Chapter 284

Chapter 284: Tenth Ant Nest

In the southern hills, the ant nest network radiating from the cave where Luo Yong once resided was now largely established as the Ninth Ant Nest.

Meanwhile, the network extending from Aowenduo Town to surrounding villages had formed the Tenth Ant Nest.

Following the occupation of Aowenduo Town, after establishing contracts with Lord Simon, his subordinate Legionnaire Leader Lit, and the Knight Commander of the Guard Knights, the majority of ants previously stationed beneath the town and patrolling its streets were withdrawn.

Of the hundred thousand ant forces, twenty thousand remained in Aowenduo Town and neighboring villages, another twenty thousand stayed in the southern hills, while the remaining sixty thousand retreated to Granville Monster Forest.

Though the ant population had visibly diminished, no townsfolk dared attempt rebellion.

The retained force of slightly over ten thousand ants remained beyond human resistance. Moreover… far from resisting, some citizens who had received aid from the Ant Tribe now actively waved and smiled at patrolling ants.

"They genuinely feel gratitude toward these creatures," Simon remarked, peering through his carriage curtain at a mother and daughter greeting a passing Team Ant unit.

"In former days, townsfolk would at least bow when my carriage passed—though never lining the streets in farewell. How times change. These ants are no ordinary monsters."

"You should reserve such praise for their Queen Ant," countered Philid from the opposite seat.

"These patrol units strictly follow her commands. Observe—they don’t even acknowledge the greetings."

"To maintain complete control while avoiding civilian resentment… That Queen Ant’s intellect rivals my own."

As they conversed, the carriage reached the city gates. Guard Knights flanked the procession, while following carriages carried invited nobles and prominent merchants.

The gates stood guarded not only by human soldiers but also Ant Tribe members. Two towering Iron Armored Ants framed the entrance, their hulking forms radiating intimidation. Yet their allied status brought unexpected reassurance.

Lowering the curtain, Simon mused, "What matters might the Queen Ant wish to discuss in Granville Forest?"

"Three possibilities come to mind," Philid pondered.

"First, strategies to conceal the town’s occupation from the duchy after winter. Second, the population census report we’ve been compiling. Third, urban development plans—likely involving resource displays, hence the merchant invitations."

"Best if matters end there…"

"What concerns you, Master Simon?"

Philid’s question drew a sigh. "You recall my… particular interest in Lvzi before the ant invasion?"

"And?"

"Should the Queen Ant propose marital alliance to strengthen ties… by the gods, it might fall to me! The horror!"

"…Master Simon, you overthink matters. In my view, the Queen Ant holds her daughters in high regard. Even when considering political marriages, she would take their personal feelings into account."

Philid shook his head solemnly.

"Moreover, Miss Lvzi doesn’t appear to harbor romantic sentiments toward you."

"Is that truly so?"

Simon blinked in surprise.

"Undeniably true."

Philid affirmed with conviction.

"Rather than dwelling on this, we should focus on imminent security concerns."

He exhaled deeply.

"Though invited into the forest, only that ant tribe member who looks like a young girl guides us forward – her kin show no intention of accompanying us further."

"The perils multiply as we venture deeper into Granville Monster Forest. While our young guide is a high-tier Class B ant, she might prove insufficient against hordes of advanced monsters."

After two days of travel, their carriage finally arrived at the forest entrance.

When wheeled transport became impractical, Simon’s party dismounted and transferred to horseback.

"Flank formation! Protect Master Simon at all costs!"

Knight Commander Laikalis brandished his blade, directing twenty armored riders to encircle Simon’s steed.

Ahead, Red Pupil dismounted and uttered a peculiar call into the woods. A gust swept through the trees, materializing into a massive golden-furred beast that made the company gasp.

"Class A Monster! A Wind Wolf of highest tier!"

Philid paled visibly.

"By the gods… Wind Wolf? This behemoth should be called Great Wolf!"

Laikalis’ expression hardened into combat readiness, his greatsword singing from its scabbard.

Steel rasped against leather as every knight drew weapons, the atmosphere growing tense with impending conflict.

Their alarm turned to bewilderment when the colossal creature emitted a playful "Woof" and knelt before Red Pupil. The girl-child climbed effortlessly onto its back, patting the massive cranium.

"Advance."

After casting a glance at the stunned observers, Red Pupil nudged the beast’s neck and disappeared into mist-wreathed paths.

Philid recovered first.

"Forward! Maintain formation!"

His bark spurred the party into motion, hooves clattering over roots and stone.

"Master Philid," Laikalis urged his mount closer, "you’re certain about that beast’s classification?"

"Unquestionably. That wolf’s class surpasses even its rider’s. Moreover…"

Philid hesitated briefly.

"The creature bears the mark of a reincarnator."

"Reincarnator? You mean… like the Hero?"

"Different. Its Unique Skill manifests as Inukami."

"Inukami? The third reincarnator beyond Hero and Demon King? Then this portends…"

Laikalis’ features darkened.

"Indeed. The demon race’s resurgence becomes increasingly probable."

"But why would an Inukami reincarnator submit to an ant-human hybrid? Tell me truly – could that Queen Ant herself be… the Demon King?"

"Impossible. No Demon King would treat peacefully with our human race. Yet a reincarnator she might be… Regardless of origins, our fates now intertwine with theirs."