Evolution begins with an ant colony

The crescent moon hung overhead, casting its silvery glow over the icy peaks of the Velora tribe. Nestled amidst the snow-covered landscape, the buildings of the tribe stood still and unshaken against the wintry elements. Constructed from sturdy, weather-resistant materials, these structures, with their complexly carved ice featurs, seamlessly blended into the frozen surroundings.

Despite the relentless blizzards that swept through the peaks, the Velora buildings stood as a proof of the tribe's architectural prowess, each structure designed to withstand the harshest winter storms. The crystalline structures glistened under the moonlight, refracting the silvery glow in a soothing way, creating an otherworldly scene in the frozen wilderness.

the Velora's were also assigned tasks similar to the ones Nadalin and the evolved ants were given, to begin the construction of new resedintial buildings, ones that would be able to stand strong and tall in those icy peaks.

With their skill in ice and snow, the Veloras worked hard, creating impressive buildings. They started with accuracy, each home emerging from the snow-covered ground with a mix of beauty and usefulness. The ice dwellings were sturdy, reflecting the Velora tribe's strength against the harsh winds and storms in the frozen landscape.

As the Veloras crafted each building, they wove the essence of their tribe into the very fabric of the structures. The complex designs mirrored the unity and strength of the Velora tribesmen, creating a breathtaking sight amid the serene, snow-clad peaks.

The construction site, illuminated by the ethereal glow of the crescent moon, bore witness to the manifestation of Velora ingenuity against the stark beauty of the icy wilderness.

In the midst of the frigid construction site, Gideon's voice cut through the biting winds like a sharp blade. "Hey, that's the wrong spot! You were supposed to erect that structure a bit to the left!" His words echoed across the frozen expanse, a serious command carried by the wind.

The Velora worker paused, their breath visible in the cold air as they turned to face Gideon. The frozen landscape stood witness to the exchange, snowflakes swirling around the construction site like delicate witnesses to the unfolding scene.

Gideon, bundled in furs and a black cape to shield against the biting cold, pointed emphatically to the correct location. The Velora, recognizing the urgency in his tone, nodded. They adjusted their grip on the icy structure, muscles tensing against the chill, and with a coordinated effort, moved the edifice to its rightful place.

With an air of authority, Gideon surveyed the positioned structure and said, "Perfect, that's the spot." His eyes, a striking contrast against the snowy landscape, gleamed with satisfaction. Turning to the Velora worker, he issued the next command, "Reinforce the structure with some ice magic."

The Velora, adept in the art of ice manipulation, approached the partially erected building. Wisps of magical frost emanated from their outstretched hands, encasing the structure in a delicate yet resilient layer of enchanted ice. The soft glow of the ice magic painted a surreal picture against the icy backdrop, a proof of the Velora's skill.

As the magical reinforcement took shape, Gideon turned around on his heel to address the next phase of their construction. "Once you're done with that side, join the others who are getting the runes brought here. Embed them carefully into the structure," he instructed, his voice carrying the weight of responsibility.

The Velora workers, dedicated to their task, nodded in understanding, their white fur glinting under the moonlight.

As Gideon walked away towards other sites needing his instructions, a sudden booming noise echoed from behind him. He also heard a Velora behind him yell, "W-what is that?" Their tone tinged with panic and confusion.

Curious, Gideon swiftly turned around to see the structure that had just been erected and encased in ice magic falling to the floor and shattering. His eyes widened with disbelief and confusion as he gazed at the cause, mumbling, "What the hell?"

A massive dark green magic circle suddenly appeared there, directly at the center of the structure, shattering it while the magic circle spun. Experience more on My Virtual Library Empire@@novelbin@@

Suddenly, the greenish spinning magic circle transformed into a portal of some sort—a green portal. A figure then emerged from it, landing in the snow and causing it to billow into the air. Gideon lifted his arm to shield his eyes.

Coughing could be heard, but it was neither the Velora nor Gideon. As the snow slowly settled, the figure of a woman came into view. She wore what seemed to be some sort of black leather dress with golden accessories. Her skin was dazzling, beautiful, and enviable. She also had pointy ears and long green hair that flowed down her back.

Distinctive features included green scales on her forearm, some on her face, and the top parts of her pointy ears. Green horns also erupted from her skull, nicely curving backward. Her eyes were a lovely shade of dark green, with reptilian pupils.

She seemed to be wounded, with multiple deep bleeding cuts around her body.

Gideon, having never seen this woman before, instantly pulled his short swords from their sheaths, attached to his belt on his waist. Wasting no time, he took a battle stance and demanded, "Who are you? Do you know the punishment for setting back my liege's plans?"

The woman slowly rose to her feet, momentarily gazing at Gideon. She narrowed her gaze as she asked, "What's an evolved ant? No, wait, I'm not sure that's the question I should be asking now... Are there any of my people still alive and close by? Where are the dragons?" She looked around, taking in the sight of the Velora tribe.

Gideon then said, "Look, lady, I'm the one supposed to be asking the questions around here. Who are you? Where did you come from, and why are you talking about the dragons? They are an extinct species."

His words seemed to have an emotional impact on the woman, prompting her to clench her fist as she spoke in a cold, commanding tone, "Extinct? Extinct!? Could you repeat that?" Bright green streaks of mana began emanating from her body to the snow below her feet, causing it to heat up and evaporate.