Evolution begins with an ant colony

Akun mused further, "During the time with the goddess, it was only working when I activated it. The system did say the reason it used to act as it did was that it was still forming into an authority, so it wasn't bending to my will. But with the way things have been going, I don't even know what it is anymore."

Looking at the system window hovering in front of him, Akun mused, "But why isn't it prompting me to consume it and chaos evolve? I remember back with Xalender, I consumed his †Authority† and should have evolved. Why not now?"

The system's voice echoed in Akun's mind, [The player should notice, only the consumption of an entire †Authority† will lead to chaos evolution.]

[Once the player has consumed all the fragments of the said †Authority†, they will chaos evolve.]

Akun then mused further, "All the fragments of the †Authority†, meaning these two have two fragments."

After hearing the system's response, Akun mused further, "So that's how it is." He cast his gaze around the room, and all the elders wore worried expressions. Elder Aelorin walked in with Rinalef crying by her side.

Akun continued his musings, "They all seem to be in rather low spirits. It seems their 'beloved' rulers really meant a lot to them. But what they are feeling now is only a fraction of what they made me feel. After all, the people precious to them are still here." Akun clenched his fists as he thought, "Unlike what I experienced.

Although it was short, I experienced it—the feeling to have all hope taken away from you, that feeling of helplessness. I want them to understand that feeling."

Akun mused further, torn between the desire to make them suffer and the wish for them to understand the reasons behind his pain. However, explaining everything that happened seemed like a tedious task.

Suddenly, everyone was surprised as Akun turned around, walked a few steps, and forcefully conjured a portion of the tree castle to serve as a makeshift seat. He declared, "I'll be saving your rulers."

The dryads in the room brightened with hope. Yet, Akun added something that dampened their moods again, saying, "But I'll be saving only one of them."

Suddenly, a chorus of questions erupted from the dryads. "But why?" they asked in unison.

Elder Aelorin, with a mix of concern and curiosity, inquired, "If you can save both of them, why save only one?" Enjoy exclusive adventures from My Virtual Library Empire

Elder Sylara joined in, "Yes, young liege, is it not within your ability to save both of them?"

Princess Rinalef, breaking free from Elder Aelorin's embrace, pleaded, "Please, if you can do it, save both of them. We'll do anything."

Elder Thalanor chimed in, "Yes, young lord, anything. All that we ask is that you save both of them."

In response, Akun's voice, enhanced with aspect power, thundered through the room. "Silence!"

The weight of his voice forced everyone in the room to their knees. Akun then spoke, his words echoing with authority.

Akun's voice cut through the room like a blade, filled with a raw mix of anger and frustration. "You people are in no position to be making any demands," he declared, eyes ablaze. "Look at you, begging for their lives. I'm sure that was the exact same way my people must have begged before they all met death's embrace."

Elder Thalanor, managing to find his voice, questioned, "What do you mean, which people?"

"The people of my tribe," Akun responded with a fiery intensity. His voice, enhanced by aspect power, erupted like a sonic wave, forcing the dryads further into the ground. The very ground beneath their feet began to crack and quake in response to the power emanating from him.

Elder Sylara managed to find her voice, her tone carrying a mix of confusion and concern. "But we haven't done anything to your people, young liege. Why the sudden burst of anger and hostility?"

Suddenly, the oppressive force bearing down on the dryads ceased, yet none dared to rise. The air around Akun hinted at a foul mood, and they hesitated, well aware of his formidable capabilities witnessed in the desert battle that had reshaped the landscape. Rinalef, too, remained on her knees, mirroring the elders' caution.

"Arise," Akun commanded, and the dryads slowly stood, their expressions a blend of confusion and curiosity.

Akun continued, "I originally thought explaining would be a hassle, but I see it is necessary for you all to understand the reason for my sudden outburst."

Akun's voice cut through the silence, breaking the tension in the room. "So, let me enlighten you. I'm sure even if the princess doesn't understand, you elders will surely grasp what I'm about to tell you."

Curiosity and worry mingled on the faces of the elders and princess as they mentally prepared for Akun's revelation.

"I'm sure you are all aware of the existence of gods," Akun began. The room fell into an uneasy silence. He spoke again with a slightly angered tone, "Am I talking to statues?"

"Yes, young liege," the elders replied in unison, a shiver running down their spines from the intensity of Akun's voice.

"Good," Akun retorted. "So, you should understand they all have their different purposes and what they are in charge of. First of all, I am here from the future, under the use of the Goddess of Time's †Authority†."

Surprise and confusion played across the faces of the dryad elders. Elder Aelorin spoke up, "Young liege, if you don't mind me asking, how did you have the Goddess of Time send you from the future?"

Akun's stern gaze held the room as he replied, "That is none of your business. You are simply to listen to what I am telling you."

Elder Aelorin quickly apologized, "I'm sorry, young liege."

Ignoring the apology, Akun continued, "In this future, one of my guardians was sent to escort the princess back to your tribe. The person in question, whom I will not disclose, was also sent to find out what the princess was up to."