidens barely past adolescence, their ethereal beauty surpassing mortal standards.

Old White sighed inwardly. Truth be told, were he decades younger, even he might struggle to maintain composure around such enchantment.

To their credit, the workers obeyed his edict against direct interaction, though clandestine discussions about the ant-kin flourished. Their favorite debate centered on ranking the humanoid insects by appearance.

The undisputed sovereign of these rankings remained the silver-haired maiden dwelling on the castle’s third tier. Though glimpsed only fleetingly from afar, her celestial countenance defied mortal description – a divine nymph for whom even the most lavish praise fell short. She dominated workshop conversations.

“This snow-haired paragon must be Queen Ant’s crowning achievement,” the workers agreed. “The pupil has surpassed the master,” they’d murmur, acknowledging that while the crimson-maned ant queen possessed striking beauty, her daughter’s radiance dimmed even her maternal splendor.

Debates grew heated regarding subsequent rankings. The second position saw contention between supporters of the valiant Miss Army Lady – one third of Moat Blade, the town’s heroic adventurer trio who’d concealed their ant-kin nature from the populace.

“Who’d have imagined our town’s protectors were insects?” Old White pondered. Yet their tangible contributions to the community softened any unease. Thus the golden-haired warrior, the emerald-tressed Miss Lvzi with her playful charm, and the ashen-haired Miss Stealth One with her tranquil demeanor all claimed high positions in the workers’ esteem.

Fourth place went unexpectedly to the unassuming girl now before them – not for beauty (all ant-kin save the white-haired paragon being equally comely), but for culinary mastery. The memory of that single transcendent fried rice meal, surpassing even Master Simon’s chef, haunted their palates.

That fleeting gastronomic miracle occurred only because Worker Liquor had sought human perspectives on her cooking. No subsequent opportunities had arisen.

…

When Old White completed his greeting ritual, Worker Liquor inclined her head slightly. Her antennae quivered as she cast a glance around the workshop.

“The other laborers?”

“Taking their noon break, most likely.”

“Well, then you shall organize the tools with them and prepare to depart later. This is Mother’s command.”

“De-depart? Ah… May I inquire, depart to where?”

“There’s a structure requiring construction. Since you can repair dwellings, you must certainly possess building skills. We didn’t retain your services for idle leisure within these walls.”

The girl planted a fist on her hip.

“Honestly… Though born together, Little Sound now battles alongside Mother while I remain trapped in this castle like common laborers, utterly useless.”

Her voice trailed into murmured discontent as she finished speaking.

Her gaze hardened when refocusing on Old White before her.

The aged caretaker perceived the maiden’s foul humor and hastily complied, offering a respectful bow before scurrying away.

Approximately thirty minutes later, after observing Old White’s construction crew, Worker Ant battalion, and their armored escorts depart for the dragon caverns,

The maiden wavered momentarily before turning toward the castle’s subterranean level.

She slipped into the food storage chamber.

At its center lay the massive Iron Armored Ant, motionless in slumber.

Of Foggy Castle’s defenders during the clash with Earth Dragon and Dragon Flossie, only herself and this dormant guardian remained.

Careful not to rouse Little Tear, she ghosted past the sleeping form with silent steps.

Her journey ended before regimented columns of preservation jars.

A nervous gulp traveled down her throat.

Among A Qualification Antkind, she alone remained Class B… but consuming these raw Class A Earth Dragon remains could elevate her. Mother’s permission explicitly allowed this…

Gorging sufficiently might accelerate her ascension to Class A. Then perhaps she could finally aid Mother and sisters in their battles.

…

…

As construction teams marched toward the dragon’s lair, Lin Yu made preparations to return to Foggy Castle.

Her extended stay within the caverns had yielded no detectable Experience Value gains.

Better to resume the proven method – having daughters deliver near-death prey for final strikes – than await phantom growth.

She resolved not to revisit until the villa’s completion.

Spacious as it was, the dragon den couldn’t rival the castle’s comforts.

“We shall return together.”

The silver-haired matriarch addressed her daughters.

Having all attained Class A, their need for hunting expeditions had greatly diminished.

Winter’s lingering chill, though softened, still bred lethargy – all nodded in agreement.

“But Mother, what of the dragon eggs? And the three carcasses?”

Magic Rainbow’s voice interjected.

“Entrusting dragon eggs solely to Class B sisters seems unwise. Moreover, the corpses’ sanguine scent may lure other Class A Monsters.”

“Hmm…”

So… requiring sentinels for the lair then?

Lin Yu’s gaze instinctively swept across her progeny.

Before she could respond, a voice rasped from behind the assembled daughters.

“I remain.”

The declaration came from a dusky-hued ant.

“Little Shadow?”