The immense doors of the Grand Hall groaned shut, sealing Antares within the cavernous space with the assembled authority of the entire tribe. The heat from the great brass braziers was stifling, yet the air was charged with a tension colder than stone.
Antares sat on the Ancestral Throne, letting his presence—and the subtle, confident energy from the Helios' Grip—settle over the assembly. In the foreground, nearest the throne, stood the four clan chiefs: the leaders of the two original Main Clans, Yajin Ashfang and Lord Velas, alongside the leaders of the influential Lesser Clans, Lord Kael and Lady Sira. Behind them, filling the vast hall, were dozens of Antmen: respected elders, powerful family leaders, and key military commanders like Yanrid, all waiting to witness the first act of their recovered King.
Antares finally broke the silence, his voice resonating with authority that surprised even himself.
"Welcome, esteemed leaders," Antares began, leaning forward.
"I am Antares Antis, son of King Alexis. I am the Ant King, Restored. Five years of silence ends today. You did your duty: keeping the tribe alive while I slept. For that, I thank you."
His eyes swept over the group, resting for a moment on the hulking, red-skinned figure of Yajin Ashfang.
"My father, Alexis, died protecting this tribe. Your efforts—your dedication to the tribe's survival during my absence—have kept his memory, and this kingdom, alive. For that service, I thank you."
A murmur went through the chamber. This was not the hostile confrontation they expected, but an act of grace and political recognition.
Antares's posture hardened, his voice gaining the sharp, political edge of the absolute ruler.
"However, tradition, when left unchallenged, suffocates progress. The Ant Tribe faces greater threats and greater opportunities than ever before. We require a political structure that not only recognizes traditional power, but also rewards merit and essential function."
He fixed his gaze first on Lord Kael of the Tharvok Clan, the shorter, bronze-skinned craftsman.
"The Tharvok Clan—the Loyal Craftsmen. Though categorized as a Lesser Clan, your essential duty to the tribe—encompassing the production of tools and armor, the maintenance of our roads and buildings, and your control over the essential industrial capability—is indispensable. Your impact on our strength transcends the label of 'minor clan.'"
Antares raised his hand, the gesture profound and definitive.
"Therefore, by my authority, I hereby promote the Tharvok Clan from a Lesser Clan to a Main Clan of the Ant Tribe. Your wisdom and industry are now recognized as a permanent foundation of this kingdom."
Lord Kael's bronze skin seemed to flush darker with pure, unadulterated shock and joy. He immediately dropped to one knee, his thick body shaking with emotion.
"My King, the Tharvok Clan is eternally grateful for this recognition of our Industry! We pledge our forges and our loyalty to the throne!"
Antares then turned his attention to Lady Sira of the Serthyn Clan, the tall, slender manager of resources.
"Lady Sira, the Serthyn Clan—the Resource Managers. Your meticulous management, your understanding of key flow and sustainability, have ensured that chaos never overtook our stores. Your discipline is the lifeline of this tribe."
"Therefore, I also promote the Serthyn Clan from a Lesser Clan to a Main Clan of the Ant Tribe. Your Order and stability are now officially recognized as the fourth essential pillar supporting this throne."
Lady Sira executed a low, graceful bow that conveyed deep, principled respect. "The Serthyn Clan accepts this great honor, Your Majesty, and reaffirms its commitment to the King's rule."
The sudden elevation of the two Lesser Clans sent a powerful message: Antares was here to reward the productive, not just the powerful. The kingdom now officially had Four Main Clans: Ashfang, Arcanis, Tharvok, and Serthyn.
"The time for ceremony is over," Antares announced, the words ringing with finality. "I have now established a clear line of command with Four Main Pillars. But a King cannot lead effectively from the throne without comprehensive, unvarnished truth."
He looked directly at the four Main Clan leaders.
"I have recovered, but the tribe has not. I require an immediate, detailed report on the most critical, pressing issues facing each of your domains. Do not tell me what you think I want to hear. Tell me what is genuinely broken."