Evolution begins with an ant colony

Chapter 206: I’m Home

Akun found himself in a rather unexpected situation, with Chrono Nexus standing before him, her demeanor a mix of anticipation and shyness.

Akun, with a furrowed brow, mumbled with a tone of confusion, "You want to be allowed to follow me around?" He lifted his left eyebrow, a gesture of curiosity, as he sought more answers from the goddess.

"Yes, Master!" replied Chrono Nexus. Her voice was soft, tinged with a bit of nervousness. Her hands fidgeted together behind her back, a sign of her flustered state. She avoided direct eye contact, casting her gaze elsewhere.

Observing her behavior, Akun couldn’t help but muse inwardly. "She looks like some shogun manga heroine trying to make a confession to the protagonist. Don’t know why she is acting like this, but I did promise her I’d give her something. I just don’t know if I can allow a goddess to follow me around like a puppy on a walk. That would be awkward."

Akun then mused further as he narrowed his gaze, "Why does she want to follow me around anyway? Curiosity? Adventure? I honestly have no idea, and what’s up with that shy behavior of her’s is so suspicious. Does she want to secretly spy on me?"

Suddenly, the system’s voice echoed in Akun’s head, †[The player is overthinking this. It’s obvious what the goddess wants.]†

Akun asked curiously, "What is it? I would love it if you could tell me because I honestly have no idea."

The system then replied, †[The goddess wants the player’s attention and is interested in the player.]†

Akun then responded with a serious tone, "System, if that was your attempt at a practical joke, it wasn’t funny."

Akun then let out a sigh as he placed his hand on his forehead, saying, "This is how it’s gonna be. You can only be at my side for 6 hours a day. I can’t have a goddess following me around all day. Not only will your presence make my people tense, but I don’t think I’ll be able to have any peace of mind." His words were directed at Chrono Nexus.

Chrono Nexus wore a rather surprised expression as she paused momentarily before saying, "Thank you, master. So when will the 6 hours start?"

Akun then replied swiftly, "That will be tomorrow. I have other things to check out, and I honestly don’t want to have to handle your drama in front of my people."

Akun then turned around as he said, "Okay, I’ll be leaving now."@@@@

Chrono Nexus then blushed as she spoke with enthusiasm, "Alright, master, I’ll see you tomorrow."

Gazing at her momentarily before leaving the library, he observed her rather enthusiastic demeanor after receiving his reply, prompting him to muse, "Hope I’m not turning into one of those dense protagonists that doesn’t know when a girl is making a move, because that statement the system mentioned about her is starting to disturb me." He then let out a sigh as he muttered, "Whatever.

Akun, seeing his beloved friends and comrades in one piece, standing alive and healthy before him, felt genuine happiness. A small tear gathered in his eyes, which he quickly wiped away with his left hand. With a happy tone, he replied, "I’m glad to see you all in good shape, and I’m glad to be back home." He made a genuine smile, closing his eyes and blushing slightly.

The guardians, witnessing their liege in such a state, had their already high spirits elevated.

"My liege is truly amazing," Phenor mused as he gazed at Akun.

Reflecting on the unique set of hair in front of his head resting on his shoulders, the black star, and the aura about him, Phenor continued, "I don’t know what he has been through to accomplish what he did, but with that distinctive appearance, it’s almost as if he will soon ascend to godhood." Phenor smiled, musing further, "A truly remarkable man indeed."

Leona mused, "Our liege is more of a father to all of us than a ruler—a man who possesses wisdom beyond his years and the drive to achieve his goals, no matter how impossible they seem. He is truly a blessing to us all."

Akun then commanded the guardians, as well as his trusted second and third in command, to rise. They all heeded his command and rose to their feet, wearing genuine smiles.

Glancing at the faces of all the guardians, Akun added, "Having lost a lot that day," his tone somber, "I’ve come to the realization that I haven’t really connected with my people or any of you yet. So, to that end, I would like for us to organize a festival of some sort. Let us all celebrate while we let our hearts out."

Akun’s words seemed to have elevated the spirits of the guardians as they all shouted in celebration.

Oliver then playfully remarked, "Hey guys, how about we have a drinking contest?"

"A drinking contest?" all the other guardians echoed in curiosity.

Oliver then explained with a glint in his eyes, "Yes, we’ll see which of us can drink the most amount of fruit shakes before passing out."

Zara then mumbled, "I don’t know, but with the way you are talking, I have this itchy feeling you are planning to cheat."

Oliver then yelled, "Oh, come on, we haven’t even started yet, and you are already throwing out baseless accusations. Maybe you are scared too much fruit juice can’t fit in that little tummy of yours. Maybe you are just scared you’ll lose miserably."

Zara then wore a serious expression as she said, "Mind you repeat what you just said."

Oliver then smiled as he said, "Like I said, you must just be scared."

Akun, seeing their rather lively exchange, couldn’t help but smile as he mused, "There is truly no place like home."