Evolution begins with an ant colony

Chapter 294 A Fate Worse Than Death?

Getting caught off guard like that, Thalager didn't even know when he spun around and landed a kick on Hestria's abdomen that sent her hurtling through the air and crashing back into the warehouse food racks. But right after he did, he was left frozen in place, completely terrified because he could vaguely sense what the next most likely course of events would be after that action of his.

Thalagor was also left frozen as he gazed intensely at his brother, his pupils shaking, sweat streaming down his face. His feet gave out again, and he fell to the floor, trembling as he slowly turned his head to gaze at his liege, his expression unreadable.

Suddenly, Akun spoke up, his words sending a chill down both of their spines. "Tell me, do you both take me for a fool?" he asked with dead serious intensity, his eyes glowing brightly with his purple mana, his body slowly became shrouded in the purple hue of his aspect power.

Thalager, trembling, managed to turn around as he said, "My liege... It's not what it looks like. We are loyal... That human intended to attack you." He swiftly got on his knees, bowing his head as sweat from his face slowly dripped onto the ground.

Thalagor, hearing his brother's statement, swiftly spoke up, adding while he stuttered, "Y-yes, my liege. That human had ulterior motives, so s-she had to be put in her place," he said.

Akun then spoke with a cold, commanding tone, "You both even have the boldness to lie to my face?" As Akun expressed his disbelief, Thalagor and Thalager exchanged nervous glances, their bodies tensing in fear.

Thalager, his voice trembling, attempted to defend their actions. "My liege, please understand, we only acted to protect you. The human posed a threat, and we had to intervene."

Thalagor nodded vigorously in agreement. "Yes, exactly! We couldn't risk your safety, so we took swift action."

But before they could finish their explanations, Akun unleashed his aspect power.

Thalagor and Thalager felt a powerful force lift them off the ground, their bodies suspended in mid-air as if held by invisible strings. Panic surged through them as they struggled against the unseen restraint, their voices choked by the pressure around their throats.

Akun's expression remained stern as he watched them dangle helplessly before him. "Do not underestimate my ability to see through deception," he warned, his voice carrying a weight of authority that sent shivers down their spines.

Thalagor and Thalager exchanged panicked glances, realizing the gravity of their situation. They knew they were powerless against their Liege's strength, both physically and magically. With a silent understanding between them, they ceased their futile struggles and hung limply in the air, awaiting their liege's judgment.

With Thalager and Thalagor suspended in the air, Akun's voice was cold and commanding as he declared, "I will only ask you once. If I sense any lies, I will not hesitate to end you." He fixed his gaze on them, waiting for their response.

Meanwhile, Chrono Nexus' voice echoed in Akun's mind, "Master, you do know you can always ask me if you want to know the truth."Akun responded within his thoughts, "I deliberately chose not to do so. I want to see the faces of those who dared to go against me as they tell the truth themselves."

Thalagor gritted his teeth, his body trembling with fear and guilt, before he finally spoke, "I... I admit it. It was all my fault. I manipulated everyone. Thalager had nothing to do with this."

Thalager's eyes widened in shock at his brother's confession. "What are you saying? We did this together. Don't try to take all the blame. We're in this together. I won't leave you to suffer on your own," he protested, his voice laced with desperation. Read new chapters at My Virtual Library Empire

Turning to Akun, he continued, "My liege, we both did this because..."

Interrupting with an intense tone, Akun cut him off, "I've heard enough. I don't even care what your reasons were. The fact is you went against my orders, and I'm sure all the dead beast folk around us are your accomplices. Luckily for them, they were able to end their treacherous lives before I even got here."

Akun's voice cut through the tense air like a blade. "Because the fate I have in store for you both is something truly horrifying." With a flick of his wrist, he released his grip on Thalagor and Thalager, letting them plummet to the floor with a resounding thud. Gasping for air, they struggled to catch their breath.

"And I must thank the both of you for reminding me," Akun continued, his tone icy. "Although all the tribes pledged their loyalty to me, it is all but words. In the end, if their emotions get swayed, disobedience is inevitable. So I will make sure to tie the loose ends before I step out."

Akun's voice echoed trough the fabric of reality as he called forth, "Xalender, come forth."

A rip in reality tore open beside Akun, and from it emerged Xalender, his tattered robes billowing around him. His skeletal hands clutched his scythe tightly as he addressed his master, "Master, you called?"

Thalagor and Thalager exchanged fearful glances as they gazed upon Xalender's spectral visage, sending shivers down their spines.

Akun's command was firm as he instructed, "I want you to take these two before you to the underworld."

As Akun spoke, Thalager and Thalagor began to plead, "My liege, we are sorry! We swear to never go against you again!"

Xalender turned to Akun, his hollow sockets fixed on his master. "Master, is this a temporary measure? Will they be imprisoned? Because if that is the idea it cannot be for a long time, if they de send a long time in the underworld. Their bodies will begin to corrode and brake down and their souls will be corrupted and they will become dammed souls."

Xalender's words sent a chill through Thalagor and Thalager as they realized the gravity of their fate. Just as they were about to beg for mercy once more, Akun silenced them with a wave of his hand. "Just take them away. I have no need for subjects who dare to disregard my orders."

Xalender bowed deeply before Akun. "Very well, master." Shadows streched from Xalender's feet, wrapping themselves around Thalager and Thalagor, pulling them into their dark embrace.

As they were slowly enveloped by the shadows, Thalager and Thalagor pleaded desperately, their voices filled with fear and regret. "My liege, we were wrong! Please... We don't want to die! We have younger siblings waiting for us! Have mercy, please!"

Their cries faded into silence as their figures disappeared completely into the darkness. The shadows retracted, leaving no trace of Thalager and Thalagor behind. Xalender straightened up and bowed once more to Akun. "I will now be on my way, master." With a final nod, he vanished into the rift from whence he came, leaving only echoes of his departure behind.

Akun turned his gaze towards King Leonheart and Hestria in the distance. "Guess I should get some Dryads to heal them," he said casually. With a snap of his fingers, the illusion barrier that had cloaked the area shattered into falling shimmering shards, falling like glitter before dissolving into nothingness.

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