Evolution begins with an ant colony

Akun's lips curled into a wicked grin as he continued to toy with Camilla. "Since you've answered my questions like a good little pet," he taunted, his voice dripping with sadistic amusement, "I think you deserve a collar."

He raised his hand, fingers splayed, and uttered a command with a sinister calmness. Without warning, a sinister, purple chain shot forth from his outstretched palm, snaking through the air with an eerie grace. It wrapped itself around Camilla's neck, coiling tightly before vanishing from sight, leaving only a ghastly purple marking that encircled her throat like a sinister brand.

As the malevolent chain disappeared, the system's voice echoed within the confines of Akun's mind, like a chilling whisper in the dark.

[Enslavement successful!!]

With a flick of his fingers, Akun decided the fate of the golden chains that had restrained Camilla until then. His aspect power surged with raw force, a shockwave rippling through the very air. In an instant, the once unbreakable golden chains shattered into countless shimmering shards, as if they had been no more than fragile glass under the unstoppable might of Akun's will.n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om

A sardonic grin curled on Akun's lips as he looked down at Camilla, who now bore the mark of his control. "Since you're my loyal little pet now," he mused, a hint of amusement in his voice, "I can't have you walking around looking like you've been through hell. It would raise too many questions."

With an almost casual flick of his hand, Akun summoned his arcane prowess. "Casting, Greater Heal," he intoned. In an instant, a radiant brilliance spilled forth, enveloping Camilla in a soothing, radiant aura. The intense light danced and swirled around her, like liquid gold flowing over her form.

As the brilliant healing light emanated from Akun, Torin couldn't tear his gaze away, even though it was the second time he had witnessed such incredible power. His thoughts swirled, and he couldn't help but feel that this man was more than just a formidable figure. "Though this is the second time I'm seeing it," he mused to himself, "I can't help but watch in awe.

Despite his earlier demeanor, I can't help but feel like he is a god."

Noticing Torin's amazed expression, Kalardix couldn't resist commenting. He leaned in slightly and spoke in a tone of deep reverence, "That's my father for you. His presence is both calming and intimidating, truly deserving of our respect."

Meanwhile, Evan observed the unfolding scene, his curiosity growing with each passing moment. His eyes darted between Akun and the faces of Kalardix and his party members. There was an undeniable aura of respect and admiration surrounding Akun, and it left Evan pondering the man's true identity.

"He isn't the demon king," Evan thought, his mind racing with questions. "So, what does he want with me? I hope I won't have to go through the hell that woman went through... I don't think I would be able to handle it." Uncertainty gnawed at him, his future in this enigmatic world hanging in the balance.

Camilla lay on the ground, bathed in the radiant healing light that flowed from Akun's outstretched hand. Her body, once battered and bloodied, now felt the gentle touch of a healing power unlike anything she had ever experienced. As the energy enveloped her, she couldn't help but wonder, her thoughts piercing through the haze of pain.

"What is this feeling?" she whispered to herself, her voice barely audible. "This warmth... It feels like all the pain is being washed away by this... pure energy." Her tense muscles began to relax, and a soothing calmness spread through her being. It was as if the very essence of serenity had wrapped itself aroubar.

Every wound, every injury she had sustained during her ordeal began to mend before the awestruck eyes of those present. The gruesome aftermath of her defiance and punishment vanished as if it had never been, leaving her miraculously whole once more. Yet, despite her newfound health, Camilla remained on the ground, her expression uncertain, as if she grappled with the sudden upheaval of her world.

Lyra, standing near Darius, leaned in conspiratorially and whispered into his ear, her voice barely above a hushed murmur.

"Hay, Darius..."

Darius, intrigued by her secretive tone, tilted his head to look at her. He replied in a soft whisper, "Yeah, what is it?"

Lyra's eyes darted around cautiously before she continued, "Do you ever really wonder what Master's true power is?"

Darius furrowed his brow, his curiosity piqued. "What do you mean?"

"Listen," Lyra whispered further, her voice tinged with intrigue. "You know that every time we enter the forest, we are severely weakened. Most of the time, our grades drop by three, and our levels plummet by 25 or 30."

Darius nodded, beginning to understand her point. "Yeah, so what?"

"Don't get me wrong," Lyra continued, "I know monsters can't leave this forest, so what I'm saying might never happen... But what if master were to come out of the forest? Won't his power increase by like three grades?"

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The realization washed over Darius like an icy wave. Akun, inside the forest, was already a god-like figure in terms of destructive force compared to their abilities. He vividly remembered their first encounter with him, how he handled all of them singlehandedly. At that time, his aspect power seemed capable of carrying boulders and tossing them around as if they were made of feathers.

If Akun somehow managed to leave the forest, he would be a walking natural disaster.

Darius muttered in response, "Well... I guess that's another reason for me not to sleep well at night." The idea of Akun unleashed upon the world outside the forest was a chilling prospect, one that left a sense of unease settling in the pit of his stomach.

Darius, deep in thought, folded his hands and contemplated their situation. With a sigh, he spoke softly, "Well, we should be glad that we're his servants. As long as we stay on his good side, even if he were to leave the forest one day, his wrath won't befall us."

It was a bittersweet comfort, the knowledge that their allegiance to Akun might shield them from the devastation he could potentially unleash if ever freed from the confines of the forest. In the complex web of servitude and power, they found a precarious sense of safety.