Daily News: Insect Girls' Heavy Dependence

However, we were unable to leave today.

After these past few days of ups and downs, I feel completely exhausted and like my body is falling apart.

Physical fatigue is secondary; the mental and emotional trauma is the main reason why rest is needed!

The birdman's remains were entrusted to Glolo early on so that she could quickly turn them into cocoons while they were still fresh.

Richard, on the other hand, was forced to stay by Yekaterin, who used a combination of force and coquettishness.

I spent the night at the Duke's mansion, but it was hardly a rest; I just tossed and turned anxiously until dawn.

Just as dawn was breaking, he carefully managed to break free from between the two soft, fragrant bodies.

I really have no idea what Yekalin and Sally were discussing behind the scenes.

They actually managed to reach such an absurd agreement, splitting him in two and giving each of them half of their tenderness.

Further discussion is pointless!

What kind of pioneers would indulge in such a gentle and fragrant paradise?!

What Richard needs to do now is to take responsibility and lead the team to collect the essence insect fluid!

He dressed quietly, not daring to disturb the two people sleeping soundly on the bed.

Arriving at the entrance of the Duke's mansion, I was greeted by a burst of sunlight.

With a rare clear sky and stars high in the sky, it's the perfect time for outdoor exploration.

The fountain square was already filled with pioneers who had answered the call yesterday.

Many newcomers, having tasted the sweetness of making quick money the first time, are now eagerly eyeing the opportunity to earn Dior coins a second time.

They were all eager to try their skills.

The team lined up and set off.

Following the safe route marked on the map, the group trekked for two full days.

Although there were occasional setbacks along the way, it was all relatively safe, and we finally arrived at the eerie forest inhabited by the fungus people.

On maps of the North, this forest was known as the Mushroom Forest.

In a sense, the so-called exploration beyond the walls is also about outlining the unknown borders of the kingdom.

The light inside the forest was dim, like dusk, and the dense shade blocked out the sun. From time to time, strange rustling sounds would emerge from the darkness, making one's heart tighten.

Deeper into the dense forest, countless chilling gazes lurked in the shadows, silently locking onto the intruders, waiting for the opportune moment to pounce.

Over the past two days, Richard's doubts have only grown stronger.

The Time Insect used to deliver intelligence on time every day, but in the past two days, not a single message has come.

Was the last list of nobles too long and wordy?

Was it counted as intelligence by the Time Worm multiple times? Did it overdraw the share of subsequent information?

Let's put aside such illogical things for now.

Although having a bug stuffed into your brain every day with future prophecies or information is inherently abnormal and illogical...

Moreover, this time, the dangers ahead are far greater than ever before.

For some reason, the lurking dangers in the jungle along the way were several times greater than before.

Take, for example, the blade-like insect hidden in the piles of gray snow and fallen leaves. Its body color blends perfectly with the withered branches and leaves, and unless you look closely, you can't see the slightest flaw.

Whenever a living creature passes by, they will dart out like an arrow and slash viciously at the passerby's hamstring.

Its body, as white as a maple leaf, darted into the fallen leaves with a piece of meat in its mouth and disappeared without a trace.

When Richard first encountered this thing, he almost got himself killed by it!

Fortunately, the cocoon of malevolent thoughts triggered a forced dodge, so I was spared from injury, but the price was a full ten minutes of dizziness, nausea, and vomiting.

Richard was so lucky, but those pioneers who only had cows and worms implanted were not so fortunate.

There were many of them, and most of them couldn't afford decent metal protective gear. They could only make do with leather leggings.

Even worse, some people only wrapped their legs in thick winter clothes, showing absolutely no intention of protecting their lower bodies...

As soon as the group stepped over the waist-high grass, they heard a series of rustling sounds.

Maple leaves twirled and shot through the air!

Amidst cries of pain, several people had small pieces of flesh torn off their legs, from which blood beads flowed.

Fortunately, it wasn't a fatal injury.

Those little bugs called blade bugs are relatively reasonable.

They didn't greedily take too much flesh and blood; they only plundered enough for them to survive the winter.

Even insects understand the principle of slow and steady wins the race, but some in the Kingdom of Gil don't. Their ruthless exploitation of the lower classes has led to places like the White Heron Church, where insectoid groups gather and are subjected to mass extermination...

Richard couldn't help but feel sorrow for the rulers of the Kingdom of Kiel!

Afterwards, they deeply realized once again the truth that every crisis presents an opportunity.

Looking up, I saw many bushes overhead, which were even laden with fruit during the gray snow season.

The fruit was so red it looked like it was about to burst with juice, and its fresh aroma was incredibly tempting, making one's appetite soar.

According to the team's experienced veterans, this is a fruit tree called the Blood Orange, which grows on land that has buried countless creatures.

Consuming its fruit can replenish abundant blood and energy, making it a highly favored tonic among royalty and nobles. It is also exceptionally delicious and in high demand.

Richard was highly suspicious that, within the circles of the noble lords of the Kingdom of Kiel, blood oranges might still be rumored to have aphrodisiac properties…

Don't think too much about it.

Since we've come across this, we should take some samples back with us.

Let's see if we can scale up the planting, since Yekalin is currently short of funds.

Richard estimated that the Duchess herself probably didn't have more than ten million Dior coins in liquid assets...

However, he didn't immediately order his men to collect data on a large scale. Apart from Glolo's solid professional knowledge, Richard selectively accepted the observations of others.

He began to look around. He confirmed that there were no guardian insects or anything like that.

Sure enough, they found a group of razor worms lying in ambush in the pile of fallen leaves. They chased them away and thoroughly checked the area to make sure there were no more small insects lying in ambush nearby.

Richard then jumped up the tree.

I carefully reached out to pick them. The first one was fine, the second one was fine, but when I picked the third one...

That fruit that looked completely intact.

Without warning, the fruit exploded! A blade-like insect suddenly appeared inside.

It spun its maple leaf body. The sharp edge of the leaf blade sliced ​​towards Richard's hand.

Although the speed is extremely fast, it is difficult for humans to react.

But how could such a petty trick possibly succeed against Richard?

The malevolent insect forced itself to dodge again, and then Richard felt dizzy and lightheaded once more...

"Depend on!"

Richard cursed under his breath; he knew this kind of mess would happen.

If you think about it carefully, you'll understand what these blade worms eat when no animals are around...?

These blood orange trees need to grow in places where large amounts of biological remains are buried...!

These two species clearly have a mutually beneficial symbiotic relationship!

It turns out these little bugs aren't the type to give up easily! They definitely want to turn themselves into nourishment for the blood orange tree!

Then have a wonderful and prosperous New Year!

Damn it! I overestimated them!

Richard wasn't about to swallow this bitter pill...

"Captain! Where's my insect repellent dynamite?!"