Evolution begins with an ant colony

Melia, with a sense of urgency, fluttered back to the hive. Her wings buzzed with determination as she navigated the hive's bustling tunnels, passing countless bees absorbed in their tasks. She was on a mission, and every moment counted.

Her destination lay within the hive's inner chambers, a sacred and solemn place. Melia approached the towering honeycomb doors, decorated with complex patterns. She requested entry from the guards with a mix of respect and seriousness.

"May I have permission to enter?" Melia asked, her voice a soft hum in the hive's delicate symphony.

"Let her in." The queen commanded from beyond the large honey comb doors.

At the queen's command, the guards, slowly creaked open the massive honey comb doors, granting Melia access to the hallowed chamber. Beyond the doors, the chamber was bathed in a warm, golden glow, the soft light from the honey.

Inside, the queen bee, the embodiment of grace and authority, awaited. Her dazzling yellow eyes glistened with wisdom as she observed Melia's arrival.

Melia with utmost humility, she lowered herself to one knee, her wings neatly folded against her back. In the presence of her queen, she began her report in the intricate language of the hive, describing every detail she had witnessed during her reconnaissance mission.

Melia spoke with unwavering resolve before the Bee Queen. "Your Highness," she began, her voice steady. "I come bearing news. The Kingins are mobilizing toward the anthill, and among their ranks, I witnessed two of their royalty."

The Bee Queen, her regal presence commanding the chamber, listened intently. "Explain in detail, Melia," she instructed.

Melia nodded, her eyes fixed on her queen. "I observed Keleora, the daughter of Kingin Ruler Phenor, leading a group of Kingin warriors. Her older brother, Argon, is following them at a distance. They appear to be headed in the direction of the anthill."

The Bee Queen's expression darkened. "This is grave news, indeed. We must inform Akun at once. Thank you for your vigilance, Melia."

Melia bowed deeply. "I am at your service, Your Highness."

With a stern nod, the Bee Queen instructed, "Return to your duties, and keep a watchful eye on their movements. We shall be ready for whatever may come."

Melia exited the chamber with a sense of purpose, determined to fulfill her duty to her queen.

As Melia concluded her account, a profound silence settled within the chamber. The significance of her news reverberated through the hive, and the queen bee's response would chart the course of action for her loyal subjects, guiding them through the challenges that lay ahead.

Meanwhile back at that small town, Akun led the way, his steps purposeful and determined, while the adventurers and Mellin followed closely behind him. His eyes, keen and observant, took in the bustling town around them. The streets were alive with the energetic rush of daily life.

Children darted across the cobblestone streets, their laughter and playful shouts filling the air. Stalls and marketplaces were brimming with activity, merchants calling out their wares, and eager customers haggling for the best deals. The scents of various foods wafted through the air, tempting passersby with their tantalizing aromas.

Akun couldn't help but smile as he watched the town's people going about their business, their lives intertwined in the vibrant tapestry of the bustling market. It was a stark contrast to the dangers of the forest, and he found it oddly comforting.

As they navigated through the lively streets, the adventurers and Mellin took in the sights and sounds, their curiosity piqued by the colorful array of goods and the lively atmosphere.

As they strolled through the vibrant town, Darius was quick to spot a sign hanging in front of a prominent building, depicting a crossed sword and shield. "Look over there," he pointed out to his fellow adventurers, "that's the Adventurers' Guild."

With curiosity piqued, they made their way inside. As Akun and Mellin gracefully stepped into the Adventurers' Guild, their entrance was nothing short of a spectacle. The room, previously alive with activity, fell into a collective hush as the gazes of every soul in the vicinity converged on the enigmatic pair.

Whispers, like a gentle breeze carrying secrets, wafted through the air.

(A/N: bunch of extras hehe)

Woman 1, her voice barely more than a conspiratorial murmur to her companion, eyes fixed on Akun. "Did you see that man? He's positively dreamy!"

Woman 2, responding with a soft, almost enchanted giggle. "Dreamy? Darling, he's more than that. Those eyes..."

Man 1, nodding towards Mellin, his voice tinged with a note of awe, "Hey, mate, take a quick look at the woman beside him. She's like a character from a fairy tale."

Man 2, equally spellbound, "You're spot on. And have you seen how well mede their equipment is? They must be of high birth, no doubt."

Adventurer 1, leaning in closer to his companion, his eyes reflecting eagerness. "Overheard someone whispering she's a princess, and he's a knight from some distant realm. Quite the power couple, if you ask me."

Adventurer 2, nodding with sagacious conviction, "Absolutely. Look around; everyone's utterly captivated."

Adventurer 3, whispering to the others with an air of expectation. "I'm willing to wager they've got stories that could make your hair stand on end. Maybe, just maybe, we'll have the privilege of hearing one."

The room continued to buzz with intrigue and wonder as the townsfolk and adventurers alike speculated about the remarkable duo that had just graced their presence. Akun and Mellin's arrival had cast a palpable aura of anticipation, hinting at tales and adventures yet untold.

Akun found himself bemused by the persistent stares that seemed to follow him and Mellin like a shadow. "We're attracting quite the audience," he thought, subtly adjusting his stance to appear more approachable yet still poised. "Best to get this done and get out of here."

His attentiveness then shifted to the woman stationed behind the counter, her gaze equally intrigued by their presence. Acknowledging her with a warm smile, Akun glided gracefully toward her, each step exuding an air of confidence that demanded attention.

With a courteous nod, he spoke, "I would like to be registered as an adventurer," his voice carrying a subtle charm and a hint of excitement for the adventures that lay ahead.

The woman, who had initially been somewhat flustered by Akun's striking appearance, quickly regained her composure. Her eyes refocused, and she efficiently produced a sheet of paper along with a feathered pen. With a professional tone, she guided him through the registration process.

"Of course," she replied, her voice now steady and attentive. She pointed to the designated boxes on the paper. "Please fill in these sections, sir."

Akun's curiosity shone through in his question. "Is it really this straightforward?" he inquired. "I expected there might be some sort of test, like a battle or a magic power measurement device, to assess my abilities."

He leaned in slightly, genuinely interested in understanding the guild's procedures for registering adventurers.

The woman, still slightly flustered by Akun's proximity, stammered out her response. "Oh, um... only mages and clerics are required to undergo a magic power test. Regular adventurers like yourself don't need to worry about that."n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

She glanced away for a moment before adding, "But you do seem... quite powerful, sir."

Akun nodded firmly and replied, "Very well, I'll take the mage test."

The woman, her face turning red, managed to say, "Okay, sir." She felt embarrassed as her face got warmer.

Meanwhile, Darius and his friends looked worried. "He's going to break the crystal ball," Darius whispered, sweat running down his face.

Then the woman nervously handed the crystal ball to Akun. "Sir, please touch this ball," she asked. Akun raised his hand, and Darius and his friends thought the same thing, "He's really going to do it."

As Keleora and her team went on their journey, Argon followed with a creepy smile. Keleora looked back at her brother with unease. "Ugh, his smile makes me sick," she thought.

The sun was high as Keleora's team moved forward. Argon, with his unsettling grin, stayed close behind. Keleora occasionally glanced back, bothered by her brother's weird smile.

With each step, Keleora felt more uncomfortable with Argon's presence. His smile, like a predator's, made her shiver, and she clenched her fists to calm herself.

The atmosphere grew tense as they approached the anthill. Argon's creepy grin reminded Keleora of his unsettling intentions, and she wondered what he was up to.