Chapter 418
by post_apiChapter 418: Progress From All Sides (Part 2)
If we were to choose which team of daughters was the most intriguing among the five directions, it would undoubtedly be Darkling Stalker and Weak Sound’s.
The reticent Darkling Stalker, radiating an aura that screamed “keep away,” paired with the equally taciturn and timidly shy Weak Sound… How would they interact during their journey?
My curiosity got the better of me, so I often spied on them… no, I frequently observed them.
How?
By focusing my perspective on the Stealth Ant daughters, of course.
Doing this conjures images before my eyes, much like watching television.
While simultaneously viewing daughters across all five directions is possible, it splits the screen into five sections—rather jarring to watch. Thus, I typically focus on just one or two Stealth Ants.
To observe daughters in other directions, I simply “change the channel.”
Lately, my most-watched “program” features Darkling Stalker and Weak Sound.
Like the other four groups, three hundred Stealth Ant daughters accompanied them toward the Principality of Reba. These daughters lurked within the shadows of Darkling Stalker and Weak Sound.
Though Darkling Stalker initially seemed reluctant, she obediently nodded once I… ahem, once I gave the command! Yes, exactly like that!
Her reluctance stemmed not from disliking her sisters, but from her nature as a Stealth Ant. Such ants prefer operating covertly rather than openly—let alone being scrutinized by dozens of eyes while exposed.
Such attention would unsettle anyone.
It might not bother someone less sensitive, but Darkling Stalker possesses heightened awareness, making the sensation even more palpable…
Acknowledging this, I instructed the other Stealth Ant daughters to avoid fixating on them—though I, naturally, remained exempt.
*Ahem*, back to the matter at hand.
Truthfully, ever since the incident where she spirited me away, Darkling Stalker began approaching her sisters—whether consciously or not.
Though still sparing with words, the others sensed her earnest efforts to build rapport.
Sadly, just as progress began—before bonds could fully form with most—she and Weak Sound departed Granville Monster Forest for the Principality of Reba.
The principality’s capital lies far from the forest, so their journey would not be swift.
To avoid notice, Darkling Stalker tersely suggested—and Weak Sound timidly agreed—that they rest nightly in caves or woods until reaching the capital.
As for their interactions… Initially, they proved rather uneventful.
With Stealth Ant daughters seldom appearing before them, the pair often found themselves simply staring at each other.
Yet Darkling Stalker made attempts, sparking occasional brief exchanges along the way…
This dynamic shifted on their first night, sheltering in a cave. Darkling Stalker withdrew cookware and ingredients from her Magic Backpack, rolled up her sleeves, and began preparing a meal.
Stunned by this sight, Weak Sound instinctively retreated several steps in surprise. Only after confirming Darkling Stalker was cooking normally did she relax slightly.
Yet once the meal was ready, the younger girl merely stared at the dishes on the table, her expression fraught with anxiety.
Darkling Stalker removed her apron and returned the cookware and portable stove to the Magic Backpack.
“Try it,” she said expressionlessly, seating herself across the table from Weak Sound.
“Um… um.”
Weak Sound looked up, and as her eyes met the cold, emotionless gaze of the person opposite her, she instinctively shuddered, quickly lowering her head to reach for one of the dishes that was steaming and fragrant…
After placing a piece of meat in her mouth, all the swirling emotions in her mind instantly dissipated.
The meal wasn’t particularly delicious, at least not as good as what her close friend Worker Liquor had made, but it gave her a familiar sensation…
It felt very warm, even… moving…
Yet, this was clearly her first time eating food cooked by Darkling Stalker!
The little girl couldn’t help but look up at Darkling Stalker again.
Her face remained expressionless.
“Little… Little Shadow, what is this?”
Weak Sound finally couldn’t resist asking, though she was still somewhat afraid of the other, and her voice trailed off softly towards the end.
“Mommy’s cooking.”
“Ah!”
After hearing Darkling Stalker’s words, the little girl finally recalled the source of the familiar flavor…
After Little Liquor handled the cooking duties, Lin Yu rarely cooked, so Weak Sound hadn’t been able to recall it immediately.
But how did Little Shadow learn to make these dishes? They seemed just like the ones her mother made…
Mulling this over in her heart, although she was very curious about how Darkling Stalker had learned it, Weak Sound still lacked the courage to ask.
However, after that night, Darkling Stalker took charge of all the daily meals.
Each time, the little girl ate to her heart’s content.
After several such occasions, the two girls gradually grew more familiar, and their conversations increased.
“Little Shadow… how did Little Shadow learn to make her mother’s dishes?”
It was only after Weak Sound finally summoned the courage to ask Darkling Stalker that their relationship suddenly grew much closer.
From learning how to cook, to what dishes they learned, and then to teaching each other cooking… after that, the conversation naturally shifted from “Mom’s cooking” to “Mom” herself.
When the topic turned to Lin Yu, the two girls, who were typically rather reserved, found themselves conversing more openly.
…
Darkling Stalker was unexpectedly considerate, meticulously attending to Weak Sound’s daily needs throughout their journey.
As time passed, Little Sound became less fearful of her and no longer averted her gaze immediately after meeting Little Shadow’s eyes, as she had at first.
Their relationship seemed to have really improved.
Ah, it reminded her of the time she had been abducted! Back then, she had been cared for by Darkling Stalker too… and somehow their relationship had inexplicably improved!
…
By the time the two girls had grown closer, they had already entered the territory of the Principality of Reba.
They had originally intended to live in the capital of the Principality of Reba as adventurers, like Dig One and Dig Two, but an unexpected incident occurred en route.
The two girls first stopped at a location some distance from the capital and then released the monster Reifon.
Reifon spread its wings and flew towards Aowenduo Town.
As they advanced toward the city gate, the two girls observed that two groups of people were engaged in combat ahead.