God Ash: Remnants of the fallen.

Chapter 810 - 810: Evolution (2).

"Forgive me if the refreshments aren't suitable for your human palates. I try to be observant, but you humans seem to enjoy so many things, it is hard to pin down the common denominators."

Cain raised a brow, "Observant?"

Anathe chuckled lightly, the thin antenna jutting from her head moving slowly.

"In any case, how is it?"

Cain looked down at the platter of assorted fruits and mutant beast meat laid down before him.

Since he had no interest in eating raw mutant beast meat, he decided to focus on the fruits instead.

They were of different shapes, colors and sizes, some as small as berries, with the largest a bit bigger than an outstretched palm.

Picking one up, he brought it to his nose.

'Smells pleasant enough.'

Without hesitation, he sank his teeth into it.

A colorful burst of flavors filled his mouth.

"Delicious."

Anathe smiled,

"I'm glad you liked it."

Cain turned to see Steve muttering to himself as he dug into a fruit as well,

"Interesting. How wonderful..."

Cain grimaced,

'He's lost all his composure.'

He turned back to the Ant Queen. Something about her made them drop their guard around her.

He wasn't sure if it was her pleasant demeanor or warm smile.

He had to remind himself over and over again that she was a mutant creature.

'The only way to fully trust one is a [Body and Soul] contract.'

Although she had shown no hostility so far, he still wasn't buying just yet.

"So, do you have something in particular you want to chat about, Cain?" Anathe asked.

Cain was silent for a moment.

Swallowing a mouthful of juicy fruit, he wiped his mouth clean, then spoke,

"I have a lot of things, really. For starters, I am surprised by the rate at which you and your kin are evolving. To me as a human, it is rather... concerning."

Anathe's smile died down a bit.

She was silent for a moment, then she sighed,

"I can see how that may be a bother. After all, to you, once upon a time, we were nothing more than mindless insects you crushed under your boots. Things of no significance, and therefore, no consequence."

Cain's lips twitched. He wanted to say something, but realized there was nothing he could.

After all, what she said was true.

Ants had been objects of study for as long as humans had been.

Their anatomies, their marvelous physiques, the variety of their species, their impact on the environment, their methods of procreation...

Everything about them was a fascinating re

Cain suddenly felt nervous,

"I need your fighters, your warriors. A lot of them too."

Both remained silent for a while.

Then Anathe spoke again,

"Why should I offer you aid?"

Cain already had an answer prepared,

"Because of you don't, they'll come for you next?"

Anathe shook her head,

"Don't lie to me, Cain. I have eyes everywhere. Plus, it is not that difficult for me to tell when you lie. Wherever those Devils are is quite a bit far from this place. They won't come here anytime soon."

Cain shook his head,

"You don't get it, do you? You might be safe for now, but that might not be the case a year or two down the line. If you think you are growing fast, I assure you that very soon, the Devils will have outgrown and our classed all of us. Humans and mutant beasts alike."

Cain's eyes narrowed as he continued,

"If you help us now, we can start building a foundation. We will know that the Devil's are not unbeatable, and they can be quelled. I don't have to tell you this as I assume you already know, but in a few years from now, maybe even sooner, we will have a Devil crisis— no, a Devil epidemic on our hands. One far worse than this. At first, I thought it was a war we humans would have to fight alone, but your existence, and the existence of beasts like you has proven to me that it might not have to be this way..."

Silence...

The Chamber was silent once Cain was done.

Anathe remained still, staring at him with a vacant smile.

Cain let out a deep breath he had been unconsciously holding them turned to Steve who had been quietly listening in on their conversation.

"Do you have any other questions to ask, Cain?"

Cain frowned.

He had a bad feeling.

"No. No, that's all."

Anathe smiled. Although this time, her smile wasn't as bright or genuine as before,

"If that's the case, then you can see yourself out."

Cain's frown turned into a grimace,

"You..."

Anathe's smile disappeared completely, leaving a beautiful, yet frigid expression behind,

"I am saying I refuse to give you any aid, Cain."