PREPARATIONS FOR WINTER

Ants are social insects belonging to the family Formicidae within the order Hymenoptera, which also includes bees and wasps. Known for their highly organized colonies, cooperative behavior, and strict division of labor, they have thrived for millions of years through their ability to adapt and survive.

Their bodies are encased in exoskeletons—hard outer shells that grant them protection from the elements and predators. Equipped with powerful mandibles, ants can attack, defend, and manipulate their environment. However, their society dictates their roles from the moment they hatch.

In this world, ants follow a structured hierarchy much like human civilizations. The lowest rank consists of slave ants, forced into servitude. Then, there are worker ants—fragile but numerous—responsible for gathering resources and maintaining the colony. Soldiers form the backbone of the colony's defense, wielding long, blade-like mandibles. However, even within the military class, there exists a hierarchy of ant recruits, privates, corporals, lieutenants, commanders, and elite warriors.

Above the soldiers stand the elder ants, second in rank only to the queen. They are the oldest and wisest members of the colony, acting as advisors who guide the queen in decision-making, ensuring stability and wisdom in governance. Their knowledge of history, warfare, and colony affairs makes them crucial figures in leadership.

At the very top of this structure stand the royalties—the princess, the next in line to rule and the most important person to the future of the colony, and the queen, the absolute authority governing the colony.

From birth, an ant's destiny is determined by its mandibles. Those born with long, sword-like mandibles possess immense strength and are meant to become soldiers. Those with shorter, dagger-like mandibles usually become workers. Some ants capable of being soldiers choose to hide among the workers, fearing the battlefield. But if all of this is true, then what does that make me?

I am an ant like the rest. And yet, I didn't appear into this world with mandibles. That is unnatural.

A mistake? A miracle? Or something else entirely? Is it because I'm from another world?

Was I meant to be a soldier? A worker? Or something new?

Something beyond classification?

It doesn't matter Anastasia entrusted me with her father's mandibles which means that I can fight. All I need to do is adapt, survive, and, ultimately, find a way back to my world—even if that means reincarnation all over again.

Ari shook the thoughts from his mind. This was not the time for existential pondering.

The early morning air was crisp and quiet, an unusual stillness hanging over the colony. Normally, at this hour, worker ants would be busy scurrying through tunnels, hauling supplies, and reinforcing the walls. But today was different. Something urgent had disrupted the daily routine.

An event that rarely ever happened had occurred—the queen had left the colony.

Queen Celeste, the ruler of their colony, had departed on an important diplomatic mission. Her decision was met with resistance from the elders, who feared for her safety, but in the end, her will was absolute. To ensure her protection, she had selected a formidable escort: Commander Anastasia, Corporals Beatrice and Lily, thirty newly trained military ants, and three lance corporals—Ari, Isla, and Rory.

As they marched in formation, Isla clutched her mandibles tightly, her nervous energy evident in every step. "I wonder where we're going…" she muttered, voice laced with uncertainty.

"Me too," Rory admitted, his tone steady but thoughtful. "But there's no need to worry. If we're traveling with the queen, then it's not somewhere dangerous. That said, don't let your guard down."

"Come now, Isla," Lily added, marching beside them with ease. "Lighten up a bit. It's not like something will happen on this route. Just stay on guard, and you'll be fine."

Isla took a deep breath. "I see… Thanks for that. I feel much better now."

"You're doing great, recruits. Keep on guard and maintain formation," said Corporal Beatrice, the one who trained them.

"Yes, Corporal!" the soldiers responded in unison.

Ari listened to their exchange but remained silent. While it was true that the route was supposed to be safe, nothing in this world was ever truly predictable. The fact that the queen herself had left the safety of the colony meant the situation was dire.

After a long march, the convoy reached an elevated clearing where Queen Celeste finally addressed them. "We are facing a crisis," she announced, her regal voice carrying across the gathered soldiers. "Though we have located several food supplies, transporting them all back to the colony before winter sets in will be impossible. Our current resources are insufficient to sustain us through the cold season."

One of the elder ants, an advisor to the queen, stepped forward. "Then what is our next course of action, Your Majesty? Winter is drawing near, and we have little time."

"We need a solution—and quickly," Celeste said firmly. "That is why I have decided to contact our allied nation, Queen Helena's colony."

A murmur rippled through the ranks. While the treaty with Helena's colony was still standing, requesting aid from another colony always carried risks. Alliances were fickle in the world of ants.

Despite opposition from the council of elders, Queen Celeste had made her decision. She had handpicked her escorts, ensuring both experience and fresh recruits would accompany her. Meanwhile, back at their colony, defenses had been entrusted to lieutenant Brooks and the remaining officers. The now fully recovered Commander Seth was left in charge, a reassuring presence in case of a raid.

Ari exhaled softly. That was a wise decision. Seth was a formidable leader—strong, disciplined, and experienced. The colony was in good hands.

After an exhausting journey, they finally arrived at the borders of Queen Helena's colony. A squad of military ants, led by Commander Ruth, was already waiting for them.

"Welcome. We've been expecting you," Ruth said as they approached.

Commander Anastasia nodded. "Thanks for making the arrangements, Ruth. We appreciate it."

"These arrangements are for the survival of both our colonies," Ruth replied. "Come with us."

As they entered, Ari noticed the change in atmosphere. The worker ants and military ants of Helena's colony stared at them with a mixture of suspicion and wariness. Isla shrank slightly under their gaze.

"Are you sure these ants are our allies?" she whispered nervously.

Queen Celeste, sensing the tension, ordered the recruits to wait outside. Only the ranked officers followed Ruth into the main chamber, where Helena awaited.

The chamber was grand yet pragmatic, designed for efficiency rather than luxury. At the center, seated upon a raised platform, was Queen Helena. She was a striking figure, exuding authority and wisdom. Beside her stood General Ivan, her second-in-command.

Helena offered a polite smile. "It's nice to finally meet you in person, Queen Celeste."

Celeste returned the gesture. "Likewise. It's been years since I last set foot outside my colony, but I must admit—it's refreshing."

Ivan's gaze settled on Anastasia. A flicker of recognition passed between them.

"I see you're doing well," Anastasia remarked coolly. "All thanks to our treaty, I assume."

Ivan scoffed. "Don't fool yourself. You only caught me off guard in our last battle."

"In war, there is no such thing as 'off guard,'" Anastasia shot back. "Victory belongs to those who fight with strategy."

Ivan grunted, conceding the point.

Then, his gaze shifted to Ari. His expression hardened.

So this is the one who changed the tide of battle… Ivan thought. That strange, quick-footed ant with an unnatural ability to move unpredictably. The one who restrained me before I could react.

Ari met his stare without flinching.

Ivan narrowed his eyes. I'll have to keep an eye on this one.

Helena clapped her mandibles together, signaling the start of the meeting. "Now that we're all here, let us begin negotiations."

The chamber fell silent as the weight of the discussion ahead settled upon them. The future of both colonies depended on what was about to be decided.

And Ari, ever the outsider, couldn't shake the feeling that this was just the beginning of something much bigger than himself.