Evolution begins with an ant colony

The high priest stood at the altar, a look of sheer horror etched on his face. He raised his staff, summoning a protective barrier. "Goddess, shield me!"

Kaldarix's eyes gleamed coldly. "No barrier… created by some human that serves that treacherous dragon… can withstand my wrath," he said, the golden crest in his purple eyes glowing intensely.

Bringing his hands together, he summoned a gigantic spike of gold that erupted from the floor. It pierced the barrier and the high priest's chest in the blink of an eye.

Time seemed to slow down as the barrier shattered like glass, fragments scattering in all directions, and the high priest coughed up blood, his lifeless body dangled from the spike, blood dripping onto the altar, staining it with blood.

"Your faith in that goddess of yours shall be your downfall," Kaldarix muttered, his voice echoing through the desecrated nave.

Mellin turned to the remaining priestess , her gaze icy and unforgiving. "Pray all you want," she said coldly. "Your treacherous goddess will not save you."

She raised her hands, and a storm of frost covered them. The priestess screamed, their voices high and desperate, as the cold bit into their flesh. The temperature in the room plummeted, frost creeping up the walls and along the floor, freezing everything it touched.

With a final flick of her wrist, Mellin shattered them, their bodies crumbling to the floor in a heap of frozen shards that glittered like blood jewels in the dim light.

The church was silent now, except for the soft crackle of frost and the faint drip of blood. The sanctuary that was once holy was now left in ruins, the beauty of its sacred space reduced to a scene of utter devastation. Broken bodies, shattered relics, and splintered wood lay littered across the floor.

Kaldarix and Mellin stood in the carnage, their breathing heavy, their mana thrumming through their bodies. Kaldarix looked around the scene, his eyes cold and distant, a grim satisfaction settling over him.

"This is just the beginning," he said, his voice a low growl. "We will cleanse these lands of the fools who believe in Velora."

Mellin nodded, her expression cold and distant.

Together, they turned and walked back out, leaving the ruined church behind them. The path of their revenge stretched out before them, long and bloody, but they would walk it together, bound by their shared pain.

...

Meanwhile...

The morning sun filtered through the leafy canopy of Elvendell, casting dappled light into the cozy confines of Ark's rented tree house. The gentle rustling of leaves and the distant chirping of birds created a peaceful atmosphere, but inside, a small, sprite-like figure was anything but peaceful.

"†[Lord Ark, wake up!]†" Genesis's voice chimed with urgency, her gossamer wings fluttering anxiously as she hovered over the sleeping young man. Ark lay sprawled across his bed, a blissful expression on his face, seemingly oblivious to the world around him.

Genesis sighed in annoyance and flitted closer, her tiny form glowing with a soft blue light. "†[Lord Ark, you must wake up. We have important tasks to attend to today.]†"

Ark groaned and rolled over, burying his face deeper into his pillow. "Mmm... five more minutes, Genesis," he mumbled, his voice muffled by the soft fabric.

The little sprite's wings beat faster, her patience wearing thin. "†[Five more minutes?]†" she repeated in shock. "†[You have a mission to carry out tonight. If you continue to laze about like this, how do you expect to perform your duties?]†"

With a final, reluctant stretch, Ark sat up, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. He let out a massive yawn, his colour changing eyes blinking blearily at his impatient companion. "Alright, alright," he muttered, stifling another yawn. "Genesis, could you equip my Elven attire?"

Genesis gave an exasperated huff, her tiny arms crossing over her chest. She snapped her fingers and Ark was momentarily covered in a flash of light and the next instant he had his outfit on, "†[Lord Ark, you really need to stop being so lazy. This is serious. If you're this sluggish before the time comes, how can you hope to succeed in your mission tonight? If you fail you could doom us all.]†"

Ark chuckled, a mischievous glint in his eyes despite his sleepy demeanor. "Don't worry so much, Genesis," he said, swinging his legs over the side of the bed and stretching his arms overhead. "Everything that's happening now has happened before—"

"†[And you can stop saying that. Get out of bed and go eat something. You need your strength.]†" Genesis interrupted him, her voice firm.

Ark grinned, amused by her no-nonsense attitude. "Alright, alright. I'm up." He stood and stretched again, his movements fluid and graceful despite his leisurely pace.

The tree house he had found and rented was a simple yet charming structure found high among the branches. Though he seemed like he was new to Elvendell, he had quickly gotten used to his surroundings.

He understood how every item in his room worked, from the complexly carved wooden furniture to the delicate Elven artifacts that hung on the walls.

After making some adjustments on his Elven attire— with his usual flamboyant touches—Ark stepped outside. The morning air was crisp and refreshing, carrying the scent of blooming flowers and fresh leaves. He made his way down the winding staircase that led from his tree house to the bustling streets below.

Elvendell was a hive of activity, with Elves moving gracefully through the streets, their flowing robes blending seamlessly with the natural beauty around them. Ark's presence, with his shimmering hair and changing eye colors, drew a few curious glances, but he paid them little mind. His thoughts were on breakfast.

He headed to a nearby inn, the one he had noted the night before for its enticing aromas and lively atmosphere. Stepping inside, he found a seat by the window and signaled for the waitress.

A young Elven woman approached, her eyes widening slightly at the sight of Ark's unusual appearance. "What can I get for you today?"

Ark glanced at the menu and then back at her. "I'll have your breakfast special," he said, then paused, a smirk spreading on his lips. "Actually, make that two. I've got a bit of extra cash to spend."

The waitress nodded, slightly amused by his easygoing demeanor. "Two breakfast specials it is," she replied, noting down his order. "That'll be eight silver coins."