After the two ants finished their duty of bringing Chris to their monarch, they moved leisurely to the edges of the cavern, taking their places in what Chris had first thought were shadows cast by the giant mushrooms perched atop the glowing crystals that jutted from the walls. But upon closer inspection, he realized those “shadows” were actually clusters of ants clinging tightly to the stone.

  'I think I know where we are.'

  -Enlighten me.-

  'From my very limited understanding of ants, those hugging the walls are probably the warriors, and the ones we ran from earlier were the workers. And every colony needs… He paused for dramatic effect. …a queen.'

  -Wow, I can’t believe you’re still in the mood to make jokes.-

  'I’m trying to distract myself from my hand. The talents did their job, but it still hurts. Feels like a thousand ants crawling under my skin.'

  He chuckled mentally at his own joke.

  -More jokes? I hope you won’t make a habit of this.-

  'If this gig doesn’t work out, I’m thinking of becoming a comedian. What do you think?'

  -Let’s get out of here first. Then we’ll see about your career change.-

  'The only way we’re getting out of here is if she lets us.'

  He nodded toward the far end of the cavern.

  From the shadows, bathed in the soft glow of the crystal light, the queen emerged—a being of both awe and elegance. She was enormous, her form rising higher than any of the soldier ants. Strangely, she did not adorn herself with crystals like her kin. Her smooth carapace shimmered faintly, reflecting the light like polished onyx.

  Her elongated head bore a crown of slender, luminous antennae. Her mandibles—vast and powerful—curved gracefully, more like ornamental blades than weapons. Her many eyes gleamed with an eerie, intelligent calm.

  -Wow… she’s bigger than I thought.-

  'Stop staring. It’s rude. She’s just… big-boned.'

  -Please stop with the jokes. And for the record, you’re the one staring.-

  'Watch as I use my charm to get us out of this mess.'

  -We’re so going to die.-

  'Chris took a cautious step forward, ready to speak, but the sudden clattering of the soldier ants’ mandibles cut him off.'

  -I think you made them mad.-

  'Duly noted.'

  The noise ceased only when their monarch let out a piercing screech. Silence rippled through the soldiers. Then the queen’s many eyes locked onto Chris, examining him from every angle. When she was finally satisfied, a rasping, almost human sound emerged from her mouth.

  Chris frowned.

  'Is she trying to talk to me?'

  -How should I know?-

  He stood there awkwardly, feeling like a child being scolded. Then, to his astonishment, a deep, echoing voice filled the chamber.

  “It has been centuries since I last spoke your language. It took me some time to remember, I am not as young as I once was.”

  Chris opened his mouth, but no sound came out. Panic gripped him.

  “You will speak only when I allow it!” She thundered. “You should feel honored that I did not let my soldiers tear you apart for trespassing in our nest and killing my workers. Now, explain yourself.”

  'How should I respond?'

  -Don’t look at me. I wasn’t here when it started.-

  'I know, but at least try to help.'

  Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more.

  -I’ll see what I can come up with. Until then, try not to annoy her further.-

  The invisible grip around his throat loosened. Chris hesitated too long, though, and the queen’s voice grew cold.

  “If you will not defend yourself, then I will proceed with your execution.”

  Her antennae twitched. The soldiers began to march forward, mandibles snapping rhythmically.

  Desperate, Chris bowed low and spoke quickly.

  “Your Majesty, forgive my hesitation. I was struck speechless in the presence of a sovereign of such… grandeur. It took me a moment to find words worthy of you.”

  The soldiers halted. The queen tilted her head, evidently appeased.

  -You’re doing better than I imagined.-

  'I’ve had plenty of practice flattering people in power, mostly to get jobs. But keep looking for an escape plan. I can’t keep this up forever.'

  “Pardon my intrusion.” Chris continued smoothly. “I never intended to enter your home. The ground beneath me collapsed, and I fell into your tunnels. I tried to find a way out, but your diligent workers mistook me for a threat. What happened next, I’m sure Your Majesty already knows.”

  “So you claim my workers are at fault?”

  “I wouldn’t dare say that, Your Majesty. They acted with loyalty and courage, as any protector of their queen should. I was merely… an unfortunate misunderstanding.”

  -Nicely done. You might actually talk your way out of this.-

  'We’ll see.'

  “I will summon those involved before I make my judgment.” Said the queen.

  'Great. We’re screwed.'

  -What did you do?-

  'Nothing! I swear. I hid, but Soa got too close and startled them.'

  -Wait, you gave her a name?-

  'More of a nickname. But maybe focus on survival right now?'

  A group of smaller ants approached, among them the one still carrying his sword in its head. The injured worker stepped forward, stopping in front of him.

  “That one wishes you to remove your weapon. It gives her a headache.” Said the queen.

  Chris grasped the hilt with his good hand, but it wouldn’t budge, and the ant screeched in pain.

  “What are you doing?” The queen snapped.

  “Forgive me, Your Majesty. My other hand was injured in our encounter.”

  Her glare softened only slightly. One of the soldiers stepped forward, snapping the sword apart and freeing the wounded worker. The ant sighed with relief. The queen then spat a green liquid onto its head. To Chris’s amazement, the wound sealed almost instantly.

  'Holy moly, that’s better than the healing potion I’ve got on me.'

  The ant gave a low screech, almost as if mocking him.

  'Yeah, you’re only acting tough because your mom’s here.'

  “Where is the other one?” Asked the queen suddenly.

  “The other one?”

  “Do not take me for a fool, human child, the black snake. Where is she?”

  'Should I let Soa out?'

  -For now, yes. Follow her lead.-

  “Soa, it’s time to come out.”

  The little snake slithered from the ring and climbed onto Chris’s head. She trembled but held her ground, protective of him.

  To everyone’s surprise, all the ants bowed.

  “Soa, what’s going on?” Chris whispered.

  The snake raised her body in confusion.

  -She says she doesn’t know.-

  'How can you understand her but not the ants?'

  -Don’t start.-

  “They bow because they recognize another future monarch.” The queen explained, lowering her own head. “I welcome the princess of the Imoogi clan to my humble home.”

  Soa nodded politely.

  “Your Highness,” The queen continued. “I understand that my workers overreacted to your presence. But your attendant damaged our tunnels and harmed several of my children. I cannot let him leave without consequence.”

  'Attendant? Really?'

  -Just go with it.-

  “Out of respect for your clan, I shall demand only one hand as payment. A small price for the harm he caused.”

  Soa shook her head firmly, her tiny eyes glistening.

  “Why would such a weak human, one already crippled, be your guardian?” The queen mused. “What was Eun-Hwa thinking when she chose him?”

  A tear rolled down Soa’s cheek. The queen’s tone softened.

  “I see… Another noble clan brought to the brink of extinction.”

  The cavern filled with mournful clicks and low, sorrowful screeches.

  “I won't take his hand, but he must still offer something of value in recompense.” The queen declared at last.

  'Do we even have anything valuable left?'

  -Not in the inventory. But maybe in the ring… give me a second.-

  'Hurry.'

  -Got it. Remember that cave where you met Eun-Hwa, the one with the purple crystals?-

  'Yeah. You think she’d want those?'

  -It’s worth a try.-

  'Worst idea ever… but okay.'

  Chris pulled a glowing purple crystal from his ring and held it up.

  “Would this suffice, Your Majesty?”

  The queen’s antennae quivered.

  “I can feel Eun-Hwa’s Qi within it. It would suffice if you had more.”

  Chris took out more until they formed a glittering pile.

  “Would this be enough? It’s all we have left.”

  He lied effortlessly; they still had more piles.

  “Yes… more than enough. I will let you go, human child. But heed my words next time, I will not be so lenient.”

  She gestured toward her workers.

  “Before you leave, I will heal your hand and give you a stock of our healing mushrooms. Consider it a gesture of peace.”

  Chris applied the green liquid to his hand. The skin closed instantly, painlessly, flawlessly. He bowed deeply.

  When he finally stepped outside, the cool air of the surface brushed against his face. He had no idea how long he’d been underground, but the stars above felt like freedom.

  Soa slithered into his palm.

  -She says she’s ready to get back to her pillow.-

  'I was hoping she’d forgotten about that.'

  He chuckled.

  “What’s so funny?”

  Chris froze. The voice came from above.

  Perched on a branch, the physician, Jang Mu-Yeon, twirled a small dagger between his fingers.

  “I said, what’s so funny?”

  “Nothing.” Chris replied quickly, sensing the man’s irritation.

  Jang disappeared in a blur and reappeared behind him, resting a hand on Chris’s shoulder, dagger still in his palm.

  “Where have you been running off to?”

  “I was just… exploring the forest.”

  “Exploring, hmm? Then those ants that nearly breached my formation have nothing to do with you?”

  “There’s a funny story behind that. A long one.”

  “Good. You’ll have plenty of time to tell it on the way back.”

  Chris sighed.

  From one danger straight into another.

  -You’re on your own for this one, Chris.-

  'Soa?'

  But the snake had already slithered back into the ring.

  He was left alone.

  And the way back was going to be very long.