Evolution begins with an ant colony

Back in the forsaken forest, Akun soared through the air with effortless grace, utilizing his extraordinary aspect power. His descent was a controlled masterpiece, as he landed with an aura of regal authority in the midst of the evolved ant guards. They recognized their ruler's return instantly and offered deep bows, followed by warm greetings, "Welcome back, my liege."

Akun's penetrating gaze swept over his loyal guards before he inquired, his voice laced with curiosity, "Has Oliver returned?"

One of the guards, still maintaining a respectful bow, nodded and replied, "Yes, my liege, he has, and he brought a guest."

The notion of an unexpected guest piqued Akun's interest. He proceeded to stride through the castle's dimly lit hallways, arriving at the grand entrance to the throne room. Turning to the guards, he commanded, "Open the doors."

With a synchronized effort, the two guards on either side of the imposing doors pushed them wide open, revealing the expanse of the throne room bathed in a soft, ethereal glow.

Within its sacred confines, two of Akun's most trusted advisors, Phenor and Nadalin, flanked his imposing throne. To their side, he spotted Oliver, Keleora, and the rest of their scouting team. However, his gaze was inevitably drawn to a woman standing slightly apart from the rest.

This enigmatic woman possessed vibrant green hair, eyes of deep yellow, and an ornate wooden crown adorned her head. Her flowing green dress, adorned with golden accents, flowed around her like a river. Yet, despite her regal appearance, her expression was etched with worry.

As the great doors swung open, revealing Akun's entrance, everyone in the room, excluding the woman, promptly knelt in deference to their ruler, their words echoing in unison, "Welcome back, my liege."

The woman, noticing the collective bowing, quickly followed suit, lowering herself with grace before Akun.

Having taken in this display of allegiance, Akun passed Oliver, Keleora, the scouting team, and the enigmatic woman. His footsteps echoed in the spacious chamber as he made his way to the formidable throne, easing himself onto it with deliberate, unhurried movements.

Seated in his throne, his aura radiating authority and composure, Akun finally spoke, his voice resonating throughout the hallowed space, "You may all rise."

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With a collective sigh of relief, the gathering began to ascend from their kneeling positions, their eyes fixed on their revered monarch. The room's atmosphere shifted, from one of reverence to an air of anticipation, as all awaited their ruler's next decree.

Akun's presence in the throne room was both imposing and regal, and his voice carried the weight of authority as he addressed Oliver, his eyes sharp with curiosity. "So, Oliver, who is this 'guest'?"

Oliver stepped forward, his expression respectful as he answered, "My liege, she is the princess of the dryads. She seemed to be heading toward the ant tribe for some reason, so I and my scouting team made contact with her. She then revealed that her father was planning something and that she would like to speak to you."

Akun's intrigue grew, and he gestured inquisitively as he prompted Oliver to continue. "Is that so?"

Oliver nodded, confirming, "Yes, my liege."

Turning his attention to the woman who stood at the heart of the room, Akun granted her permission to speak. His eyes, still commanding, remained fixed upon her as she bowed slightly, a gesture accentuated by the flowing grace of her gown. She introduced herself as Rinalef, princess of the dryads, her voice tinged with concern.

"My name is Rinalef, princess of the dryads," she began, her manner humble. "I have come to beg of you, oh ruler of this noble tribe, that you do not go to war with my people." Her plea carried the weight of genuine worry.

Akun's expression shifted to one of seriousness as he sought to understand her intentions. "What do you mean by that?" His voice held a hint of skepticism. "Why would we attack your people if they mean us no harm... unless..."

The princess didn't shy away from the directness of his questioning. With a determined tone, she admitted, "My father plans to go to war against your people..."

Akun's response was marked by a condescending tone as he delved deeper into the matter. "So why are you telling us not to fight back?" His sharp gaze bore into the princess as he awaited her explanation.Nôv(el)B\\jnn

Meanwhile, Utopia and her team of holy knights returned to the holy church, their faces twisted with terror. Utopia herself was lost in a whirlwind of thoughts, struggling to process the shocking revelation. "I thought we were just dealing with a lying sinner who dared to go against the holy church," she mused, her hand trembling as she reached for the purple mark now encircling her neck.

"We didn't know we were dealing with a god-level being."

Her mind raced back to the events that had unfolded at the edge of the godforsaken forest. The man they had confronted wielded powers that defied mortal comprehension, commanding the very forces of death as effortlessly as if he were an errand boy for a higher power.

Summoning Xalender, Akun's voice sliced through her chaotic thoughts. Utopia's breath caught in her throat as her eyes fell upon the being that materialized before her - Xalender, the god of death himself.

Upon seeing Xalender, Utopia's internal turmoil escalated. Her mind raced with disbelief and questions. "Xalender... You mean the god of death, that Xalender?" she thought in astonishment. "No... It can't be...

But this suffocating aura, even though he's holding it in, that being reeks of death. But what is a god doing in the mortal plane? I thought such a feat could only be achieved through a sacrifice or vessel."

Xalender, now present, addressed Akun with respect, bowing slightly as he inquired, "How may I serve you today, master?" His presence exuded an air of ominous power that sent shivers down Utopia's spine, deepening her sense of awe and trepidation.

Utopia's thoughts raced in a frantic whirlwind. "Master... Master? Did the god of death just call this man 'master'?" The revelation sent a shockwave through her already bewildered mind.

Akun's commands then pierced the uneasy silence. "I want you to take these holy knights through the underworld and put them through hell," he instructed Xalender with a commanding tone.

Xalender's response was unexpected, and it sent a shiver through Utopia's spine. "I'm sorry, master, but a god cannot touch or harm another god's follower," he explained calmly. "It goes against the rules of the divine."

Akun's response was measured, and he gestured thoughtfully as he considered his options. "So, it's like that... Can you place a curse upon them then?"

The word 'curse' echoed ominously in Utopia's mind, and she found herself trembling. Xalender, too, seemed taken aback. "A curse?" he questioned.

"Yes, a curse," Akun confirmed, his tone growing serious. "One that will inflict a truly painful death if they were to take certain actions."

Utopia's fear and confusion deepened. "What does this man mean?" she wondered, her mind racing with terror. "He wants to place a curse upon us, the holy knights... Why? What have we done to deserve being sent to hell or cursed?" Her hands trembled as she clutched the purple chains encircling her neck, the weight of her uncertain fate bearing down upon her.

Akun's intentions became clear, and his voice held a chilling resolve as he spoke. "I don't want them to reveal anything," he declared firmly. "I want them to keep their mouths shut. So, I would like it if you placed a curse upon them that would activate if they were to talk about what they witnessed here today."

Utopia's heart sank as she comprehended the implications of this request. The idea of a curse that could silence them forever filled her with dread. She exchanged fearful glances with her fellow holy knights, realizing the gravity of their situation and the potential consequences they faced.

As Xalender's bony hand extended toward the trembling holy knights, his presence, like a harbinger of death, sent shivers down their spines. They couldn't tear their eyes away from the empty sockets where his eyes should have been, and the sight of his skeletal frame seemed to drain the warmth from the very air.

One of the holy knights couldn't bear the terror any longer and involuntarily wet himself. Xalender, undeterred, approached the holy knights with an aura of dread that hung heavily in the air.

With an eerie calmness, Xalender stretched his hand towards them, his voice hollow yet commanding. "If you mortals are wise," he intoned, "what you have all witnessed today shall be a secret you shall take to your graves."

Suddenly, a sinister mark resembling a skull was inscribed into their very souls. Agonizing screams filled the room as the curse took hold. Some of the holy knights, unable to endure the torment, fainted instantly, collapsing to the ground. Only Utopia remained conscious, struggling against the excruciating pain.

But as Xalender turned to walk towards Akun, even her willpower succumbed to the overwhelming agony, and she too fell into unconsciousness.

When Utopia finally stirred from her unconscious state, she found herself alone in the eerie aftermath. The man who had summoned the god of death, Akun, and Xalender, the god of death himself, were no longer present. However, their presence still loomed large in her memory, like a malevolent shadow.

Utopia's trembling hands went to her neck, where the cursed mark now marred her flesh. Her teeth clenched as she grappled with the memory of the overwhelming terror she had experienced. "What a truly terrifying presence," she whispered, her voice quivering, as she wrapped her arms around herself, attempting to ward off the lingering dread.

Malax, observing Utopia's distress, felt the urge to offer her support. He began to extend his hand in a gesture of comfort but hesitated. The memory of the formidable being they had encountered weighed on him, and he understood that their captain needed more than his reassuring presence.

Inwardly, he thought, "Oh, Captain..." The encounter with Akun and Xalender had left an indelible mark not only on Utopia's neck but also on their hearts and minds.