Evolution begins with an ant colony

The god forsaken forest or Alucadia, was far more than just a simple woodland. While a significant part of its territory was indeed dominated by sprawling greenery and trees, this lush expanse mainly graced the outer fringes of Alucadia, home to the Dryad, Orc, Arachna and Ant tribes. Deeper within its boundaries, a collection of diverse terrains could be found.

Alucadia's heart held secrets beyond the verdant realm—snowy peaks touched the sky, vast oceans whispered mysteries, home to the Fenires and Sirens, deserts basked in searing sun, and swamps concealed enigmatic depths. This forested realm was a world of many worlds, where nature's grand tapestry unfurled in all its vivid variety.

(A/N: A lot of world building in this chapter pls bear with me.)

It's crucial to remember and bear in mind that Alucadia, in its origins, served as the abode of dragons and the lesser races beneath them. Dragons, being once the verge of godhood, had meticulously crafted this realm to harmonize with their elemental affinities and the races they governed.

They wielded their power to mold the very essence of the land, tailoring it to mirror their natural inclinations and the dominions they held sway over. This was a realm where the majesty of dragons had woven the fabric of existence itself.

Every tribe claimed a distinct region within Alucadia.

Dryad Tribe: Nestled within their uniquely cultivated woodland haven, the Dryads have shaped the very trees in their territory to house their civilization. These arboreal abodes bear an extraordinary design, with trees that twist and weave into living homes. The natural architecture reflects the harmony between the Dryads and their environment, showcasing their deep connection to the forest.

Siren Tribe: Closer to the coast, the Sirens have fashioned remarkable underwater cities. Their majestic homes, adorned with ornate seashell decor, are a proof of their deep-sea realm. The ethereal beauty of these oceanic habitats reflects their captivating allure beneath the waves.

Arachna Tribe: High in the massive trees of the forest, the Arachnas have intricately woven their arboreal homes. Their silk-threaded bridges connect these stunning tree cities, creating a breathtaking network among the forest's treetops.

Fenires Tribe: The nomadic Fenires call various terrains home, and their dwellings are a tribute to the natural elements. Ice fortresses are hewn from shimmering glacial ice, while settlements in the sun-drenched plains are constructed from clay bricks and thatch. Each habitat reflects the tribe's adaptability and ingenuity.

Orcs: Renowned for their abundance of gold, the Orcs' strongholds are adorned with glistening gold and white quartz. The fusion of these materials creates opulent and imposing structures, showcasing the tribe's wealth and power.

Beast Folk: The humanoid Beast Folk craft homes that harmonize with their environment. Their settlements include earthen burrows fortified with stone, stilted villages perched on wooden platforms in swampy regions, and jungle tribal homes constructed from woven bamboo and thick leaves.

Ant Tribe and Kingins: The city of the Ant Tribe and their loyal Kingins is a marvel to behold. Nestled above ground, it stands as the most advanced structure in the god forsaken Forest. Cobblestone streets weave through the city like intricate mosaics. Tall and grand, the buildings are a fusion of stone and wood, showcasing fine craftsmanship and durability.

Ornate carvings and intricate designs adorn the structures. Signposts stand at every corner, guiding residents through the bustling thoroughfares. The city exudes a sense of grandeur, reflecting the Ant Tribe's commitment to progress and knowledge.

Lizard Men in the Swamps: Nestled within the god forsaken forest's murky swamps, the Lizard Men thrived. Elevated huts, built on stilted legs, created a unique village that floated atop the swamp's surface. Wooden walkways connected their homes, granting both mobility. These sturdy huts featured reed walls, offering insulation and natural ventilation.

The Lizard Men harmonized with the swamp, using mud and moss for camouflage and incorporating symbols celebrating their environment. The village stood as a living, breathing part of the swamp, where the Lizard Men coexisted with its ever-changing nature.

Amidst the bustling streets of the ant tribe's magnificent city, Akun strolled gracefully. He donned flowing robes, a purchase from the system's super gamer shop, and a delicate hairpin adorned his silver hair, adding an air of royalty. The harmonious coexistence of Kingins and Evolved Ants surrounded him. Their diligent daily routines created a rhythmic pulse in the city.

A contented smile graced Akun's lips, witnessing the thriving community he had shaped. But his tranquil reverie was soon interrupted by Keleora. She emerged beside him, her demeanor a blend of respect and absolute loyalty. In her eyes, a hint of concern shone as she addressed their unfinished business.

"My liege," Keleora began, her voice clear and serious. "It has been two weeks, yet there's no sign of him." Her reference was none other than Oliver, whom Akun had entrusted with the critical mission of investigating the enigmatic Dryads.

Akun pivoted to meet Keleora's gaze, his thoughts brewing. "As I suspected," he contemplated aloud, "the Dryads are surely scheming something, and Oliver might have fallen into their grasp during his mission." His eyes held a shrewd glint. "The absence of the princess's return could imply her involvement, or perhaps, circumstances have prevented her from doing so."
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Keleora, her voice steady, raised another matter. "My liege," she began, "there's one more thing."

Akun, the silver-haired ruler, leaned forward, his expressive eyes locked on her. "Go on," he beckoned.

With a touch of gravity, she divulged, "Our scouts witnessed a peculiar occurrence. The leaders of the neighboring tribes, they returned to their territories on that very night, mere hours after Oliver was sent on his mission."

Akun's countenance contorted in disbelief. "Hold on, what?" His mind raced with uncertainty, mirroring the questions that now clouded the horizon.

In the heart of the bustling ant tribe city, Akun's mind whirred with apprehension. His eyes, a striking purple, held a gleam of perplexity as he pondered the unusual return of the neighboring tribe leaders. "What were the other tribe leaders doing that brought them back to their tribes on that same night?

And where had they ventured to in the first place?" A sense of disquiet settled in his thoughts.

Suddenly, a half-forgotten quote resurfaced in his memory: "They ask for peace while they plan for war." It clicked. The realization struck like lightning. "The dryads and the other tribes must be plotting against my tribe," he concluded, an unsettling revelation. But the question of "why" loomed large.

Gritting his teeth, Akun delved deeper into his musings. "Are they underestimateing me? Afraid of the chaos I might bring?" The prospect of rivalry gnawed at him, adding layers of complexity to the puzzle.

With a deep breath, Akun steadied his racing thoughts. He cautioned himself, "Calm down. Baseless assumptions will lead me astray and possibly into regrettable actions, this must be all related to what I and Camilla talked about a few days ago." He understood the importance of maintaining a clear head.

His gaze swept across the thriving ant tribe city. It wasn't power or rivalry that fueled him but a burning desire to safeguard the place he held dear. Observing the kingin children at play, a smile tugged at his lips, and he whispered, "I want to protect this." His resolve crystallized, anchored in the simple joys of his people's everyday lives.

With resolve etched on his face, Akun mutterd. "Though I may not be certain about the other tribes' intentions, I cannot let anything bad happen to Oliver."

Keleora inquired with a hint of concern, "My liege, should I summon the guardians for battle?"

Akun, his confidence unwavering, replied, "No need to worry. I'll handle this on my own. It won't pose much of a problem." His aspect power surged, a vivid purple glow enveloping his form. With effortless grace, he ascended into the air, soaring towards the Dryad tribe. The wind whispered past him as he embarked on a mission of uncertainty and resolve.

A few days ago, Akun lay in his castle chambers, contemplating, "I need to contact Camilla. I wonder how far the demon king has gone with his plans to corrupt the heroes. I can't allow him to eliminate them all before I do, those bastards can't be allowed to die before they face my warth."

At the same time, Camilla was luxuriating in a large wooden bathtub, relishing her leisurely bath. She sighed in contentment, "Ahh, this is the life."

Suddenly, Akun's voice resonated in her mind. "Camilla," his voice took her by surprise, causing her to jump in the bath. She frantically glanced around, searching for any sign of Akun, her fear evident as she mumbled, "Where are you?"

Akun's voice resonated in her mind, soothing her. "Camilla, you need to calm down. I'm communicating with you through a telepathic link."

Camilla let out a relieved sigh and settled back into her bath. With a mix of relief and apprehension, she mumbled, "What do you need, master?"

Akun then inquired with a resolute tone, "I want to know how far the Demon King has progressed with his plan to corrupt the heroes."

Camilla, with a sense of confusion and curiosity, asked politely, her voice quivering slightly as she wished not to offend her master, "Master, if I may inquire, why are you so concerned about the heroes?"

Akun's voice resounded with a grave and commanding tone in Camilla's mind, sending shivers down her spine. "That is none of your concern," he declared. "Let this be the first and the last time you question my actions."