Evolution begins with an ant colony

In that critical moment, Elder Aelorin's eyes widened with disbelief, her jaw dropping in awe. Her expression mirrored that of the other elders and tribe leaders standing atop the massive root she had conjured to bring them here, all of them hoping to execute their master plan.

"What exactly are we looking at?" she mumbled, a mix of uncertainty, fear, and respect swirling inside her as she witnessed the extraordinary spectacle before her.

Akun and alternate Akun engaged in a relentless dance of blades, their swords moving with such astonishing speed that sonic booms echoed in their wake. The clash of their weapons repeatedly shattered the sound barrier, creating a visual and auditory symphony of power that reverberated through the battlefield.

The air crackled with tension as the two colossal beings continued their fierce and rapid exchange, leaving those who bore witness in a state of both trepidation and awe.

Sparks ignited with each clash, and the swings that were dodged instead of countered sent out massive gusts of wind, leaving colossal blade-like marks etched into the ground below them. It was as if witnessing gods engaging in a celestial duel, and the elders and tribe leaders could only watch, feeling the weight of their own insignificance beneath the spectacle of such immense power.

Out of nowhere, Elder Thalanor burst into laughter, his booming voice cutting through the tension. He fell to his knees, the gravity of the situation seemingly waning as he said, "This is what we were up against. We're finished I tell you, even our Ashes won't be found if they decide to eradicate our tribe. They are on par with the dragons and gods from thousands of years ago.

Those massive bodies—what are they? Not mortals, that's certain!" His laughter echoed through the clearing as a mix of awe and amusement colored the faces of those gathered around.

Sylara walked up to Thalanor, her steps deliberate, and placed her right hand on his left shoulder. She spoke with a calm assurance, "Calm down. All we can do now is pledge our absolute loyalty. Hopefully, whoever the victor may be, they might show mercy upon us and our tribe."

Elder Nyressa, witnessing the intense battle and the strength displayed, mumbled with a hint of distress, "But... where have they been? If they are this strong, why didn't they participate in the dragonic war thousands of years ago? I'm certain, with the strength they wield, they could have slain a god or two." Sweat streamed down her face, mirroring the uncertainty that hung in the air.

The tribe leaders remained silent, their expressions a collective reflection of shock and awe.

Breaking the silence, Leandor pointed and questioned, "That one with six hands, isn't that..."

Skalathar replied, "It might be..."

Vaelon added, "It has to be. Look at that power."

Confusion etched the faces of the elders upon hearing them. Elder Aelorin spoke up, seeking clarification, "Are your tribes familiar with that figure?"

Thalgar's voice carried the weight of history as he unfolded the tale. "We are. That figure is the same as the one in the glyphs of our tribes."

Nyressa, intrigued, asked, "Are you saying that figure is of historical importance to your tribes?"

Thalgar continued, "I'm sure, Elder Nyressa, you are aware we beast folk don't live as long as you dryads. So the tale was passed from generation to generation. According to the tale that has been passed down, that figure with six hands is the being responsible for the fall of the beast clan."

"The beast clan?" The elders collectively mumbled in confusion and curiosity.

Thalgar nodded and elaborated, "Yes, it was thousands of years ago. According to the tale, except for the Sirens, Arachnas, and Dryads, the rest of the current main tribes of the godforsaken forest originally resided in the land now referred to as the demon continent. A land ruled by our benevolent beast goddess Zenith, the creator of beast folk."

He continued with a solemn tone, "It is said that this 'figure' appeared thousands of years ago, wreaking war and chaos in our lands. Our people were slaughtered for no clear reason, and some somehow lost something precious. As our ancestors said, that resulted in what turned them into demons. Our goddess went up against this figure and was beaten down until she was somehow subdued.

While he was busy with her, it was said she had instructed our people to flee across the ocean to find another place we could call home. She advised that we should split the clan into separate tribes so that if, somehow, this figure chased after us, some of us would be spared."

Thalgar added, "The goddess said to not dare come back together for as long as we lived, for we never know if that figure shall ever appear again."

Nyressa then mumbled, "I always knew your people were strange, somehow appearing after the dragonic war and occupying the lands that were once inhabited by the other tribes that were unfortunately eradicated in the war. So are you saying this figure has been living among us? Why hasn't he conquered the forest and turned the rest of us into demons?"

Leandor spoke up, saying, "We are uncertain of why that is, but we are certain that figure is the one that our ancestors have taught us about."

Skalathar then added with a serious tone, "And so it is certain, if the other figure holding the single sword triumphs in battle against that figure, the lizard men shall certainly pledge our absolute loyalty to him. But if the other were to triumph, we shall fight him to the death." He punctuated his statement by clacking his lizard man claws.

Akun and alternate Akun's clash began to seriously wear them out, both panting from the exertion.

Inwardly, Akun mumbled, "Damn it, that has been the longest 3 minutes of my life. How the hell is he still standing? I thought I was supposed to be far stronger than him."

Meanwhile, alternate Akun thought, "Damn it, I'm barely hanging on by a thread here. If the other me decides to land another attack, I don't think I'll even be able to lift one of my hands to defend. My head feels like it's about to be split open from the center. This must be some side effect from using aspect power so much."

Simultaneously, the tribe leaders and elders noticed something peculiar—greenish cracks forming around the very air around Akun and alternate Akun. Experience more content on My Virtual Library Empire

Suddenly, their system voices resonated in their heads, sending the same message: "[Time's up, erasure will now begin.]"