The first rays of sunlight spilled over the colony, casting long shadows across the packed earth. At the main entrance, a massive force of soldiers and workers stood in perfect formation, their bodies aligned as though carved into the ground itself. Antennae twitched in restless rhythm, brushing against the air, carrying faint vibrations down the line.
The earth trembled ever so slightly under the sheer number of legs pressing into the soil, a steady undercurrent of energy waiting to be unleashed.
To one side, the colony's greatest invention stood ready. The wheeled containers—sturdy frames built with painstaking care—glimmered under the morning light. Their wooden joints creaked faintly as workers adjusted them, testing the wheels one last time before the journey. They were ready to bear the colonies' burden of survival.
Commander Ruth and Lieutenant Brooks surveyed their forces. Ruth's antennae were stiff and upright, her sharp eyes scanning the soldiers and workers with unflinching precision. Her face was calm, lips pressed in a straight line, revealing nothing of her thoughts. The edge of her sheath glinted in the sun at her hip, but her hands remained relaxed, fingers lightly brushing the hilt. Every movement was deliberate, economical—controlled.
Brooks leaned slightly on one leg, his blade resting easily at his side, shoulders relaxed. His antennae flicked lazily in the morning air, sensing subtle shifts in the formation. His eyes followed the workers at the rear, noting their subtle stiffness and uneven breaths.
They'll settle in soon enough. Patience and courage go a long way, even on the battlefield. The corners of his lips lifted just slightly, barely noticeable, as if he were both amused and reassured by the thought.
Ruth stepped forward, her gaze sweeping the ranks once more. Her exhale was slow and deliberate, the faint rush of air barely stirring the morning stillness. Fingers brushed lightly against the hilt of her sheathed blade, then settled at her side. She did not raise her voice; she did not gesticulate.
A line of soldiers straightened almost imperceptibly, antennae flicking in unison. Even the workers at the rear paused mid-motion, adjusting their stance as their legs tensed beneath them. Eyes darted briefly to Ruth, then returned to their positions, careful and measured.
Ruth's lips remained neutral, her expression unreadable. The quiet hum of anticipation rippled through the formation, as she spoke.
"We move out. Stay in formation, follow the orders of your superiors, and keep your eyes on your surroundings at all times."
Her words were calm, steady, deliberate. She did not raise her voice, did not gesture. The slight tilt of her head, the precise set of her shoulders, the subtle shift of her weight—each movement carried expectation, and each soldier and worker felt it.
With that command, the expedition began to move. Thousands of legs pressed against the earth in near-perfect unison, sending a low, steady tremor across the soil.
The workers, smaller and far less suited for combat than the soldiers, strained against their loads, antennae flicking in quiet concentration as they pushed forward, each step deliberate and measured to keep pace with the relentless march. The wheeled containers Ari had designed rolled smoothly over roots and stones, their wheels humming faintly against the rough ground, sparing the workers countless exhausting trips back and forth.
Ari marched beside Rory and Isla, feeling a strange mix of pride and apprehension. He had never been part of something so grand, so vital. This was no ordinary journey—this was a turning point in their history.
For the first time since his reincarnation, he felt truly alive.
Back at the colony, Valeria and Corporal Lily stood near the entrance, antennae flicking lightly as they watched the shrinking silhouettes of their comrades disappear down the main path. The soft hum of activity behind them—the clatter of pickaxes striking stone and dirt, the low murmur of workers moving about—felt strangely subdued beneath the weight of the departing expedition. A faint breeze stirred dust along the ground, carrying the earthy scent of the colony and the sharp tang of morning dew.
"They've just left," Lily reported, her antennae flicking in a playful rhythm. Her voice carried a teasing lilt, as if she were testing the silence more than delivering news.
Valeria remained silent, her gaze fixed on the distant path, eyes sharp and unreadable. A faint crease formed between her brows, but her lips stayed neutral.
"They might run into other insects," Lily continued, tilting her head slightly, trying to draw a reaction from her commander. "But Brooks and Ruth are strong. They'll handle whatever comes their way."
Valeria let out a slow exhale, her eyes narrowing as a flicker of frustration crossed her features. "The soldiers can handle their assigned task," she noted, her tone calm but edged with steel. "That's not what worries me."
Lily pivoted slightly, antennae twitching with curiosity, eyes searching Valeria's. "Then… what does?" she asked, tilting her head.
Valeria's gaze darkened, shadowing her face. Her jaw tightened, and a faint tremor ran through her exoskeleton as she spoke. "The days are drawing nearer. That Tyrant will come soon, and when he does…" Her voice faltered, leaving the threat unspoken, while anger flared visibly in her eyes.
Lily hesitated, glancing at Valeria. "Do you think… we'll be ready?" she asked, voice tinged with uncertainty.
Valeria's fingers clenched into a tight fist at her side. "We have no choice," she replied, her tone steady, underlined with resolve.
A tense silence settled between them. Valeria shook her head slowly and turned away. "I'm heading to a meeting with the queen and the elders to discuss some… sensitive matters. Hold down the fort until I return," she instructed, her posture rigid, every movement precise.
Lily straightened, shoulders squared, and inclined her head. "Understood, Commander," she affirmed, her voice firm and respectful.
The first few days of the expedition passed without incident.
Workers toiled tirelessly, gathering berries, fruits, and any other provisions from the areas scouted by Valeria's squad weeks ago, while soldiers patrolled a tight perimeter, their movements precise and measured. Occasionally, a soldier would corner mealybugs or aphids, binding and securing them carefully to provide protein for the colony, their motions efficient and practiced.
The wheeled containers proved invaluable, rolling smoothly over roots and uneven terrain, carrying far more than the workers could manage on foot, and sparing them the exhausting back-and-forth trips that had once defined their labor.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, the air grew heavy and still. The forest and grasslands around them seemed to hold their breath. The usual chorus of rustling leaves faded into an uneasy silence. A faint stir in the underbrush, the sharp snap of a twig—every small sound felt magnified, echoing in the anticipatory quiet.
Ari's antennae flicked nervously as he scanned the surroundings, catching subtle vibrations through the soil and air. Memories from his past life whisper… peace is often just the calm before the storm, he reminded himself.
He straightened, forcing his focus outward, alert to any disturbance in the dimming light.
"We should stay on high alert," Beatrice warned, her voice low, barely rising above the soft hum of the forest. She shifted her weight as her eyes swept the darkening treeline.
Brooks gave a slow nod, his gaze lingering on the horizon. His tone was calm, almost conversational, but it carried an undeniable weight. "A wise precaution. We'll secure a perimeter tonight. Let no one grow careless—complacency is the fastest way to defeat."
Soldiers moved swiftly, forming a tight defensive barrier around the resting workers. Each one took up a specific section to survey and patrol, ensuring there were no blind spots. The night settled heavy over the camp, broken only by the scrape of chitin against stone and the quiet shifting of exoskeleton as patrols adjusted their stances.
So far, no attack had come.
Yet Ari's skin prickled with unease, a faint tremor working its way down his arms. Something is out there. Watching.
For some reason… I can feel them. The thought drifted through Ari's mind as he walked his patrol, two other soldiers keeping pace on either side.
Three presences—strong, suffocating. Their aura alone feels heavy. Are they here to attack? No… if that were the case, they'd have struck already. But then why… why am I the only one sensing them?
His antennae flicked in short, cautious motions as he forced himself to keep moving. His fingers tightened around the hilt of his sheathed mandible.
I don't know what their objective is… but it feels like they're only observing. Better if I keep this to myself. That'll prevent panic—and keep our ranks steady.
"Think fast!"
Ari's antennae twitched sharply as a berry sailed toward him. He caught it clumsily against his chest, the impact jolting him out of his thoughts.
When he looked up, Evelyn stood a few paces away, her lips curled into a grin.
"I guess that training you've been doing really paid off." Her antennae dipped lightly, betraying relief beneath her teasing tone. "You're quicker—and stronger. That's reassuring."
Ari shifted his grip on the berry, unease still written across his posture. "Uh… Evelyn? Shouldn't you be resting?"
She looked away, a faint blush touching her cheeks as her antennae angled upward in defiance.
"That's… well, that's just me. I'm full of energy, so don't worry about it. Why don't you come with me and take a break?" She gestured to a nearby log.
Ari's antennae lowered, angled back in hesitation. "I can't. I have to patrol the area—to make sure the workers stay safe. I can't stop now."
Evelyn's antennae drooped, the playfulness fading into a gentle quiver.
"Come on… I won't keep you long. Just a second, tops. Promise." She lifted her gaze, pleading eyes fixed on him.
The sight was enough to leave the soldiers beside Ari flustered, their antennae twitching awkwardly as they glanced away.
One of the soldiers beside Ari clapped him squarely between the shoulders. The hard thud of an armored palm against his exoskeleton rang in his ears.
"Go on ahead. We'll cover this stretch."
Ari blinked, antennae giving a faint twitch as he turned toward the soldier. "You're sure?"
"Trust me," another replied, his mandibles clinking softly in their sheath. "You can't miss an opportunity like this. Good luck."
Their steady footsteps and the faint scrape of armor soon faded into the dark as they resumed patrol, leaving Ari standing in uneasy silence.
Ari exhaled through his nose, the sound low and tired. "So much for patrolling the area…"
He turned reluctantly, his antennae still angled outward in vigilance, and walked toward Evelyn, who was already perched on the log, her antennae swaying in quiet anticipation.
Ari sat down on the log, peeling the berry in his hands and taking a small bite. The sweet, tart flavor was comforting after a long day.
"You need to relax," Evelyn murmured, hands resting lightly on her knees as she leaned forward slightly, antennae swaying gently. Her gaze lifted to meet Ari's. "You've been tense all day."
Ari blinked at her, surprised. "Was I really?"
She tilted her head, smirking slightly, lips teasing but eyes soft as they lingered on him. "You were as stiff as a log."
"You've been working very hard—constructing the wheeled containers and keeping watch over the workers," Evelyn remarked, tilting her head toward him, hands resting lightly on her knees, antennae flicking in small arcs.
"Not nearly as much as you," Ari said, shaking his head slightly. "You've been gathering berries and supplies without pause for two days. That must have been exhausting."
Her antennae twitched in a small, satisfied gesture. "True… but I had my reasons for keeping busy. It's my duty as a worker. And besides," she added, a teasing light in her eyes, "it seems to have paid off—since you were watching me."
Ari's brow lifted, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. "I merely observed, to ensure you were managing yourself. And don't think that I didn't notice your gaze as well."
"I suppose I am guilty then," Evelyn said with a soft chuckle, leaning her head against his shoulder. Her gaze drifted upward toward the first stars appearing in the sky, antennae settling gently against her back.
"Thank you… for your kindness, for standing up for me and my grandfather… for your warmth," she continued, voice soft, words heartfelt.
Ari laughed softly, the sound low and warm as some of the tension drained from his shoulders. "Isn't this the third time you've thanked me?"
She smiled, eyes half-closed, antennae swaying gently. "Maybe… but I mean it every time."
He nudged her lightly with his shoulder. "Well… you deserve some rest after all that hard work. Don't fall asleep somewhere uncomfortable."
"I'm fine," she murmured, voice softening as her body relaxed against him. Her antennae drooped lightly along his arm. "I just… like sitting here. It's peaceful."
Ari studied her for a moment, then exhaled slowly, allowing himself a small measure of ease.
Evelyn let out a quiet, contented sigh, her eyes slowly closing. Within moments, she was asleep, her head resting against his shoulder. The subtle sway of her antennae and the steady rhythm of her breathing filled the night with calm.
Ari leaned back slightly, letting the cool evening air brush against his exoskeleton. Who knew I'd end up in a world like this? At first, I thought it was punishment for everything I did in my past life.
He drew in a slow breath, the scent of the forest and distant berries filling his senses. But perhaps… it's showing me something different. These creatures… they are more than just stress relievers. They are living, thinking, feeling beings.
His gaze lifted to the stars above, constellations glimmering faintly in the dark sky. Maybe this world isn't about punishment at all. Perhaps it's about learning to be a better me.