Chapter

"Eat, eat, my workers," Gerhan murmured with satisfaction, observing the larvae gnawing on small chunks of meat. Their wriggling, translucent forms were still fragile, but every bite brought them closer to becoming strong, useful members of the colony.

Gerhan had learned an important lesson about survival in the wild: ants were nearly invisible to most larger creatures, but they were not immune to predators that hunted small insects. Moving through well-covered paths was now essential for the colony's safety.

The colony was growing steadily. It now boasted four fully grown workers, one nearly matured white worker, four pupae, five larvae, and a growing pile of eggs. The burrow was becoming a bustling hive of activity, and Gerhan felt a flicker of pride as he watched his careful efforts bear fruit.

With the four active workers, Gerhan commanded another expedition to the wolf carcass. This time, all four ants ventured out, moving swiftly but cautiously. Their goal was simple: bring back as many small chunks of meat as possible. The wolf carcass had proven to be an abundant resource, and Gerhan was determined to milk it for all it was worth.

"If this keeps up, I'll make this colony the largest in the forest," Gerhan thought confidently.

One of the workers was assigned a different task upon returning: digging. Gerhan had no intention of toiling himself—he was the queen, after all. The worker dutifully began expanding the tunnels under his supervision.

Over the next three days, the burrow transformed. The workers tirelessly tunneled, creating three distinct rooms:

1. The Queen's Chamber – Positioned close to the surface for now, it allowed Gerhan to remain near the entrance for efficiency. This room was small but comfortable, providing a space for Gerhan to rest and oversee the colony.

2. The Storage Room – A slightly larger chamber designed to hold the growing stockpile of food. The wolf meat chunks were neatly arranged here, ready to nourish the colony during leaner times.

3. The Egg Chamber – A carefully maintained room where the precious eggs were stored. Connected directly to the main tunnel for quick access, it ensured the safety of the next generation.

The main tunnel, which connected all three rooms, served as a multipurpose space. For now, it was used to temporarily store food, house the larvae and pupae, and allow the workers to pass through quickly.

As the days passed, the new white workers began to darken, their exoskeletons hardening as they matured. Soon, they would be fully grown, ready to take their place as the colony's workforce. Meanwhile, the pupae neared hatching, promising even more additions to Gerhan's growing empire.

The rhythm of the colony's life brought a strange sense of satisfaction to Gerhan. Each day was a step closer to survival, and with survival came power. "Soon," he thought, "this will be more than just a colony. It will be a kingdom."