Chapter 280

Chapter 280: The Contract

As Philid’s declaration of surrender sent ripples of unrest through the town,

Upon the city walls,

The nobles and merchants gradually regained composure after the initial chaos and panic.

Then,

"Since you’ve surrendered, we’ve prepared gifts for certain individuals."

A dulcet voice lilted through the air, freezing Philid and the assembly of merchants and nobles in surprise.

The crimson-eyed child’s delicate features and honeyed tones proved deceptively charming. Had Philid not witnessed the dark-haired girl’s formidable combat prowess earlier, he would never have associated this vision with the Ant Tribe.

"What… what kind of gifts, may I ask?"

Swallowing his pride, Philid consciously adjusted his manner of address.

"These."

Red Pupil activated her "Magic Backpack" skill, withdrawing stacks of Contract Scrolls crafted over recent months by Sandra from the Engraving Shop.

"As members of the town’s leadership, you should recognize these."

"Contract Scrolls?!"

"But this quantity… How did your tribe acquire so many?"

Gasps rippled through the noble and merchant ranks.

"Sandra…"

Philid’s features twisted with bitter realization. Verbal promises alone could never be truly binding. To secure genuine control over the town, nothing proved more effective than binding both the lord and… every influential figure present here.

Yet he never imagined these creatures had not only researched magical artifacts like Contract Scrolls, but even coerced Sandra into mass-producing them.

But why…

Why choose this convoluted path of formal declaration and siege when Contract Scrolls existed? Was this theatrical display meant to demonstrate Ant Tribe’s might? To leverage the subterranean network beneath their feet as implicit threat… ensuring absolute dominion over the town’s human race?

Yet what purpose could such control serve?

If not for slaughter or consumption, then what?

"These contracts bind both parties."

Red Pupil’s voice sliced through Philid’s contemplation.

"Three stipulations govern your conduct:"

"First: Swear fealty to the Ant Tribe. No malice shall be borne against us, nor harm inflicted."

"Second: Disclosure of Ant Tribe intelligence without Queen Ant’s express consent is forbidden."

"Third: All matters shall prioritize Ant Tribe interests above all."

"As for our obligations…"

"We will strive to ensure the safety of the towns and assist in eliminating any monsters that launch attacks."

"We shall contribute to the town’s development efforts."

After a brief pause, the young girl added.

"Furthermore, regarding resources such as monster materials, rare flora, and Magic Stone deposits within Granville Forest and the southern hill regions, we grant you exclusive purchasing privileges."

Though framed as a mutual agreement, the terms binding the human race were absolute while the Ant Tribe’s obligations remained intentionally ambiguous.

The contract employed carefully chosen phrases like "strive to," "contribute," and "grant" that preserved the Ant Tribe’s interpretive dominance.

While the assembled merchants and nobles recognized these linguistic traps, their current predicament left no room for refusal.

Additional clauses further piqued their concerns.

"Your Excellency…"

"My name is Red Pupil."

"Miss Red Pupil… Since we’re granted purchasing rights, might we inquire about the Ant Tribe’s available resources?"

Red Pupil nodded, casually listing monster specimens stored in their vaults, medicinal herbs cultivated by Worker Ants, and primary Magic Stone varieties from their mines.

While nobles maintained composure, merchants’ eyes gleamed with avarice – many mentioned materials were rare in other regions and held high trade value.

Notably, none thought to question resource quantities or quality grades.

"Contract finalization requires a blood droplet in the scroll’s magic circle."

Red Pupil’s reminder prompted immediate questions.

"But… isn’t this a bilateral agreement?"

"A mutual pact requires blood from both parties."

"I’ve already provided the Ant Tribe’s blood sample."

"Miss Red Pupil… If you represent the entire Ant Tribe, then…"

"As the Queen’s firstborn, am I not qualified to represent our kind?"

"Of course…"

As heads nodded in acquiescence, Philid received another shock – this child being the eldest meant Army Lady, Stealth One, and Lvzi were her juniors?

When final droplets fell, the scroll erupted with arcane energy before self-immolating in magical flames.

The pact was sealed.

Thus nearly all town leaders submitted to antkind.

Remaining matters were…

…

…

Elsewhere:

Earlier timeline:

Escorted by Guard Knights to Flying Beast Army’s camp, Simon found himself amidst training Reifons – thirty winged mounts already combat-ready despite being mid-training.

Eagerly mounting a Reifon, Simon soared skyward only to discover swirling snowflakes interspersed with strange purple clouds.

The Reifon’s flight revealed the mist’s true nature – winged ant creatures.

Unprecedented! No historical records mentioned flying ant monsters!

"Master Simon! Orders?!"

"Ignore them! Proceed to Central Square!"

The Defense Magic Crystal’s barrier would block these Flying Ants temporarily. They simply needed guards to lower the shield at…

CRACK!

The protective dome shattered mid-thought.

Swarming ants engulfed his Reifon instantly.

This is the end…

Magic Rainbow’s Psychic Call pierced his despair:

Simon froze.

Did this mean… survival?