Chapter 338

Chapter 338: Staying Behind and the Return

The ant colony never anticipated Darkling Stalker would volunteer to remain.

Given the choice between guarding the dragon’s lair or accompanying Lin Yu back to Foggy Castle, every one of them would unhesitatingly pick the latter option.

“Little Shadow, are you certain about this?”

Magic Rainbow inquired with palpable hesitation.

Within Lin Yu’s mind, a private relief surfaced – her earlier dilemma about selecting a guardian had been unexpectedly resolved. Yet…

While Darkling Stalker was indeed the most formidable individual combatant among all Class A Ants, excelling in offensive capabilities, unmatched speed, and wielding those eerie shadow-manipulation skills that made her perfect for safeguarding the dragon’s den…

Her presence would undoubtedly ensure security.

However…

This very warrior had been instrumental in their victory against the Earth Dragon. Countless ant lives had been spared through her valor. To assign her sentry duty now seemed almost ungrateful.

But! The decision was hers! No coercion involved…

I’m…I’m not being an awful mother!

Ah! Wait – why would she make this request? To spare me from difficult choices? Yes…that must be it! Exactly!

Since when did Darkling Stalker become so considerate?

Well, I’ll simply grant her every wish afterward.

The white-haired girl cast a maternal glance at the gray ant, though she swiftly averted her eyes when their gazes met.

…

A single nod.

After briefly regarding Lin Yu, the gray ant turned toward Magic Rainbow. Her antennae dipped solemnly as she addressed the gathered daughters. “Once I’ve cleared the surrounding Class A Monsters, you may relieve me of watch.”

Stealth Ants were naturally taciturn, and Darkling Stalker stood as the most reticent among them. Without further ceremony, she retreated into the shadows.

“If we rotate guardianship…” Magic Rainbow mused, turning to seek approval, “…that would be equitable.”

Lin Yu gave her assent.

Leaving an elite contingent of Class B Ants to reinforce the nest, the procession began their journey back to Foggy Castle. While other Class A Ants showed no concern, Red Pupil lingered, casting a contemplative look toward the distant lair.

After half a day’s travel, the mist-veiled spires of their fortress came into view. Lin Yu slid from Red Pupil’s carapace and made straight for the castle’s thermal baths.

Steam curled welcomingly from the prepared pools. Even the perpetually stern-faced girl permitted herself a rare smile. Days of relentless campaigning had passed – now, at last, came the luxury of hot springs and solitude.

Ah, though I haven’t been particularly busy…

Lin Yu eagerly stepped into the bathhouse, only to immediately hear footsteps behind her. Her face stiffened, but as she turned around, her expression reverted to its usual aloofness.

“I wish to be alone. Return later.”

“Eh? Why not! Let us join you!”

The green-haired girl protested in a coquettish voice before Lin Yu had even finished speaking. Soon the other daughters joined the chorus.

“Let’s bathe together, please?”

Encouraged by her sisters’ support, the emerald-haired maiden pressed closer and wrapped her arms around Lin Yu’s limb, azure eyes blinking imploringly.

“Absolutely not.”

No amount of pleading would change this decision.

I haven’t… forgotten what happened last time in the baths! Surely you all remember too?

Lin Yu’s suspicious gaze swept across the other girls. Those caught in her stare averted their eyes guiltily, while the bashful Weak Sound flushed crimson and ducked behind her sisters.

The white-haired woman huffed internally and attempted to withdraw her arm from the green-haired girl’s grasp. Yet despite her efforts, the limb remained trapped between two soft, snowy mounds – not only immovable, but her struggles elicited breathy giggles from the persistent daughter.

Lin Yu’s cheeks warmed despite herself.

You little…

Release me this instant, or Mother will truly lose her temper!

After finally reclaiming her arm, Lin Yu swiftly closed and latched the bathhouse door, exhaling deeply. She pressed cool palms to her still-flushed cheeks before disrobing.

Following a quick rinse, her alabaster toes tested the bathwater. Satisfied with the temperature, she slipped into the steaming pool with contented sigh.

How different this was from bathing with her daughters – now she could truly relax.

The heated water had been prepared by Demon One, stationed at Foggy Castle. Maintaining the bath’s magical plumbing system required Demonic Ant assistance.

Demon One… such a competent daughter.

Now that the forest’s greatest Boss was vanquished and Magic Recovery Potion supplies secured, perhaps it was time to bestow “Immortality” and “Shapeshifting” skills upon her Class B daughters like Demon One.

Though first… the long-overdue egg-laying.

Past experience suggested ascending to new tiers enabled spawning new ant variants.

Well then…

No sense delaying!

After years of practice, the process held no mystery.

Tch. Sometimes I scarcely feel like a maiden anymore.

Summoning the long-dormant skill, she invoked: “Lay Eggs.”

Magic Value decreased by one-third.

Her abdomen…

Remained unsettlingly placid.

How long would this take? Last time with Magic Rainbow’s brood had required over two days. Longer gestation meant greater discomfort, but likely better offspring quality…

Lost in thought, Lin Yu eventually emerged from the bath. After dressing, she retreated to her bedroom, sinking gratefully into soft bedding.

With two-thirds Magic Value remaining post-oviposition, she summoned Magic Rainbow. Through her Unique Skill, she transferred the advanced magic “Rain Blade Storm” to the white-haired daughter.

Noon approached.

“Let’s dine together,” Lin Yu suggested to the pale-haired woman.

“Mm.”

Magic Rainbow smiled brightly, clearly elated by her new ability. She’d witnessed “Rain Blade Storm’s” devastating power during the battle against dragonkin Flossie.

As they prepared to depart, the bedroom door burst open.

“Mother!”

Little Liquor stood breathless in the doorway, eyes sparkling.

“What has you so excited? Is lunch prepared?”

“Ready! Dragon meat cuisine! You’ll be amazed, Mother!”