198 Attack on the Tree (2/2)

Damir and Lutheran also noticed the group as they entered. When they were noticed by the group, they wanted to find a hole to hide in and cry. They were too ashamed.

”It seems they were kidnapped by the elder tree,” Leon added. He didn't know how the elder tree did it seamlessly undetected, but he started to have an idea why the elder tree kidnapped them.

”They weren't killed but kidnapped? Why?” The group was taken aback.

Although they came with the will to rescue, they didn't have any expectations. The chances of survival were negligible, and reality was often cruel. They didn't want to be disappointed. However, Damir and Lutheran were still very much alive and kicking. What luck!

”Trees are like a man's best friend; it wouldn't harm us unless we harm it. We share a very special relationship of dependence. They provide us with the air we breathe and can even give us life. In return, it consumes the air we exhale and also… use our turds as fertilizers.” Leon began explaining profoundly but towards the end, he almost laughed.

”The tree is dangerous in its own ways.”

The palace guards added and laughed raucously.

”Pft.” Lilith didn't like vulgar jokes, but she hates to admit it that she also found it amusing as she burst into small repressed giggled.

However, their laughter didn't last long and died down at a sudden rumbling. They glanced at each other with knowing glances.

Behind them, they suddenly started hearing rumbling noises like the galloping of a thousand hooves coming from the darkness beyond the crevice that they passed through, but on an exponential scale.

In the elder tree space, there were fewer ant holes in the ground, but there were many crevices and passageways in the walls from top to bottom. The noise quickly spread to the root ridden ground beneath them and not long after, it began coming from all directions.

”It must be feeding time…” A palace guard gulped.

The commotion got stronger over time and Leon grew doubtful. It was like the ants weren't going to aim for the tree roots but attack the main trunk directly.

”F*ck.” Leon cursed.

”Run towards the elder tree!” Zorbek roared, but the others were already begun running before he even told them.

Ants began to spill out of every corner and commence their attack on the tree, while the group ran like their life depended on it, literally. If they were too slow, they would get caught in between the battle between the tree and ants.

The distance between the edges of the space and the foot of the tree was crossed in under a minute. Leon could've have arrived in a third of the time if he flew, but he did not leave the group behind and matched their pace instead.

They arrived at the two root bound palace guards safely but were unable to free Damir and Lutheran from the binds.

”No good. These roots are too tough.” Zorbek shook his head.

”It's fine if you guys can't free us, but can you pull out pants up?” Damir felt like he lost all his dignity as he requested.

”Don't worry, this spot should be safe,” Leon concluded as he concentrated on the surrounding.

”That seems to be the case…”

No one paid heed to Damir's request and focused on the battle outside. Lilith stood especially further away from the two.

”You normally don't get to see a spectacle like this often.”

No ants were able to get near the trunk before they were viciously slashed in half by the tree roots that came to life and moved like a thousand snakes. The numbers seemed endless, but no matter how many ants came forward, the elder tree lashed them apart all the same with absolute domination.

”This is strange. The elder tree doesn't seem to be the focus of these ants.” Leon frowned.

”They don't look like they came here for a snack either,” Lilith added.

If the ants didn't come out for food and the tree isn't their target, then what is?

Initially, the ants charge single-mindedly towards the foot of the tree like kamikaze soldiers, tasked with an impossible task. But after seeing no progress, they began to change their tactics and began dividing their forces to focus on the tree roots, while keeping pressure on the center.

Leon narrowed his eyes when he noticed this. The ants are being controlled by something intelligent. It wasn't targeting the tree, but what lied under it.

”They're aiming for the power source.”

”They're aiming for the power source.”

Leon and Lilith said simultaneously. They glanced at each other, before resume studying the ant's behavior.