Ascension of the Sylvan Cosmos-Chapter 373. Eve Of The Battle. Cinderielle’s Parents.

Ignatia glanced at Fortuna and crossed her arms. She had left one of her most talented Ant Princesses in Fortuna City since the beginning, so Fortuna was more than prepared for ants to help out as much as they could. However, Fortuna herself was slightly lacking in comparison to Liu Shu. She couldn't help but ask aloud while overviewing her children. "Fortuna, how strong are the walls surrounding you? What about the over-wall defenses? I heard that the enemies have a few thousand Third Energy Cycles."

Fortuna spoke after hesitating for a few moments. "We've strengthened the walls, and Little Liu Shu has also lent me a root in reinforcing them. Thanks to that, the walls now have a runic feature that creates a dome-like defense. Now, whether that dome can block off the attacks of several thousand Level 50s is not something I can confirm." Fortuna was slightly frustrated, feeling a bit too useless compared to this little sister of hers. "Unlike Liu Shu, my city doesn't really grow with me. I have no ability to create livable space, only forests."

Ignatia hummed and pondered. Then, she asked. "Have Lakeborn's roots reached here? I've seen the moat around the city."

"They have! Big Sister Lakeborn is connected to all four cities. She also resides in the Golden Sap City's lake, didn't you know that?"

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Ignatia laughed helplessly. "How should I know which roots are whose with the complicated network you big ladies have ongoing?"

Fortuna laughed sheepishly. "To be honest... Liu Shu's ability to organize our roots is truly incredible. Did you know that just her rearrangement has increased my Energy Cycle completion from 60% to 75%?"

Ignatia was flabbergasted. "That's... possible?"

Hearing the shock in her words, Fortuna sympathized. "I feel the same way, Ignatia. The same exact way..."

Both stayed silent for a few seconds before sighing. "Let's get back to business. How is the overland arrangement ongoing? Remember to keep me informed of the areas that will need my help."

Fortuna also turned serious. "The enemy army seems quite arrogant. They've made no attempt at hiding their movements, and we have a few flying creatures keeping an eye on them. It seems that they are not worried that they will fail, as if their win is guaranteed. The leader is Marlius, who is also known for his arrogance. Still, while arrogant, he has the strength to back it up. Since he entered the public's eye, Marlius has rarely been defeated. Even in defeat, he has never been dealt a decisive blow."

Ignatia hummed. Then, she blinked and asked. "By the way, how is the new Temple's buff? You have quite a lot of skills related to , right? I wonder if they've been heavily affected."

Fortuna chuckled. "Let's say that the new me is a few times stronger than the old me. I've also reached Level 51~."

"Oh? How? You haven't really participated in any fights, right?"

"The Wall Forest has plenty of creatures that try to invade this way. Beast tides are not that rare, and while before we used monster-repellent due to our lack of strength, now we are allowing them to come, and we clean them up. It's a good way of earning Experience Points."

Clicking her tongue, Ignatia answered. "While I understand that Beast Tides happen when there are too many creatures in the Forest and some force pushes them out, it's truly a wonder to see them happening so often."

"Well." Fortuna's voice had a smiling tone to it. "When Little Liu Shu absorbs the Wall Forest, this source of Experience Points will only grow." She then added. "Speaking of which, your children are lovely little ones. They have thoroughly cleaned up the few parasitic bothers I had around my roots. I feel super refreshed without that constant itch on my roots."

Ignatia smiled happily. It was her utmost joy to hear praise for her children, even better than when someone praised her.

While the ants prepared, Flor and the others stood on the 30-meter-tall walls surrounding Fortuna City. Fortuna City looked much more conservative and tame than the super city that Golden Sap City represented. The buildings were not as tall, and they were made out of a mix of wooden and rock-like materials. It was clearly constructed according to the usual standard across all continents, a mix of civilization and nature. The streets were also covered with rock slabs, and a complex swage system flowed under it, passing through a few purifiers before releasing the water back to nearby rivers a few kilometers away from the city.

It was one of the most commonly built World Tree cities across the world. Of course, with a Level 50 World Tree at the center, the attraction that the city had was undeniable. Having the ability to own property was something that Golden Sap City residents lacked. Hence, some preferred living in the cities on the periphery instead of the grand urban center near Liu Shu. Moreover, the major buffs that Liu Shu shared with her population reached here as well, so the reasons to move to the central city were both opportunity and ambition.

For those content, Fortuna and the other two cities were more attractive.

Speaking of Fortuna City also couldn't be done without mentioning Cinderielle's parents! The couple had been living here for the last three decades, and they also knew a few things about their child. They were aware that somehow, their cute little Cinder managed to enter into a relationship with the World Tree that had made so much noise in the last decades.

"... Cinder, are you sure you are not being bullied?"

Cinderielle didn't know whether to laugh or cry. Her father was always worried that Liu Shu had some ulterior intent toward her. After all, in her father's eyes, she was not someone so remarkable that a World Tree would set their eyes on her. In his mind, only those heirs of noble families had the privilege of even speaking to World Trees, not to mention entering a romantic relationship with them.

"Dad, I told you that I am not young already, right? I've reached Level 50 more than a year ago! Don't worry, okay. I am not being bullied..." Cinderielle then thought to herself. 'More than being bullied, I am the one doing the bullying when we are together.' Her eyes flashed with a hint of amusement. 'Seeing Tiantian squirm in my arms and call my name with her sweet and sticky tone is truly stimulating~. Sometimes, I barely have the ability to hold on to my mind...'

Cinderielle was quite surprised with herself in that regard. After all, who knew that she could hold back from going all the way for such a long time when having the attractive World Tree in her arms? Of course, while her lust for Liu Shu was overflowing, her love was just leagues stronger, allowing her to control her evil thoughts rather easily.

Mama Cinder sat on the side with a soft smile. Unlike Cinderielle's father, who had signs of aging, her mother still looked as young as 20 years ago. This quite clearly showed the difference in aging between species.

"Cinder, when will I be able to hold my grandchildren?"

Cinderielle almost choked to death. She had come to her parents' house to warn them about the war and suggest that they move to Golden Sap City for a few days. However, to her surprise, both of them shook their heads calmly and changed the subject to her relationship with Liu Shu as naturally as breathing. Before she knew it, she was swept into the discussion, developing to the question that her mother asked with shiny eyes.

Cinderielle coughed, her face somewhat red. "M-Mom, I have not gone all the way with Tiantian yet. Grandchildren can wait a few years!"

"That's not good!" Her mother said very seriously. "If you wait a few more years, won't your father look like a mummy by then? Look at him. He has already started shriveling like a prune!"

Cinder's Dad almost choked to death, looking at his wife with a flabbergasted expression. "Hey, I look quite good for my age, alright? I can wait a few years without a problem!"

The mother sighed and grabbed the man's hands. "Love, it's not that I underestimate you. However, a few years in Sylvan years might refer to a few decades."

The man rolled his eyes, but seeing Cinderielle's awkward face, he swallowed his words. Scratching his head, he sighed. "Who told me to fall in love with a Sylvan? If Cinder feels that she needs a few decades, let her wait. You and she have a long life ahead. I wouldn't want you to rush your relationship and blow it because of me."

Cinderielle's eyes stung slightly, and she leaned forward, hugging her dad tightly. "No matter how many years, I will always remember you. I love you, Dad."

At the side, Cinderielle's mother smiled gently. She had never regretted marrying this man for a second. For her, this human who would only stay in her life for a limited amount of time was like an oasis of respite, a place where she was finally able to grow roots.

To be honest, Cinderielle's mother was far from weak. While she was a common Sylvan, her age was well over 300 years old. Then, thanks to Liu Shu's recent auras, she was able to Level Up quite rapidly, reaching Level 40.

For this side of the continent, Level 40 was very high. On the contrary, Cinderielle's dad was Level 24. Even if he reached Level 25 or 50, his lifespan would only lengthen by a decade or two. Compared to the centennial Sylvans, it was nothing. "Husband, do you want to go and see the war?"

The man patted his daughter's head and nodded with a jovial smile. "I've never seen a large-scale war like this one! It will certainly be an experience."

Cinderielle looked at her mother and father with a reproachful expression. "You two lack too much tension! War is not a joke, and many people die!"

Cinderielle was hugged by her mother and saw her smiling. "I know. That's why we want to go. I want to see my baby return safe and sound to my arms, and I want to see it with my own eyes. Hence, we will go and cheer you from a safe distance."

After she heard her mother's words, she had nothing more to say. A sigh escaped her mouth, and she nodded solemnly. "Don't worry, I won't die."

Meanwhile, on the walls of the city, Flor had already grouped up with Eila, Taro, Delia, Thalgryn, Galia, and many other leaders. Everyone's eyes were calm and peaceful, lacking any fear of the approaching army. Flor smiled slowly. "They think they can beat down Liu Shu."

Eila sneered, her arms crossed. "They don't even have the strength to make Fortuna suffer. Let them come; it could also count as our intervention in the Nexus vs Covenant war."

Thalgryn smiled at Eila. "Eila, take leadership of this battle. You are the most knowledgeable about Lady Fortuna's abilities."

Eila had no problems agreeing to that. As soon as she agreed, a messenger arrived with a rushed tone. "We've spotted the army in the distance! Their numbers float around 70 to 80 thousand."

Eila nodded. "Noted." Then, she shouted aloud. "Prepare to teach Nexus scum why World Trees are sacred creatures!"

The almost 150,000 people on their side raised their arms and released an intimidating battle cry. "RAAHHH!"