Chapter 368

Chapter 368: Withdrawal from the Town

Time flowed swiftly by.

Approximately ten-odd days had elapsed.

By now, the harsh winter had surrendered to spring’s warmth, melted snow merging with rivers and lakes. The once snow-blanketed land had reawakened with vitality as monsters resumed their activities, while forests became cloaked in lush greenery once more.

This particular day.

Within the third-floor bedroom of Foggy Castle.

“Are you prepared?”

“R-ready!”

Demon One bobbed her ant head nervously.

“Mhm.”

Lin Yu decisively activated her “Unique Skill – Queen Ant” upon the gray-white Demonic Ant whose right antenna bore red and blue hues, bestowing the “Shape-shifting” ability through her unique skill’s empowerment.

/The skill activation succeeded.

Though her previous attempts at granting shape-shifting skills to her daughters had never failed, Lin Yu still exhaled in relief at the confirmation. The expended Magic Value had required days of replenishment through continuous consumption of Magic Recovery Potions.

To have wasted half her Magic Value on a failed attempt would’ve been devastating.

“Success!”

Meanwhile, Demon One appeared to have located the “Shape-shifting” entry within her Attribute Panel.

“Mother… might I attempt this skill?”

Though trembling with eagerness, the Demonic Ant restrained herself, luminous eyes seeking permission from Lin Yu.

Such a courteous daughter.

“Naturally. ‘Shape-shifting’ belongs to you now.”

“Mhm!”

With an enthusiastic nod, Demon One activated the skill without delay.

As the ability took effect, Lin Yu observed faint radiance rippling across the gray-white carapace. Then abruptly, the Demonic Ant vanished.

In its place stood an eighteen-year-old maiden of slender stature and striking beauty.

Snow-white hair cascaded to her waist in delicate waves, framing mismatched eyes – one crystalline azure, the other crimson – that gleamed with arresting intensity. Lin Yu found herself momentarily transfixed by the heterochromatic gaze.

Upon closer inspection, certain features faintly echoed the white-haired girl’s countenance.

Lin Yu studied the transformed Demon One with keen interest.

The newly formed girl stood unclothed before her.

Beneath her mother’s scrutiny, the maiden dipped her head, cheeks flushing with maidenly modesty.

“M-mom… what do you think? Does your daughter look… pretty now?”

Demon One’s voice trembled with nervousness.

“Mm… beautiful.”

No praise could ever be excessive for my own daughter!

In her human form, Demon One undoubtedly manifested as a stunning young woman, appearing three or four years older than Lin Yu herself.

She radiated the comforting aura of an elder sister from the neighborhood—though in my previous life, I’d never encountered such an exquisite neighbor.

Yet the most mesmerizing features remained those striking heterochromatic eyes, not only exquisite but carrying an air of mystery… or perhaps more accurately, a touch of youthful theatricality?

Regardless, her visual perfection remained unquestionable. Truly my daughter—a feast for the eyes.

As for her figure…

Lin Yu’s gaze shifted between Demon One and her own reflection.

Tsk.

…

Prior to Demon One, I’d already successfully granted Military One and Military Two the 「Transformation」 skill.

Whether influenced by Army Lady or not, their humanoid forms bore resemblance to hers—similar apparent age and golden locks, though slightly shorter in stature with markedly different temperaments.

Military One embraced playfulness, her merry disposition fostering camaraderie with Purple Cloud and Purple Mist.

Military Two embodied solemn diligence, commanding the Military Ant squad during Army Lady’s hunting absences.

With Little Tear and Stealth One having previously transformed, our B Qualification ant colony now boasted five humanoid members.

Naturally, I’d bestowed 「Immortality」 before granting 「Transformation」—survival always takes precedence in skill hierarchy.

When might we achieve the multitude of humanoid daughters Little Pupil envisioned?

Ah, regarding the dragon cave villa… completion nears! Though aided by goblins handling basic labor, the construction crew’s efficiency surpassed expectations.

Perhaps another fortnight will suffice.

Beyond skill endowments,

the Earth Dragons still slumber without revival signs.

Well… they’re Class A monsters after all. Their resurrection as Dead Spirits was never expected swiftly.

Forest matters proceed smoothly,

but changes stir in Aowenduo Town where the Tenth Ant Nest resides.

…

As warmer climate melted winter’s grasp, merchant caravans and travelers wintering in Aowenduo Town began departing.

Their signed confidentiality contracts prevent leakage about the ant colony’s town control—that “unfortunate” situation.

Departing parties pose no concern—

the true challenge lies with arriving merchants and wanderers.

Though a frontier town frequented by monsters, Aowenduo still attracts outsiders.

Merchants seek rare monster pelts from border regions, hoping to profit through resale.

Self-proclaimed travelers include genuine explorers, relocated adventurers, and fugitives hiding from past crimes.

Discovery of our ant tribe by outsiders would complicate matters.

Thus we withdrew to the Tenth Ant Nest beneath the town’s foundations.

Stealth Ants linger as shadowy sentinels across surface streets,

supplemented by perimeter outposts spaced every few hundred meters—early warning against abnormalities.

Lord Simon and townsfolk aided in erasing traces of our occupation.

Yes—the residents themselves assisted!

Throughout winter, our disciplined colony not only delivered supplies to the impoverished but maintained perfect order.

Ant patrols reduced crime rates dramatically,

prompting visible sorrow among some residents during our departure—particularly the struggling outer district poor.

Beyond withdrawal and cleanup,

we implemented additional measures to deter new visitors to Aowenduo Town.