Chapter 354

Chapter 354: Life in the Cave (Part Six)

In the subsequent days, the roles of the two women appeared to reverse entirely.

Whether preparing meals or sharing their daily “bonding” hours, Lin Yu consistently took the lead.

Driven perhaps by guilt over her past aloofness toward her daughter, the silver-haired girl—who hadn’t wielded a kitchen utensil in ages—now personally crafted nearly every dish.

As for their remaining hours…

They were spent sometimes upon the bed, sometimes across the table… and occasionally even over chairs.

Initially reveling in newfound pleasures, the maiden devoted most daylight hours to carnal delights, meticulously replicating every technique Darkling Stalker had previously employed—then enthusiastically applying them to her raven-haired counterpart.

In moments of particular fervor, she even activated her Unique Skill’s possession effect, extending Darkling Stalker’s body toward her own slumbering form that lay helplessly unconscious upon the mattress…

Yet despite this idyllic existence, the white-haired girl was abruptly jolted into awareness one morning by her reflection in the dressing mirror.

Disaster! This maiden has fallen prey to feminine charms!

Her mirror image stared back with widened eyes.

Good heavens—those shadows beneath her eyes!

Though well-fed and cared for these days, her complexion bore undeniable traces of weariness…

Had indulgence crossed into excess?

Ah, now that she considered it, a dull ache indeed pulsed through her waist.

Pushing herself upright from the vanity, she swayed momentarily as weakness flooded her limbs.

No more! This cannot continue!

Resolution hardened her gaze.

Just as determination crystallized, pale arms encircled her waist from behind.

“Is something amiss, Mother?”

The gray-haired daughter pressed against her, chin resting on the silver-haired girl’s shoulder as she inhaled deeply.

Their mirrored reflections merged—and Lin Yu realized with sudden clarity that her daughter’s visage appeared equally drained…

And why did her neck feel so peculiarly warm…

Cease breathing down my nape! Your temptations are wasted—my spirit now mirrors tranquil waters!

She nudged Darkling Stalker’s head away.

“We’re taking a walk today.”

Without awaiting response, she grasped her daughter’s hand and strode toward the cavern’s exit.

Emerging into open air, both women inhaled deeply—the crisp atmosphere revitalizing their spirits.

Sunbeams caressed Lin Yu’s skin, drawing a pleasurable shudder from her core.

Winter’s grasp seemed finally to loosen.

In the forest, the ice and snow had begun to melt, revealing patches of greenery beneath. The melted water gathered and flowed into a nearby stream.

“You know this area well, don’t you?”

“Mhm.”

Darkling Stalker nodded.

“I sometimes come here to hunt.”

“What kind of monsters does Little Shadow hunt around here?”

“Class B monsters, though they aren’t as strong as those in the Fog Zone.”

Well… It made sense for Fog Zone monsters to be fiercer, given their harsh environment.

Moreover, this wasn’t the forest’s deepest central region but a more western area yet unexplored by the ant colony.

Logically, there shouldn’t be high-tier threats like Class A monsters here.

“In that case, let’s go hunting!”

The white-haired girl exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm.

Having spent most days confined to the castle, such forest adventures were rare for her!

Dangerous? Psh!

Please, I’m a top-tier Class S monster! What danger could possibly trouble me?

While there’s a slim chance I’d struggle against max-level Class A daughters like Little Shadow or Little Pupil, ordinary Class B monsters are no challenge at all!

And even if trouble arises, Little Shadow’s here.

Though currently under a “magic seal,” simply removing her wrist bracelet would break the restriction.

Thus, Lin Yu strolled westward with Darkling Stalker, venturing deeper into uncharted woods.

Before long, they spotted their first quarry – a deer-like monster drinking from a brook. Its snow-white coat shimmered, crowned by frost-tinged antlers emitting a pale luminescence.

The creature sipped water cautiously, lifting its head frequently to survey surroundings with vigilant eyes.

Lin Yu’s appraisal revealed a Class C “Snow-Watching Deer” capable of basic ice magic.

“Shall we engage?”

“Let it be.”

Its ethereal beauty stayed Lin Yu’s hand.

Deer-type monsters were notoriously skittish and swift. Her current arsenal lacked ranged options beyond the high-tier “Rain Blade Storm,” nor did she possess control skills like Darkling Stalker’s “Shadow Manipulation.”

While curious about her ultimate skill’s destructive potential, she preferred saving it for worthier targets.

As they wandered further, a chorus of rustles erupted from nearby thickets.

A goblin pack burst forth – sixteen strong.

Lin Yu swiftly pulled Darkling Stalker close.

“Stay behind me, Little Shadow. Don’t stray.”

Heh~ Time for Mom to shine!

The white-haired girl drew a gleaming longsword, heart racing with adrenaline.

Darkling Stalker merely glanced at her mother before obediently taking position, observing the scene with quiet amusement.

…

Lin Yu assessed the threat:

One Class B low-level Goblin Wizard wielding a bone staff

Two Class C high-level Goblin Warriors

Two hulking Class C high-level Big Goblins

Eleven Class D grunts

The horde encircled them at the wizard’s screeched command, clearly confident about capturing their “prey.”

Ordinary human women might suffer horribly at such hands – a thought that darkened Lin Yu’s expression as unpleasant memories surfaced.

No hesitation remained. She lunged at the cackling wizard, sword blazing.

“Sword Talent” and “Swordsmanship Master” awakened decades of combat instinct within her.

“Grak! Barrg!” The wizard shrilled, ordering its warriors to intercept.

But Class S agility (nearing 100) rendered Lin Yu a silver blur against sub-30 agility foes.

Before the staff could rise for defense, steel flashed.

Thunk!

The wizard’s head tumbled groundward, spell uncast, corpse crumpling before its minions could blink.