The Front Line Tightens

The bonfire burned, its flames dancing inside the tent and making the hunters' shadows stretch and shrink. The air was thick with the smells of medicinal herbs and blood, oppressive enough to make breathing difficult. The first group had withdrawn from Stone Basin, and the second group had also returned with injuries. The entire camp was so quiet that only heavy breathing could be heard.

Palm sat beside the fire, clutching her notebook tightly to her chest. Her fingers had gone pale from remaining tense for so long. Her hair was disheveled, and fear showed in her eyes, yet she continued writing with her head lowered, recording every detail of what they had just experienced.

Morel held his pipe between his teeth, sweeping his gaze over everyone before slowly speaking. "Go on. Tell us everything."

Knov took Palm's notebook and flipped to the latest page before speaking coldly. "A large swarm appeared inside Stone Basin, numbering over two hundred. Their movements were extremely coordinated, clearly indicating that they were learning how to work together. There was also a high-level individual at the center. It didn't attack, but it kept the surrounding Ant Soldiers in order."

The tent fell silent, save for the crackling flames.

Knuckle added in a deep voice, "The outskirts were the same. The columns appeared again, and their movements were faster. If Shoot hadn't disrupted them from above, we wouldn't have held out."

Linas said in a low voice, "They're becoming more proficient. Yesterday and today were completely different. They can already change formations in a short period of time."

Shoot coldly adjusted his monocle. "Every time we clash, they adjust according to our movements, as if they're treating battle as training."

Palm looked up, her voice trembling yet firm. "That means they're evolving rapidly."

The air