Chapter 377

Chapter 377: The Awakening Ice Dragon

Currently, there are 103 Earth Dragon skeletons in total. Among them lies Dragon Flossie, a Class S max-level Dragon specimen, alongside five Class A max-level Earth Dragons including Aier. Only a little over ten high-level Earth Dragon skeletons remain above Class A Level 30, with the rest being mid-level and low-tier Earth Dragons below Level 30.

However, these represent their pre-death classifications. Upon successful Dead Spirit transformation, these Earth Dragons can still advance by accumulating Experience Value.

Lin Yu discovered this after instructing the Goblin Wizard to slay a low-level monster these past few days. Following the kill, the Dead Spirit Goblin Wizard ascended one level.

The slain low-level monster later revived—a manifestation of the second effect from the Unique Skill – King of Dead Spirits: targets killed by Dead Spirit Puppets fall under the skill holder’s control, though lacking the “Undead” attribute.

This reanimated monster became a mindless killing machine devoid of memories and intellect. Curiously, its status panel retained its original monster classification rather than changing to “Dead Spirit,” though its condition now read “Deceased” and “Puppetized.”

When this puppetized monster subsequently killed others, it failed to gain Experience Value for leveling.

Lin Yu then ordered the Goblin Wizard to eliminate the creature again. This second death proved permanent, with no revival possible. Notably, the Goblin Wizard’s Experience Value bar remained stagnant post-execution.

…

Of the 103 Earth Dragon skeletons, 46 have undergone Dead Spirit conversion—including Dragon Flossie and the five S Qualification Class A max-level Earth Dragons.

For deeper knowledge regarding the eight Lords of the Forest, three Lords of Mountains, and four Lords of the Sea, Flossie—foremost among the forest rulers—would be the prime informant.

Having clashed with Flossie, Lin Yu keenly comprehends these ancient monsters’ might.

Had the dragon not been severely weakened and restrained by concern for her lair’s eggs, the ant swarm might not have emerged victorious. Given time, most of the ant colony could have perished beneath those formidable draconic claws.

Without thorough understanding of these ancient beings, rash actions remain ill-advised. Yet securing their allegiance could significantly bolster the ant colony’s security.

Pondering this, Lin Yu arrived at the skeletal clearing.

“Mom!”

A tiny ant perched on a skeletal cranium brightened, leaping into her embrace.

“Progress report?”

Lin Yu stroked her youngest’s head with a fingertip, voice gentle.

“Another skeleton became Dead Spirit today! And one’s almost finished transforming! I can sense it!”

“Truly?”

Lin Yu blinked before smiling.

“Which one?”

“Not here—the one in the dragon cave.”

“Dragon cave? Name?”

Could it be Flossie…?

“Orna. The Ice Dragon Mom mentioned.”

“Ah, her.”

Ice Dragon Orna—the Earth Dragon supposedly soloed by Little Shadow. Though appearing feeble in defeat, Little Shadow clarified Orna’s true strength: the dragon had fallen victim to ambush tactics and unfamiliarity with the bizarre effects of the “Shadow Doll” skill, leading to instant demise.

Truly worthy of the Stealth Ants, how underhanded they are.

Yet even such underhandedness isn’t something I, as a mother, particularly dislike. After all, no matter how deceitful the methods, victory over enemies is what ultimately matters.

But why did Orna complete the Dead Spirit transformation first? By all logic, shouldn’t the lower-level Earth Dragons have transformed earlier?

Hmm… Nevermind. Since Orna’s nearly completed her Dead Spirit transformation, the other Earth Dragons should follow soon enough.

Lin Yu gazed at the tiny ant resting on her palm.

“Does Little Qiao know when Orna might awaken?”

“Perhaps… tomorrow or the day after?”

That’s remarkably swift!

Then we should visit the dragon cave in the coming days. Come to think of it, after all this time, the villa construction there must be nearing completion.

Though truth be told, I haven’t been monitoring progress closely, so specifics remain unclear.

I wonder how Old White and his crew are managing. The anticipation tingles a bit.

The urge to peek now is strong, yet patience serves better until our visit.

After conversing with Ji Qiao for some time, Lin Yu summoned an Iron Armored Ant from nearby patrols, mounting this “chosen” daughter for her return journey to the castle.

Ji Qiao remained behind to continue her Dead Spirit conversion work on the Earth Dragon skeleton, assisted by several Stealth Ants hunting advanced monsters for skeletal upgrades.

Meanwhile, her primary form hadn’t been idle either. Through consuming Earth Dragon flesh, she’d rocketed to Class B rank at astonishing speed, gaining numerous attributes and partial skills.

…

Elsewhere

The seamstress Encore stood transfixed before the castle gates, awestruck by the majestic fortress before her.

Though termed an ancient castle, the thorough renovations by construction crews left no trace of decay—only the architectural style hinted at antiquity.

This stronghold… bears no resemblance to a monster’s den, Encore mused inwardly.

“Captivated by our castle’s beauty?” Magic Rainbow chuckled, observing the tailor’s wonder-struck expression.

“Indeed magnificent. Even Lord Simon’s estate lacks this scale and grandeur.”

“Is that so?”

Encore’s admiration visibly pleased Magic Rainbow.

“How would you feel about residing here?”

“Living here?!”

“As our ant clan’s exclusive tailor. Compensation needn’t concern you—we treat our own well. Sign the confidentiality pact, and temporary town visits remain permissible. Take days to consider before answering.”

Magic Rainbow’s tone remained gentle, though she anticipated no refusal.

“Consider? Might I ask—does your recently departed daughter also dwell here?”

“Naturally.”

“Then hesitation serves no purpose. Being unattached, I’ll commence my tailoring service here effective immediately!”

The immediate acceptance took Magic Rainbow by surprise. After a momentary pause, she nodded with a warm smile.

“Then let us enter. I’ll introduce several sis—*ahem*—daughters requiring your sartorial expertise.”