Chapter 237 Misunderstanding (1/2)

If I'm going to be honest, I don't really want to go and talk to the humans. The priest will probably be there, a crowd might form, it just feels so irritating. However, they may have information that can help me and I can't help but feel a little responsible for them.

In some ways I feel responsible for them in much the same way a human might feel responsible for their pets. They're a collective of individuals who need me to make sure they aren't killing themselves as they go about their daily business. I make sure they have the basic necessities of life, security, food and water, and then I let them go about their daily business.

Much like I cared for my pet colony when I was a human, except with the ants I cared more if they survived.

Sighing, I make my way up, out of the colony and out the top of the anthill. Diligent workers continue to patrol up and down the tunnel, a few trails leading foragers out into the surrounding wilds, groups of ants returning carrying the remains of surface monsters they'd found and dispatched.

Quite a few of the remaining workforce has evolved twice, giving them the stats they need to be able to dominate the bulk of surface monsters. Since the workers always act in teams, they've been able to mow through the surrounding lands like a scythe through wheat, in some ways reminding me of the fearsome Army Ant. That species of ant is nomadic since they basically strip the area around the colony of food pretty darn quick, forcing them to move to more fertile ground or starve.

Luckily we won't have that problem since the Dungeon will provide all of the sustenance we need, and soon the new generation of workers will be in a position to farm deep into the Dungeon, right down to the expanse, without my supervision.

Then I can investigate the aphid situation and see if I can't come up with an even better solution.

The future is bright!

Muahahahaha!

Oh right, humans. Ugh.

My musing has distracted me long enough that I've arrived at the burgeoning human village without being aware of it. I've already been noticed, several people gathering around me, maintaining a respectful distance thankfully. The number of people quickly builds and I'm fairly sure I saw someone run off to collect Enid and in all likelihood the priest as well.

As I wait, I take a little time to inspect the work that has been done. The number of crude buildings has certainly increased significantly since I was last hear, as well as the number of people. It seems as though the flow of refugees hasn't stalled at all, perhaps it's even growing.

A tingle of concern causes my antennae to twitch slightly.

If the monsters are rampaging further south then there's a chance they'll come here. I'll need to make proper preparations, perhaps get some scouting done…

Arrgh!

The list of things to do just doesn't seem to end!

Can't Pangera just buzz of somewhere else so I can help my colony grow?!

It isn't long before Enid rushes over, accompanied by the one armed priest. It seems she has several others in tow as well. I don't pay them much attention, instead I get to work forming the mind bridge, using all of my mental prowess to complete the process quickly.

[Enid] I greet her once the complex shape has been created.

[h.e.l.lo] she sounds nervous, [how did things go in the Dungeon? Well I presume, since you are here safe and sound].

[It went well enough. My goals were accomplished though the fighting was more difficult that I had antic.i.p.ated. My companions and I received no insignificant wounds].

Her eyes widened.

[That's terrible! I'm surprised there was a monster at that level of the Dungeon able to hurt you and your pets. What was it?]

I give an ant shrug with my antennae, which of course she can't recognise.

[More of Garralosh' offspring. I believe they have retreated from the expanse below us however, which should make us a little safer here].

Enid nodded, grat.i.tude plain in her eyes.

[I thank you. The people here will be much relieved to hear of it. They have suffered at the hands of Garralosh and her children, hearing of your victory will give them some degree of comfort. May I?] she asks, gesturing towards the crowd.

I wave one of my antennae in agreement and the aged woman turns towards the nearby villagers, including the priest, to explain what I had said.