Chapter 349

Chapter 349: Life in the Cave (Part One)

Darkling Stalker, having fled some distance, glanced back over her shoulder.

When she realized Red Pupil hadn’t pursued them, she froze momentarily in apparent surprise.

The only pursuers seemed to be the sisters Purple Cloud and Purple Mist soaring above, with Weak Sound trailing not far behind.

As the airborne sisters plunged downward, Darkling Stalker casually swept her hand through the air.

Instantly, tree shadows coalesced into obsidian cords that wove an expansive net, ensnaring the diving girls mid-descent. The shadowy web constricted, binding Purple Cloud and Purple Mist together in its tightening embrace.

“Ah! It’s crushing me! Release us!”

“Little Mist, stop squirming! You’re making it worse-”

Their struggles only intensified the shadows’ grip.

Weak Sound gasped upon seeing her captured sisters, then yelped as creeping shadows lashed toward her. The petite girl began shredding the dark tendrils with bare-handed swipes, each motion scattering shadow fragments into nothingness.

Despite this defensive dance, she maintained her pursuit. “L-Little Shadow… wait?” she ventured timidly.

To her astonishment, Darkling Stalker actually halted. The shadowy woman turned, frost glinting in her gaze. “Persist, and you’ll regret it.”

“Eep!”

The child froze, trembling as memories surfaced – collaborating with Darkling Stalker against Goblin Reincarnators, witnessing the merciless slaughter of goblins…

Seizing this hesitation, Darkling Stalker summoned fresh shadows that coiled around the distracted girl. “N-no! Bad! Very bad!” Weak Sound cried as the bonds tightened.

Without sparing another glance, Darkling Stalker gathered Lin Yu against her and dissolved into streaking shadows, darting through the forest canopy until vanishing from all pursuers’ sight.

…

“Mother…”

The fading cries of her daughters left Lin Yu’s heart sinking like stone. She’d never imagined her numerous children could fail to restrain Darkling Stalker.

True, Weak Sound had faltered… but how could she blame the timid girl? Among their ant-kin, Darkling Stalker reigned supreme in single combat. Even if Weak Sound had resisted, she’d have been swiftly overwhelmed.

Red Pupil possessed comparable strength, yet lacked the shadow-wielder’s speed. Without Yellow Hair’s enhancement, pursuit would prove impossible. Now beyond visual range, even that advantage meant nothing.

What should I do now…

What does Darkling Stalker truly intend?

While being carried, the white-haired girl stole a glance at Darkling Stalker.

Sensing the gaze, the shadowy figure looked back at Lin Yu mid-retreat.

Her porcelain features remained impassive, those frosty eyes utterly devoid of emotion.

The instant their eyes met, the silver-haired girl averted her gaze nervously.

Remembering Darkling Stalker’s penchant for torturing prey, her complexion paled as horrific scenarios flooded her mind.

Would she do this to me…or that…or perhaps…

Impossible…no matter what, I’m still her mother!

The Unique Skill clearly stated daughters remain absolutely loyal! Wait…but the Skill’s currently inactive. Does that mean…

This is terrifying…

Hnng…

…

Lin Yu lost track of time as Darkling Stalker’s arms carried them through the forest’s depths.

The shadow-cushioned journey remained smooth despite their speed.

Lulled by the rhythmic motion, the anxious girl eventually succumbed to drowsiness, unconsciously nestling against the Ice Beauty’s chest in search of warmth.

She awoke to twilight skies.

Blushing at having slept so soundly in her captor’s embrace, the white-haired maiden surveyed their surroundings.

Unfamiliar trees stretched endlessly around them.

Are we still within Granville Monster Forest?

Her attempt to speak died against the shadowy gag sealing her lips.

Fine, let it be! Whatever she wants to do, I’ll just go along with it!

Hadn’t I resolved to indulge Darkling Stalker’s whims anyway?

Even if she wants to kill or torture me…come at me! I’m not afraid!

…Not afraid…

That’s a lie…I’m terrified…sob…

Please don’t make me suffer like those poor creatures she’s hunted…

I never meant to neglect you, really!

Maybe if I act coquettish…but how undignified for a mother!

Her spiraling thoughts halted when Darkling Stalker stopped abruptly.

They stood amidst towering grasses and dense foliage.

The shadow-wielder positioned them behind an unremarkable tree concealing a half-meter-wide downward tunnel, barely large enough for single entry.

Lin Yu recognized the structure – identical to ant colony entrances near Foggy Castle where Worker Ants swarmed.

But why here…?

A sudden realization made her glance nervously at Darkling Stalker.

Did you dig this?

Confirming her suspicion, the shadowy woman plunged into the tunnel, dragging Lin Yu downward via tendrils of darkness.

Snow-pale hands caught her gently below.

Shadowy pseudopods sealed the entrance with packed earth.

Where…?

The cavern sprawled surprisingly vast – dozens of square meters beneath a four-meter ceiling. Magic Stones glittered in the walls while Magic Crystals above bloomed with light at the shadows’ touch, illuminating wooden furnishings arranged with uncanny familiarity.

A bed, vanity, wardrobe…all precisely positioned like her former villa’s bedroom.

Lin Yu’s breath caught at the haunting replication.