Thunder Ants of the Forest

Ants. Among the primal species, ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠they had achieved the most successful collective structure. They were also the most numerous primal species on the Abian Continent.

'They say even if you add up all the other primal species on the Abian Continent, their numbers still fall short of the ants.'

In truth, cockroaches trailed close behind in sheer numbers, though it was unverified. That just went to show how staggeringly vast the ant population was. It also meant they were the most conspicuous creatures wherever you went.

'So, it's no surprise that ant primal swarms show up in the Thunder Forest too... but still.'

I let out a wry chuckle as I eyed the ant primals scattering lightning across their bodies.

'This is a first.'

Back then, the thunder tree had nearly exhausted its power. The primal species inhabiting the Thunder Forest did emit currents from their bodies, but nothing like the overwhelming lightning these ones were unleashing.

"Kiririt."

Pajit, pajijjit.

One ant primal, spraying electricity from its body, twitched its antennae upon spotting me. It almost looked like it was sizing me up as potential prey.

'Just this one?'

I expanded my senses to scan the surroundings.

'More are here.'

True to form for colony-dwelling ants, ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠it wasn't alone. My senses picked up three others besides this one—for a total of four.

Not a huge number, so they didn't feel immediately threatening.

"Kiriririt!"

Once it finished assessing me, the ant charged straight at me.

'Aside from the infused thunder, nothing special.'

It was a common tree ant primal. They favored forests, building massive nests from twigs and plant scraps. Not powerhouses like army ants, fire ants, or bullet ants, so they weren't tough opponents. And they weren't even large specimens—smaller than my height.

Srrrrung.

Having sized it up, I drew my sword from my waist.

Chwaaaak! Pajijijjit!

My blade grazed the ant's carapace. The instant it connected, a fierce bolt surged from the tree ant's body—but it did me no harm.

"Ki, kir it...!"

Its upper body cleaved in two, the ant raised its abdomen and sprayed formic acid. Not aimed at me, though.

"Kiriririt!"

It was a signal calling its comrades. In a flash, the other three tree ants appeared.

'Two soldier ants, huh.'

The one I'd dropped was just a worker. Soldiers were bulkier and looked far stronger. Infused with thunder energy, they might actually pose a threat.

"Kiririririt!"

Seeing their fallen kin, the ants unleashed furious roars. Ants were known for their tight bonds and camaraderie, so their rage was understandable.

'But you attacked first.'

Had it not struck first, I wouldn't have either.

Anyway. With two soldiers, things looked dicey. Even tree ants were primals—and elite soldier caste at that. Not something a Growth Stage like me could brush off easily.

"Kiririk—!"

Wind White Swordsmanship.

Second Form: Twenty-Four Storm Transformations.

To counter their ferocious charge, whirlwinds and lightning erupted along my blade.

Whoooong—pajijijjit!

"Kiriraa raat—!"

My sword strikes, weaving twenty-four variations, shredded their exoskeletons.

Thud.

They collapsed simultaneously, bodies in tatters. The light faded from their eyes all at once.

'Easier than expected.'

Was it because my body was nearing full Megaera Mantis form? The difference from when juvenile mantis traits lingered was night and day. I'd need time to adjust.

Still, thanks to that, I subdued them without removing the iron weights on my four arms and legs. In just one strike.

'Without the weights, I could probably take a Maturity Stage.'

From my vastly strengthened body and dual-attribute ether, to Predator's Eye, Sixth Sense, and predation-granted skills like High Jump, Pulverize, Stealth, Paralysis Poison, and more—too many to list now.

Altogether, beating a Maturity Stage wasn't impossible. Plus, with Transcendent Regeneration, unless it was a fatal wound, I wouldn't go down easy. Their position would be precarious.

'This body's growth feels so addictive. Can't wait to see how far it'll go.'

Never dreamed I'd wield this power at just Growth Stage. This life, I'd definitely reach Transcendent.

'But still not enough. Haven't hit Complete Body yet—gotta curb any arrogance.'

Easy growth sometimes sparked sloth or hubris, but visions of disaster if I slipped kept me grounded.

Anyway. Amid these thoughts, I eyed the fallen ant primals.

Would I gain nothing from them?

Right then—

'Oh.'

As predation triggered, light flowed from one of the fallen soldier ants.

'Ant's Strength!'

My pupils dilated sharply. Ants were infamous among insects for their disproportionate strength relative to size. Thanks to their exoskeletons, they could lift up to twenty times their body weight—a surprisingly potent natural power.

Ant's Strength captured that trait fully, offering endless versatility. Worth acquiring.

'Even in Insect King's War, ants were always popular among players.'

With their vast numbers and baseline skills beyond just Ant's Strength, they rivaled king species—perfect for beginners.

'Planned to farm ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠ant nests later for predation grinding...'

If I steadily raised proficiency and pushed skills to S-grade or higher via predation, synergizing with my body could surpass even Hercules or Caucasus beetle clans in raw power.

'Wonder if I could crush Jangdaran, the peak of strength among the Four Lords.'

An unexpected windfall. Snagging such a meaningful ability at once—surely a sign of smooth sailing ahead.

My lips curled into a grin.

But today was my lucky day, it seemed.

Molting and Megaera awakening ticked up together. And not just that—I even got vital energy.

'Guess I won't need dinner tonight...'

My stomach felt ready to burst. I was truly feeling it now.

Tsuriririt...

A thick, low growl echoed through the pitch-black abyss.

Tsuririririt...

The dangerous, savage cry repeated. Then, a responding roar exploded from somewhere.

Kiririt—! Kiririririt!

Tsurit, tsuririririt.

The low growler's tone shifted to gleeful laughter. And at that moment—

Flash—!

Two crimson flames, like blood, ignited in the black darkness.

Brrr!

'Hm?'

A sudden chill and trembling gripped me. I scanned around, expanding my senses—but nothing unusual.

'Just jumpy?'

With all the unexpected gains, especially the mysterious vital energy whose origin I still couldn't pinpoint, I was probably on edge.

'How'd I get vital energy anyway?'

I pondered as I headed toward the thunder tree.

'Vital energy only comes from fresh corpses of inner core-bearing primals.'

These tree ants had no inner cores.

'If they did, could I have even beaten them?'

Yet I'd gained it. Odd. If vital energy came from non-core primals too, I'd have stockpiled tons from all I'd killed.

'The thunder ether, maybe.'

I kept walking, mulling it over, and concluded it had to be the thunder ether.

'Nothing else explains it.'

Thunder ether... Before regression, the thunder tree was already depleted when I first saw it. Its ether nearly gone.

'No chance to examine it properly.'

This time, I'd dig in if I got the opportunity.

'Hm?'

Then, familiar presences from behind. I instantly knew who they were.

"Hey! Kid, we meet again. Wahaha! Must be fate, huh?"

"Whoa, you really came all the way here alone? Thunder ants everywhere—super dangerous!"

"Hey, wandering solo like that? You'll end up a goner for real."

The chatty group pouring words at me. The four night bug soldiers from before.

"Got lucky, no real threats."

I chuckled at their concerned tones and replied.

"Look at this kid, so chill. First time here, right? Total newbie luck, dude. Oh! Meeting us here counts as luck too!"

"Yeah, stick with us today. Safest for you."

"Hm..."

They offered companionship despite barely knowing me. Worried for my safety, no hidden agenda. They saw me as a typical Growth Stage juvenile mantis—an pitiful newbie. Genuine.

And if they truly gauged me that way, taking me along was more risk than reward for them. A tough favor.

'Appreciate it, but traveling together's a hassle.'

Solo was far more efficient. Many powers still hidden. With them, I couldn't unleash fully.

'But why are they here?'

Before refusing, curiosity struck. They were here for thunder-infused leaves and stems from the thunder tree, like other scavengers. Plenty littered the outskirts—no need to risk the depths.

"Thought you were just harvesting thunder tree byproducts. Why come this far?"

The dung beetle leader scratched his head. "Well... crowds today, didn't hit quota. More leaves and stems deeper in, so we risked it."

Made sense. Now I knew.

'Deeper in, they won't fare well.'

I'd navigated via Sixth Sense and Predator's Eye, avoiding primals. They'd lucked out collision-free.

They were the lucky ones. But luck wouldn't hold.

'Can't just ignore it.'

They'd offered kindness freely; least I could do was guide them to a safe harvest spot.

'On my way anyway.'

My goal: thunder tree fruit. Any fallen fruit spot would do—no need for the base.

I had a primary spot in mind.

"Need leaves and stems? Follow me. Plenty to fill up."

"What?"

They exchanged incredulous looks. If they didn't believe me, fine. Their luck ended here.

I turned without another word—but

"Hey, kid!"

Their luck held.

"Not sure if this was smart... You really know the terrain?"

"Yes, saw a map."

"Whoa... Thunder Forest map? Worth a fortune. Where'd you snag that?"

The four had chosen to follow. Still skeptical of my guidance, but plausible excuses got them tagging along eagerly.

"Heh heh, wrong path? We'll smash through. No worries, kid."

Only the big-jawed ant laughed it off.

"Ugh, look at Garek's chill vibe. Brain's all muscle, for sure."

"Nah, it's my power—my muscles—you trust."

"Yeah, yeah... sure."

I smirked inwardly at their banter. Deep bonds, long history of ribbing.

Made solo travel less boring.

"But Aleck, you're super lucky. Other night bug soldiers wouldn't babysit you. We're nice like that. Know it?"

"Yeah, thanks."

I grinned at the moth woman's words, bowing thanks. Who was luckier, really...? They had no clue I'd spared them needless fights.

'No primals around, though.'

Were they my good luck charm? I'd avoided via senses, but unusually few presences. Like they'd all migrated.

"Here we are."

We arrived fight-free. I stepped aside to reveal the spot.

"Th-this..."

"My god!"

Their eyes bulged like saucers.