Evolution begins with an ant colony

Leona, Oliver, and Hestria strolled through the snowy streets of the border town, the crisp air mixed with the scent of snow. As they passed through the city gates, Leona suggested, "Let’s not rush through this. We might as well enjoy the scenery."

Oliver and Hestria readily agreed, and their pace slowed to a leisurely stroll. The three companions took in the nice views of the snow-covered buildings, the small play of sunlight on the glistening snow, and the quiet charm of the town waking up to a new day.

Snowflakes gently drifted from the sky, creating a nice ambiance as they made their way the through the quite streets. Leona, with her keen eyes, pointed out the unique architecture and the cozy charm of the local shops.

Hestria, appreciating the calming atmosphere, remarked, "It’s nice to take a moment and savor the journey itself."

Oliver, usually more playful, couldn’t help but nod in agreement. "Yeah, you are right, but still it’s best to finish everything quickly. Don’t want to keep our liege waiting."

As they continued their unhurried walk, the trio gradually approached the other city gate. Beyond it lay the vast snowy landscape awaiting them. Leona, Oliver, and Hestria stepped through the gate, ready to embrace the adventure that lay ahead. The snowy city slowly faded from view, replaced by the untouched beauty of the frosty wilderness they were about to make their way trough. @@novelbin@@

As Oliver, Leona, and Hestria stepped out of the border town, a snowy forest loomed in the distance. Leona, with a curious tone, asked, "Is it a good time to pick up the pace?" Oliver chuckled, "What happened to enjoying the scenery?"

Soon, the trio began making their way through the snowy forest, the soft crunch of their footsteps in the snow the only audible sound in the serene surroundings.

Just as the little chat continued, Oliver’s tone shifted suddenly. "We’re surrounded," he said with a serious tone. Leona and Hestria swiftly assumed battle stances, their senses heightened as they scanned the snowy surroundings for any signs of danger.

The forest seemed weirdly quiet, and the trio exchanged glances. Suddenly, from the snow-covered trees emerged a group of snow bandits, camouflaged in their wintry surroundings. Armed with cold steel and an intent to ambush, they encircled Oliver, Leona, and Hestria.

Leona’s eyes narrowed as she assessed the situation. "Looks like we’ve got company," she said, readying her katana as she slowly pulled it from it’s seath. Hestria summoned a frosty breeze around her hands, prepared to unleash her ice magic. Oliver, always calm under pressure, pulled out his bow from his inventory and got ready for a fight.

Suddenly, emerging from behind one of the snow-covered trees were the two guards Oliver had interrogated last night. Both wore smug smiles, and one of them gazed at Oliver with sinister intent, saying, "You don’t look so good, sir. Something bothering you?" Stay connected through Freewebnovel

Oliver, Leona, and Hestria all focused their gazes on the two guards, sensing trouble. Suddenly, from all around the trees, a group of adventurers revealed themselves.

Oliver, seeing all the adventurers surrounding them, narrowed his gaze at the guards. He asked, "What do you guys think you are up to?" His tone was cold and serious, his eyes shining brightly with his green mana, hinting that things could end badly if they weren’t careful with their intentions; their lives wouldn’t be spared.

Leona, able to sense the strange hostile air between Oliver and the guards, asked, "Oliver, what is going on? Why does it seem like they are targeting you specifically?"

Oliver replied casually, "Just a bunch of idiots wanting to get back at me, most likely because of what happened at the gate. Pay it no mind, Leona; I’ll take care of them." He lied, not revealing the full truth, including the humiliation he put them through last night.

"Take care of us!?" the other previously silent guard yelled in anger. He added, "In case you need a pair of glasses and can’t see well because of the snow, there are fifty adventurers here to make sure you don’t leave here alive." He pointed at Oliver. "We’ll make sure you suffer for thinking you can just do whatever you want and get away with it," he concluded, getting his point across.

Hestria seemed a bit tense, ready to engage in battle at any moment. Leona sighed and put her katana back in its sheath, anticipating what was about to happen next. Suddenly, Oliver burst into laughter, catching everyone except Leona off guard. The guards and adventurers were dumbfounded, not knowing what to say or do.

Hestria, finding Oliver’s behavior weird and strange considering their current situation, couldn’t help but ask in a slightly irritated tone, "Are you crazy? Why are you laughing like that? They want you dead; we should be trying to come up with a plan to—" Before she could finish her statement, Leona placed her hand on Hestria’s shoulder and said, "Forget about it, Hestria.

These humans were foolish for angering Oliver, and I doubt he will be sparing any of them."

Hestria was slightly confused by Leona’s statement, prompting her to ask, "What do you mean? We’re surrounded, aren’t we? Shouldn’t we do something?" Leona clarified, "You will soon see what I’m talking about. Any second now."

Inwardly, Leona mused as she narrowed her gaze at Oliver, "The reason our liege gave Oliver the bow at his weapon wasn’t only because of his focus and agility, but also because of his strength. There was once a time I got a chance to pick up Oliver’s bow; I noticed it was very hard to pull, and I couldn’t even pull it all the way. Yet, Oliver does it so casually and very often too.

This means that, although he has a slim fit physique, his strength even surpasses mine. That is part of the reason his shots are so powerful. Now that we are no longer in the forest, and our stats have nearly tripled, I can only guess how destructive his shots will be now. Add that to his mischievous tendencies, and he could very well easily destroy all the men here. He doesn’t need my help."

Oliver slowly lifted up his bow and spoke in a playful tone, "You know, I don’t really get the chance to shoot live targets back in the forest. The only things I train with are the other guardians, and I hold back because I don’t want to hurt my precious family.

But now that I’m outside, why don’t you boys help me with some live target practice?" He said as the glow in his eyes intensified, pulling his bowstring, and an arrow made of his green mana materialized.