Chapter 371

Chapter 371: Lord of the Forest, the Mobile Cataclysm

“Books documenting advanced magic? Such volumes aren’t typically sold in ordinary bookstores…”

At this moment, Philid—the foremost mage in the town—finally interjected.

“Even municipal libraries in regular towns predominantly contain records of low-tier spells, let alone our frontier settlement.”

“If milady genuinely requires such literature, the optimal solution would be to have magically gifted youths enroll in Magic Academies. These institutions possess more comprehensive magical archives than even the grandest urban libraries.”

“Magic Academies…”

Magic Rainbow pondered briefly before inquiring,

“Does the kingdom’s largest Magic Academy reside in the capital?”

“Indeed. The Rollo Magic Academy in the capital’s central district holds that distinction. However, it exclusively admits nobility or exceptionally talented commoners. Our current Chief Mage graduated from that very institution.”

“I see…”

The silver-haired woman appeared contemplative, yet changed subjects while turning to Simon.

“How progresses the identity card preparation?”

“If you refer to the credentials for Lady Army Lady, Lady Lvzi, and Lady Stealth One—those were completed days ago.”

Simon responded promptly, exchanging glances with Philid.

With a comprehending nod, Philid excused himself from the parlor.

Moments later, the youthful steward returned bearing a lacquered box and crystalline slate. He ceremoniously presented the container before Magic Rainbow.

Lifting the lid revealed three translucent white cards nestled within.

“These constitute the young mistresses’ identification. Merely place them upon this crystal tablet to display their encoded information.”

“Mm.”

Magic Rainbow acknowledged with a slight nod, methodically testing each card against the slate’s surface.

True to word, the devices illuminated with profiles for Lvzi, Stealth One, and Army Lady—each listing race as human race, occupation as adventurer, with skills and ages meticulously recorded per prior specifications.

A satisfied smile graced Magic Rainbow’s features.

“Excellent. You’ll need to produce credentials for several other daughters in due course.”

…

“What are you scheming now?”

Lin Yu’s telepathic inquiry carried curious undertones.

“It’s time we commenced our maneuvers, Mother.”

Magic Rainbow’s mental laughter rippled through their connection.

“Though Simon’s winter census of Aowenduo Town revealed no reincarnators among three-to-four-year-olds…”

“…Perhaps we should expand our search. While I know you disdain this divine battle royale, complete withdrawal from the ‘game’ proves impossible once entangled.”

“Should deities desire conclusive results, they’ll never permit players to remain detached observers.”

“Any human race reincarnators seeking dominance would inevitably ascend positions of power. Even those avoiding politics couldn’t conceal their exceptional talents among common folk.”

For these reincarnators, even if we refrain from acting against them, we must prevent them from becoming adversaries. The optimal approach would be surveillance—or better yet, direct control over them.

We should deploy our sisters to gather intelligence in strategic locations, with the royal capital taking foremost priority.

Magic Rainbow paused briefly before continuing:

“Once the identification documents for Demon One and Demon Two are prepared, Sister Army Ladies will escort our magically-gifted sisters—including Demon One and Two—to the capital under the guise of adventurers joining Rollo Magic Academy.”

She bit her lip.

“Perhaps… I shall accompany them to the capital myself.”

“But wouldn’t that be dangerous…?”

Lin Yu’s voice trembled with concern.

Though she saw some logic in Magic Rainbow’s words, the white-haired woman’s heart ached at the thought of her daughter venturing so far from home.

“Mother needn’t worry. Our ‘Disguise’ skill ensures anonymity. Moreover…” The girl’s eyes gleamed with confidence. “At our current power level, further advancement would require excessive time. Few in the human race could challenge us now.”

Their animated discussion gradually subsided, both turning toward Simon and Philid across the table.

“I have another inquiry for you both.”

“At your service, my lady.”

Simon inclined his head. Neither he nor Philid dared mention the private conversation they’d witnessed between the two women.

“What knowledge do you possess regarding the Lord of the Forest in Granville Monster Forest?”

“The Lord of…?”

Simon blinked in confusion before his eyes flew wide with realization.

“Your Grace couldn’t mean… the Dragon?”

“You’re aware of it?”

The silver-haired matriarch’s gaze sharpened.

“These… these are but campfire tales among our people.” The man shifted uneasily. “Legends speak of draconic presence in Granville Monster Forest centuries past, though no verifiable records exist…”

The two men exchanged meaningful glances, their mutual apprehension evident.

“Can it be true?” Philid blurted out. “Dragons in Granville?”

A delicate eyebrow arched. “Shouldn’t you first address my question?”

“My deepest apologies!”

The younger man flushed before composing himself.

“According to Master Simon’s teachings, our continent’s chronicles speak of primordial beings beyond human comprehension. Should these ancient monsters unite, they could scour humanity from the earth…” His skeptical shrug belied the gravity of his words.

“These entities are categorized as Eight Lords of the Forest, Three Lords of Mountains, and Four Lords of Sea—each ruling vast domains. Granville Monster Forest, being the largest woodland, claims the foremost Forest Lord.” Philid’s throat bobbed.

“They say… this particular Lord takes form as an emerald-scaled leviathan—spine armored with crystalline thorns, breathing devastation across land and sky. Were it to turn its wrath upon mankind…” He trailed off meaningfully.

“Interesting.”

Magic Rainbow’s fingers drummed the table.

The description resonated deeply. A fully-restored dragon would indeed embody such cataclysmic power—a true walking calamity.