Chapter 15

A few days later, Nyx decides to embark on a new quest—tracking the ants to discover the location of their anthill. From the vantage point at the top of a towering tree, Nyx observes the sprawling landscape below. The anthill, resembling a small mountain in comparison to Nyx's previous life, stands as a testament to the industriousness of the ant colony.

"I thought that I would easily gain XP by killing these ants, but from what I can see, there should be strong ants guarding this colony," Nyx muses to himself. His multifaceted eyes scan the surroundings, analyzing the intricate trails of ants weaving through the forest floor. The organized chaos of their movements indicates a well-established colony.

Nyx's keen senses detect a level 20 soldier ant patrolling the periphery of the anthill. This formidable guardian moves with purpose, its exoskeleton gleaming in the dappled sunlight. The soldier ant, larger and more robust than its worker counterparts, signifies the colony's dedication to defense.

"And this is just the outside of the anthill," Nyx thought.

As Nyx remembers, he notes the complexity of the ant infrastructure. Tunnels intertwine beneath the forest floor, connecting various chambers and pathways. The anthill itself is a marvel of insect architecture, with ant workers tirelessly moving about their tasks—some carrying food, others tending to the colony's needs.

The surrounding area is marked by a network of foraging trails, evidence of the ants' relentless quest for resources. Nyx watches as the ants navigate obstacles with remarkable efficiency, utilizing a pheromone trail system to communicate and coordinate their movements.

The soldier ant, vigilant in its patrol, adds an element of challenge to Nyx's potential incursion. "This won't be as easy as I thought," Nyx whispers to himself, a wry smile playing across his insectoid features. The prospect of confronting the ant colony, with its intricate hierarchy and formidable defenders, is impossible to the current him.

Deciding to proceed with caution, Nyx acknowledges the challenge posed by the level 20 soldier ant. With a flicker of anticipation in his multifaceted eyes, he activates his Umbral Dagger skill once more. The mystical dagger materializes in his hand, ready to be employed in the calculated dance of insectoid warfare.

Nyx selects his targets meticulously, identifying isolated ants away from the soldier's watchful gaze. The Umbral Dagger, a silent harbinger of doom, is unleashed with a swift and practiced throw. The ethereal weapon pierces through the air, seeking its mark with lethal precision.

The first ant falls silently, the Umbral Dagger leaving no trace of Nyx's presence. The surrounding ants, oblivious to the unseen threat, continue their industrious activities.

Nyx, attuned to the limits of his skill, conservatively uses the Umbral Dagger, mindful of its three-use constraint. The second throw dispatches another ant, its demise as swift and silent as the first.

Remaining in the shadows, Nyx plots his final move. With a strategic glance at the soldier ant's patrol pattern, he positions himself for the last throw. The Umbral Dagger, guided by Nyx's skilled hand, finds its mark, concluding the silent symphony of death orchestrated amidst the ant trails.

As the third ant succumbs to the Umbral Dagger's embrace, Nyx senses the temporary depletion of his skill. "That's all for now," he mutters to himself, acknowledging the constraint of his ethereal arsenal.

With the soldier ant still patrolling, Nyx decides to rely on his agility. Like a shadow among shadows, he maneuvers through the forest, avoiding detection. Each movement is deliberate, calculated to evade the vigilant gaze of the level 20 sentinel.

Nyx, embracing his insectoid prowess, engages in a precise dance of stealth. His multifaceted eyes remain fixated on the soldier ant, ensuring he remains undetected. The surrounding ants, now oblivious to the subtle intrusion, continue their routine, unaware of the threat that lurks in their midst.

Hours pass by, and Nyx continues his calculated assault on the distant ranks of ants, honing his skills and gaining valuable experience. His predatory instincts, augmented by the ethereal Umbral Dagger, prove to be a lethal combination in his quest for advancement.

As Nyx relentlessly targets the ants on the outskirts of the colony, the forest bears witness to the intricate dance between predator and prey. The Umbral Dagger, summoned with precision, silently finds its marks, leaving behind a trail of fallen ants. Nyx, mindful of the three-use constraint, wields the mystical weapon with strategic finesse.

Unbeknownst to Nyx, the diligent soldier ant, ever watchful, stumbles upon one of its fallen comrades. The lifeless ant lies on the forest floor, a silent testament to Nyx's stealthy incursion. The soldier ant, sensing an anomaly in the pheromone-laden air, pauses in its patrol.

Nyx, positioned strategically in the shadows, senses the subtle shift in the soldier ant's behavior. "Looks like they've noticed," he mutters to himself, a calculating glint in his multifaceted eyes. The intricate hierarchy of the ant colony is momentarily disrupted by the discovery of the fallen comrade.

The soldier ant, now on high alert, intensifies its patrol, mandibles clicking in an audible display of vigilance. Nyx, undeterred, continues his silent onslaught on the distant ants, mindful of the heightened scrutiny.

With each successful assassination, Nyx inches closer to the next level. The Umbral Dagger, wielded with practiced expertise, becomes an extension of his evolved form. The forest, a stage for this predatory ballet, resonates with the echoes of Nyx's calculated strikes.

As Nyx levels up to 15, a surge of newfound power courses through him. His insectoid features bear the subtle marks of evolution, a testament to the growth achieved through his relentless pursuit of experience points.