The Eccentric Entomologist is Now a Queen's Consort

"Rodion, give me a full report on the chimera ants' current status."

There was a moment of silence, then the familiar voice of Rodion echoed in his mind, calm and clear as always.

Mikhailis's glasses lit up, dozens of tabs flickering open, revealing a complex web of information. A game board-like display spread out before his eyes, filled with tiny icons representing the chimera queen, the worker ants, soldiers, and the various chambers of the nest. He scanned it quickly, his eyes darting from one detail to the next.

"Alright, let's get to the important stuff," he whispered, barely audible. The AI continued.

<The Slime Nurturing Chamber has shown significant progress. The chimera ants have begun experimentation on the slime and have even harvested some parts. The nurturing of the giant slime, combined with the hypnotism applied to both the captured monsters and syndicate members, has proved highly effective.

The hypnotic state has reached a level where the subjects are no longer capable of resisting—complete subservience has been achieved.>

Mikhailis's eyebrows raised slightly. So even the big slime—as stubborn as it was—was now entirely under control. Not just the slime, but the captured monsters and the syndicate members. They all stared blankly now, nothing but empty shells ready to be used.

<The syndicate members have ceased resisting entirely, and the monsters have become docile. The Queen's influence, amplified by Hypnoveil, has deepened their obedience. The hypnotic effect has allowed us to freely utilize these resources without requiring significant direct oversight.>

A grin slowly spread across his face. It was almost too easy. These people who once fought so fiercely now stared blankly, unable to resist even the simplest of commands.

"This could solve our food problem for the time being, couldn't it?" he asked, keeping his voice low.

<Affirmative. The existence of the slime and the syndicate members provides enough calories and proteins to sustain the colony for an extended period. And the slime's composition makes it easier for the ants to form it into lipid. The current food resources are enough to procure sustenance until a more sustainable nurturing method for the slime is found for about at least a month.>

Rodion's tone was always clinical, even when talking about something as grim as turning people into food for the ants. Mikhailis let out a soft sigh, his fingers absently stroking Lira's hair as he continued to listen.

<Moreover, the consumption of intelligent beings such as the syndicate members has the potential to increase the overall intelligence of the colony. There are no immediate effects, but the Queen's adaptation could lead to significant advancements in cognitive abilities among her progeny.>

Mikhailis's eyes glimmered in the dim room, intrigued.

Increase the ants' intelligence, huh?

He pictured it in his mind—an entire nest of smart ants, thinking and strategizing. That was an exciting prospect.

"Guess we've got ourselves a steady supply of brain food," he muttered, smirking to himself.

"Keep going."

<The Queen has laid an additional 100 eggs. Her current rate of laying eggs is accelerating. She seems to have the intention of expanding the nest even further, possibly considering the creation of a secondary nest site at a location further away from the main nest.>

Mikhailis frowned slightly, his eyes narrowing.

"You remember what I've told you about expanding, right, Rodion?"

<Affirmative. As instructed, the expansion will not involve the Elder Tree. The Elder Tree, being of divine importance to Silvarion Thalor, remains untouched. The expansion will continue solely underground and away from sacred areas.>

Mikhailis nodded, his eyes softening a bit. The Elder Tree—the heart of Silvarion, worshipped and respected by all. Even he wouldn't desecrate something that meant so much to Elowen. The Queen could dig her tunnels as much as she wanted, but that tree was off-limits.

"Good. Just keep digging through the dirt. There's plenty of room underground without going near that tree."

<Understood. Moving on to the inventory of obtained magical items. The chimera ants are uncertain as to how to fully utilize these objects. Consumption of the magical components is one option, but there is also the potential to decipher their uses. With the increased intelligence of the colony, there is a theoretical possibility of them learning to develop prototypes based on the items.>

Mikhailis raised an eyebrow. The ants were trying to make their own devices?

He found that amusing. They were scavengers, sure, but inventors? That was new.

<As a matter of fact, they have already begun construction on a new chamber. They are installing the alchemy tools retrieved from the syndicate. It seems that the ants are experimenting with potion-making. Given their scavenging ability and proximity to the forest, it is likely they will be able to gather sufficient herbs and ingredients to sustain such an operation.>

Mikhailis couldn't help but grin, his eyes glinting with excitement as he imagined the ants bustling around in a little underground laboratory, mixing potions like tiny chemists. It was an amusing thought, but also one filled with potential. If they could brew their own potions, that would be a huge step forward.

"Now that's what I like to hear," he whispered.

"We're making progress, Rodion. Actual, solid progress."

<Indeed. Their resourcefulness is commendable, albeit rudimentary at this stage. It will take considerable time to see meaningful results. However, the foundational work is promising.>

Mikhailis chuckled, his eyes still fixed on the display in front of him. It was funny, in a way—he was watching ants create a civilization. There was something surreal about it, and yet it made him feel strangely proud.

"I think I'm getting too caught up in this," he said, his voice taking on a more serious tone.

"It's easy to get lost in it all, to forget the risks."

There was a pause, and then Rodion spoke again, his voice still calm.

<The risk taken during the syndicate operation was indeed significant. It was fortunate that only ten worker ants were lost, given the circumstances. A less favorable outcome could have resulted in greater losses or even exposure.>

Mikhailis sighed, nodding slowly.

He had been lucky—too lucky, perhaps.

He could have easily lost more, or worse, not brought anything back at all. It had been a dangerous gamble, and it could have gone horribly wrong.

"Yeah. Luck's not something I want to rely on," he said quietly.

"I don't want to take risks like that again, not if I can help it."

<That would be advisable. Fortunately, the operation was carried out with sufficient discretion to ensure that your involvement remains unknown. However, repeated actions of similar nature will increase the probability of exposure.>

Mikhailis leaned his head back, his gaze fixed on the ceiling.

"I just wanted to be useful," he said, his voice barely a whisper.

"I wanted to help ease Elowen's burden, to take care of the things she can't reach. But maybe… maybe I was too impatient."

Rodion remained silent for a moment, then spoke again.

<Your intentions are understood. However, caution and patience will yield better results in the long term.>

Mikhailis nodded, then a thought struck him.

"You know what? Maybe controlling humans is too much trouble," he said, a grin forming on his lips.

"But goblins? Goblins could be useful. We could create a satellite nest, and let the Queen have her own goblin underlings. They're small, sneaky, and they could do things the ants can't."

There was a pause, then Rodion responded, his voice carrying a hint of what almost sounded like a sigh.

<That is… actually a sound idea. Establishing a satellite nest with goblin subordinates could provide tactical advantages. It is a plausible strategy. Additionally, further exploration into the forest could yield more resources, although continued observation of the capital remains beneficial, especially considering the syndicate's connection with the Technomancer League.>

Mikhailis's grin widened.

"Exactly. We've learned a lot already—the syndicates, the Technomancers, all those connections. It's information that could help the kingdom. And maybe… just maybe, we'll use it to make a real difference."

<Agreed. However, for now, it is advisable that you rest. No matter how exciting the developments have been, you still require adequate sleep.>

Mikhailis sighed, rolling his eyes.

"Alright, alright. I get it. Time to shut down for the night."

One by one, the tabs on his glasses closed, the glowing displays vanishing until only darkness remained. He reached up, carefully adjusting his position without waking Lira, his arm wrapped around her protectively.

As he shifted, something caught his eye. His gaze flickered to his left, and his eyes widened slightly in surprise.

There, curled up on his other side, was Serelith, her face serene as she rested against his shoulder. He blinked, taken aback for a moment.

Just when did this girl get in here and hop on the bed…?

He let out a soft sigh, shaking his head. Of course, she'd slipped in without him noticing. Typical Serelith—always sneaking around, doing as she pleased.

Mikhailis glanced at both women, one on each side of him, and couldn't help the small smile that formed on his lips.

Guess tonight's going to be a little more crowded than I thought.

___

<Lots of updates!>

[Chimera Ant Queen & Colony Status:

Current State: Successfully evolved to [Viscount] Rank with shadow-based abilities and hypnotic abilities; increased size to that of a large dog with a small plant appearing on its back.

Potential Abilities: Greater telepathic influence, shadow magic, hypnotic abilities, size manipulation for select colony members.

Current Focus: Expanding the nest and preparing for the next phase of development.

[Colony Units]:

Worker Ants: 340 (Size: Default Cat Form; capable of shrinking to Spider Form; responsible for nest expansion, tending to eggs, resource gathering)

Soldier Ants: 120 (Size: Viscount Rank; Defense and Combat, heavily armored)

Frog Variant Soldier: 1 (Size: Viscount Rank; Amphibious, improved jumping capabilities, and combat)

Scurabons: 4 (Size: Viscount Rank; Hybrid units, durable and agile for versatile roles)

Hypnoveil Variant: 1 (Possesses hypnotic abilities; used for covert influence and control).

Fire Scarabs: 43 (Size: Baron Rank; Fire-light, sentry duty, combat support)

Scarab Units: 200 (Auxiliary defense, secondary nutrient source)

Eggs in Hatchery:

- Regular Eggs: 150 (Mixture of worker, soldier, and new variants).

- Special Egg: 1 (One meter tall; origin linked to Technomancer nutrients)

[Nest Status]:

Location: Expanding underground beneath Silvarion Thalor's castleNôv(el)B\\jnn

Key Sections:

- Hatchery Chamber: Holds developing eggs, tended by worker ants.

- Agricultural Chamber: Producing crops—Nightshade Mushrooms, Glowcap Fungus, Ironvine Root.

- Food Storage:

Current Supply:

1. Technomancer Remains: 3 bodies remaining (high nutrient value)

2. Magic Herbs: Moderate supply, used for nourishment and growth enhancement

3. Captured Prey: Small animals captured periodically (low but replenishable), Direwolves, Treant, Hexapedal Shadow Serpent for resources

4. Luminous Scarabs: Partially assimilated, serving as both food and magical units

- Scarabs' Containment Area: Holds subdued scarabs under the queen's control, integrated as part of the colony.

- Hatchling Chamber: Designated for new eggs. Under construction.

- Defense Chambers: Surrounding queen's location for protection.

- Queen's Chamber: Centrally located, highly fortified.

- Slime Nurturing Chamber: Dedicated to nurturing the giant slime.

- Food Storage Chamber: Stocked with recent Technomancer captives, Direwolves corpses, Treant corpse, and Hexapedal Shadow Serpent corpse, 28 syndicate captives (ready for consumption), Captured Monsters: Flaming Salamander, Stone Drake, Storm Hawk, Shadow Wraith, Ice Bear.

- Worker's Chamber: Rest area for workers, located near tunnel exits.

- Soldier's Chamber: Rest area for soldiers, positioned closer to the surface for quick deployment.

- Resource Chamber: Stores harvested materials (chitin, metal scraps).

[Special Projects]:

- Queen's Evolution: Complete; Queen reached Viscount rank

- Expansion: Rapid growth continues

- Variant Development: Scurabons fully matured, ready for action

- Mysterious Egg: Awaiting further development, linked to unknown power

[Recent Developments]:

- Collective Evolution: All colony members experienced size and rank upgrades

- New Units: Scurabons and upgraded soldiers and workers ready for deployment Size Manipulation: Select units can alter their size for tactical versatility

- Queen's Ascension: Evolved to [Viscount] Rank, granting new power and increased influence over the colony

- Talisman Appearance: Unknown origin; linked to Mikhailis and potentially related to the queen.

Magical Items Obtained from Syndicate:

Enchanted Weapons: 5 types.

Magical Amulets: 3 types.

Potions: 12 (Various effects).

Rare Scrolls: 2 (Unidentified origin).

Alchemy Tools: For making potions.]