When the Terragore Queen surrendered, everyone received several notifications and power surging inside of them.
[You've completed
[Reward 1: +1
[Reward 2: +1
[Reward 3:
[Reward 4 (Complete Optional Objective 1): Crafters in the
[Reward 5 (Complete Optional Objective 2): Evolve title
[Reward 6 (Complete Optional Objective 3): Monster Tamers will receive
The ternary essence surged and stirred throughout the country as millions of people Leveled Up, Tiered Up, and got enlightened in their main professions. Mariane looked at her mother and chuckled. "You asked why we decided to participate, right? Well, this is the reason."
The mature mothkin nodded twice, her wings flapping with happiness. "That's right, that's right. Being in Lady Liu Shu's domain is truly a blessing for all the inhabitants inside."
As they were all celebrating, the powerful voice of the World Tree filled the area. "You all need to leave the underground now."
The words of the World Tree confused them. Then, they heard Flor, one of their leaders, speak loudly and clearly so that everyone listened to her words. "Is everything okay, Liu Shu? Why are you rushing things?"
Her question was warranted. After all, they all wanted to bask in their success a bit more. Relaxing after winning a war was very important. They didn't really want to start traversing the dark corridors and tunnels back to the surface straight away.
However, the World Tree seemed not to want to explain herself this time around. "As long as you leave, there is no danger." The words of the World Tree seemed somewhat strained, as if she were trying very hard to speak. This was rare since they've seen her speak to many at once, not to mention making one large announcement like this.
Some were somewhat reluctant, but seeing the leaders nod as they looked at each other, they understood that they needed to move out. As most expected, Flor shouted. "We'll return now! Liu Shu seems to fear for us because of some energy peaks that she is feeling. She doesn't know what they are, but they might become lethal for all of us if we don't go out right now."
All the people who were sitting on the ground looked at each other and sighed. Then, groans of complaint were heard everywhere as they pushed their tired bodies up. The injured people were escorted and followed by healers and other supporters.
Once they left the underground space, a terrifying earthquake hit them, making some of them stumble as the earth split in some places. Flor jumped up, floating in the middle of the air. Many voiced their concerns.
"What is happening?"
"An Earthquake here? That's unnatural!"
"Was this what Lady World Tree was fearing?"
"Perhaps a long-range spell created to deal with us?"
"Well, it doesn't matter. Thanks to Lady World Tree, we are safe."
"Heh. Here says the person who didn't want to stand up and was accusing Lady World Tree of being too ruthless and paranoid."
"Hey! Don't twist my words."
Meanwhile, Flor and the others were confused about what was happening. After all, Liu Shu couldn't say anything about her
Roots shot from the ground, cushioning the fall of the Terragore King. Then, a hole was opened, and the roots dragged the caged monster down. That left everyone even more baffled.
Flor shouted when she noticed a familiar snake between the flock. "Ophion! What is Liu Shu doing?"
Ophion looked at her, but he just shook his snake head before flying up and crossing a green portal back into their domain.
While they were confused, they decided to move on since everything had returned to normal. Eila spoke to Flor. "I sent a few scouts, and the temporary camp has been thrashed by beasts. It is almost night, so if we want to move, we should do it after resting."
Flor sighed and nodded. "Let's clean up the camp, then. We should be able to set off tomorrow morning. We can have a feast tonight and use all the food we carried with us."
With that in mind, everyone moved, and three hours later, they were sitting around many campfires. There were a few tens of thousands of people, so the camp was rather large.
Harmonixia drank Liu Shu's calming tea and smiled while looking at the crackling fireplace. "We are now officially the strongest power on the East of the Wild Continent."
Galia chuckled. "Once I report it to the Celestial Lotus Empire, they will probably be incredulous. Even after so much proof, many remained skeptical."
Flor sat on Ignatia's lap, resting in her soft embrace with half-closed eyes. Hearing Galia, she glanced over and asked. "What if they consider her a threat?"
Galia tilted her head, confused. "Why would they? Lady Liu Shu is an unmistakable, powerful asset."
"That's the problem," Cinderielle added. "If they deem her too good to be controlled, we might become enemies quicker than you could even react. How about mellowing our achievements? For example, when speaking about the Terragore Queen and King, say that they were recently upgraded Fourth Energy Cycles with little to no combat experience in that level of strength." Cinderielle paused before saying. "You know, things like that will prevent getting them all jittery about us."
Galia saw her point. She was born in the Celestial Lotus Empire, so she had a lot of loyalty and also trust in the powerful Empire. However, she also understood the fears Flor and the others had. Liu Shu had barely received any aid from the Celestial Lotus Empire. The resources they received were a drop in the bucket, and the few high-level people were not that many.
By now, almost everyone sent from the main continent of the Lotus Empire was more loyal to Liu Shu than to them. The reason was simple, really. They felt seen in Liu Shu's power. In the first place, the combatants who came over were not that strong. They were quite average units that, thanks to being in Liu Shu's domain, had grown into menacing war machines.
As they pondered those things, Tempestria's elegant voice spread like a gentle breeze. "No need to look at everything so negatively. Does the Celestial Lotus Empire even have the leeway to deal with us? I don't think we should fear them because they won't use their strength to stomp us, even if they suddenly turn against us. They are just too tangled with the Abyssal Void Nexus.
Eila chuckled. "You have a point. I was restricted in a similar manner. If not… Tsk, tsk."
Verdantia humphed. "Teacher, if you actually defeated us back then, you'd be terragore food in a few years. It's not like any other World Tree could've detected such a threat because no World Tree dared to challenge the
Eila shrugged. "Touché."
Ignatia spoke at this time, her hand constantly caressing Flor's body in a gentle and non-erotic manner. "Thank you."
Everyone paused and looked at the Ant Queen. The powerful humanoid ant smiled. "I've seen that you've begun treating my children with more faith. I can't feel the initial fear that all of you had. So, I am thankful that you've managed to let go of your biggest worries and have begun interacting with them."
Ignatia looked to the side and saw a few people leaning on an ant's body. They were sleeping while grabbing specially made booze, clearly at ease even in the presence of the monster that had previously terrified most of them. Such scenes could be easily spotted all around the place, making Ignatia feel a surge of warmth in her heart.
Everyone smiled at the sudden sentimentalism of the Ant Queen. Galia spoke softly. "Honestly. I was scared. There were many times when I was considering whether to report your existence or not. However, during the fight against the Corrupt World Tee, you asked us to give you a chance, and I changed my mind. I decided to gamble and try to trust you."
Eila nodded. "You really are like a jumpscare. The thing that our parents used to scare us with when we were little suddenly took shape and appeared in front of us. Moreover, Liu Shu has always protected you fiercely, never doubting you for a second. I bet that she would go against many creatures just to keep you safe, Ignatia." She chuckled. "Look at me rambling; I might also be getting a bit emotional."
"A night of peace, where the hidden feelings come out under the gentle light of the moonlight," Verdantia muttered and smiled. "I think I read that somewhere, but I can't remember where. Haha."
Edharen spoke for the first time. He had taken off his helmet and armor. Wearing a simple outfit, he was eating and drinking peacefully. "You are a strange group, if I might be honest."
Alba, the Rose Fairy Queen, chuckled. "Oh! Even mister Lion Knight is going to say something!"
Edharen smiled faintly, his stern face becoming slightly gentler. "I've lived like a slave for most of my life, so this kind of peace is very foreign to me. Usually, I find it difficult to even relax, but I can feel at ease here. It might sound strange, but I am glad that Marlius decided to come and attack Lady Tianlian Liu Shu. Thanks to that, I was finally able to fight on the side I always wanted to."
Flor sighed, looking at the man whose life had been a living hell. "It must've been difficult fighting against what you loved."
"Indeed." Edharen leaned back on the recliner made out of leaves. "But now I am here."
While everyone peacefully enjoyed the night, the underground was going through tremendous changes. Liu Shu was using her
Liu Shu giggled. "Well, let's get to work! Second