Evolution begins with an ant colony

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Leona and Oliver approached the throne, their steps echoed as they did. As they reached the foot of the stairs, they both dropped to one knee, bowing their heads.

"We have returned from our mission, my liege," they announced at the same time, their voices echoing in the grand chamber.

Akun observed them from his throne, his expression unreadable as he regarded his loyal guardians.

Akun leaned forward in his throne, his gaze on Leona and Oliver as they recounted their mission. "So, you both are back from your mission," he observed, his voice carrying a tone of curiosity. "Tell me, how did it go?"

Leona straightened her posture, her expression serious as she began to speak. "There were some issues along the way, my liege," she replied, her voice steady. "We encountered resistance and had to resort to force to overcome it. Unfortunately, there were casualties, but we managed to succeed in bringing the king of that nation to the forest."

Akun nodded slowly as he listened to what Leona said.

Akun leaned back in his throne, his brow furrowing slightly. "And where is the king now?" he inquired, his tone measured.

Oliver, his voice clear and confident. "He's currently resting in the beast folk tribe," he explained, his hands gesturing to emphasize his words. "He'll be making his way here first thing tomorrow morning."

Akun nodded thoughtfully, his expression unreadable. "Is that so," he murmured, his gaze distant.@@novelbin@@

Straightening in his seat, Akun addressed them both. "I'll likely have my meeting with him after I've had a meeting with all the guardians and tribe leaders," he explained, his tone decisive. He then added, "But for now, Oliver and Leona, you've both done a commendable job." He offered them a faint, appreciative smile.

Oliver and Leona exchanged relieved smiles, their spirits lifted by Akun's approval. Their shoulders relaxed as they prepared to depart, their task accomplished.

"Thank you, my liege," Leona said with a nod, her voice sincere.

Akun nodded in acknowledgment. "Good. You may leave now," he replied, his tone gentle but authoritative. "Go and assist the other guardians with the preparations."

"We'll make sure everything is in order for the festival." They repliednat the same time.

With a final bow of respect, Oliver and Leona turned to make their exit. As they straightened up, a sense of purpose drove them forward.

As they approached the massive doors of the throne room, Oliver pretended to step outside, but in reality, he waited for Leona to exit first. Pausing at the threshold, he turned back towards the throne and bowed once more, a thoughtful expression on his face.

Seeing Oliver's hesitation, Akun furrowed his brow in curiosity. "Is something the matter, Oliver?" he asked, his voice filled with concern.

Oliver narrowed his gaze, letting out a sigh. He then said. "My liege," he began, his voice steady but filled with urgency, "there's something of importance that I must bring to your attention."

Akun's eyes narrowed his gaze, his expression becoming guarded. "Go on," he urged, his voice low and cautious.

Oliver hesitated for a moment, gathering his thoughts before continuing. "During our mission, Leona seemed... distant," he began, his voice trailing off slightly.

Akun's expression turned more serious, his gaze piercing as he focused on Oliver. "Distant? In what way?" he inquired, his tone carrying a hint of urgency.

Oliver took a deep breath, meeting Akun's narrowed gaze. "Leona's behavior seemed... off. She was more reserved than usual, and there were moments when she seemed distracted, as if something weighed heavily on her mind. And she kept on wanting to not kill the humans, and even decided to only allow us knock them out."

Akun's expression shifted, a mixture of surprise and concern crossing his features. "Strange, you say?" he echoed, his voice gave off his growing unease. Inwardly he mused, "What could have caused this change in her behavior?"

Akun's brow furrowed in thought as he gestured with a hand, his gaze fixed on Oliver. "Perhaps it stems from memories of the original timeline," he mused. "When the ant tribe faced near eradication because of the Crimson Bloom." He paused, his expression somber as he considered the implications of Oliver's words.

Akun let out a sigh, his expression gentle as he reassured Oliver, "not to worry, Oliver. Leona just memories of dreadful moments from her past. She's strong, and she'll find a way to cope with them."

Oliver's brows furrowed with concern, his eyes widening slightly as he tilted his head inquisitively. "Dreadful moments?" he asked, his voice tinged with worry.

Akun's expression softened into a reassuring smile as he gestured towards the door. "Like I said, don't worry," he said calmly. "Now, why don't you finally go and assist the others?" His tone was encouraging, urging Oliver to focus on the task at hand.

Oliver's expression softened as he nodded in acknowledgment. "Alright, my liege," he replied respectfully. Rising from his kneeling position, he bowed his head slightly. "I'll be on my way now." With a final nod, he turned on his heel and made his way towards the door, his steps echoing faintly in the grand chamber as he departed.

Akun's shoulders sagged slightly as he released a weary sigh, his expression momentarily exhausted. Pushing himself up from his throne, he walked towards the massive window situated behind it. Gazing out at the sprawling expanse beyond, he spoke softly, his voice tinged with a hint of nostalgia. "The weight of being a ruler is heavy indeed," he murmured, his gaze distant yet thoughtful.

"But it is one I have grown fond of." As he spoke, the soft glow of twilight filtered through the window, casting a silvary glow upon his features.

Akun then added, "I guess I'll be able to start my dragon training with Genreia and Chrono Nexus after the festival and the meeting. Then I can finally step out of the forest." He paused, then gestured inquisitively as he continued, "Now that I think about it, I think Kaldarix and Mellin should join me in that training...

Perhaps they will be able to transform into their dragon form if they do." As he said.