I Was a Loner, but My Class Got Summoned to Another World…

As Logan busied himself chasing after the large birds, Voltar embarked on his own quest, scouring the fields of lightning for others of his kind. Each thunderous strike seemed to invigorate him, his four small wings fluttering instinctively, as if drawing in the residual energy from the surroundings.

The jewel embedded in the back of his thorax pulsed with raw power. This primordial crystal, formed during his evolution, absorbed every trace of electrical energy from the fields, leaving him feeling more powerful than ever.

With this infusion of strength, Voltar gathered more than enough mana to fly at maximum speed. Although he couldn't ascend too high, his flight allowed him to skim effortlessly over the rugged, crater-filled terrain.

Along his path, Voltar observed weaker prey—dogs, rats, and even a few deer. None of these caught his attention. His kind thrived on challenges; the most satisfying meals were those that fought back, a trait ingrained in them to ensure only the strongest survived.

Soon, he spotted a creature resembling a bear, or at least its size—a beast that, to Logan's eyes, might have been reminiscent of a wolverine. The large animal stood on its hind legs, scanning the area for food.

Voltar knew this creature would pose a formidable challenge for a less experienced mantis and decided to shadow it. If it was strong enough to earn Voltar's approval, it would undoubtedly attract another of his kind. As he tracked the beast through the fields, subtle signs began to emerge—traces that hinted at the presence of another mantis lying in wait, preparing to challenge the predator.

Voltar had a plan. He wanted to present his master with not only another mantis but also this new creature. For now, he would use the beast as bait, patiently luring enough of his species before ensnaring the wolverine-like creature with webs.

Seizing the moment, Voltar intercepted the attack, his powerful blade halting the silent, deadly scythe of the other mantis. Now that he was primordial, the opposing blade felt like nothing more than a dagger against his immensely strengthened arm.

He stood motionless after the clash, his stance deliberate. Voltar wanted to test his newfound strength, to see how the other mantis would respond to his overwhelming presence.

Realizing its most devastating attack had failed, the electrical mantis retreated momentarily to charge its strike. Infused with raw power, it lunged again, aiming with deadly precision at Voltar's neck. But the attack was effortlessly swatted away, leaving the mantis unfazed as it attempted a second and third strike. Each move was as predictable as the first, revealing to Voltar just how frail he had been before Logan's blessing.

[Even my human soldiers are stronger than you... what a pity,] Voltar conveyed mentally, knowing his words would remain unheard.

Deciding to end the fight, Voltar stopped toying with the mantis and overpowered it with his scythes, forcing the creature into submission. The defeated mantis bowed before him, subdued by the sheer force of his primordial strength.

[Kneel. You shall be the first of my new subjects; I will teach you how to become a true warrior,] Voltar's voice echoed in dominance, his presence undeniable.

As the blessing of the monarch activated, the mantis ceased all resistance. An irresistible urge to serve the mighty predator consumed it, a loyalty so unwavering that it was prepared to follow Voltar—even to its death.

[Yes, my lord. I aspire to be like you,] the new mantis responded. This time, there was no need for Voltar to assert his dominance—his subject knelt of its own volition, a display of unquestioning loyalty.

[We will need to gather more mantises. Where are they?] Voltar inquired, eager to rejoin his master's group, who were undoubtedly embroiled in combat with the thunderbirds.

[Too sparse to locate quickly. Must head to the nearest territories,] the mantis replied. Voltar nodded, then turned his attention to the wolverine-like beast. Using his electrical webs, he ensnared the creature, which growled in frustration, its struggle futile as it was dragged behind the two. The beast would prove useful in luring more mantises to their cause.

It took twenty minutes to reach the second mantis. Unlike the first, this one was a striking violet instead of green. Voltar instinctively recognized it as female—a towering figure, nearly a meter larger than his first follower. Though still dwarfed by Voltar, he imagined that with a few evolutions, she might surpass him in size.

This time, Voltar wasted no effort testing her strength. He announced his presence with a swift strike to her neck, halting just millimeters short of decapitation.

[Serve me or face defeat and near-death,] Voltar shrilled, his intent clear. The words carried through the air with the sharp, resonant cries unique to their kind.

Its striking violet body pulsed with raw power as it tried in vain to push Voltar's scythe away. Even while exerting all its strength, the mantis could not move him; like the one before, it felt the inevitable urge to kneel, a submission driven by the instinct to survive.

[You shall go with the second mantis. Find others of your kind and bring them to me—just one should suffice,] Voltar commanded, handing over his prisoner—the whining wolverine.

After the trio separated, their efforts yielded six followers for Voltar. He decided to halt there, mindful of Logan's guidance to keep the number manageable, ensuring he could sustain them. By now, the wolverine had ceased all resistance, paralyzed by fear. To see seven mantises grouped together—predators of such power and coordination—was an anomaly in these plains, something unprecedented.

Voltar's attention was drawn skyward. Something unusual was happening; lightning gathered in a concentrated mass, and within the chaos, he caught sight of his master's radiant white wings. Without hesitation, Voltar summoned his new subjects, urging them to hurry toward the phenomenon unfolding above.

Voltar surged ahead, leaving his newly gathered subjects behind. The urgency in his movements was palpable—his master's life hung in the balance, and there was no time to wait for the others to catch up. The crackling energy in the air only heightened his sense of foreboding as he closed the distance to the lightning-stricken battlefield.

His instincts screamed danger, and Voltar's resolve hardened. His master's radiant white wings, barely visible amidst the chaos, were a beacon that guided him forward, the connection between them and his loyalty driving every powerful stroke of his wings.