ENLISTMENT INTO THE ARMY, TRAINING COMMENCED

Wow, this is a whole lot less ant than I was expecting said Ari to himself as he looked around. Based on how the Military system is set up here it's like the worker ant greatly outweighs the military ants about ten to one. And not to mention the population of the colony in this world is really small. I'd say around roughly six thousand or less.

I wonder what kind of training they have in mind for us and also why did Anastasia give away the last memory of her father to me, I'm not worthy of it he said to himself as he took out the mandibles and stared at them.

Wait, you there!! Over here!! I've been looking everywhere for you!! Shouted a female ant as she dashes towards Ari along with a male ant. Um... How can I help you? You're that ant that was not apart of the colony named Ari right? Asked the female ant. Yes, but how did you know? Asked Ari. It shouldn't be a surprise to you since you were the one who came up with the strategy to defeat Queen Helena's army, you're quite the big deal around here said the male ant.

Not to mention with zero combat training he was on the battlefield and even went ahead to take on general Ivan to give Commander Anastasia the upper hand in the fight he's such a courageous ant said the female ant. While we were hiding out with our tails between our legs you stood your ground despite this not being your own colony and you led all of us to victory, thank you said the male ant as he smiled. And your actions was what motivated us to join the army, that's why we're here said the female ant.

That's great, I'm glad that I was a good influence to you guys said Ari. Oh, that's right I forgot to introduce myself my name is Isla and I was an exceptional worker ant for two years but I became of age to enroll in to the army and you provided the catalyst for that. And my name is Rory I was in training to be a warden ant, I tried to play it safe because I was afraid of the unknown danger outside the colony but your courage encouraged me to venture outside of the colony and fight for it. Oh I see, nice to meet you both said Ari.

As the ants continued to chatter their noise could be heard all throughout the colony. Silence!! Shouted Anastasia as she stood above the mass. The whole entire population of recruits acknowledged her and all the talking seized. For all those who don't know my name is Anastasia, commander of the Queen's army of Military ants. I was promoted from Lieutenant after our clash with the neighbor colony.

And as you all know our former commander for the military ant was Vladimir who was tasked with the protection of the princess however, due to his recent treason we had lost a high value ant making our colony a whole lot weaker in military power and susceptible to any attacks from an enemy. The only remaining high ranking soldiers are only Me and Seth who is the commander of the Warden ants who is still recovering from his injuries and five of our lieutenants and we are hoping to increase our quantity and quality so please work hard for that.

I've been put in charge of getting you ants battle ready by our queen. I should be overseeing your training to ensure that. I have here with me Corporal Beatrice who will be the one training you and for the few who come out on top will be taken under my wings is that clear? Asked Anastasia. Yes commander!! Shouted the mass. That's great, I love your enthusiasm. For the first part of your training you will be traveling in troops of thirty in one separate direction for five days and then you'll have three days to make it back here then we'll move on to the next step. There will be a unique type of plant marking the check point in each direction it will be proof that you ran that distance. And also to add failure to collect those plants and get back within the time limit will result in immediately termination from the training to be a soldier said Anastasia.

What but how are we going to last so long? If we given such a long time limit then does that mean we'll be going far? Asked an ant worried. What if their are other insects out there that will harm us asked another. Silence you knew what you were getting yourselves into so stop acting like spineless cowards. You were born with mandibles for a reason so if you're attacked you'll have to rely on each other and trust your instincts in order to survive.You have ten minutes to gather into a squad and move out said Anastasia. Wow, Anastasia is really serious about this, she's like a totally different person when it comes to military business said Ari to himself. Well I guess we'll be sticking with you on this journey then said Isla as she smiled. Yes, we're better off sticking together with Ari anyways said Rory. Okay let's make it back together in one piece then said Ari.

Alright, so now that the squads are formed you may now leave out said Anastasia as the ants started jogging to commence their journey. Alright this is it, my first expedition as an ant, I must be cautious said Ari to himself. While collecting berries on the outskirts of the colony, Evelyn noticed Ari who was running by her in the squad. Hey Ari!! Look, up here!! She shouted as Ari noticed her and waved in her direction.

Be safe Ari and please don't die on this journey, come back to us safely! Evelyn shouted while she continued to wave. Say, Anastasia . What is it Beatrice? Asked Anastasia. Do you think they'll be alright on this voyage? Asked Beatrice worried. I understand your concern but they should be fine for the route I've provided them with are areas we have already visited and we scouted the areas so an encounter with another ant or even any insect is highly unlikely said Anastasia. I'll take your word for it said Beatrice.