[Revolution of Healer/ScribbleHub]Do not forget to check the profile of the original author!https:///c/BlightMansionhttps:///story/361110032-revolution-of-healer

  Now that I could confirm it, I was sure that I could establish communication between us. However, the ants kept moving.

  - Hold it right there! We don't want to fight for unnecessary reasons. Let's resolve this peacefully. - I said, trying to impose a threatening tone to force them to stop. However, as far as the queen and her anthill were a few meters away, I knew it wouldn't st long.

  KYAAAAH!

  - Insolent! We'll wipe you out and devour your entire vilge! - Roared the queen.

  She hadn't learned from the first wave of attacks. The scout ants once again had their movements restricted by my [Silk Threads] and [Electrified Webs]. Even so, their courage was remarkable.

  Luckily, the barricades I had prepared had openings, and as they advanced, a few arrows were fired. Fortunately, several of the orc warriors were experienced in the use of bows, and I could even see some fming arrows. The young orc apparently didn't listen to me and went to the battlefield, but his action was crucial. The ants that were hit retreated, and even though they were improvised arrows, they caused significant damage.

  Crap!

  Some of the ants tried to dig into the ground, but the orcs reacted quickly, throwing axes and stones. Even though it was an improvised attack, given their ck of distance, it was effective. It didn't kill them, but it caused considerable damage.

  Now I better understood the nature of our opponents. If the field hadn't been prepared, they would have devoured the survivors of the st attack that very night.

  The result was a partial breakdown of the ant formation, thanks to the recoil of the wounds. It was a strategic contest, and we ended up coming out on top. The experience gained by the orcs over time paid off in the end.

  Perhaps, because I'm a human with a certain amount of preparation, I was able to outwit the strategy of a wild creature like these giant ants.

  “This will dismantle them,” I thought as I felt the queen's fury from a great distance.

  ***

  For once, the queen was taken by surprise. She, who had always been aware of potential threats, had never imagined that her strategy would be overcome by simple orcs. She had expected her end at the hands of a superior species, or perhaps even humans. This feeling of frustration infuriated her even more.

  Even with a small number of ants, they were formidable opponents, coordinated under the queen's precise leadership. Now, feeling trapped, she was overcome with doubt.

  It was essential that the queen did not show weakness, because all the ants depend on a single entity for guidance. The failure of one or all of them would fall on her.

  In a st-ditch effort, the queen gave no more orders. Instead, she went ahead on her own.

  ***

  As expected, her strategy failed and she resorted to the st resort: her personal involvement.

  The queen, unlike the other ants, showed exceptional strength and agility. Her body cked the protection of her subordinates, but her cws and fangs were deadly enough to compensate.

  For a moment, all eyes were on her, who was now coming towards me. Ignoring her main objective, she came towards me, guided only by pride.

  It's strange, but just like the potential dangers I faced until I reached the surface, I felt no fear at all. Everything seemed more of the same. I saw everything slowly, as if time were stretching out.

  But I wouldn't be easily outdone.

  Swin!

  She was caught by my [Silk Threads]. I took another chance, since she had easily passed through my traps. I reinforced with [Electrified Webs] to stun her. Now she was at my mercy. She struggled, still trapped in the thread and web, but she wouldn't get out so easily.

  Finishing her off with a single blow would probably end everything, but I needed to be sure of something.

  - Listen. If I spare your life and that of your anthill, do you swear never to mess with orcs again? - I asked, staring into her eyes.

  Although she was a formidable opponent, she was the equivalent of a wild predator. In my world, these creatures attacked only when necessary to feed. As she possessed a certain rationality, perhaps she could understand. Who knows, if she swore not to get involved with us anymore, things might work out more favorably for her.

  I also made it clear that what happened to other species was not my problem. She knew her limits, especially after that night.

  - You fool! Do you think I'll stop? I'll keep going until I've devoured you all! - Her response was immediate.

  I knew I shouldn't be surprised, given the nature of her actions so far, but I still wanted to resolve this in the best possible way.

  - Right... that's your final answer... so I'm sorry... - I replied, with a sigh of frustration.

  The negotiations were over. I offered her a reasonable chance, but she had already made her choice.

  I knew that burning her with the [Silk Threads] would set her free and she would probably take the opportunity to strike back. So, with my mind made up, I raised my right hand. My fingernails turned into [Razor Cws]. Slowly, reluctantly, I approached her. When I was close enough, I delivered a swift, precise blow, severing its head with an open hand.

  The ants were backing away, but they didn't take their eyes off me. Even the wounds were organized, side by side, as if they all shared the same spotlight. I didn't know what to expect next. Perhaps they would attack me in search of revenge, which would make sense, considering that I had killed their queen.

  Shuush!

  With my power of [Absorption], I used it to destroy the queen's head. In a blur of purple mist, it disappeared from my hands, as usual. That gesture made me wonder if, in some way, I was testing my own limits. Ever since I entered that cave, I've been acquiring gifts in this way. Perhaps, who knows, the same thing would happen again. However, I recognized that what I had done was grotesque, bordering on disrespectful.

  Taking your queen's life and treating her like that... I wouldn't be surprised if they saw me as a threat. Perhaps that's exactly what happened, as the ants backed away, but still watched me intently.

  - Hm?

  Suddenly, something echoed in my head. Like murmurs in the distance, coming from where the ants were. Could that have worked? The feeling was the same as when I had absorbed the ability of the creatures in the cave. I felt like I'd got it right.

  - Can you hear me now? - I asked, testing.

  So this was how the queen coordinated the ants? Through a mental link?

  Their reactions confirmed it. The amazement in their attitudes showed that, yes, it worked.

  During the process, I inherited other abilities, but this wasn't the time to explore them. The tension in the air was still palpable, the climate remained hostile on both sides. I tried to give you an ultimatum, but it didn't seem to do much good, especially considering what I did to your queen. I expected a more immediate reaction, perhaps some attempt at defense or even a retreat. But, to my surprise, they stood there, motionless. Just staring at me, waiting for something.

  Vaku