The Eccentric Entomologist is Now a Queen's Consort

The cavern was alive with tension, each shadow playing tricks on the mind as the Chimera Ant soldiers advanced in perfect synchronicity. Their dark forms moved with predatory grace, their antennae twitching in unison as if they shared a single mind. The Frog Variant leaped ahead, its powerful legs propelling it effortlessly over jagged rocks and mist-filled pockets. In its clawed limbs, it carried disruptors, glowing faintly as they pulsed with stored energy.

<Deployment successful. Mist disruption levels at 45%. Additional disruptors required to reach optimal interference. Sensor feeds indicate the Crystalgloom Serpent's reactions are accelerating, suggesting growing familiarity with the disruption.>

Mikhailis adjusted his glasses, the faint glow of data overlays reflecting off the lenses as his mind raced to stay ahead of the serpent's relentless adaptations. The crystalline mist rippled unnaturally around the disruptors, their faint pulses sending shockwaves through the mana-rich atmosphere. The serpent's erratic movements gave the impression of both anger and confusion—a volatile combination that Mikhailis couldn't afford to underestimate.

"Maintain the pressure," he muttered under his breath, his eyes darting between the live feeds. Each disruptor placed by the Frog Variant added to the unstable chaos, forcing the serpent to recalibrate its attacks.Rodion's voice cut through his thoughts, its precise tone unwavering.

<The serpent's aggression levels are spiking. Its physiological data indicates increased mana channeling through its crystalline structure. Suggested countermeasures: continue to target mist saturation levels while avoiding concentrated zones of activity.>

As if to punctuate Rodion's warning, the serpent lashed out with a sudden, brutal tail sweep. The shockwave it generated cracked the cavern floor and sent a boulder crashing down mere meters from the advancing Chimera Ant soldiers. One unfortunate soldier, caught directly in the tail's path, was hurled against a jagged stalagmite, its exoskeleton shattered on impact. The image blinked out on Mikhailis' display, replaced by a flickering "Feed Lost" message.

Another one down, Mikhailis thought grimly, his jaw tightening.

"Redirect the soldiers. Prioritize wall positions. We can't afford to lose more units to those wide attacks." Read latest chapters at My Virtual Library Empire

<Command acknowledged. Adjusting formations. Soldier count now at 140.>

As the Chimera Ant soldiers scuttled up the walls, the Frog Variant placed another disruptor, its careful movements mirroring the precision of a well-rehearsed dance. The disruptor's glow intensified, sending ripples of interference through the mist. The serpent hissed, a sound that resonated like grinding glass, and its body coiled tighter, glimmering ominously in the unstable light.Mikhailis' lips quirked into a humorless smirk.

"Getting antsy, are we?"

The Chimera Ant soldiers reacted instantly, scaling the cavern walls with uncanny speed. The Frog Variant placed another disruptor, the device pulsing as it destabilized another pocket of mana-rich mist. The serpent's body shimmered, its crystalline scales refracting the dim light as it coiled defensively.

"Look at you," Mikhailis murmured, a hint of sarcasm creeping into his tone. "All wrapped up like a glittery ball of paranoia."

The serpent's hiss deepened, resonating through the cavern like a rumble of distant thunder. Its tail swept low, carving through the rocky floor and obliterating a squad of Chimera Ant soldiers. Mikhailis winced as the live feed cut out, replaced by static.

<Remaining soldiers: 130. Tactical adaptation is necessary. The serpent's countermeasures are proving increasingly effective.>

"Yeah, I noticed," Mikhailis said, his tone sharp. He glanced at the Skullborne Ravager at the feed, which stood poised at the edge of the battlefield. Its dark form exuded menace, its skeletal frame encased in obsidian-like armor. He hesitated, then gave a curt nod.

"Alright, big guy. Your turn."

The Ravager roared, a sound that reverberated through the cavern like the battle cry of an ancient titan. Its skeletal frame shimmered with dark energy, every movement radiating raw power. The serpent reacted instantly, its crystalline body arching upward in a defensive posture, the sharp edges of its scales catching the dim light like a thousand blades. The Ravager sprinted forward with terrifying speed, the ground beneath its massive claws trembling with each step. With a leap that defied its hulking form, the Ravager soared through the mist-filled air, its claws glowing with malevolent energy.

The collision was nothing short of cataclysmic. The Ravager's claws tore into the serpent's underbelly, the impact resonating like a thunderclap. Crystalline shards exploded outward, their razor-sharp fragments scattering across the cavern. The serpent recoiled violently, its agonized hiss reverberating like a symphony of shattering glass. Deep fissures spiderwebbed across its armored scales, revealing faint glimmers of raw mana pulsing within. The cavern itself seemed to shudder under the force of the blow, loose rocks tumbling from the ceiling as if in awe of the battle unfolding within.

The serpent twisted in pain, its tail snapping upward with a speed that defied its size. The Ravager attempted to retreat, its movements swift but not swift enough. The serpent's tail struck with unrelenting force, catching the Ravager mid-leap and sending it hurtling into the cavern wall. The impact was seismic, a deafening crash echoing through the chamber as the wall cracked and collapsed partially, half-burying the Ravager in a cascade of jagged stones and debris. Dust and mist swirled together in the chaos, obscuring the battlefield for a brief, breathless moment.

<Successful strike. Target damage: 18%. Serpent movement patterns disrupted.>

Mikhailis allowed himself a brief grin.

"Good hit. Now fall back before—"

The serpent's tail lashed out with unrelenting force, catching the Ravager mid-air. The collision reverberated through the cavern like an earthquake, the sheer power of the strike creating a shockwave that rippled outward. The Ravager was thrown across the air like a ragdoll, its massive form slamming into the cavern wall with bone-jarring impact. The force was so immense that the ground beneath Mikhailis trembled, and chunks of rock dislodged from the ceiling, crashing down in a chaotic symphony of destruction. Dust erupted in a thick cloud, mingling with the shimmering mist as the Ravager's dark armor cracked under the force. A cascade of jagged stones followed, half-burying the creature in a tomb of debris. For a brief, horrifying moment, all movement from the Ravager ceased, its powerful aura flickering like a dying ember beneath the rubble. The echo of the impact faded, leaving an eerie silence that pressed heavily on the battlefield, broken only by the faint hiss of the serpent as it recoiled, its glowing eyes fixated on its fallen prey.

<The Skullborne Ravager has sustained critical damage. Mobility reduced by 65%.>

Mikhailis' grin vanished.

Great. That's just what we needed.

"Pull it back," he ordered.

"Get it out of the fight before it's completely useless."

The Ravager struggled to its feet, its movements slow and labored. The serpent, sensing weakness, shifted its focus, its glowing eyes locked onto the injured variant. Mikhailis' heart sank as the Chimera Ant soldiers swarmed to intercept, their clawed limbs slashing at the serpent's crystalline body to divert its attention.

<Remaining soldiers: 120. Losses are escalating. Suggest immediate reassessment of strategy.>

"You think I don't know that?" Mikhailis snapped. He ran a hand through his damp hair, his mind racing. The variants darted around the serpent, their movements frantic as they dodged crystalline projectiles and retaliated with precision strikes. The Frog Variant continued to place disruptors, each one further destabilizing the mist and hampering the serpent's movements.

<Analysis update: The serpent's mana output is increasing exponentially. Prolonged engagement will result in catastrophic losses.>

Mikhailis grit his teeth, his frustration mounting.

We're running out of options.

"Rodion, what's the weak point?"

<A faint mana core has been detected deep within the serpent's chest, its pulsing light barely discernible beneath the layers of crystalline armor. However, the shielding is formidable, composed of overlapping structures that appear to resonate with the serpent's own mana flow. Penetrating this defense will require a singular, high-impact strike of extraordinary precision and force. Analysis suggests the crystalline layers not only serve as physical protection but also act as a mana conduit, reinforcing the serpent's overall abilities and its capacity for retaliation. This defense mechanism will likely intensify its response as it detects incoming threats targeting the core. Immediate strategy recalibration is advised to account for heightened aggression and counterattacks.>

Mikhailis' eyes narrowed as he studied the live feed. The mana core pulsed faintly, a flicker of light buried beneath the serpent's protective armor. It was a tantalizing target, but the layers of crystal surrounding it were formidable.

"Figures it wouldn't be easy," he muttered. He glanced at the Skullborne Ravager, which was still struggling to stand. Its injuries were severe, its dark armor cracked and splintered.

"This can't be helped," he said softly, his voice laced with resignation. He straightened, clenching his fist tightly.

"Rodion, direct all remaining soldiers to support me. I'm doing this myself."