Chapter 294

Chapter 294: The Powerful Monster Deep in the Forest

Magic Rainbow has an exceptionally close bond with all Demonic Ants, comparable to biological sisters among humans – no… one might argue their bond transcends even that.

Thus, she discusses even the most private matters openly with her sisters without reservation.

Due to her mature disposition, Magic Rainbow naturally emerged as their de facto leader among the Demonic Ants.

Incidentally, each ant subspecies possesses its own leading figure:

Red Pupil commands the Iron Armored Ants, Army Lady governs the Military Ants, while Stealth One leads the Stealth Ants. The Flying Ants follow Purple Cloud and Purple Mist’s dual leadership. Worker Liquor oversees the Worker Ants, and Weak Sound guides the Weak Ants. Curiously, the Acid Ants lack such hierarchy… Though sharing the same species, Acid One and Acid Two consistently avoid Lvzi, fleeing like startled prey whenever their gazes accidentally meet.

…

Returning to the present moment:

Demon One’s words intensified Magic Rainbow’s anticipation for the forthcoming communal bath with Lin Yu and their sisters.

This bathing ritual could alternatively be interpreted as a subtle confrontation!

Yet overcoming opponents including Sister Red Pupil would prove impossible alone.

Allies became essential.

Regarding potential allies…

Her contemplation shattered as dark tendrils coalesced into a tangible hand caressing her chest. The abrupt assault nearly sent Demon One flying from her arms.

"…Little Shadow?"

A gray Stealth Ant materialized by the pool’s edge.

"Where are the others? The castle seems empty except for you."

The monotone query hung in the air.

"Mother took them shopping in town," Magic Rainbow answered, grimacing as she peeled the shadowy digits from her tender flesh.

"Were you not informed?"

"Apparently not."

No notification whatsoever… Had Mother deliberately excluded her?

Truthfully, Mother had been maintaining distance lately – an understandable reaction after that excessive public discipline at the city gates.

Her actions had clearly unsettled Mother.

Nevertheless…

"Why return earlier than scheduled?"

Darkling Stalker normally emerged from the forest’s depths only during monthly cycles.

Her nocturnal visits to see Mother typically went unnoticed, eluding even the night patrols through preternatural stealth.

"Encountered formidable monsters."

"Powerful monsters?"

"Yes. A group of Earth Dragons."

"Earth Dragons?!"

Magic Rainbow startled so violently that water cascaded down her curvaceous form as she surged upright in the pool.

"What exactly do you mean by Earth Dragons? And an entire group at that?"

Through her previous studies at the town’s library, Magic Rainbow understood precisely what Earth Dragons represented.

They possess partial draconic lineage and have inherited, to varying extents, the dragons’ significantly superior Physical Resistance Ability and elemental magic resistance ability compared to ordinary monsters.

Few creatures could rival Earth Dragons of equivalent levels.

"Little Shadow, are you… unharmed?"

"I’m fine."

The gray ant dipped its head.

Just as Magic Rainbow began to relax, the creature added:

"Though I perished once."

"What?!"

Alarmed, Magic Rainbow immediately activated Identification to assess her companion’s condition.

The status display showed full Health Value and no abnormalities – save for the remaining Magic Value hovering around one-fifth.

"Those Earth Dragons all exceeded Class A LV.10. Initially there was only one, manageable enough… until a dozen more arrived."

Considering the gravity of this intelligence regarding Earth Dragons, the typically taciturn Darkling Stalker had prioritized delivering this report.

"They wield wide-area magical techniques. Even when concealed, they can detect traces of intruders."

"So you couldn’t evade… and were slain?"

"Affirmative."

"The Earth Dragons’ current status?"

"Shaken off. No pursuit."

"I see…"

Only Stealth Ants could achieve such an escape under multiple Earth Dragons’ surveillance.

Yet…

After releasing a measured breath, Magic Rainbow’s expression hardened.

"We must inform Mother immediately—"

"Unnecessary urgency. This incident resulted from my excessive penetration into the forest’s depths, encountering higher-tier Earth Dragons. Recurrence is improbable."

After a deliberate pause, the ant continued:

"My purpose was solely to report the Earth Dragons’ presence in the deep woods. No need to trouble Mother with minor matters."

"Trivial matter? You consider this trivial?"

Magic Rainbow knew all too well how deeply Lin Yu cherished her daughter.

When Sister Lvzi had been slain by a reincarnator, Mom’s expression remained composed, but the anguish in her eyes was unmistakable.

The swarm of Earth Dragons mattered less since the anthill network hadn’t yet reached those depths, but… if Mother discovered Little Shadow had perished even once…

As Magic Rainbow rose to exit the spring, serpentine shadows coiled upward around her limbs, binding her.

"Merely a trifle," hissed Darkling Stalker, her gaze fixed on Magic Rainbow’s humanoid form. "Given time, I’ll exterminate those wyrms individually."

Her shadowy tendrils tightened possessively as she murmured,

"Mother… when does she return?"

"She won’t linger long—perhaps two or three days."

"Then… all will be well… when Mother comes."

"Mm."

If Little Shadow had truly shaken off the Earth Dragons, perhaps urgency was unnecessary.

Yet.

"You—release me—"

The constricting shadows drew blood-warmth through Magic Rainbow’s skin, fraying even her renowned patience.

Few ants could endure such intimate constriction while exposed to open air—save perhaps Lvzi, who might’ve reveled in it.

"L-let Sister go!"

Demon One’s trembling voice emerged from the water’s edge before shadow-ropes yanked her airborne. She landed with a damp splat against stone, silenced.

Most sisters feared Darkling Stalker—all but the exceptional few.

Yet… Little Shadow seldom tormented the brood. Her current vexation ran deeper.

"My turn… approaches…"

The shadows loosened fractionally at Magic Rainbow’s ire, morphing into probing digits that mapped her human curves with liquid curiosity.

"Why…?" The whisper vibrated between them, question and lament entwined. "So long… why?"

Understanding dawned.

This shadow-dancer coveting her borrowed flesh. Little Shadow, denied the shapeshifting gift while Mother wandered human markets with others—uninformed, unchosen.

Left behind. Always.

The forest’s embrace felt colder for some than others.