Chapter 304

Chapter 304: The Approaching Earth Dragons

"The tentative plan is settled. Our detailed actions will depend on the number and class of Earth Dragons that may attack… If necessary, we might need to summon sisters from other ant nests for reinforcement."

After speaking, she turned her gaze back to Red Pupil.

"Does Elder Sister have anything to add?"

The young girl shook her head.

"Proceed according to the plan you’ve devised."

"Understood."

Magic Rainbow nodded and was about to conclude when she suddenly paused, as if remembering something, and glanced at the white-haired maiden behind her.

"What does… Mother think?"

_Hmph, finally remembered me?_

But… there truly seemed nothing more to add. Since the potential number and class of approaching Earth Dragons remained uncertain, this entire operation might prove unnecessary.

"Proceed as you’ve outlined."

The white-haired girl nodded.

Yet if formidable enemies did appear, she might need to join her daughters in battle this time.

Earth Dragons weren’t creatures to be captured alive easily—to claim their Experience Value, her direct participation would be required.

And though appearances might suggest otherwise, she remained a Class A entity of considerable power!

Even without engaging enemies directly, she could still support her daughters with skills…

Though only "Magic Shield" might prove truly useful, given her current Intelligence attributes, this skill should still make a significant difference.

With Little Pupil and the Stealth Ants concealed within her shadow, her safety would be assured.

Still… moving about in deep winter felt particularly bothersome.

…

Afterward,

The ant colonies sprang into motion.

Leaders of each ant subspecies began mobilizing their respective groups.

Ant tribes scattered across Granville Monster Forest started relocating from other nests to Fog Zone’s Fourth Ant Nest, while twenty thousand ants from the Ninth Ant Nest in the southern hills began assembling, poised to reinforce Fog Zone.

Most of the remaining twenty thousand ants from Tenth Ant Nest in Aowenduo Town maintained their position, though a smaller contingent of higher-level ants prepared to assist Fog Zone.

The first phase—or rather, the critical reconnaissance mission—had already commenced with the Flying Ants taking flight.

Fog Zone’s skies

remained shrouded in milky vapors even during winter’s chill.

Through these mists, streaks of purple darted swiftly.

"Freezing out here, Purple Mist! Winter turns our wings into icy boards!"

"Absolutely! I’d planned another hot spring dip this afternoon. Curse these Earth Dragons—if they dare show themselves, we’ll make them regret it!"

"Speaking of baths, my sister was quite bold with Mom last night."

"Sister, you’re no different!"

The two girls flew through the air, giggling as they playfully poked each other’s waists.

Though they’d felt shy and flushed when meeting Lin Yu that morning—uncharacteristic for their usually mischievous selves—the awkwardness had faded quickly.

Now, they’d fully returned to their normal selves.

In fact… last night’s events seemed to have unlocked something entirely new within them.

"I want to bathe with Mom again later!"

"Me too!"

"Shh! Purple One and the others are right behind us!"

"Oh… but wouldn’t it be fine if they knew? We could invite them too."

"But… could Mom handle so many of us? After how she… *was* last night."

"Of course! I believe in Mom!"

Behind them,

Purple One and Purple Two—still unshaped Flying Ants—exchanged hesitant glances upon overhearing the conversation. Finally, they fluttered forward to catch up.

「Sister, did something happen last night?」

「What did you mean about Mom being… *like that*?」

"Ah, you heard us? Sister…?"

Purple Mist glanced at Purple Cloud.

"Well, I’ll explain! Sister Red Pupil never told us to keep it secret."

As Purple Cloud recounted the previous night’s events, the other Flying Ants clustered around, eyes widening in astonishment. After a stunned silence, a flurry of curious chirps erupted—demanding more details.

Eventually, the mist began to thin.

Purple Cloud and Purple Mist fell silent, their playful demeanor shifting to seriousness.

Amused as they were, duty came first.

"We’re nearing the edge of the Fog Zone."

"Once we exit, scatter according to your assigned groups."

The Flying Ants behind them acknowledged in unison.

Beyond the Fog Zone, the world opened into a snow-blanketed forest. Towering Earth Dragons lumbered into view from the depths, their massive forms stark against the white.

"Just as expected—they’ve tracked us."

A dozen Earth Dragons, each far larger than the three-meter-tall Canton they’d captured earlier, emerged roughly several kilometers away. Their heavy footsteps thudded toward the mist.

Estimating their height…

"Five or six meters tall. They look formidable."

"Counting… one, two, three… twelve giants. And distant movements suggest smaller ones too."

They activated *Identification* on the towering figures.

All twelve fell between Class A LV.10 to LV.20—lower than anticipated. Despite their size surpassing Canton’s, their levels didn’t. Size and strength, it seemed, weren’t linked here.

The Earth Dragons varied wildly: scales glinting in differing hues, necks of unnatural length, some crowned with three or four horns.

"Begin scouting in pairs. Report their numbers and ranks to Mom."

「Understood!」

The Flying Ants split into groups, soaring upward to evade the Earth Dragons’ fiery breath. At this altitude, they hovered safely beyond reach and notice.

An hour later,

Lin Yu received the intel through *Unique Skill – Queen Ant*. Thirty-six Earth Dragons—most between Class A LV.10-20, a few in the twenties.

She and her daughters relaxed. Individually, the ants stood little chance… but numbers were their strength.

*Enough ants can overwhelm even an elephant.*

Once the Earth Dragons entered the Fog Zone, the swarm would strike—minimizing losses while securing victory.