The night in Brishelm village was calm, the cool wind carrying the fresh scent of the forest as the world settled into slumber. Aiden, however, was far from resting. Lying on his bed, he waited patiently, listening to the rhythmic breathing of the household as everyone succumbed to sleep. When he was sure the time was right, he silently got up from his bed and walked towards the window. With a small surge of mana, he cast a wind spell beneath his feet, dampening any noise as he leaped down effortlessly. Landing soundlessly on the ground, he glanced back once at his house before turning towards the forest, his two companions—Lumina and Ciara—at his side.
Aiden's mind raced as he moved through the dark terrain. He had been pondering a particular thought ever since he formed a connection with Lumina. If he could communicate with her in such a manner, then perhaps he could establish a similar bond with Ciara and utilize her night vision. That would prove useful in this endeavor.
Finding a secluded spot, he sat down and focused, directing his thoughts towards Ciara, who was perched on his shoulder, watching him curiously. He closed his eyes, concentrating on the concept of sight in darkness, hoping to bridge their connection in a new way. Ciara tilted her head, her golden eyes glowing faintly before a flicker of something invisible passed between them. Aiden suddenly felt his perception shift—when he opened his eyes, he could see the entire forest with an unusual clarity. Shadows were no longer an obstacle, and everything was illuminated with a faint, mystical glow. However, he also noticed his mana draining slightly, a cost to maintain this connection.
He looked at Ciara and smiled, reaching up to pet her gently. "Thanks, Ciara. This will help a lot." She purred in response, seemingly pleased with herself.
With his newfound ability, Aiden proceeded cautiously through the forest, his steps light and calculated. Eventually, he stumbled upon signs of recent activity—a faintly trampled path leading deeper into the woods. Lowering himself, he hid behind a nearby tree, eyes scanning the area ahead.
His night-enhanced vision soon caught sight of a small tent nestled within the dense foliage. Someone was here. Moving slowly, he began chanting an earth spell under his breath, preparing to strike. However, just as he crept closer, a twig snapped beneath his foot. The faint crunch echoed in the silence, and the person inside the tent immediately stirred, sensing something amiss.
Not willing to lose the opportunity, Aiden swiftly released his magic. The ground beneath the tent erupted, ensnaring the entire structure along with its occupant in hardened stone, forming an impenetrable prison. Without hesitation, he rushed forward, pulling out his golden seed. Finding a small gap in the rocky encasement, he slipped the seed inside, letting it work its magic.
The struggling from inside the stone prison ceased for a moment, followed by violent twitching. Aiden stepped back, watching intently as the convulsions finally subsided, leaving eerie silence in their wake. After a brief moment, the stone shell crumbled away, revealing a hooded figure kneeling before him.
The man lifted his head, his eyes now filled with unwavering loyalty as he uttered the words Aiden had been waiting to hear. "Master, what are your orders?"
Aiden smirked, crossing his arms. "Mission accomplished."
He motioned for the man to stand. "Tell me everything you know."
Three, now completely under Aiden's control, obediently relayed the information. "All the Numbers are currently gathered outside the city, stationed just beyond the outskirts of this village. They have set up a camp there and are awaiting further instructions."
Aiden narrowed his eyes. "You know the exact location?"
Three nodded. "Yes, Master. It is only an hour's distance from here."
Aiden glanced at the sky. The moon had traveled past its zenith; it was just past midnight. After brief consideration, he made his decision. "Lead the way."
They traveled swiftly through the forest, initially using the main road before veering off into the woods to avoid potential detection. Three's movements were precise and practiced, allowing them to reach their destination without trouble.
Aiden crouched behind the cover of thick brush, his keen eyes scanning the encampment before them. As Three had described, the campsite was modest but well-guarded. Four sentries stood at the cardinal directions, while the rest of the Numbers slept soundly within their tents.
Aiden's mind raced, formulating a strategy. He needed to eliminate them all in one fell swoop without alerting the Countess's forces or causing unnecessary destruction. His eyes flickered toward Lumina, an idea forming in his mind.
"Lumina," he whispered, "can you create lifeforms other than ants?"
The golden ant queen tilted her head. "Yes, Master. Any lifeform I create possesses my metamorphic ability. Regardless of its initial form, it can always transform into an ant."
Aiden's brows shot up in surprise. "That's… quite the ability."
"What do you require, Master?" she asked, her antennae twitching.
Aiden pondered before asking, "What's required to create a lifeform?"
"To create a specific lifeform, I need a sample of the same species. I can also create lesser versions of that species through modification," Lumina explained. "Furthermore, I store the genetic data of lifeforms I have consumed, which allows me to modify various species as needed."
Aiden's jaw nearly dropped. This was beyond overpowered. "So… you're saying if you consume enough different species, you could theoretically become the progenitor of all lifeforms?"
Lumina nodded. "In theory, yes, Master."
Aiden frowned. That sounded too easy. "What are the limitations?"
"All lifeforms must begin as eggs and undergo natural growth from birth," Lumina replied. "The weaker creatures can hatch within minutes, while stronger beings may take years to mature."
Aiden exhaled, shaking his head. "So it's not an instant army, but still… this ability is terrifying."
Though the idea of raising an army through Lumina was tempting, he dismissed it for now. This was a long-term investment—right now, he needed an immediate solution.
His gaze returned to the camp, his mind sharpening with determination. Whatever happened tonight, he had to handle this himself.