Re:Ant Lord-Chapter 60: What Inches!

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Luna flushed slightly and gave a sly smirk. "Hmm... thoughtful ant boyfriend. I guess that earns you another date."

Kai straightened up, face heating. "So... we’re really doing this? You and me?"

Luna tilted her head. "Of course, silly. You’re the only one who’s ever made me feel like me. Not just the strong bunny girl. But a woman. Even if you’re a tiny worker ant, I don’t care."

Kai puffed out his chest. "I’m growing, okay? One day I’ll be human-sized."

Luna gave him a teasing glance. "Can’t wait to see your human form."

Kai coughed.

"I’ll go back to the guest hall before anyone sees me here," Luna added, standing up and stretching. Her figure shimmered in the light, the pink tint of her outfit glowing softly. "You... coming?"

Kai paused. "I’ll head to the village hall. My team’s probably awake by now."

She leaned over and planted a quick kiss on his forehead. "Don’t keep me waiting too long, Kai. When you reach the next rank... you must come find me" she winked, "my mark might not stop me next time."

Kai muttered as he watched her hop off toward the village path, "I swear, I’ll evolve if it’s the last thing I do. I can’t make a beautiful and hot girl like her wait." Suddenly the system message rang in Kai’s mind.

[Ding! Side Mission Activated: "Romantic Advancement"

Evolve to Three-Star Rank and meet Luna.

Reward: +30 impression points, +5 Inches (Optional Stat Boost).

Bonus Reward: Luna’s Heart (Unlocked Affection Trait)]

"...wait, what was that second reward? What +5 inches?" Kai asked the system. But his system did not respond to him. It went silent as it didn’t exist. "Fine! Don’t answer me. I know what you mean. System, You are trying to be funny. I get that. But don’t make readers angry. I am the MC of the book, not you."

Kai brushed himself off and limped toward the village center. His lower back was sore, his stamina drained, and worst of all—his ant rod had truly entered hibernation mode. After reaching the hall he pretended to sleep. There’s still some time left before dawn.

When morning dawned, the village awoke in gentle rustles: roosters crowing, farmers heading to fields, and merchants opening their stalls. The ants, having slept deeper than in any forest campsite, stirred with renewed strength. Some quickly devoured bread and fresh fruit offered by local folks. The air around them felt calmer—no monstrous roars, no spike traps. Still, the memory of the star crystal mine’s beckoning call tugged at each warrior’s mind.

Luna arrived soon after sunrise with a soft, teasing wave. She greeted each ant politely, even receiving a curt nod from Darius. Then her gaze found Kai, and the warmth in her eyes told him all he needed to know about their shared night. "I trust you all rested well," she said, a gentle smile crossing her lips. "You will depart soon, right? If you all want, you can rest another day."

Darius cleared his throat. "We appreciate your... hospitality," he said gruffly, "but we have a mission. Let’s not waste time." He turned, signaling the ants to prepare.

Kai and Luna exchanged a look that spoke volumes in silence. She might not travel with them all the way, but the bond they had woven in the hush of that night lingered, a thread of sweet memory and future promise. She leaned in, pressing a small paper packet of herbs into Kai’s hand. "For your wounds," she whispered softly, "and maybe if you ever want to see me again, you will know where to find me."

His antennae twitched, a gentle longing tugging at him. "Thank you," he murmured, voice tight with emotion. "I... I’ll remember." She gave Kai her clan location on the packet, hoping one day Kai will come looking for her.

With that, the ants shouldered their meager supplies, bandages from the herbal shop, leftover bread, water from the local well. Darius, eyes scanning warily, led them to the village’s exit. Villagers waved kindly, wishing them safe travels. Some whispered about the anthro bunny who had guided them. Others just looked on in calm acceptance of travelers passing through.

At the final gate, Luna stood to see them off. She wore a simpler outfit now, but her eyes shone with the same brilliance. "Be safe," she called as they disappeared down the winding trail. "And if you get in trouble again, I might appear," she added with a playful wink aimed at Kai.

Thus, the expedition departed the village, each ant walking with renewed vigor. The fresh memories of warmth and rest cast a gentle glow over them. Kai, in particular, felt a special spark in his chest. He had found not just physical healing in that quiet place, but also a personal awakening.

The user of the Lustres Mark skill had added a new thread of destiny to his journey. How he had two future wives for his harem. The only problem is he isn’t strong enough to mate with them. It’s also a good thing. By the time he gets stronger enough to mate his impression points will reach a higher number. He got Luna very easily. But conquering Mia will be a difficult task.

The sky ahead was clear, the path leading toward the star crystal mine closer than ever. Soon the terrain would shift into rugged hills and hidden ravines rumored to shelter more fierce beasts or cunning predators. Captain Darius’s cold gaze promised more friction, while the star crystals themselves beckoned with raw aura.

Yet Kai walked with a subtle confidence, the echo of Luna’s gentle touch in his mind. He needs to find the knowledge of this world. It was bigger than the forest’s daily horrors.

He needs to find some easy hunting ground when he can go to level up. And with each step, he vowed that once the star crystal mine was conquered, he would focus only on leveling up, forward into whatever trials fate placed before him.