Chapter 344: Time Management (64K Votes Please)

A corner of the endless labyrinth.

"Phew! Awesome."

In what should have been a gloomy, silent prison cell, a scene utterly out of place appeared.

A white-haired boy lay lazily in a massive bathtub, washing away the sweat from his body.

But the way the water boiled and bubbled made it look more like a giant pot.

And in fact… it wasn't far off.

All it took was summoning a bit of water element, then heating it with flame—soon, a simple hot spring was built.

After all, someone didn't have to worry about water temperature, didn't fear scalding off a layer of skin, and could soak freely in boiling water.

"That's enough."

Splash.

After a long while, the white-haired boy let out a long breath and stepped out of the bathtub.

The hot water droplets on his skin froze as he walked, then instantly turned to ice dust, leaving his body dry.

Herbert picked up the clean clothes he had prepared, draped the loose bathrobe over himself, and stretched lazily.

"Mmm… Ha!"

He looked less like a hardworking warden and more like someone on a beach vacation.

After tirelessly working for a long time, expending great effort to temporarily fill the emptiness and loneliness of Young Lady Hungry Dragon, Master Xin finally earned a brief rest.

After eating, Valentina fell asleep again, satisfied.

With Herbert's devoted help, the final missing piece on Valentina's path to breakthrough was finally filled.

This time, without Valentina saying a word, Herbert knew she wouldn't sleep long.

And when she awoke, she would fully step into the Epic Realm!

Become a true Epic Dragon!

An Epic Dragon is itself an immensely powerful being—the final antagonist in many legendary tales—but sometimes also becomes a hero's companion, though such cases are exceedingly rare.

As long as gods pay no attention and saints don't appear, they can roam the mortal world freely, rarely facing counter-kills from others.

A specialized combat variant of an Epic Dragon is even stronger than a normal Epic Dragon.

Herbert held considerable anticipation for just how strong Valentina would become.

"I hope she gives me some surprises."

Herbert was pleased by her improvement, glad she had finally taken another step forward.

But at the same time, he began to worry about his own future—mainly in hand-to-hand combat.

"By then, trying to overpower her will require even more effort."

"If the front line grows weary, I need to think of other methods…"

After thinking for a while, Herbert suddenly had a flash of insight—some knowledge from war game simulations.

For friends who've never been on a battlefield or endured artillery fire, let me give a simple explanation.

For a team-based mock battle, it can roughly be divided into three phases: early, middle, and late.

As the saying goes, "Before troops move, provisions must come first"—preparation in the early phase is always Top Priority!

Don't underestimate the early phase—it could determine whether a battle ends in a satisfactory outcome!

For this, you must prepare extensively.

Stockpile supplies in advance; don't neglect essential materials.

Probe the opponent verbally, create a relaxed atmosphere.

Say things like, "You're dead today!" or "Just wait and beg for mercy!"—those overconfident boasts that open champagne before the match.

The goal of this step is to "deceive the enemy," making them lower their guard so you can swiftly penetrate in the middle phase and catch them off guard.

Meanwhile, use small units in the early phase to probe enemy strength and engage in a war of attrition with advance forces.

Sacrifice minimal losses to maximize gains, draining the enemy's combat strength.

Only with a solid early foundation and established advantage can the normal battlefield proceed smoothly in the middle phase.

But remember: don't assume victory in the early phase means the end—that's far from enough.

The enemy also has pride; they won't endure silence forever—they'll always crave retaliation.

At this point, you can't keep freeloadin' anymore!

Now you must truly draw swords and begin direct melee combat!

Direct combat itself actually has few special points to note.

Just remember: use all the supplies prepared in the early phase to guard against unnecessary dangers!

As for the rest…

Once on the battlefield, there's no time to overthink techniques or methods—you can only rely on instinct and fight wildly.

Back and forth, neither side yielding!

The front line will continue until one side breaks, raises the white flag, and the battle ends.

During the pause, both sides will use supplies to let their soldiers rest briefly.

If still unsatisfied and the war game isn't enough, they'll resume at some moment for a second round.

Generally, with experience from the first round, the second battle often lasts longer than the first.

More intense fighting will thoroughly train both sides' soldiers.

Eventually, after the second, third… thirteenth rounds end, the normal campaign is nearly over and enters the late-stage rest phase.

Note: the late-stage rest phase is equally important—it's a crucial moment for both sides to build emotional bonds; never underestimate or neglect it!

After all, this campaign is merely a battle simulation, a war exercise.

The two sides in the skirmish weren't truly enemies either—of course, unless it was the kind where you really do have to "kill your opponent in the finale," which doesn't count.

Unstinting praise and flattery, helping each other clean up the battlefield, exchanging a knowing smile that conveys feeling… all of these are absolutely necessary.

And only when everything is wrapped up does it count as a perfectly executed battle performance.

After that, it's letting the soldiers on both sides rest up properly… in anticipation of the next war-game's arrival.

"Strange, why did I suddenly think of all this combat knowledge?"

Herbert shook his head and sighed in puzzlement: "This knowledge of mine, it's all gotten jumbled together."

"Say it a thousand ways or ten thousand, when forging iron you still need your own body to be hard."

"Since it's hard to get a big boost in technique, let's change the approach and improve hard strength instead."

"Still need to step into the Legendary realm as soon as possible, and rely on a body strengthened one more step to suppress this insatiable hungry dragon."

Others have plenty of reasons for wanting to become Legendary.

They set foot on the path to Legend either for the ideals in their hearts, for the principles they hold to, or for reasons they cannot bow their heads to.

And as for Herbert… he's one of them too.

After all, in a certain sense, his is also a struggle driven by that "absolutely cannot bow my head" reason!

And after finishing his bout of effort here with Valentina, and giving himself a thorough wash, Herbert was about to embark on his second task.

First BOSS down, time for the second!

Herbert had originally meant to push the door open and go straight to the mermaid Young Lady, but he hesitated just before acting.

"Tch… taking them one at a time, the efficiency really is a bit low!"

He was a little dissatisfied with the current poor efficiency.

The number of monster girls right now wasn't that many, so he could still handle it.

But later on?

Soothing them all one by one would eat up an entire day… possibly more.

Is his time worthless?

Herbert felt it was still quite valuable.

"Got to come up with a method… oh, got it."

After thinking for a moment, a bold idea quickly sprang up in his mind.

"Multi-front simultaneous operations!"

Any kid who's finished second grade knows how to allocate their time properly.

For example: before leaving for school in the morning, there are three things to do—brush teeth, wash face, listen to the radio, boil water.

The correct approach is definitely not to do them one after another, but to carry them out simultaneously as much as possible.

While the water's boiling, brush your teeth and wash your face; keep one ear on the radio; and even sneak in a moment to stuff an extra bread roll into your mouth.

As a true master of time management, this is basic operation.

What can be combined, combine; what can be done in parallel, must be done in parallel!

"That's right, time to change the operational mindset and open up a second front."

And the initial candidates naturally fell on Valentina and Fu Leimei, because the two of them had already gotten to know each other a little,

According to what Valentina said while resting in the later stage of the campaign, during the time he was away this time the two of them had gotten fairly familiar, often chatting together.

By that measure, they should count as friends, right?

And since they're already friends, isn't it time to take the next step?

Don't know how to move into a closer relationship, to upgrade from friends to close friends?

Don't be afraid, let me help you break the ice!

"As for the method, I'm going to make you… intimate comrades-in-arms who fight side by side and shoulder a single spear together!"

What could improve a relationship more than a thoroughly exhilarating battle?

Herbert really couldn't split himself in two to run both… but the soothing of Valentina and the others could be carried out simultaneously.

After thinking it through carefully, Herbert felt there were no flaws in this idea, that it was entirely workable!

The idea was in place; all that remained was action.

And Herbert's execution ability had always been maxed out.

Said and done!

Herbert didn't look back or hesitate—he flung open the teleportation gate and appeared right in front of Fu Leimei.

Click.

"Fu Leimei, I'm back!"

But faced with Herbert's sudden appearance, Fu Leimei wasn't startled in the slightest; she looked remarkably composed.

After being repeatedly jump-scared by Valentina opening doors on her over this period, she'd pretty much grown used to this kind of being-scared-out-of-nowhere development—she wouldn't fling her leg out anymore.

Besides, the mermaid Young Lady had actually known of Herbert's return long ago.

She had heard the commotion from the Endless Labyrinth earlier—that dragon, which had finally been quiet for a few days, was stirring up trouble again.

Obviously, there weren't many things that could make Valentina that excited.

"Hehe."

Fu Leimei, half-perched on the reef, laughed softly and spread her arms toward Herbert, cooing: "My hero, you're back."

"Come into my arms, quick."

She held her embrace open, waiting for the boy to rush into her arms and be properly doted on.

But Herbert didn't do as she wished; instead, he stood in place and, with an equally smiling face, spread his own arms open.

The boy winked mischievously and grinned: "Come on, you come into my arms, quick."

"I think you'd rather do it this way, don't you?"

Puff.

Fu Leimei laughed at his gesture, dropping her big-sister act entirely; she puckered her nose at him and huffed, "Hmph, really—you couldn't even try to soothe me a little…"

Was Fu Leimei truly so magnanimous about Herbert not coming to her first? Not a single ounce of anger?

No, she naturally had her temper.

If Herbert had truly shown no caution and just charged at her with that foolish grin, she would've given him a small revenge.

The specific punishment? —She'd crush him in a tight embrace, wrap her tail around him, and refuse to let go for a very long time.

How cruel is that punishment, huh?

It's a restriction on freedom!

Herbert watched her shed her pretense and smiled: "Then why don't you come over?"

"Hmph."

Fu Leimei shot Herbert a glare, but the delight in it outweighed the resentment, turning it into a sultry glance.

Not come over?

How could she not come over!

Should she let him go find someone else, only to return to her in the end?

Pouting, she rose from the rocks, flicked her tail lightly, and drifted toward Herbert.

But she didn't rush in; instead, she stopped just before him, arms outstretched, deliberately puckering her lips as if to signal.

Herbert laughed at her stubborn expression, stopped teasing, stepped forward, and pulled her tightly into his arms.

He held fast to her smooth, cool body, feeling her tail instinctively coil around him, and smiled inwardly as he whispered, "I'm back. Sorry I kept you waiting."

Fu Leimei had planned to vent many complaints, but once in his arms, she found she had nothing left to say.

She took a deep, greedy breath, murmuring softly against his ear—half complaint, half affection: "Mm, you really did make me wait a long time."

The Young Lady gently bit his earlobe with her slightly pointed teeth and grumbled, "I wanted to scold you for not coming to me first, but since you noticed… I'll forgive you this once, generously."

Precisely because Herbert saw her displeasure, he deliberately teased her to cheer her up.

So, this once, just for that reason, forgive him a little.

As if sensing what Fu Leimei was thinking, Herbert whispered, "I promise you: next time, the time after, always—I'll come to you first."

Always first, from now on?

Fu Leimei blinked at his words, a faint smile tugging at her lips, then turned her head and lightly kissed his cheek.

"I'm truly glad you think that way."

But then she shook her head gently and whispered, "Still, my hero, haven't you forgotten something?"

"If you come to me first, what about Valentina? Won't she be upset if you do this?"

Herbert's promise made Fu Leimei happy, yet she felt it wasn't the best solution.

She had no desire to face an enraged, chaotic dragon.

Compared to fighting Valentina one-on-one, Fu Leimei decided she could wait a little longer.

Hmm, I can be patient too.

Herbert sensed the Young Lady's resistance, smiled inwardly, and held her tighter as he continued: "Don't worry—I have my own way to handle Valentina."

Seeing his confidence, the Young Lady grew curious.

Hmm?

Are you feeling this confident today?

"Hmm? How do you plan to convince her?" Fu Leimei asked, puzzled.

She couldn't imagine how to persuade that dragon to listen.

"Convince? It's not that complicated—because for her, nothing has changed."

Herbert couldn't help smiling at what he was about to say, forcing himself to keep his expression serious.

Tsk.

He loosened his embrace slightly, stepped back, and gazed at Fu Leimei's curious face as he said slowly: "Because she's first too."

Fu Leimei, seeing Herbert's solemn expression, had thought he planned to make some enormous sacrifice—she was about to tell him not to do anything foolish.

"Herbert, you don't have to make promises you can't keep—I won't blame you… hmm?"

As she spoke, Fu Leimei froze, blinking in confusion.

Hmm?

I'm first… and she's first too?

What does that mean… huh?

"Wait, wait!" She quickly realized what he meant and frantically tried to pull away.

But the knight's strong arms held her fast—Herbert had brought her into his arms precisely for this moment.

Trying to run?

Not allowed!

Without giving Fu Leimei a chance to struggle, Herbert opened a portal and plunged straight through with her.

Click.

"Wait! I—"

"No waiting~"

Thud!

The door opened, and the two tumbled together onto the soft bed beyond.

Thump~

And under the shockwave of the impact, the other monster girl, who had been fast asleep on the bed, was bounced and flipped over entirely.

Fu Leimei:???

At this moment, the mermaid Young Lady no longer dared to make a sound, staring in shock at Valentina, who was right before her eyes.

Her panicked gaze slid down from the sleeping face of the hungry dragon Young Lady, and saw the pale, fair skin exposed outside the blanket.

???

Th-this, this, she… huh?

Where did you bring me!?!

Once she realized where this was, Fu Leimei's body stiffened unusually, not daring to move even a fraction.

And compared to the panicked mermaid Young Lady who didn't dare to move a muscle, Herbert appeared exceptionally calm.

"Panicking?"

He reached out and lightly poked Fu Leimei's cheek, grinning playfully: "What are you afraid of? It's not like this is the first time anyway."

As he spoke, Herbert reminded her as if on purpose, deliberately fiddling with the wind chime earring on her earlobe.

Jingle jingle jingle~

And that sound truly did awaken Fu Leimei's earlier memories, her tense body relaxing slightly.

With the most difficult first time already past, the second time was indeed much easier.

"Phew…" She breathed out softly, confirming that Valentina had once again fallen into deep slumber.

Good, good, the situation isn't too terrible yet.

But this hard-won moment of relaxation was immediately disrupted by Herbert's second sentence.

He said:

"Also, next time, you two will be partners working together, so remember to help each other out, alright!"

Fu Leimei: Huh?

What help?

Help with what?

No!

How am I supposed to help?

At this moment, how could Fu Leimei not guess exactly what was on Herbert's mind.

Sharing one blanket, right!

Fu Leimei pressed her lips together, lowering her voice: "You, what exactly are you thinking? Aren't you just being ridiculous?"

Although she knew that if Herbert had brought her here, it was because he was certain Valentina wouldn't wake, she still couldn't help lowering her voice.

Don't really wake her up!

Herbert, meanwhile, released Fu Leimei, just looking at her with a smile, and asked in return: "Am I being ridiculous? You actually can't accept it?"

"I, uh…"

Facing this question, Fu Leimei actually fell speechless for a moment.

Strictly speaking, Fu Leimei truly didn't have much resistance in her heart toward fighting side by side with Valentina.

After all, those stories all say that heroes in the end walk off into a happy, beautiful life with the beauties who adore them.

But the problem is… you have to give me some time to prepare!!?

Without even giving a heads-up?

Straight into live combat!

While Fu Leimei hesitated in confusion, Herbert certainly wasn't idle, reaching out to pull her into his embrace.

And although the mermaid Young Lady instinctively wanted to refuse, she still lost to her body's instincts, obediently following his strength and going limp against his chest.

"Herbert, you, she, she's going to wake up!" That was Fu Leimei's last resistance.

"How about, we, uh, talk about it later?"

It's just that her tone was gentle while her body was honest, completely lacking any persuasiveness…

"It's fine, she won't wake up for a while, don't worry."

Herbert chuckled lightly and kissed the tip of the mermaid Young Lady's ear, feeling her slight tremble, and whispered:

"But, if you keep dawdling like this, I can't guarantee whether she'll wake up halfway or not."

"Also, if you really don't accept it, then I won't force you."

He stopped all his movements, smiling: "Fu Leimei, you decide, shall we continue? Or shall we stop?"

Let me make the decision?

Fu Leimei slowly raised her head, looked at the smile in Herbert's eyes, and pouted.

Her lips moved slightly, she slapped the mattress with her tail, and muttered softly: "You really are a wicked-hearted hero."

It's already like this, and you still ask me!

"Haha! Forgive me, your hero is just this wicked-hearted."

The shameless hero said so, then asked: "And your final answer is?"

Fu Leimei lowered her eyes, let out a breath, and finally made up her mind.

"…Then let's continue."

Under the present circumstances, her heart truly did feel a different kind of thrill.

"Haha, I knew you'd accept."

Herbert laughed in satisfaction, then recalling the earlier scene, took out a certain prop.

"Oh, right, this is a specialty I brought back from the Shadowlands—a kind of mushroom that tastes absolutely delicious."

"Open your mouth, ah—"

*Smack. *

"Go on, cut it out. What mushrooms are you eating now?"

The mermaid Young Lady swatted away the mushroom Herbert was mischievously holding out to her, shot him a glare, and said:

"Right now, I'm going to eat something else."

Herbert smiled and tucked the mushroom away, grinning: "Then what do you want to eat? Me?"

"Yes, you."

The sea demon smiled seductively, gently raised her body to take the dominant position, and forcefully pressed her lips against the youth's.

Having already made up her mind, Fu Leimei let herself go, not caring what dangerous presence might be sleeping nearby.

She gripped Herbert's wrists with both hands, pressed him down onto the bed, lowered her gaze with a smile, and said softly: "This is what you brought on yourself."

"If something really goes wrong later, you can explain it to Valentina yourself."

……

……

Mirror Space.

"It's been so long now, they should be finished, right?"

Lucaria, who had taken on Lucille's appearance, muttered to herself, calculating how much time had passed.

"If I go say hello now, it should be fine, right?"

The mirror-demon Young Lady, worried about seeing things she shouldn't, had deliberately waited until now before preparing to act.

*Whoosh. *

The small mirror placed on one side of the bed slowly rose into the air, its reflection showing the scene upon it.

One of the figures' eyes suddenly came alive with spirit, and she opened her mouth to say: "Um, are you guys done yet or… huh?"

"Wait, why aren't they done yet!?"

The moment the mirror-demon realized the battle was still ongoing, she immediately tried to sever her consciousness—but quickly sensed something was off again.

The personnel composition in the mirror… was there an extra person?

"Wait!"

"Why did the person change!?"

"That's not right!"

"Isn't that a sea demon!!?"

The epic mirror-demon was greatly shaken at this moment.

She felt her brain was a little short on processing power.

It's just…

What on earth is going on here!

(End of chapter)