Chapter 12 (2/2)

'Do they want me to follow them?'

They were being too subservient and friendly, so I couldn't bear to wipe theic

'Ian, head on back to the teepee'

”Sure, catch you later”

I followed behind the four flying ants, heading towards their nests There were three giantinwardly towards each other, roughly 10 meters apart It seemed like the queens of each colony were on their way to meet e size, which was required to lay the eggs

'Lord, thank you for accepting our invitation'

Three voices rang inside my head simultaneously

'Is it the Telepathy skill?'

'Yes, Lord'

Just like the previous King, they could use Mind Reading to knowmy Ownershi+p View, I could see that the naa and Trisila

'Why have have you called for me?'

'To for to obey any of your co unable to coreet you in person, but our bodies simply can't leave the nest'

Alpeon spoke to a and Trisila kept their heads bowed Alpeon's nest was the tallest and largest of the three mounds whereas Trisila's was the one which was partially destroyed when the King broke out

'You are aware that I have the power to Erase you?'

'We will follow any of our Lord's commands'

'Are you aware that you almost killed those under my command?'

'Please forgive our impertinence, if it is our Lord's wish, ill pay for these sins with our lives'

Iht their jaws to each others necks, ready to abide by their queen's order

It was a weird sensation, Although I didn't hesitate to kill those who threatened enocide just left a bad taste

'Forget about it, if you listen to my orders you can continue to live here'

'Thank you my Lord'

All termites removed their jaws from their comrades' necks and resumed a submissive posture

'Do you not hold any resent?'

'We obey the lord unconditionally, there is nothing else to consider, you are the King of the Pit'

I could see Alpeon lower its body to the floor in subservience through my Lord's view

'Everyone's postures look uncomfortable, just make yourselves at ease'

Instantly, when all the termites lifted their heads it seeed A termite's back as milky white color whereas the botto to a drastic change in scenery when they all looked up at the same time

'I have a question for you'

'Please, don't hesitate to ask''

'What do you guys eat that allows you to grow so big? I ah numbers'

'My Lord, you are the owner of this Pit and have every right to know, please follow us'

'Alright'

This had been nagging at me since I had first come Termites would norle were largely untouched There definitely wouldn't be enough trees to support the 10,000 somewhat termites that used to exist

I followed Alpeon down the winding tunnels of their enor walked for nearly an hour, I heard Alpeon's voice in my mind

'Lord, the answer lies within the room before us, none can enter without your express permission'

Perhaps it had been the co, but I needed someone to explain the situation inside, so I had Alpeon follow me in

'Come inside with me'

I couldn't understand the sight beforedirection, defying gravity and pointing towards the sky They also had a golden glea to their mystery

There were a total of four roots protruding froolden liquid could be seen floithin them

I tried to use my Identification skill to learn more information

[Identification level is too low to view status]

It seee

'What is it?'

'They are the roots of the sacred tree answered the queen

I was slowly unraveling the olden liquid form the sacred tree was likely very nutritious, which allowed for their large size and numbers

'This one drop is enough to sustain 1,000 termites for a month, and if you collect all the liquid, it fills up within a week'

With just a quick look, I counted roughly 100 drops available It seemed like for the colony food wasn't a problem This much could easily maintain 10,000 termites, my curiosity was satisfied

'Previously our King controlled how much liquid was extracted, as well as its distribution, what are your thoughts on this, my Lord?'

'I don't think it's a good idea to keep increasing your numbers, it's useless if you're weak'

'Yes, well… the previous King orried about being overthrown if he gave away too much liquid'

Naturally these drops were incredibly nutritious and had strengthening properties so it was afraid of creating rivals

'Ok, continue taking the same amount of liquid as before but reduce your nu just cannon fodder'

'It will be as you command my Lord'

'For the o ahead and leave first, also froht each other, is that understood?'

'Of course, our conflict had been instigated by our previous King so it will now end'

'Rather than fight each other, you th'

Alpeon bowed down to the ground and answered

'I araceful my Lord'

'May Iwhich I believe my Lord should be aware of?'

'Go ahead'

'Every 3 full moons, the envoys will come'

'Envoys?'

'Those ish to rule this Pit'

I could understand others coveting this piece of real estate considering it's natural defensive formations and vast resources

'Hht thereater detail'

'Anytime, my Lord'

'Oh right, bring by some liquid to my teepee sometime tomorrow'

'As you wish'

Leaving Alpeon behind, I headed back to the surface guided by a soldier termite When I stepped out, I realised that the sun had already set, the stars and half ht sky

Walking through the dark forest, I arrived to a peaceful scene of a witch and dragon sound asleep inside the teepee With the half ht, I enjoyed the serene calm until daybreak

Kueeee

What are you doing? What time is it…huh? Johra! When did you come? You should have woken me when you arrived”

Ian rubbed her eyes and co from afar

'It's ok Ian, I like to watch you sleep'

”Well… I didn't snore right?”

'No, It was good scene'

Tak Tak Tak Tak

Four giant terhly carved wooden bowls and placed the their heads on the ground

I sent them aith a wave of my hand, and they disappeared into the forest

'Ian, bring in the bowls outside and we'll split it with the young dragon'

”Ok, got it!”

I was hoping it would have a positive effect on them