Ch. 241The Power of the Black Annihilation Ants
Summary: “The Power of the Black Annihilation Ants”
Key Plot Points and Events
- While Arnold speaks with Cecil and the other Paragons, more than two hundred Black Annihilation Ants descend from the green ancient trees. Their numbers correspond to the Prefects and Paragons present, with one individual forced to face two ants because Arnold had previously banished one participant.
- The ants immediately attack the contestants. Two target Arnold, interrupting his confrontation with Cecil and the other Paragons.
- Arnold draws the Mooncleaver Sword, which he has strengthened for a century with fused Four-System High-God Divine Power. Though it is not yet a Sovereign Artifact, it is approaching that level.
- Despite striking the ants directly, Arnold cannot injure them. Their bodies are extraordinarily durable, nearly comparable to Sovereign Artifacts.
- Arnold then uses the Profound Mystery of Vitality as a Soul Attack, avoiding the potentially fatal Soul Annihilation technique because Wusi had ordered the contestants not to kill the ants. The attack has no effect, proving that the ants also possess powerful soul defenses.
- Through observation, Arnold determines that the ants do not understand the Profound Mysteries of Laws. Their physical attacks are therefore relatively ordinary, likely comparable to those of Prefects, even though their bodies are extremely tough.
- Arnold also discovers that his Divine Sense cannot penetrate their bodies, preventing him from determining whether they carry Interspatial Rings containing the Overgod Token or other treasures.
- The ants initially stalemate most contestants. However, they soon begin producing a coordinated buzzing sound.
- Contestants with weak soul defenses become dazed despite using Earth Sovereign’s Might to protect themselves. The Paragons take advantage of this, allowing the ants to weaken or kill potential competitors.
- Some ants stop buzzing and deliberately attack the muddled Prefects in pairs. Those protected by material-defense Sovereign Artifacts survive more effectively, while those relying on Attack Sovereign Artifacts are placed at greater risk.
Character Developments
- Arnold: Demonstrates caution, analytical ability, and strategic restraint. Rather than simply overpowering the ants, he tests their physical and soul defenses, studies their behavior, and observes the abilities of other contestants. He recognizes both the ants’ overwhelming defenses and their lack of mastery over Laws.
- Cecil and the other Paragons: Their battle with Arnold is interrupted, forcing them to focus on the ants. Their willingness to let the ants eliminate weakened Prefects reveals their ruthless competitive priorities.
- The Prefects: Many are shown to be nearly helpless against the ants because they cannot penetrate their defenses. Their survival depends heavily on the quality of their soul and material-defense Sovereign Artifacts.
- The Black Annihilation Ants: They are revealed to be more than simple beasts. They possess immense physical and soul resistance, work in coordinated groups, and can change tactics by targeting already incapacitated opponents.
Significant Themes
- Overwhelming strength versus technical mastery: The ants lack knowledge of Laws and Profound Mysteries, yet their physical bodies and soul defenses compensate for this deficiency.
- Adaptation and observation: Arnold’s greatest advantage comes from studying the ants and the other contestants rather than relying solely on force.
- Survival and ruthless competition: The struggle for the Overgod Token encourages the Paragons to exploit the ants’ attacks instead of helping endangered Prefects.
- The limits of conventional power: Even powerful weapons, Soul Attacks, Sovereign’s Might, and Divine Sense prove ineffective against the ants.
- Strategic uncertainty: The inability to inspect the ants’ bodies leaves the contestants unsure of who possesses the token and how it might be recovered.
Character Interactions
- Arnold’s conflict with Cecil and the three other Paragons is interrupted by the ants’ arrival.
- Arnold directly tests his sword and Soul Attack against the two ants assigned to him.
- He observes the battles between the ants and the other Prefects, paying particular attention to nonhuman contestants whose Innate Divine Abilities might reveal a way to defeat the creatures.
- The ants operate in coordinated pairs, attacking weakened Prefects while continuing to pressure the remaining contestants.
- The Paragons indirectly cooperate with the ants by allowing them to eliminate or disable rival Prefects.