Chapter 17

"Woah, what is this? Did war happen overnight?" Nyx exclaims, his multifaceted eyes widening in astonishment. The vicinity around the anthill is scattered with ant corpses, a stark contrast to the industrious activities he observed before.

The once bustling trails of ants are now disrupted, with fallen soldiers and workers strewn across the forest floor. Nyx cautiously approaches the anthill, observing the aftermath of an unseen conflict. Pheromone-laden air tells tales of a struggle, a silent war fought within the intricate tunnels beneath the ground.

Nyx's insectoid instincts detect a change in the atmosphere—an undercurrent of tension lingering among the ant remnants. He carefully examines the fallen ants, noting the diversity in their roles and the intricate adaptations that make each one a specialized member of the colony.

Despite the abundance of fallen ants, the anthill remains a hive of activity. The worker ants, displaying an unwavering dedication to their duties, tirelessly collect the lifeless bodies of their comrades. With remarkable efficiency, they form organized lines, carrying the fallen ants back to the anthill.

Nyx observes this somber procession, his multifaceted eyes tracking the intricate choreography of the worker ants. Each ant, despite the apparent chaos, fulfills its role with precision. The fallen soldiers and workers, once vibrant contributors to the colony, are now carried away in a solemn march of retrieval.

The soldier ants, normally vigilant in their duties, exhibit heightened levels of alertness. Nyx notices their intensified patrols, as if responding to an invisible threat that lingers in the aftermath of the apparent conflict. Mandibles click with an urgency that transcends the typical rhythm of their routine.

"Who attacked them? Is it another ant colony?" Nyx wonders aloud, his insectoid features reflecting a blend of intrigue and a growing understanding of the complex dynamics at play within the forest. The aftermath of the silent war raises questions about the unseen forces that shape the insectoid world.

As Nyx contemplates the aftermath of the unseen conflict, the forest seems to hold its breath in anticipation. Suddenly, a ripple of agitation courses through the remaining ants. With a synchronized precision, they form a line, their antennae weaving back and forth in an intricate dance. Nyx, observing the display, is uncertain whether the ants are expressing excitement or some other form of communication.

In the midst of this mysterious behavior, Nyx senses a surge of powerful auras in the distance. One, in particular, stands out, surpassing even the weakened Shadowlume that Nyx had encountered before. The anticipation builds as Nyx awaits the source of these potent energies.

Then, emerging from the forest, Nyx witnesses a colossal ant, towering above its kin. The multifaceted eyes of the insectoid assassin widen in surprise at the sight of this monumental creature, a living anomaly amidst the intricate hierarchy of the ant colony.

Without hesitation, Nyx activates the system, employing its scanning capabilities to unveil the status of these extraordinary ants. As the information unfolds before him, Nyx's insectoid features display a mix of awe and realization.

Status

[Male Alate (Level: 41)

Race: Ant

Special Blood: none

Skills: ???]

[Supermajor (level 35)

Race: Ant

Special Blood: none

Skills: ???]

[Major (level 25)

Race: Ant

Special Blood: none

Skills: ???]

As Nyx analyzes the status of the ants, his multifaceted eyes widen in astonishment. The system reveals a formidable assembly of ant royalty, each with distinct roles and levels, creating a hierarchy that commands both respect and apprehension.

At the pinnacle of this group of ants stands the Male Alate, a majestic figure perched atop the colossal Supermajor ant. The Male Alate, with a level surpassing anything Nyx has encountered, exudes an aura of authority akin to a royalty. Its exoskeleton is adorned with iridescent hues, reflecting an otherworldly grandeur. Intricate patterns and markings reminiscent of regal armor embellish its form, making it appear like a king surveying its realm.

The Male Alate's wings, though folded, hint at the potential for majestic flight. Its antennae, longer and more pronounced than those of its subjects, convey a heightened sensitivity to the surrounding environment. The mandibles, designed for more than just the mundane tasks of worker ants, appear sharp and ready for any challenge.

Nyx, struck by the surreal beauty of the Male Alate, feels a palpable shift in the dynamics of the forest. The Supermajor ant, beneath its royal passenger, is equally awe-inspiring. Towering over its kin, the Supermajor is a living fortress, its exoskeleton enhanced with a natural armor that speaks of resilience and strength.

The Majors ants, though not as extravagant as their regal counterparts, still bear a distinctiveness in their appearances. Each one displays subtle variations in size, coloration, and markings, showcasing the intricate diversity within the ant colony.

As Nyx takes in the sight before him, the Male Alate raises its antennae, weaving them back and forth in a mesmerizing dance. The worker ants, in response, form lines, their disciplined movements resembling a synchronized salute to their royalty.