Chapter 345

Chapter 345: The Failed Parasitism and the Next Target

Apart from Stealth One, Stealth Two, and Stealth Ten hiding within her shadow, Lin Yu hadn’t brought any other daughters along.

When the little ant in Lin Yu’s palm realized the enthusiastic elder sisters weren’t accompanying them, it gradually uncurled from its defensive ball and stood upright on her hand.

“Mom… where are we going?”

“You’ll know when we arrive.”

After a brief pause during their journey, Lin Yu began recounting their recent battle with the Earth Dragon Clan to Ji Qiao.

By the time she finished explaining, they’d reached the clearing stacked with Earth Dragon remains.

At the forefront lay a massive Earth Dragon skeleton, approximately seven to eight meters in height – the remains of one called Aier.

“Little Qiao, attempt to use ‘Parasitism’ on this skeleton.”

Lin Yu addressed the trembling creature while gazing up at the bleached bones.

When no response came, she glanced down to find Ji Qiao curled into a quivering ball again.

Such timidity…

“Don’t fear. They’re all dead now.”

“U-un…dead?”

The little ant peeked tentatively at the skeletal structure, its six legs still vibrating like plucked strings.

“Remember I’m here. Nothing can harm you while Mother’s present.”

Mid-reassurance, Lin Yu suddenly remembered – her Magic Value still hovered above half. Perfect for bestowing the “Immortal” Unique Skill.

She focused her will, channeling the ability through their special bond.

/Skill activation successful.

A triumphant smile curved Lin Yu’s lips. Of course it worked – this daughter possessed S Qualification after all.

The new “Immortal” designation glowed on Ji Qiao’s status panel. The little creature seemed to sense the change, hurriedly checking its own interface.

Wide-eyed wonder replaced some of the fear as it comprehended the skill’s implications.

“See? Now you’re immortal, Little Qiao. No need for fear anymore.”

“Mmm…okay!”

Newfound resolve straightened the ant’s antennae. It leaped from Lin Yu’s palm, only to stumble upon landing as shaky legs betrayed its courage. The Class D monster rolled several times before righting itself, more embarrassed than injured – its Health Value remained steadfast.

Gathering determination like scattered crumbs, Ji Qiao approached Aier’s remains. Yet when those empty skeletal eye sockets came into view, all six limbs resumed their frightened dance despite the immortal assurance.

She quickly averted her gaze, not daring to look further.

Then she rested a small front leg on the tip of the bone dragon’s claw and activated the skill “Parasite” upon the Earth Dragon skeleton.

Lin Yu watched the small parasitic ant’s movements with bated breath.

One second… two seconds…

After nearly a minute, Ji Qiao’s antennae drooped as she turned toward Lin Yu with a dejected expression.

“It failed…”

Ah… So it truly didn’t work?

Well, considering it’s merely a skeleton stripped of flesh and sinew…

Perhaps Ji Qiao’s current level remains too low for successful parasitism.

Though disappointing, this outcome wasn’t unexpected.

How vexing! I should’ve preserved those Earth Dragons’ full corpses!

After wallowing briefly in regret, Lin Yu noticed the tiny ant still hanging its head, visibly dispirited from failing to meet expectations.

The white-haired girl hurried over and cradled the small parasitic ant.

“It’s alright. Mother isn’t upset with you.”

She stroked the ant’s head with a fingertip.

Only after prolonged coaxing did Ji Qiao regain her spirits.

Possibly due to her earlier tumble from Lin Yu’s palm, the ant now huddled fearfully in the girl’s hand, avoiding heights entirely.

…

If Earth Dragons prove unsuitable hosts, what alternatives exist…?

Lin Yu absently petted the ant while meandering toward the castle.

Beyond the Earth Dragons, this forest harbors no significant threats to the Ant Tribe.

The dragon eggs in the nest pose different challenges – “Parasite” only affects deceased creatures.

To utilize them, we’d need to hatch then immediately slaughter the newborns.

Such cruelty ill suits us.

We of the Ant Tribe champion justice! Villainous acts hold no appeal!

Moreover, newborn dragons would be mere classless Level 1 entities. Hardly worthwhile targets, especially unborn ones.

Where then might we apply parasitism…?

Memories surfaced of past adversaries defeated by the Ant Tribe. ?!!

Lin Yu’s eyes suddenly widened.

A vanquished foe!

She vividly recalled their first reincarnator opponent – Miyoshi Mitsui from Neon Country in their original world.

The enemy she’d reluctantly slain.

Hm? Reluctantly?

Well… Some melancholy followed Mitsui’s demise. Had circumstances differed, they might’ve been friends.

*Ahem* Returning to the matter.

If complete corpses enable successful parasitism, Mitsui’s remains should suffice – being inherently skeletal.

After his defeat, she’d conscientiously ordered her daughters to inter his bones beneath the castle’s great tree rather than leave them exposed.

Indeed, virtue rewards its practitioners!

Should Ji Qiao successfully parasitize Mitsui’s remains… The “Unique Skill – King of Dead Spirits” he possessed might become hers!

Gaining access to such power through parasitism… How extraordinary!

This seems plausible.

Little Qiao remains our sole parasitic ant, born through extraordinary magical rites!

Mother always knew! This child transcends mediocrity!

As for Miyoshi Mitsui…

How generous! In life, he gifted us this grand castle. In death, he bestows the cheat-like “Immortality” skill. Now even his remains offer service… Mitsui… We’ll reunite shortly! *Uncontrollable laughter*

*Cough* My apologies…

Should this succeed, rest assured Mitsui – I’ll employ your remains judiciously!

You’ve likely reincarnated elsewhere by now anyway.