Evolution begins with an ant colony

In the vivid corridors of Akun's memory, a particular moment played out with vivid clarity. It was a moment that had transpired after the enslavement of Phenor and his family, a pivotal exchange that lingered in his thoughts like an indelible mark.

The sun's gentle morning rays bathed the kingin tribe as Phenor, standing before Akun, his expression resolute, ventured to make a request. "I and my family will serve you well," Phenor began, his voice unwavering. "All that I ask is that you resurrect the rest of my family."

Akun, with his characteristic coldness, responded, his tone carrying a weight of authority, "Do you think you are in any position to be making demands?"

Phenor's eyes betrayed a flicker of rage, but he held his emotions in check. He remembered the stern warning from the god of death, the need to remain compliant and respectful. Swallowing his pride, he lowered himself to the ground, his forehead touching the floor in a humble bow.

"Please, I beg of you," Phenor pleaded, his voice quivering with emotion. "I swear my allegiance to you. All that I ask is that you resurrect my sons."

Akun's stoic demeanor remained unchanged. He turned away from Phenor, his words resonating with a calculated indifference. "As I have said earlier," Akun stated firmly, "you are in no position to be making demands. But if you and your people serve me well and honestly, I might just resurrect them."

Phenor, tears streaming down his face, found the strength to utter two simple words. "Thank you." It was a moment steeped in complexity, a fragile agreement forged between two beings navigating the treacherous terrain of survival in the unforgiving forest.

As Akun strode beyond the towering walls of his castle, his thoughts churned like a tempestuous sea. The promise he had made to Phenor weighed heavily on his mind, a decision made to secure an alliance but now burdened with unintended consequences.

"Because I agreed to that promice," Akun mused, his thoughts growing darker by the moment, "he now thinks he can make demands." The seriousness in his tone was palpable, revealing the latent frustration brewing within him.

With each step, Akun's resolve solidified. His loyalty was a rare commodity, and he expected nothing less from those who served him. The reminder of Phenor's presumptive behavior steeled his determination further. "He better watch his mouth," Akun muttered under his breath, his voice carrying a menacing edge. "So I don't send him to the underworld to meet those precious sons of his."

As Akun strode through the bustling city, the structures inspired by the game of Gladiator Knights stood as a testament to his influence and authority. The grandeur of the buildings, once mere blueprints, now rose majestically around him.

Mara, one of his loyal subjects, caught sight of him from her vantage point on the city's borders, where she oversaw various tasks. Determined to meet with her liege, she darted off, her pace swift and determined. She reached Akun's side just in time to inquire about a pressing matter.

"My liege," Mara began, her tone respectful, "the issue of who will be going out to gather resources—"

Before she could complete her sentence, Akun cut in with an air of mystery, his voice laced with playful ambiguity. "Mara, meet with Nadalin for that," he said, as if sharing a secret. "I have something personal to handle at the edge of the forest."

Mara stopped in her tracks, her curiosity piqued. She couldn't help but inquire further, "Something personal? What is it my Liege?" But as she watched him soar into the sky, using his Aspect power to take flight, his destination remained concealed in enigmatic secrecy.

With a playful air of secrecy, Akun replied, "Well, it's a secret for me to know and for you to find out later."

As he prepared to take flight, soaring into the skies above the bustling city, Mara waved at him and offered her parting words. "Come back soon, my Liege," she called out, her loyalty unwavering as she watched him disappear into the horizon, his destination veiled in mystery.

As Akun arrived at the forest's edge, his keen eyes immediately fell upon Mellin and Kalardix locked in a heated argument.

"No, that's not how you do things!" Mellin's voice rang out, her frustration evident.

Kalardix retorted, "Really? Then I'll just have to ask Father."

Akun, with his characteristic calm, walked up to the bickering pair and inquired, "What are you two arguing about?"

Both Mellin and Kalardix swiftly turned their attention to Akun as they approached, Kalardix addressing him as "Father," while Mellin respectfully referred to him as "Master." Their loyalty and respect for their creator were undeniable.

Darius, attempting to explain the situation, began, "Master, well, you see..." Before he could continue, both Mellin and Kalardix swiftly silenced him, their united front evident.n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

Kalardix then took the initiative to explain, "Father, I got into a confrontation with another adventurer at the guild. He tried to draw his weapon, so I took it upon myself to teach him a lesson. However, before I could finish the job, Mellin intervened."

Mellin immediately responded, "That's not how it went down!" Read exclusive content at empire

Kalardix challenged her, saying, "Oh, really?"

Mellin continued, "You were causing chaos just because you lost some money in a gambling game. The guy was trying to help his friend, who you were intimidating due to your losses. You nearly beat him to death!"

Defensively, Kalardix countered, "It's not my fault! Father taught me that enemies should be either killed or enslaved. So, when he reached for his weapon, he became my enemy, and I had to deal with him."

Akun listened carefully to their exchange, contemplating his response.

Akun couldn't help but reflect on the circumstances that led him to this point. He pondered, "Honestly, I was just a regular 17-year-old before I was reborn into this world. How did I completely skip the dating route and become a dad with two kids?"