Evolution begins with an ant colony

Alzureth then let out a sigh as he proceeded to slowly get off his seat, muttering, "If that's all, I guess I'll be taking my leave now." He walked up to the door of the bar, pushed it open with his arms, and stepped out, slamming it behind him.

While he left, Lideia mused, clenching her fists, "Just hang on, Tina. Your big sister will work her hardest to make sure you are safe."

As he stepped out of the bar, the silvery light from the full moon made the silver parts of his hair shimmer slightly. Walking up to his side was Emily, who also donned a human appearance, concealing her demonic features. However, she still covered her head with a black hooded robe.

Emily proceeded to ask Alzureth, "Young lord, what exactly do you plan to do once you have obtained those powerful monster cores?"

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Alzureth then chuckled slightly as he proceeded to reveal, "Nothing, actually. We have no use for them. This was just part of Father's grand plan to draw a certain someone out." He gazed directly at the full moon, the happy expression on his face unmistakable, proof that he was enjoying this little game his father was having him play.

Alzureth then added, "All we did was to somehow make the soldiers of this empire go into that forest to try and retrieve cores. And now that we have completed our objective, we will be pulling out of this war." He then continued walking slowly, making his way through a dark alley.

Emily then began walking and quickened her pace to catch up to Alzureth as she proceeded to ask with a confused tone, "But why? We are already winning this war. Just a few more days and we would have captured this capital. Won't that just be stupid? A waste of all our time and efforts?"

Alzureth then paused momentarily, directing his cold, piercing gaze at Emily as he asked her, "Are you really calling my plan something stupid? Questioning my orders?" The seriousness in his tone made the air around Emily seem like it suddenly became harder to breathe. Managing to reply while she trembled, she said, "I wouldn't dare, young lord."

Alzureth then added with his cold tone, "Good, better keep it that way." He then redirected his gaze and continued making his way through the alley.

Walking a small distance away from him, Emily asked, "About that elf girl we captured to make that woman work for us, what should we do with her now?"@@novelbin@@

Alzureth then waved his hand nonchalantly as he replied, "Get rid of her; her purpose has already been served, so we no longer need her."

Emily then replied with a slightly serious tone, "I shall get it done quickly, young lord." With that, she seemed to vanish from the alley.

Emerging on the other side of the alley, in the streets, Alzureth gazed at the moon again as he smiled. "The plan has been set into motion, father. And I can't wait to see where all this leads." Delikan's plan has been set in motion. Although the reason behind his wanting to pull a 'certain' someone out wasn't clear yet. One could already tell something grand loomed over the horizon.

Back to the present, in the godforsaken forest. The full moon hung overhead, resonating with the occasional hoot of an owl and rustling leaves, the group of kinghts or actually magic knights, ventured deeper into the heart of the godforsaken Forest. The moon cast an soft glow upon the broken branches, creating an otherworldly atmosphere.

Captain Marcus led his troops deeper into the forest, their strides cutting through the undergrowth. As they ventured forward, the trees seemed to close in, casting long shadows. The atmosphere became charged with a mix of anticipation and fear.

After a while, the dense foliage began to give way, revealing a clearing where a distant village emerged. The village, stood as a proof of the coexistence of nature and craftsmanship. Wooden buildings with thatched roofs lined the cobblestone paths, creating a harmonious blend of rustic charm and structural stability.

Windows with finly carved wooden frames allowed natural light to filter into the interiors, providing glimpses of the vibrant life within.

The architecture had a careful balance, respecting the forest's essence while meeting the practical needs of its inhabitants. Lush greenery surrounded the village, with climbing vines could be found on the stone structures, adding a touch of natural beauty.

Unbeknownst to the soldiers, was home to the Beast folk tribe. Captain Marcus studied the scene through narrowed eyes, unaware of the complexities hidden within the seemingly peaceful settlement.

"Move quietly, men. We're getting closer to our target," Marcus commanded, his voice a hushed whisper. The knights tightened their grips on their weapons, maintaining their vigilance as they approached the village, their goal clear – to acquire the powerful monster cores needed to save their capital.

Sir Adrian, a seasoned and observant knight with a distinct scar across his brow, stepped forward. His armor, etched with symbols of protection, glinted softly in the silvary moonlight filtering through the trees. He raised his hand, signaling the troops to halt.

"Captain Marcus, if these monsters are as powerful as the legends claim, a direct assault could prove disastrous. I suggest we wait for an opportune moment and then strike swiftly and decisively, after all our levels and grades have also dropped for some reason, so we have to try something else.

An ambush would catch them off guard," Sir Adrian advised, his keen eyes scanning the village in the distance.

The other knights, each suited in the royal armor of the Leonheart Empire, nodded in agreement.

Captain Marcus, his gaze focused on the distant village, sighed heavily. "Sir Adrian, time is indeed of the essence, and I share your concerns. However, we must find a balance between urgency and strategy. An ambush could be our best chance, but we must move swiftly. Our comrades are relying on us."

Sir Adrian maintained his firm stance, meeting Marcus's gaze. "Captain, I respect your position, but a reckless charge would be our undoing. We need a plan, a coordinated assault. It's the only way to ensure success without sacrificing the lives of our soldiers needlessly."

The moonlight casted it's soft glow on the serious faces of the knights as they thought on what was the best course of action, torn between the urgency of their mission and the necessity of a well-thought-out strategy. The fate of the Leonheart Empire hung in the balance, dependent on the choices made under the dense canopy of the godforsaken forest.

Captain Marcus raised an eyebrow, considering Adrian's plan. "Burning their homes to create chaos. It's risky, but it might just work. We'll need to be swift and coordinated. Can I rely on you to lead some of the knights to execute this?"

Adrian nodded confidently. "Yes, sir. I've discussed it with the Riandila, our most skilled magic knight. She's confident she can create a controlled blaze that'll divert their attention."

Marcus, after a moment of sorting out his thoughts, issued his orders. "Prepare for the assault. Adrian, coordinate with Riandila. Ensure everyone knows their role. We strike when the fire takes hold, and we make every move count."

The knights dispersed, each preparing for their assigned tasks, the anticipation of the impending battle was in the air. The success of this strategy would determine not only their fate but also the fate of the entire Leonheart Empire.

Underneath the towering trees on the opposite edge of the forest, the knights prepared for the assault. Riandila, with her expertise in fire magic and combat, stood ready to unleash controlled chaos. The air was tense, and the knights exchanged serious glances.

Adrian gathered a group of knights around him, going over the details of the plan. "Remember, we need to act swiftly. Once the fire catches, chaos will follow. Riandila, you lead with the fire spell. Everyone else, be ready to strike when the monsters are distracted."

The knights collectively replied, "Yes, sir!" as they stood ready for thir attack that would soon b assault. Riandila then approached the Beast Folk tribe, her sword transforming with crackling mana, while the knights prepared to execute Adrian's plan.

Riandila began whispering the incantation. "By the flames of Arcadia, let chaos dance in the embrace of the inferno. Ignis Aeternum!"

As the incantation reached its culmination, a red magic circle materialized in the air. Riandila focused her mana, and a fiery ball slowly manifested on top of the circle. The flames shon brightly, reflecting the anticipation in the eyes of the knights.

Once the fireball reached its peak, Riandila directed it towards the heart of the Beast Folk tribe's village, aiming to create the diversion that would allow the knights to strike. The forest echoed with the roar of flames as it was fired into the air it split into mutiple parts and exploded in impact.

The knights, prepared for the battle, stood ready to seize the advantage that Riandila's magical inferno would bring.