As the lord of the Abundant Forest Sea, he was no stranger to insects. But he had never seen a swarm so enormous and disciplined.
These were no mere insects. They were a well-trained army!
One creature, noticeably larger than the surrounding Worker Mantises, with a thicker carapace and vicious, massive mandibles, seemed to notice the strangers' presence.
It was a War Beetle, responsible for supervision and protection.
It stopped its patrol and turned, fixing its compound eyes on the elves at the gate.
It raised its upper body, waved its forelegs in the air, and let out a low hiss.
At the War Beetle's signal, thousands of giant Worker Mantises across the plaza stopped moving at once.
They turned in unison to face the gate.
Thousands of pairs of compound eyes stared coldly at the uninvited guests. Not a single insect made an unnecessary movement; even their antennae swayed at nearly the same rhythm.
The oppressive force that washed over them made the druid behind the marquis instinctively step back, nearly dropping his staff.
Shing-
The scrape of drawn blades tore through the air.
Almost at the very instant the War Beetle hissed, the six Moonblade Guards surrounding Marquis Golden Ear moved as one.
Mithril longswords traced arcs of light through the air as they swiftly formed a semicircular defensive formation, shielding the marquis behind them. Their muscles were taut, clearly ready for a fight to the death.
"We're under attack!"
"Protect the marquis!"
The two accompanying druids slammed their staffs into the ground, obscure incantations pouring from their mouths.
The ground trembled.
Several thick vines burst through the soil and grew wildly, weaving a thorny barrier before the group.
"Weilin Klein!"
Marquis Golden Ear's voice changed pitch, sharp with accusation.
He huddled behind his guards, his perpetually half-lidded