Chapter 20

As the first light of dawn bathes the enchanted forest in a soft glow, Nyx awakens within his dimly lit cave. His multifaceted eyes gleam with newfound vigor, and the air is infused with the promise of a new day. Unaware of the relentless pursuit transpiring around him, Nyx stretches his insectoid limbs and yawns, revealing the sharp edges of his mandibles.

"Nice morning," Nyx remarks to himself, the echo of his words blending with the natural symphony of the awakening forest. With a decisive sense of purpose, Nyx prepares to continue his activities within the ant colonies.

"I should continue my farm at the ants," he declares, a hint of satisfaction in his voice. Without delay, Nyx emerges from the sanctuary of his cave, his insectoid form seamlessly blending with the shadows of the dawn-lit forest.

The uneven terrain under Nyx's legs becomes a familiar path as he heads towards the anthill. The forest, still adorned in the subtle hues of morning, acknowledges his presence with a gentle rustle of leaves and the distant chirping of unseen creatures. The air carries the fragrance of dew-kissed foliage, adding to the immersive experience of the enchanted realm.

Approaching the anthill, Nyx's multifaceted eyes survey the surroundings. The intricate hierarchy and industrious activities of the ant colony unfold before him, a testament to the complex ecosystem that thrives within Eldergrove.

"I wonder what surprises await today," Nyx muses, his insectoid features displaying a mix of curiosity and anticipation.

As Nyx delves deeper into the heart of the ant colonies, his multifaceted eyes keenly scan the surroundings, absorbing the nuances of the enchanted forest. The morning light casts dappled shadows through the foliage, creating a mesmerizing dance of light and shadow.

As he navigates the intricate trails surrounding the anthill, Nyx's multifaceted eyes widen in shock at the sight of formidable Major Ants patrolling the area. Towering at levels 20 to 25, these imposing figures move with a commanding presence, their strong mandibles and sturdy exoskeletons signaling a significant threat.

Nyx, momentarily taken aback, mutters to himself, "Major ants at this level? This is unexpected." His insectoid features betray a mix of surprise and calculation as he observes the vigilant patrol of the powerful ants. The forest, once a familiar territory, now holds an added layer of complexity with the presence of these high-level sentinels.

Intrigued and cautious, Nyx decides to gather more information. He extends a set of antennae towards one of the patrolling Major Ants, initiating a detailed scan of its status. The air is charged with a subtle tension as Nyx delves into the unseen intricacies of the ant's abilities, strengths, and potential weaknesses.

[Major Ant (Level 22)

Species: Ant

Special Blood: None

Skills:

Mandible Crush: The Major Ant can deliver a powerful bite, causing damage and potentially immobilizing smaller foes.

Antennae Communication: Enables the Major Ant to convey complex messages to other colony members.

Group Coordination: The Major Ant excels in coordinating attacks with other ants, displaying strategic prowess in defending the colony.

Hardened Exoskeleton: The exoskeleton provides significant resistance to physical attacks.

Venom Bullet: A ranged attack skill that allows the user to fire concentrated venomous projectiles at adversaries. Upon impact, the venom induces paralysis or weakening effects.

Enhance Strength: This skill temporarily boosts the user's physical strength, augmenting their power and effectiveness in both offensive and defensive maneuvers.]

As Nyx absorbs the detailed status of the Major Ant, a revelation sparks within him. The skills section, once a straightforward listing, now unveils intricate descriptions of the abilities. A mix of shock and delight crosses Nyx's insectoid features, and a wide smile forms on his mandible-adorned face.

"Did the system get an upgrade without me knowing?" Nyx wonders aloud, his voice carrying a blend of genuine surprise and excitement. The forest, a silent witness to his musings, responds with the gentle rustle of leaves and the distant calls of unseen creatures.

"This is good," Nyx exclaims, a note of excitement in his voice. "With this new feature in the status, it'll help me immensely with all the enemies I'll encounter in the future." Nyx's anticipation for the challenges ahead is met with newfound confidence, knowing that the enhanced information will aid him in strategizing against the diverse skills of his adversaries.

Now, as Nyx contemplates the Major Ant's formidable skills, he realizes the heightened challenge that lies ahead. The morning sunlight filters through the dense canopy, casting dappled shadows on Nyx's insectoid form as he ponders the implications of this newfound knowledge.

"Now, these Major Ants are quite a headache," Nyx mutters to himself, his multifaceted eyes narrowing in thoughtful consideration. The forest around him seems to echo his sentiments with a hushed murmur of leaves.

"Even if just one Major Ant spots me, the entire ant colony will drown me with their sheer number alone, much less the high-level ants inside the colony," As Nyx observes, the weight of the potential encounter evident in his tone. The complexity of the situation unfolds before him, and he realizes the necessity of a strategic approach in dealing with these formidable adversaries.