Chapter 15: The Scorpion Woman Hera and the Growth Spirit

The Scorpion Woman was a tall, slender humanoid.

She had short, jet-purple hair, neatly cut to her ears and smooth as silk.

Her hair completely covered the upper half of her face, revealing only the high, delicate nose and soft, sensual lips below.

Though short, two tiny braids hung down onto her collarbones.

This added a playful, girlish charm to her otherwise mature appearance.

Her black-purple exoskeleton formed only over her chest and hips; the rest of her skin was snow-white and delicate, like human skin.

Luo De sensed on her a spiritual accumulation far exceeding Isabella’s.

Seventh tier?

No, likely more.

Fortunately, she bore no ill intent.

The gap between them was too vast; Luo De didn’t even bother drawing his sword, decisively yielding to ensure his safety.

“Respected Miss Scorpion Woman, I apologize for inadvertently entering your territory.”

He had always known of the Scorpion Woman in the Eucalyptus Zone.

But for a long time, they had never met; he often passed through the Eucalyptus Zone on patrol without paying much attention.

Now he knew she was likely a master above the eighth tier.

Respect could no longer be merely assumed.

The Scorpion Woman waved a hand adorned with jet-black nails.

“I have guarded the Windwall Forest for seventy years under agreement with the Athelon Kingdom; we are colleagues of sorts. No need for such formality.”

Hearing this, Luo De immediately exhaled in relief.

He quickly introduced himself.

“Luo De. Hmm, I remember. Unlike previous forest wardens, you’re a fellow who spends every day cavorting with succubi.”

“Uh…”

The Scorpion Woman laughed heartily.

“Just joking. I’m Hera. I never intended to meet you—forest wardens are always transient—but you did well last night.”

“As a reward, I’ll remove the spiritual mark from you.”

“Spiritual mark?” Luo De’s expression changed.

“Didn’t notice? Your spiritual perception needs improvement,” Hera chuckled softly. “I only placed it less than a day ago.”

That meant last night.

Was it Father Owen?

Or Isabella?

Father Owen was more likely—he was a mage; Isabella was merely pure muscle.

Luo De told Hera about his experience at Two Fingers and the Igo Cult’s schemes.

“These Igo vermin still haven’t changed their ways.”

Hera stepped forward.

Her exoskeleton covered only the front of her chest, like a half-cup bra suspended there.

It provided no support, so with every step, her white orbs bounced enticingly.

She lightly tapped Luo De on the forehead.

Luo De instantly felt something detach from his body.

He immediately thanked Hera, offering several flattering words.

“Don’t get too happy—this spiritual mark continuously emits specific spiritual vibrations. Anyone with decent power would’ve already detected it.”

Luo De’s face darkened.

He had walked through Shiying Town all day; given the Igo Cult’s infiltration, it was impossible they hadn’t noticed.

Hera seemed to sense his predicament.

She raised three fingers.

“Three times. You’ve performed well as a warden; I’ll grant you three chances to act.”

“My lord, command me as you wish.”

Luo De instantly decided to cling to Hera’s leg, hastening to pledge his service.

Hera chuckled.

“You’re a mere fifth-tier or below—what can you possibly do for me? Just survive first.”

Perhaps Hera had gone too long without speaking to anyone.

Luo De played along, flattering her and telling jokes he’d heard in his past life on Earth.

He made the powerful Scorpion Woman laugh until she doubled over.

Later, in conversation, Hera casually mentioned she needed treasures that enhanced affinity for fire and poison.

Luo De silently noted this, deciding to help her collect them.

He even gifted her the [Flame Spirit Oil] he’d seized from the half-elves.

After their conversation ended.

He returned to the warden’s cabin.

At this time, Tally was already cooking.

“By the way, Master, earlier, a hunter named Tom left several letters in the mailbox—I’ve already read them for you.”

She appeared again in nothing but a bare apron, stirring the pot as she spoke.

Luo De looked at the table.

Several letters had already been opened.

“Reading other people’s mail is immoral, Tally.”

“When have you ever heard of a succubus with morals?”

Luo De skimmed a few letters and found they were all love letters from young women and married women in Shiying Town.

A few of the married women’s letters were extremely explicit, their intent clear: they wanted to devour his member.

Subway old man looking at phone.jpg

He tossed all the letters aside and ignored them.

“.How long until dinner?”

“About twenty more minutes of simmering~”

Seeing he had time.

Luo De simply began practicing his newly purchased [Night Hunter Breathing Method].

Unlike various races that absorb spiritual energy automatically,

humans require breathing and meditation techniques to accumulate spiritual energy within their bodies.

Like a water gate.

The quality of one’s breathing and meditation techniques limits the maximum spiritual energy one can absorb per second.

An individual’s innate talent determines the flow rate through this limited gate.

As he practiced the [Night Hunter Breathing Method],

Luo De’s gate gradually widened.

The spiritual energy granted by the [Gift of the Trees] had previously lingered at the door, rubbing against it but unable to enter.

Now that the gate had expanded, it surged inside all at once.

It was a strange sensation.

As the spiritual energy from the [Night Hunter Breathing Method] entered his body, Luo De immediately sensed the wind around him.

This gentle breeze brushed every corner of the cabin.

Like bats using ultrasonic waves to perceive their surroundings, the feedback streamed into his mind.

For instance, Tally in the kitchen.

At that moment, she glanced toward Luo De’s direction.

She stealthily withdrew her hand from between her thighs, preparing to drip a few thick, stringy fluids into the pot.

“Tally.”

Tally flinched.

Sullenly wiped the fluid from her fingers.

Damn it—why didn’t I ever notice this before…

Luo De completed a full cycle of the [Night Hunter Breathing Method].

【The Gift of the Trees triggered a special effect.】

【Gained one point of ‘Growth Spirit’.】

【Details: The forest embodies the meaning of ‘Growth’. Injecting ‘Growth Spirit’ into an object or living being enables it to complete growth.】

“!”

In short—it’s enhancement!?

Is this too overpowered?!

The effect of the [Gift of the Trees] is absurdly excessive.

Luo De initially thought this was a skill every Tree Spirit possessed.

But after two extravagant bonus effects appeared, he knew this was an extremely rare skill even among Tree Spirits.

He had dinner.

After having a post-meal exercise with Tally.

Luo De began studying the sword manuals for [Aetheron’s Flash] and [Giant’s Slash].

[Aetheron’s Flash] is a sword art focused on rapid sword swings.

[Giant’s Slash] is a powerful, explosive strike centered on raw force.

Both sword arts could excellently compensate for his weaknesses.

He usually clarified the theory first before practicing.

He hadn’t read long.

Suddenly, he sensed someone approaching outside.

Frowning, he pulled [Sacrificial Sword] from his spell satchel.

Not long after, a knocking sound came at the wooden door.

(End of Chapter)