Evolution begins with an ant colony

Ark fished out the coins from his pouch and handed them over, his mind already wandering to the day ahead. As he waited for his food, he leaned back in his chair, watching the morning bustle of the inn and the streets outside.

Tonight, the mission would demand his full attention, but for now, he allowed himself a moment of peace and indulgence, enjoying the calm before the inevitable storm.

As Ark settled into his seat, the inn’s door swung open, drawing his attention. A figure stepped inside, cloaked in a flowing brown hooded robe designed with beautiful golden embroidery. The woman moved gracefully, and without hesitation, she crossed the bustling room to sit directly opposite Ark at his table.

Genesis, hovering nearby, immediately sensed something unusual. "†[Lord Ark,]†" she called out in her tinkling voice, "†[there’s something strange about her.]†"

Ark didn’t need the warning. His colour changing eyes sparkled with excitement as he glanced at the woman. "I already know, Genesis," he thought with a grin. "The woman before us is a goddess." Your next journey awaits at NovelBin.Côm

The woman lifted her head ever so slightly, enough to reveal one of her eyes—a brilliant blue orb that glowed softly as she gazed at him. The intensity of her gaze seemed to pierce through him, confirming his suspicion.

Just then, the Elven waitress returned with Ark’s order. She set down a wooden tray laden with a colorful array of food. There was a bowl of fragrant soup, a medley of fruits that seemed to glow with an inner light, and a strange-looking item that resembled bread but was not. It was warm to the touch, its surface slightly crisp and golden, exuding a tantalizing aroma.

"Thank you," Ark said to the waitress, his voice filled with genuine appreciation. She smiled and nodded, retreating to attend to other patrons.

Ark clasped his hands together in silent gratitude before picking up his spoon. He savored the first bite, the soup’s rich, savory broth melding perfectly with the sweet and tangy fruits. The warm, bread-like item had a delicate, almost pastry-like texture that melted in his mouth, leaving a hint of sweetness.

As he ate, he couldn’t help but notice the woman across from him watching intently. Ark raised an eyebrow, swallowing a mouthful before addressing her. "Won’t you order something to eat?" he asked, his tone casual, yet curious.

The woman shook her head slowly, her voice soft but firm. "I’m not hungry," she replied, her eyes never leaving his.

Ark leaned in slightly, a playful smile on his lips. "Then why are you here?" he asked, his words followed by by the faint clinking of his spoon against the bowl.

The woman’s gaze locked with his for a moment longer before she answered. "I’m waiting for someone."

"Is that so?" Ark replied, his smile widening. "Well, I hope they arrive soon."

Genesis fluttered closer, her voice a whisper in Ark’s mind. "†[Lord Ark, she’s lying.]†"

"Obviously," Ark responded in his thoughts, amused by the small change of their conversation.

He continued his meal, each bite he savoured the meal as he kept his eyes on the goddess. The interplay of flavors and textures was delightful, yet his focus remained split between his food and the intriguing figure across from him.

After finishing his meal, Ark signaled the waitress to clear the plates. He rose from his seat, brushing a few crumbs from his lap. "Farewell," he said to the woman, his tone light and polite.

The goddess watched him with that same intense gaze, her glowing eye a mysterious pool of blue light. She nodded slightly, acknowledging his departure but saying nothing more.

As Ark walked away, Genesis fluttered beside him, her voice filled with concern. "†[Do you think she will follow us, Lord Ark?]†"

Ark glanced back at the inn, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Most likely," he mused, "but whatever her intentions, we’ll find out soon enough."

As Ark stepped onto the streets of Elvendell, the midmorning sun filtered through the lush canopy overhead, casting dappled shadows on the cobblestone paths. Elves made their way through the marketplace their delicate hands weaving through the air as they chatted, exchanged greetings, and tended to their daily tasks.

The lively chatter of the town created a gentle hum, a melody of life that filled the air.

Genesis, her wings flickering with a soft glow, hovered just above Ark’s shoulder, her tiny hands clenched with concern. "†[Lord Ark,]†" she whispered into his mind, her voice like the rustle of leaves in the wind, "†[the goddess is following us.]†"

Ark responded with a casual chuckle in his thoughts, his colour changing eyes looking around the crowd. "Just as I expected," he thought, walking calmly, as if he were taking a leisurely stroll through a familiar park.

Genesis fluttered closer, her eyes wide with worry. "†[How do you plan to deal with her?]†" she asked, her wings beating rapidly, she was agitated.

Ark dodged a group of Elven children chasing a butterfly, moving playfully. "I’ll try to lose her in the crowd," he replied, making his way between the townsfolk with a so easily that it seemed he was more a phantom than a person.

Genesis sighed, her voice tinged with annoyance. "†[It is highly unlikely that will work, Lord Ark. She must have sensed your aura as a god. That’s how she was able to find you in the first place.]†"

Ark acknowledged her point with a slight nod, his eyes lost in thought. He ducked under a low-hanging vine and narrowly avoided a street vendor’s cart loaded with vibrant fruits. "You’re right, Genesis. So, what to do then?" He turned on his heel, seamlessly.

"†[Please, Lord Ark,]†" Genesis implored, her voice rising in urgency as she darted around his head, her wings a blur. "†[Take this seriously. It could jeopardize the mission.]†"

Ark’s lips curled into a confident smile, his fingers drumming lightly against the hilt of a dagger hidden beneath his tunic. "Don’t worry, little one. There are many ways to deal with a goddess. This time, I think a little alleyway beatdown is in order."

He suddenly walked into a narrow alleyway, picking up in pace. The alley, was filled with intertwining vines and moss-covered stones, it was very different wnan compared to the sunlit streets outside.

As he reached a secluded corner, he stopped suddenly and pressed his back against the cool stone wall, his breath steady and controlled. Almost immediately, the goddess’s figure appeared at the edge of the alley.

Before she could react, Ark sprang forward his hand shot out, his fingers wrapping around her neck. He lifted her effortlessly off the ground, his eyes gleaming with dangerous excitement.

The hood of her cloak slipped back slightly, revealing more of her beautiful face, golden hair and those glowing blue eyes, now wide with surprise.

Ark’s smile widened as he leaned in, close enough to feel the faint tremor of her breath against his skin. "I suppose this is the part where I ask what you’re up to," he said, his voice low and fill with amusement. "But it’s obvious you were following me."

He tightened his grip slightly, just enough to emphasize his point. "So, let’s skip the formalities. Who are you, and what do you want?"

But as his gaze lingerd on the goddess his eyes widned with shock and recognition as he mumbled, "W-wait... What are you doing here..?"