Evolution begins with an ant colony

After Akun’s conversation with Hestria, he called for two guardians whom he believed possessed the qualities to ensure the mission’s success and yield favorable results.

Moments later, the black starry doors of the throne room slowly swung open, and two figures entered. It was Leona and Oliver.

Leona, with her rich brown skin, entered the throne room with a katana strapped gracefully to her side. Her dark blue hair flowed down her back, and her striking bright yellow eyes held an air of elegance and seriousness. Leona entered wearing a white sleeveless top with gold embroidery, paired with white pants and a matching red cape.

A golden sash accentuated her waist, embodying both elegance and authority. @@novelbin@@

Oliver, on the other hand, made an entrance with mischief in his hazel eyes. His deep brown hair had a slightly messy appearance, and he carried a longbow with ease. Dressed in forest-inspired attire, Oliver wore an earthy outfit. He donned a deep-green, long-sleeved shirt and brown trousers, blending seamlessly with the woodland hues.

A quiver designed with leaf motifs hung across his back, complementing his forest-inspired attire. In his hands, he wielded a longbow, showcasing both his archery skills and his connection to the natural world. The playful spark in his hazel eyes hinted at his mischievous nature, adding character to his forest-themed appearance.

He moved with agile grace, showcasing the confidence of a skilled archer. As they stepped into the throne room, sunlight caught the subtle highlights in their hair, adding an extra layer of energy to their overall presence.

Their footsteps echoed with purpose, each step echowed with the assurance of capable guardians. Leona’s base facial expression gave off a focused seriousness, while Oliver’s mischievous gaze hinted at a readiness for potential challenges. Together, they formed a balanced and capable duo, embodying the qualities needed to fulfill their duties.

As Hestria gazed, she couldn’t help but be amazed; the figure in the throne was one thing, but these two carried the air of seasoned warriors. She gazed in awe and silent respect.

Arriving just before the stairs that elevated the throne, they both got to their feet and bowed. Both of their voices resonated as they spoke up, paying their respects to their liege. "Greetings, my liege. You called for us," their tones seemed to be in unity, although they both had different voices.

Akun’s voice echoed in response as he addressed them, a slight hint of seriousness visible in his purple eyes. "I have called you both here for an important mission, one I believe will be best carried out with both your individual abilities and personalities."

Both Leona and Oliver were curious about this mission, but Leona was the one to speak up first, asking in a calm, curious tone, "My liege, what exactly is this mission you have called both of us for?"

Although Oliver did not speak up, his eyes seemed to hold the same curiosity, and he would very well have asked the same question.

Akun then leaned in and rested his face on his left-fisted arm that was vertically inclined on the armrest of his throne as he added, "You both have been tasked with venturing beyond the confines of Alucadia, our country, and bringing the ruler of the Leonheart Empire so we can have a serious conversation."

Leona, curious and logical, couldn’t help but voice her concerns, "My liege, if I may be given permission to speak."

Akun then waved his right hand nonchalantly as he said, "You may."

Leona then replied, "Thank you, my liege. I doubt if the ruler of a nation would just easily follow us back if we were to ask. What are you presuming we should do if things happen so?"

By the walls near the doors stood Hestria. Like Leona, she was also curious about how Akun expected to bring the ruler of her nation here for a discussion.

Leona then added with a slightly more curious tone, "Also, how exactly do you suppose we go about finding this nation in the first place, since we are not very familiar with the world beyond the forest and how to navigate it?"

Akun replied to Leona’s question, sitting upright, removing his head from his hand and placing his hand back down properly on the armrest as he said, "To answer your questions, first of all, if the ruler of the Leonheart Empire tries to be stubborn, you are both allowed to use force and whatever means necessary."

At Akun’s mention of force, Hestria couldn’t help but shiver involuntarily. The memory of how Akun flung her across the throne room walls replayed vividly before her eyes. She used both of her arms to grab her shoulders, attempting to calm herself down.

Akun then added with a slightly firmer tone, "Also, if you are wondering how you both will navigate the outside world, then, that is where she will come into play." Akun redirected his gaze towards Hestria, narrowing it slightly. Leona and Oliver redirected their gazes towards where Akun pointed. They gazed upon a woman wearing a simple white shirt, brown leather trousers, and leather boots.

She had yellow hair and purple eyes, with a gaze and facial expression that seemed to hold a slight hint of fear.

Oliver, gazing at her, couldn’t help but smile slightly. He then slowly turned his head to face his liege and proceeded to ask, "Who is she, my liege?" His voice seemed to hold a slight hint of excitement and playfulness but he spoke in a rather calm manner, as if excited to get to know her but making sure not to speak disrespectfully to his liege.

Akun then let out a sigh and said, "Her name is Hestria. She is one of the knights that initially slaughtered the beast folk people for their cores. Unfortunately, she originally met her end at the hands of the beast folk tribe leader but was resurrected by me to be a guide in this mission, helping you both locate the Leonheart Empire."