That "evil" was already starting before Erio and Alicia received their Gifts.
Countless ants squirmed in underground. There a transparent silhouette was
floating.
That silhouette was like a ghost. Its body jerked in surprise inside the nest
before it airily approached a particularly large shadow. And then it finally
found a promising specimen and a corner of its lips rose.
──You have the aptitude. But it will take you dozens of years to reach our
level at this rate ──I'll give you power and knowledge, and also a special
intelligence
──Good girl. Looks like I won't even need to spend too much energy and
visit this den often, you'll be able to grow on your own like that ──You're
going to forget about me immediately anyway but, grow well and do your
best to exhaust this country okay?
The silhouette said that to the master of the den who was transformed by
immense power.
The transparent shadow left behind a smile that was filled with malice and
quietly vanished from the den.