Two Days Later...

After the colony sided with Nadia's cause, she assigned a few people to hand out some weapons and lessons as the fight with continue soon and she'll need every bit of help she can get.

If it were humans, it'll take weeks, months, and possibly years to complete. But when it comes to ants, most showed potential in a matter of hours while the rest were average but had a different kind of talent elsewhere.

From what she understands is that some of the ants are born as soldiers, and they require a bit of time and training to become combat efficient.

But she wouldn't stop there...

The Evolutionist continued to work on improving the ant's biological capabilities by using the deceased ants as material and Nadia's own DNA as the key ingredient to the ant's evolution.

But thinking back, Nadia couldn't help but recall a certain incident...

Flashback

After Nadia's army had arrived, and the colony joined her cause, Everyone spent most of their time familiarizing themselves with one another in the span of half a day.

In the midst of this, Willow conversed with Assassin and warned her to watch out for herself.

That's when disaster struck as soon as Assassin made a mention to a certain someone in the room, and gazes at a particular ant in the room, "If you wish to be cautious, I'd prefer you keep your eyes on him instead of me,"

Willow turns to the same gaze as hers, and spots the Evolutionist alone and preoccupied with his own business.

"Why should I be cautious around him?" Willow questioned,

"After he was rescued from captivate, he said that his true capabilities lie in spinning ant sequences and their evolutionary process," Assassin explained, "When Nadia heard of this, she deliberately chops one of her spider legs and gave it to him. What's more, he sees people as material rather than living beings,"

This information had agitated Willow down to her core, especially when the part where Nadia chopped one of her spider legs was mentioned, "Is that so..."

With this in mind, Willow suddenly directs her murderous intent towards the Evolutionist, though she didn't hide very well as everyone excluding Assassin suddenly steps back from the Arachnid.

Nadia took notice and learned that her murderous intent is directed at the Evolutionist. This caused her to spring into action, demanding that she stand down, and it soon leads to a long argument between her and Willow.

Though the latter wouldn't listen until Nadia explained his importance to her plan before the Arachnid Queen even laid a single finger on the Evolutionist. This was backed up by Osman and his group's claim...

End of Flashback

The very thought of this incident always caused Nadia to pinch her eyes as Willow keeps a close eye on the Evolutionist, and will not hesitate to kill him on the spot. She went as far as to kill him should he turn traitor.

As for the Evolutionist himself, he had changed drastically when he, too, was given a name...

But recalling his change of appearance was something that she didn't expect...

When the Evolutionist was named 'Altan' by Nadia, his body suddenly froze and his carapace slowly became brown similar to a caterpillar's metamorphosis.

Upon completion, she recalled the back of Altan's exoskeleton cracking, then slowly unveiling his newest form before his master.

From an abnormal ant to a human with pure black hair, green emerald eyes, a lean body, two arms instead of four, and four of his extra legs had become somewhat similar to Nadia's spider legs. But his were longer than Nadia's and the tips can turn into three claws.

As for his attire, Nadia decided to give him some pants while his upper body remains exposed as usual. Though, Altan doesn't mind the clothes as long as he could do his tasks properly.

Right now, he confined himself to a room where he could work in complete silence rather than be disturbed by constant chatter as he said. Nadia didn't mind, rather she prefers it since it keeps him away from Willow and possibly other people from harming him.

But those biological improvements aren't just focused on the ants...

"[Nadia]", Altan called via telepathy,

"What?" Nadia questioned,

"[It's complete]", Altan reported,

"I'll be there," Nadia responded, then turns to Willow, "You stay here, I'll be back,"

"You're not going to go to that thing, are you?" Willow questioned,

"I am, and you can't stop me," Nadia stated, "No one can,"

Nadia walks and Willow was reluctant on letting her go. But complies since she decides to go and she wasn't going to let her feelings get in the way.

The same can be said for the others as they too watched her go.

Altan's Workspace

Upon arrival, Nadia finds a majority of the room's space filled with corpses of both ants and underlings that were collected after the ant's feeding frenzy. Or rather, what's left of them...

Altan would dissect each and every one with incredible precision of his claws and often collect what he deems potential for adaptation.

"Altan," Nadia called out, and he turns to her, "Where's the thing you promised?"

Altan simply walked towards a desk, grabbed a syringe filled with a formula of his own design, and showed it to her.

"Are you sure it's ready?" Nadia questioned,

"Demonstration is required," Altan said in a more formal tone than a broken one,

"Show me," Nadia commanded,

Altan soon went to a chair with restraints and the one lying on it was an Underling that somehow managed to find amongst the dead from the capital staircase.

Hence, Nadia was right to be suspicious.

The Underling in question had his mouth gagged with a wooden stake, and his arms, legs, and body were restrained via magic.

As he whimpered, Altan went to his arm, directs the syringe towards the vein, and started injecting a small amount of the formula into the underling's bloodstream.

Once he pulled it out, Altan watches while Nadia took a step back as things are about to turn violent as the Underling's pupils shrunk, then let out muffled screams from the gag as he struggled from his binds.

Nadia flinched from the initial phase of the experiment while Altan watched emotionlessly as his formula progressed from the underling's shoulder to his entire body.

As soon as minutes passed, that's when screams began to die down and what followed was veins popping from the arms, neck, and head. As for his expression, it was fury as he began to struggle from his binds and muffled growls came right out of his gag.

It looked like he was biting so hard that the gag could

"Looks like the formula has taken over," Nadia commented, "But you might want to step back,"

Altan did what he was told, and refrained from questioning her as Nadia conjured a square barrier, then removes the binds of the Underling.

What came after was him sitting right up from the chair, breaking the wooden gag into two with hardened teeth, then directing his attention toward Nadia.

As he screamed at the top of his lungs, he tried to punch Nadia in the head. But the barrier stops the impact and the very sound had her flinching since she was standing close to the barrier.

Then he turns to Altan and tries to tackle him. But the barrier once again stopped him, but Altan still doesn't flinch or react to this sort of behavior. He remained cooled head, even as he cupped his chin in thought.

The Underling then was as far as to try and break the barrier through brute force with his newfound strength. But losing his composure was the downside as his knuckles were starting to break and blood was spilled.

"Is this supposed to happen?" Nadia questioned,

"Not Exactly," Altan said, "This is half of its potential,"

"I see," Nadia said, then gets an idea as the Underling went on a rampage within the cubed barrier, "Actually, feel free to make more of this as you progress. This might work in my favor,"

"As you wish," Altan complied,

Before she leaves, she dispels the barriers in the room and uses her spider leg to pierce through the Underling's head. Once he lay dead, Nadia retracts her leg back and walks out of the room.

Altan held no reaction to this whatsoever, instead, he grabbed the corpse and dissected it in the same chair he was restrained in.

Three Days Later...

The troops were ready, weapons were distributed, and Altan's chemicals were created for Nadia's next plan of action.

Right now, Nadia and her trusted officers gathered in a single room and discussed today's plan.

Altan was present, but he stands at the far right end of the table since Nadia didn't want him to stand close to Willow. Still, Altan still impassive and hasn't shown any signs of fear or discontent with the glares he was receiving.

For the two people mentioned before weren't the only ones glaring daggers at him.

Nadia clears his throat a few times, then proceeds with the meeting.

One topic in mind was enough to gain the attention of everyone present...

"Biological Warfare?" Reese repeated, "What's that supposed to be?"

"It's one of the many approaches of war," Nadia revealed,

"And what does it involve?" Osman questioned as if his assumptions were directed to one certain conclusion,

His assumptions were held true as Nadia pulled out a vial containing a chemical and Altan perked his head with interest,

"What's that supposed to be?" Nassor questioned,

"A Formula engineered by Altan's hand," Nadia revealed, and the very name made everyone glance at a said person,

"So that guy created it, Huh?" Shakir remarked,

"And just what do you plan on doing with this chemical?" Adham questioned directly to Altan instead of Nadia,

Nadia sighed at the sight of these people,

[These guys seriously want to tear his head off]

[In fact, I almost pity him]

Nadia soon reinforced one of her fists with magic, then slams it against the table. Gaining everyone's attention back at her.

"I know you don't like him, but all of you should know that I was the one who issue these orders," Nadia stated, "I'm the one who permitted his experiments that he complies with without complaint. Hence, if you want to blame someone, Blame me. Cause it's my idea, not his,"

This puts everyone in utter silence as they felt somewhat guilty about their emotions. Even Willow felt the same since her ill intentions have been directed to Altan after learning what he had done.

Before long, they eased down and some bowed their heads to her, "We apologize for our rudeness,"

"That isn't necessary," Nadia said, "But I'll accept them either way,"

With that, everyone eases down and Altan was off the hook of their anger. Though he wouldn't be bothered by that at all.

"Back to the main topic at hand," Nadia stated, "The formula I present to you all is something that I plan on using to the other colonies of this region. Rest assured, I don't plan on using this formula all the time. Especially since I'm well aware of what this thing is capable of,"

"What is capable of?" Reese inquired,

"Altan," Nadia called out, then all eyes were on him,

"The Formula increases one's potential growth," Altan elaborated, "But side effects lead to Aggression to Behavior. Hence, It is not complete yet..."

"Aggression?" Osman repeated,

"When he injected it into the bloodstream of an underling. That's when I saw the side effects," Nadia stated and everyone turns back at her, "They heighten the host's aggression and become senseless monsters bent to kill anyone they see. That is why I'm resorting to this warfare,"

"You plan on having the ants kill Astranul's underlings," Nassor assumed, and the Western Ants present were concerned,

But Nadia snickered, shook her head, then smiles directly at them, "No, I plan on having them kill each other,"

"Kill each other?" Willow repeated, "Why would you resort to that?"

"The first battle had caused a few ant causalities," Nadia pointed out, "I want to lessen that by directing it towards the underlings instead,"

Osman and his group glanced at each other and felt somewhat relieved, but that relief was cut short when Nadia continued, "But... There's still something that needs testing,"

"And what would that be," Osman questioned,

"An Experimentation," Altan revealed, "One that revolves around the formula's effectiveness to Ants and other insect-based creatures,"

This baffled everyone, but have yet to say anything as Nadia continued, "If we can't determine the outcome of this experiment, then we will put the ants of the other colonies at great risk since the host of this formula targets indiscriminately,"

Once again, the room had been filled with uncertainty. Nadia expected this much, what she didn't expect was the following words that came out of Osman's mouth.

"If it takes little to save a lot," Osman stated, "Then we wouldn't stand in your way,"

Nadia turns to his group mates, and they seemed to be on the same page as their leader. The same goes for the other officers as well.

"Very well then," Nadia said, "Altan, you will be given five volunteers. Should they suffer for too long, Relieved them of their misery,"

"If you insist on it," Altan responded and bowed in response,

"That is all for the first topic in mind," Nadia concluded, "Second is regarding the Central Colony of the Region,"

"And what would that be?" Reese inquired,

Nadia snaps her fingers once, and Assassin appears out of nowhere. The latter bends a knee before her Master while the former turns to her,

"Well?" Nadia questioned the expectation of her report,

"The tunnels of the colony are vast, but enough to store an entire army," Assassin reported,

"And there you have it," Nadia stated, "Colonies of this region have a vast tunnel network, we just need a lot of workers to continue this operation, some resources to maintain the tunnel's integrity, and some soldiers to defend against monster attacks,"

"You plan on digging a large network that links to the other colonies," Osman presumed as he caught on to her plan,

"Not all of the colonies," Nadia specified, "Just the ones near this colony and Central Colony. But the latter is not a priority. It becomes one once we've liberated the other colonies of this land,"

"As expected, you truly planned it all," Osman praised,

"Absolutely," Willow followed with a closed-eye smile, as she expected nothing less from her,

'Even if it takes time, it's still a guarantee as long as our actions are covert,' Nadia said, 'The last I want is someone learning of this plan,'

"That will be it for now, but that doesn't mean we'll sit around and do nothing," Nadia stated, "So do what you were all told to do, and we shall prevail against this enemy, Am I understood?"

Everyone simultaneously responds to her statement, then she nods to their response.

"Alright," Nadia said, "Now we get to work,"

With that, the officers prepared to leave the meeting room with Nadia and Willow being the last to leave.

What came after were orders for the worker ants to work on the underground tunnels. At first, they were hesitant but recalled Alia's description of Nadia's plan as beneficial and trusting. Many have joined arms in making this vast tunnel network.

And to ensure that Astranul doesn't suspect a thing, Nadia instructed that every gem and gold found from the tunnels are to be packaged on certain dates and delivered stare to Astranul's place.

She also used magic to disguise the envoy and its guards as his underlings. Hopefully, it won't arouse any unwanted attention whatsoever.

Altan remains in his workspace for as long as he liked. Studied the drug and its effects, collected biological material from corpses of ants, underlings, and even monsters, and repeated after every attempt in his projects.

This is what he would do for hours, maybe even days, as his passion for his work was far more important than anything outside his capabilities.

In addition, Nadia herself would come into his work area, sever a few pieces of herself, and give it to him as part of his research since he deemed her biological material to be vast potential for making an elite class of soldiers.

Though she often do this in private since she didn't want anyone to know what was happening between them.

Osman was preoccupied with the soldiers and trained them with maximum efficiency alongside Reese since this became a part of their daily roles. As for the rest, they tutor and spar with the recruits while Adham offered a different kind of routine.

As for Alia, she wasn't present at the meeting. Instead, she focused on the well-being of the ants in this colony as a beacon of inspiration and worked on her gadgetry during her free time. But this, in turn, had inspired a few ants as they watched her and became somewhat invested in what's she doing.

Thus, Alia told them of Da Vinci's teachings and that's when the latter would come to the Western Regions...

Upon Alia's request, Nadia uses a portal to bring Da Vinci into this colony to teach a few ants that volunteered under Alia's recommendation and she was instructed in providing a few days' worth of knowledge before being sent back to the Central Colony.

What followed was something that Nadia didn't expect to happen...

...

...

...

The Industrial Age of Ants...

Back at the Central Colony

Zen continues to manage the Central Colony with a newly appointed assistant beside her.

A Male Central Ant with a secretary-like uniform, short antennas, and large wings on his back. The purpose of this appointment was not only to lessen the work on her desk, but it also serves as a way to relieve stress when it came to a certain scenario.

Zen sighs after finishing today's management and leans against her chair. As for her assistant, he went behind and started massaging her shoulders.

"It seems you've worked hard as it is, My lady," Zen's Assistant remarked,

"Indeed, I did," Zen agreed, then leans her head back until she gets to look at him in the eyes, "And I get used it,"

"Of course you do," Zen's Assistant added,

A few moments later, the two's faces draw close which led to a short kiss between the two. Though it would have been longer if it weren't for a small bird that had landed in the middle of the desk and diverted their entire attention toward it.

"What's a bird doing here?" Zen's Assistant inquired,

Without warning, the same bird in question had begun to change from a living organism into a folded letter with a red seal stamp on the flam. The emblem of the stamp was a small spider with a hexagram at the main body.

Zen was uncertain at first, but seeing the emblem of the stamp. She presumed that the letter in question was addressed to Nadia.

Thus she opened it and pulled out the letter in question. But she couldn't make a single word as it was written in a different method than anything she knows.

"Is this even a letter?" Zen's assistant inquired,

"I don't know, but I do know that it's addressed to Nadia since the emblem symbolizes the spider," Zen admitted, putting the letter back into its envelope, and handing it to her assistant, "In any case, we should deliver this to her as soon as possible, Contact a Runner at once,"

"Understood," Zen's assistant complied, takes the letter, and walks out of the room

What followed was him contacting a Runner at his disposal, passing the letter to the Runner's hands, and sending him off to the Western Regions.

The runner in question was a large western Ant with a scarab variant as he unveiled large wings and flew toward the Western Regions.

To ensure the complete confidentially of the runner and the contents he holds, magic had to be used to conceal one's presence.

Upon completion, the runner departs the colony to deliver Nadia's letter...