If the real Kadela knew that the one inheriting Their power turned out to be like this, perhaps they might have given up the idea of passing down the knowledge and power.

Very well, Rowena provided significant help to Ethan.

Whenever he had doubts about being a "villain" and maintaining "aura," he would use Rowena as a reference to avoid following in her footsteps. 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝐰𝚎𝕓𝐧𝚘𝘃𝗲𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝕞

Rowena, however, was unaware of this. She became so passive that Lindong lost interest in her. With a roll on the ground, she got back up again. "In any case, with me, a seasoned villain, acting as your advisor, you can rest assured—once we reach the city, just follow my lead by watching my eyes."

...

However, the conversation on the other side was far from relaxed and leisurely.

Hours after the mechanical locust migration, the people of the Royal Capital finally emerged from the cellars and underground sewers, only to be met with a landscape of post-disaster devastation, as most buildings had been "devoured by bugs," with structural and state changes beyond recognition. Those who didn't escape underground during the first wave of locust invasion were still wandering the city.

These people, with their skin covered in abnormal metal, exhibited a strong aggressiveness akin to the walking dead. What chilled survivors even more was their high infectiousness; citizens who were besieged were quickly assimilated, and even their beast companions were not exempt.

The wanderers became hybrid beings between humans and beasts, and they didn't need to command beasts to attack as they possessed the strength to contend with ordinary monsters.

The first wave of survivors were not elite Summoners. They had all responded to the call to enlist during a speech in Ferrock's square, but they never received monster eggs distributed by the army, and the beast companions accompanying them were mostly for daily life purposes.

This Kingdom also had a large number of residents uninterested in combat, while true elites of the Royal Summoner Association had been completely annihilated along with the royal family when they left the city.

The surface of the Royal Capital was no longer suitable for human inhabitation. At least until the infected wanderers were completely eradicated, they had to be prepared for long-term living in the underground sewers or cellars. Fortunately, the aggressiveness and speed of the wanderers were nowhere near that of the mechanical locust swarms, offering survivors the opportunity to transfer resources underground.

At the lowest point of morale, Charlotte stood up and made a speech in the vacant area of the underground sewers.

It was stuffy and hot here, with an unpleasant smell permeating the air. She too had witnessed the downfall of the Crimson Queen, which was almost the last straw that broke the camel's back, causing the remaining survivors to lose hope entirely.

This time, the Crimson Queen would never save them again as she had before.

"The downfall of the Crimson Queen is heart-wrenching, but life must go on!"

Compared to Minister Ferrock's speeches, Charlotte's appeal was far less effective.

It was not only because she was inexperienced and had never spoken in front of so many people, but also because everyone present had been deeply hurt by Ferrock's speech. When they had mustered up the courage to respond to the call for the Kingdom and their families, what had the royal family and ministers done?

They'd fled with valuable possessions and the finest Summoners.

Smooth talkers are up to no good!

Charlotte heard the murmurings in the crowd, making her choke and unable to speak.

"I plan to go to the surface to gather some supplies before nightfall. Anyone willing to go with me?"

After a long time, she proposed again.

As this was a long-term confrontation, they had to be well-prepared. They needed more than just supplies; they had to transform the underground sewers into a habitable refuge for people in a short time.

The fall of the Crimson Queen meant the world's rules had been broken, and the concept of "death" would return to this world. They could no longer live to a ripe old age as before. If they remained in such an environment for long, they would soon become ill. Before the mechanical creatures could occupy the entire world, the remaining survivors would die of infectious diseases.

However, there were few respondents; one was a patrol team member who survived the first round of searches, while others were adults with elderly and children to support. They had all witnessed the terror of the wanderers and each harbored a fatalistic resolve.

"Follow me then."

Charlotte adjusted her mood.

Having some was better than none. She quickly convinced herself, sensing her firm resolve, and the white young dragon returned her gaze with a steadfast look.

"Those nuisances are finally gone."

Once the temporary search-and-rescue team assembled by Charlotte left, several individuals hiding among the survivor group exchanged glances.

They felt they should thank Charlotte, despite her vague speeches, for at least taking away several troublesome figures.

Before long, a woman's cries broke the stifling atmosphere of the underground sewer, and as the confused people looked in the direction of the sound, they saw several adults kicking a smudged little boy to the ground. Some were blatantly robbing the two of their food.

"What are you, what are you doing?"

A question arose from the crowd.

Before the questioner could get up, a fierce-looking gray wolf blocked their view.