In a cave was dark and damp, with only a few rays of light piercing through the cracks in the ceiling. The air was filled with the sound of dripping water and the occasional screech of a bat. The walls were covered with vines and fungi, creating a sense of unease and mystery.
In one of the deeper chambers of the cave, a large creature stirred from its slumber. It was Borax, a Lunar Toad, at the Human grade (2nd stage) of evolution. Its body was covered with green scales and warts, and its eyes glowed with a faint blue light. It had four limbs, each ending with webbed claws, and a long, sticky tongue that could shoot out at high speed. It was about the size of a small car, and it had a voracious appetite.
Borax had been sleeping for a long time, waiting for the moon to rise and fill the cave with its light. Lunar Toads were creatures that thrived under the moonlight, which enhanced their abilities and senses. They also had a special affinity for moonstones, which they could use to store and release energy. Borax had a moonstone embedded in its forehead, which gave it a slight advantage over other Lunar Toads.
Borax opened its mouth and let out a loud croak, announcing its awakening. It had recently become hungry and was looking for something to satisfy his appetite, "Delicious ants await me at that anthill, I'm sure a couple hundred of those creatures should be enough to satisfy my apatite."
Meanwhile, in the forest, another creature was also on the move. It was Akun, an ant at the Insect grade (3rd stage) of evolution. Inwardly Akun mused as he led the trio of ants behind him trough the forest, "I'm glad the communication skill I bestowed upon them worked, now it will be far much more easier to talk to them."
Akun had used the system to integrate the communication skill among the ants, allowing for easier communication. This had greatly improved the efficiency and effectiveness of the ants, who had become its loyal companions. They had followed Akun on his adventure, and learned from his experience.
Akun's mandibles clicked with approval as they approached a clearing, "Team, be on alert. Our first target will be that goblin." He gestured with a subtle wave of his antennae, signaling readiness.
The group approached stealthily, the goblin, unaware of the incoming threat, was going about its business in the forest.
In unison, the ants crouched low, their bodies ready for attack. Their compound eyes fixated on a lone goblin, oblivious to the incoming threat. Akun marveled at the transformation of his once-silent companions into a coordinated strike force.
He whispered with a commanding tone, "On my signal, release the poison. Ready... Now!"
The air was filled with a collection of hissing as the ants expelled potent venom from their mandibles. The goblin, caught off guard, convulsed in agony, a collection of high-pitched chirps echoed after their successful attack.
As the goblin lay defeated, Akun, with a sense of pride, addressed his comrades, "Well done, guys. But we don't stop here. Celebrate this victory, and let's find another goblin."
The ants chirped at the same time, a clear celebration that echoed through the forest. Akun could feel a bond forming, a camaraderie that went beyond instinct.
Just as the celebration settled, a voice echoed in Akun's mind. [Comrades, are about to evolve.]
Akun's antennae twitched with anticipation as he observed his comrades undergo a remarkable transformation. Their bodies were suddenly engulfed in a blinding white light, one it settled, the familiar ants, now entering Insect grade Stage 4, emerged with thicker exoskeleton, looking very similar to armor.
The system's voice than chimed in saying, [Ding!! Comrades have Evolved into armord ants.]
Akun marveled at their new forms, "Wow, you guys look amazing."
"Thanks boss," The ants Chimed, all feeling grateful.
Feeling more motivated they decided to keep moving forward, and they continued their exploration of the forest. The evolved ants unleashed powerful poison sprays from their mouths, a proof of the enhanced abilities they obtain from their evolution.
In the midst of their hunt, a goblin, sensing the danger, attempted to flee. Akun, with swift determination, conjured a silver spike in his ant head. The air shimmered momentarily as the spike materialized, and then, with a flick of Akun's head, it was propelled towards the fleeing goblin.
The silver spike struck, ending the goblin's escape in an instant. Akun simply stood there as he observed the aftermath, a proof of the strategic and deadly capabilities of his evolved abilities.