Chapter 296

Chapter 296: The Bathhouse

Shadows cannot provide tactile feedback, but… if that’s the case, why do they persistently cling to my body…

Ah, Darkling Stalker… is she reproaching me for not bestowing the "Shapeshifting" skill upon her?

Alright, alright… I-I simply forgot, okay? It wasn’t intentional at all, and I’m certainly not afraid of you!

But the time has come to grant her the "Shapeshifting" skill.

Thus, Lin Yu informed Darkling Stalker of her intention to bestow "Shapeshifting" upon her.

"Regarding the shapeshifting… I wish to discuss this after eliminating those Earth Dragons."

The response came unexpectedly.

"Why?"

"The human race’s form proves inconvenient for combat."

"Hmm…"

I see… Come to think of it, initial use of the "Shapeshifting" skill indeed requires an adaptation period before reverting.

If accustomed to battling in ant form, this could certainly pose difficulties.

Yet allowing you to confront those Earth Dragons alone would be perilous.

"What if I dispatch other ants to accompany you?"

Red Pupil, Army Lady, Lvzi… Aside from the logistics specialist Worker Liquor, all others could surely assist.

Me? I handle logistics too, so… I’d be useless in combat!

"Unnecessary… I shall proceed alone."

Darkling Stalker replied.

Such obstinacy.

Yet when even the daughter assaulted by Earth Dragons voices this… Sending companions might displease her.

Ah, right…

Lin Yu extracted numerous Magic Recovery Potions, Life Recovery Potions, and temporary Attribute Enhancement Potions from her Magic Backpack, arranging them upon the ground.

Attribute Enhancement Potions temporarily elevate the user’s panel attributes for limited durations – Strength Enhancement Potions fortify physical power, Agility Enhancement Potions boost swiftness, and so forth…

However, even mid-grade Attribute Enhancement Potions offer modest improvements, with non-stackable effects from repeated consumption. These pale in comparison to the attribute bonuses from skills like "Magnification" and "Ironcladization."

Still, better than naught.

Next, the Life Recovery Potions.

For extended hunts in Monster Forest, these healing draughts prove indispensable.

Finally, the Magic Recovery Potions.

Each activation of the "Undying" skill consumes one-tenth of Magic Value. Theoretically, as long as Magic Value remains above this critical threshold, the skill’s bearer achieves true immortality.

This explains Lin Yu’s particular emphasis on Magic Recovery Potions.

Not only does she require them personally, but her daughters battling through the woodland also depend on these elixirs – especially crucial now as Darkling Stalker prepares to confront formidable monsters.

"Please keep these safe."

Lin Yu fidgeted slightly before adding,

"You… mustn’t die again."

At the silver-haired girl’s words, Darkling Stalker felt a tremor deep within—her eyes widened, a shiver rippling through her body.

She first gathered all the magic potions Lin Yu had produced into her Magic Backpack, then abruptly leaped up, pinning the silver-haired girl onto the straw bed. Shadows coiled tightly around the girl, immobilizing her, leaving her to stare as gray ants clambered over her form. Their razor-sharp jaws, glistening with saliva, parted menacingly.

"Y-You…!"

Lin Yu froze, too startled to form coherent words.

…Did I misunderstand?

Giving you these magic potions was a mother’s concern—not scorn!

Yet Darkling Stalker, seemingly captivated by the girl’s frightened expression, pressed closer instead of retreating. Only when her serrated jaws hovered a mere paper’s thickness from the silver-haired girl’s face did she snap back to awareness.

The gray ant withdrew from Lin Yu, studying her own jaws before inspecting her forelimbs. While this form excelled in combat, it proved cumbersome in gentler moments.

"I won’t die… Wait for me."

With those words, the shadows binding the silver-haired girl dissolved. Darkling Stalker melted into a streak of darkness and slipped through the window.

…She ran?

What *is* that child thinking?

Through her Unique Skill – Queen Ant, a radiant dot materialized in Lin Yu’s mind—Darkling Stalker’s marker—advancing steadily toward the forest’s heart.

Descending later, Lin Yu informed her daughters of Darkling Stalker’s choice.

"If Little Shadow made that decision, Mother needn’t fret," Magic Rainbow reassured with a warm smile. "She’s survived years hunting deepwoods, mastered Earth Dragon tactics. Even if overpowered, she’ll escape unharmed."

"Oh! The bathhouse renovations are complete. Would you like to inspect them, Mother?"

"Ah… yes."

They arrived at the castle’s first-floor bathhouse, now restored to immaculate condition. The rebuilt pool gleamed, scrubbed spotless.

…Are those *showers* on the walls?

Lin Yu approached, curiosity piqued.

"These are Magic Showers," Magic Rainbow explained. "Channel magic essence to your fingertips and press the Magic Crystal atop them. Only those with the Talent of Magic skill can activate the flow."

"And that?" Lin Yu pointed to the wolf statue behind the bath, its eyes twin Magic Crystals.

"Also a water source," Magic Rainbow confirmed.

"I see."

"…"

So, does that mean this bathhouse can only be used when Demonic Ants are present…

"The bathhouse is fully operational now. Does Mother plan to try it tonight?"

"Hmm…"

Tonight? Isn’t that too sudden? I haven’t prepared myself mentally yet.

"We could also invite the other elder and younger sisters to join us."

Eh? Really? Is that truly allowed?!

Ah, but you’ll have to handle the invitations yourself.

"Mm."

The silver-haired girl nodded with her usual aloof expression.

…

…

Night fell.

"Sister Red Pupil and I will go ahead then. Don’t forget to come down, Mother."

After bidding farewell to Lin Yu, Magic Rainbow descended the stairs chatting cheerfully with Red Pupil.

As the bearer of the "Talent of Magic" skill, she needed to prepare the bathwater first.

Should I… go down early too?

If I arrive later, the bath will already be filled with ants – that would feel rather lewd… no, utterly embarrassing!

Damn… Now that the moment’s here, I actually feel… somewhat shy…

En-enough! Let’s check the other ants first…

Through her "Unique Skill – Queen Ant," Lin Yu perceived her daughters moving toward the bathhouse.

Army Lady, Lvzi and Stealth One formed a trio, Purple Cloud and Purple Mist came as a pair, followed by Little Liquor and Little Tear… Wait? Someone’s missing…

Ah! There’s someone even more bashful than me!

Suddenly her tension eased.

Let’s see…

She’d already reached the bathhouse entrance but turned back.

Heh, trying to slip away?