Evolution begins with an ant colony

"Flashy trick!" one of the guards yelled as they gazed at Oliver condensing his green mana into an arrow on his bow, "But it won't save you from your fate," he said, pointing at Oliver with a disdainful look in his eyes.

Oliver's lips curled into a sly grin as he responded to the guard's mockery. "With this flashy trick of mine, I'll end all your lives without taking a single step," he said with an air of confidence.

The guard scoffed, shouting, "Dream on!" But before he could finish his sentence, a surge of mana coursed through Oliver's bow. In a quick and smooth motion, he released the arrow, its trajectory guided by his mana.

The projectile tore through the air easily braking the sound barrier, leaving a sparkling trail behind. The guard's eyes widened as he realized the incoming danger, but it was too late. The arrow struck with massive force, obliterating the guard's upper half in a bloody display. Blood splattered across the snowy ground, the trees and even on the face of the other nearby guard.

The severed remains of the guard thudded softly onto the cold surface, leaving a chilling silence in the air after the unexpected and powerful attack.

The remaining guard, his face stained with the blood of his fallen comrade, turned slowly to look at the bloody scene. His eyes, filled with both horror and fear, quivered as he called out, "Gaunta!" His gaze fixed on the lifeless body of his comrade, blood pooling around the lower half of the corpse, staining the snow beneath.

As the adventurers observed the bloody corpse from a distance, a sense of uncertainty seemed to fill the air. Some exchanged hesitant glances, questioning if it was a good idea to challenge someone as powerful as Oliver. The sheer force of his previous attack had left an indelible mark on their confidence.

Turning back to Oliver, the surviving guard, fueled by a mix of anger and desperation, faced the smug grin that was on Oliver's face. With a commanding tone, he shouted to the hesitant adventurers, "What the hell are you all waiting for?" Pointing accusingly at Oliver, he added, "Kill him!"

The adventurers, caught between fear and the potential reward, reluctantly advanced towards Oliver, their weapons at the ready. Oliver, still wearing his confident grin, prepared for the incoming assault, the tension in the snowy clearing escalating as the confrontation unfolded.

As the adventurers closed in, Hestria, feeling the tension in the air, turned to Leona with a worried expression. "Should we just stand here and do nothing?" she asked, uncertainty could be seen in her eyes. Leona, however, maintained a calm demeanor and reassured Hestria, "Calm down. Nothing will happen to us. Just trust Oliver."

Oliver, noticing the exchange between the two women, chuckled confidently. His words were directed at both Leona and Hestria as he spoke, "That's right, ladies. Don't worry. I wouldn't let anything happen to a lady under my watch." His tone carried a hint of playfulness, trying to lighten the atmosphere during the brewing confrontation.

As the adventurers sensed a momentary distraction in Oliver, engaged in conversation with Leona and Hestria, a spark of hope flickered in their eyes. Seizing what they perceived as an opportunity to strike, they quickly moved forward, weapons raised, intending to overwhelm the seemingly preoccupied Oliver.

Leona, always vigilant, recognized the threat and urgently called out to Oliver, "Pay attention to the battle in front of you!" Her voice, filled with a sense of urgency, cut through the unfolding chaos.

Amused by the sudden turn of events, Oliver chuckled in response. "Alright," he said nonchalantly. With a swift turn, he redirected his focus to the incoming adventurers before him. In a smooth motion, he drew his bow, a green glow emanating from his eyes as he conjured mana arrows.

Each arrow shot forth, so fast they broke the sound barrier, finding its mark, obliterating ever advanturer they came in contact with as Oliver defended himself against the approaching adventurers.

In the midst of the chaos, time seemed to stretch, capturing each moment with a clear intensity. Oliver, true to his word, stood firm, not budging an inch from his spot as he skillfully and effortlessly ended the lives the approaching adventurers. His movements were very minimal, yet, each arrow found its target with absolute accuracy.

The air crackled with the intense glow of green mana, and the bloody bursting of the upper halves of their targets, creating a chilling atmosphere as Oliver fulfilled his promise.

The forest, once peaceful, was now turned into a bloody scene. The snow beneath Oliver's feet were already stained in blood that flowed from the fallen adventurers.

As the surviving adventurers saw the devastating display of power, a collective realization dawned on them. Without uttering a word, they turned and began a hasty retreat, abandoning the hopeless endeavor. Their hurried footsteps left trails in the snow as they sought refuge from the overwhelming force before them.

The lone guard, the only survivor of the original threat, yelled at the retreating adventurers. "I paid all of you, how could run away without giving me my money's worth!" His voice echoed through the snowy expanse, a mix of frustration and anger could be sensed in his tone.

The forest, now completely quiet after the very short and pointless battle, witnessed the aftermath of Oliver's powerful display.

Oliver's steps echoed through the snow-laden forest, creating an strange rhythm that strangely mixed with the aftermath of his devastating prowess. With each stwp, he closed the distance to the remaining guard, who found himself paralyzed with fear. The once defiant guard now crumpled to the ground, his trembling legs betraying him.

With a nonchalant demeanor, Oliver surveyed the scene. His tone, though casual, carried an undertone of dissatisfaction. "Damm, that was disappointing," he remarked, his voice cutting through the silence. "I didn't even break a sweat, and look at all the blood on my clothes. How are you going to compensate me for this?"

The guard, his face pale with terror, struggled to find words. Fear had rendered him incapable of coherent speech, and his feeble attempts to respond faltered into incoherent stammers.
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Meanwhile, Hestria observed in silent awe as Oliver effortlessly asserted his dominance. Her wide eyes scanned the devastated surroundings, taking in the fallen trees and the bloody aftermath of the battle. The immense power Oliver wielded against these supposed C-rank adventurers left an indelible impression on her.

Inwardly, she mused the implications of such strength. "If Oliver, with his casual display of power, could obliterate these adventurers without breaking a sweat, then just how powerful is Leona?" The thought lingered as she gazed upon the destruction brought upon the once-tranquil forest.