The Eccentric Entomologist is Now a Queen's Consort

Mikhailis adjusted the glasses perched on his nose, the faint glow from the lenses illuminating the swirling mist around him. His fingers tapped lightly on the frame as Rodion's voice chimed in, crisp and unwavering.

<Analysis complete. The Mist Whale is approximately one kilometer southwest of your current position. Estimated speed: 30 meters per minute. Current trajectory intersects your location within thirty minutes.>

So, it's coming straight for us. Fantastic.

Mikhailis inhaled deeply, trying to keep his nerves steady. He couldn't afford to panic—not with Cerys nearby, already bracing herself for the unknown threat looming in the distance. Continue reading at My Virtual Library Empire

<Additional data retrieved from the database. Mist Whales are highly territorial creatures. Magical density in the mist appears to amplify their aggression. Physical size: approximately 18 meters long, resembling aquatic leviathans but adapted to the ethereal environment of the mist. Its primary attack involves a sonic pulse capable of incapacitating targets within a 50-meter radius. Secondary attack patterns include lunges and tail sweeps. Magical resistance: Moderate to high. Vulnerabilities: Concentrated attacks on its ventral runes.>

Great. Not only is it massive and territorial, but it's practically a living nightmare.

Rodion continued, undeterred by Mikhailis' inner grumblings.

<Strategic options evaluated. Engaging with Cerys alone presents a 62% success rate, assuming optimal conditions. However, engagement will likely extend over multiple hours due to the creature's durability and the environmental constraints imposed by the mist. Post-engagement exhaustion and potential injuries will leave both participants vulnerable to subsequent predatory entities attracted to the commotion. Risk level: High.>

Mikhailis frowned.

"So, fighting it isn't ideal. What about running? How far can we go before it catches up?"

<Given the Mist Whale's speed and your current position, evasion is improbable without abandoning equipment and the horse. Even then, the mist limits visibility, increasing the likelihood of encountering additional threats.>

No good options. That's just wonderful.

Rodion's tone shifted slightly, a hint of reassurance coloring his otherwise clinical delivery.

<Recommendation: Deploy Chimera Ant soldiers to intercept the Mist Whale before it reaches your location. Redirect the creature to a prepared ambush zone. Casualties among the soldiers are probable but acceptable within current parameters.>

Mikhailis rubbed the back of his neck, his expression darkening.

"Casualties, huh? Can't say I'm thrilled about that."

<Casualties are an unavoidable aspect of conflict. However, utilizing the Chimera Ant soldiers ensures minimal risk to you and Cerys. Maintaining your cover and ensuring her safety remain the top priorities.>

He's not wrong. But still…

Mikhailis sighed, running a hand through his disheveled hair.

But then he take a look at the girl before him and decide, this is not the time for protests.

"Alright, Rodion. Commence the operation. Redirect the Mist Whale and prepare the soldiers for engagement."

<Affirmative. Operation initiated.>

He glanced over at Cerys, who sat by the campfire, her sharp eyes scanning the fog. The flames flickered weakly, their light swallowed by the oppressive mist. She suddenly rose, her movements quick and deliberate as she began stamping out the fire.

"Cerys?" Mikhailis asked, his tone light despite the tension.

"Shh." She held up a hand, her expression grim.

"Do you hear that?"

He listened, straining his ears until a low, resonant hum reached him—a sound that sent a shiver down his spine. It was deep and otherworldly, like a whale's song distorted by the dense mist. The ground beneath them seemed to tremble faintly in response.

"That…" Cerys' voice wavered slightly, a rare crack in her stoic demeanor.

"That's the Mist Whale."

Her usual confidence faltered for a moment, her hands clenching at her sides. Mikhailis could see the weight of the situation pressing on her. She was alone in her duty to protect him, burdened by the responsibility of guarding a supposedly frail prince consort who, by all appearances, was better at making jokes than holding his own in a fight.

He stepped closer, placing a reassuring hand on hers.

"Hey. It's fine."

She glanced at him, her expression conflicted.

"Your Highness, this is dangerous. The Mist Whale is… it's not just a monster. It's a force of nature. If it comes for us…" She trailed off, her gaze fixed on the swirling fog.

"We'll handle it," Mikhailis said firmly. He gestured to their modest campsite, the tent standing precariously against the mist.

"This tent's sturdy enough, right? Besides, I've got these."

He produced a set of talismans from his pack, holding them up with a grin. Which is actually his entomancer talismans used to call his variants.

"Lucky charms from the villagers. They said these would keep the mist monsters away."

Cerys eyed the talismans skeptically, her lips pressing into a thin line.

"Are you sure?"

"Absolutely," he lied smoothly.

"Haven't you noticed how few monsters we've run into since we started using them?"

She hesitated, then let out a small sigh, her shoulders relaxing slightly.

"I suppose I am lucky to be traveling with a smooth-talking prince."

"You're learning," he teased, flashing a roguish grin.

"Now, let's get inside the tent. No sense in inviting trouble by staying out here."

"....Fine," Cerys hesitated at first, but then, she let out a sigh, and entered the tent.

As Cerys entered the tent, Mikhailis pretended to place the talismans around the perimeter before slipping inside. The space was cramped but warm, the faint scent of the canvas mingling with the damp air. They settled into their sleeping positions, the tension in the air palpable.

Mikhailis noticed Cerys trembling slightly, her usually steady composure cracked under the weight of their circumstances. They had settled into the cramped tent, their sleeping positions uncomfortably close, but the mist outside seemed to glow faintly, casting a soft, silvery light through the thin fabric. It illuminated her features just enough for Mikhailis to see the tension in her furrowed brows and the way her lips pressed together in an effort to mask her fear. He reached out, pulling her closer, the faint light catching the strands of her fiery red hair as they shifted against his chest.

"Hey. It's okay. Come here."

She hesitated for a moment before allowing herself to lean into him, her arms wrapping around his waist. Her grip was tight, almost desperate.

"Are you afraid?" he asked gently.

"...Yes," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.

"That's fine," he said, his tone soothing.

"I'm here. We're in this together. Nothing's going to happen to us, okay?"

Her hold on him tightened briefly before easing, her head resting against his chest. He stroked her hair softly, his movements deliberate and calming. The low hum of the Mist Whale echoed through the mist again, and her body tensed once more.

She's scared out of her mind. Who wouldn't be?

"Wait a second," Mikhailis murmured. He rummaged through his pack until he pulled out a small, enchanted music box. Opening it, he activated the soft, soothing melody of violins. The calming orchestra filled the tent, a stark contrast to the ominous sounds outside.

Cerys' eyes widened slightly. "What is that?"

"Magic from another world," he said with a wink.

"A lullaby to chase away the nightmares."

She let out a soft laugh, the sound almost tentative.

"You're impossible."

"And you adore me for it," he said, brushing a strand of hair from her face.

"Now, get some sleep. I've got this."

As the music worked its magic, Cerys' breathing evened out, and her grip on him loosened. She drifted into a restless but deep sleep, the tension finally easing from her features.

Now for my part.

Mikhailis whispered softly,

"Rodion, report."

<The goblin unit is stationed 200 meters south of your location, prepared for positional swap. Chimera Ant soldiers are in position, awaiting the Mist Whale's approach. Proceed with the possession protocol.>

He reached into his pocket, retrieving the Hypnoveil talisman. Its faint glow shimmered, casting intricate patterns of light across the dense mist. He held it firmly, taking a steadying breath before activating it. A surge of energy coursed through him, a wave that seemed to ripple through the very fabric of the mist. His vision blurred momentarily before sharpening, the swirling haze parting just enough to reveal faint outlines in the distance.

His senses expanded, each movement of the mist resonating in his mind like the shifting of tides. The air felt heavier, charged with an otherworldly energy, as his perception shifted to align with his new form. He could feel the power beneath his skin—foreign yet exhilarating, like the raw potential of a storm waiting to unleash.

Looking down, he saw his hands transformed—no longer human but chitinous claws, their blackish-green surface gleaming with an unnatural sheen. His body felt massive and unyielding, every motion imbued with a strength that made the ground beneath him tremble. He flexed his claws experimentally, the sharp edges glinting faintly in the ethereal light. The sensation was both alien and intoxicating, a melding of his will with the unstoppable force of the Skullborne Ravager.

The mist shifted as if in response to his presence, the dense fog curling away from his towering form. For the first time, the oppressiveness of the mist felt like something he could challenge, something he could bend to his purpose. Mikhailis grinned, the faintest edge of anticipation curling his lips.

"Alright," he murmured to himself, his voice resonant and deep, "time to rewrite the rules. Let's make this quick,"

With a flick of his wrist, he summoned the Hypnoveil, Scurabons, and Frog Variant Chimera Ant. Each transformed into weaponized forms, their essence fusing seamlessly with his own. The Hypnoveil wrapped around his arm like a living whip, the Scurabons solidified into gauntlets, and the Frog Variant reinforced his legs for powerful leaps.

He grinned, the adrenaline surging through him.

"Time for action."