Evolution begins with an ant colony

First among them was Orion, a tall and broad-shouldered man with a calm demeanor. He crossed his arms and leaned against the wall, his eyes narrowing as he listened to what Aric said. "He's trying to do what he believes is right," Orion murmured, his voice steady but filled with a tinge of concern.

"He's always been about ensuring the future is secure, even if it means he might not be there to see it."

Beside him, Maira, a slender woman with short, cropped hair and piercing green eyes, nodded slowly. "I get it, Orion. He's driven by a sense of duty to our master, but it feels like he's willing to sacrifice everything, including us, to achieve his goal." Her voice was soft but with a touch of sadness, reflecting the inner conflict she felt.

A third voice chimed in, gruff and slightly cynical. It was from Balthor, a rugged man with a scar running down his cheek. "And what does that leave us with? He's ready to abandon his team, his friends, without considering the impact on us. It's like we're just pawns in his grand plan."

At the back of the group, Kiren, the fire-headed woman with a temper to match, slammed her fist against the wall. Her vibrant red hair seemed to crackle with mana, showing the intensity of her emotions. "He's such a dummy!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with frustration. "Always thinking about what he wants, never about what we need or feel.

A leader is supposed to listen to the will of their team, not just pursue their own agenda."

"True," came a more measured response from a man standing nearby, adjusting his monocle thoughtfully. This was Lucius, a composed and analytical figure who often acted as the voice of reason within the group. "But Aric's actions are not entirely selfish. He's doing it for our master, trying to create a future where the master's legacy means something."

Kiren shook her head, her fiery temper wouldn't be tamed that easily. "Yes, but that doesn't change the fact that he's making decisions based on his own desires. Even if those desires align with what he believes is best for our master, he's still not considering the impact on us, his team."

Another member of the group, Elysia, a quiet woman with beautiful blue eyes, spoke up, her voice barely above a whisper. "I just hope for the best. Maybe... maybe Aric is right. Maybe his way is the only way to ensure our master's sacrifices aren't in vain. But it's hard to watch him push us aside."

Lucius adjusted his monocle again and nodded thoughtfully. "It's a difficult path he's chosen. We all joined this mission knowing the risks and the sacrifices that might be required. Aric's methods are unconventional, but his goal is something we all share."

Orion sighed deeply, looking at each of his comrades in turn. "We need to remember why we're here. We're all fighting for the same future, even if our approaches differ. But we can't forget that we're a team. We need to find a way to move forward together, respecting both Aric's mission and our own roles in this journey."

Kiren crossed her arms, still fuming but quieter now. "Fine. But he's still a dummy. A dummy who needs to remember that he's not alone in this."

The group fell silent, each lost in their own thoughts, the weight of their mission pressing heavily upon them. Despite their differences, they knew they had to find a way to work together, for the sake of their master and the future they all sought to protect.

After a tense silence hung in the room, Orion finally spoke up, his calm demeanor soothing the group's frayed nerves. He pushed off the wall, uncrossing his arms, and let out a deep breath. "Listen," he began, his voice steady, "I know we're all worried about Aric and his decisions. But standing here, arguing about it, won't change anything right now."

He glanced around the hall, his gaze settling on each of his comrades. "How about we step out for a bit? Clear our heads. I've been curious about the food and snacks they make in this part of the world. You know, try something new before nightfall. It could be a good way to pass the time and maybe lighten the mood a little."

Maira raised an eyebrow, her expression softening slightly. "Food? Are you serious, Orion? In the middle of all this?"

Orion chuckled softly, a reassuring smile spreading his lips. "Yes, I am. We all need a break, and food has a way of bringing people together. Plus, it might help us refocus and get back on the same page."

Balthor grumbled, crossing his arms. "I suppose we could do with a change of scenery. Arguing here isn't going to get us anywhere."
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Lucius adjusted his monocle thoughtfully. "It's a sound idea. A bit of local cuisine might give us a much-needed distraction and a chance to regroup."

Kiren huffed, still simmering but visibly less agitated. "Fine. But I'm not doing this for Aric. I just want to see what kind of snacks these people have."

Elysia, who had been quietly listening, nodded in agreement. "I think it's a good idea. We could all use a bit of normalcy right now."

With all of them reluctantly agreeing, the group began to head down the hall and to exit the building. Orion led the way to the door, turning back with a hopeful expression. "Come on, let's find out what this place has to offer. Who knows? We might end up enjoying ourselves."

One by one, they followed him out, their spirits slightly lifted by the promise of a brief escape from their burdens.

As they started down the hallway, Kiren suddenly called out, "Wait up, guys!" She turned back towards Calatica, who was still standing at the edge of the hall, lost in thought. "Calatica, you should come with us. We could all use a break."

Orion and the others paused, turning to look at Kiren. Maira and Elysia nodded in agreement, seeing the sense in Kiren's suggestion. However, Lucius raised an eyebrow, adjusting his monocle as he considered the idea. "I'm not sure that's best," he began cautiously. "Calatica knows Aric better than any of us. She might need some time alone to process—"