Evolution begins with an ant colony

Lyra chimed in with a hint of amusement, "She's really giving him a piece of her mind."

Elara, who was often more reserved, added, "Yeah, she's usually quiet, but Kaladrix has been pushing us a bit extra lately. I guess that's what made her blow her top."

Mellin, ever the voice of reason, approached Kaladrix and weighed in, "She has a point, Kaladrix. Let's call it a day."

With a sigh of reluctant acceptance, Kaladrix responded, "Fine... I guess." The party seemed to reach a momentary truce, the tension easing as they recognized the need for balance between ambition and self-care.

Kaladrix's keen sense had picked up the arrival of two figures dressed in white and gold robes. He wasted no time in alerting his companions, his voice carrying a sense of urgency. "Hey, guys, look sharp, we've got company." He extended his arm to point at the approaching figures, drawing everyone's attention to the approaching duo.

As the party's eyes fixated on the newcomers, Evan was the first to identify them. "They're priests from the Holy Church," he declared, a hint of surprise in his voice. His announcement was met with agreement from the rest of the party, their murmurs confirming the priests' affiliation.

Lyra, her curiosity piqued, sought to unravel the mystery. "But what are they doing way out here?" she wondered aloud, the uncertainty hanging in the air.

Darius chimed in, speculating on the priests' purpose. "Could they be here for Evan?" he mused, his deep blue eyes narrowing in thought.

Evan, upon hearing Darius's conjecture, turned to face him, intrigued by the possibility. He replied, "Except for you, none of us here have any business with them. Maybe they want to give you something?"

With that, the two priests of the Holy Church reached Kaladrix and his party. They both wore confident expressions, the insignia of the church displayed proudly on their robes. The senior priest, Father Adrian, was an elderly man, his face lined with wisdom and kindness. As he introduced himself to the adventurers, a genuine warmth radiated from him.

Beside him, the younger acolyte, Brother Lorian, appeared to be in his prime, and his expressive eyes revealed his inquisitiveness.

Father Adrian extended his hand in a welcoming gesture, his fingers stretching out towards the group. His voice carried a soothing tone as he began to address the adventurers, "Greetings, noble adventurers.

I am Father Adrian of the Holy Church, and this is my inquisitive companion, Brother Lorian." His hand remained extended, an invitation for a handshake, and his eyes held a twinkle of understanding.

Darius, took a step forward, extending his hand to meet Father Adrian's. With a firm grip, he greeted the priest, "Good to see you, sir. What brings you both out here alone today?"

Father Adrian maintained a warm smile as he gestured towards Evan, his eyes holding an air of gravity. "We were told to bring hero Evan back to the church with us," he explained. "The head priest has something very important to discuss." The weight of those words hung in the air.

Kaladrix, the ever-curious leader, couldn't help but inquire further. His eyes locked onto Father Adrian as he questioned, "And what exactly is this discussion about?"

Brother Lorian, the young acolyte, bristled with surprise at the audacity of such a question, ready to respond sharply. However, Father Adrian's calming influence intervened. He extended a hand, silencing the acolyte, and replied, "The exact reasons are unknown to us, Kaladrix.

We are simply following orders." The mysteries surrounding the church's intentions remained shrouded, leaving a sense of impending revelation and uncertainty.

Father Adrian's words raised a new layer of intrigue. "All of the other heroes have already gathered at the church," he revealed.

Kaladrix's curiosity deepened, wondering how this man, whom he had just met, knew his name. Thoughts raced through his mind – had he heard about him from the adventurers' guild? But this man was a priest, not an adventurer. Another possibility crossed his mind – had Evan mentioned him? However, the bewildered expression on Evan's face suggested otherwise.

Kaladrix's instincts sharpened, and he pondered that the church might be keeping an eye on him. A mischievous smile tugged at the corners of his lips as he playfully suggested, "If they want you that badly, Evan, you shouldn't keep your elders waiting." He gave Evan's shoulder a friendly tap, hinting that it was time for him to leave and uncover the mysteries waiting for him at the church.

The air was filled with an aura of anticipation and hidden intentions.

With a sense of anticipation, Evan moved closer to join the priests, and the party watched as he prepared to depart. "Okay, guys," Evan called back to his companions, "I hope to see you all again soon."

Father Adrian nodded with a warm smile, his demeanor radiating reassurance. "We will now be on our way," he announced. The air was filled with a sense of mystery and expectation as they prepared to journey to the holy church, leaving the adventurers behind.

With the priests departing alongside Evan, the adventurers watched as the group grew distant. However, as they moved away, Brother Lorian leaned in close to Father Adrian, his voice hushed as he whispered, "Why did you let that... thing question the motives of the head priest?" His concern was evident as he spoke.

Father Adrian, his demeanor still warm and reassuring, offered a calming response. "Calm down, Lorian," he urged, "we're not certain if that man is truly the one who will bring disaster upon us."

Brother Lorian, disbelief etched across his features, couldn't accept this explanation. "Father, you jest," he countered, "when has the head priest's prophecies ever been wrong? That man will join the other... man... to bring ruin to the holy empire, along with that party. Why doesn't the holy church take them into custody now?"

Father Adrian maintained his composure, addressing Lorian's frustration. "Calm yourself, child," he advised. "Going against the prophecy will bring about a future far worse than the one the head priest foresaw. This is the way these things work. We can only wait for that disaster to come, and then we shall handle it to the best of our ability."

In the midst of this puzzling conversation, Evan found himself visibly confused, musing inwardly, "What the hell are they talking about?" The cryptic discussion hinted at a hidden truth, leaving him to wonder about the secrets held by the holy church.