Chapter 27

The forest echoes with the sounds of wings beating, interspersed with the occasional burst of Venom Bullets. Nyx, utilizing being faster than the ants, tries to outmaneuver the relentless assault.

However, the earlier use of Umbral Veil weighs heavily on Nyx's mana reserves. "I can't keep this up for long," he acknowledges, a bead of sweat forming on his exoskeleton. The intricate dance of evasion unfolds amidst the towering trees as Nyx seeks an opportunity to break free.

A tense dialogue unfolds within Nyx's mind. "I can't rely on Umbral Veil again, and Venom Bullets are wearing me down. I need a plan," he strategizes, his multifaceted eyes scanning the forest landscape for potential advantages.

As Nyx continues his evasive flight through the dense forest, the relentless pursuit takes a toll on his endurance. Venom Bullets whiz past him, occasionally grazing his exoskeleton, leaving behind trails of searing pain. The once-confident glint in Nyx's multifaceted eyes now flickers with a hint of desperation.

"These ants are persistent," Nyx grunts through gritted mandibles, his wings fluttering with fatigue. The forest canopy, once a sanctuary, now feels like a labyrinth closing in on him. With each acrobatic maneuver, Nyx struggles to maintain his pace, and the venom coursing through his system intensifies the challenge.

The level 35 Major Ant, showcasing its tactical prowess, leads the pursuit. Nyx's mind races as he analyzes the forest's terrain for a potential advantage. The distant roar of a waterfall catches his attention—a glimmer of hope in the midst of adversity.

Driven by sheer determination, Nyx makes a daring decision. He descends rapidly, using the trees to shield himself from the relentless barrage of Venom Bullets. The Major Ants, momentarily disoriented by the sudden change in altitude, struggle to adjust their flight.

"I can't keep flying like this," Nyx mutters between labored breaths, his wings now bearing the weight of both exhaustion and injury. As he approaches the waterfall, a plan takes shape in his weary mind.

With a final burst of speed, Nyx reaches the edge of the cliff overlooking the cascading water. Without hesitation, he dives into the waterfall's embrace. The rush of cool water engulfs him, providing a momentary respite from the venom coursing through his veins.

In the watery haven behind the curtain of the waterfall, Nyx assesses his injuries. Venom-induced burns adorn his exoskeleton, and fatigue threatens to overtake him. "I can't afford to rest for long," Nyx reminds himself, urgency lending newfound strength.

The Major Ants, undeterred by the waterfall, hover on the edge of the cliff. Nyx's gambit bought him a temporary reprieve, but he knows the pursuit isn't over. As he emerges from the waterfall, Nyx feels a renewed surge of determination.

"I've survived worse than this," Nyx whispers to himself. Despite the injuries and the relentless chase, Nyx, with wings heavy and body battered, takes to the air once more, disappearing into the labyrinth of the forest.

In the dense forest, Nyx's battered form strains against the fatigue and searing pain from the venomous assaults. His once agile maneuvers become sluggish, and the haunting realization of impending defeat lingers in his multifaceted eyes.

"Is this the end for me?" Nyx wonders, his wings fluttering weakly as he struggles to maintain altitude. Venom Bullets continue to whiz perilously close, each grazing hit adding to his agony.

The level 35 Major Ant, closes the distance. Nyx's battered body becomes a canvas of injury, his once vibrant exoskeleton now bearing the scars of the chase. The forest, once his sanctuary, transforms into a hostile battleground.

As Nyx's strength wanes, the Major Ant prepares for a final strike. Its mandibles gleam with a deadly intent, poised to deliver the finishing blow. Nyx, resigned to his fate, braces for the inevitable.

Yet, before the Major Ant can execute the fatal strike, a sudden blur of motion disrupts the imminent demise. The Major Ant is cleaved in half, its severed segments tumbling to the forest floor. Nyx, unable to clearly perceive the swift intervention, feels a surge of relief.

Blurry shapes surround Nyx, and his vision flickers in and out of focus. Before losing consciousness, a voice reaches him—foreign yet strangely comprehensible. "Captain, why are the ants here? Are they not satisfied driving us out, and want to conquer our new land again, and how did they kno-"

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Nyx opens his eyes, the world a blurred panorama of greens and browns. His entire body aches, a testament to the ordeal he endured. With great effort, he takes in his surroundings—still near the falls, the gentle roar of cascading water providing an oddly soothing backdrop.

"Hmm, what happened? I just remember the major ant got cut in half, and heard someone talking," Nyx mutters, his voice strained. The forest, once an enigmatic sanctuary, now harbors the echoes of a battle Nyx can only partially recall.