The Eccentric Entomologist is Now a Queen's Consort

The Chimera Ant soldiers launched themselves from the trees with lethal precision, their dark forms disappearing into the swirling mist. One by one, they latched onto the massive Mist Whale's translucent body, their claws digging into its shimmering surface. The creature's ethereal glow pulsed angrily, like a storm cloud preparing to unleash its fury.

The Mist Whale reacted immediately, a deep, reverberating hum building within its core. The sound grew louder, its intensity causing the mist to ripple like waves on a disturbed pond. Suddenly, it burst forth in a sonic pulse, an ear-shattering roar that seemed to reverberate through the very marrow of Mikhailis' bones. The ground beneath him quaked violently, and several of the Chimera Ant soldiers were thrown backward, their bodies slamming into the trees with sickening thuds that echoed through the mist-laden battlefield. Splintered bark and leaves scattered like debris as the force of the impact shook the canopy above. Some of the soldiers, despite the devastating pulse, managed to hold on, their claws digging even deeper into the whale's shimmering, translucent skin, leaving deep gashes that oozed faintly glowing ichor.

The Mist Whale let out a secondary rumble, its body convulsing as it attempted to shake off its attackers. The pulse of light along its glowing runes brightened, as if drawing power from the surrounding mist. Its movements were wild and chaotic, each thrash threatening to dislodge even the most determined soldiers. The air vibrated with the residual energy of its sonic attack, and the mist seemed to close in tighter, reducing visibility to near-zero.

Mikhailis steadied himself, his boots digging into the trembling ground as he clenched his jaw.

"Persistent, aren't you?" he muttered under his breath, his tone a mix of grudging respect and irritation. The Chimera Ant soldiers regrouped swiftly, their movements precise and synchronized despite the chaos. They adjusted their positions, splitting into smaller groups to avoid being swept away by the whale's unpredictable thrashing. Some clung to its dorsal fin, their claws raking deeply into the already wounded area, while others climbed toward its massive head, aiming to obscure its vision and disrupt its movements.

The Mist Whale roared again, another wave of sound building in its core. Its body arched, and a surge of energy rippled outward, but this time, the soldiers anticipated the attack. They shifted in unison, anchoring themselves against the whale's flanks or retreating momentarily to avoid the brunt of the sonic pulse. Those closest to its head redoubled their efforts, their combined weight forcing the whale's massive form to tilt slightly to one side. Despite its immense size and power, the creature began to falter under the relentless assault, its glowing runes flickering faintly, a testament to the mounting pressure from the coordinated strikes.

Mikhailis' lips twitched in a grimace as he watched the soldiers regroup, their coordination unbroken.
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This thing fights like it's pissed off we even exist. Mikhailis clenched his jaw, his sharp mind racing to dissect the Mist Whale's movements.

It's not just brute strength—it's using the mist to its advantage, masking its movements and amplifying its attacks. The glowing runes along its underside caught his attention again, their faint pulsations almost hypnotic.

Rodion's earlier analysis echoed in his mind.

The runes are the key, he realized. But they're protected by layers of reinforced magic and this damn thing's thrashing tail.

His eyes darted over the battlefield, noting the positions of his Chimera Ant soldiers. They were relentless, their clawed strikes chipping away at the creature's defenses bit by bit.

Every time it retaliates, it opens itself up for just a moment. That's when we strike.

Mikhailis adjusted his stance, gripping the halberd infused with Hypnoveil energy tighter. He took a deep breath, his mind calculating the rhythm of the whale's thrashes.

It's like a storm—it hits hard, but every wave has a lull. I just need to find the pattern.

He yelled, "Rodion, give me the timing between its sonic pulses and thrashes!"

<"Interval between sonic pulses estimated at 12 seconds. Thrashing pattern is irregular, but maximum force peaks every third movement. Adjust your approach accordingly.">

Mikhailis couldn't help but smirk.

Thanks for the countdown, Rodion. Really boosts the morale.

The ground beneath him trembled as the Mist Whale edged closer, its path of destruction guided by the soldiers' relentless harassment. With a low hum that resonated in Mikhailis' chest, it barreled toward his position, its glowing form an unstoppable force of nature.

Rodion's calm voice returned.

<"Trajectory confirmed. Impact in 10 seconds. Deploy defensive measures.">

Mikhailis tightened his grip on the halberd infused with Hypnoveil energy. His gauntleted hands—formed by the fused Scurabons—felt a surge of power coursing through them. The ground quaked beneath him, but he stood firm, his Frog Variant-enhanced legs coiled like springs, ready to leap.

"All right, big guy," he muttered under his breath.

"Let's dance."

The Mist Whale charged, its massive body carving through the mist with a terrifying grace. Just as it closed the distance, Mikhailis leaped high into the air, his legs propelling him like a bolt of lightning. He soared above the creature, the mist parting around him, and brought his halberd down in a powerful arc. The blade sliced across the whale's glowing dorsal fin, leaving a deep, jagged gash.

The Mist Whale's roar was deafening, a sound that seemed to shake the very fabric of the mist. Mikhailis landed in a crouch, his halberd humming with residual energy. He glanced up at the wounded creature, his grin tinged with both exhilaration and caution.

That got its attention.

Rodion's analysis was immediate.

<"Dorsal wound detected. Estimated impairment of mobility: minimal. Reassess strategy for sustained impact.">

"Oh, I'm prepared," Mikhailis muttered, rolling his shoulders. But even as he readied himself, the Mist Whale retaliated with a powerful sweep of its tail. The massive appendage carved through the air, and Mikhailis barely had time to dive out of its path. The force of the attack sent him skidding across the ground, his gauntlets digging into the dirt to slow his momentum.

The Chimera Ant soldiers redoubled their efforts, their attacks more focused and aggressive. They swarmed the whale's head, clawing at its glowing eyes and targeting the pulsating runes along its underside. Mikhailis watched as one particularly daring Ant climbed onto the whale's dorsal fin, its claws tearing into the already bleeding wound.

"They're buying us time," Mikhailis said, his voice low. He steadied himself, his mind racing through options.

Rodion's voice broke through again.

<"Prioritize precision over brute force. Ventral runes remain the primary target. Estimated rune integrity: 72%. Focused strikes will expedite neutralization.">

Easier said than done, Mikhailis thought, his eyes narrowing as he analyzed the creature's movements.

Each strike he landed seemed to provoke an even more violent response. The Mist Whale's lunges were faster than they had any right to be, its massive body moving with a grace that belied its size.

It's like fighting a mountain that moves faster than it should.

The Chimera Ant soldiers' coordinated strikes continued, their efforts forcing the whale to shift its focus between multiple targets. Some latched onto its massive tail, their combined weight slowing its powerful sweeps, while others targeted the glowing runes along its belly. Mikhailis saw his opening.

With a burst of speed, he used the Frog Variant's enhanced legs to propel himself onto the whale's back. His halberd plunged into its dorsal fin once more, anchoring him in place. From this vantage point, he could see the intricate runes glowing faintly along its underside. Rodion's analysis lit up his glasses.

<"Runes identified. Structural integrity at 68%. Vulnerabilities detected: central rune node. Recommended action: concentrated assault.">

"Everyone on the left flank!" Mikhailis barked, his voice firm and decisive. "Overwhelm it!"

The Chimera Ant soldiers responded instantly, their movements swift and synchronized as they swarmed the whale's left side. Their combined weight forced the creature to tilt precariously, its balance wavering as it struggled to regain footing. Seizing the opportunity, Mikhailis gritted his teeth and drove his halberd deeper, anchoring it into the whale's massive body, pinning it momentarily.

The Mist Whale let out another sonic pulse, the force of which threw Mikhailis and several soldiers off balance. He landed hard, the impact jarring his already tense muscles. The whale thrashed violently, dislodging more of its attackers.

Rodion's voice returned, calm and precise.

<"Sonic pulse detected. Recovery time: 6 seconds. Reassess positioning.">

Mikhailis growled under his breath, pulling himself to his feet.

Damn thing fights like it knows it's invincible. Time to change the script.

He coordinated a two-pronged attack, directing the Chimera Ant soldiers to focus on the whale's sides while he aimed for its exposed runes. The creature's movements grew more erratic, its roars shaking the air as it thrashed against the relentless assault.

Rodion's report was unwavering.

<"Analysis of glowing runes complete. Integrity now at 64%. Precision strikes remain critical. Strategic recommendation: utilize Hypnoveil's energy reserve for amplified impact.">

"Got it," Mikhailis muttered, his grip tightening on the halberd. He leaped once more, his enhanced legs propelling him toward the runes. His blade glowed with a mix of the Hypnoveil's energy and his own determination as he prepared to strike.

The Mist Whale thrashed one last time, its massive form writhing in desperation. The Chimera Ant soldiers clung to its sides, their claws digging into its flesh as they worked to keep it pinned. The air was thick with tension, the mist swirling violently around them.

Mikhailis descended, his halberd poised to strike the central rune. The glowing blade cut through the mist, its light illuminating the battlefield in a final, climactic moment.