Evolution begins with an ant colony

All the tribe leaders gazed at Akun with a mix of respect and admiration.

Akun then spoke up as he gazed at the tribe leaders with a mix of curiosity and seriousness, "Now," he began, "I want to hear your reports on how the constructions are going in your ends. Remember, I gave you all a deadline. It would be in your best interests to not let your time run out before you complete the constructions."

Akun had initiated a major construction, planning to modernize the entire godforsaken forest. He had informed all the tribe leaders of this idea, and all they could do was simply obey. He also gave them deadlines, excluding the orcs and bees since he was on very friendly terms with them.

"His very aura commands respect and fear," Tatilia mused as she smiled, gazing at Akun in awe. She mused further, "Just like he did thousands of years ago when he became the ruler of the black dragons." Her eyes sparkled with excitement.

Inwardly, each of the tribe leaders mused. Inwardly, Elenora mused, "Such a grand project that involves such massive deployment of all our manpower."

Inwardly, Leandor and Seraphina mused, "Such complex land and underwater structures, and the employment to ancient magic that were thought to be lost thousands of years ago."

Skalathar, Vaelon, Arachneia, and Thalgar collectively mused, "The sheer size the structure is expected to be after its completion."

The orc queen Grukka mused, "The sheer amount of valuable resources being expended to even get the most basic parts of the structure together."

Inwardly, Tatilia mused as she smiled, "Master's way of doing things."

They all then collectively mused, "He must be preparing for a war, but that begs the question, who or what exactly are we going up against for he to be in a hurry to complete such a bizarre and colossal collection of structures."

But in reality, Akun's reasons for the massive project were rather peculiar. Inwardly, Akun mused in a playful tone, "Being the head honcho around here means I call the shots, and now having all the power, the first thing I want to do is make one of my gamer dreams come true.

And that is none other than to be able to live in an exact copy of Mikhail's Dome project from the game 'Rise Of The Strongest Lord,' that open-world game where the ruler, Mikhail, being the mad mage genius he was, turned his entire country into a massive fortress in preparation for the war against the gods.

Although we aren't actually going to war, I still couldn't resist the temptation of finding a way to live in that masterpiece myself, and thus, the building project."

Akun then mused further. "Although I will admit, suddenly giving out orders for the construction of such a colossal structure might seem bizarre and overkill, since it looks like it just came out of nowhere... But," Akun's thoughts took on a serious tone as he mused further. "Not being serious about your dreams simply means they will never be realized.

As such, they will simply remain that way – just figments of your imagination. If one sees what they truly want, they shouldn't be afraid to reach out and grab it. Simply wishing has never gotten anything done, and it never will."

But never in Akun's wildest dreams would he have realized that the building of this structure was truly a decisive move, as threats he had yet to learn about loomed over this forest he now rules.

Akun then directed his gaze at the dryad queen as he spoke, "Elenora, you begin. How have things been going on your end?"

The Dryad queen, Elenora, rose from her seat as she then began her report, "My liege, based on the plans you gave us, we have begun shaping the veins for the 'magic reactor.' Although it has been very draining for both me and my elders, as well as my people, we have been able to successfully condense one of the pillars. So, there are still seven left, as well as a couple of other veins."

Akun then gestured inquisitively as he mumbled, "I see. I would prefer it if you all picked up the pace. Don't forget what I promised you if you are able to complete the construction before your deadline." Akun narrowed his gaze while he spoke in a slightly intimidating tone.

A bead of sweat formed at the edge of Elenora's forehead as she realized what was at stake and how hard it would be to achieve the expected results, not only to satisfy her liege but also to receive the reward he promised if her people completed the project in time. Elenora bowed as she replied, "We will do our best, my liege."

Akun then replied, "That is good to hear. Now, sit."
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"Thank you," she replied, retaking her seat.

Akun had promised Elenora that if she and her people completed their project before the deadline, he would heal and return her husband to her.

Inwardly, Akun mused, "One doesn't rule his people with an iron fist alone. A true ruler knows how to balance punishment and reward. Fear can only drive an individual so far, but if one knows of your genuine kindness, they will be willing to sacrifice their all for you. After all, everyone lives life with hopes of what they can look forward to.

If there is nothing for them, what point is there to living?"

Similar to Phenor, Akun had also promised him that if the Kingins were able to complete the tasks given to them before the deadline, he would bring back Devon, but not Argon. Phenor respected Akun's wishes, and he also understood that his eldest child had somewhat of a chaotic personality, thus Akun's unwillingness to bring him back.

Akun's voice echoed in the large meeting room as he then addressed Leandor and Seraphina, "And now, Leandor and Seraphina, how are things on your end? I would love to hear your good news."