Evolution begins with an ant colony

Last night, in Mellin's room…

In the dimly lit room of the inn, shadows stretched across the walls, the air was thick with tension as Kaldarix gazed intensly at Mellin after what she said.

"Mellin," Kaldarix began, his voice low and urgent. "We must be cautious about how much Akun knows of our plans for revenge. His involvement could jeopardize everything. If he learns too much too soon, he might try to stop us."

Mellin nodded slowly, understanding the wight of his words. "I see your point, my lord. But what exactly do you propose we do? What is your plan?"

Kaldarix paused, his eyes narrowing as he turned to face her. "We will travel to the other states of this nation and destroy every church dedicated to Velora. We will end the lives of all the humans, cleanse the lands of her influence before we make our way back to the capital. Once we've here, ready to complete our mission, we'll explain everything to him.

If he opposes us, then we will have no choice but to put him down."

Mellin's eyes widened slightly at his words. She stood, her expression hardening. "My lord, I want revenge as much as you do. Velora's followers deserve to pay for what she did to our people. But we must have principles. Not all humans serve her.

To kill innocents, those with no connection to her, would be a stain on our pride and honor."

Kaldarix's gaze darkened, and he crossed his arms, his voice edged with frustration. "Pride? Mellin, our people are gone. Destroyed. What pride do we have left to hold onto? We are all that remains."

Mellin took a step forward, her eyes locked onto his with a fierce intensity. "Yes, my lord, we are all that remains. But what if, when we finally die, we meet our people again? How could we face them if they knew we avenged them by killing innocent lives? We must honor their memory, not tarnish it with needless slaughter."

Kaldarix hesitated, her words striking a chord within him. He unclenched his fists, his posture softening as he listened to her perspective. "Then tell me, Mellin," he said quietly. "What is your plan?"

Mellin took a deep breath, her resolve clear in her voice. "We will destroy the churches and only kill all who follow Velora. We will hunt down every acolyte, every priest, and every believer in her foul religion. And we will take the life of any lord or ruler who permits her worship in their lands. But we will not spill the blood of innocent people. Those who have no ties to Velora must be spared."

Kaldarix studied her words for a moment, the weight of it sinking in. He nodded slowly, a sense of reluctant agreement in his eyes. "Very well. We will do it your way, Mellin. We will exact our revenge with honor. But know this: if it comes to it, and Akun stands in our way, I will not hesitate to deal with him."

Mellin placed a hand on his arm, a gesture of solidarity. "Let's hope it doesn't come to that. Father is strong, but his path may yet align with ours. We must be careful, Kaldarix, not just with father, but with how we carry out our revenge. We owe it to our people to be more than just killers."

Kaldarix looked into her eyes, seeing the conviction in them. He nodded again, a silent vow forming between them. Together, they would walk the path of vengeance, but with the honor and dignity their lost kin deserved. The night wore on, but in that small room, a plan was forged—one that would test their resolve and define their future.

…

Back in the present.

Kaldarix shut his eyes, focusing his mana on his dragon eyes. The world blurred, then sharpened into a spectrum beyond human sight. He saw heat signatures, slight shifts in air currents, and the faintest echoes of sound. Scanning the bustling marketplace, he searched for a flicker of warmth matching the small girl's, and then he spotted someone similar in the crowd.

Mellin watched him, a bittersweet ache blooming in her chest. "He used to be just like this back then," she mused, in ages past, he'd been like this – capable, focused, even kind in his own way. Back then, arrogance and boundless energy had been his only flaws, not the cold rage that simmered within him now. It was a tragedy, a proof of the corrupting power of vengeance.

Silently, she clenched her fist. Velora, for twisting such a bright soul into this man that is now driven by hatred, would pay dearly. Mellin vowed to see him through this vengeance, but with the hope that somewhere, a spark of the old Kaldarix remained.

Suddenly, Kaldarix opened his eyes, a glint of success in their depths. He pointed towards a stall overflowing with colorful fruits, a woman with fiery red hair desperately searching through the crowd. "There," he rumbled, his voice surprisingly gentle.

Following his gaze, Mellin spotted the woman, her face etched with worry. The girl's mother, no doubt. Making their way through the crowd, Kaldarix approached the woman, his imposing figure parting the sea of people like a wave. The woman gasped, fear momentarily flickering across her face.

Kaldarix, sensing her fear, knelt before her, placing the little girl gently on the ground. "We found your daughter," he said, his voice surprisingly deep and calming.

Relief flooded the woman's face, tears welling up in her eyes. She scooped her daughter into a tight hug, showering her with kisses. The girl giggled, clinging to her mother with joy.

"Thank you," the woman choked out, her voice thick with emotion. "Thank you so much! I don't know what would have happened…"

The girl, peeking over her mother's shoulder, chimed in, "He wasn't scary, Mama! He was nice!"

A small smile tugged at the corner of Kaldarix's lips, a fleeting flicker of warmth that surprised even him. He nodded slightly, then turned to leave.

But before they could disappear into the crowd, the woman's voice stopped them. "Wait!" she called out. "What are your names? I want to thank you properly."

Mellin exchanged a glance with Kaldarix, a silent question hanging in the air. Finally, Kaldarix spoke, his voice gruff but sincere. "Just travelers," he mumbled, leaving it at that.

With a final wave, they disappeared back into the bustling crowd. As they walked, Mellin couldn't help but ask, "When do we begin, my lord?"

Kaldarix clenched his fists, a burst of emotions battling within him. A memory flashed before his eyes – a memory of his people, their laughter echoing in a vibrant city, their lives overflowing with peace and joy. A life stolen from them by Velora's betrayal.

His gaze hardened, the warmth of the past replaced by the cold fire of vengeance. "Now," he growled, his voice laced with an icy determination. "Velora and her followers will pay for what she did. Thousands of years ago."