Evolution begins with an ant colony

The head priest's voice resonated through the sacred chamber as he instructed one of the priestesses, "Inform the leader of the Holy Knights that I demand her presence."

The chosen priestess nodded in acknowledgment, her expression grave as she received the solemn task. She quickly turned and left the chamber, her robe swishing softly as she disappeared down the corridor.

The atmosphere in the chamber grew heavy with anticipation, for it was clear that an important matter weighed upon the head priest's mind, one that required the presence of the holy knights' leader.

The leader of the Holy Knights made a commanding entrance into the grand church, her presence demanding respect and admiration. Her hair was a radiant shade of golden blonde, cascading down to her shoulders like a waterfall of sunlight. Her eyes were a piercing shade of cobalt blue, sharp and filled with seriousness.

Clad in pristine white and gold armor, she looked like a divine warrior, her attire adorned with intricate engravings that depicted tales of valor and faith.

As she arrived in front of the head priest, she knelt on one knee, the armor plates clinking softly in response. With utmost reverence, she lowered her head and greeted the head priest, her voice unwavering, "Head Priest, I am at your service."

The chamber seemed to hold its breath in the presence of these two esteemed figures, their meeting signifying the importance of the impending conversation.

In the sacred chamber of the church, the head priest turned to face Utopia, the leader of the Holy Knights, and began to relay the concerning message. His voice was a solemn echo within the hallowed walls as he informed her, "Lady Bella von Biskivill has come to us with a heavy heart. Her husband, Sir Quinton, has been absent from their home for several months now.

His last words to her were a determination to venture into the god-forsaken forest in search of materials for his research."

Utopia listened attentively, her azure eyes reflecting a mix of concern and determination. When the head priest mentioned the forbidden forest, she couldn't help but express her reservations. Her voice held a touch of worry as she spoke, "Head Priest, we must remember that the god-forsaken forest is a place forbidden by our teachings.

To enter it, to seek a man who has knowingly crossed into its depths, may invoke the wrath of our goddess."

The head priest, his expression unchanging, replied, "That will be my predicament, Lady Utopia. Your duty is clear, you listen to my orders, you don't question them, we must assist Lady Bella in her time of need."

Utopia, recognizing her lapse in etiquette, bowed her head and expressed her apologies, "Forgive my impudence, Head Priest. I shall take the cavalry and depart immediately to search for Sir Quinton."

With those words, Utopia stood, her white and gold armor clinking softly. She exited the chamber, ready to embark on a quest into the dangerous and forbidden territory of the god-forsaken forest in the name of duty and compassion.

As Utopia exited the head priest's chambers, her steps were purposeful and filled with resolve. Her hair in a braid, swayed with each stride. She couldn't shake the worry that had settled in her eyes.

Outside, the Holy Knights were gathered in the courtyard, their white and gold armor gleaming in the sunlight. As Utopia approached them, she didn't miss the subtle furrowing of brows, the exchanged glances, and the occasional whispering between knights. They couldn't help but wonder why they, the protectors of the church, were now being sent on what seemed like an unusual quest.

With a commanding presence, Utopia raised her gauntleted hand to silence the murmurs. Her expression was unwavering, a mask of stern determination. "Listen up, Knights of the Holy Order," she declared, her voice ringing out authoritatively. "The head priest has entrusted us with a sacred mission. We are to embark on a search mission to locate a nobleman by the name of Sir Quinton Biskivill."

The Holy Knights' expressions ranged from curiosity to concern, but they fell into disciplined formation at Utopia's command. As she spoke, her gloved hand gestured firmly towards the courtyard gate, emphasizing the urgency of their task.

Among the knights, there was a shared sense of duty, a willingness to follow their leader's orders without question. Still, some exchanged quick glances, conveying both determination and the unspoken acknowledgment of the seriousness of their mission.

Utopia offered them a final, stern gaze, a silent reminder of their responsibilities as protectors of the faith. Then, she turned on her heel, her armored boots resounding against the stone floor, and led the way towards the stables.

Once there, they swiftly mounted their horses. Utopia's posture remained unwavering, her shoulders squared, and her grip on the reins firm. As she gave the order to ride towards the ominous god-forsaken forest, her facial expression revealed the weight of the task at hand. It was a mix of determination, concern for their missing comrade, and the resolute dedication to their sacred duty.

As the group of Holy Knights made their way towards the ominous god-forsaken forest, Utopia's trusted right hand, Malax, rode beside her. Malax had raven-black hair that contrasted sharply with his piercing blue eyes. His facial features were sharp and angular, and his expression often held a hint of skepticism.

Riding side by side, Malax couldn't help but voice his concerns. He turned his gaze towards Utopia and asked, "Captain Utopia, isn't entering the god-forsaken forest against our teachings? It's said that powerful monsters and dark forces dwell within, creatures that defy the divine."

Utopia cast a stern glance at her comrade but maintained her focus on the forest ahead. "It is the head priest's orders, Malax," she replied firmly. "Our duty is to follow his commands without question."

Malax, however, was not easily swayed. He began to voice his own theories, ones that hinted at a hidden conspiracy. "I've heard rumors, Captain," he said with a tone of unease, "whispers that the goddess imprisoned formidable monsters within the forest. Creatures that harbor ill intent towards the gods themselves."

Utopia couldn't hide a sigh of exasperation. She turned her eyes towards Malax, her own gaze filled with a mixture of sternness and concern. "Malax," she cautioned, "do not let rumors and conspiracy theories shake your faith. Our devotion lies with the church and the goddess. Focus on the mission at hand, and remember our sacred duty."

Their conversation was interrupted when they finally arrived at the edge of the god-forsaken forest. The ominous canopy of trees seemed to swallow the daylight, casting eerie shadows. It was then that Utopia spotted a figure amidst the darkness of the forest.

A man with silver hair, his eyes pulsing with a vivid shade of purple, stood before them. He was clad in black armor that seemed to emanate an unsettling, purple-hued energy – it was Akun.

Akun's tone was chillingly calm as he addressed the group. "You have thirty seconds to state your reason for coming here," he declared, his purple eyes locked onto Utopia, "or die by my hands."

The Holy Knights exchanged wary glances, their unease growing. Utopia knew that their mission had just taken a perilous turn, and her response to Akun's ultimatum would determine their fate in this cursed forest. Your next read awaits at empire