Chapter 63: Emerging from the Forest(Bonus - for castle)
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Each ant carried wounds and bruises, hearts weighed by the memory of that foul confrontation. But at least for Kai, a measure of success. Level 22 brought him a progress to three star rank. Even with Darius snatching every star core, Kai’s hidden advantage was that the Essence Eater still existed. He’d find other ways to grow stronger.
After they escaped the site of that disgusting battle, the forest’s density began to thin out. The trees, which stood so closely that barely any sunlight could pass through, slowly gave way to more open glades and rocky outcrops. The ground grew drier and more solid. The group marched in uneasy silence, fresh in the knowledge that three-star beasts could appear at any moment. They had faced five that day, and the memory was more than enough to keep them cautious.
Thren adjusted the wrappings around his arms, hissing softly whenever a bruise pained him. Vexor pressed a cloth over a cut on his side, but offered no complaints. Darius led them as always, never quite glancing back except to check if Kai still followed. His silent gaze was proof that he had not forgiven or forgotten any perceived slight, nor Kai’s miraculous survival in previous battles.
Renna hobbled along with a limp, his exoskeleton still stained in places from the beast’s vile fluid. He tried to keep up, wanting no pity. Kai occasionally supported him with a steadying hand. He already fed Renna some medicine from the village. Although the day had begun with savage violence, an underlying sense of accomplishment crept through the group. They had bested the diarrhea beasts, after all, and not lost a single ant. That was no small feat.
As the trees parted, they found themselves at the edge of the last major area. A vast slope stretched up ahead, crowned by a big hill. From beyond that hill, a jagged rock formation revealed a dark cave mouth. The air felt cooler, with a soft breeze drifting out from the cavern.
Though the sun overhead beat down, the subtle chill of the subterranean wind suggested that the star crystal mine might be near. Excitement and apprehension mingled in everyone’s hearts. They had reached the place Princess Mia’s map pointed to.
Kai paused, letting his antennae quiver in the breeze. He felt a subdued hum, like a faint aura flickering from beyond the cave entrance. "This must be it," he whispered in a low voice, turning to the others. Other ants also asked the same question. Captain Darius nodded curtly. Vexor and Thren exhaled with relief. Lomar’s eyes scanned the hillside for threats, while Renna blinked in weary determination. The star crystal mine beckoned, promising power they could scarcely imagine.