When the conversation shifted to other matters, it was clear not everyone in the chat group would care. But once the name "dear Eirik" came up, the mood shifted instantly, excitement running high among the participants.

Many girls chimed in, eagerly sharing their admiration for his looks and strength, claiming that capturing him—the top-tier card—would secure victory without question.

Eirik had become an icon of unparalleled popularity in this chat, drawing fans like moths to a flame.

Meanwhile, in a cave on an island, a young woman dressed in a crisp white shirt—a slim figure with an adventurous air—was studying the system panel before her with focused intensity.

Upon a closer look, one would notice the delicate fox ears peeking out from her dark, flowing hair, soft and enchanting.

This was the new player who had just appeared in the chat: Fennec.

"Heh, from what I’ve heard, it’s all about some man, right? As mages, if we truly want power, we must rely on ourselves. How can we expect success by depending on someone else?!" Fennec scoffed, shaking her head slightly.

The Fennec clan had once mingled with the legendary succubus Lilith, and as a result, their bloodline carried a trace of her power. The idea of relying on men was anathema to their family’s values.

Across the continent, the fox clan was often associated with beauty, a reputation Fennec resented. She had no interest in leaning on anyone—she was determined to forge her own path!

"Right now, without relying on that man, I’ve found the Elemental Spring! As for Eirik, I’ve seen him—he’s probably by the beach grilling fish!" Her offhand remark stunned the group.

"You... you saw dear Eirik?!"

"Ha! Eirik’s at the beach; let’s hurry and find him!" Excitement rippled through the girls as they scrambled.

Fennec, however, stood frozen, utterly baffled.

Didn’t anyone catch the point of what I said?!

Idiots! I talked about something serious, and all you heard was that the man is grilling fish on the beach?!

She wiped the cold sweat from her forehead, frustration growing. The atmosphere in this group was strange—had these girls really been brainwashed by Eirik? Was this some kind of cult?!

"Sister, I support you! They've all gone mad!" A few voices of solidarity emerged, girls sympathetic to Fennec, their eyes glinting with determination. They quickly reached out to her privately, eager to join her cause.

"Don’t worry! I’m in need of followers; those who come with me will find plenty at the Elemental Spring. You’ll last longer and live better than with that man!"

Fennec boldly declared in the public chat, even sharing her location.

You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

Many players were tempted by her offer. But why was Fennec being so generous?

After considering the situation, Fennec realized that to succeed and score high, teamwork was the only answer. They needed to unite!

As the leader, she would receive the best treatment, with her scores reflecting her leadership.

The introduction had made it clear: high scores meant better rewards! Although it was her first time in what was called a Queen Cultivation Game, Fennec was intrigued by the system's potential rewards.

Her openness and generosity began attracting players. Suddenly, Eirik didn’t seem so important anymore.

"Maybe, just maybe, he’s not the top-tier card after all!"

Whispers spread like wildfire.

"Heh, is finding the Elemental Spring really that impressive?!"

"My husband is way stronger than the Elemental Spring!"

Elvynna, who was nestled close to Eirik, couldn’t help but smirk. Perfect! You all follow Fennec, and leave Eirik to me!

But then Violanda suddenly stood, her expression growing serious as she gazed into the sky.

"Rain’s coming; we shouldn’t linger here!"

No sooner had her words left her mouth than a fierce wind howled, and the sea churned violently, waves crashing against the shore with deafening roars.

The spray from the waves hit Eirik’s face, dampening Violetta’s glasses.

"The tide's rising; we need to move!" Eirik could sense the urgency.

Violanda and Elvynna, who weren’t vying for Eirik’s attention, seized the opportunity to retreat from the beach.

As they fled, Violanda noticed Eirik lagging behind. Without hesitation, she scooped him up in her arms.

Eirik blinked in confusion. What’s going on? Violanda, shouldn’t I be carrying you? Being hoisted by this petite girl while I, nearly six foot three, run feels... strange!

Noticing Eirik's discomfort, Violetta’s lips curled into a smirk, her starry eyes gleaming with satisfaction. So you thought you could bully me yesterday, huh?

Though her strength had only partly returned, it was enough to carry him now. Let’s see you escape this time!

"You..." Elvynna frowned, a tinge of irritation creeping into her voice. That’s my husband, not yours! Can’t you at least act a little more reserved?

But even though it was a little embarrassing to be carried by a golden-haired beauty like the potion master, he couldn’t help but think, The embrace of the potion master is soft, fragrant, and comfortable... He’d rather endure the eternal shame than be left behind!

To be fair, the way Violanda carried him was impressive; she moved with such grace and speed that it almost felt like they were in a luxury vehicle.

After a rapid sprint, the trio found refuge in a higher part of the woods. Looking back, they saw the beach—and much of the forest—completely submerged.

But the danger was far from over.

"Watch out!" Elvynna suddenly shouted, and before her words had fully registered, a wooden staff tipped with metal shot forward from her hand.

With a thud, a vine in the dense thicket twisted violently, striking like a serpent.

And that was only the beginning.

In an instant, the forest sprang to life, vines and leaves twisting and reaching out like hands from the depths of hell.

"You’ve chosen death!" Violanda sneered, swinging her staff with practiced ease. These plants were fierce, but both Elvynna and Violanda had faced countless battles before; a few vines wouldn’t stop them.

Even with Eirik just tagging along, they easily sliced through the chaos, finding a safe haven.

It was a dark cave.

"If we keep this pace and restore our magic, we should be fine unless we encounter the true vine monsters. But to thrive, we’ll need a better strategy..." Violanda pondered.

"Want to improve our situation? We could explore the wreckage of those planes." Eirik suggested after a moment of thought.

Curiously, there were several aircraft wrecks scattered throughout the small forest. Pixie had seen firebirds falling from the sky, assuming they were powerful beings in battle.

These crashes seemed linked to the vine monsters, hinting that there were more lurking in the woods.

Among the wreckage, they might find modern conveniences. Securing them would not only improve their living conditions but could also boost their scores.

It was time to show Elvynna and Violetta the wonders of modern civilization.

But wherever the plane wrecks were, the true vine monsters wouldn’t be far behind, presenting a significant risk!