Queen Celeste's voice rang out once more, firm and resonant.
"Lance Corporal Ari, please step forward."
Ari froze.
That's me.
"Finally! The ant of the hour. Go get 'em, Ari!" Lily cheered excitedly.
His legs moved before his mind caught up, carrying him slowly toward the platform. Every step felt heavy—not with dread, but with the weight of everything that had happened since he arrived in this world, all of it leading to this moment.
He bowed low before the Queen, offering a gesture of deep respect.
"Ari," Queen Celeste began, her voice calm but resolute. "Do you remember? You were once a prisoner of our colony. And yet, it was your actions that saved us all from Vladimir's schemes. While still a prisoner—with no obligation to help us—you crafted a strategic plan to counter Helena's invasion, a plan that led us to victory. From that moment forward, you became part of this colony."
She paused briefly, then continued.
"Through your achievements, you went on to establish a peace treaty with Queen Helena's colony—something once thought impossible. You led the assault on the termite colony, locating their nest and using strategy to destroy it with minimal casualties on our end. You even innovated the idea of wheeled containers for winter collection, significantly increasing the speed and volume of supplies gathered. And when those supplies were threatened by flies, you stood and defended them."
She stepped forward, her voice carrying the weight of history.
"And all of that… was before the major events at Hopper's fortress."
A murmur spread through the crowd.
"Hopper was a tyrant," the Queen said, her expression darkening. "For a decade, he kept our colony on a leash. No one dared oppose him—not because of fear alone, but because of his overwhelming strength. But you, Ari… you were only a Lance Corporal when you stood against him to protect the Princess."
She looked at him with quiet intensity.
"Yes, you were defeated. And yes, your actions led to complications. But your courage in the face of that fiend sparked something in my soldiers—a light we thought had gone out."
She took a breath, her voice softening.
"Despite everything, you left the colony alone—willing to sacrifice your life to save the Princess. You knew that even if we fulfilled Hopper's demand for food, there was no guarantee she'd be returned."
"You didn't let fear control you. Instead, you inspired us. Your bravery pushed our soldiers to act. Your leadership and diplomacy brought us allies. the treaty you created united our colonies against Hopper."
The Queen's voice swelled with pride.
"And on the battlefield, you defeated Sly—the speed monster, one of Hopper's most feared generals. You fought alongside Anastasia herself in the final confrontation, bringing the tyrant down once and for all."
There was silence. Heavy. Reverent.
"Words cannot express how grateful I am that I made the decision to accept you into our colony. You didn't just rescue Princess Tanya. You didn't just save us. You helped shape the future we now walk toward."
She raised her hand high.
"So, with all your accomplishments—both before and during the war—I hereby bestow upon you the title of Lieutenant Ari."
The entire crowd gasped, stunned.
Then, like a wave crashing through the amphitheater, thunderous cheers erupted.
"Lieutenant?!" Rory exclaimed, visibly shocked. "You mean… he jumped three ranks?!"
"So much for your rivalry with him," Isla teased. "There's no way you're catching up now. But… if anyone deserves that rank—it's Ari. He's earned it."
"That's Ari," Beatrice said plainly. "Reckless—but unwavering when it comes to protecting what matters most."
Lieutenant Brooks nodded his head in approval. Having a soldier like Ari reaching this rank is exactly what the colony needs right now.
A warm glow lit up Ari's left arm. He glanced down, watching as the petals of his insignia bloomed—changing from two to five. A sudden surge of energy coursed through him. Strength. Clarity. Power.
"So this is what it feels like… to be a Lieutenant," he muttered under his breath.
"Thank you, Queen Celeste," he said, bowing again.
But the Queen shook her head. "No, Ari. It is I who should thank you. You've saved us all."
The cheers rose again, louder than ever. The soldiers who had fought by his side clapped with pride and respect.
Ari returned to the ranks and stood tall.
"Looks like we'll both be Lieutenants now," Lily said playfully, linking her arm through his. "I look forward to it."
He smiled. "Yeah… I look forward to it too."
Then—another presence approached.
Anastasia.
Her mere arrival sent a chill down Ari's spine. He straightened instinctively.
"Um… this isn't what it looks like," he stammered nervously. "We're totally taking this seriously…"
She stared at him quietly for a long moment. Then spoke.
"Congratulations on your new rank, Ari. I look forward to your aid in the future."
Before he could even respond, she turned and returned to formation.
Ari watched her go, stunned for a moment.
"Looks like Anastasia's impressed with my new rank. I didn't expect that from her" he said to himself, a surprised look on his face.
Queen Celeste raised her hand once more, and the crowd gradually quieted.
"Lieutenant Brooks," she called, her voice steady and commanding. "Please step forward."
A ripple of respectful murmurs swept through the amphitheater as the grizzled veteran marched forward. His steps were firm, purposeful—like a soldier who had walked this path many times before.
He bowed deeply before the Queen.
Celeste looked down at him with a gaze full of reverence.
"Brooks… You have served this colony long before my reign began. Through years of hardship, you have remained our blade and shield—leading soldiers into battles that shaped our survival. You trained our warriors, protected our borders, and never once turned your back on the colony, even when the odds were bleak."
A hush fell over the amphitheater as she continued.
"During the final assault on Hopper's fortress, you stood against General Baracko—one of the most fearsome enemies we have ever known. With unshakable strength, you held him at bay, giving Anastasia the time she needed to strike down Hopper and bring this war to an end."
The crowd listened in awe.
"But your contributions go even further. You were the first among us to speak with Baracko after the battle. And it was through that conversation that we learned of a change in the winds—Baracko, once a fierce enforcer of Hopper's tyranny, declared that the exploitation of our colony for food… would end."
Gasps of astonishment echoed through the chamber.
"For the first time in a decade, we are free. And your actions—your leadership, your discipline, your sacrifices—made that freedom possible."
Queen Celeste lifted her hand high.
"It is long overdue. From this day forward, you are no longer Lieutenant Brooks…"
She smiled softly.
"…you are Commander Brooks."
The crowd exploded into cheers.
Mandibles clashed in salute, the military ants raising their arms high in a thunderous ovation.
Brooks remained silent, but the flicker of emotion in his eyes said everything. As he straightened, a glow shimmered across his left shoulder. His insignia bloomed, petals expanding from five to six, marking his ascension.
He gave the Queen one final bow. "Thank you, my Queen. I will continue to serve—until my final breath."
Celeste nodded, her expression solemn. "And I will continue to trust in you, Commander."
As Brooks returned to the ranks, soldiers on either side clapped him on the back with reverence and respect. Ari watched in awe, his own heart steady with pride.
That man carried the weight of the memories of the entire war's past and present.
As the cheers for Commander Brooks slowly faded, Rory stood still, his gaze locked on the man now returning to formation.
"So Brooks is now a Commander, huh…" Rory muttered under his breath.
He clenched his fist slightly, eyes narrowing with quiet reflection.
"I remember… he once told me the reason he never accepted the promotion back then was because of his son's death. Said he couldn't wear a new rank while carrying the same guilt. That he wanted to face Baracko with the same strength he had when he lost him—back when he was just a Lieutenant."
Rory's voice faded to a whisper as emotion flickered in his chest.
"But now… I see it. He's finally come to terms with his loss. He's accepted it. Moved forward."
He looked down at his own insignia—three petals, still fresh and glowing from his recent promotion.
"…Which means I shouldn't dwell on it either."
A long breath escaped him, steadying his focus.
"I'll keep climbing. Not out of pride… but because that's what it means to be strong."
His fists tightened with new resolve.
"I'll rise—no matter what."
Queen Celeste stepped forward one final time, her gaze sweeping across the amphitheater.
"The last honor of this ceremony," she declared, "is reserved for the one who struck the final blow. The one who ended ten long years of exploitation and fear."
All eyes turned to the platform.
"Commander Anastasia."
A powerful silence fell over the crowd.
Ari stood still, breath caught. Even after everything, Anastasia had barely spoken of the battle that ended Hopper. Yet here she was—recognized by all.
Anastasia stepped forward with quiet grace, her posture unwavering. The applause rose like a wave behind her as she approached the Queen and bowed.
"You deserve a promotion for your deeds," Queen Celeste said. "Your leadership, sacrifice, and victory over Hopper have reshaped our colony's future. However… after careful deliberation with the Elder Council, we have decided not to promote you—yet."
Anastasia lifted her head slightly. "That's understandable," she said with calm resolve. "It's best to fully settle into my current position before taking on more."
Queen Celeste nodded. "Your wisdom only reaffirms what comes next."
She raised her voice so that all could hear.
"Commander Anastasia— You have done something everyone thought was impossible, many tried and failed. defeating Hopper has proven something even greater. That you are worthy of the title: Protector of the Colony."
Gasps echoed across the amphitheater.
Ari's brow furrowed. "Protector of the Colony? What does that mean?"
Beside him, Lily leaned in, voice low but reverent. "It's the highest honor an ant can receive—granted personally by the Queen. The Protector is her right hand. In times of crisis, they wield full authority, acting as her personal weapon… and commander of all armies."
Ari's eyes widened. "So… Anastasia's going to be that?"
Anastasia bowed once more, this time deeper. "I humbly accept this title, my Queen."
At that moment, the flower on her left shoulder began to glow—but not the usual white. It shifted into a vivid crimson red, a color none had ever seen. A silent wave of awe passed through the crowd before it erupted into thunderous cheers.
Queen Celeste gazed at Anastasia with deep pride.
"You are the second in your generation to hold this honor," she said softly. "Your father would be proud to see you walking the path he once did."
Anastasia's breath caught. Her eyes flickered with realization.
So… my father held this title too, she thought to herself. Protector of the Colony.
She bowed her head, voice steady with resolve.
"I'll protect this colony for the rest of my life."
Queen Celeste smiled gently, her voice filled with quiet faith.
"I trust that you will."
Anastasia turned, calm and collected, the crimson light of her new title burning bright on her shoulder.
As she returned to formation, her gaze dipped for just a second—toward the ground, toward a memory.
That day tears welled in her eyes.
"Why can't I come with you? Why?" she had pleaded, her voice trembling.
Captain Terrence chuckled gently and knelt down, patting her head with a warm hand.
"Well, that's because you're still far too young. But when you get older, you'll grow into a very strong military ant one day," he said with a soft smile.
Her throat had tightened.
"But… what if I don't? What if I'm not strong enough like you are?"
He shook his head, his eyes full of quiet certainty.
"I'm not worried about that. You've got the spirit, Ana. With time and grit, you'll become something great. I believe in your strength."
She wiped her tears away, heart already firming with resolve.
"I'll be the strongest military ant one day. I won't let you down."
And now—here she was. The Protector of the Colony.
I kept my promise, Father.
She straightened her back as the cheers echoed around her, the crimson glow on her shoulder pulsing like a heartbeat. Her expression remained composed and unshaken.
But in her chest, a quiet warmth flickered—more powerful than any rank or title.
Queen Celeste raised her hands once more.
"Let this ceremony mark the dawn of a new era. To every soldier who fought, to everyone in this colony who endured, and to those we've lost—today, we remember your sacrifice. And we honor your legacy."
The amphitheater roared. Mandibles clashed in salute. The ceremony had ended—but its weight would linger forever.
The celebration began to wind down, with soldiers dispersing into the tunnels, buzzing with pride and laughter. Ari stood near the edge of the amphitheater with Rory and Isla, the glow of bioluminescent moss still shining overhead.
Rory glanced over at Ari with a skeptical look. "Hey… is it true you beat General Sly by yourself?"
Ari blinked. "What?"
"You heard me," Rory said. "General Sly. The speed monster. Everyone's been saying you've defeated him alone."
Ari scratched the back of his neck. "Well… it wasn't exactly an easy fight."
Isla cut in before he could downplay it further. "I saw it with my own two eyes," she said, her voice clear and firm. "He took Sly down, fair and square."
Rory raised an eyebrow. "Seriously?"
"Seriously," Isla nodded. "It was just… this blur of movement, and then Sly was on the ground. I've never seen Ari move like that before."
Ari glanced away, modest. "I just did what I had to."
Before Rory could press further, a new voice joined them.
"Impressive."
They turned to see a soldier approaching—someone unfamiliar, yet clearly confident. He stood taller than most, lean but strong, with sharp, alert eyes. The flower on his left shoulder glowed faintly—four white petals.
A Sergeant.
"You're Ari, right? The one who just got promoted to Lieutenant?"
Ari nodded. "Yeah… that's me."
"Sergeant Darren," he said, clasping Ari's hand with just a little too much pressure. "I've heard all about you."
Ari looked him in the face however, Darren's smile didn't quite reach his eyes which made Ari uneasy.