Chapter 58
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Chapter 58: Acid Test
Blunt-tipped limbs began moving across chitin with surprising delicacy. Rather than feeling attended, Lin Yu experienced the surreal sensation of being groomed like some oversized pet.
Each brush of the massive appendages carried lethal potential. _A bit more pressure and I’ll be reincarnating again._ Behind them, Little Tear’s carefree splashes and giggles echoed.
_Still preferable to that weepy klutz’s help. Red Pupil’s surprisingly gentle… though this dynamic feels peculiar._
After several minutes:
"That’s sufficient, Red Pupil."
"Understood."
The obedient retraction of limbs made Lin Yu exhale in relief. _A mischievous child might’ve ignored me. Even Little Tear would comply – though she’d probably flood the riverbank by accident._
"Now let me wash yours."
"Mother will… cleanse me?"
Ruby oculars brightened like heated coals as Red Pupil’s posture straightened eagerly. Lin Yu clambered onto the offered back, avoiding those glowing eyes. Water rippled around them as the larger ant adjusted her depth with precise care.
This reciprocal grooming served dual purposes – bonding ritual, and mental survival strategy. _Imagine her as an adorable nymph rather than this behemoth… Yes! Motivation restored!_
The resolve lasted precisely 180 seconds before evaporating.
Red Pupil’s back was indeed too broad. Lin Yu started washing it earnestly at first, but gradually became more perfunctory.
After all, they had just hatched recently and only carried a faint egg odor – a quick rinse in the river would suffice!
"Let’s return."
Having said this, Lin Yu prepared to jump down from Red Pupil.
"Mother can ride on me."
"Is that acceptable?"
"Yes, your daughter would be delighted."
"Ah! Me too! Sister’s being sneaky – I want Mother to ride me!"
Little Tear shouted while running over, her movements creating splashes that sprayed onto Lin Yu’s face.
It strangely felt like being slapped.
"No, you’re too careless."
"Am not!"
"Mother just got drenched by your splashing."
"I…I didn’t… *sniff*…"
The tearful yet stubborn protest somehow seemed endearing… "Very well, Mother forgives the splashing."
Thus Lin Yu rode Red Pupil back to the Second Ant Nest, followed by Little Tear and the twenty-odd Military Ants.
Since Red Pupil and Little Tear had fully matured, the other ants should have too.
Upon returning to the cave, Lin Yu saw the rear section filled with ants of varying sizes as anticipated.
She ignored the Weak Ants, Worker Ants, and Military Ants.
Her attention focused primarily on the Acid Ants.
These green insects had grown nearly as large as Military Ants. Their mandibles appeared slightly smaller comparatively, though traces of dark green liquid could be seen coating them.
——
Name: None
Race: Acid Ant
Qualification: C
Class: None
Level: LV.1
Health Value: 60/60
Magic Value: 30/30
Skills: "Bite", "Acid Spray"
Attributes: Strength 1
Agility 1
Intelligence 2
Physical Resistance Ability 1
Elemental Magic Resistance Ability 0
Abnormal State Resistance Ability 0
——
Hmm… While their base attributes are impressive, they pale in comparison to Red Pupil’s.
But there’s a new skill.
/"Acid Spray": Sprays acid liquid.
How literal… Hey! This description is utterly lacking!
The acid warrants testing.
But first, let’s examine the C Qualification Iron Armored Ants’ stats.
——
Name: None
Race: Iron Armored Ant
Qualification: C
Class: None
Level: LV.1
Health Value: 150/150
Magic Value: 20/20
Skills: "Bite," "Ironcladization"
Attributes: Strength 2
Agility 1
Intelligence 1
Physical Resistance Ability 3
Elemental Magic Resistance Ability 0
Abnormal State Resistance Ability 0
——
Huh? The attributes are similar to Little Tear’s, with the only difference being a Health Value Limit 30 points lower than Little Tear’s.
Ignoring skills, the Iron Armored Ant’s overall attributes are noticeably superior to the Acid Ant’s.
Lin Yu decided to test the Acid Ant’s acid.
Apart from functional differences, their acid closely resembled the Worker Ant’s mucus—stored in the abdomen, with reduced concentration and weakened corrosiveness after excessive use.
As for testing the corrosiveness…
How should they proceed?
"Mother, use the acid on me."
Red Pupil’s soft voice suddenly resonated in her mind.
Testing on a living target made sense, especially since Red Pupil currently possessed the highest Health Value and Physical Resistance Ability in the Second Ant Nest.
But… wouldn’t it hurt?
And Mother would feel distressed too.
"Let’s first test on those goblins, then have the daughters capture monsters for further trials."
"Unnecessary. Other monsters can be used for testing."
"Is Mother worried about me?"
Wow… such directness…
"Well…"
Loving one’s daughter was natural, but verbalizing it felt slightly embarrassing…
"Your concern makes me happy, Mother. But since I’ve vowed to protect you, I can endure this minor pain."
Her slightly lilting tone genuinely conveyed joy.
"But… this isn’t necessary."
"You’re mistaken, Mother."
Red Pupil shook her head.
"I must personally experience the Acid Ant sisters’ attacks—gauge their acid’s potency and the pain intensity. This will aid future combat strategies."
"Hmm…"
Her reasoning held merit…
"No harm done. If injured, consuming meat will restore me through level-up."
"…Very well."
True—they were all merely LV.1. A small meat portion would suffice for recovery.
An Acid Ant stepped forward, secreting dark green acid that flowed down its mandibles onto Red Pupil’s forelimbs.
The liquid sizzled and bubbled upon contact with her chitinous armor.
"Report."
"The shell’s defenses are dissolving. The acid continuously weakens Physical Resistance Ability."
"Pain level?"
"Quite intense."
Oh? That implied severe discomfort?
Yet her voice betrayed nothing.
Compulsively, Lin Yu extended her own forelimb to touch the acid droplet on Red Pupil’s armor.
Agony akin to severed fingers exploded instantly, escalating relentlessly.
Aaaaaah!!!
Painpainpainpain!!!
Excruciating!!!
Lin Yu frantically shook off the acid. The torment subsided as the liquid dispersed.
Relief followed—though a glance revealed corroded patches on her once-pristine white carapace, resembling peeled lacquer.
To restore it to a flawless state, I’ll probably have to wait until the next upgrade.
"Mom!"
Red Pupil appeared startled by Lin Yu’s movements, only reacting now as her tone suddenly grew tense.
"I’m fine."
Ouch… This hurts so much!
"Are you really okay?"
Red Pupil shook off the acid clinging to her forelimbs and moved closer to Lin Yu.
She saw the injury on Lin Yu’s forelimb.
The "chipped" section of carapace disrupted the white ant’s overall aesthetic harmony.
"Unlike me, Mom shouldn’t need to test the acid."
Though her voice remained soft and gentle, Lin Yu distinctly detected an undercurrent of anger.
