The Eccentric Entomologist is Now a Queen's Consort

Mikhailis shifted his weight carefully, the Skullborne Ravager's massive frame blending into the surrounding forest as he scouted the area near the camp. He felt the ground under his clawed feet, the slight pressure of leaves and branches, and the sensation was exhilarating. Rodion had been feeding him information since they'd begun the search, but it wasn't until now that something solid had come through.

<Residual energy detected. Traces are faint but consistent with a recent presence. Suggest following the coordinates provided,>

Rodion's voice echoed in his mind, as always with that cool, slightly sarcastic undertone.

There we go, Mikhailis thought, his attention narrowing in on the information displayed in his field of vision through the glasses.

The residual energy trail was faint, like the glow of embers after a fire, leading off deeper into the forest.

"On it," Mikhailis murmured, though it was only for himself. The Ravager's heightened senses kicked in, allowing him to easily catch even the smallest movement or sound. He began moving, keeping his steps slow and deliberate, each one silent as he wove between trees and thick brush, using the natural shadows of the woods to his advantage.

The scent was there too—something that wasn't entirely human, something artificial. It felt wrong, in a way that was almost instinctual, like some animal's sixth sense warning it of danger. His eyes adjusted to the moonlit gloom, picking up slight flickers of movement up ahead. There were four of them, each figure moving with an unnatural rigidity.

Mikhailis squinted, noting their erratic swaying, the way their movements didn't seem to match the terrain.

They move like puppets, he thought, a frown tugging at his lips.

<They do not exhibit the same physiological patterns as regular humans,>

Rodion's voice noted, as if reading his thoughts.

Mikhailis pushed through a thicket, his eyes fixed on the figures ahead. Their faces turned slightly, catching a glint of moonlight. Their eyes—if they could be called that—seemed to emit a faint, unnatural glow, and their skin was flawless in a way that seemed almost porcelain-like. It was unsettling, and it took Mikhailis all of his self-control not to shudder.

Before he could close in, one of them turned, catching sight of him. The way it turned—it wasn't startled, but instead methodical, like a camera lens adjusting focus. A beat of silence hung in the air before they reacted. In an instant, they scattered, moving in different directions through the forest.

"Oh no, you don't," Mikhailis muttered under his breath, pushing off from his position. The Skullborne Ravager's powerful muscles propelled him forward, branches cracking underfoot as he launched after the nearest figure. Trees blurred past, the wind howling in his ears as he ran, closing the distance between them.

The figure ahead moved fast, darting between the trees, but Mikhailis could see their movements lacked finesse. There was no fluidity—just raw, calculated speed, almost like an animal on the run, devoid of any true instinct. He leaped over a fallen log, the ground shaking slightly beneath his weight, his focus narrowing as he honed in on his target.

<Approaching target. Remaining distance: twelve meters. Ten. Seven,>

Rodion's voice provided updates, though Mikhailis didn't really need them. He could see the target just fine.

The figure turned sharply, but the Ravager's agility, enhanced by the Variant Frog Soldier, allowed him to pivot just as quickly, keeping up effortlessly. The gap closed rapidly, the figure's erratic movements becoming more desperate as it tried to lose him. It veered left, but Mikhailis anticipated the move, lunging forward and catching the intruder by the arm.

"Got you," he muttered, pulling the figure back, forcing them to face him.

The figure's face remained blank, its eyes still glowing faintly, no expression of fear or panic—just emptiness. Mikhailis felt a chill run down his spine.

Before he could say anything, the figure pulled out something from its robe—a series of small, rectangular talismans. They began to glow with an eerie, pulsating light. Mikhailis's eyes widened.

What the—

The talismans suddenly erupted in a flash, arcs of magic-infused energy shooting out towards him. He raised his arm, the Scurabons' tough shells forming a shield, deflecting the blasts. The energy splintered off, hitting the ground and trees around them. Sparks flew, and the area lit up briefly in an unnatural light.

<Warning. These attacks are not conventional spells. They're infused with both curse elements and mechanical enhancements,>

Rodion informed, his tone somehow managing to remain calm.

Mikhailis grunted, bracing against another blast.

"Yeah, no kidding. These guys aren't playing fair."

The figure didn't relent, pulling out more talismans, each one glowing brighter than the last. Mikhailis's eyes darted around, looking for a weak spot, something to exploit. The next attack came, a flurry of projectiles that shifted direction mid-air, each one aiming for a different point on his body.

"Persistent, aren't you?" he growled, moving quickly to dodge. He twisted, his body bending in ways that would've been impossible in his regular form, the enhanced flexibility allowing him to avoid most of the attacks. One of the projectiles grazed his arm, the force of it making him stagger back slightly.

<Analyzing trajectories. Adjust positioning by 0.3 meters to the left to avoid further impact.>

Mikhailis did as Rodion suggested, ducking low and using the Hypnoveil tendrils that adorned his back to counterattack. The tendrils lashed out, striking two of the figures that had attempted to flank him. The impact sent them sprawling, their bodies hitting the forest floor with a heavy thud. For a moment, it seemed like they were subdued, but one of them reached into its coat, pulling out an explosive device.

Mikhailis's eyes widened.

"Oh, come on!"

There was a sudden, blinding flash of light, and he instinctively threw his arm up to shield his face. The light was disorienting, and when his vision cleared, he saw the figures had started to run again, scattering through the trees.

Damn it, Mikhailis thought, shaking his head to rid himself of the residual effects of the flash.
Your journey continues with empire

<Your pursuit must be relentless, Mikhailis. They may have information that could be valuable,>

Rodion urged.

"Yeah, yeah, I know," Mikhailis muttered, leaping forward again, his body moving swiftly through the trees. He could feel the Variant Frog Soldier's enhancements kicking in, the power in his legs allowing him to cover ground quickly. He jumped over a boulder, his eyes fixed on the fleeing figures ahead.

The chase wove through the forest, the dim light of the moon barely illuminating the terrain. Mikhailis kept his eyes on his targets, his focus unwavering. He could hear the intruders' panicked breathing, their steps erratic, lacking the grace of someone truly in control. He knew he was gaining on them.

The figures tried to use their talismans again, but Mikhailis was ready this time. He moved in close, using the Hypnoveil's tendrils to strike first, knocking the talismans out of their hands before they could activate them. One of the figures stumbled, and Mikhailis took the opportunity to lunge, tackling them to the ground.

"Got you," he said, pinning the figure down. He could feel the raw strength of the Ravager's body, the weight pressing down on his target, holding them in place. He looked into the figure's eyes, expecting fear or anger—but there was nothing. Just emptiness.

The figure's eyes were blank, their expression vacant. They seemed disoriented, their movements sluggish, as if they were not entirely aware of what was happening. Mikhailis frowned, his curiosity piqued.

What are you?

<No detectable signs of independent thought. Neural activity is consistent with a controlled entity, likely under enchantment or other external influence,>

Rodion's voice explained.

Mikhailis's eyes narrowed, his interest deepening.

"So, they're just puppets," he muttered, his grip on the figure tightening.

He looked around, the other figures having disappeared into the forest. He could chase them, but something told him this one would be enough for now.

He glanced down at the figure, considering his next move.

"Alright, Rodion. Time to bring in some backup." He focused, reaching out to the Chimera Ant Colony.

<Understood. Summoning ten Chimera Ant Soldiers for added security and transport,>

Rodion confirmed.

The ground beneath them began to rumble, a series of cracks forming as the Chimera Ant Soldiers emerged, their forms looming in the darkness. Their antennae twitched as they surfaced, their eyes locking onto Mikhailis and the captive. They moved with purpose, their bodies forming a protective circle around their master.

Mikhailis looked at them, a small smile tugging at his lips.

"Alright, boys. Secure our new friend here. We're taking them back for some... questioning."