Evolution begins with an ant colony

Somewhere in the streets of the capital, two young women strolled down an alleyway, their lively conversation echoing off the narrow brick walls.

"Did you see the new dress at Madam Fiora's?" one of the women, a brunette with sparkling green eyes, asked excitedly. As she tried to explain with her hands.

"I did! It's absolutely gorgeous," the other woman, a brown with freckles dotting her cheeks, replied, her eyes bright with enthusiasm.

"If only I could afford it..."

The brunette nodded sympathetically, her expression softening.

"Maybe we could save up together? We could wear it to the next festival!"

Their laughter filled the air, mixing with the distant sounds of the busy city. As they continued their little chat, a sudden flash of light interrupted their conversation.

They both turned to see a swirling purple portal opening beside them.
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"What in the world is that?" the brunette asked, her eyes widening in shock. She took a cautious step back, her hands instinctively reaching out to grip her friend's arm.

The redhead stared at the portal, her curiosity slowly turning into a sense of fear.

"I don't know, but it doesn't look good. We should get out of here."

Before they could move, a figure cloaked in black stepped through the portal. Purple mist came from his body, swirling around him like a sinister aura.

The man's presence was unnerving, and the women felt a cold shiver run down their spines.

"We need to run!" the redhead whispered urgently, her voice trembling. She pulled her friend's arm, but it was too late.

The man moved with lightning speed, charging at them. He propelled the purple mist toward their faces, and they inhaled it before they could react.

Their eyes widened in shock, and they staggered before collapsing to the ground, unconscious.

The man stood over them, his cloak billowing in the night breeze. He pulled down his hood to reveal his appearance.

His hair, was a striking blend of purple and silver, flowing over his shoulders. Small fangs protruded from his mouth, and patches of blue scales could be seen on his skin.

A pair of small horns jutted from his forehead, and his eyes—one purple and one blue—gleaned intensely.

This was Yandol, the once proud lord now turned abductor. He gazed up at the moonlight, he let out a sigh.

"That's thirty-five."

he murmured to himself, his voice a low growl.

"Three more to go." He glanced down at the unconscious women, his expression turning cold. "Lady Camilla will be starting the auction soon, I should pick up the pace."

With that, Yandol turned away, pulling the women and disappearing into the shadows of the alleyway. The purple portal closed behind him, leaving no trace of his presence.

….

Back in the bar, the warm atmosphere was filled with the sounds of laughter and conversation. Akun and his companions finished their meal, the plates now empty and the wine glasses drained. Akun reached into his pouch, pulling out a handful of coins to pay the bill. He handed them to the waitress, who nodded appreciatively.

"Thank you for the meal," Akun said with a polite smile.

The woman grinned. "Always a pleasure to have you here. Safe travels."

As they stood up and prepared to leave, Genreia stretched her arms above her head, her joints cracking softly. "So, are we heading back to the inn?" she asked, looking around at the others.

Akun nodded. "Yes, we're going back to the inn. There's something I'd like to discuss with all of you before we go to sleep, it involves the King's request."

The group exchanged curious glances, but they eased up,they all trusted in Akun's leadership.

Tatillia, unable to contain her curiosity any longer, chimed in, "Is this about the Knight Captain's request? You mentioned you'd talk to us later, master."

Akuna sighed, a hint of exasperation tinging his voice. "Tatillia, I said I'd tell you all when I got back. Have some patience."

Meanwhile, far above the bustling streets, Thorne and his fellow Holy Inquisitors stood silhouetted against the moonlit sky. Their crimson and white robes, emblazoned with the silver emblem of their order, fluttered gently in the night breeze as they surveyed the city from their vantage point atop a rooftop.

Thorne, the leader, was a man with piercing red eyes and hair as black as night. A playful glint danced in his eyes as he gazed down at Akun in the distance.

"So, that's the heretic the goddess spoke of," he murmured, his voice light and almost amused. "Guess we should make quick work of him."

He turned to one of the other Inquisitors, a woman named Elisa whose short, fiery red hair mirrored her passionate personality. "Elisa, is the teleportation magic ready?"

Elisa, ever the stoic devotee, gave a curt nod. "It will be at your command, Thorne."

A satisfied smile spread across Thorne's face. "Excellent. Then it seems the time has come to carry out the goddess' will."

Akun and the ladies were a few buildings away from the inn. As they neared their destination, Akun began to feel a strange tingling sensation beneath his feet.

Thorne, observing from above, gave a small nod to Elisa. She responded with a firm nod of her own, her eyes glinting. With a swift motion, she activated the magic.

A bright magic circle suddenly appeared beneath Akun's feet, glowing with an intense light.

Before he had a chance to react, a blinding beam shot upwards, enveloping him completely. In the blink of an eye, Akun vanished without a trace.

The women, caught off guard, gasped in shock. Genreia, eyes wide with panic, reached out towards where Akun had stood just moments before.

"Akun!" she yelled, her voice echoing in the now eerily silent street.

Tatillia, usually the composed one, looked around frantically. "What just happened? Where did he go?"

The group exchanged confused and worried glances, their minds racing with questions and fear. They had no idea what had just occurred or where their leader had been taken.