Chapter 72: Big-headed Ants
After confirming the unexpectedly small size of the Big-headed Ants’ territory, Luo Wen began to investigate the surrounding trees, searching for signs of livestock-like farming practices.
However, even with agricultural methods that preserved vegetation, it seemed nearly impossible to sustain so many combat units within such limited territory.
While examining the trees, Luo Wen did find some aphids, but there were no signs of large-scale farming. He did, however, stumble upon another curious phenomenon.
On the yellowish-brown dirt ground, an unusual stream caught Luo Wen’s attention. Upon closer inspection, he realized it wasn’t water but a flowing stream of leaves. These leaves were being transported by the Worker Ants of the Big-headed Ant species. Regardless of size, each ant carried leaves several times its own size with its powerful jaws.
Patrolling alongside the leaf stream were larger soldier ants, ensuring the workers’ safety while clearing small obstacles from the path. These efforts slightly smoothed the otherwise uneven road, although larger obstructions were simply bypassed.
The leaf stream was flowing in the direction of the Big-headed Ants’ nest. Intrigued, Luo Wen decided to trace it upstream.
Soon, he discovered the source of the leaves.
It was an impressively tall tree, at least 50 meters high, with the stream of green leaves cascading down from its treetop. The dense branches at the top obscured Luo Wen’s view, making it difficult to discern the specifics.
But that didn’t matter. His adhesive bristles allowed him to climb smooth surfaces as if they were flat ground. Scaling a tree was no challenge for him.