Chapter 149

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Chapter 149: Setting Off

Previously, I upgraded from Class A LV.1 to LV.2 by defeating over ten Class A Monsters, dozens of Class B Monsters, and consuming a large amount of Class A Monster meat.

It took nearly seven days to achieve this upgrade, and it was only possible thanks to Army Lady’s relentless hunting efforts.

Upgrading from LV.2 to LV.3 will undoubtedly require even more time and energy.

I have considered whether there are items that can accelerate the recovery of Magic Value or directly restore Magic Value.

In the forest, I can only find red fruits that restore Health Value, but I haven’t discovered any fruits or plants that can restore Magic Value…

Perhaps deeper in the forest, there might be something, but it’s also possible there’s nothing at all.

It would be ideal if I could find items or methods to restore Magic Value in the human race’s territory.

Something like a magic potion, for instance.

Well… regardless, these matters can wait for now.

Currently, the most crucial task is to interact with the villagers.

The closest village to the forest is Western Village One, where Jilly’s home is located. Nearby are Western Village Two, Western Village Three, and Xisi Village.

Several ant hole lookout points have already been established near these villages. Since they are in secluded locations and a distance away from the villages, the villagers are unlikely to notice them.

But what identity should I adopt when approaching the villagers?

I have previously discussed this issue with Magic Rainbow.

Being a villager is definitely out of the question; it seems too easy to expose myself among fellow villagers.

Then there’s the option of being a traveler…

But who would travel near such a perilous forest?

Therefore, the conclusion is to be an adventurer!

Only an adventurer would be found in the forest, and according to Jilly, adventurers come in all sorts, making it less likely to arouse suspicion.

Moreover, villagers generally dare not provoke adventurers, so this identity should help avoid unnecessary trouble.

As for the backstory…

She was set as a formidable female adventurer who had to flee to the remote Aowenduo Town after incurring the wrath of a powerful adversary.

Since she was penniless and couldn’t enter the town, she hunted a few monsters in the forest, intending to sell them to the villagers for the entrance fee, while also subtly gathering information about the town.

Although it still seems a bit suspicious, the villagers would never suspect her of being a monster!

However, to be honest, the simplest method would be to seize a villager and force them to divulge the information. If they refused, she would beat them until they talked.

After obtaining the information, she would then issue a threat.

"This is our little secret; you’d better not tell anyone! I know which village you’re from and where your home is, so you’d better remember that, understand?"

The threat would go something like that.

But I am a good ant; I wouldn’t do such bad things unless absolutely necessary!

So, she shared her plan with Army Lady.

…

"Let me go and interact with the human race?"

The blonde girl, who had been savoring the dish with great attention, paused in surprise.

"Yes, you’re the one I trust most for this."

"Trust… really?"

Army Lady’s excitement was palpable.

"Then, I’ll take care of it!"

"And then…"

Lin Yu pondered for a moment before turning her gaze to the shadowy corner of the dining area.

"Stealth One."

A small shadow detached from the corner and, within moments, stood before Lin Yu, morphing into a gray ant.

"Mom."

"Yes, select three more Stealth Ants and then accompany Army Lady to ensure her safety."

Given that the town’s Guild President is only Class B, Army Lady should be safe as long as she remains cautious, but it’s always wise to have a backup plan.

Carelessness could lead to serious consequences! Imagine slipping at home, dying, and then reincarnating…

Ahem, back to the point!

The main reason for assigning Stealth One and the others to Army Lady is that Stealth Ants cannot be identified when they transform into shadows.

Even if an Identification is attempted, it would only reveal the word ‘shadow.’

However, if an unforeseen event forces Stealth One to reveal herself, and if there are witnesses, then we might have to…

"Mom… didn’t you say you trusted me?"

As Lin Yu was lost in thought, Army Lady glanced at Stealth One beside her, visibly displeased.

I almost forgot, it seems Stealth Ants don’t get along well with the other ants…

Ah, but this ‘mission’ could be a great opportunity to foster better relationships!

"Of course, I trust you."

"If that’s the case, then I can handle the interaction with the human race alone, right?"

"You are still in charge of interacting with the human race; Stealth One is only responsible for your safety."

"Mom, you know my capabilities, I don’t need protection from other ants!"

Feeling underestimated, Army Lady’s tone grew more fervent as she glanced at the gray ant beside her.

"Besides, they can’t defeat me."

"Shall we test that?"

Stealth One, who had been silent, spoke up coldly.

The atmosphere suddenly turned icy.

"Let’s just—"

"Enough."

The white-haired girl interjected before Army Lady could finish, her voice colder than usual.

Army Lady and Stealth One immediately ceased their confrontation, no longer glaring at each other, and instead nervously looked at the white-haired girl’s impassive, handsome face.

Lin Yu opened her mouth, intending to offer some comforting words to the two ants to help them get along.

But with both ants staring at her, she felt a bit nervous, and since she wasn’t adept at such speeches, her words came out as—

"This is how it’s going to be."

A simple, almost commanding statement.

…

The next morning.

Lin Yu, along with Little Liquor, Weak Sound, Lvzi, and some other ants who had just returned from a hunt, were outside the castle bidding farewell to Army Lady and Stealth One, Stealth Two, Stealth Three, and Stealth Ten.

Stealth One, Stealth Two, Stealth Three, and Stealth Ten were the strongest among the sixty Class B Stealth Ants, all having reached the maximum level of Class B, which is LV.35.

Ants with B Qualification reach up to LV.35 in Class B, while those with A Qualification can reach LV.40 in the same class.

In other words, Stealth One and her companions have reached their peak level, and there’s no need for them to hunt monsters in the forest for experience.

After reaching their full level, their purpose in hunting outside is to gather food, hone their combat skills, and assist other Stealth Ants who haven’t yet reached their full level.

"Take care on your journey."

"Don’t worry, Mom!"

"Yes, Mom."

After responding, Army Lady and Stealth One exchanged a glance, their expressions serious, before turning away.

After bidding farewell to their mother and sisters, they set off.

In silence, Army Lady swiftly navigated through the forest, with four shadows closely trailing behind her.

The girl was clad in a light silver armor she had found in the castle’s supply room. The armor was somewhat aged, bearing numerous scratch marks, but it still provided decent protection.

She wore it over her rough burlap dress, complemented by her straight golden hair that cascaded to her waist and her piercing green eyes…

She truly resembled a lady knight.