Evolution begins with an ant colony

The courtyard was bathed in the soft glow of twilight, casting long shadows across the cobblestone ground. The air was filled with tension as the holy knights and mages, now fully conscious, stood aside, making way for the imposing carriage that awaited King Leonheart's departure.

Hestria, her long blond hair flowing gently in the evening breeze, stepped forward, her expression a mix of confusion and fear. "Leona, Oliver," she began, her voice tinged with shock, "why am I being taken back to the forest with you?"

Leona, her dark blue hair gleaming faintly in the fading light, turned to Hestria with a calm look. "It's complicated," she explained, her brow furrowing slightly. "But for now, it's safest for you to come with us."

Oliver, his emerald eyes reflecting the dimming sunlight, stepped forward, his tone playful. "Our liege has claimed you as his own," he stated bluntly. "It's only natural that you return with us."

Leona, letting out a sigh nodded in agreement. "Oliver speaks the truth," she affirmed, her voice steady.

Hestria let out a weary sigh, running a hand through her tousled hair. "I understand," she muttered, her gaze dropping to the ground. "But I don't like the way things are going. How exactly am I supposed to live there?"

Oliver stepped closer to Hestria, his expression softening. "We'll figure it out together," he reassured her, his voice gentle. "You won't be alone."

Oliver then smiled as he mumbled, "After all," he then suddenly placed his right hand around Cordillera's sholder as he added, "Cordillera will be following us too."

Cordillera, looked visibly surprised by Oliver's statement. "Wait, I am?" she exclaimed, her green eyes widening in disbelief.

Leona and Hestria exchanged puzzled glances, their brows furrowed in confusion as they observed the unfolding scene.

Oliver flashed a charming smile, his emerald eyes gleaming mischievously. "Of course you are," he insisted, his tone confident. "What kind of master would I be if I left you behind?"

Cordillera shifted uncomfortably under Oliver's grasp, her expression conflicted. "Um, I'm the tower master," she stammered, her voice hesitant. "I have a lot of responsibilities. I can't just abandon them and let the country suffer in my absence."
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Oliver's demeanor shifted, his tone taking on a more menacing edge as he leaned in closer to Cordillera. "Is that defiance I hear?" he questioned, his gaze piercing.

Leona, her face etched with an akward look, placing a calming hand on Oliver's shoulder. "Oliver, stop it," she urged, her voice firm. "Our mission was to bring back the king, not anyone else."

With a reluctant nod, Oliver released Cordillera from his grasp, his expression softening. "Fine," he mumbled, his tone resigned. "But don't think this is over."

Cordillera let out a sigh of relief, straightening her posture as she regained her composure. "Thank you, miss," she murmured gratefully to Leona, offering a small smile.

Leona returned the smile, her gaze softening. "No problem," she replied, her voice gentle.

...

The scene unfolded in the courtyard, bathed in the soft glow of the setting sun. The towering walls of the castle loomed overhead, casting long shadows across the cobblestone pavement.

Leona, her gaze softened by the fading light, spoke up. "All that's left now is for the king to say his goodbyes."

Oliver, his figure outlined by the warm hues of twilight, nodded in agreement, his expression calm. Beside him, Hestria stood with a furrowed brow, her eyes scanning the scene with unease.

The trio turned their attention to the king, who stood between the waiting carriage and the queen, his face etched with resignation.

The queen, a vision of grace in her flowing gown, stepped forward, her voice trembling with worry. "My love," she began, her eyes filled with concern, "are you truly going to a nation of monsters?"

The king, his countenance worn with exhaustion, met her gaze with a heavy heart. "I have failed as a king," he admitted, his voice laced with regret. He glanced toward the sections of the town ravaged by Leona and Oliver's attacks, as well as the guards solemnly tending to the bodies of the fallen. "The least I can do is try to make amends for the lives lost."

With a heavy sigh, the king approached his wife, enveloping her in a tender embrace. "I will return, my love," he promised, his voice a whisper against her ear.

The queen clung to him tightly, her fingers curling into the fabric of his cloak. "Please be safe," she pleaded, her voice choked with emotion.

As the king reluctantly pulled away, his gaze lingering on his beloved queen, he turned to face Leona, Oliver, and Hestria. "Let us depart," he said, his voice heavy with resolve.

Oliver, let out a quiet murmur. "It's finally time," he mumbled, his voice barely audible above the gentle rustle of the breeze.

Leona, her gaze fixed on the awaiting carriage, nodded in agreement. "Let's go then," she said, her voice firm.

Hestria, her expression hesitant, reluctantly followed suit, her footsteps echoed as she approached. With a resigned sigh, she joined Oliver and Leona, the trio making their way toward the waiting carriage.

As they reached the carriage, each of them stepped inside. The king, seated within, looked at them with a mixture of fear and seriousness, his posture straight-backed.

With a nod from the king, the carriage lurched forward, its wheels rolling across the courtyard stones. As it began its journey toward the distant horizon.

.....

A few hours later, In the heart of the godforsaken forest. Akun perched atop the roof of his towering castle, its tops reaching toward the canopy above. Below him stretched the sprawling ant city, its buildings shrouded in shadows cast by trees as the moon slowly came into view beyond the horizon.

As he surveyed the cityscape, Akun's thoughts turned to the completion of the construction, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Once it's done," he mumbled to himself, "I'll finally be able to step out of this forest and explore the wonders of this fantasy world."

His reverie was interrupted by a sudden sense of presence nearby. Akun's gaze sharpened, his senses alert as he scanned the surroundings. "I know you're there," he called out, his voice echoing through the quiet forest.

From behind one of the rooftop peaks emerged the dragon princess, her ethereal form gliding gracefully into view. "I apologize for observing without your permission," she said, her voice soft and contrite.

Akun waved a dismissive hand. "It doesn't matter," he replied, his tone casual. "Just try not to make it a habit."

"Alright my liege," Genreia mumbled in a low tone.

Proceeding to sit beside Akun, the dragon princess settled in, her gaze fixed upon the city below. The distant hum of life echoed through the city, mingling with the rustle of leaves in the breeze.

With a gentle voice, she addressed Akun, "My liege."

Akun turned his attention toward her, his brow furrowed in curiosity.

"If I may ask," she continued, "you seem unable to control your dragon aura. It crackles around you, always on the verge of eruption."

Akun's confusion deepened at her words. "My dragon aura?" he echoed, a note of incredulity coloring his voice.