Part 1: The Provincial Government Request
The news broke suddenly, spreading like wildfire across Snow Water City. A Terror-Level Dungeon had been discovered at the border of the Water and Land Zones. The provincial government issued an emergency request to all adventurers, regardless of level, to join the effort to cleanse the dungeon and eliminate the threat.
Hǎiyáng was at the hospital when the announcement reached him. Doctor Bái Yīzhēn handed him the scroll with a grim expression.
"It's not every day they issue a request like this," the doctor said. "But it's not surprising—the ant infestation has reached catastrophic levels. If we don't stop it now, they'll overrun the surrounding zones."
Hǎiyáng read the details carefully, his brow furrowing. "The Queen of Ants... she's the boss of this dungeon?"
Doctor Bái nodded. "Yes, and she's no ordinary dungeon boss. This is why the request is open to everyone, even students like you. But be careful—the dungeon has already claimed the lives of seasoned adventurers."
As Hǎiyáng prepared to leave, Xuě Fú Fèn appeared at the hospital's entrance, her presence as commanding as ever.
"You're joining the dungeon raid, right?" she asked bluntly.
He nodded. "You too?"
"Sorry to disappoint you. It is just happened after I get my adventurer badge. Besides, the city's first and second-ranked students can't sit this one out," she replied with a smirk.
Hǎiyáng tilted his head at Xuě Fù Fèn's smirk. "You don't have to come just to make sure I don't mess up," he said, attempting a lighthearted jab.
Xuě Fù Fèn crossed her arms, her snow manta ray floating silently above her shoulder. "You're the one who might need saving, city champion," she replied with mock haughtiness, though her voice wavered slightly. "Don't get any ideas that I'm here for you specifically."
Her snow manta ray flicks her eyes,"Haiz...you are not a good liar, dear!"
Hǎiyáng raised an eyebrow, a small smile tugging at his lips, after hearing her and listening to her snow manta ray. "You're coming for the ants, then?"
"Obviously!" she shot back, turning her face slightly to the side to avoid his gaze. But the faint pink tint creeping across her cheeks betrayed her usual composed demeanor.
"Another lie. Haiz...why so hard to tell the truth? You even mess up your entire closet to find suitable clothes for the next meeting with him."
Haiyang almost spat out the drink in his hand. He laughed out loud.
BǎoBǎo, standing quietly nearby, glanced between the two teenagers and seemed to suppress a knowing grin.
Fù Fèn's smirk faltered as her eyes darted back to him. "I mean, it's not like you're helpless or anything," she muttered, her tone softer. "You've gotten... better."
The compliment, though begrudgingly offered, caught Hǎiyáng off guard. He blinked. "Thanks, I guess?"
"Don't get used to it!" she snapped, her assertive mask snapping back into place. She brushed past him, her snow-white martial attire fluttering with the motion. "Just don't slow me down in there, okay?"
Hǎiyáng watched her retreat toward the hospital door, confusion mingling with amusement. BǎoBǎo leaned closer, his voice low but teasing.
"She's quite the interesting one, isn't she, Master?"
Hǎiyáng groaned, rubbing the back of his neck. "Interesting is one way to put it. Complicated is another."
Part 2: The Journey to the Dungeon
The atmosphere at the dungeon's entrance was charged with tension. Hundreds of adventurers, from novices to veterans, gathered in clusters, each group strategizing their approach.
Hǎiyáng felt the weight of countless stares as he arrived with Xuě Fú Fèn by his side. Whispers rippled through the crowd, some filled with admiration, others laced with doubt.
"Is that Xiǎo Hǎiyáng? The top-ranked student?"
"I heard his background is not simple. There is even a rumour saying that he is the young master of the mysterious clan."
"He's just a kid. What's he doing here?"
"Didn't he tame an SSS-level beast? Maybe he's not as useless as he looks."
Hǎiyáng ignored the murmurs, keeping his focus on the task ahead. But Xuě Fú Fèn couldn't resist shooting a glare at a group of older adventurers who openly mocked them.
"Children playing at being heroes," one of them sneered. "This isn't a schoolyard game."
Before Xuě Fú Fèn could retort, a commanding voice cut through the noise.
"Silence!" Captain Lù Jiā, the leader of the City Defense Army, strode forward, his armor gleaming under the sunlight. "This is a mission, not a debate. If anyone here doubts the abilities of their comrades, you're free to leave now."
The air around the dungeon entrance buzzed with energy as adventurers of all levels gathered to await their assignments. Captain Lù Jiā, a burly man with a strong jawline and sharp eyes, stood tall on a makeshift platform. His voice carried authority, silencing the murmurs of the crowd as he called out for attention.
"We've already sent the first exploring batch," he began, his tone brisk. "They reported multiple tunnels within the dungeon. Each tunnel poses unique dangers. To succeed, we'll need carefully organized teams. Each team must be well-rounded and capable of handling whatever threats arise."
He paused to glance at a parchment handed to him by his subordinate. His eyes scanned the contents before landing on a particular name.
"Who is Xiǎo Hǎiyáng?" he barked, his gaze sweeping the crowd.
Hǎiyáng felt a collective ripple of curiosity as dozens of eyes turned toward him. His heart sank. Why am I being singled out? he wondered, though he had an inkling of the reason.
Reluctantly, Hǎiyáng stepped forward, his calm yet hesitant demeanor contrasting the confident strides of others. Captain Lù Jiā's sharp gaze assessed the young man. "They say you're a top-ranked student and a tamer," the captain said bluntly. "Summon your beast."
Hǎiyáng's fingers twitched as he deliberated. Summoning Xiǎolóng would make me like a fool, but he had other plans for him during the mission. He sighed inwardly and opted for Mǔmǔ instead, lifting his hand to summon her.
The air shimmered slightly before Mǔmǔ appeared, her jellyfish-like form floating delicately in the air. Her translucent body glowed faintly, her size no larger than an adult's hand. Gasps rippled through the crowd, followed by muted snickers from the more seasoned adventurers.
Captain Lù Jiā frowned, his thick eyebrows knitting together. "This is it?" he muttered under his breath. "They said you have a huge SSS beast."
"She is an SSS beast," Hǎiyáng replied steadily, though he felt the captain's doubt pierce him like an arrow.
The captain sighed, shaking his head. "Never mind. You're coming with me," he announced, waving him over to his side.
Before Hǎiyáng could step forward, he hesitated and glanced back at Xuě Fù Fèn, standing among the crowd. Without waiting for permission, he reached out and grabbed her hand.
"She's coming with me too," he declared firmly.
Captain Lù Jiā cocked an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at his lips. "Do you think this is some romantic stroll to watch the sunset?" he asked mockingly, his tone laced with disbelief.
Hǎiyáng met the captain's gaze with unflinching determination. "No," he said evenly. "But we've worked together before, and I trust her skills. If I'm coming, she's coming."
Captain Lù Jiā snorted, but with time pressing and the need to organize the other teams, he waved them both forward. "Fine, fine. But if either of you slows us down, you'll regret it," he warned.
He turned back to the rest of the adventurers, clapping his hands for attention. "Listen up!" he bellowed. "We'll be forming teams of twelve. Each team must include the following roles:
"Four shields to guard the front, back, and sides. Two direct combat specialists—your main attackers. Two long-range attackers, such as archers or magicians. Two healers to keep everyone alive. Finally, two reserves who can step in as needed to attack, shoot, cast, or heal."
The crowd stirred as adventurers began forming clusters. Veterans moved swiftly, assembling teams with practiced efficiency, while newer recruits hesitated, unsure where they fit.
"Move fast!" Captain Lù Jiā barked, snapping some of the stragglers out of their daze.
Xuě Fù Fèn crossed her arms, surveying the scene, trying to take initiative after the awkward scene before. "These older adventurers are so full of themselves," she muttered.
Hǎiyáng nodded in agreement. He caught snippets of conversation—seasoned fighters dismissing the younger participants as mere children. Some even jeered at the students, openly doubting their abilities.
As the teams solidified, the captain walked among them, inspecting each group with a critical eye. He occasionally barked orders to rearrange members, ensuring every team had the proper balance of skills.
When he reached Hǎiyáng and Xuě Fù Fèn, he studied them for a moment, his gaze lingering on Mǔmǔ, who floated serenely beside her master.
"Let's see if you two can live up to your reputations," he said gruffly.
"We intend to," Xuě Fù Fèn replied, her tone sharp and confident now.
The captain smirked but didn't reply, moving on to inspect the next team.
As the final arrangements were made, Hǎiyáng glanced at Mǔmǔ, her glowing tentacles swaying gently. "Ready for this?" he whispered.
Mǔmǔ pulsed faintly, a reassuring sign that she was as prepared as he was.
Xiǎo Hǎiyáng glanced at Xiǎolóng's summoning space, his tone firm but gentle, "Xiǎolóng, remember—don't come out unless I summon you. Not this time."
"Good," he said softly, more to himself than to both of them. He clenched his fists, his determination hardening as the reality of the mission settled in.
Part 3: Forming the Team
He then turned back to the rest of the adventurers, clapping his hands for attention. "Listen up!" he bellowed. "We'll be forming teams of twelve. Each team must include the following roles:
"Four shields to guard the front, back, and sides. Two direct combat specialists—your main attackers. Two long-range attackers, such as archers or magicians. Two healers to keep everyone alive. Finally, two reserves who can step in as needed to attack, shoot, cast, or heal."
The crowd stirred as adventurers began forming clusters. Veterans moved swiftly, assembling teams with practiced efficiency, while newer recruits hesitated, unsure where they fit.
"Move fast!" Captain Lù Jiā barked, snapping some of the stragglers out of their daze.---
As the sun reached its peak, Captain Lù Jiā stood before his assembled team of fourteen adventurers, surveying them with a critical eye. "This mission isn't for the faint-hearted," he began,
his voice carrying the weight of authority. "We'll be working in a dungeon with countless branching tunnels, which means teamwork is our lifeline."
He turned to Xiǎo Hǎiyáng and Xuě Fù Fèn, who were standing to the side. With a quick gesture, he motioned them to step forward. "Now, before we start, let me introduce you two to the team."
The adventurers looked on, some with curiosity, others with skepticism.
"This is Xiǎo Hǎiyáng," Captain Lù Jiā said, placing a firm hand on the young boy's shoulder. "He's ranked first in the Snow Water City Beast Exam and is known for his extraordinary beast mastery."
Xiǎo Hǎiyáng nodded politely, ignoring the murmurs from the team.
"And this," Captain Lù continued, pointing to the girl standing beside him, "is Xuě Fù Fèn, the second-ranked student in the same exam. Her snow manta ray beast is something to behold."
Xuě Fù Fèn lifted her chin confidently, though her cheeks colored faintly at the mention of her beast.
The Captain turned back to the group. "These two are reserve attackers—Xiǎo Hǎiyáng for long-range, Xuě Fù Fèn for short-range. Don't underestimate them because of their age. They've earned their place here."
He stepped aside, allowing the team to introduce themselves one by one to the newcomers.
The first to step forward was a towering man with a square jaw and a calm demeanor. His massive shield gleamed in the sunlight.
"Yǐng Zhéng," he said. "Front shield. I'll keep the team safe." He gave a slight nod before stepping back.
Next came a gruff-looking man with weathered features and a shield almost as wide as his chest.
"Chén Mò," he said curtly. "Also front shield. Stick close, and you won't get hurt."
The two back shields introduced themselves next.
"Wáng Yǔ," said a sharp-eyed woman with an athletic build. Her voice carried a note of playfulness. "I'll guard the rear. Try not to cause too much trouble."
Jiāng Shùi, a burly man with a cautious air, followed her. "Name's Jiāng Shùi," he said simply. "Back shield. Don't expect any jokes from me."
A lithe woman with a calm yet deadly presence was next. "Sūn Lì," she said. "Left shield." Her movements were fluid and deliberate, like a cat stalking prey.
Then came Zhào Tiān, a seasoned fighter with a broad grin. "Right shield," he said proudly. "Been doing this for decades. If you need advice, come to me."
The direct combat attackers introduced themselves next.
"Dù Shēng," said a wiry man with twin daggers strapped to his hips. He flashed a confident smile. "First attacker. I'll handle the close fights."
Méng Xīn, a fierce-looking woman with a massive broadsword, followed. "Second attacker," she said. "Don't get in my way, and we'll be fine."
The long-range attackers stepped forward next.
"Lín Jiǔ," said a young man with a bow slung over his shoulder. "I'll cover you from the back. Trust me, my aim's perfect."
A quieter figure, Fēng Hào, introduced himself next. "Second long-range attacker," he said softly, gripping his crossbow tightly.
The mages were next.
"Wèi Lán," said an older woman with streaks of white in her hair. Her voice carried authority. "First mage. I'll be your spellcaster."
Huò Zǐlín, a younger mage with a mischievous grin, followed. "Second mage," he said. "I'm here to make things burn."
Finally, the healers stepped forward.
"Qí Lín," said a calm man with a serene presence. "First healer. Just try not to need me too much."
"Xiǎo Méi," said a petite woman with a kind smile. "Second healer. I'll do my best to keep you all safe."
The introductions over, Captain Lù Jiā clapped his hands to gather attention. "Alright, we've got our team. I believe you guys as well.
Next, let's make sure we know the layout and strategy before we enter the dungeon. We'll need shields at the front, sides, and rear, attackers in the middle, and long-range fighters and mages at the back. Healers stay central, ready to assist. We must coordinate when to attack, when to defend, when to retreat. Not to mention who will do what and when."
The team murmured their understanding, but Xiǎo Hǎiyáng couldn't ignore the skeptical glances cast his way.
"Isn't that the kid with the jellyfish?" someone muttered.
"I heard it's SSS rank, but… look at that thing," another whispered.
Ignoring them, Xiǎo Hǎiyáng focused on Xuě Fù Fèn, who gave him an encouraging nod. "Don't let them get to you," she said softly.
With everyone in place, the group moved toward the dungeon entrance. The air grew colder as they approached, and the sound of dripping water echoed ominously. Xiǎo Hǎiyáng clenched his fists, ready for the challenge ahead.
Part 4: Entering the Dungeon
The first team cautiously entered the dungeon, their steps echoing in the damp, dark tunnel. The air was thick with a strange metallic scent, and faint scuttling sounds seemed to come from everywhere and nowhere at once. It wasn't long before the first ants appeared, scurrying across the rocky floor.
"Is this what we're here for?" one of the students scoffed, raising his foot to squash a tiny ant no bigger than a baby's palm. The crack of the exoskeleton under his boot drew laughs from others, who began stepping on the ants or slicing them with their swords.
"This is going to be too easy," said Yǐng Zhēng, twirling his shield casually. "If they're all like this, we'll clear the dungeon by lunch."
Xiǎo Hǎiyáng, standing quietly near the rear of the group, didn't join in the mockery. His eyes narrowed as he observed the ants' movements. Something about them seemed off. They were small, weak, and easy to kill—too easy. He exchanged a glance with Mǔmǔ, the jellyfish on his shoulder, and whispered to himself, "Is this really the threat we were sent to deal with? Strange... weird..."
As the team ventured deeper into the tunnel, the ants began to grow larger. Now the size of an adult's palm, they moved in slightly larger groups, their movements faster and more coordinated.
The students still seemed to enjoy the encounter, slashing at the ants with gleeful confidence. "I could do this all day!" shouted one, sending a severed ant's leg flying across the tunnel.
Xuě Fù Fèn, walking beside Hǎiyáng, smirked. "Are you still overthinking this? Look at them. They're manageable."
Hǎiyáng's frown deepened. "That's what's bothering me," he replied. "It feels like... they're just testing us."
Not long after, the group moved further into the labyrinthine dungeon.
The air grew colder, and the faint sound of dripping water echoed around them. The ants they encountered now were larger still—about half the size of an adult's forearm. Their mandibles clicked ominously as they charged the team in swarms.
"These things are faster!" someone yelled as an ant's mandibles tore through the leather of his armor. Blood sprayed as another student screamed, his leg bitten clean through.
Captain Lù Jiā quickly took charge, shouting, "Shields up! Protect the injured! Everyone else, hold your positions!"
The group scrambled to regroup, their earlier confidence shaken. Several students who had been laughing moments ago were now backing away, pale-faced.
"We're splitting up here," Lù Jiā announced as they approached a fork in the tunnel. Three pathways stretched ahead, each dark and foreboding. "Those who are injured, return to the surface with assistance. If you're afraid, escort them back. The rest of you, form into three teams."
He turned to his own group. "My team will take the center tunnel. Senior team leaders, take the left and right tunnels."
The teams organized themselves, with two teams each taking the left and right paths. Lù Jiā's team, including Hǎiyáng and Xuě Fù Fèn, moved cautiously into the center tunnel.
As they ventured further, Mǔmǔ suddenly floated upward, her translucent body glowing faintly. Hǎiyáng's eyes sharpened, recognizing the sign of impending danger.
"Mǔmǔ?" he asked telepathically.
"Master, the eggs," she replied. "They're nearby."
The group encountered clusters of ant eggs lining the walls, their pale shells pulsating faintly. Du Shēng, the first attacker, grinned and raised his daggers. "Time to make an omelet," he joked, slicing through one of the clusters.
The eggs split open, releasing a foul-smelling liquid—and the remains of a human body, half-digested and grotesquely twisted. Gasps and retching filled the tunnel.
Mǔmǔ's voice suddenly rang out in Hǎiyáng's mind. "Master, they're coming from above. They're angry."
"Captain!" Hǎiyáng shouted. "Incoming ants! Angry ones, from above!"
Lù Jiā frowned, scanning the tunnel ceiling. "From where?"
"Mǔmǔ, tell me!" Hǎiyáng pressed.
"Above, Master!"
Before Hǎiyáng could relay the warning, chaos erupted. Ants the size of forearms dropped from the ceiling, their mandibles snapping with terrifying speed.
The first scream cut through the air as one student was overwhelmed. Her body was instantly covered in ants, their mandibles tearing through flesh and bone in seconds. Her bones clattered to the ground before crumbling into ash.
"Full defense!" Lù Jiā roared, his sword slashing through the air as more ants descended. "Form up and hold the line!"
The students fought desperately, but the ants were relentless. Their sharp eyes glowed faintly in the dark, their movements coordinated and deadly.
Hǎiyáng stood frozen for a moment, biting his thumb as he assessed the situation. This is worse than I thought, he realized.
Suddenly, a loud explosion shook the tunnel. The entrance behind them collapsed, rocks and debris sealing off their escape route.
Meng Xīn, the second attacker, cursed. "Someone sabotaged us! The explosion was intentional!"
A terrified cry came from one of the students. "Who would do this? What do they want?"
Lù Jiā quickly took charge, his voice steady despite the chaos. "Xiao Mei, Qi Lin—focus on healing the wounded. Everyone else, defend the perimeter. We're going forward!"
As the team pressed on, Hǎiyáng's summoning system buzzed in his mind. "Master... hungry!" came the insistent voice of Xiǎolóng.
"Shut up," Hǎiyáng snapped telepathically. "Stay where you are. Don't even think about coming out unless I call you."
Mǔmǔ chuckled softly. "Little Xiǎolóng, you're too greedy. Wait your turn."
"Sister Mǔ, you're so mean!"
"Enough!" Hǎiyáng barked, silencing the bickering beasts. His focus returned to the team as they struggled to fend off the relentless ants.
One of the shields, Yǐng Zhēng, faltered, his movements slowing. His shield bore deep gashes, and his breathing was labored. "Brother Yǐng, fall back!" Chén Mò shouted, stepping forward to cover him.
Lù Jiā called for an attack. "Huo Zilín, fire arrows! Feng Hao, provide support with long-range attacks!"
The coordinated assault pushed back the ants momentarily, giving the team a chance to regroup.
Xuě Fù Fèn leaned toward Hǎiyáng, her voice low. "Why is the Captain saving the strongest fighters for later?"
"He knows," Hǎiyáng replied grimly. "This is just the beginning. The deeper we go, the worse it'll get."
Their words proved true as the ants' numbers dwindled—but the air grew heavier, and faint squeaking sounds echoed ominously from deeper within the tunnel.
The team steeled themselves, knowing that the real threat was still to come.
The once-organized team was now fraying at the edges. Yǐng Zhēng stumbled backward, his shield riddled with gashes that oozed a faint, corrosive smoke. Sweat poured down his face as his legs buckled, barely supporting his weight.
"Brother Yǐng! Did you forget to eat?!" Chén Mò barked, stepping in front of him to block an incoming ant. The creature's sharp mandibles clanged loudly against Chén's shield, sending shivers down the spines of those nearby. "Move back! You're going to get yourself killed."
Yǐng Zhéng hesitated for a moment, clearly reluctant to retreat, but the deepening cracks in his shield left him no choice. With a defeated grunt, he staggered to the rear, where Qi Lin immediately rushed to his side. "Hold still," she said, her hands glowing faintly as she channeled healing energy.
"Focus!" Captain Lù Jiā shouted, snapping everyone back to attention. "Huo Zilín, fire attacks! Feng Hao, long-range support! Everyone else, close combat—keep those ants at bay!"
Huo Zilín took a deep breath and released a powerful stream of fire that illuminated the tunnel, momentarily pushing back the advancing ants. Feng Hao followed with a volley of precise arrows, each one finding its mark in the vulnerable joints of the ants' exoskeletons.
Xuě Fù Fèn, standing beside Xiǎo Hǎiyáng, turned to him with a frown. "Why is the Captain holding back his strongest fighters? Shouldn't we be using everything we've got?"
Hǎiyáng glanced at her, his expression unreadable. "This is just the beginning. The Captain knows the real challenge is still ahead. He's saving the best for when we'll need them the most. Trust me—this is a strategy, not hesitation."
As Huo Zilín and Feng Hao's combined attacks temporarily reduced the swarm, the team began to advance cautiously. The number of ants dwindled, their mandibles clicking faintly as they retreated into the shadows.
But just as they approached the tunnel's exit, Chén Mò cursed loudly.
"What now?!" Lù Jiā demanded, his voice strained.
Chén pointed toward the faintly lit area ahead. "Captain... you need to see this."
Lù Jiā motioned for the team to halt. He moved forward carefully, pressing himself against the tunnel wall as he peered into the next chamber. His face darkened instantly.
The sight was horrific. Human remains littered the cavern, their twisted forms barely recognizable beneath the layers of blood and shredded flesh. Bones protruded at unnatural angles, and some were already reduced to ash-like powder. The stench was overwhelming, a sickly combination of rot and charred flesh.
To one side, five humans clung desperately to life, huddled together in a corner. Their faces were pale and streaked with tears, their bodies trembling uncontrollably.
"Left team survivors," Lù Jiā muttered to himself, glancing at the empty side tunnels. The remains of their comrades painted the walls and floors.
A sudden scream tore through the air. Two of the survivors were swarmed by ants, their massive mandibles slicing through flesh with terrifying efficiency. In seconds, they were reduced to skeletons—and then to nothing as the ants trampled over the remains.
Lù Jiā's mind raced. He turned back to his team and barked, "Lin Jiu! Long-range arrows. Huo Zilín, fire attacks—cover us! Wei Lan, explosions to scatter the swarm!"
The team sprang into action, their coordination impeccable despite the mounting fear. Arrows and flames shot through the cavern, creating a brief opening in the ant swarm. Lù Jiā and Du Shēng surged forward, grabbing the three remaining survivors and hauling them toward safety.
But the ants were relentless. As Lù Jiā and Du Shēng retreated, a new wave of creatures poured into the chamber. These were larger, their shiny black bodies glistening ominously in the dim light. The ground trembled beneath their weight as they charged, their mandibles snapping with mechanical precision.
One of the survivors, overwhelmed by panic, flailed wildly and tripped, causing both Lù Jiā and Du Shēng to falter. The delay was enough for the ants to close in.
"Protect the Captain!" Huo Zilín shouted, launching another stream of fire at the advancing swarm.
The team fought desperately to hold their ground, but the ants seemed endless. Just as Lù Jiā and Du Shēng made it back to the group with the survivors, a massive ant the size of a human leg blocked their path. Its eyes glowed red as it lunged, its mandibles snapping inches from Du Shēng's arm.
Du Shēng gritted his teeth, slicing at the ant with his daggers while Lù Jiā delivered a powerful kick. The creature screeched and fell back, but its absence was quickly filled by another—and another.
Finally, with a final burst of effort, the group retreated into the relative safety of the tunnel. But Lù Jiā collapsed almost immediately, blood pooling around his lower body.
"Captain!" Fèn Fèn cried, rushing to his side.
Qi Lin knelt beside him, her hands trembling as she attempted to stop the bleeding. "He's... he's badly injured," she stammered.
Lù Jiā's breathing was labored, his face pale. "I'm fine," he rasped. "Keep moving... we can't stop here."
As the team regrouped, an explosion rocked the tunnel, sending debris raining down. The entrance was completely sealed off, leaving the group with no way to retreat.
"Meng Xīn!" Chén Mò shouted. "What's happening?!"
Meng Xīn's face was grim. "Someone sabotaged us. This was deliberate."
A female student from the second team broke into sobs. "Why? Why would anyone do this? What did we do to deserve this?!"
Despite his injuries, his authority held the team together.
Meanwhile, Hǎiyáng stood apart, his expression unreadable as he observed the chaos. His thumb hovered near his lips, a nervous habit he had developed in moments of intense thought.
The Ants Close In
A new sound echoed through the tunnel, a low, rhythmic chittering that sent chills down everyone's spine.
"They're communicating," Hǎiyáng realized, his hand instinctively moving to Mǔmǔ on his shoulder.
"Master," Mǔmǔ said telepathically. "This isn't good. They're regrouping—and there are more coming."
Before Hǎiyáng could respond, a swarm of ants poured into the tunnel. These were larger than before, their bodies nearly the size of an adult human. Their glowing red eyes and clicking mandibles gave them an almost demonic appearance.
The team braced for impact, shields raised and weapons drawn, but the sheer number of ants was overwhelming. One by one, their defenses began to crack.
Yǐng Zhēng's shield finally gave way, the metal splintering under the force of the ants' relentless attacks. Chén Mò quickly stepped in, but his movements were growing slower.
"We can't hold this!" someone shouted, their voice tinged with panic.
Mǔmǔ's Terrifying Transformation
The tension in the tunnel reached a suffocating peak as the ants pressed closer, their mandibles snapping with rhythmic clicks that sounded like a monstrous heartbeat. The team's shields began to crack, sweat dripped from every brow, and fear loomed heavily over their spirits.
Hǎiyáng took a deep breath, his eyes narrowing as he made the call. "Mǔmǔ, now! Transform!"
The little jellyfish, previously perched innocently on his shoulder, floated upward, its translucent body glowing faintly. The team turned to watch, many for the first time, as the tiny creature began its transformation.
Mǔmǔ pulsed with energy, her glow intensifying until her delicate form was obscured by a blinding blue light. The air around her vibrated, charged with an otherworldly energy. Then, in one breathtaking moment, her body began to stretch and expand.
Tendrils extended outward, flowing like liquid silk as her once-palm-sized body ballooned into a monstrous, twenty-foot leviathan. Her gelatinous dome glimmered with intricate patterns of gold and grey, mesmerizing yet deeply unsettling.
Her tentacles, glowing faintly with a ghostly light, swayed like predatory serpents, each one dripping with a venom that seemed to sizzle against the air itself.
The team froze, their fear of the ants momentarily replaced by awe—and a new terror—at the sheer size and power of the beast floating before them.
"Is... is that thing even real?" whispered one of the students.
Even the ants hesitated, their chittering mandibles faltering for a moment. But Mǔmǔ was far from finished.
With a guttural, otherworldly hum, Mǔmǔ began to vibrate. Her colossal form shimmered and rippled like water disturbed by an unseen force. Then, in a shocking burst of light, she fragmented. Hundreds of smaller jellyfish emerged from her form, each glowing with the same eerie luminescence.
The swarm of jellyfish spread across the tunnel like a tidal wave, their movements synchronized with uncanny precision. They darted through the air, weaving around the team and surging toward the oncoming ants.
The first jellyfish struck, wrapping its tendrils around a massive ant. The creature screeched as venom seeped into its body, its legs thrashing wildly before it collapsed, its exoskeleton dissolving into a gelatinous pulp.
The rest of the jellyfish descended like a storm of ghosts, their translucent bodies pulsating as they enveloped the ants.
Some stung their prey with venomous tendrils, paralyzing them instantly, while others wrapped their tentacles tightly around their targets, squeezing until the ants' exoskeletons cracked and shattered.
The tunnel echoed with the horrifying cacophony of mandibles snapping in panic, legs scraping against stone, and the wet squelch of ants being devoured.
Hǎiyáng muttered, his grip tightening on his weapon. "Mǔmǔ, get ready for more."
The fight was far from over.
The walls of the tunnel trembled with a rising, deafening screech—a sound that drilled into their bones and made the air feel heavy. The ants emerged like a flood, their glossy black bodies now towering three meters tall, their mandibles glinting with venomous promise. They moved as one, an unrelenting tide of destruction.
Xuě Fù Fèn's snow manta, Shuǐbà, was already engaging the ants head-on, its luminous fins cleaving through the swarm with mesmerizing speed. Mǔmǔ hovered above, her now massive, glowing form splitting into countless smaller jellyfish that descended like rain. Each stinger hit its mark, paralyzing and dissolving the ants, turning their once-mighty forms into smoldering heaps.
But the swarm did not abate. Instead, it grew fiercer.
"Fèn Fèn, don't move too far ahead!" Hǎiyáng shouted, his tone sharp as he adjusted his stance to stay near her. He wasn't just protecting her—he was fighting to keep them both alive.
Each jellyfish seemed to feed on the remains of its prey, their glowing bodies pulsing brighter as they consumed the ants alive or dead.
The sight was both mesmerizing and deeply disturbing. The once-unstoppable swarm of ants was now being torn apart, devoured by a force even more terrifying than they were. Yet, the jellyfish did not stop. They continued their relentless assault, sweeping through the tunnel like a tide of death, leaving behind only silence and the faint glow of bioluminescent residue.
Hǎiyáng, though inwardly relieved, felt the weight of the scene pressing on his chest. The others stood frozen, their weapons slack in their hands, unable to comprehend the monstrous beauty and horror unfolding before them.
"Mǔmǔ..." he murmured.
One of the students broke the silence, his voice trembling. "She... she's not a beast. She's a nightmare."
And yet, even as the tide of jellyfish seemed to turn the battle, the ominous chittering of ants echoed once more from the depths of the tunnel, louder and more ferocious than before. "They're not done,"
She shot him a defiant glare, her flushed face betraying her struggle to keep control. "I don't need you to baby me!"
Before Hǎiyáng could respond, an ant lunged at her from the side, its mandibles wide. His reflexes kicked in, and with a sweep of his hand, a torrent of water erupted from the ground beneath the ant, slamming it against the tunnel wall.
"I'm not babying you. I'm keeping you alive," he shot back, his voice tinged with irritation.
Behind them, the remaining adventurers formed a tight formation. Lu Jiā, though injured, had managed to rally his team. Co-Captain Líng Shū took command, her long spear glowing faintly with enchanted runes. "Shields up!" she ordered, her voice ringing with authority.
The four shield-bearers—Yǐng Zhèng, Chén Mò, Wáng Yǔ, and Jiāng Shuǐ—stepped forward, their massive shields locking together to form an unyielding wall. The shields bore deep dents and cracks from the unrelenting attacks, but their wielders held firm, gritting their teeth as ants pounded against them.
Behind the shield wall, the two attackers, Du Shēng with his twin daggers and Méng Xīn with her heavy axe, darted out to strike at any ant that got too close. Their movements were swift but calculated, aiming for the weak points in the ants' segmented armor.
"Huo Zǐlín, now!" Líng Shū commanded.
The mage, Huo Zǐlín, stepped forward, his staff pulsing with a fiery light. He unleashed a burst of flames that roared down the tunnel, incinerating a line of ants. But even as they burned, more poured in from the shadows.
Qi Lín, the team's sole remaining healer, worked frantically, her hands glowing with restorative magic as she mended the wounds of her comrades. Every so often, she glanced at Captain Lu Jiā, who leaned heavily on his sword, his face pale but determined.
The other two surviving adventurers from the second team, Píng Wén and Shī Tiān, had positioned themselves near the four terrified students. They held their weapons at the ready, their job clear: protect those who couldn't protect themselves.
At the center of it all, Hǎiyáng was a whirlwind of motion, his mind racing as he juggled the use of his Xiao and Hong skills.
When an ant lunged at Fèn Fèn, he summoned the Xiao's Water Shield skill, a glimmering barrier of liquid that absorbed the impact and sent the ant reeling backward.
Another ant tried to flank them, but he countered with the Hong Water Cannon skill, a concentrated blast that tore through its exoskeleton and sent it flying into its companions.
Yet, the ants were relentless.
"Fèn Fèn, focus on Shuǐbà. Let it handle the frontal assault!" Hǎiyáng barked as he dodged an ant's mandibles, his body twisting with practiced precision.
"I'm not useless, Hǎiyáng!" Fèn Fèn snapped, but her snow manta ray's glowing fins were already slashing through the swarm, its movements almost elegant as it cut a path forward.
Mǔmǔ's jellyfish forms darted through the chaos, stinging and devouring ants wherever they touched. But even Mǔmǔ was beginning to falter.
"Master, they're coming from all sides!" Mǔmǔ warned, her voice tinged with exhaustion.
"I see it," Hǎiyáng replied grimly. He glanced back at the adventurers, who were holding their ground but showing signs of strain. The shield wall was cracking, and even the strongest fighters were slowing.
Chaos Unleashed
A deafening screech echoed through the tunnel, louder and more chilling than any sound before. From the left and right tunnels, a fresh wave of ants poured in, their eyes glowing with an eerie light.
"They're flanking us!" Líng Shū shouted, her spear spinning as she skewered two ants at once.
The shield-bearers struggled to hold their positions as the swarm pressed in from three sides. Wáng Yǔ grunted as an ant's mandibles clamped onto his shield, nearly ripping it from his grasp.
"Hold the line!" Captain Lu Jiā roared, though his voice was weaker now.
Hǎiyáng and Fèn Fèn turned to face the new threat.
"Stay close," he told her, his tone leaving no room for argument.
With a swift motion, he summoned the Xiao Advanced Escaping Skill, transforming part of his body into water to slip past an ant's attack and reappear behind it. Using the Hong Water Blade, he slashed through its legs, bringing it down before it could recover.
Fèn Fèn, meanwhile, directed Shuǐbà to target the ants on their left, its glowing fins slicing through the air like blades of light.
"Keep going!" she shouted, though her voice trembled.
Despite their best efforts, the ants were overwhelming. The shields were failing, and the adventurers' attacks were losing their effectiveness. The air was thick with the stench of acid and blood, and the tunnel floor was slick with gore.
For a moment, it seemed as though all hope was lost.
Hǎiyáng glanced around, his heart sinking at the sight of his exhausted comrades and the relentless swarm. Even Mǔmǔ and Shuǐbà were faltering, their movements slowing as their energy waned.
But then, a flicker of determination sparked within him.
"This isn't over," he muttered.
"Hǎiyáng, what are you—" Fèn Fèn began, but her words were cut off as he stepped forward, his eyes blazing with resolve.
"Mǔmǔ," he called.
The jellyfish trembled but responded, her glowing forms merging back into her original massive body.
"Shuǐbà, stay with me," he added.
The snow manta ray hovered at his side, its fins glowing faintly as it prepared for another charge.
Hǎiyáng raised his hand, summoning the Hong Water Cannon with all the strength he could muster. The ground beneath him trembled as a torrent of water erupted, sweeping through the swarm and momentarily halting their advance.
"Everyone, regroup!" he shouted.
The adventurers rallied, their spirits bolstered by his defiance.
The new ants came in waves, their dark forms blotting out the light of the torches that lit the tunnel. They were massive—three meters tall, their exoskeletons gleaming like obsidian under the dim light. Their jagged mandibles clicked with terrifying speed, creating a cacophony of dread that echoed off the walls. The sound reverberated in everyone's chest, each click a reminder of the fate awaiting them.
"They're endless!" Yǐng Zhèng shouted, his shield trembling as another massive ant slammed into it, leaving a fresh dent. He staggered backward, his breathing labored.
Chén Mò moved in swiftly, blocking another ant's charge with his shield. "Yǐng Zhèng, fall back! You're too weak to hold the line!"
Yǐng Zhèng hesitated, his pride battling his exhaustion, but a quick glance at Qi Lín, who stood ready with her healing magic, made him stumble back. She rushed forward, her hands glowing, but even her magic couldn't keep up with the team's injuries.
The 12 remaining adventurers, seasoned warriors with years of experience, were at their limits. Their once-proud movements now faltered, their limbs weak from exhaustion and fear.
The tunnel was a nightmare come alive. The ants surged forward like a living tide, their numbers multiplying with every second. Their gleaming eyes reflected a predatory hunger that made even the strongest falter. They swarmed, their legs clicking against the stone floor in a relentless rhythm that sent shivers down everyone's spine.
In the midst of it all, Mǔmǔ fought valiantly, her glowing form darting through the swarm, stinging and devouring ants with her many tentacles. But even she was slowing. Her replicates had dwindled, their once-imposing presence now reduced to a few flickering forms.
"Mǔmǔ!" Hǎiyáng called, his voice edged with concern.
"I'm trying, Master!" she replied, her usually calm tone strained with effort.
Shuǐbà, Fèn Fèn's snow manta, flitted around the battlefield, its glowing fins freezing and slashing through ants in dazzling arcs of blue light. But even Shuǐbà's graceful movements were becoming erratic, her energy waning.
The students who remained screamed in terror, their fear overtaking any semblance of composure. Two of them fainted outright, collapsing onto the blood-slick floor.
"This is it," one of the adventurers muttered, his voice heavy with resignation.
Another nodded, his hands trembling as he raised his weapon. "There's no end to them. We're done for."
Even Xuě Fù Fèn, her usual bravado gone, clung to her weapon with trembling hands. Her cheeks were flushed, her breath coming in ragged gasps. "Hǎiyáng," she whispered, her voice almost lost in the chaos.
But Hǎiyáng remained composed. His sharp eyes scanned the battlefield, his mind racing for a solution.
Then, amidst the chaos, a booming voice echoed in his head.
"Master, I am out!"
Xiǎolóng's Transformation
Without permission, a brilliant burst of blue light erupted from Hǎiyáng's summoning space. The light intensified, blinding everyone for a moment before it coalesced into a form—a creature crouched low to the ground, its black body glistening like polished obsidian.
As the light faded, gasps of awe and terror filled the tunnel.
Xiǎolóng stood in his base form, small but menacing, his black-scaled body crisscrossed with glowing blue patterns that pulsed with raw energy. His four legs, muscular and powerful, dug into the rocky ground, and his long neck swayed like a serpent, his single dragon head scanning the battlefield with piercing golden eyes.
But then, he began to change.
His body stretched, growing larger and larger with each passing second. The blue patterns along his scales flared brightly, and water droplets materialized in the air around him, drawn from the moisture in the tunnel walls, the ground, even the breath of those nearby. The droplets swirled around him in a vortex, shimmering like liquid diamonds.
His legs elongated, their giraffe-like form becoming massive pillars of strength. His neck extended, towering above the team as his head rose to nearly brush the ceiling. The blue patterns along his body shifted and twisted, forming intricate designs that seemed to flow like rivers.
By the time he finished, Xiǎolóng stood at a staggering 20 feet tall, his presence dominating the tunnel.
His golden eyes burned with feral intensity, and his massive jaws parted to release a thunderous roar that shook the very ground beneath them.
The adventurers and students stared, their jaws slack with shock.
"What... what is that?" whispered Chén Mò, his voice trembling.
"A dragon," Fèn Fèn breathed, her eyes wide. "A real dragon...is this his true form?"
Xiǎolóng's blue patterns flared once more, and the water swirling around him coalesced into a massive sphere above his head. With a flick of his neck, he directed the sphere forward, transforming it into thousands of razor-sharp needles that rained down upon the ants.
The effect was immediate and devastating. The needles pierced the exoskeletons of the ants, skewering them in place. Their bodies convulsed before collapsing, their ichor pooling on the ground.
But Xiǎolóng wasn't finished. His jaws opened wide, revealing rows of razor-sharp teeth. He inhaled deeply, and the remaining water around him surged forward, forming a powerful vortex that sucked the ants directly into his maw.
The sound was horrifying—a wet, crunching noise as Xiǎolóng devoured the creatures whole. His throat glowed faintly as the consumed ants dissolved within him, their energy absorbed into his body.
The swarm that had seemed so unstoppable moments before was now decimated. The tunnel fell silent, save for the crunching of bones and exoskeletons as Xiǎolóng finished his feast.
The adventurers lowered their weapons, their faces pale with a mixture of relief and disbelief.
"This boy..." murmured Qi Lín, her voice trembling. "How many beasts does he have?"
Lu Jiā, now awake and leaning heavily on his shield, stared at Xiǎolóng in awe. "He's... he's incredible," he muttered.
Fèn Fèn, still catching her breath, turned to Hǎiyáng. Her cheeks flushed as she remembered how he had protected her throughout the battle. Despite her pride, she couldn't help but feel a flicker of gratitude and something deeper she couldn't quite name.
"Hǎiyáng," she began hesitantly, but he cut her off with a sharp glance.
"Get healed," he said firmly. "You're no good to the team if you collapse."
Reluctantly, she nodded and allowed Qi Lín to tend to her injuries.
For a brief moment, the team relaxed. The adventurers leaned against the walls, some laughing nervously, others shaking their heads in disbelief.
"We're alive," muttered Yǐng Zhèng, his shield still trembling in his hands. "We're actually alive..."
Lu Jiā managed a weak chuckle. "Hǎiyáng... you're full of surprises."
But Hǎiyáng didn't respond. His gaze remained fixed on Xiǎolóng, who was coiled at the far end of the tunnel, his golden eyes scanning for any remaining threats.
"Good work, Xiǎolóng," Hǎiyáng said softly, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips.
Xiǎolóng rumbled in response, the sound low and comforting. But then, his head snapped up, his nostrils flaring.
"They're coming. My meal.," he growled, his voice resonating in Hǎiyáng's mind.
Hǎiyáng's smile vanished. He turned to the team, his expression grim.
"This isn't over," he said. "Prepare yourselves."
The adventurers tensed, their hands tightening around their weapons. Fèn Fèn stepped forward, her earlier fatigue forgotten as determination hardened her features.
"What now?" she asked, her voice steady despite the fear in her eyes.
Hǎiyáng didn't answer immediately. Instead, he looked at Xiǎolóng, whose blue patterns glowed brighter with each passing second.
"We fight," Hǎiyáng said finally, his voice calm but firm. "And this time, we finish it."
The New Giants in the Tunnel
The ground trembled violently, and the atmosphere shifted as if the air itself had thickened. From the far end of the tunnel, a monstrous silhouette emerged, its sheer size blocking the faint light that seeped through the cracks in the rocky walls.
The final wave of ants arrived, each a towering five meters tall. Their colossal mandibles snapped with a deafening clack, and their grotesquely large antennae twitched furiously, sensing the vibrations around them. The floor shook with each step of their massive legs, which looked like gnarled tree trunks tipped with deadly barbs.
Their mouths dripped with acidic saliva that sizzled upon hitting the ground, leaving trails of melted stone in their wake. The ants' squeaking voices echoed through the cavern, a high-pitched cacophony that sent chills down the spines of even the most seasoned adventurers.
"Five...five meters tall…Just slighly shorter than that dragon" Qi Lín stammered, her voice barely above a whisper.
"No...no way," muttered Yǐng Zhèng, his shield trembling in his grasp. "This can't be real…We are dumbed"
The adventurers, who had moments ago been filled with relief and pride, now stood frozen in fear. Their weapons, once firm in their hands, dangled limply as if all strength had been drained from their bodies.
The squeaking grew louder, accompanied by the rhythmic thudding of their approaching steps. The ants were no longer simply beasts—they were titanic monsters that exuded an aura of pure terror.
One adventurer dropped to his knees, his sword clattering to the ground. "We're done for," he whispered. "We can't fight that."
The students, already frazzled, broke into sobs. Even Fèn Fèn, who had stood bravely beside Hǎiyáng for so long, clutched her chest, her breaths shallow and rapid.
Hǎiyáng, however, stood firm. His mind raced as he observed the ants' terrifying forms. Yet even he couldn't deny the oppressive weight of their presence.
"Xiaolong! Until when do you want to play around? Transform into your final form."
The team dumbfounded. "This is not his final form ?"
Before the stunned eyes of everyone present, Xiǎolóng's body expanded rapidly, stretching upward and outward until he towered at a staggering 10 meters. His elongated neck arched gracefully, his head now high enough to graze the cavern's ceiling. His four muscular legs, now akin to massive tree trunks, stomped with enough force to send vibrations rippling through the tunnel.
"Whhhhattttt ...? We cannot see his head, even if we lay down"
Everyone turned to look at Xiǎolóng, now looming in his full majestic dragon form. His glowing blue patterns pulsed with energy as his massive body blocked most of the tunnel. His golden eyes narrowed as he watched the ants approach.
And then... something unexpected happened.
The ants stopped dead in their tracks. Their antennae twitched wildly, their heads turning to face Xiǎolóng. The squeaking shifted to a higher pitch, almost panicked.
The once-formidable ants began scattering, their structured lines dissolving into chaos. Some turned and fled back into the shadows of the tunnel, while others darted to the walls, their enormous bodies awkwardly scrambling for a foothold.
"They're... running?" Fèn Fèn blinked in disbelief.
The adventurers, too stunned to react, simply stared as the towering ants tripped over each other in their desperate attempts to flee.
One particularly large ant tried to scale the wall, only to lose its footing and crash to the ground with a resounding thud. Another ant attempted to squeeze itself into a crevice far too small for its massive body, its legs flailing comically as it struggled.
"They're terrified of him," Chén Mò muttered, his jaw slack.
"Terrified of Xiǎolóng?" Lu Jiā, now seated against the wall and recovering, chuckled weakly. "Guess even monsters have their monsters."
Xiǎolóng let out a rumbling laugh that reverberated through the tunnel. "Master, they look so delicious!" he said telepathically, his tone gleeful.
Hǎiyáng, who had been holding his breath in anticipation, burst into laughter. "Go on, Xiǎolóng. Have your snack!"
Xiǎolóng opened his massive jaws, his neck arching forward as he unleashed a vortex of water.
The swirling force sucked in the nearest ants, their squeals of terror echoing as they were pulled into his maw.
"Delicious!" Xiǎolóng exclaimed, chewing with exaggerated gusto. His long tail wagged like an excited puppy's, the incongruous gesture drawing chuckles from the adventurers.
"Sister Mǔmǔ, come join me before I eat them all!" Xiǎolóng called out, his voice brimming with joy.
Mǔmǔ, who had been floating nearby, tilted her translucent body in mock indignation. "Fine, but only because I'm hungry too!"
In an instant, Mǔmǔ's smaller replicates merged together, reforming into her full, giant 6 meter-Lions' Mane form. Her golden and grey patterns shimmered as her tentacles extended, glowing faintly in the dim light of the tunnel.
She glided forward gracefully, her movements almost hypnotic, and began sucking up the fleeing ants. Her transparent body allowed the team to see the ants wriggling inside her before dissolving into nothingness.
When one particularly large ant tried to escape, Mǔmǔ extended a single tentacle with lightning speed, wrapping it around the creature and dragging it back into her body.
"Wow...she can be then big as well ?"
"Off course !" Fèn Fèn said it angrily. "She is here too"
Hǎiyáng then made a sudden move and pad her head,"Take it easy. Don't make them get into you. They are just joking. I also need you."
That sudden move made her blush to the most red face ever."Hmmpppp!"
Not wanting to be left out, Mǔmǔ surged forward. Her tentacles writhed like living whips, snatching ants from the ground and walls with uncanny precision. Each captured ant was drawn into her glowing, transparent body, where it dissolved almost instantly.
The sight was both mesmerizing and horrifying. Her movements were graceful, almost dance-like, as she glided through the swarm. Whenever an ant tried to flee, her tentacles lashed out, ensnaring it and dragging it back into her body.
The remaining ants, seeing no escape, began to scatter chaotically.
One particularly large ant tried to crawl over its companions, only to be swatted down by Mǔmǔ. Her glowing tentacle wrapped around it tightly, and with a quick jerk, it vanished into her body.
"Sister Mǔmǔ, leave some for me!" Xiǎolóng bellowed, his tone mockingly petulant.
"Then eat faster, little brother!" Mǔmǔ teased, twirling in mid-air as she devoured another group of ants.
The adventurers, who moments ago had been paralyzed with fear, now stood slack-jawed, watching the carnage unfold.
"Are they… are they playing with the ants?" Qi Lín asked, her voice a mix of disbelief and amusement.
"It's like a scene from a nightmare, but reversed," Chén Mò added, shaking his head. "The monsters are running from our monsters."
Jiāng Shùi, always quick to find humor in any situation, plopped down on the ground, pulled out a wrapped meal, and began eating.
"Seriously, Jiāng Shùi?" Fēn Fēn snapped, though there was a faint smile on her lips.
"What? I'm hungry. And we're clearly not needed anymore."
The group erupted into laughter, the tension finally breaking.
"They probably smelled your food!" Huo Zǐlín teased, nudging Jiāng Shùi with his elbow.
"Maybe you should have fought them first!" Du Shēng chimed in.Everyone's laughing. They seem forgot what they had been through.
As the team regained their composure, Lu Jiā, now fully conscious and sitting upright, watched the spectacle with wide eyes.
"This…" he started, then paused. "This is not what I expected when I brought a group of students along."
Yǐng Zhèng smirked. "Captain, admit it. You owe your life to that boy."
Lu Jiā nodded solemnly, then let out a hearty laugh. "Hey, why only me? We'll owe him for the rest of our life!"
Meanwhile, Hǎiyáng leaned back against a rock, wiping the sweat from his brow. Despite his calm demeanor, his body was trembling slightly from the exertion.
"Master, this is delicious!" Xiǎolóng's telepathic voice broke into his thoughts. "Sister Mǔmǔ, let's finish this quickly!"
"You've got this, you two," Hǎiyáng muttered, chuckling softly.
Fēn Fēn glanced at him, her expression unreadable. "Is this truly you, Xiǎo Hǎiyáng?"
"We have not done yet" he reminded the team, standing up and dusting himself off. "The queen's still waiting for us."
The Final Boss: The Queen's Chamber
The group cautiously approached the final chamber, their breaths held as the dim light of the dungeon revealed the scene before them. Scattered across the vast, cavernous area were thousands of glistening, pale eggs. They pulsed faintly, as if alive, and the soft clicks of hatching could be heard echoing through the chamber.
Xiǎolóng, having reverted to his smaller form, hopped forward, his keen eyes fixed on the nearest cluster of eggs. Without hesitation, he opened his mouth wide and began to eat them. His contented humming reverberated through the silence.
"Stop it, Xiǎolóng!" Hǎiyáng snapped, glaring at the mischievous dragon.
Xiǎolóng paused, mid-chew, his mouth full. "But, Master... they taste so good."
Rolling his eyes, Hǎiyáng summoned his spatial storage and began gathering the eggs. He worked quickly, scooping thousands of them into his space, ignoring the confused looks of his team.
"Why are you collecting those?" Fēn Fēn asked, her voice edged with suspicion.
"They're valuable," he replied curtly. "And besides, they might come in handy later."
Finally, they reached the heart of the chamber. There, in the corner, stood the queen—towering and regal despite the chaos surrounding her. Her black-and-gold carapace shimmered with an almost ethereal glow, and her massive mandibles clacked slowly, issuing commands to the small group of 5-meter ants surrounding her.
Tiny, freshly hatched ants scurried toward the queen, trembling as if seeking protection.
The larger ants stood like sentinels, their sharp legs firmly planted in the ground. Yet, they didn't attack.
The team moved cautiously, but their focus on the queen was broken by the sound of shouts and metal clashing from behind.
Xiao Mei and Qi Lin, their healers, screamed as a group of armed figures emerged from the shadows, blades flashing. Blood sprayed as one figure slashed at Qi Lin, sending her sprawling to the ground.
"They're targeting the healers!" Lu Jiā shouted, his voice filled with fury.
Enraged, he surged forward, his sword clashing against the attackers. But Hǎiyáng quickly raised a hand to stop him.
"Mǔmǔ, handle this."
The jellyfish beast, still in her small form, floated toward the attackers. With a sudden, vicious lunge, she extended a tentacle and struck one of the intruders. The man screamed as the venom coursed through his veins, his body crumpling moments later. One by one, the attackers fell, their faces twisted in agony as Mǔmǔ's poison did its work.
One figure, however, managed to escape. They reached into their cloak, producing a small device before darting into a side passage.
"What's that?" Fēn Fēn whispered, panic rising in her voice.
The answer came in the form of a deafening explosion. The ground quaked violently, and the ceiling began to collapse. Chunks of stone rained down, and the chamber was filled with the thunderous roar of destruction.
Chaos and Desperation
Dust and debris filled the air, and the team scrambled to find safety. Hǎiyáng quickly assessed the situation, his sharp mind working under pressure.
"Everyone, out through the hole!" he yelled, conjuring his Xiao family's Water Cannon skill.
A torrent of water blasted a hole in the wall large enough for an adult to fit through. Light from the outside seeped in, illuminating the chaos.
"Go, now!" Hǎiyáng commanded.
Fēn Fēn hesitated. "I'm not leaving without you!"
"You'll slow me down," he said firmly. "Wei Lan, get her out of here!"
The mage nodded, grabbing Fēn Fēn by the arm and pulling her toward the exit despite her protests.
As the last of the team members filed through the hole, Hǎiyáng turned back toward the queen and her protectors. The ants seemed just as panicked, their antennae twitching erratically as the chamber continued to collapse.
Hǎiyáng reached out with his telepathic ability, connecting to the queen's mind.
Her voice was sharp and accusatory. "What do you want, human? You have slaughtered my kin, destroyed my nest. Are you here to finish the job?"
"We don't have time for this," he snapped. "Do you want to save your eggs or not?"
The queen hesitated, her massive eyes narrowing. "Save them? Why would you help me?"
"Because I'm not like the others," he said quickly. "I'm a descendant of Thoth Lord."
The queen recoiled slightly. "Thoth Lord? Lies! You expect me to believe that?"
"Believe what you want," Hǎiyáng retorted. "But if you stay here, you and your eggs will die. I can offer you safety—if you agree to be tamed."
Her mandibles clacked in frustration. "Why should I trust you? You've already taken my eggs."
"I didn't steal them," he countered. "I preserved them. They're safe in my summoning space. If you join me, you'll be reunited with them. If you don't, you'll die here."
The queen glanced at her remaining protectors, then at the rubble closing in around them. The dungeon was seconds away from total collapse.
"Fine," she said finally. "I will trust you—for now."
Hǎiyáng quickly formed the contract, feeling the surge of energy as the queen and her protectors vanished into his summoning space. The last of the eggs in the chamber disappeared as well, safely stored.
But Hǎiyáng's ordeal wasn't over. The ground beneath him gave way, and he plummeted into a narrow crevice. Rocks closed in around him, trapping him in the dark.
Summoning his last reserves of strength, he activated his Advanced Escape skill. His body dissolved into water, seeping through the cracks in the rubble. The process was agonizingly slow, every inch feeling like a battle against the crushing weight of the earth.
Finally, he emerged on the other side of the tunnel, collapsing onto the dirt just as the last of the dungeon crumbled behind him.
The Aftermath
The team was waiting for him, their faces a mixture of relief and awe. The dungeon will be fully collapsed in seconds.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the tunnel,
Xiǎolóng and Mǔmǔ hovered nearby, their small forms glowing faintly.
"Master," Xiǎolóng said telepathically, "that was fun. Can we do it again?"
Hǎiyáng laughed softly, shaking his head. "Maybe next time."
Hǎiyáng knew that the group already began their trek back to the surface. He decided to follow them directly. Instead, he needed to arrange his summoning space since now the queen of ants and his soldiers lived there as well.
The weight of their victory—and the secrets Hǎiyáng now carried—hung heavy in the air.
The queen's voice echoed in his mind:
"I will hold you to your word, Human."
And with that, the final boss had been conquered, but the journey was far from over.
Xiǎo Hǎiyáng, however, did not join the team. Instead, he found a quiet corner on the other side of the tunnel, and sat cross-legged, his hands resting on his knees. His breathing slowed, and he closed his eyes. He focused inward, letting his consciousness slip into the depths of his summoning space.
The moment his mind connected to the summoning space, Hǎiyáng was greeted by a sprawling, chaotic scene. Thousands of ant eggs lay scattered across the ground, glowing faintly under the ethereal light of the space. The Queen Ant had claimed a corner, surrounded by her loyal soldiers who were already constructing chambers beneath the earth. Meanwhile, Xiǎolóng was bouncing excitedly between piles of eggs, his tongue flicking out as if he were considering devouring one right there.
Mǔmǔ floated lazily in the air, occasionally darting toward an egg with a mischievous wiggle.
"This isn't good," Hǎiyáng muttered, crossing his arms as he observed the scene. "You two especially," he said, pointing at Mǔmǔ and Xiǎolóng, "will clean up this mess if you so much as touch one of those eggs."
Xiǎolóng pouted, his voice entering Hǎiyáng's mind. "Master, why not? They're right there. Just one..."
Mǔmǔ chimed in, her tone playful. "Master, I'm already small again! A snack won't hurt!"
Hǎiyáng sighed heavily, rubbing his temples. "Enough. Both of you, behave. This isn't just about us now. These are lives we've brought into this space. It's our responsibility to make this a proper place for them."
He stood still, focusing his energy on shaping the summoning space.
With a surge of thought and intention, the barren summoning space began to transform. Hǎiyáng envisioned a world divided into regions, each tailored to the creatures under his care.
Above him, a vast expanse of azure sky appeared, dotted with soft, drifting clouds. A golden sun cast a warm, nurturing glow over the land.
In the distance, a sprawling desert emerged, its sands shimmering with heat. Beside it, a lush jungle sprung to life, teeming with flora and a gentle stream that wound through its heart.
To one side, a vast lake appeared, its waters deep and inviting. At the lake's center, a towering waterfall cascaded from a rocky cliff, creating a mist that sparkled like diamonds.
Nearby, a volcanic mountain rumbled, its peak glowing faintly with molten fire. Rivers of lava snaked down its sides, merging into a rocky, blackened plain.
Finally, Hǎiyáng focused on the earth itself. He created a network of tunnels and chambers beneath the surface—a perfect home for the ants. The intricate underground labyrinth extended far, providing space for the Queen and her brood to thrive.
The transformation was breathtaking. The creatures began exploring their new home immediately.
Mǔmǔ let out a delighted squeal and dove into the lake, her translucent body glowing as she swam effortlessly through the water.
The ants, led by their queen, began digging into the ground, their powerful mandibles creating intricate tunnels in minutes. They worked with precision, moving the eggs carefully into chambers deep within the earth.
Before disappearing into her new chamber, the Queen Ant turned toward Hǎiyáng. Bowing low, she spoke telepathically. "Thank you, My Lord. You are truly our savior and ruler."
Hǎiyáng nodded, a hint of pride in his expression. "This is your home now. Keep it safe."
As the creatures settled into their new habitats, Hǎiyáng raised his voice, addressing them all. "Listen carefully. From now on, there will be rules. Those who fight each other will be punished. Anyone who harms or eats another species will face severe consequences. This space will remain peaceful for all."
Mǔmǔ and Xiǎolóng exchanged nervous glances but nodded. The ants clicked their mandibles in acknowledgment, and the Queen sent a mental agreement.
Hǎiyáng sighed, feeling a sense of accomplishment. However, as he looked around at the sprawling world he'd created, a thought struck him.
"Space system," he said aloud. "Give me the current count of beasts in this space."
A glowing panel appeared before him, displaying the information:
Beasts: 23
Eggs: 187,605
Hǎiyáng's jaw dropped. "Wait... that's... 187,628 creatures! Are you kidding me?"
Xiǎolóng burst into laughter. "That's a lot of mouths to feed, Master!"
Mǔmǔ giggled. "We're going to need a bigger lake... and more snacks."
Hǎiyáng rubbed his forehead. "This isn't sustainable. I'll need to figure out a food supply... and fast."
He took a deep breath, mentally preparing himself for the monumental task ahead. But for now, at least, he had given his companions—and the ants—a place to call home.
It is time for him to go on surface finally.
-------------------------------End of Chapter 12------------------------------------