Ascension of the Sylvan Cosmos.

Chapter 131. [Arboreal Winged Serpent] and Ignatia’s Return.

After all the events disappeared, Liu Shu's mind came back to itself. During that process, she had been in something similar to a trance, unable to comprehend what was happening. Yet, after finishing the summoning, the World Tree's mind understood what had happened, stupefying her. 'What was that giant eye?'

While Liu Shu looked upward to the limits of her <World Tree Eye>, she felt a pleasant, rugged surface rubbing on her trunk. Her gaze focused on that area, and saw the newly summoned serpent rubbing against her in a spoiled manner.

Being around 20 meters long and with a wingspan reaching a tremendous 15 meters, it created an imposing monster. Unlike typical snakes, the width of its body was huge, giving it a bulky and menacing appearance.

Liu Shu noticed the leaves in its wings fluttering with clear happiness as it climbed around her body, making her giggle. "He is so cute! Hahaha~."

Flor looked down at the thing that was summoned by the unimaginably strong being with a doubtful and wary look. While she had received plenty of benefits, she couldn't just let her guard down. "Are you sure it is under your control?"

Liu Shu's connection with the <Arboreal Winged Serpent> was solid, giving Liu Shu a reassuring feeling. So, she answered confidently. "Yes! That big friend's child is very obedient!"

"Big friend…" Flor's face twitched several times. "I think only you can call that thing that way."

The Arboreal Winged Serpent noticed Flor, and in an instant, his black pupils inside the green reptilian eyes thinned to lines. Swiftly, he attacked and pounced on her, opening his mouth.

Flor's face changed, and she prepared to defend herself when Liu Shu's voice softly spread around.

"Stop."

The serpent froze in front of Flor, his mouth wide open. The creature's hot breath hit Flor's body, forcing the Rose Fairy Queen to realize how fast his pounce was just now. 'Isn't it E Rank!? So fast!'

"Hehehe~, Don't worry, little friend! Flor is not a bad guy! Thanks for protecting me~."

The serpent closed his mouth and observed the tiny fairy. One creature being 45 centimeters tall and the other being 20 meters long made the difference between them large enough that a single bite was more than enough to swallow the Rose Fairy.

Of course, while Flor was weakened, now at Level 18 and the E+ Rank, she was no pushover, so other than being momentarily startled, if the serpent had followed through with its attack, it would've ended in a bad situation.

While nothing happened, Flor focused on the Serpent's body during the attack and noticed that his scales, while woodlike, had an extraordinary sheen. They didn't look fragile or brittle; instead, they looked incredibly sturdy yet flexible, an incredibly resilient combination.

Flor remembered his speed, and full of intrigue, she asked Liu Shu. "What are its stats? It was really quick for a Level 11 E Rank creature."

The World Tree, who had incredibly high stats, could react quickly, but hearing Flor say that, she also became curious. "Let's see~."

[Analyzing Summon. Natural Protection is bypassed by the extra authority as its summoner. The Summon has a natural accessory equipped. Do you want to see its stats?]

"Sure, let's see the accessory as well!"

Flor blinked. 'Accessory? It comes with an accessory?'

[Level 11 Mythical Physique Arboreal Scales (Complete Level Low-Ranked)]

+1056 Aether Mana Shards

+1716 Phoer Body Shards

+1056 Anima Energy Shards

Aether (+88), Physique (+132), Anima (+88), Willpower (+88).

Mythical Hardening (Active): Reduce incoming damage by 30% for 10 seconds. 5 minute cooldown.

Note: As a pure descendent of an incredibly strong creature, the <Arboreal Winged Serpent> has an innate scale Accessory covering it that evolves with their Level and Tier. It also adapts depending on the innate qualities of the creature.

After Liu Shu read it aloud, Flor's mouth fell open. "What kind of skill is that? Negating 30% of damage? Also, the attributes it gives are insane!"

Liu Shu looked at her branch attributes and realized that the <Mythical Physique Arboreal Scales> were actually better. "Wow~ Strong!"

The <Arboreal Winged Serpent> heard Liu Shu's praise and smiled smugly, his tail tip wagging back and forth as his wings fluttered.

Flor looked at the serpent and felt bubbling laughter. 'Even though it has a snake face, it is quite expressive. Cute.'

Liu Shu felt excited and looked at the Stat page while feeding him the refinement berries. After all, since he was her summon, she needed to feed him with nice things. The effects were instantaneous, increasing his Physique Refinement and the rest by 5 points.

The <Arboreal Winged Serpent>, who was not expecting much when he came down, went wide eyed as he looked at his own stats increasing by a good chunk.

Flor's eyebrow twitched as she saw the serpent's attitude change. He started acting cute and coiling around Liu Shu with glittering green eyes, clearly communicating his loyalty.

She smirked, laughing softly. 'Tsk, tsk. Greedy thing. You were bought so easily.'

***

Name: -

Titles:

<Mythical Being Pureblood Descendent>: You are born with incredibly powerful scales that evolve depending on the innate affinity toward either Phoer, Aether, or Anima you have.

<Ancestor Blessing>: You gain (Level+Energy Cycle) Aether Resonance, Physique Refinement, Anima Affinity, Mental Palace.

<World Tree Summon>: You've been contracted to a World Tree, giving you the ability to understand your summoner's thoughts as long as you remain loyal. (This title will be lost if you betray the World Tree).

<Natural Predator>: You've hunted several creatures above your Tier and Level before without assistance of any kind. +10% Stats when fighting creatures stronger than you.

<Arboreal Creature>: +100% affinity toward tree-based creatures.

Race: Arboreal Nature Serpent.

Energy Method:

<Arbor Physique Absorption>: You can use your scales and wings to absorb the World's energy and get equal to (Level+Energy Cycles) Experience Points daily.

Level: 11 [7,132/7,133]

Aether Mana Shards: 24,634/24,634

Phoer Body Shards: 58,809/58,809

Anima Energy Shards: 31,020/31,020

Attributes: Aether 161 (59+106), Physique 343 (148+202), Anima 205 (94+116), Willpower 215 (113+108), Destiny 209 (209)

Affinity Percentage: Aether Resonance (29), Physique Refinement (47), Anima Affinity (29), Mental Palace (17).

Resistance Percentage: Aether Resistance (20), Physique Resistance (22), Spiritual Resistance (20), Mental Resistance (21)

Talents:

<Sky Slip (E+ Rank Level MAX)>: Increase speed by 25% for 1 minute while also giving a burst of acceleration for a split second.

<Winged Serpent Venomous Vortex (E+ Rank Level MAX)>: The Arboreal Winged Serpent can spit a vortex of extremely potent venomous substances. The higher the serpent's Physique stat, the more lethal it becomes.

<Leafguard (E+ Rank Level MAX)>: Harden your leaf wings by using Aether Mana and Anima Energy, allowing you to defend and attack with them.

Passive Skills:

<Touch Of Flight (C Rank Level 1)>: Your wings have a natural affinity toward energy flow, allowing you to fly when other creatures are too heavy to lift their bodies. Increases natural flying speed by 100% and reduces stamina consumption while flying to half.

<Rapid Regrowth (C Rank Level 1)>: Increases natural regeneration by 500% while resting. It is possible to regrow missing limbs at a tenth of the usual regeneration efficiency.

<Wild Connection (D Rank Level 3)>: This skill increases the senses for detecting wildlife. Once the serpent catches the scent of its prey, shaking it off will be impossible unless special methods are used.

***

Flor listened in silence as Liu Shu seemingly spoke in another language, saying some barbarities that she didn't believe were true.

Looking down at the large creature, Flor's face became serious. "Liu Shu, how much Anima is it consuming? Like, can you maintain it?"

The World Tree, who was playing with the Arboreal Winged Serpent using her branches, paused and looked at her Anima energy. "Hm… One summon consumes… Ah. Hmph, why are you so expensive to maintain?"

When the happy winged serpent was smacked on the head, he looked around confused, not understanding why their happy bond was suddenly ostracized. 'What did I do!?'

Liu Shu scolded. "Eat a bit less! You are consuming 1500 Anima Energy Per Hour!"

Liu Shu's current regeneration was 3,308 per hour, so consuming half of that was very costly. By stopping her berry production, she would be able to maintain just two of them.

The Winged Serpent was speechless, thinking to himself. 'I am pretty strong, and I am not even asking for much! I think you are actually getting a bargain!'

Flor was stunned. After all, if she were the summoner, forget about maintaining more than one; she would be dry in just a few hours with just the one before her eyes. Remember that Flor had around 35,000 Anima Energy Shards, and her regeneration didn't even reach 200 shards per hour.

Knowing that he consumed so much energy, Liu Shu decided to send him back. There weren't any threats around, so besides consuming Anima Energy, the <Arboreal Winged Serpent> did nothing.

The serpent looked at Liu Shu one last time as his body dematerialized in green particles. Flor could clearly see that there was a bit of reluctance in his eyes.

"Liu Shu," Flor commented. "Its Experience Points were just 1 point away, right? Why do you think that is?"

The World Tree realized as well and pondered. "I don't know…"

"Do you think that the powerful entity sent that child to make a contract because of the Level limits?" Flor asked, feeling that her thoughts were correct. "Then, after the contract is fulfilled, the serpent can Level up as he pleases. As long as it isn't far from your current level, it won't become a burden to maintain it."

Liu Shu exclaimed. "Ohh! That's very possible!"

Flor laughed. "So, time to Level up now? You have just enough to reach Level 12, right?"

The World Tree agreed. "Yes! Also, Flor, try to start gathering these materials as well. I will need them for my mission!"

After noting them down, the World Tree's energy began surging as her Experience Points flowed toward her level.

Ignatia would arrive only a few days later, completely changed.

The day she arrived, Flor welcomed her with a smile that froze after a while. She blinked twice, not believing what she was seeing and feeling. "Ignatia?"

The seductive and mature Ant Queen smirked and approached the Rose Fairy Queen, hugging her into her ample bosom. "I am back, Flor~."

Flor, who was going to brag about her Tier-up, couldn't close her mouth. "You… How?"

Ignatia laughed. "Well, thanks to Liu Shu, my Quest Rewards were boosted~. I am quite lucky. Hahaha. Do you want to see the completion message?"

Flor nodded. She needed to know what Ignatia had gained.

The messages were as such:

[Quest <Ant Queen's Parade>]

[Completion Conditions (Pre Level 25):

Give birth to a total of 10,000 ants. (10,000/10,000)

Have five Level 10+ Ants that are your direct descendants. (5/5)

Befriend or kill a Level 10+ Monster. (1/1)

Befriend or kill a Level 10+ Human. (1/1)

Befriend or kill a Level 10+ Beastkin. (1/1)

Befriend or kill a Level 10+ Sylvan. (1/1)

Befriend or kill a Level 10+ World Tree. (1/1)]

[Rewards: Level +3, Sub-Tier +2, <Ant Queen> related skills +2 Sub-tiers, Title <Ruler>, and unlock the next tier of <Ant Queen's Legacy (C Rank)>.]

[Completed! Calculating efficiency… 217% completion rate! Rewards will be given out accordingly.]

[Final Rewards: Level +6, Sub-Tier +4, <Ant Queen> related skills +4 Sub-tiers, <Hidden Title> <World Tree Ant Queen> unlocked, and unlock the next tier of <Ant Queen's Legacy (B- Rank)>.]

Flor's eyes widened when she read the messages. "So… I wasn't feeling wrong. You've reached D Tier?"

Ignatia smirked and poked Flor's cheeks. "That's right, my little Flor~. Aren't you proud~? Also, I can see that you've improved plenty as well!"

Flor snorted. "It was a lucky chance. Nothing even close to what you've gone through!"

Ignatia laughed. "Well, just because it is you… do you want to see my system page?"

Flor's eyes shone with curiosity, but she asked, unsure, "Can I really look at it?" Showing your own System Page to another person was quite a delicate thing. The trust needed for that was close to "blind trust."

Ignatia patted her head. "Of course~."

***

Name: Ignatia

Titles:

<True Ant Queen>: In a one-in-a-million chance, you've managed to evolve into a humanoid Ant Queen, gaining incredible potential.

<Juvenile Ant Queen>: As the Queen of ants, all ants following your command have a greater chance of breaking through limits. Moreover, all ants without this title will feel compelled to follow your lead.

<Born To Rule>: All ants under your rule receive a 10% stat boost and Experience Point gain.

<Loving Mother>: Your love for your children is palpable, which will make your children loyal to you. You give an innate soothing aura to all those you don't bear animosity with. You can give birth without the need for a reproductive act.

<Fire Aether Body>: You have an innate affinity with fire. All the creatures you give birth to are born with an extra affinity toward Fire Aether as well.

<Hidden Title: World Tree Ant Queen>: Having allied yourself with a World Tree, there is no need for your rule to be absolute. Instead of fighting against the World Tree for dominance, you've chosen to become allies with it and live under her domain as a protector.

There is a 5% chance for your children to <Tier Up> at birth.

10% Stat boost while fighting in an area dominated by the World Tree (Tianlian Liu Shu).

+10% Growth rate for all your children.

+20% Lifespan for all your children and yourself.

Race: Fire Ant Queen

Energy Method:

<Royal Ant Delivery>: You can use your stamina to place up to Level* (Energy cycle+1) eggs a day. Your children's tier is random, but they will never be above or equal to yours. For each sub-tier below your tier, the egg's experience for giving birth is halved. An ant one sub tier below you gives 2 Experience Points.

Level: 20 [0/27664]

Aether Mana Shards: 61,724/61,724

Phoer Body Shards: 179,972/179,972

Anima Energy Shards: 98,054/98,054

Attributes: Aether 257 (209+48), Physique 666 (480+186), Anima 405 (329+76), Willpower 392 (367+25), Destiny 280 (280)

Affinity Percentage: Aether Resonance (20), Physique Refinement (35), Anima Affinity (21), Mental Palace (5)

Resistance Percentage: Aether Resistance (19), Physique Resistance (26), Spiritual Resistance (21), Mental Resistance (20)

Talents:

<Pyro Body Control (E Rank Level 1)>: The Ant Queen's natural affinity allows the Ant Queen to control fire and imbue it in her attacks by using Aether Mana. It increases damage by 15%, damage resistance by 15%, and agility by 15%.

<Ant Queen's Ire (D+ Rank Level 1)>: When feeling angry, the Ant Queen can howl and induce a berserk-like state in all her children, where they receive 30% less damage and deal 50% more damage. The Ant Queen's stats increase by 40%.

<Ember Assault (E+ Rank Level 1)>: Focusing Fire Aether Mana in front of you will create a large burst of scorching embers.

Passive Skills:

<Mid-Level Ant Queen Physique (D+ Rank Level 1)>: Your body has incredible strength. As one of the strongest creatures proportionally for their own size, your physique stat is stronger per point than average.

<Natural Enemy (C Rank Level 1)>: As a creature innately hated by most creatures, you have a hard time creating positive impressions. However, once a creature sees you as someone trustworthy, this skill will lose effect on them.

<Ant Queen's Legacy (B- Rank Level 1)>: You have faint memories of previously chosen Ant Queens. The higher your Level and Skill Tier, the clearer these memories can become.

<Stamina (E- Rank Level MAX)>: Increases your stamina by 20% and reduces your stamina consumption by 5%.

<Ant Queen's Egg Laying (D+ Rank Level 2)>: You can lay eggs without the need to be fertilized. You constantly produce eggs and can increase production by using your Anima Energy or Phoer.

***

Flor blinked several times, feeling that lately, her heart was doing too many jumps. 'I'll die early at this pace.'