Chapter 26

The forest morning bathes the landscape in the soft hues of dawn. Nyx, nestled within the tranquility of his cave, awakens with a contented smile. The remnants of dreams and the echoes of battles linger as he stretches his insectoid limbs, ready to face another day in the intricate dance of survival.

"Another day of farming the ants for exp," Nyx murmurs to himself, a confident glint in his multifaceted eyes. The prospect of furthering his strength propels him forward into the forest's embrace.

However, the serenity is abruptly shattered when the quiet ambiance of his hidden sanctuary is disrupted. Nyx's acute senses detect the subtle sound of the cave entrance being opened. Swiftly, instincts kick in, and without hesitation, Nyx activates his newly acquired skill, Umbral Veil.

The cloak of darkness envelops him, rendering the mutated stiltbug virtually invisible within the confines of his cave. Nyx's multifaceted eyes scan the chamber, anticipating the intruder's identity.

To his surprise and near shock, a level 15 soldier ant come inside the cave, its formidable presence unsettling Nyx. The insectoid assassin feels a brief rush of adrenaline, his heartbeat going crazy.

"What!! How did this ant know where I live?" Nyx wonders, a mixture of confusion and concern clouding his thoughts. The unexpected intrusion raises questions about the ant's knowledge and the potential threats Nyx might face.

Despite the initial shock, Nyx gathers his resolve. He decides to venture outside, cautiously peeking from the concealment of Umbral Veil to assess the situation. As he steps into the forest's light, what he witnesses sends a shiver down his exoskeleton.

The forest clearing is teeming with ants—hundreds of them, each a formidable adversary with levels ranging from 20 to 30. Nyx's eyes widen in realization, a sense of unease settling in. "Did I neglect something?... That's right, I didn't erase my trail thoroughly because I'm too confident none will find me, and I'm kind of tired," Nyx admits to himself.

The realization dawns upon him that his overconfidence and exhaustion might have led to this precarious situation. The bustling assembly of high-level ants indicates a coordinated effort, a response to the disruptions Nyx has caused in their ranks.

While Nyx contemplates his next move, a weighty realization settles upon him—the effectiveness of Umbral Veil relies on the absence of sunlight. The forest clearing, bathed in the soft morning glow, poses a challenge to Nyx's covert retreat.

Unknown to Nyx, a level 35 Major Ant, an overseer of the hunt with heightened intellect, detects the peculiar darkness lingering at the entrance of the cave. Recognizing the anomaly, the Major Ant swiftly processes the information and issues an immediate directive to investigate the area.

The ants, acting under the command of the level 35 Major, begin approaching Nyx's concealed location. A sense of urgency grips Nyx as he witnesses the advancing battalion. "Damn ants!" he curses inwardly, realizing the precarious situation unfolding around him.

Aware that Umbral Veil's effectiveness diminishes in sunlight, Nyx weighs his options. Flying off seems to be the only viable choice. With a decisive motion, Nyx unfurls his insectoid wings, taking to the air. Simultaneously, he conjures three Umbral Daggers, strategically placing them in different locations around the clearing.

Nyx, in a display of tactical brilliance, activates his Shadow Explosion skill, intending to create a diversion and buy precious seconds for his escape. The ethereal blades resonate with dark energy, erupting in a controlled explosion of shadows.

However, the level 35 Major Ant, demonstrating its intellect and command over the situation, swiftly mobilizes the ant forces. Contrary to Nyx's hopes, the major ants reveal an unexpected ability—they too can fly.

"This is going to be difficult." Nyx's face becomes grim.

As Nyx takes to the air with a powerful flutter of his insectoid wings, the forest morning witnesses a breathtaking spectacle. The soft hues of dawn cast a golden glow upon the clearing as Nyx orchestrates his daring escape.

In the air, Nyx's multifaceted eyes scan the forest floor below. The Major Ants, equipped with wings, ascend with surprising agility, closing the distance. The intricate dance of pursuit unfolds against the backdrop of towering trees and dappling sunlight.

"I need to lose them," Nyx mutters to himself, his wings slicing through the air with purpose.

With Nyx soaring through the forest canopy, the level 35 Major Ant and its winged companions pursue with relentless determination. The vibrant morning sunlight bathes the treetops, casting intricate patterns of light and shadow as the pursuit intensifies.

Nyx, navigating the dense foliage with agility, glances downward to assess the proximity of his pursuers. The Major Ants, undeterred by the aerial pursuit, unleash their Venom Bullet skill. Toxic projectiles, propelled with precision, hurtle through the air towards Nyx.

Dodging with acrobatic finesse, Nyx narrowly avoids the venomous onslaught. "These ants are annoying," he grumbles, the realization dawning that escape won't come easy.