"Charge!!!"
The command thundered through the tunnels, and the Juggernauts surged as one. Their massive frames crashed forward, shields activated like a wall of stone and fury. The impact was devastating. Shields splintered into shards, stabbing deep into soft chitin as the crickets were hurled backward. Their screams tore through the chamber as they slammed against the tunnel walls, bodies twitching, blood splattering across the stone.
Then silence fell.
Dust drifted from the ceiling, glowing spores scattering through the dim air. Behind the Juggernauts, Adam stepped forward. His massive form towered over the scene, his eyes unblinking, devoid of any life or mercy.
The broken crickets stirred weakly, their breaths ragged. Slowly, they forced their eyes open and saw the giant ant looming over them.
Adam's voice cut like a blade.
"Where did you come from?"
One of the crickets sneered, defiance still burning in its gaze. It spat at the ground in front of him.
"I'll never tell yo—"
In a blink, Adam's mandibles scythed down. The cricket's head toppled to the floor, rolling once before coming to rest in the dirt. The thud echoed through the chamber like a warning bell.
The second cricket froze, its limbs quivering in terror.
Adam repeated, quieter this time.
"Where did you come from?"
The cricket shook its head, trembling.
"Does it matter? … you'll kill me all the same."
Adam struck without hesitation. His mandible snapped forward, severing one of the creature's arms in a spray of ichor.
The cricket shrieked in agony, writhing against the stone. Adam leaned close, his voice low and sharp.
"You see, your friend got off quite lucky. You? Not so much. If you tell me what I want to know, I'll let you live. Or at the very least… I'll grant you a painless one."
Terror broke the cricket's will. Its words tumbled out in a panicked rush:
"Th-The Kri'nar Tribe!"
Adam's gaze narrowed.
"Do you have a leader?"
The cricket stammered.
"Chief Krawyath… he rules us all."
Adam's mandibles clicked softly, considering.
"Why are you in these tunnels?"
The cricket shook violently, ichor dripping from its wounds.
"W-We don't know! We are just merely scouts, nothing more! Please… please let me go."
Adam straightened, his shadow casting over the trembling creature.
"Fine. You may leave."
The cricket blinked in disbelief.
"Huh? R-Really?"
Adam's eyes glinted, a silent warning. His gaze alone suggested the creature would never get another chance.
Terrified, the cricket scrambled to its feet, stumbling before scurrying into the tunnels, its uneven steps echoing until they faded.
Adam turned. His eyes fell upon Pellin and Tikk.
"You two did well. I am proud of you both. Pellin. You guided them here. That was the right choice. You trusted your instincts, and that saved lives."
Pellin trembled, antennae pressed low in gratitude as Mira and the healers hurried to tend his wounds.
Tikk chirred softly, pride and relief mingling in his voice as he leaned against his brother.
Adam's gaze shifted again — this time to the rear, where Brill and Skitt stood at attention, silent and expectant.
"Brill. Skitt. I have a special task for you."
Both ants straightened instantly, their antennae sharp with focus. Their eyes gleamed with anticipation, faces beaming with the weight of opportunity.
The chamber was still, the silence broken only by the distant echo of the fleeing cricket.