Evolution begins with an ant colony

Chapter 287 Just A Small Chat

The silvery glow of the moon dimly lit the ant city of Akundia, the capital of Arcadia.

Despite it being the time of day when the residents should be asleep, the Kingins and evolved ants were eagerly putting things in place for their massive celebration that Akun had called for—a celebration of the completion of all the constructions that now comprised Arcadia, or New Arcadia as Akun had decided to refer to it.

Sitting atop one of the buildings, Kael, Finn, Mara, and Zara observed the bustling activity below.

Kael leaned forward, furrowing his brow as he mumbled to Finn, "Finn, why does it feel like we never do anything important, despite being Guardians?"

Finn nodded thoughtfully, scratching his chin. "I helped the Sirins construct some sort of underwater structure. Didn't you assist any tribe with something?"

Kael sighed heavily, his shoulders slumping. "I helped the Archnas, but they're strong and naturally hard workers, so I didn't do much. I'm feeling really bored."

Mara, sitting beside them, straightened up and gestured with her hands. "Maybe we should hone our skills," she suggested, her eyes brightening. "You never know, there might be a day when we have to fight again." She glanced around at the group, while she smiled.

Zara shifted uncomfortably, her brows furrowing as she spoke up. "I don't think I need any training Mara," she said, her voice tinged with frustration. "I got all the training I need when I was assigned to help the Dryads with my nature-related skills, but they were more skilled than me at manipulating nature. So I basically watched them the entire time..

gaining some exprience in the process." She sighed heavily, her shoulders slumping. "Lately, I've been feeling more and more useless... Not being able to actually do something useful."

Mara gazed at Zara thoughtfully as she spoke, she then said. "But.. shouldn't we be happy that there is peace and not much to do?" she asked, her voice filled with uncertainty.

Mara added with a smirk, "But you've got to admit, it's always entertaining to watch you two go at it."

Finn crossed his arms, his brow furrowing slightly as he continued, "It's not always entertaining. It can be exhausting sometimes, you know." He said, his expression showing a mix of frustration and weariness.

Zara clapped her hands together and smiled brightly, interjecting, "Well, that's settled then! Let's focus on something positive, like when the festival will be starting!" She leaned forward eagerly, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

The others chimed in, nodding in agreement. "Absolutely," Mara exclaimed, "I can't wait for the festival to start either!" Kael nodded in approval, a grin spreading across his face, while Finn simply nodded, his expression softening as he looked forward to the upcoming festivities.

------

Meanwhile, as Oliver and Leona made their way through the grand halls of the castle, their footsteps echoed against the polished marble floors, they passed by fine art pices hanged on the walls and the soft glow of light rune lighting their path.

Arriving before the imposing doors of the throne room where two guards were stationed, Oliver and Leona exchanged a brief glance, their expressions calm yet serious.

"Permission to enter, please," they said at the same time, their voices calm but firm, as they awaited their Liege's response from within.

"You may come in," Akun's voice echoed from within the throne room.

Hearing his words, the guards stationed by the doors pushed them open, granting Oliver and Leona passage. Stepping inside, they maintained their composure, their attention focused on the figure seated upon the elevated throne at the far end of the chamber.