Chapter 7

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The swarm of Iron Ants—there must be about twenty of them. But they are large ants, so even twenty is quite an imposing sight.

The Honey Ants are fighting hard, but there is a significant physical difference. The Iron Ants are literally ants with their entire bodies covered in steel.

The attacks of the Honey Ants don't even penetrate their skin. It's just a waste to increase the damage.

"From here on, leave it to me! Everyone, fall back!"

I call out to the Honey Ants. Even though they don't understand the words, they have enough intelligence to understand my intentions.

"Ant~"

"Ant Ant"

Good, the Honey Ants fighting have retreated to the back. Of course, the Iron Ants will chase after them, but that makes their movements easier to predict.

"Sand Magic: Flowing Sand!"

When I cast the sand magic, a flow of sand large enough to engulf the swarm of Iron Ants appears. Their feet are caught in the soft sand, and they sink deeper and deeper.

Finally, the ground drops all at once, and the Iron Ants fall.

"Phew, it worked."

The Iron Ants have iron bodies, so they probably won't die from this, but they should have taken some damage. I hope they give up now.

"Agii! Agiiiii!"

However, the Iron Ants are clacking their mandibles and raising angry voices towards us.

They haven't completely given up yet. Well, there's no helping it.

"Sand Magic: Great Sand Wave!"

A huge wave of sand sweeps away the Iron Ants. I controlled it so they won't die. Either way, I managed to forcibly drive them away.

"Amazing. Horus, you're really something."

"Ant~ Ant~"

When the battle with the Iron Ants ended, Isis came over and praised me. I think Isis is also amazing. The ants' injuries are healed, and I can see they are grateful to Isis.

"Isis is amazing too. The injuries are perfectly healed, and the ants seem grateful."

The Honey Ants are circling Isis like they're dancing, and Isis is smiling. It's a delicate smile, like finding a beautiful flower in the middle of a sandy desert.

Well, I've driven the Iron Ants away for now, but there's a possibility they might attack again.

I think we need to carefully consider what to do next. So I decided to report to the Queen and ask her how she plans to handle the situation.

"First of all, thank you for your repeated help. I really don't know how to express my gratitude."

"Ngo♪"

The Queen thanked me. Then Rak rubbed her head against mine, seeming glad that everyone was safe.

"Ngo..."

When I stroked her back, Rak closed her eyes in pleasure. Now, I'll listen to the Queen's plan again.

"—I plan to meet with the Iron Ant Queen."

"Huh? The Queen herself?"

"Yes."

The Queen said this with a determined look. It seems she intends to directly negotiate to resolve the situation.

"But isn't it dangerous?"

"From what I've seen of the current state of the Iron Ants, it's indeed not safe. However, my comrades are working hard and getting hurt to protect me. As the Queen, I cannot stand idly by."

I see. As the Queen, huh. She has a strong sense of mission.

"Horus..."

"Yeah, I understand what you're trying to say."

Isis was looking at me with pleading eyes, so I suggested to the Queen.

"If that's the case, can we help too? We're already involved, and I can't just stand by and do nothing."

After all, I can't leave ants in trouble.

"But this is a conflict between ants. I can't involve you in it..."

"But we're already involved, and I'm really grateful for what Isis did."

"But..."

The Queen seemed hesitant. She doesn't want to trouble us. She's a kind Queen.

"Then, in return, how about increasing the amount of nectar we can trade as a reward?"

"I love that nectar too, so that would be great!"

"Ngo! Ngo!"

Rak seems to be saying, "Me too, me too." She must want more ant nectar.

"—Thank you. Then, I'll take you up on your offer."

"Of course!"

"I'll do my best to support you!"

"Ngo!"

Rak is also getting excited, breathing heavily. Since it's a good opportunity, I decided to have the Queen ride on Rak.

Rak wants to come along, and it will be easier to protect her if she's riding on Rak.

The Queen decided to bring a select few ants with her. The ants will guard around the Queen, who is riding on Rak. I'll lead the way, and Isis will stay at the back.

"Okay, let's start moving."

I use my sand magic to create waves to move.

"I've heard about it, but this is amazing."

"Ant~ Ant~"

"Ngo!"

The Queen is surprised. The ants and Rak seem to be enjoying it.

"Is this the right place?"

"Yes. If we go straight ahead, we should be able to see the Iron Ant nest."

The Queen pointed in a direction, so I followed it.

Then, we saw it—

"It looks like a fortress."

The nest that appeared was black and rugged. It's different from the Honey Ant nest. It looks very sturdy, more like a fortress than a mound.

There's even a door at the entrance. There are ants that seem to be guards at the entrance, and they notice us and raise their spears.

"Lord Horus—"

"Yeah, I'll try to just make them lose consciousness."

I cast the Great Sand Wave on the Iron Ant soldiers who are on guard. A huge wave of sand engulfs the soldiers and breaks through the door, pushing forward.

"We're going in now!"

And we invaded the Iron Ant fortress rather than just entering. Now, how will the enemy respond...

Honey Ant: "Ant~ (Worried about invading the Iron Ant nest)"

Honey Ant: "Ant-ant~ (Hope everyone is safe, want everyone's support)"

Honey Ant: "Ant! (If you rate with stars, we can surely overcome with sand!)"

Honey Ant: "Ant~ Ant-ant♪ (You can rate up to ★★★★★, and your support will boost our morale♪)"

Honey Ant: "Ant-ant~ ↑↑ (We'd be even happier if you bookmark us ↑↑)"

Queen Ant: "Looking forward to your comments and reviews."