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It was obvious what was happening, Darius wanted him out of the kingdom, where he would be vulnerable, isolated, and expendable.
For a moment, Kai considered refusing. But then he realized something. If he went on this hunting expedition, he would be outside the city's strict rules.
Away from Darius's watchful eyes. And that meant… A chance to train, fight, and evolve.
Kai exhaled deeply before glancing up. "System, any thoughts?"
[Ding! Host has been assigned to a high-risk mission. Estimated survival rate: 43%.]
Kai laughed inside his mind. "Well, that's better than zero."
[Opportunity Detected. If the host gains sufficient experience outside the kingdom, leveling up may accelerate.]
That made Kai pause. "So this isn't just a trap. It's an opportunity."
If he could use this mission to gain experience and devour new prey, he might be able to level up faster.
Maybe even push himself closer to two Star ranks. Kai's eyes flashed with determination.
"Darius wants me to die out there? Fine. But I'm coming back stronger than ever."
Kai acted in hesitation, "But, Captain, I've never…"
"You're not questioning the princess's judgment, are you?" Darius interrupted sharply, stepping closer until he towered menacingly over the smaller ant. "You wouldn't dare disobey her orders, would you, newbie?"
Kai swallowed hard, holding his ground despite the oppressive aura emanating from Darius. "No, sir. I'll do my best."
Darius smirked cruelly, satisfied at Kai's discomfort. "Make sure to do that. Princess Mia has high expectations for you. Don't disappoint her."
With that, Darius turned sharply, signaling Vex to follow. As they departed, Darius allowed himself a brief, satisfied laugh, loud enough for Kai to hear.
Back in his quarters, Darius summoned Lior and Vex once more, the two vice-captains standing at attention as they awaited orders.
"The plan proceeds smoothly," Darius stated with cold precision. "Kai will join the hunting expedition tomorrow. Ensure he's placed in the most dangerous areas. If he somehow survives, we'll find another way. But I doubt a mere worker ant can withstand the perils outside our kingdom."
Lior laughed heartily. "He'll never make it back alive, Captain."
Vex smiled faintly. "And even if he does, he'll return broken and humiliated."
Darius nodded in satisfaction. "Precisely. Either outcome suits our purposes. Make sure the entire team knows that protecting Kai is the least of their priorities."
The two vice-captains saluted sharply. "Understood, Captain."
As they left, Darius leaned back in his chair, smug satisfaction flooding through him. Everything was perfectly set. Soon, Kai would be nothing more than a distant memory. And with the princess's attention back where it belonged, Darius could proceed with his secret mission, finally claiming Mia as his reward and do all types of perverted things he could imagine.
His dark laughter echoed softly in the chamber. Tomorrow, everything will change. Rest of the day goes as usual like the previous day moving supplies. In the blink of an eye the new day began.
The early rays of dawn crept gently into the worker ants' quarters, illuminating the space where Kai had spent a restless night. He sat up slowly, his body heavy with the anticipation of the mission ahead. Though anxiety coiled tightly within him, excitement thrummed through his veins at the prospect of finally testing himself outside the colony's walls.
He stretched his legs, testing the soreness of his muscles from his moving duties. The dull ache served as a reminder that survival was hard-earned, and the coming journey would undoubtedly push him even further.
Kai checked a huge inventory box, given to him for the mission. He methodically organized the supplies provided for the expedition. Each item, from food, medical herbs to spare tools and weapons, was accounted for.
As a mere porter, his job is carrying this box. His antennae twitched anxiously, sensing the subtle shifts and murmurs of the other workers around him. They avoided eye contact, clearly uneasy around the ant who had quickly become the subject of much colony gossip.
A sudden presence loomed behind him, and Kai spun around swiftly, tense. But it was only an older worker ant, Rhel, one of the few who had been kind to him.
"Morning, Kai," Rhel spoke softly, casting a careful glance around them. "I hear you're headed out today. Stay alert out there—the wild isn't forgiving."
Kai nodded appreciatively. "Thank you, Rhel. I'll be careful."
Rhel gave a gentle nod, hesitation flickering in his eyes. "Just remember, not everyone is your enemy, but trust wisely."
Kai knew exactly what the older worker meant. He exhaled slowly, gathering his resolve. Slinging his heavy supply box onto his back, he adjusted the weight until it sat comfortably between his shoulders. He spared one last glance around the worker ants quarters, understanding clearly that he might never see them again.
Stepping into the corridor, Kai felt a dozen pairs of eyes following him. Whispers floated in the air as he walked steadily toward the Eastern Gate. The colony around him bustled with early morning activity, soldiers and scouts moving efficiently, preparing their own expeditions and patrols.
As he drew closer to the gate, Kai felt the shift from the warmth of the outer colony to the crisp, cooler air that lingered near the outer walls. Soldiers stood guard at intervals, their gazes stern and unwelcoming, making it clear that Kai was an outsider among them.
At last, the enormous Eastern Gate came into view, a majestic structure of hardened earth and stone. Its massive doors were carved intricately, depicting scenes of legendary ant battles and past glories. Waiting there was a team of soldier ants, organized and disciplined, quietly checking their gear.
The hunting team was made up of ten elite soldiers, all two-star rank. Unlike Kai, they had battle experience.
Each one carried deadly weapons—hardened chitin blades, venomous spears, and reinforced armor. And standing in the middle, overseeing them, was vice captain Vex.
Kai's antennae twitched as he approached.
"Newcomer," Vex greeted him with thinly veiled amusement. "I see you're not late. That's good. You'll need every advantage you can get."
Kai kept his voice even. "Where are we going?"