The Eccentric Entomologist is Now a Queen's Consort

Mikhailis lay on his side inside the tent, his body relaxed in the plush sleeping bag, his breathing even. He kept his eyes half-lidded, giving the impression of being on the verge of drifting off, the soft crackle of the dying campfire outside the tent adding to the illusion of a peaceful rest. Vyrelda had taken the first watch, her silhouette visible against the canvas walls as she moved to and fro, occasionally glancing in his direction, ensuring that her liege was indeed sleeping soundly.

He let out a slow breath, waiting. Minutes passed, then more—the slow passage of time allowing the tension in the camp to relax. Vyrelda's footsteps became less frequent, the cautious rhythm of a guard settling into a routine patrol. Lira had long retreated to her sleeping quarters in the far corner of the tent, and even her normally sharp gaze seemed to have softened after a long day.

Alright, this should be enough, Mikhailis thought, his mind fully awake despite the steady breaths he took.

His heart rate remained steady, masking his anticipation.

It had been days since he could finally put this experiment into action—a culmination of effort and innovation on Rodion's part, not to mention the advancements his Chimera Ant Colony had made. His mind drifted to the Skullborne Ravager. A particularly intriguing evolution, one that had granted him something he had always desired: a loyal, powerful tool at his fingertips, one that could be commanded from afar.

He resisted the urge to smirk. The evolution process had been swift, especially with the growing numbers under the Skullborne Ravager's command. Thirty goblins, fully subdued, now serving not just the Skullborne Ravager but their queen as well—and, by extension, him.

It's time.

Mikhailis shifted slightly, his fingers closing around a small talisman hidden in the folds of his sleeping bag. The Hypnoveil talisman—a finely crafted artifact that could only be activated by him. He held it tight, letting his senses focus, his breathing shifting subtly as he synced with Rodion.

<All readings are normal, Mikhailis. Proceed when ready.>

Mikhailis closed his eyes fully, allowing his mind to tune out the physical world. He took one more deep breath before whispering in his thoughts.

I'm ready, Rodion. Let's go in.

The transition was immediate—a lurch that pulled at his consciousness, a dizzying sensation of being detached from his physical body. The tent, the campfire, even the rhythmic footsteps of Vyrelda blurred and then dissolved into darkness. For a fleeting moment, he felt disoriented, like a drifting leaf caught in a sudden windstorm.

But then—clarity. The darkness gave way, revealing something else. He opened his eyes—but they weren't his eyes. They were the eyes of something more monstrous. The Skullborne Ravager's senses burst to life around him, more vivid and sharp than his human perception. The night was suddenly filled with countless stimuli—the subtle rustling of leaves, the faint crackle of electricity in the air, the scents carried on the wind. The enhanced strength and predatory instincts surged through his veins, making his pulse quicken.

He couldn't help but grin inwardly.

This is definitely an upgrade.

He rolled his massive shoulders, feeling the immense power stored within his new body. Everything felt amplified. The strength of the Ravager's muscles, the resilience in every sinew—this was raw power, the kind he'd only dreamt of possessing. He took a step forward, feeling the ground beneath his clawed feet, the crushing strength they possessed evident with every movement.

<Connection stable. Transfer successful,>

Rodion's voice echoed within his mind.

<The target goblin has been swapped for the Skullborne Ravager's body. Estimated distance from the camp: two hundred twenty five kilometers.>

Good, Mikhailis thought, slowly moving forward, testing the limits of his new form.

The goblin, one of those fully under the Ravager's command, had been stationed nearby. It was following their camp, keeping a safe distance to avoid detection.

The swap had gone smoothly, and now Mikhailis was in control—fully embedded within the body of the Skullborne Ravager, yet conveniently close to their position. The physical prowess at his disposal was intoxicating. The Ravager's bulky frame allowed him to move with an animalistic grace that belied its size. Every sense was heightened; he felt like he was truly alive.

He flexed his clawed hands, watching as the muscles responded instantly, the dark, bone-plated armor shifting and gleaming under the moonlight. He remembered the first time he'd possessed a Thalorian Goblin Champion—an experience that had been thrilling, but nothing compared to the power he now held.

Feels like I've leveled up, he mused.

He was starting to get a bit fond of the Skullborne Ravager.

<It appears you are enjoying the new form,>

Rodion noted dryly.

<However, I would advise you to remain focused. This body, while powerful, is not invincible.>

Yeah, yeah, I know. Mikhailis shook his head—or rather, the Ravager's head—and scanned his surroundings. He couldn't deny the thrill, but there was a mission at hand. He had to make sure they weren't being watched.

With deliberate steps, Mikhailis began moving closer to the camp. He could hear every subtle shift in the air, smell the lingering scent of smoke from their campfire, see the faint glow through the thick foliage. The goblin that had previously acted as his placeholder remained nearby, crouched behind a rock. Mikhailis approached, the creature's eyes going wide as the Ravager towered over it, a gleaming talisman still hanging from its neck.

Alright, time to get to work, he thought, his grin returning.

The connection with Rodion allowed for a seamless flow of information. As Mikhailis made his way through the dense underbrush, Rodion's voice filled his mind, outlining the status of the Chimera Ant Colony.

<Chimera Ant Queen is secured within the nest. The Worker Ants and Soldier Ants have been distributed appropriately for optimal defense. Four Scurabons, the Hypnoveil Variant, and the Variant Frog Chimera Ant Soldier have traveled underground, maintaining a stealth formation. Their positions are currently converging near the campsite.>

Mikhailis nodded mentally. It was reassuring that his colony had grown so capable. They were evolving fast—much faster than he had originally anticipated.

Tell them to surface. Let's see what we've got.

There was a rustling beneath his feet. The ground seemed to shift slightly, a series of cracks forming in the earth as four Scurabons emerged, their tough shells reflecting the moonlight. Their large, claw-like appendages moved with precision, their bodies shifting into an obedient stance before their master.

Next, the Hypnoveil emerged, its hypnotic tendrils shimmering as it unfurled, its ethereal glow bathing the forest floor in an eerie light. The Variant Frog Chimera Ant Soldier followed, its muscular frame rising from the ground, its body tense and ready for action.

Mikhailis looked at them, the power they emanated almost palpable. This was his force—his own personal army, ready to move at his command. He felt a swell of pride.

This is what power really feels like.

Mikhailis smirked, his excitement growing.

Alright, boys and girls, it's showtime.

He gestured for them to gather around, their antennae twitching as they moved closer. The Scurabons positioned themselves beside him, while the Hypnoveil draped itself across his back, its tendrils wrapping around his torso like a living armor. The Variant Frog Soldier lowered itself, positioning its powerful legs behind Mikhailis's own, enhancing his agility and strength.

One by one, they attached themselves to him, forming a grotesque yet formidable exoskeleton—a living armor of powerful, monstrous beings. The Scurabons' shells covered his limbs, adding an extra layer of defense, while the Hypnoveil's tendrils wrapped around his torso, pulsating with a hypnotic energy that made him feel almost invincible.

Now, this is what I call a power suit.

He couldn't help but grin, feeling the weight of his new form—an intimidating, insectoid warrior, armed to the teeth.

<All systems nominal. Connection between units is stable,>

Rodion reported. There was a pause before he added, with a hint of sarcasm.

<You resemble one of those comic book heroes you enjoy so much, though I doubt they used live insects.>

Mikhailis laughed inwardly.

Gotta love a good bug hero, right?

He adjusted the positioning of the talismans attached to his armor, ensuring each one was securely in place. The talismans allowed him to maintain control, even in this new, more powerful form.

But there was more to this than just the thrill. He had noticed something peculiar earlier that day while repairing the carriage. The axle had been damaged in a way that suggested more than just accidental wear and tear. It had been bent unnaturally—almost as if someone had intentionally sabotaged it.

Mikhailis had his suspicions, and now, with this enhanced form, he was ready to put those suspicions to the test.

Rodion, I want you to replay the analysis of the carriage damage.

<Understood. Replaying analysis. The axle showed signs of external force—bending consistent with targeted sabotage rather than natural wear. Probability of foul play: 85%.>

Just as I thought, Mikhailis mused, his eyes narrowing.

Someone is watching us. Maybe agents from Vesperia—perhaps those targeting Prince Laethor.

He moved forward, his new form gliding silently through the trees, the Chimera Ants merging with him in perfect synchronization. There was no awkwardness in their movements, no hesitation. Every step was smooth, every motion fluid. He felt powerful, ready to confront whatever threat lay in wait.

He approached the edge of the campsite, the dim light of the campfire flickering through the trees. The tent stood undisturbed, Vyrelda's silhouette still visible in her patrol. Mikhailis smirked, his new form concealed in the darkness.

Time to see if our uninvited guests are still around, he thought, his eyes scanning the perimeter. He moved with purpose, his senses reaching out, seeking any sign of an intruder. The Skullborne Ravager's enhanced sight picked up the smallest details—a broken branch here, a faint footprint there.

They're close, Mikhailis thought, his heart pounding with a mixture of excitement and determination.

Let's make this interesting.
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He took a deep breath, the exoskeleton-like armor shifting around him, every muscle in the Skullborne Ravager's body tensed and ready. He could feel the energy coursing through him, the raw strength of the Chimera Ants feeding into his own willpower.

With Rodion's voice guiding him and the power of his new form, Mikhailis felt truly unstoppable. This was it—the culmination of his efforts, the blend of intellect, magic, and sheer physical power.

Okay, he thought, his gaze fixed on the darkness beyond the camp, a grin spreading across his monstrous face.

Time to make a great show.