Evolution begins with an ant colony
Chapter 32 The motive behind their actions

Darius began to wake up, his mind gradually clearing as his senses started coming back to him. The darkness surrounding him felt like it was closing in, a weight on his chest that made it hard to breathe. A mix of panic and confusion welled up as he tried to figure out what had happned.

In the darkness, Darius spoke with a shaky voice, his words carrying the weight of his anxiety. "What... what's happening? Where are we? Why is it so dark? We were just fighting...

the ants, right? I got hit by a silver hammer and then... I can't remember. This isn't right. We shouldn't be here. We need to get out, now!"

All of a sudden, Darius heard a voice commanding, "Illuminate," Suddenly, light flooded his previously dim surroundings, revealing the scene in front of him. As his eyes adjusted, he came to the realization that he wasn't alone.

With a quiver in his voice, Darius extended his hand towards his fallen comrades, his deep concern unmistakable in his words. "Hey, guys! Wake up! Come on, we can't stay here. Something's not right. Elara, Gromm, Raela, Torin! Wake up!

We need to figure out what's going on and get out of here!"

Akun stood in front of them, his figure partly hidden by the brightness, his gaze locked onto them.

At the sight of Akun, Darius's heart raced as he tried to push himself up, his body protesting with various aches and pains. With a blend of bewilderment and resolve, Darius fought to stand, his eyes unwaveringly focused on Akun. He cleared his throat, his voice tinged with both apprehension and defiance. "Did you... did you capture us? What is this place? What do you want with us?"

Akun's eyes glowed with a vivid purple as he addressed Darius. "Oh... you are inside the anthill, welcome to my home!"

Akun's voice cut through the tension, a note of reassurance in his tone. "Calm down. If things go the way I want, you guys will only need to answer a few questions."

Darius's defiance was palpable. "We won't be answering any questions."

A grim smile tugged at the corners of Akun's lips. "Well, Darius, you've got two options now." His voice held an edge of authority. "You can either answer my questions obediently and leave with your lives, or you can remain stubborn and meet your ends in this anthill."

Gradually, Darius's party members started to stir, their confused forms becoming more aware of their surroundings. confused murmurs filled the air as they blinked and tried to make sense of their situation.

Lyra's voice was the first to break through the haze, her tone laced with bewilderment, "What... Where are we?"

Gromm's gruff voice joined in, his confusion evident, "Feels like we got hit by a boulder..."

Raela's voice followed, her words a mix of surprise and disbelief, "Wait, did we get captured?"

Torin's calming presence chimed in, "Stay calm, everyone. Let's assess the situation."

Darius's own thoughts raced as he watched his party members gradually become more alert.

Darius thought to himself, "We're in no shape to fight, not like this." Looking at his dazed party members, he knew they shared his sentiment. As they began to stir and exchange uncertain glances, he mumbled under his breath, "Guess we better answer his questions for now."

Darius rubbed his temples, still feeling the effects of the earlier battle. He looked at Akun, his gaze conflicted yet resigned. "Alright," he said with a sigh, "what do you want to know?"

Akun's lips curled into a small, sardonic smile. He leaned forward slightly and fixed his gaze on Darius. "Let's get straight to it then," he said. "Why did you and your party come here and attack my comrades?"

Darius's eyes met Akun's intense gaze as he answered, "We came here for monster ant cores."

Akun's voice resonated with a menacing blend of inquiry and censure as he demanded, "so you dare attack my comrades to harvest their cores, even tho they looked human?"

As Akun questioned Darius about their motives, Darius's party members spoke up in his defense, each offering their perspective with a touch of anxiety.

Elara, the elven archer, nervously added, "We didn't mean to hurt anyone. We were desperate."

Gromm, the towering half-orc, grumbled, "We've been having a rough time lately. Needed money for food and our necessities."

Lyra, the mage, nodded in agreement, "Yeah, it was more about survival-"

Hushing down the adventurers, Akun's voice echoed, "Shut up! I don't recall granting any of you the right to speak. Just so we're clear, you're in my territory now, all of you are my captives. I hold the power to end your lives as I wish. So, watch your words and actions carefully – if I were you, that is."

Akun swiftly continued, "Now, let's return to the questions."

His words held a somber undertone, the gravity of the situation settling in as he made them considered the consequences of their actions.

"Very well," Akun responded, his gaze unwavering. "On to question two. Have any of you heard any rumors about 'Summoned heroes'?"

Darius and his companions exchanged worried glances before Darius spoke up. "Well," he began hesitantly, "I have heard some rumors about those 'Summoned heroes,' but as far as I know, they're still in training."

Akun's grin widened slightly as he posed his next question. "So, any ideas about their level and grade at this point?"

Darius replied with a thoughtful expression, "Considering their short training time, I'd say they're probably at the novice grade."

Akun's thoughts raced as he questioned the Endless Evolution system. "System, what is the novice grade, tho it sounds weak I can't recall encountering such a stage during my own evolution process."

[The novice grade and the insect grade are essentially identical in terms of their classification and attributes. The only distinction lies in the fact that the insect grade is reserved for creatures of your kind, encompassing the unique traits and qualities of monster evolution.]

After the system's response had settled in the air, an air of contemplation seemed to envelop Akun. It was Darius who eventually broke through the silence, his words bearing a mix of curiosity and a readiness to continue.

"Do you have all the answers you need?" he inquired, his gaze directed at Akun.

A small, snister smile touched Akun's lips, and he nodded as if acknowledging Darius's unspoken question. "Yes, that's everything," he confirmed, his voice carrying a sense of assurance that their conversation had reached its conclusion.

With authority, Akun declared, "Since I am a man of my word, I'll uphold my promise and grant you all your freedom. Follow me," he commanded.

As they readied to depart, Akun's interruption held a solemn warning, his tone and demeanor both serious.

"Wait a moment," he began, his gaze piercing into each adventurer's eyes. "Listen up, all of you. What went down today is a secret you better take to your damn graves. You'd be wise to handle this info like it's fragile glass. Hold it tight, keep it locked down. 'Cause if any other soul dares to step foot in this forest to mess with my colony, mark my words – I'll replace you, and I will end you."

A heavy understanding passed between them, an unspoken law forged through their shared fear. Akun's eyes bore the seriousness of his threath, making certain they grasped the importance of his words. Once the tension calmed down, he led them out of the anthill.

Each step he took exuded menace, each turn navigated with a hint of seriousness, as if Akun was secretly warning of the consequences that would happen if they didn't keep their mouths shut.

Guided by Akun's presence, the adventurers emerged from the depths of the anthill and into the dappled sunlight of the forest. The transition from darkness to light felt almost symbolic, as if a new chapter had unfolded before them. Though their encounter had been marked by tension and uncertainty, a sense of danger seemed to harden the atmosphere.

Stepping out from the dim interior, they were greeted by the gentle, warm hues of the forest.

Just as the adventurers were about to depart, Akun's voice cut through, "I'll be tagging along, so get comfortable." His words sent shivers down their spines, memories of their intense battle with him resurfacing.

Upon reaching the forest's edge, Darius, his voice tinged with fear, piped up, "This is where we say goodbye."

Akun's response was firm, "You better start moving before I change my mind." Fearing his presence, the adventurers quickened their pace, driven by anxiety.