Evolution begins with an ant colony

Standing before two makeshift graves, marked by simple wooden crosses adorned with shreds of cloth, Mina clenched her fists in sorrow. Her voice, barely more than a murmur, carried the weight of her emotions, "I suppose this is where we bid our final farewells."

The burial of Chris and John had taken place after the intervention of Utopia and her valiant knights, who had confronted Ken and his unholy legion of undead. Witnessing Ken's descent into darkness had appalled Utopia, and she had resolved not to grant him an easy death.

Bound by chains infused with holy energy that seared his flesh due to his half-demon nature, Ken lay limbless on the ground, a proof of the consequences of his actions.

Mina cast her gaze towards the village, now reduced to ruins, as she walked towards the village and stood at the gates. She observed the resilient survivors who had managed to rise to their feet and the valiant knights who were aiding those in need. Mina's eyes also fell upon the graves of the fallen Daventirers and guards who had perished in the brief but fierce battle.

Though she had never personally known them, the somber scene weighed heavily on her heart, evoking a profound sense of sorrow.

As Mina stood there, her eyes fixed on the makeshift graves, a calming voice suddenly broke the silence. Utopia had approached her from behind, her presence a reassuring anchor in the midst of the somber scene.

Utopia's voice, steady and composed, carried an air of reassurance. "It's all over now," she said, her words meant to provide solace and comfort. "You don't have to worry."

Mina turned to face Utopia, her gaze meeting the leader of the holy knights. Despite the grim sight of the village, Utopia's expression remained remarkably composed.

Casting a brief glance over her shoulder at Ken, who was still writhing in pain, Mina posed a question, "You're not going to finish him off?"

In response, Utopia stated, "Not yet. We're taking him back with us. He has a lot of questions to answer."

Mina released a sigh upon hearing Utopia's decision. Utopia then added another piece of news, "You'll be coming along with us too. The fact that there's a hero who's been lured to the dark side implies there may be others. We're uncertain about the Demon King's plans involving these heroes, so we can't afford to take any chances."

Mina let out a sigh as she raised her gaze to the sky, pondering the weight of the situation. "Is that so," she murmured, accepting the gravity of their mission.

Meanwhile, Rinalef was fustreted as she slammed her hands on the round table. Her eyes bore into the other tribe leaders as she demanded answers. "What do you mean you won't be joining me in invading the Ant Tribe?"

The imposing Skalathar, leader of the Lizard Men, took the initiative to respond. His deep voice carried an air of authority as he addressed the princess. "Princess Rinalef, we have our own concerns and territories to defend. Invading the Ant Tribe is no small feat, and we must consider the consequences. We do not wish to be drawn into a battle that may lead to the destruction of our homes."

Seraphina, the ethereal leader of the Sirens, concurred and added her perspective. With a graceful nod, she spoke softly but with unwavering determination. "I must also decline, Princess. Our people have always embraced peace, and we hold no quarrel with the Ant Tribe. The harmony within our tribe is too precious to risk in this war."

Thalgar, the imposing leader of the Fenires, emitted a soft growl, his voice carrying a hint of disapproval. "We cannot embark on a war that offers no clear advantage to either of our tribes, Princess. I am disappointed that the Dryads, of all the tribes, would be the instigators of such an aggressive proposition.

Among all the tribes, the Dryads would have the slimmest chance of survival in an all-out war. So why propose such an audacious notion? You must provide us with a convincing reason, rather than making unreasonable demands based solely on the favors we owe the Dryads."

His response intensified Rinalef's frustration, causing her to grit her teeth as she cast a vexed gaze upon the table.

Clenching her fists on the table, Rinalef fixed her gaze on the tribe leaders as she addressed them, "You ungrateful bastards. Is this how you repay us after everything we've done for you throughout the years? I explained the reason for this war – a demon cursed both of my parents, and they will die if we don't present the core to him within 20 days." Her voice conveyed frustration and exasperation.

The tribe leaders maintained their defiant expressions, undeterred by Rinalef's earlier offensive tone. However, it was Leandor who finally broke the silence. He let out a sigh, folded his arms, and fixed a serious gaze on the princess.

"Princess, we are well aware of the debts we owe to the dryads," he spoke calmly yet with a seriousness that demanded attention. Leandor continued, "We understand that our current behavior does not befit those who owe a favor." He got up from his seat and walked slowly towards Rinalef.

"But what you are asking," he continued, "is for us to risk the well-being of our entire tribes in a war we are not sure we will even win." He walked past her and headed toward the door but paused momentarily before adding, "As someone who has lost a loved one myself, I understand the pain you are going through. And that's precisely why I cannot take such a gamble."

He slowly pushed open the doors and stepped out. Glancing at his guards, he said, "We're leaving." They then made their way out of the castle.

Slowly, the other tribe leaders stood up from their seats and exited the castle. Rinalef didn't stop them; she simply clenched her fists as she watched them go.

After they all left the room, Rinalef stepped out as well and made her way to the king's chambers in the castle. Arriving in front of the room, she instructed the guards who stood guard, "Open the doors."

They pushed the huge wooden doors open, revealing a room adorned with moss on the roof and accompanied by flowers. The room had an ethereal glow, filling it with an otherworldly light and warmth. Walking up to the double king-sized bed where her parents lay, Rinalef took slow steps that reflected her inner turmoil.

Arriving at their bedside, Rinalef knelt down and gently reached out to hold her father's hand. His skin displayed purple cracks, a clear sign of the curse. "I failed you," she mumbled as tears welled up in her eyes. "Mother... Father," she sniffed, as tears streamed down her cheeks.

Her father and mother's breaths came out as ragged gasps, the purple cracks on their bodies seemed to pulse with energy, draining them of their vitality with every breath. Discover exclusive tales on empire

"Please tell me what to do," she mumbled, her tone filled with desperation. "I'm so confused."

Suddenly, her father's eyes fluttered open, and he coughed weakly. He gazed at the figure beside him and whispered with a hint of recognition in his voice, "My daughter, is that you?"

Rinalef was slightly caught off guard by her father's sudden awakening. Her tears had momentarily ceased, and she stared at him with a mixture of hope and relief. Composing herself, she leaned closer to him and rested her head gently on his chest. With trembling words, she urged him, "Go back to sleep, Father.

You need all the rest you can get." Her tears, a mixture of joy and sorrow, flowed freely once more, marking this reunion in the midst of uncertainty.

Upon seeing Rinalef, her father managed a weak chuckle, despite the fragility of his condition. Slowly, he raised his hand, concealed beneath the sheets, and gently touched her head. His voice trembled as he spoke, "You must have really missed us. I'm sorry." The touch of his hand, though feeble, conveyed a world of emotion, bridging the gap between a daughter's longing and a father's remorse.

Rinalef clutched the sheets tightly with both her hands. Her voice was filled with sorrow as she said, "You don't have to be sorry, Father. It's me who should be sorry. I can't even do this one thing right to save your and Mother's lives."

Rinalef's father conjured a faint smile despite his frailty. "Oh, come now, Rinalef," he whispered. "When did I ever tell you this was your burden to bear?" Suddenly, Rinalef lifted her head to interject, her voice quivering with emotion. "But it is," she insisted, her eyes brimming with tears. "You both always taught me to be a proper ruler, so I would succeed you one day.

So I have to do this." Her cheeks were wet with streaming tears as she expressed her inner turmoil.

Witnessing his daughter's fierce spirit, Rindeleaf couldn't help but offer a tender smile. "Oh, my sweet daughter," he whispered weakly, "I'm sure you'll grow up to be a fine ruler one day." His voice faded as he drifted back into unconsciousness.

"Father!" Rinalef exclaimed, her worry evident for his well-being. She realized he had slipped back into sleep and chose not to disturb him. Inwardly, she vowed, "Don't worry, Father. I will get that core, one way or another. I won't let anything happen to you and mother, I promise." she then rose from her father's side and quietly left the room.