RinoZ
Unless the author plans on ending the story with Anthony becoming an ancient as the rending happens, I dont see mana getting to the level needed for ancients to be able to reach the surface. If it does happen, at Anthony's current pace the chance that he would able to match one of them is 0. The best solution would probably be for the Colony to move to the surface and hideout somewhere where the ancients cant find them. Actually I dont remember if there were civilizations that survived the rending, if the ancients were able to wipe out all major civilizations while still obviously leaving some sentient life, then the colony might be F'ed. Regardless of where they hide.
So for the Colony to survive the Rending or at least have chance to do so, they have to build a civilization on par with the old races and perhaps better not that we ever doubt that, they can if given time. The bigger variable is Anthony, can he grow stronger at least as strong as to compete with on the same ground as the Ancients? We'll be the witness and see how the story of the Ant Progenitor, the Eldest, the Great One, Anthony, will unfold... *cue music*
well, at the moment it's true but given time Colony has many more advantageous position to survive than other races before them, 1.No infights 2.God level cooperation 3. they are selfless to the boot, it's almost selfish ! 4. they don't stop to improve. 5. They are many and will be more in the future! they need time .