Chapter 267

Chapter 267: Declaration of War

Within Aowenduo Town at this very moment.

"Sisters, you may commence preparations now."

Through the Psychic Call skill, Magic Rainbow now communicated with Army Lady, Stealth One, and Lvzi who remained within the town walls. Unlike Lin Yu’s Unique Skill however, Magic Rainbow could only initiate one-way communication unless the recipient possessed the Psychic Call ability. Having delivered her message, Magic Rainbow severed the mental connection.

Upon receiving the transmission, Stealth One and Army Lady began moving toward the Adventurer’s Guild.

"The operation begins," Stealth One stated.

"Indeed. Yet Sister Magic Rainbow’s directive to assist the human race against our own kin feels… unsettling," Army Lady murmured, her brow creasing slightly. Though she relished combat, orchestrating ant tribe assaults against human settlements aligned better with her nature.

"This is merely theater," Stealth One replied with a sidelong glance. Their prior defense against the goblin invasion during the siege had cemented their heroic status among townsfolk over subsequent months. "When Moat Blade’s three champions fall easily to ant tribe forces, the demoralization will cripple both human forces and adventurers. Perform convincingly – we’re crucial to the plan’s success." After a measured pause, she added, "Mother observes us still."

They reached the Adventurer’s Guild entrance. Cheers erupted immediately as guild members recognized them. During three months of mission work, they’d rescued numerous fellow adventurers from perilous situations, elevating Moat Blade to undisputed top Adventurer Squad status.

"Ah! Sister Army Lady! Stealth One! You’ve arrived!"

Nodding at the greeters, the two women spotted three youths waving energetically – Will, Mayer, and Sally. These novice adventurers had risen to Class C rank through the trio’s guidance, forging their own reputations. Despite winter’s approach, they’d chosen to remain in town rather than return to their village.

"You awaited us?" Army Lady inquired, surprised.

The youths grinned sheepishly. "We… wished to treat you sisters at the tavern!"

Mayer laughed, scratching his head.

He appeared somewhat nervous.

Yet given he was conversing with adventurers whose fame had nearly spread throughout the entire town, such tension felt natural even among acquaintances.

"Big Sisters have helped us tremendously. Though modest, we’ve saved enough coin lately to properly treat you both!" Sally declared, thumping her chest.

"How about it? Would you two ladies honor us?" Will, the trio’s leader, finally chimed in.

"You may choose the time—we’re available whenever."

"Hmm…"

Army Lady tilted her head toward Stealth One, noticing the latter’s barely concealed eagerness.

Why’s this one so obsessed with drinking…

Though hardly ideal timing, the ant swarm’s arrival still permitted a tavern visit during the wait. Yet first…

"Very well. Go ahead—Stealth One and I shall follow shortly."

At Army Lady’s nod, the three youngsters cheered and exited the Adventurer’s Guild.

Exchanging glances, the two women’s attention briefly flickered toward the carelessly placed Sound Stone on the shelf behind the counter. They drifted toward the request board in the guild’s deserted corner.

*Proceed.*

While pretending to examine postings, Army Lady signaled their shadows. Slivers of darkness detached instantly, vanishing before merging with the board’s corner shadows—ten high-tier Class B Stealth Ants.

Most guild occupants ranged between Class D and C. The sole threat was the Adventurer’s Guild President—Grace, a burly bearded man unseen until winter’s arrival. His Level 21 Class B status surpassed Philid (the lord’s steward) and Laikalis (Knight Commander of the Guard Knights), yet ten Stealth Ants sufficed against him.

Leaving their hidden sisters behind, the pair headed to a nearby tavern.

After reuniting with the youths and lingering an hour, Magic Rainbow’s voice resonated again—this time reaching everyone.

Tipsy youngsters feasting nearby, tavern patrons, and street pedestrians alike froze as the telepathic message flooded Aowenduo Town’s collective mind:

*People of Aowenduo Town.*

The voice—coldly elegant yet imperious—continued:

*Your race’s folly has brought my daughters to your gates. Choose: submit or perish.*

*Consider wisely.*

Silence followed. Then chaos erupted.

"What’s this ‘surrounded’ nonsense?"

"Submit or die? Ridiculous joke!"

Meanwhile at the gates, shivering soldiers jolted upright.

"Psychic Call…" one muttered, scrambling up the snow-dusted wall.

Distant specks multiplied through the blizzard—a seething ocean revealing ant-like features. The soldier’s breath caught.

Ant Tribe.

Advancing in numbers beyond counting.