197 Buried treasures lie beneath the earth?

Since taking over the ant nest, I have reinforced my subterranean detection during movement.

They had tasted the flavor of it.

In a double sense.

Ants were surprisingly delicious.

Perhaps due to the acid affinity, it tastes sour.

The sourness was once again perfectly balanced.

Still, I can say that only because I possess the Acid Resistance skill. Without it, eating would likely cause damage.

The larvae were faintly sweet and delicious.

Perhaps because it was a monster, there was no cocoon.

Perhaps the larva evolves directly into the form of an ant.

Eggs were present as well, but they would likely become food again upon hatching. They were wrapped in thread and left untouched.

The egg I am keeping alive now is meant to serve as food when it hatches.

Wrapped in thread, it cannot move freely even after hatching. Even if it emerges earlier than my egg, I am secure.

Excellent as a base, delicious as food.

Everything is accounted for.

Thus, while searching for an ant nest, I also considered the possibility of finding a hot spring, and intensified my subterranean detection.

Movement proceeded smoothly.

By avoiding human settlements and established roads, traveling through unmarked paths, I expanded my operational range without major incidents.

I did eliminate monsters along the way, and wiped out bandits, but that was expected.

As a result, the Map of Wisdom expanded considerably.

With coverage this extensive, escape via teleportation is assured.

Provided I remain vigilant, the risk of capture by the Demon King is negligible.

Even if captured, the egg insurance prevents irreversible outcomes.

But I can no longer keep fleeing forever.

The connection to the Demon King's designated guardian has been severed.

That implies the guardian was defeated by the Demon King and absorbed in turn.

I will not forget the scales you stripped from me, guardian.

If that is the case, then my plan to hijack souls while fleeing has been entirely invalidated.

The sole remaining opportunity to defeat the Demon King has vanished.

Thus, the only two courses of action available to me moving forward are:

One is to continue fleeing as before.

The Demon King has retaliated, but the Queen's assimilation remains ongoing.

Just recently, one more Queen assimilation concluded. Three remain.

Those three will soon complete as well.

Seems the assimilation rate has increased—possibly due to my evolution.

I cannot defeat the Demon King yet, but integrating the remaining Queens will bring me to parity—or beyond.

Option one: retreat until that moment arrives.

Option two: negotiate a truce with the Demon King.

Even now, my invulnerability is unmatched.

I cannot defeat the Demon King, but neither can he kill me.

We are at an impasse.

Additionally, the Demon King repelled my soul attack.

The immediate threat has been neutralized.

Under these conditions, if I sincerely apologize and withdraw from the Queens, a reconciliation is not impossible.

The Demon King has been attacked by me. If I now offer a genuine apology—no further attacks, I’m sorry, please forgive me—perhaps a resolution can be found.

Hopeful speculation.

In truth, neither I nor the Demon King can do anything more at this point.

Even after integrating the Queen, whether I could defeat that Demon King is a matter of questionable odds.

Frankly, that Demon King isn’t even a manager—his best-case outcome is a stalemate, nothing more.

Honestly, in my mind, I have no desire to fight the Demon King anymore.

The risk is too high.

The world must be resolved as soon as possible, but once that’s done, I simply wish to spend my remaining days in peace.

I want to eat delicious food and sleep.

Who would willingly choose to battle a monstrous beast that makes even the greatest horrors look pale in comparison?

That said, if the Demon King is stubborn by nature, I may still be targeted in the future.

Considering that, I should integrate the remaining Queens now—strengthen myself to a level where I can match his power directly.

It is not too late to apologize afterward, I would like to believe.

That depends on the Demon King, really.

A resolution may become unavoidable, but I would prefer to decline, if possible.

For now, select Option One: escape. Activate Option Two when the time comes.

And with the future strategy decided, a cavity was discovered underground.

A hole penetrates deeply into the structure.

Within the range of my detection, the deepest I can perceive is barely beneath the ceiling.

More like an ant nest, don't you think?

Too deep for that.

Moreover, the ceiling appeared unusually sturdy—artificial in construction.

A bad feeling.

An artifact this deep underground.

Considering the cultural level of humanity observed thus far, the question arises: whether such technology exists to dig this deep underground, let alone construct artificial basements within such depths.

Moreover, the place where I currently am lies deep within a forest devoid of people.

Deep within a forest no adventurer dared approach.

Would anyone create something down in a place like that?

Could it be made?

This must be confirmed.

If my assessment is correct, this enigmatic underground facility must be verified at all costs.

My prediction is likely correct.

The issue lies in whether it remains alive or not.

Even if it is unlikely, should it somehow survive, it must be stopped at all costs.

No matter what danger existed.

I steeled myself and began digging into the earth.