Evolution begins with an ant colony
Chapter 35 [Bonus chapter]The ants and the bees

Akun scratched his head and asked the Endless Evolution System, "Hey, system any building plans in the Super Gamer Shop."

[Certainly, there are numerous building designs available from various games you've experienced.]

A wry smile curved across Akun's lips as he inquired with the system, "How about the complete building plan for the capital of Melramark from the game 'Gladiator Knights'?"

In its typical formal tone, the system responded, [Certainly, that option is available.]

Curiosity lighting up his expression, Akun inquired further, "And what's the cost?"

The system's response came without hesitation.

[The price is set at 10,000 evolution points.]

Akun's eyebrows shot up in surprise, his lips forming a slight pout as he mumbled, "That's a large amount of evolution points... Can't you make it a bit more affordable?"

Akun's resolve remained unshaken as he pressed on, his curiosity getting the best of him. "So, what's the count of my evolution points now?"

In a tone that added a touch of theatricality, the system responded.

[Your present balance stands at 256 evolution points.]

With a defeated gesture, Akun's posture slouched, and he sat down with a sigh of frustration. "Guess I'm broke then."

Akun rallied his companions, summoning Leona and a team of evolved ants. Gathering them around, he explained their new mission – to venture into the forest, confront its challenges, and accumulate evolution points for the greater good. "We're heading out to grind," he declared, determination in his eyes. Leona nodded in agreement.

"Listen up, everyone!" Leona's voice echoed with authority as she gathered the evolved ants around. "Boss has a plan, and it's time for us to step up. We're heading into the forest to grind. This is our chance to make a difference and build a better future for our colony. Let's show the world what we're made of!" The ants buzzed with enthusiasm, ready to follow their leader's guidance.

Akun distributed silver spears and shields among the ants, ensuring they were well-prepared for the grind ahead, a group of male ants approached him with determination in their eyes. Their collective voice expressed their intent, "Boss, we want to join you. We want to fight and contribute as well."

Akun looked at them, impressed by their eagerness. With a nod, he replied, "Alright, you guys can come along. Let's gear up and head into the forest together." The male ants exchanged triumphant glances, appreciating the opportunity to stand alongside their comrades and work toward a brighter future.

As they delved deeper into the forest, Akun led his group of evolved ants alongside Leona. Their determination to gather resources and gain experience fueled their every step.

Their path brought them to a series of goblin villages, ramshackle settlements with crude huts. "Alright, everyone," Akun's voice carried authority as he gestured to the ants. "Let's raid these villages and gather whatever we can."

Leona, her eyes sharp, organized the male ants into squads. "Remember, stick together and watch each other's backs." With determined nods, they infiltrated the goblin villages.

The air was thick with tension as they infiltrated the crude settlements. The rustling leaves and distant calls of forest creatures provided an eerie backdrop to the impending clash.

The goblins were taken by surprise, their guttural shouts echoing through the trees as the ants descended upon them. The clash of metal against metal rang out as spears clashed with crude weapons. The ants moved with precision, their movements fluid and coordinated, while the goblins fought with a raw ferocity that could not be underestimated.

The sound of clashes was punctuated by the triumphant cries of the ants as they felled their goblin opponents. The goblins fought back fiercely, their crude weapons slashing through the air with a harsh, slicing sound.

The battle was fierce and chaotic, a symphony of clashes, grunts, and the occasional yelp of pain.

Leona's voice rose above the chaos, her orders guiding the male ants as they organized themselves into squads, covering each other's blind spots. "Keep pushing forward! Don't give them a chance to regroup!" she shouted, her voice carrying a mix of command and encouragement.

Amidst the chaos, Akun's silver spear glinted in the dappled sunlight as he fended off a particularly aggressive goblin. The clash of his weapon against the goblin's makeshift club reverberated through the air. The ants were relentless, their determination evident in every strike, every parry.

The goblins fought back with a desperate resolve, their attacks growing more coordinated as they realized the threat posed by the ants. Shields clashed against crude blades, metal met wood in a symphony of combat.

The goblins' cries of anger mixed with the ants' battle cries, creating a cacophony of sound that echoed through the forest.

Despite the goblins' resistance, the evolved ants began to gain the upper hand. Their movements were more calculated, their attacks more precise. The goblins, sensing defeat, began to retreat, their hurried footsteps and panicked shouts marking their retreat.

As the dust settled and the clash came to an end, the forest was left with a heavy silence, punctuated only by the ragged breathing of the victorious ants. The ground was littered with fallen goblins, their crude weapons scattered around them. The ants, though weary, stood tall, a sense of accomplishment radiating from them.

Leona's voice broke the silence, a triumphant smile on her face. "We did it, everyone! We showed them we're not to be underestimated!"

The ants cheered in response, the sound of their victory echoing through the forest as they began to gather the spoils of their hard-fought battle.

[Notice!! +1234 Evolution points.]

"Nice! Everything is looking good." A smile spread across Akun's face as he say the system's notification.

Continuing their journey through the forest, Akun, Leona, and the group of evolved ants pressed on, the adrenaline from their recent battle still coursing through their veins. The rustling leaves and chirping birds seemed to echo their determination.

As they ventured deeper, the forest grew denser and the air tenser. Suddenly, the ground beneath their feet vibrated with a low growl that reverberated through the trees. The group exchanged uneasy glances as they realized they were approaching a wolf pack.

Out from the shadows emerged a pack of fierce, snarling wolves, their eyes gleaming with hunger. The forest fell silent, and tension hung heavy in the air. Akun's grip tightened on his silver spear as he glanced at Leona, who nodded in readiness.

Leona's voice broke the silence. "Get ready, everyone. Hold your positions and stay together!"

The wolves advanced, a symphony of growls and bared teeth. The ants shifted into battle formation, shields raised and spears poised. With a deep breath, Akun led the charge, his heart pounding in rhythm with the determined steps.

The clash was swift and fierce. Wolves lunged, teeth bared, while ants held their ground with disciplined coordination. The forest came alive with the sounds of battle—the swishing of blades, the thud of paws, and the occasional yelp of pain. The dance of combat unfolded, and courage met ferocity.

Amidst the chaos, Akun's sharp senses caught a dangerous shift in momentum. His eyes widened in realization as he saw that the wolves might overwhelm his allies.

T"his isn't going well. If we don't turn this around, the wolves might overpower us."

Amidst the clash of blades and fangs, Akun's mind raced. He knew he had to act fast to prevent a potential disaster.

The panic that surged within him fueled his determination. "I can't let this go on any longer. If I don't do something now, we might not make it out of here." His palms grew sweaty around the grip of his silver spear.

With a surge of adrenaline and a deep breath, Akun's thoughts crystallized into a decisive plan. He focused his aspect power, a raw manifestation of his will, and directed it towards the wolves. "I have to end this quickly before it's too late."

As his aspect power surged through the air, the wolves' fates were sealed, their heads crushed under the weight of his overwhelming force. The abrupt silence that followed was eerie, broken only by the gasps and murmurs of the ants. Akun's chest heaved as he surveyed the scene before him, his panicked thoughts now transformed into a chilling realization of the extent of his power.

"That was close." Akun said with a sigh of relief.

Leona's voice was a mix of astonishment and relief. "Boss… you saved us."

Akun's gaze slowly shifted from the lifeless bodies of the wolves to his hands, his breath still ragged. The reality of his power's sheer potency struck him, and he knew he had made the right choice to prevent a potential disaster.

As the group of ants pressed on with their journey, they eventually reached a towering tree adorned with an immense beehive. Akun raised his hand, signaling the ants to halt their advance. He glanced up at the hive, his mind working through the possibilities.

"Should we attack?"

Just as he contemplated their next move, a woman with striking bee-like wings approached him. She wore an outfit that blended the colors of black and yellow, a visual reflection of her connection to the bees. Akun's curiosity piqued as she addressed him.

"Hello there," she began, her voice carrying a hint of authority. "I am Melia, a representative of our queen. She has been observing your group and wishes to have a word with you."

Akun's eyebrows lifted in surprise. "Huh... huh!?"