The Eccentric Entomologist is Now a Queen's Consort

"Rodion," Mikhailis said, his voice quieter now, more focused.

"Can you analyze it further? You mentioned instability."

<Affirmative. Energy readings suggest the core is experiencing residual resonance. In simpler terms, it is 'reacting' to its own fractured state. If this mana remains unchecked, it may attract nearby entities drawn to high-tier energy sources.>

"So you're saying it's like ringing a dinner bell for other monsters?"

<Correct. Additionally, preliminary readings suggest the fragments retain properties that could be invaluable to the Chimera Ant Queen's evolution. Processing potential applications now.>

Mikhailis knelt carefully, feeling every bruise protest as he reached toward one of the larger shards. The moment his fingertips neared it, the pulse intensified. A faint shockwave rippled outward, brushing against his skin like a whisper of fire and ice. He drew his hand back sharply.

"Uh, Rodion… it just did something. Did you see that?"

<I observed the disturbance. Warning: continued proximity is increasing resonance. The mana core appears to recognize your presence.>

Mikhailis frowned, his brow furrowing.

"Recognize me? What, is this thing sentient now?"

<No. Recognition in this case refers to mana attunement. Your own magical energy, combined with the entomancer properties of your equipment, may be interfering with its stability. This is an unprecedented interaction.>

Mikhailis let out a slow breath, his thoughts racing.

"So what you're telling me is I'm making it unstable just by standing here."

<Precisely. Securing the core shards for extraction is the most prudent course of action. However, prolonged contact could risk further destabilization. I recommend utilizing the Chimera Ant workers to transport the fragments.>

He grunted, rising slowly to his feet.

"I swear, Rodion, every time you explain something, it somehow sounds worse."

<Would you prefer I sugarcoat the likelihood of triggering a catastrophic mana detonation?>

"Touché."

With a sigh, Mikhailis turned his head toward the scurrying Chimera Ant workers, who were already dismantling what was left of the serpent's body with mechanical efficiency. The workers seemed unfazed by the mana radiating from the shards, carrying away smaller pieces with their mandibles.

"Alright, Rodion. Call the workers to secure these shards. I don't want this thing blowing up in my face."

<Command acknowledged. Redirecting workers to prioritize core shard containment. Stand clear of the fragments to minimize interference.>

As the Chimera Ant workers converged on the glowing remains, Mikhailis couldn't help but feel the tension in the air. The shards vibrated subtly, sending soft ripples of energy outward, as though resisting their removal. A faint hum grew louder, enough to make his teeth ache.

"You sure this is safe?" Mikhailis asked, stepping back instinctively.

<Safety is relative. Given current circumstances, this is the optimal course of action. That said, should the shards resonate further, we may encounter additional anomalies. Be prepared.>

"Anomalies?" Mikhailis echoed, narrowing his eyes.

"You mean more problems."

<Yes.>

Mikhailis pinched the bridge of his nose, muttering under his breath.

"Of course. Because it wouldn't be me if things didn't go horribly sideways."

The largest shard pulsed again, this time sending a sharper shockwave through the air. Mikhailis stumbled slightly, bracing himself against his halberd.

<Anomaly detected. Unforeseen resonance increasing. Energy buildup accelerating. Mikhailis, we must expedite this process immediately.>

"Rodion…" Mikhailis whispered, staring at the largest shard as its light began to pulse in rapid intervals, like a heartbeat growing frantic. The cavern itself seemed to tremble faintly, as though something deep within the earth was responding to the core's unstable energy.

"Don't tell me there's another problem."

Rodion's tone was clipped.

<There shouldn't be any according to my observation>

Ignoring his instincts, Mikhailis gripped the halberd tightly and staggered forward. The Chimera Ant soldiers swarmed to assist, carrying shards of the serpent's body toward the nest. The energy in the cavern seemed to buzz louder, vibrating like an unseen force was building.

Then the ground trembled.

<Mikhailis, there is a presence approaching.>

Rodion's voice carried a rare urgency, devoid of his usual dry detachment. The words sent a shiver up Mikhailis's spine, an instinctual warning that even his battered body couldn't ignore.

"What did you say?" he rasped, gripping the halberd for balance as he leaned heavily against the cavern wall.

<There is an anomaly. Sensors have detected a mana disturbance originating from deeper within the cavern. The energy signature is faint but increasing exponentially.>

Mikhailis frowned, forcing his blurry vision to focus on the far end of the cavern. Shadows danced along the mist-shrouded walls, faint tremors vibrating through the ground beneath him. It wasn't the kind of movement caused by his Chimera Ants. This was something else—something deliberate.

"I don't like the sound of that…"

<Neither do I. The pattern suggests deliberate movement. Hostile probability: 86%. Prepare yourself, Mikhailis.>
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As Rodion finished, the faint tremors grew stronger, the sound of steady footsteps cutting through the cavern's eerie silence. Mikhailis gritted his teeth and shifted his weight, bracing against the wall as he forced himself to stand. His body protested every movement, each muscle a chorus of agony, but he ignored it, his sharp gaze locked onto the darkness ahead.

A figure emerged from the mist, their form cloaked in shadow and a soft, radiant glow. The steady light traced intricate runes etched into ornate battle armor—each marking pulsing faintly, alive with mana. Their posture was deliberate, exuding authority and calm power.

Rodion's voice cut in again, sharper this time.

<Mikhailis, the energy signature is escalating. This individual is dangerous. I strongly advise caution.>

"Dangerous? You don't say," Mikhailis muttered under his breath, his dry tone masking the unease curling in his gut. His grip on the halberd tightened instinctively as the figure came into clearer view.

The faint light illuminated them further—a woman, tall and poised, her silhouette graceful yet unmistakably commanding. Her long hair seemed to shimmer faintly, though the color was indiscernible through the haze. Her face was obscured, but what little Mikhailis could make out suggested a beauty almost ethereal.

Then she spoke, her voice smooth and resonant, cutting through the cavern like a blade.

"So, you are the one who felled the Crystalgloom Serpent."

Rodion's warning pulsed in Mikhailis's ear again.

<Mikhailis, her mana output is significant. She is likely observing you. Respond carefully.>

Mikhailis smirked weakly, the exhaustion in his limbs mocking his attempt to look unbothered.

"If you're here to fight, can we reschedule for… never?"

The woman stepped closer, her armored boots echoing softly against the stone floor. She tilted her head slightly, unbothered by his sarcasm.

"Worry not. I did not come to fight—at least, not you. But it seems we have much to discuss."

Rodion's voice cut in, laced with unease.

<Mikhailis, I am detecting further fluctuations in her mana. Proceed with extreme caution. Her energy output remains unreadable.>

Mikhailis ignored the AI for the moment, his sharp gaze studying the woman as she approached. Despite her calm demeanor, the aura surrounding her was undeniable—an invisible pressure that weighed on the cavern like a lead curtain. His instincts screamed at him to stay on guard, but his body had little to offer in the way of resistance.

"Discuss, huh?" he rasped, trying to maintain his balance. A bead of sweat slid down his temple as the edges of his vision swam. He forced a smirk, though the effort nearly knocked the breath from him.

"You'll have to forgive me if I'm not in the mood for a heart-to-heart right now."

The woman's gaze swept over him, lingering for a moment as if evaluating his worth. Before Mikhailis could say another word, his knees buckled. He caught himself on the halberd, his breath ragged as another wave of pain shot through his battered body.

<Warning! Mana levels dropping sharply. You cannot sustain further exertion.>

Rodion's sharp tone snapped through his mind, but Mikhailis didn't respond. The woman took a single step closer, her faint glow intensifying.

"You should rest, summoner," she said quietly, her voice carrying a strange kindness that unnerved him even more.

"You have earned that much."

For a fleeting moment, the pressure in the air eased—but then, as if triggered by his weakened state, a pulse of mana erupted from somewhere deeper in the cavern. The shockwave rattled loose rocks, sending a chill up Mikhailis's spine.

Rodion's voice came frantically now.

<Mikhailis! Incoming spike in mana levels! Anomaly detected! This is not her doing—something else is awakening!>

"What now…?" Mikhailis whispered, his vision swimming as he felt a sharp, splitting pain in his gut.

A powerful impact hit him square in the stomach, too fast for him to react. His body was flung backward, crashing against the cavern wall with a sickening thud. Blood surged up his throat, spilling from his mouth as he gasped for air, the world spinning wildly around him.

Rodion's voice grew distant, alarmed.

<Mikhailis! Respond!>

Mikhailis struggled to focus, his trembling hand reaching for the halberd again, but his strength was gone. The last thing he saw was the faint shimmer of the woman's form as the cavern darkened around him.

"I will… never get used… to this sensation," he muttered weakly before the void swallowed him whole.