The Survival of the Wild Tribe

103

Luo Zhen couldn't explain why he felt a strange connection with the flame ants as they waved their antennae. Despite the faintness of the sensation, it seemed to emanate from the ants themselves.

The last group of flame ants emerged carrying a golden object, which seemed familiar. It resembled the amber-like item he had seen on his wooden shelf that morning.

As the number of flame ants increased, Lu Zhan urged Luo Zhen to leave, intending to evacuate the tribe until they dealt with the queen ant.

If necessary, Lu Zhan would resort to burning everything inside the city walls to eliminate the flame ants. However, he hoped to find a solution that wouldn't force them to abandon the basin, their ideal habitat.

Reflecting on his past encounters with flame ants, Lu Zhan regretted not anticipating their resilience. He realized they were the same group that had ambushed them earlier and had likely found a way to cross the Riyao River.

As the flame ants paused in response to Luo Zhen's resistance, some climbed the tallest vegetation nearby, perhaps attempting to get a better view of the situation.

Luo Zhen couldn't dismiss the feeling that the flame ants desired closeness with him, sensing their emotions more keenly than before.

"You're saying they're being friendly?" Lu Zhan's eyes widened in disbelief upon hearing Luo Zhen's account, but he trusted Luo Zhen's honesty.

"Just let me through," Luo Zhan requested, but Lu Zhan firmly blocked him from the flame ants. Unsure if the ants understood them, Lu Zhan sensed their emotions, detecting a hint of joy at Luo Zhen's words. Despite this, the ants remained motionless, ready to attack at any moment.

Observing the ants' reaction, Lu Zhan realized the danger of allowing Luo Zhen to pass. Flame ants could inflict severe damage quickly, and despite Luo Zhen's increased strength, he remained vulnerable compared to an orc warrior, especially considering his previous encounter with them.

To protect his future partner, Lu Zhan couldn't risk even a minor injury. Seeing Lu Zhan's resolve, Luo Zhen attempted a different approach, trying to communicate with the colony. "Are you intimidated by your large numbers? If you understand me, can you send a representative to us?"

Concerned that the ants might not comprehend, Luo Zhen repeated his plea. "Send one ant over to see if we can truly communicate."

The ant colony reacted strongly, suggesting they understood Luo Zhen's words and were discussing it. Observing this, Lu Zhan contemplated the possibility of Luo Zhen's ability to communicate with animals, considering his talent in recognizing plants.

Moments later, the colony settled, and a single flame ant emerged. Seeing only one ant approach, Lu Zhan allowed it to proceed.

When the flame ant reached Luo Zhen, it didn't climb onto his hand but cautiously touched his fingertips with its antennae. Direct contact enhanced the emotional exchange, but Luo Zhen's interpretation left him baffled.

"What's happening? Can you talk to them?" Lu Zhan inquired, intrigued by Luo Zhen's varying expressions.

"They're calling me the queen ant..." Luo Zhen replied grimly.

"The queen ant? But you're human, aren't you? Can flame ants also animalize?"

The flame ant nestled between Luo Zhen's fingertips appeared to respond to Lu Zhan's voice, conveying its discontent to Luo Zhen. Luo Zhen attempted to soothe it, but the ant was too tiny for any meaningful gesture.

"A Zhan, be honest with me. Have I consumed flame ant queens before?" Luo Zhan cleared his throat, touching his nose sheepishly. It was evident that the only interaction with these flame ants had involved the flame ant larvae he had brought back.

"Apologies, my boyfriend caused you trouble," Luo Zhen remarked. In response, the flame ant transitioned from expressing disdain for Lu Zhan to delight in Luo Zhen's presence. It even began to dance, indicating that throughout the day, the ant colony had intended to offer him a tribute.

Luo Zhen realized that the larvae he had taken would eventually develop into queen ants, a process that required considerable time and effort from the entire colony to procure nourishment for them. The golden substance they had been moving out of the nest turned out to be nectar.

Observing the ants transporting the nectar, Luo Zhen marveled at its size, roughly equivalent to an adult's thumb. It was his first encounter with such sweetness since arriving in this world. Initially considering locating bee nests, he had discarded the idea, fearing the aggressive nature of creatures in this world. Unexpectedly, the nectar was now delivered directly to them.

Disregarding Lu Zhan's caution, Luo Zhen took a few steps forward, not directly into the ant colony but significantly closer. Observing this, the colony's hostility towards Lu Zhan dissipated, replaced by joy as they eagerly conveyed their emotions to Luo Zhen.

Eyeing the flame ants carrying the nectar, Luo Zhen softened his tone, beckoning them with a smile. "You want to give me this nectar? Come on over." Upon hearing his words, the ants joyfully approached, delicately placing the nectar in Luo Zhen's hand, urging him to consume it.

Luo Zhen didn't reject the kindness of the flame ants outright. Instead, he brought it close to his nose, inhaling its sweet floral aroma. Taking a small bite, he found it pleasantly sweet, albeit different from the overly sweet larvae he had eaten before.

Excited, he broke off a piece to offer Lu Zhan a taste, inadvertently irking the flame ants. To them, this food was meant for their queens, not humans. They seemed oblivious to the fact that Luo Zhen, emitting a queen ant's aura, was indeed human.

Given the flame ants' strong dissatisfaction, Luo Zhen had to clarify Lu Zhan's identity. If they couldn't rid themselves of these flame ants, Luo Zhen would have to exert complete control over them, ensuring they didn't harm the tribe's people or creatures.

The communication process was lengthy. It wasn't until dusk that the flame ants grasped the new queen's intentions. While the queen allowed for a human companion, the colony, though confused, followed her directive not to hunt within the city walls. However, hunting outside the walls for food was permitted, given their speed.

Initially accustomed to gathering nectar outside the walls for their queen, the ant colony was reluctant to move beyond. They viewed the queen as still vulnerable and needing their protection, preferring to relocate closer to Luo Zhen's dwelling. Despite repeated discussions, they remained adamant, leaving Luo Zhen no choice but to forbid tribe members from intruding and risking encounters with the flame ants.

Though the flame ants offered Luo Zhen ample space within their nest, his stature prevented him from fitting in. Politely declining their offer, he departed with Lu Zhan. Two flame ants perched on Luo Zhen's shoulders, appointed to safeguard the queen's two strongest soldier ants during their journey.