Evolution begins with an ant colony
Chapter 43 [Bonus chapter]Months to the flame (2)

As the sun began to dip below the horizon, casting long shadows across the small town, Akun and Mellin finally arrived at their destination. The weary travelers had been walking for hours, and the prospect of a warm meal and a soft bed was a welcomed thought. They found a quaint inn nestled in a corner of the town's cobblestone streets.

Entering the inn, a cozy atmosphere enveloped them. The smell of a hearty stew wafted through the air, and the soft glow of candles illuminated the interior. A portly innkeeper with a welcoming smile stood behind the counter, polishing a glass with a cloth.

"Good evening, travelers," the innkeeper greeted them. "Looking for a room for the night?"

Akun nodded. "Yes, a room would be great."

The innkeeper's eyes appraised them briefly, and then he said, "One gold coin for the night. Meals are included."

Akun pretended to reach into his pocket and then, with a sly grin, he discreetly manipulated the emblem on the coin in his hand. With a flourish, he presented the coin to the innkeeper.

The innkeeper studied it briefly, his eyes narrowing as he noticed the emblem of the royal capital. "Very well, sir. Room's on the second floor, last door on the left."

"Thank you," Akun replied, accepting the key with a grateful smile.

The room was cozy, with a large bed covered in soft linens and a small table near the window. Akun and Mellin entered, feeling the weight of their journey finally lifting off their shoulders.

Akun turned to Mellin. "Alright, Mellin. I need you to guard this body while I do something. I'll go unconscious and slip into my other body to check on the anthill. It'll be just for a short while."

Mellin nodded, her blue eyes shining with understanding. "Of course, Master. I'll keep watch."

With a final reassuring smile, Akun settled onto the bed, closed his eyes, and let his body slip into unconsciousness. The transition was seamless, as his consciousness transferred to his other form.

Mellin remained vigilant, her gaze focused on the slumbering figure on the bed. The room was quiet, save for the distant sounds of the inn's activity.

After Akun's consciousness slipped back into his original body at the forest edge, he blinked his eyes open to the dim moon light filtering through the trees. He felt the familiar sensations of being in his own skin again, the cool forest floor beneath him, and the rustling of leaves in the gentle breeze.

As he glanced around, he realized that he was right on the outskirts of the forest, the natural boundary that kept the anthill hidden from the world. Just beyond the barrier, a group of adventurers could be seen approaching, their determined expressions visible even from this distance.

"What is this? Did Darius really tell other people about our anthill? Why? How? I was foolish. I should have put an end to him and his party that day.

Let's calm down. Though things look bad, it would be nice to see how Leona and the others handle this without my help."

Akun's lips curved into a thoughtful smile. This was a perfect vantage point to observe how his ant guardians would handle the adventurers' approach. He found a comfortable spot behind a large tree and settled in, hidden from view.

"I'll just stay here and watch for a while," Akun murmured to himself. "Let's see how my little team handles this."

He crossed his arms over his chest and leaned against the tree, his gaze fixed on the approaching adventurers. His mind was alive with anticipation, eager to witness the guardians he had appointed in action.

As Vector and his men stepped foot into the forest, a strange sensation washed over them. It was as if a weight had settled upon their bodies, and a peculiar aura seemed to envelop the surroundings. The forest, which had appeared to be just like any other, now felt different, almost foreign.

Vector's brows furrowed for a moment, but his expression soon relaxed into a knowing smile. This was something he had been informed about before, a consequence that he and his group were expecting. It was a price they were willing to pay, or so he believed.

"Get ready, boys. We're entering the ant's territory now," Vector called out, his voice laced with confidence.

He could still vividly remember the information his men had gathered from Darius's party members. They had learned about the forest's unique attribute, how it could suppress adventurers' levels and grades as they ventured deeper within. It was a challenge, an added layer of difficulty that many would replace off-putting.

Vector, however, wasn't one to shy away from challenges. In fact, he embraced them with open arms.

meanwhile Leona observed the adventurers making their entrance into the forest, her thoughts raced in anticipation of the imminent encounter. "Look at them, entering the forest with such boldness. How many are they? Are they aware of what they're facing? We can't underestimate them – not when the anthill's safety is at stake. We've trained for this, we won't let them harm our home.

But what if… what if they have abilities we're not prepared for? No, we've faced countless challenges. I better go inform the others about this."

With a burst of swift movement, Leona dashed towards the anthill with remarkable speed. As she arrived at her destination, she quickly caught her breath and called out to the other ant guardians, her voice urgent and determined.

(A/N: I got some comments saying I dont describe the characters enough, so i gave it a shot, please enjoy)

The gathering of ant guardians presented a diverse tableau of appearances, each tailored to their specific skills and personalities.

Ember, his skin a warm shade of brown, boasted a vibrant shock of red hair that matched the intensity of his fiery aura. His eyes glowed with determination as he flexed his fingers, his favored weapons being his own fists. His clothing was simple yet sturdy, a sleeveless tunic that allowed his well-defined muscles freedom of movement.

He wore fingerless gloves that had seen their fair share of battles, revealing his calloused hands. His trousers were of a deep earthy brown, and his strong legs were enveloped in knee-high leather boots. A single necklace with a flame-shaped pendant hung around his neck, a token of his fiery nature.

Ivy's hair shimmered like spun gold, a cascade of sunny strands that seemed to capture the light around her. Her eyes, as blue as the clearest sky, reflected a calm confidence. She wore a long cloak adorned with intricate leaf patterns, and her affinity for water elemental attacks was evident in the droplet-shaped embroidery that decorated the fabric.

Underneath, she wore a form-fitting tunic that allowed for easy movement, and her trousers were a shade of deep forest green. Her boots, adorned with leaf motifs, were light and comfortable. She carried a beautifully crafted bow and a quiver of arrows, the fletching intricately designed to mimic the wings of butterflies.

Leona, with her rich brown skin, her hair, a stormy hue of dark blue, her eyes were a striking shade of bright yellow, reminiscent of a hawk's keen gaze. Her clothing was a seamless blend of functionality and elegance. She wore a form-fitting tunic that allowed for quick and agile movements, the fabric a deep shade of indigo.

Around her waist, a belt held her katana in place, its hilt decorated with intricate patterns that seemed to shimmer when caught by the light. Her trousers were dark and practical, and her boots, well-worn from countless journeys, completed her ensemble.

As the ant guardians gathered, their personalities and strengths formed a harmonious unity, each ready to wield their chosen weapons with unmatched skill and determination.

Oliver, His hair, a deep brown, matched the strength of his character. Hazel eyes glittered with mischief. He wore a tunic adorned with patterns resembling intertwined branches, while his sturdy trousers allowed him to move with agility. An archer, Oliver carried a quiver of arrows and a finely crafted longbow.

Zara, With chestnut hair cascading elegantly, Zara's warm hazel eyes held kindness. She wore a robe shimmering like dappled sunlight, adorned with embroidery of forest creatures. Holding a staff crowned with crystal, Zara channeled nature's magic with grace.

Kael, Sandy blonde hair framed his ocean blue eyes, radiating determination. His clothing was simple, perfect for his agile movements. Twin daggers at his sides showcased his precision, while leather armor ensured protection in combat.

Luna, Luna's silver hair flowed like moonlight, framing her amethyst eyes. Her cloak resembled the night sky, with staff and crystal emanating otherworldly energy. Her attire, a celestial ensemble, exuded an ethereal aura.

Finn, Fiery red hair matched Finn's energy, green eyes alive with spirit. Dressed in camouflage-like armor, he wielded a greatsword with finesse. The weapon's intricate carvings spoke of his power.

Mara, Chestnut hair, a braid of wisdom, framed Mara's deep brown eyes. Leather armor adorned her determined frame. Twin tribal-motif axes proclaimed her as a fierce warrior.

Gideon, Black hair and a confident grin defined Gideon. Gray eyes hinted at roguish charm. His attire, a blend of leather and cloth, enabled swift dodges. Dual-wielding short swords, Gideon embraced agility.

United, this group of guardians was a force to be reckoned with. Their varied skills and appearances, emblematic of their distinct personalities, formed a solid defense for their anthill. With their strength, they prepared to face challenges, protect their home, and uphold their shared mission.

Gideon's curiosity got the best of him, and he leaned in slightly, his tone laced with interest. "Hey, Leona. Something going on? You seem a bit charged up."

Leona responded with a wry smile. "Oh, not much. Just a chance to put our shiny new skills to the test."