Azure nods slowly, watching as a group of ants systematically ambushes a larger cricket, their movements precise and organized. "This is exactly what I needed," he says, satisfaction evident in his voice. "Even though they haven't grown in size, their development is more than enough. After all, in this world, the Vorrans and other intelligent species are all about the size of ants in the real world, which is a perfect enemy for them."
He steps back from the dome, a small smile curling his lips. The evolutionary leaps these creatures have taken in such a short amount of time are astounding, and it fills him with a sense of achievement. His plan is working. This experimental world—this harsh, unforgiving landscape—has driven the insects to become stronger, smarter, and more capable than ever before.
"Host," Nexus interjects, "what are your next steps with the experimental world? Do you intend to introduce more creatures, or perhaps introduce other variables?"
Azure contemplates for a moment, his eyes still fixed on the constantly shifting scene inside the dome. "Not yet," he says. "I want to see how far they can go on their own for a while. Let them grow and adapt even further. I'll revisit the idea of introducing more variables once they've reached a more advanced stage."
"As you wish, host," Nexus replies, its tone neutral but ever supportive.
Azure watches the scene for a moment longer, then a thought crosses his mind. He straightens and speaks, "But before you turn back the acceleration of time, Nexus, let me get one first." He steps closer to the dome, eyes narrowing as he scans the creatures within. "I'll take one of the guard ant."
Nexus pauses. "Understood, host. Would you like me to assist in extracting the specimen?"
Azure shakes his head, "No, I'll do it myself."
With a swift motion, Azure extends his hand over the dome, fingers glowing faintly as he reaches into the experimental world. The guard ant he selects is one of the larger ones, its mandibles sharp, its exoskeleton gleaming with a hardened sheen. It's evolved into a fierce predator, capable of both solo combat and pack strategy, its intelligence clearly enhanced through the accelerated evolution.
Azure plucks it carefully, feeling its slight resistance before lifting it from its world. The ant twitches in his grasp but doesn't struggle; it's almost as if it recognizes that it has been chosen for something greater.
"Nexus, open the link to mini world number one," Azure commands.
The air hums softly as Nexus complies, creating a portal-like connection between the experimental world and the first mini-world, where the Vorrans live.
Azure moves toward the shimmering portal and releases the ant gently into mini world number one. He watches as it lands, momentarily confused by its new environment but quickly adapting, scanning its surroundings. Its antennae twitch as it takes in the bustling forest.
The guard ant, now standing in the unfamiliar landscape of mini world number one, freezes for a moment as its antennae flicker rapidly. The forest floor stretches before it, teeming with life. Creatures it has never encountered before scurry through the underbrush—small animals, birds, and insects, each one pulsing with energy, none the wiser of the new predator in their midst.
Suddenly, the ant's body tenses, its mandibles clicking together with excitement. The scents of prey fill the air, and its instincts kick in. It moves swiftly, darting through the foliage, driven by a primal urge to hunt. The evolution it had undergone in the experimental world had honed it into a lethal predator, and now, faced with this world rich in life, it could barely contain its eagerness.
Azure watches closely, his eyes gleaming with anticipation as the guard ant weaves through the dense vegetation, stalking its first target—a small creature that vaguely resembles a rabbit.
Without warning, the ant strikes, its mandibles snapping down with precision. The creature barely has time to react as the ant drags it into the underbrush, out of sight. Within moments, the sound of cracking exoskeleton fills the air, and the once bustling forest grows tense, the remaining creatures sensing the shift in the atmosphere.
"It didn't take long," Azure muses, a satisfied smirk on his face. "It's already asserting itself."
The ant, having consumed its first prey, moves on with a newfound hunger. It scours the area, hunting anything that crosses its path. Small creatures dart away, but none can escape its enhanced speed and cunning. Each kill is quick, efficient, and brutal, and soon, the ant's path is marked by the remains of various animals it has dispatched.
Nexus speaks up, its voice calm and analytical. "Host, the ant's aggression has heightened significantly since being introduced to mini world number one. It appears to be adapting to its new environment faster than anticipated."
Azure nods, watching the ant as it continues its rampage. "That's what I expected. It was designed for survival in the experimental world—this is no different for it. In fact, it's probably easier. The creatures here have never faced anything like it before."