Chapter 65

"If things get dicey, make sure to come back."

"Yeah, of course. I'll leave the lookout here to Neil."

"Yes, leave it to me!!"

Following the plan, we defeated the mine ants and began to secure the first workshop. For now, we filled up any exits to prevent them from getting in.

It might only be temporary, but it should buy us some time. Currently, we're crafting guardian chains made of an ultra-mithril alloy in the dwarven workshop. We're not sure how effective electricity will be against the mine ants, but once they're ready, we plan to deploy them.

Additionally, we've assembled an elite team to scout the queen ant.

The members include myself, Vigna, Galatea, and Kyle. Originally, I had intended to go with just Vigna and Galatea, but Kyle insisted on joining us no matter what.

"It seems there's an escape route this way. Galatea, I'll leave the lead to you. Vigna, I'm counting on you to cover our rear. Cain, please walk in front of me."

Assigning the lead to Galatea, who boasts the highest combat prowess, and putting Vigna, who has adaptable skills with her magic gunblade, at the rear. 

Having Kyle walk in front of me is a precautionary measure, ensuring I can shoot him at any moment if he tries to betray us.

Using the "World Library," I continuously consult the map while we progress. Despite taking side paths, beyond this point lies the territory of the mine ants. It's best to remain vigilant.

"Still, Grace, you're amazing... defeating the mine ants so easily..."

Kyle whispers to me, audible only to me. Well, he probably has his own thoughts about us easily defeating the mine ants that even the dwarves struggled against.

But there's one thing he's fatally mistaken about.

"It's not just my power. It's our power. The knowledge I acquired from my World Library, used to create weapons together, that's the power we gained. It's not power stolen from someone else. It's the power we obtained through cooperation that allowed us to defeat them."

"Working together, huh..."

Kyle repeated, as if pondering deeply. In the past, I would have laughed it off, but now, seeing him actually considering my words, I find myself surprised and somewhat hopeful.

"Master, it's dangerous!! I've detected a terrifying number of mine ants further ahead. Their number... is in the hundreds!!"

“"What!?!"”

Kyle's voice overlaps with mine. Peering from where Galatea points, we see a vast swarm of ants moving about.

They're still far from reaching the queen at the heart of the nest... but this many already? Well, it's to be expected. Dwell fell to our kingdom when we were children. The mine ants have ruled this mountain ever since. It's not surprising they've multiplied to this extent.

"Master, even I would find it difficult to force our way through this number..."

"No kidding. We can't afford to attempt that."

"This number is no joke..."

"If we're going to defeat them, we'll need more numbers. Our group and the dwarves won't be enough."

As everyone says, in the face of such overwhelming numbers, there's not much we can do. Numbers... well, it just so happens we have the right ones for the job.

"No, there's a way."

"As expected, Master."

"You're quite something, Grace. I bet it's some ridiculous plan."

"Heh, trying to make even you useful, big bro?"

"I've got a bad feeling about this..." 

With a smirk, I respond to the three of them.

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