Last Chapter of the Update! Enjoy and Merry Christmas, Everyone!
The Following Day...
Nadia and co. continue their journey back to the Central Region after the sandstorm had come to pass.
But their travel back home didn't go uninterrupted as they encountered several monsters of the sand, who aimed to devour the three. However, Willow and Assassin handle them with ease as the latter appears and slices through the monsters without issue while the former uses [Steel Thread] from her fingertips to catch and diced the monsters in mere seconds.
The parts of these monsters were then stored via spatial magic while some of them were cooked for today's meal. But whenever they eat, Alia and Willow gave several compliments on how great of a cook she was...
But Nadia doesn't mind them as she doesn't take any pride in it.
When night rolls around, they dug a burrow and waited til' morning due to the desert temperature drop when night comes around.
With Assassin on nightly watch, the others rest within the burrow. Alia was resting her head against Willow's right shoulder and Nadia was resting her head on the latter's lap.
Though she remains wide awake while the other two rest their eyes. For she could only wonder to herself as to why a group of humans, much more a noble, would go through the trouble of traveling from their kingdom to the Central Region.
The assumptions were suspicions of the noble himself...
This type of thought was something that Nadia often relied on even when she first came to this world. On certain occasions, she had learned to anticipate the motives of individuals as well as enemies.
But it makes her overly cautious at times and creates misunderstandings to the point that people around her would avoid her as she rubbed them off in the wrong way.
A normal person would feel bad about it and try their best to fix these misunderstandings. But Nadia wasn't normal and keeps it that way. The lesser people that are around her, the easier her missions become.
Though a handful truly knows her, as well as her intentions. But most of them ended up dead or worse during the war. With each death of her friends, she had to endure until the war was over.
Then she'll shed tears in private...
...
...
...
But was denied on the day of her death...
...
...
...
For becoming a real monster...
"Is something bothering you?" Nadia snaps out of her thoughts and looks up to Willow,
"Oh... It's nothing," Nadia responded and averts her gaze from the Arachnoid,
"From the way you look doesn't sound nothing to me," Willow remarked, "Do you wish to talk about it?"
Nadia remains silent for a time, but gives her response while still averting Willow's gaze, "No..."
Willow wanted to press the matter in mind, but from the tone she has and the circumstances of today. She chose not to...
"Well, if you ever need someone to talk to..." Willow pauses but finishes as she gently caresses Nadia's hair, "I'm here for you..."
In the end, Nadia remains silent throughout the night and waited until morning came around...
Meanwhile...
Isaac and his group had departed from the kingdom and set up camp in the forest.
With the cold wind breezing through the camp, they wore thick and warm clothes to endure the cold, used magic to warm their bodies, and set up tents.
The adventurers in the middle of eating their nightly provisions, but Erza's party was eating with Isaac and his mere presence makes them somewhat uncomfortable.
Eva was more uncomfortable as she sat next to him.
Isaac on the other hand looked passive as he ate through his bowl of soup. But he somehow knew that he was making the people around him feel uncomfortable by his presence.
Then, Ezra spoke to him...
"I-Isaac, do you mind if I ask you a question?" Ezra inquired,
"I don't mind," Isaac responded,
"Well... After our previous discussion from the Guild, why are you suddenly so interested in the Ant Region?" Ezra inquired,
Isaac takes a bit of a breather, then stares into his empty bowl, "Because the other nobles feel like it as well..."
"The other nobles?" Carona repeated,
"I will not keep this a secret, but some of the other nobles plan on making expeditions to the Ant Domain for quite some time now," Isaac explained, "What they wish for is the wealth that hides beneath this land,"
"Wealth beneath this land? Are you saying that they're after riches of the Ant Domain?" Arnold shockingly presumed,
"But wouldn't that result to the ants retaliating against them," Fernand followed,
"It's been pointed out multiple times, I was one of those people," Isaac remarked, "But others don't agree..."
Ezra and his party grew somewhat concerned by this information, then he puts the pieces together about the expedition between him and other adventurers that never returned.
"That would explain the other adventurers the other day..." Ezra commented,
"Precisely," Isaac said, "The adventurers scouting the Ant Domain were a means to find an environment filled with natural resources and vast riches. If one place was found, then the nobles plan on getting there to collect what they need to fill their bellies with wealth and power,"
"But what about you? What are you doing this for?" Arnold questioned,
Isaac sighs once more, then stares Ezra dead in the eyes, "To stop this senseless search for wealth and power,"
"If you want to stop it? Why conduct this expedition?" Eva questioned,
"The answer is simple, to confirm the report you gave with my own eyes," Isaac clarified, "I don't plan on giving nor selling this information at any prices. If anything, My whole life would be worthless compared to a piece of land of the Ant Domain,"
"That's true," Fernand remarked, "People would kill for information such as this,"
Eva still grows concerned over this matter, but she, however, learns something about him. He wanted to prevent his people from interfering with the Ant Domain, more specifically Nadia's domain in the Central Region.
If the other nobles resort to just that, and their troops into the Central Region for unclaimed wealth and resources. Then it'll lead to a spiral of problems to which Nadia will be forced to tend. Knowing her for so long, she might resort to drastic measures that would lead to catastrophe.
Or worse...
She may feel uncertain around this noble, but she feels on the same page as him since the ants are meant to be left alone and undisturbed by anything or anyone.
Especially greedy humans...
The night would go on until everyone decided to sleep in for the day. Isaac had set up a tent of his own and it was a few meters away from Ezra and his party's tent.
But as the party went into their tent, Eva decided to summon a small familiar and sent it into Isaac's tent to spy on him. To ensure that nothing shady is hidden from her eyes and ears...
The Following Morning
At the Capital Walls of the Central Regions, There were guards hidden within the ground, and some were stationed at the wall.
What they've done so far is guard duty in the morning, observe their current surroundings, and report back to their superiors after their shift changes.
Humans would find this task boring due to having less action and more work in their life. But to Ants, it was a different story as they followed their orders with no questions asked, conversed with one another without any disruption to their duties, and even stay for hours in the same spot under the scorching sun for hours until guard duty changed.
Even with human-like bodies, they perform their duties more attentively than them at any time.
Soon enough, one of them noticed something in the distance and pulls out a pair of binoculars that Da Vinci had invented and demonstrated to the ants not too long ago. Upon looking through the binoculars, it was soon discovered that Nadia and co. were not too far from the walls and this made the guard put down the binoculars and signal the other guards with a specific whistle.
The other guards hear this whistle, and they were notified of Nadia's return. As soon as the three were close to the gate, the guards hidden beneath the ground emerged and held their weapons at the ready.
This was a precaution in case someone tried to impersonate Nadia or anyone who tries to affiliate themselves with the colony. Nadia dismounts from the spider and takes a few steps forward, there she holds up her hand, and a brand appears on the palm of her hand.
A guard walks up and hovers his hand over hers. He had the same brand as hers and both glowed once confirmation was finished and everyone stands down and bends a knee before her.
"Welcome back, My Lady," The Guard greeted,
"Much obliged," Nadia responded and gestured for Willow and Alia to follow her.
As the three entered the colony, they were greeted with a drastic change.
Thanks to the truce between ants, their relationship flourished to the point that it wouldn't be called a truce. But unity amongst ants as children played on the streets, adults conversing as friends, and guards that weren't on duty were going about friendly competitions such as arm wrestling to sparing matches.
Not only that, a small certain section of the colony was filled with medium-sized monsters turned farm animals. They were being fed, cared, and harvested for several resources besides their meat.
There was also Farmer ants working on garden plots as they adapted to Nadia's knowledge of farming. The seeds were provided by Nadia, The tools were made by Da Vinci, and both supervision and instructions were provided by Zen.
It was growing, but slowly since the ground wasn't fertile soil. But Nadia would find a way through this soon, especially when she heard that one part of the Southern Region has more fertile soil than the other area in the Central Region.
As Nadia and co. walked their way to the main capital building. Alia had stopped midway and told the two that she plans to return Da Vinci since her part was done already.
To which, Nadia approved and Alia parted ways with her to join up with Da Vinci.
Once Nadia and Willow entered the doors, Zen and her assistant bend a knee to greet them.
"Welcome back," Zen and her assistant greeted,
"No need of that," Nadia dismissed, and the two stood up, "Now... What's the status of the humans?"
"They're coming here as we speak... But we've sent a few people ahead to prepare for their arrival," Zen stated,
"Good, I knew I could trust you," Nadia praised, then she turns to Zen's assistant, "And I see you've got help as well,"
"I am honored by your presence, Lady Nadia," Zen's assistant said,
"There's no need for formality. You can just call me Nadia," Nadia stated,
"I'll keep that in mind," Zen's assistant said, and turns to Zen. Who looks back at him as well.
Nadia assesses this interaction and finds something happening between them. But doesn't speak up since there were other matters to tend to...
"What of the accommodations for them?" Nadia inquired,
"Accommodations?" Zen repeated in confusion, "Well... We haven't worked on anything..."
"That's understandable since they aren't here yet," Nadia said, "Just arrange a few rooms for them to sleep in, some food and water for them to feast on, and some other things,"
Nadia then pulls out a pen and a notebook writes down a few things on the pages and passes it to Zen's hands as soon as she finished.
"Here's a list of things that are required to do," Nadia instructed, "Now get to it,"
"Understood," Zen responded and goes out of the building with her assistant standing very close to her.
Nadia just smiles, and turns away from the two, "Love..."
"What?" Willow inquired,
"It's nothing. Come on, there's a lot to do right now," Nadia said, "And I have a job for you,"
Willow follows her, and they discuss a certain topic in mind...
A Couple of Days Later...
Ezra and his party continued to guide Isaac and the other adventurers under the hot sun. Everyone did their best to minimize their clothing, ration their water to stay hydrated and used magic to keep themselves cool.
But the heat was unbearable, and a few were getting close to having suffered heatstroke from the scorching heat. Ezra and his party were no exception to this.
"I can't believe that today would be so hot," Carona complained, "I wish that there was a better way for us to get there faster,"
"I hate to sound negative, but I don't think we'll be able to reach there soon with this heatwave," Arnold remarked,
"And I hate to admit it, but I've got to agree," Fernand added,
But as they pressed on, Erza stops as soon as he spots something in the distance. He squints his eyes in the distance and sees something storming its way toward them.
Once his eyes adjusted from the distance, that's when he sees something approaching them at high speed. This alarmed him, "Something's coming!"
Everyone was alarmed by this, and they all assumed a battle stance. Even Isaac pulled a sword that he carries around.
But a while later, the thing that was approaching all of them was something vastly different than anything they'd seen in the Ant Domain.
It was a large boat with a large mast, and there were also large wooden wheels attached to the sides. Before long, the boat had drifted through the sands and everyone had to shield their eyes before the dust hit their eyes.
After the dust settled, everyone kept their guard up, and the boat was displayed before their eyes. A while later, someone walks up to the railing and then proceeds to drop down and present themselves to the group.
Everyone doesn't recognize it, but Erza and his party certainly did as they brighten their expressions to a familiar sight.
"Hi! Da Vinci-chan, At your service," Da Vinci cheeringly greeted with a wink and peace sign,
"Da Vinci-chan!" Ezra called out,
"You know this person?" Isaac inquired,
"We do, she's a trusted ally from the Central Colony," Eva explained, "And if she's here, then I presume that she was sent here to pick us up,"
"I see you've all been through so much..." Da Vinci remarked, "But have no fear! For I have brought provisions in courtesy of my master,"
What followed was a couple of ants that accompanied her, and proceeded to hold up boxes filled with food and water. The very sight of this had relieved Ezra's party as well as the other adventurers as they have been saved.
As for Isaac, he seemed confused as he couldn't tell whether they were human or not. Da Vinci is one thing, but the people on the boat were a different matter entirely.
"Anyway, you should come aboard the boat," Da Vinci said, "You'll need your rest since my Master is expecting you all to meet her at the Central Colony,"
Upon, mentioning Da Vinci's Master, everyone, excluding Ezra's party, seemed confused by this and grew concerned about their well-being as well. But due to the circumstances, they decided to board Da Vinci's boat as soon as the wood stair ramp was set down for them.
Everyone walked right up the ramp, and they were provided with some fruits and water to regain their energy and pulled the ramp back as soon as everyone else was on board.
Da Vinci then turns to the Helmsman and gives him the thumbs up, "Alright! We are good to go!"
The Helmsman nodded, whistling to the other ants, and they work on their departure. Once everything was set, they drove their way back to the colony with Isaac and his adventurers in tow.
As the adventurers ate and drank the provisions offered to them, Isaac stares at his, then stares at Da Vinci's back.
'Just what's waiting for us there...' Isaac muttered before peeling and eating his fruit,
A Few Minutes Later...
The boat arrives at its destination but stops just meters away in front of the game.
A while later, an Ant Guard with wings flies over the boat and approaches the helmsman. Isaac and the adventurers were baffled that the ants here almost look human. What's more, this ant guard seemed disciplined as he glanced at everyone as he passes by.
Once he reached the helmsman, they stretched their hands and checked the brand on the latter's hand. Upon confirmation, he turns to Isaac and the Adventurers.
"Welcome to the Central Region, Make no trouble and have a pleasant stay," The Ant Guard said, and flies off the boat moments later,
Then the ramp was dropped, and everyone goes down the boat by single file. The last person to leave was Da Vinci as she ordered the crew to park the boat back to where it came from.
Now, Isaac and the adventurers are escorted by Ezra's party and they pass through the buildings and ants. As Isaac and the other adventurers looked around their surroundings.
Seeing these ants prosper with human-like appearances, they couldn't help but envy them since this place was more peaceful than the Kingdom they all live in.
Even the residents waved at them as they passed by. Which, they timidly waved back while Isaac just stared at them,
By the time they've reached the Capital Building, they were in awe by the sight except for Ezra's party since they have gotten over the sight for a while now.
Moments later, they were soon approached by Zen and her assistant.
"Welcome," Zen greeted, "I hope the trip here wasn't harsh on you all,"
"Apart from the heat, and monsters. Not much, Zen," Fernand commented,
"Hey," Carona scolded and elbows him, "There's a noble here,"
"I don't mind," Isaac assured, "You all seem acquainted with them,"
"And you must be the noble I've been hearing about," Everyone, excluding Eva, glances around at the source of the voice,
But moments later, Isaac turns to his left side and finds Nadia standing next to him with her hands behind her back.
"It's so nice to finally meet you," Nadia said, then walked past the baffled adventurers to rejoin Zen's side,
As for Eva, she shook her head as this was one of her habits from the first life she had once had
Once she turns upstraight to them, she then smiles before all of them, "Welcome to the Central Region, and I'm so glad to have you all arrived here today,"
Everyone felt uncertain that this girl was the de-facto leader of this colony. She lacked the characteristics of an ant, but her very presence disturbed them as they could voice whatever opinion they had in mind nor speak a word to them as well.
For they felt that this girl...
...
...
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Was dangerous to confront...
Meanwhile...
Days after Nadia's absences, Reese and Osman have done their best to handle important matter such as the tunnel network to the other colonies, the unity of the Western Ants, and the disruption of Astranul's communication network.
It was all too easy for them, and they feel something off about it...
Out of the Four Parts of the Region, The Western Part of the Region was quite hard to handle as they were heavily enforced by Astranul's underlings.
Nassor and his squad was handling the liberation of the Western Part of the Region. But an incident had occurred which resulted to the entire squad injured but not dead.
Though the liberation was a success, but it attracted an individual of someone they didn't expected...
...
...
...
"Interesting..." The Enemy commented with a couple of scars on his body slowly healing,
He then follows the direction of his enemy alone and on foot...
...
...
...
For an enemy that intrigues him...
That is it for this update, everyone! But before I go, I would like to tell you all to not expect another update in January. But I will return with an update in February...
That is all, stay safe from the virus, and I will see you all in the next update!