Mikhailis watched through Rodion's holographic display, a look of fascination glimring in his eyes. The display hovered above his glasses, showing the entire operation from different perspectives, switching between them in perfect sequence.
The gigantic sli, shifting and rippling like a massive jelly, followed the worker ants without resistance, its gelatinous body conforming to the uneven terrain of the tunnel. The air was thick with the sound of squelching as the sli maneuvered through the narrow path, its body leaving faint trails of glistening ooze behind.
Mikhailis smirked.
"Glad to see it's cooperating. Maybe we should give it a treat after this. A sli-sized cookie or sothing."
The tunnel opened into a large, underground chamber—the destination the worker ants had ticulously prepared. The chamber was designed specifically to nurture the sli, ensuring its health while keeping its growth controlled.
It was lined with rich nutrients embedded into the earth, while small channels filled with water ran along the chamber floor, creating a supportive environnt for the creature's regenerative capabilities. The worker ants guided the sli into the center of the chamber, surrounding it as they clicked amongst themselves, their antennae twitching with purpose.
Mikhailis leaned closer to the holographic display, watching intently as the worker ants began their next phase—feeding the sli. The ants brought out a combination of organic waste, crushed minerals, and magical herbs—all carefully gathered from the surrounding areas—and began pushing them towards the giant sli.
The sli's body rippled, absorbing the offerings in a slow, almost srizing manner.
They really do look like a living cleaning crew.
The feeding continued, with the sli gradually growing larger, its body pulsing with a faint luminescence as it absorbed the nutrients. Mikhailis's eyes widened slightly, his interest piqued by the sight. He had seen many strange things since arriving in this world, but a creature of this size, being nurtured underground by a team of ants? This was a first even for him.
Mikhailis nodded, his eyes still fixed on the holographic display.
"Make sure it doesn't get any funny ideas about trying to escape, alright? I don't need a surprise sli rebellion down here."
He couldn't help but chuckle.
Rodion always had everything covered.
Watching the worker ants as they worked tirelessly, Mikhailis found himself admiring the efficiency of the colony. Their every movent was calculated, every task executed without hesitation. The ants surrounded the sli, their antennae brushing against its body as if analyzing its condition.
"It's pretty incredible, isn't it? How they just...know what to do," Mikhailis mused aloud, mostly to himself.
Mikhailis smirked, shaking his head.
"Maybe. But you gotta admit, it's kinda impressive. Like watching a perfectly choreographed dance."
Mikhailis laughed, leaning back against his seat.
"Alright, alright, I get it. Not exactly ballroom material. But still, it's effective."
The worker ants continued their work, making sure the sli was comfortably settled into its new environnt. The channels of water were used to keep the sli hydrated, while other worker ants tended to the nutrient sources, ensuring the supply was consistent. Mikhailis watched as the sli's body pulsed with energy, its regeneration enhanced by the rich magical herbs it had consud.
It was all going according to plan.
"Just keep an eye on it," Mikhailis instructed, his tone serious. "I don't want it growing out of control. We're not trying to create a monster we can't handle."
Mikhailis sighed in contentnt, his eyes still glued to the display.
If this worked out, they'd have an endless source of food—one that could help sustain the Queen and the entire colony.
The thought of it filled him with excitent. He could already picture the Queen Chira Ant's delighted reaction to the news.
___
Mikhailis frowned, watching as the serpent's glowing eyes fixed on the worker ants, its influence spreading like ripples through the colony.
This wasn't good. If the serpent managed to turn the ants against them, they'd be in big trouble.
The frog chira ant moved forward, its movents slow and deliberate. It was larger than the other ants, its body covered in a slick, amphibious skin that glistened in the dim light. It let out a low, reverberating croak, the sound echoing through the tunnel. The vibrations moved through the air, disorienting the serpent and breaking its hypnotic hold on the worker ants.
Mikhailis's eyes lit up with interest as he watched.
"Now that's what I'm talking about. Show that snake who's boss."
User Comments
0 comments from readers