"What's going on? What just happened?"
Everyone cautiously poked their heads out, peering into the nest to see what was happening inside.
The sound seemed to be coming from deep within the tunnel wall on one side.
Hayes immediately exchanged a glance with Albert, the same thought flashing through both their minds at once.
Had something gone wrong with the people sent out to look for ammunition?
The idea had barely formed when a deafening blast erupted against the tunnel wall, instantly drawing everyone's attention—
—even the ant queen's.
The enormous white insect that had been sleeping in the very center of the cavern was jolted awake.
It slowly wriggled its massive body and sat upright. Its compound eyes were still dull with sleep, while its pale, bloated abdomen swayed rapidly, revealing the opening of its reproductive chamber at the very bottom.
Plop.
An oval, freshly laid ant egg was inexplicably expelled.
Then came several more plops in quick succession.
