In front of us is a swarm of iron ants – their total number is 20. But they're big ants, so even twenty is pretty impressive.
The honey ants are fighting hard, but there is still too much of a physical difference. The iron ant is literally covered with iron all over its body.
Honey ant's attacks can't penetrate their skin. The damage will only increase unnencessarily.
„I'll take it from here, everyone back off!"
I called out to honey ants. The honey ants I've rescued are intelligent enough to understand my intentions, even if they can't speak.
„Ari!"
„Ari! Ari!"
Okay, the honey ants and the others who were fighting retreated behind me. Of course, the iron ants will chase after them, but that makes it easier to read their movements.
„Sand Magic – 'Quicksand'!"
When I used Sand magic, quicksand was generated that swallowed a swarm of iron ants. The softened sand catches their feet, and the iron ants sink further and further into the sand.
Finally, the ground dropped all at once, and the iron ants fell.
„Phew, that went well!"
Iron ant's body is made out of iron, so they probably won't die from this, but the damage they took must have been considerable. I hope they'll give up now.
「「「「「「 Arii! Ariiiiiiiii! 」」」」」
However, iron ants were snapping their jaws and started shouting angrily at us.
I guess they haven't completely given up yet. It can't be helped.
„ Sand Magic – 'Great Sand Wave'!"
A huge wave of sand swept the iron ants away. They're not going to die because I've adjusted the strength of 'Great Sand Wave' not to kill them. Either way, I've managed to succesfully repel them.
„Amazing. Only Horus could have done something like this." (TN: after Isis says Amazing. She also says ホルスは流石ですwhich means „As one would expect from Horus")
「「「「「 Ari~ Ari~ 」」」」」
When the fight with the iron ants was over, Isis came over to congratulate me. Isis also did a terrific job, in my opinion. The ant's injuries are healed, and I know they're grateful to Isis.
„You're amazing Isis. The wounds seem to have healed perfectly, and the ants seem to be thanking you."
The honey ants are dancing around Isis. Isis is smiling. It was the kind of pretty smile that makes you feel as if you've found a beautiful flower in a desert full of sand.
Now that we've gotten rid of the iron ants for the time being, there's still the possibility that they'll atack again.
I think we need to think carefully about the future. That's why I decided to ask the Queen about her future plans.
„First of all, I'd like to thank you for your help. I really can't thank you enough."
"Ngoo ♪"
The Queen thanked us. Then Raku rubbed his head against mine. He seemed to be happy that I was safe.
„Ngoo…"
I stroked his back, and he squinted his eyes as if it felt good. Now, let's hear what the Queen has to say.
„—I would like to meet the King of the iron ants."
„What? You want to meet him yourself?
„Yes."
Says the Queen with a determined look. It seems that she wants to talk to him directly and try to end the situation.
„But, isn't it dangerous?"
„Looking at the current state of iron ants, it's certainly not safe. But my friends are working hard to protect me, and they have been hurt. As the Queen, I can't just sit back and do nothing while they get hurt."
I see. So this is what it means to be a Queen. She has a strong sense of responsibility, doesn't she?
„Horus…"
„It's okay. I know what you want to say."
Isis appealed to me with her eyes, so I proposed to the Queen.
„In that case, can we help you? We're already on same ship, and we can't just sit back and do nothing." (TN: on same ship means they are already together in this)
We can't just leave an ant in trouble, after all.
„But, this is conflict between ants. I can't get you involved in this…"
„We are already involved in this, and I really appreciated your help with Isis."
„But…"
The Queen looked perplexed. She didn't want to drag us into her problems. She's a really kind Queen ant.
„How about we ask you to give us some honey as a reward?"
„I love that honey too, so that would be great!"
„Ngo! Ngo!"
Raku seems to be saying „me too, me too". I'm sure he wants some honey also.
„—Thank you very much. Then may I take you up on your offer?"
„Of course!"
„I'll do my best to back you up!"
„Ngo!"
Raku is also very excited. I've decided to let the Queen ride Raku.
Raku is coming with us, and it's going to be easier to protect her if she rides with us.
It seemed that Queen had decided to let a few of her carefully selected ants accompany her. The Queen is riding Raku, and the ants are guarding her. I'm in the lead, with Isis in the rear.
„Alright, let's get moving."
I use my Sand magic – 'Sazanami' and we start moving.
I've heard about this, but this is amazing.
„Ari~ Ari~"
„Ngo!"
The Queen is amazed. Ants and Raku seem to be having fun.
„Are you sure this is the right place?"
„Yes, if we keep going straight, we should be able to see the iron ant's nest."
Is that the Queen's finger? Anyway, she turned her arm and pointed me in the direction, so I went that way.
Then, I saw it—
„It's like a fortress."
What I saw was a black, lumpy nest. It was an anthill, but different from honey ant's. It looked quite solid, more like a fortress than a nest.
There was even a door politely set up at the entrance. There were ants at the entrance that seemed to be gatekeepers. They noticed us and held up their spears.
„Horus-sama…"
„Yeah, I'll do my best to reduce the strength to such a degree that they will only faint."
I activated the 'Great Sand Wave' on the iron ant gatekeepers who were bracing themselves. A huge wave of sand swallowed the gatekeepers, pried open the door, and surged forward.
„I'm going in like this!"
And so we entered the iron ant's fortress, or rather, I rushed into it. Let's see how they're going to react…