Evolution begins with an ant colony

The first rays of dawn filtered through the thin curtains of the inn room, casting a warm glow across Evan's face. He stirred slightly, the soft mattress and thick blankets making him linger in the peaceful embrace of sleep. But this brief moment of peace was shattered by the sudden sound of his door bursting open.

"Evan! Get up!" Mina's voice rang out, urgent and commanding. She stood in the doorway, acting frantic. "There's been another demon attack at the border. The knights there need our support immediately."

Evan bolted, sitting up on his bed, shaking off the remnants of sleep. "What? When did this happen?" he asked, his mind already racing to catch up.

"Just now," Mina replied, her brow furrowed with worry. "The message came in minutes ago. We need to suit up and head to the teleportation circle on the outskirts of the capital. Lady Utopia and the holy knights are waiting for us there."

Without wasting another moment, Evan sprang into action. He got up, grabbed his armor and began strapping it on. Mina watched him for a moment, then turned to the window, her eyes looking to the horizon, as if she could already see the battle unfolding. Continue your adventure with My Virtual Library Empire

"How bad is it?" Evan asked as he fastened the last of his armor and reached for his sword.

Mina's eyes flicked back to him, her expression grim. "Bad. The demons are pushing hard, and the border defenses are struggling to hold. We need to move, now."

Evan nodded, grabbing his travel cloak and throwing it over his shoulders. "Let's go."

They hurried down the stairs of the inn, their footsteps echoing in the empty halls. The innkeeper, a kind old man who had grown used to their comings and goings, gave them a worried look but said nothing. They burst out into the street, the city just beginning to wake, unaware of the looming threat.

The outskirts of the capital were practically bustling with activity. Soldiers and knights were rushing about, preparing for battle. At the center of it all stood Lady Utopia, the captain of the holy knights, her presence seemed to help the other knights keep a level head in all this chaos. Clad in her armor, her long, blond hair flowing freely, her presence was both calming and commanding.

"Lady Utopia!" Evan called out as they approached. "We're ready."

Utopia turned, her sharp eyes assessing them quickly. "Good. We have little time," she said, her voice steady. "The situation at the border is dire. The demons are more organized than before, and their numbers are growing. We need to strike hard and fast to push them back."

Mina stepped forward, her face set with determination. "We'll do whatever it takes. How are the knights holding up?"

Utopia's expression softened slightly. "They're holding, but just barely. Your arrival will bolster their spirits. Now, let's not waste any more time."

The teleportation circle was being prepared, its old runes glowing with a faint blue light. Knights and mages surrounded it, chanting spells to stabilize the magic. As Evan and Mina stepped into the circle, Utopia joined them.

"We'll transport directly to the front lines," Utopia explained. "Mina, your magic is crucial here. Can you manage the teleportation spell?"

Mina nodded, stepping to the center of the circle. She raised her hands, her eyes closing as she began to chant in the spell along with the others. The runes beneath their feet glowed even brighter, the air humming with mana.

Evan felt the familiar tingle of magic enveloping him, the world around him blurring as the spell took hold. He glanced at Utopia, her face calm and focused, and felt a sudden surge of confidence. They would face this threat together, as they always had.

With a final, powerful word, Mina completed the spell. The world twisted around them, the space dissolving into a swirl of colors. For a moment, there was nothing but the sensation of movement, a rush of air and magic that left them breathless.

Then, as suddenly as it began, it was over. They stood on the border, the air filled with the smell of smoke and blood. The sounds of battle surrounded them – the clash of swords, the shouts of warriors, and the unearthly cries of demons.

The knights, weary but ready to do battle, turned to look at the new arrivals. A cheer went up as they recognized their heroes, a wave of renewed hope sweeping through the ranks.

Evan drew his sword, the blade catching the morning light. "Alright," he said, his voice carrying over the din of battle. "Let's show these demons what we're made of."

Mina's color changing eyes began to glow intensely with resolve as she began to chant her spells, the air around her crackling with magic energy. Beside her, Lady Utopia raised her sword, and a massive cross like shield, rallying the holy knights for the fight ahead.

The clash of steel and the roars of demons filled the air as Evan, Mina, and Lady Utopia charged into the fray. The battlefield was chaotic, with knights and demons locked in deadly combat. The ground was scorched and churned, the remnants of previous battles could clearly be seen in the smoldering.

Evan's sword cut through the air with skill. He swung his right arm in a wide arc, the blade slicing through a demon's neck with a single, clean stroke. Blood sprayed, and the creature collapsed. Evan pivoted on his left foot, bringing his sword down in a powerful overhead strike that cleaved another demon from shoulder to hip.

Beside him, Mina unleashed her magic in sudden bursts. She raised her right hand, chanting an incantation, and a fireball materialized, crackling with energy. She thrust her palm forward, sending the fireball hurtling into a cluster of demons. It exploded on impact, incinerating them in a burst of searing heat.

For some reason, she appeared not to be using her staff. Some thought she was looking down on her opponents, while others believed she was showing off her skill without it. In reality, her staff amplified her spell to a degree she had yet to master control of, and thus it was simply strapped to her waist.

Mina's left hand followed with a flick, summoning bolts of lightning that shot out, striking demons with pinpoint accuracy. Each bolt hit their targets squarely in the chest, causing them to convulse and collapse, lifeless.