The Eccentric Entomologist is Now a Queen's Consort

The storm raged like a beast outside the cavern, its howls mingling with the relentless downpour. Rain hissed against the rock, and the swirling mist seemed to writhe with an almost malevolent energy. Mikhailis stood at the mouth of the cavern, one hand gripping the hilt of his halberd, the other adjusting the glasses perched on his nose. The lenses glowed faintly as data streams from Rodion painted a complex map of the cavern's interior before his eyes.

<Environmental assessment complete. This cavern features multiple choke points and narrow pathways, with potential for both strategic advantage and significant risk. Stalactites hang precariously overhead, some large enough to cause considerable damage if dislodged. Narrow passages provide natural choke points but could also restrict movement if improperly utilized. Additionally, the cavern floor features uneven terrain, with jagged rocks and loose debris that may impede quick maneuvers. Overhanging formations, while hazardous, could be used to set traps or block the serpent's advance if targeted effectively. Pockets of dense mist, enriched with mana, are concentrated near the eastern chamber. These mist-dense zones appear to enhance the Crystalgloom Serpent's mobility and its crystal-based attacks, creating a pseudo-liquid environment where it moves with alarming agility. Suggested ambush zones, marked in red on your display, consider both defensive positioning and offensive potential.>

Mikhailis' eyes flicked to the glowing marks on his overlay, mentally cataloging each point. The schematic of the cavern rotated slowly, showing jagged paths winding deeper into the earth, along with bright red spots highlighting natural chokepoints. He nodded absently, though his mind wasn't fully at ease.

Stalactites, narrow paths, dense mist... His brow furrowed.

Feels like a death trap, but at least it's a trap we can use.

"Rodion, make sure the ant soldiers are briefed. I'll need them to act quickly if this goes sideways."

<Understood. Chimera Ant units are receiving synchronized updates. Coordination protocols remain at peak efficiency.>

As Rodion's calm tone faded, Mikhailis' gaze shifted to Cerys, lying a short distance away near the fire. She was still pale but sleeping soundly, her fever having eased somewhat under his care. Her fiery hair spilled over her shoulders like a cascade of embers, stark against the dark stone floor.

At least she's resting, he thought, his jaw tightening.

The last thing I need is her pushing herself into this mess.

The faint hum of Rodion's voice broke through his thoughts again.

<Mana density analysis underway. Initial findings confirm significant amplification of the Crystalgloom Serpent's abilities within the mist. This mist amplifies mana-based attacks, particularly the crystalline projectiles generated by the serpent. Furthermore, the mist's quasi-liquid composition facilitates the serpent's mobility, allowing it to maneuver as though swimming through water.>

"So it's not just a snake; it's a snake with a magic swimming pool." Mikhailis' lips twitched into a humorless grin.

"Fantastic. Any ideas on how to mess with it?"

<Disruption of the mist's mana flow is possible. Concentrating external mana at strategic points may draw the serpent's attention, diverting its movements and potentially hindering its attacks. Alternatively, localized shockwaves could destabilize the mist temporarily.>

Mikhailis rubbed his chin, his mind racing through the possibilities. The data overlay shifted again, showing potential weak points in the mist's density. He considered his options carefully, the weight of the situation pressing heavily on his shoulders.

If only this thing wasn't heading straight for us... He clenched his fists, frustration bubbling just beneath the surface.

Rodion, ever the pragmatist, seemed to anticipate his thoughts.

<Ecological patterns indicate the Crystalgloom Serpent's emergence aligns with the storm's mana saturation. The high mana concentration during storms attracts prey, a natural food source for the serpent, which serves as an additional lure to its hunting grounds. Moreover, the serpent exhibits strong territorial instincts. Recent activities within its perceived domain, such as the Chimera Ant movements and environmental disruptions, likely triggered an aggressive response. The serpent's behavior suggests it considers these intrusions a direct challenge to its dominance in this mana-rich ecosystem. Combined with the environmental stimuli, the storm's mana flux creates an ideal scenario for the serpent to assert control and hunt with heightened efficiency.>

"So, we're either dinner or trespassers," Mikhailis muttered.

"Great. Really hoping it doesn't have a preference for eccentric insect-loving princes."

He adjusted his stance, his eyes narrowing as he studied the map once more. The glowing marks for ambush zones pulsed faintly, like a heartbeat urging him to act.

"Alright, here's the plan. Phase one: lure that oversized glitter snake into a choke point. Use the ants as bait, but make sure they stick to the walls. No point letting them get flattened right away."

<Understood. Deploying units accordingly.>

"Phase two," he continued, his voice steady despite the tension building in his chest.

"We disrupt the mist. The Frog Variant's secretion should do the trick. Plant the disruptors at key points and mess with its mobility."

"Phase three," Mikhailis said, his grip tightening on the halberd.

"Once it's slowed down, we hit it hard. Skullborne Ravager goes for the underbelly. The ants keep its attention. And I..." He smirked faintly.

"I'll just have to improvise as I continue to observe."
Discover exclusive content at My Virtual Library Empire

<Noted. Acknowledging likelihood of unplanned actions.>

"Hey, it's not improvising; it's adaptive thinking," Mikhailis shot back, though his tone was light.

The Chimera Ant soldiers began to move, their dark forms blending into the cavern's shadows as they spread out. Mikhailis watched the feed through his glasses, the ants' movements precise and synchronized. He glanced at Cerys again, ensuring she was still resting peacefully, then focused his attention back on the task at hand.

The soldiers reached their positions, their antennae twitching as they scuttled along walls and ceilings. The first group entered the designated ambush zone, their movements deliberately loud to draw the serpent's attention. The second group held back, ready to spring into action when the time came.

For a moment, the cavern was eerily quiet, the storm outside a distant murmur. Then, the ground trembled. A low, resonant hiss echoed through the air, growing louder with each passing second. Mikhailis' heart pounded as the silhouette of the Crystalgloom Serpent emerged from the mist.

Its body was a monstrous tapestry of shimmering crystals, each facet reflecting the faint light like a kaleidoscope of danger. The serpent slithered with a terrifying grace, its movements fluid and deliberate despite its massive size. The cavern's walls seemed to groan under the weight of its presence as it advanced, crushing rocks and debris beneath its crystalline bulk.

<Visual confirmation of target. Crystalgloom Serpent measures approximately 22 meters in length. Current rank: [Viscount]. Classification: AA-ranked difficulty.>

Mikhailis let out a low whistle.

"Yeah you've told me already, we could start calling it godzilla if it evolve I guess,"

The serpent's advance was unrelenting, its crystal-covered head weaving through the cavern as it followed the bait. The way its crystalline body glimmered in the dim light gave it an almost ethereal appearance, though the sharp edges of its crystalline scales were a deadly reminder of its true nature. One of the Chimera Ant soldiers, caught in a patch of uneven terrain, moved too slowly to escape. Its dark form was momentarily silhouetted against the radiant glow of the serpent's crystalline armor. With a sudden, brutal motion, the serpent's massive tail lashed out like a living whip, crushing the soldier against the jagged wall with a sickening crunch. The force of the impact sent a spray of rock fragments scattering, the cavern walls trembling from the collision. Mikhailis winced, his hand instinctively tightening around his knife, but he forced himself to remain focused.

Every soldier counts, he thought grimly.

But I can't let their losses distract me now.

"Rodion, how's the mist disruption coming?"

The Frog Variant leaped with startling agility, its powerful legs propelling it through the cavern like a dark blur. Each movement was deliberate and precise, the creature navigating the uneven terrain with an almost unnatural ease. It carried the disruptors carefully in its clawed limbs, darting into the mist-dense pockets as if performing a choreographed dance. The disruptors glowed faintly as they activated, their radiance spilling into the mist like ripples across a still pond. The once-cohesive mist began to tremble, undulating in chaotic waves that seemed to resist the disruption but ultimately yielded. The Crystalgloom Serpent hissed in displeasure, its massive head jerking sharply as if struck. Its movements grew erratic, the crystalline body twisting as it tried to regain its fluid grace. The serpent's glowing eyes flickered with a predatory gleam, its head sweeping toward the source of the disturbance. As the ripples deepened, fractures appeared in the serpent's calculated rhythm, its powerful body hesitating for brief moments as it adjusted to the sudden disarray. The Frog Variant, undeterred, continued its task with mechanical efficiency, each leap and placement of disruptors carving further chaos into the serpent's domain.

<Phase 1 completed>

Mikhailis tightened his grip on the hilt of his knife, his sharp gaze fixed on the serpent through the glassess.

"Alright," he murmured, a faint smirk playing on his lips.

"Let's go, let's go."