The Eccentric Entomologist is Now a Queen's Consort

Mikhailis reclined on the plush sofa, the crackling fireplace casting a warm light across the guest room, and took another sip from his teacup. The aromatic steam rose, blurring his vision momentarily before Rodion's feed projection took over his attention. The Chimera Ant soldiers' segmented vision filled his glasses, following the retreating goblins through the forest. His eyes narrowed slightly.

These goblins are being weirdly calculated. Something's off.

But before he could delve deeper into what was off, Mikhailis set the concern aside and turned his attention back to his AI assistant.

"Rodion, give me the full report on the nest," he instructed, taking another sip of his tea.

"Let's start with the most interesting developments."

<Understood. Beginning with the chambers adjacent to the food storage. West of the food chamber, we have the Slime Nurturing Chamber. Current size: approximately one-fourth of the food chamber's dimensions. This chamber contains four giant slimes, which are continually harvested for resources by twenty Chimera Ant Workers. However, their growth has led to reduced efficacy of hypnosis—they're currently only partially hypnotized, making constant supervision necessary.>

Mikhailis blinked, curiosity piqued.

"Wait, they aren't fully hypnotized anymore? How are the ants managing them?"

<The Chimera Ants have adapted. They developed an 'excretion chamber' above the Slime Nurturing Chamber, where they deposit frass, their waste product. Frass consists of undigested plant fibers, fragments of insect exoskeleton, and nutrient-rich materials, serving as a potent natural fertilizer. Insects, like ants, produce frass in significant quantities, and it has high utility within an ecological system.>

Rodion paused as if to let Mikhailis catch up before continuing.

<The slimes consume the frass, which they transform into their own biomass, and also secrete an organic, partially digested matter that can be eaten by the Chimera Ants. This process has enabled the rapid growth of the slimes, maintaining balance. Their resilience and adaptability have proven invaluable.>

Mikhailis whistled softly, eyes glued to the projection.

"That's pretty ingenious. I mean, who knew the ants would basically turn slimes into frass-processing factories?" He set his teacup down, fingers drumming thoughtfully on the armrest.

What's next?

<East of the food chamber lies the Agricultural Chamber. Currently filled with Nightshade Mushrooms and Glowcap Fungus. These two species have proven the fastest to cultivate. Growth cycles have significantly shortened under controlled conditions. As for the Ironvine Root—>

Mikhailis interrupted, raising an eyebrow.

"What about the root?"

<The Ironvine Root has been allowed to spread throughout most tunnels except the food chamber, hatchery, and Queen's chamber. This root absorbs mana residue as sustenance and grows stronger when it has more space to spread. To prevent it from overtaking crucial chambers, twenty Chimera Ant Workers have been tasked with maintaining its boundaries. Additionally, it strengthens tunnel walls with its iron properties, effectively reinforcing structural integrity.>

Rodion paused before adding, almost with a hint of pride.

<The incorporation of the Ironvine Root has created a unique blend of biological and architectural integrity. The tunnels are fortified, making the nest resilient to external threats. The workers meticulously shape the roots to ensure optimal support.>

Mikhailis' eyes widened, awe dancing across his face.

"Wow... I mean, I knew they were industrious, but they're basically becoming architects now." He scratched his head, chuckling softly.

"I swear, these ants are gonna start charging rent soon."

He glanced back at the feed, watching as the workers tended to the roots and guided them along the tunnel walls.

These guys are really something.

As the report shifted to the hatchery, Rodion continued.

<The Hatchery Chamber has expanded. Originally containing 150 eggs, the chamber now holds approximately 850 eggs. Increased food supply from Tanglebeetles, goblins, and other attackers from the surface has provided the Queen with the necessary nutrients to increase egg production. Currently, the food chamber is 75% filled, enough to sustain the nest for 10 months. The Queen's intent seems focused on further expansion, likely to establish a wider presence in the local ecosystem.>

Mikhailis leaned forward, a spark of excitement in his eyes.

"Eight hundred and fifty eggs? She's not messing around, is she?"

<Correct. In addition, the initial 150 eggs are due to hatch soon. Based on nutrient composition and environmental factors, it is highly probable that more specialized variants will emerge among the newly hatched.>

A grin spread across Mikhailis' face.

"Specialized variants, huh? That's what I like to hear. Can't wait to see what kind of creepy crawlies we'll get this time."

<Your enthusiasm is noted, Mikhailis.>

Mikhailis chuckled, his eyes still fixated on the projections. He took a deep breath, steadying his excitement before refocusing.

"Alright, Rodion. Switch back to the live feed from Hypnoveil. I need to see where we are with the goblins."

The view shifted to the dark forest, where Hypnoveil and five Chimera Ant soldiers pursued the retreating goblins. The goblins were still moving cautiously, occasionally glancing back, unaware of their pursuers. Hypnoveil had paused, however, and Mikhailis squinted at the projection.

"What's Hypnoveil doing?" he asked, confused.

Mikhailis sighed, slumping back against the sofa.

"I mean, I get it, even hypnotic bugs need their snack breaks..."

But before he could finish the thought, something began to happen. Hypnoveil's body started to glow—softly at first, a faint bioluminescence radiating from beneath its dark exoskeleton. Mikhailis' eyes widened, the glow intensifying until it was almost blinding, illuminating the dark forest floor.

"Hey, what's happening? Is this some sort of an evolution?"

<Yes. It seems that the Hypnoveil is undergoing an ascension towards a higher monster rank from [Baron] to [Viscount]>

"Wow! I never thought the evolution could be this exciting!" Mikhailis uttered in excitement.

The air seemed to ripple around Hypnoveil, a low humming sound resonating through the forest. Its body, previously stout and rugged, began to transform. The contours became sleeker, more refined, its carapace gaining a glossy, almost metallic sheen. The small plant growing on its back expanded, vines unfurling and extending outward, writhing and twisting as if alive. They grew longer, thicker, draping over Hypnoveil's form like a living cloak. The once modest plant now bore large, vibrant leaves, each one pulsating with a faint blue glow, and tiny, luminescent flowers began to bloom, adding an ethereal beauty to its monstrous form.

The transformation seemed to last forever, and Mikhailis watched, enraptured. He could barely blink as he saw Hypnoveil's newly grown vines twitch, moving as though they had a will of their own—tentacle-like, extending and retracting with an almost predatory grace.

<Transformation complete. Hypnoveil has ascended to [Viscount] rank. Increased physical capabilities detected, with significant augmentation in vine manipulation capabilities. The newly grown vines display heightened flexibility and responsiveness, with the ability to extend up to 20 meters. Initial analysis indicates these vines are capable of independent, coordinated movements, acting almost as supplementary limbs. Additionally, enhanced hypnotic prowess has been confirmed, with increased mental influence range and more intricate manipulation capabilities. The plant on Hypnoveil's back appears to have undergone a secondary growth phase, producing luminescent flowers that may have a synergistic role in its hypnotic powers, possibly amplifying its effects or serving as visual attractants for targets. Further analysis is recommended to determine the full extent of these abilities and how they integrate with Hypnoveil's existing skillset.>

Mikhailis jumped up, a wide grin breaking across his face.

"That's awesome! I knew you had it in you, buddy!"

He was about to continue when he realized something cold was pressed against his palm. He glanced down, his smile fading into confusion as he saw a silver talisman resting in his hand, its surface etched with intricate runes that seemed to shift and shimmer in the firelight.

"What... Is this...?"

He stared at the talisman, his heart pounding in his chest, a strange sense of unease washing over him. The room seemed to grow quieter, the crackling of the fireplace fading into the background as he turned the talisman over, the runes glowing faintly in response to his touch.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

Then.

*Whoosh!!!*

What the hell is going on?

Suddenly, Mikhailis blinked, and the scene around him changed. He no longer felt the warmth of the guest room or heard the comforting crackle of the fireplace. Instead, a damp chill hung in the air, the scent of soil and moss thick around him. He was standing in the middle of a dark, dense forest, and all around him, goblins moved, their hunched forms skulking between the trees. His heart pounded, the eerie glow from their eyes flickering in the dim light as they began to turn towards him.

Mikhailis spun in place, his head whipping around to take in the unfamiliar surroundings. The goblins' guttural whispers grew louder, echoing off the trunks of the twisted trees. The forest floor seemed to shift beneath his feet, roots coiling and uncoiling like serpents, and he felt the panic start to claw at him. He reached out instinctively, but there was nothing to grab onto—only darkness and those glowing eyes, closing in from every direction.

This... This can't be real...

He could almost feel their breath, hear the scrape of their claws against bark as they crept closer, circling him. He clenched his jaw, his instincts screaming for him to move, to run, but his feet felt rooted to the spot. He blinked again, his vision blurring, and for a moment he swore he could feel the ground shifting under him, the entire forest leaning in as if it were alive. His pulse pounded in his ears, the world around him narrowing to a single point—escape.

Then, just as quickly as it had come, the forest disappeared. The warmth of the guest room returned, and he found himself back on the plush sofa, the silver talisman still cold in his hand. His breaths came in sharp gasps, his heart thundering in his chest as he glanced around, his eyes wide with shock.

"What just... Happened...?"