The Eccentric Entomologist is Now a Queen's Consort

Chapter 140 Searching For Goblins' Nest



"Hmm... The Northern Province, huh...?" Mikhailis muttered as he gazed at the map, his glasses displaying a projected hologram of the region. Rodion was feeding the map into his field of view, scanning data collected through the onkey robot back in the castle—which had already gathered all the necessary documents to assist him.

<Rodion's display initiating... Northern Province data analysis ready. Commencing briefing on key characteristics and the reason for recurring monster outbreaks>n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

Mikhailis nodded. He needed all the information he could gather before setting things into motion.

<The Northern Province is part of the Silvarion Thalor region and includes Count Arvis's territory, which has served as a historical boundary between Silvarion and the vast northern wilderness. It features vast forests and rocky hills with soil that is unsuitable for farming but perfect for dense woodland. Many of the flora found here emit unique pheromones that attract creatures like Thalorian Goblins and other insect-based monsters, such as the Tanglebeetles. These plants act as a natural lure, forming ecosystems where the creatures thrive>

The holographic map rotated and zoomed into a stretch of forest, where several markers indicated key locations.

<The specific occurrence of monster outbreaks here is largely due to the leyline convergence near the border. This convergence results in higher concentrations of mana, which creates ideal conditions for rapid monster evolution. Additionally, the high mana concentration is particularly attractive to goblin species, given their affinity for transforming environments into resource hubs. Over time, this has led to recurring waves of monster attacks targeting Count Arvis's wall. Historically, these attacks have been mitigated by the layered fortifications, though the emergence of higher-level goblins like the Apostle might indicate a shift in their intelligence and objectives>

"Leylines and pheromones… no wonder it's like a buffet for monsters," Mikhailis mused.

"Rodion, spread the map—start the holographic display."

<Understood. Initiating augmented reality projection... Please hold still, Mikhailis>

Mikhailis stood up, his gaze still fixed straight ahead as the glasses shifted the display—the map expanded into a 3D hologram around him, sprawling across the room. The edges of the forest stretched far into the ceiling while valleys carved into the floor, a scaled replica of the Northern Province right before his eyes.

He started walking around, the 3D map remaining fixed in position, allowing him to move through it as if standing amidst the terrain itself. His eyes traced the territory lines and Count Arvis' fortress.

"We are here," Mikhailis said, pointing at a marked spot.

"The Northern Province's fortress city—Count Arvis' territory, acting as the defensive front against monster incursions. Then, of course, the secondary and tertiary walls further north—designed to keep the civilians safe and prevent monsters from slipping through."

His fingers hovered over the outer parts of the forest, where markers highlighted certain areas. He squinted at the glowing holographic map, the soft blue hues reflecting in his eyes.

"And based on what we're seeing," Mikhailis continued, "there are at least four areas that could potentially serve as breeding grounds for the Thalorian Goblins and Tanglebeetles." He shifted his focus to one area, marked in red.

"This place in particular—it's got the right environmental factors. Moisture, cover, proximity to mana-rich sources… it's almost ideal for insect nests."

He circled the map, tilting his head.

"The thing is, it's all about understanding the ecology," he began, his tone shifting, his focus on a small cluster of symbols.

"Where would a nest thrive, considering the natural predators and the resources needed for it to sustain itself?" He pointed to a spot farther west.

"This is likely—there's water, a slight elevation, and enough food to support a colony."

<Analyzing suggested locations... High likelihood of goblin and beetle presence. Estimated population density approximately 200-300 individual monsters>

Mikhailis adjusted his glasses.

"Rodion, take notes: in this cluster, mark potential Tanglebeetle hives and assume the goblins are sharing territory." He paused, scratching his chin.

"Also, make a cross-reference with similar areas we've scouted before—let's look for any parallels."

<Noted. Commencing cross-referencing. It appears their nesting preference is similar to species found in Verdant Canopy's jungles... Both goblin and beetle species rely on nutrient-dense fungi patches located deep in the forest>

"Exactly," Mikhailis affirmed.

"They need access to fungi, and while they prefer dark, damp places, they also need proximity to open spaces for hunting. Most of these points you've cross-referenced have the same characteristics. That makes this area…" He pointed at an unmarked spot.

"The most probable candidate for a central nest. If I were a goblin king, that's where I'd set up shop."

<Conjecture confirmed—assigning priority markers to suggested areas for potential reconnaissance>

"Good. Let's start dispatching Chimera Ants to these points for scouting," Mikhailis decided. He adjusted his glasses and took a deep breath.

Enjoy new stories from empire

"We've got to get intel before anything big starts moving."

<How considerate of you to prioritize providing Her Majesty with critical information... Quite the noble husband you are, considering your latest escapades with her maid, as you carry her in a princess carry as she couldn't feel her limbs because of your intense intercourse with her and filled her with too much of your seeds that it starts to spill, and brought her to her room only to do another round after she said that she wants more even if she couldn't move, and you got lured by the temptation of filling the maid's vulnerable hole with your seed again until she lost her consciousness->

Mikhailis cleared his throat sharply, his cheeks flushing slightly.

"Ahem! Rodion, I think now would be a perfect time to pull up the visual feed of our scouting team."

<Of course, switching topics. Initiating augmented reality projection of live reconnaissance feed>

The holographic map around him shimmered, replaced by a transparent screen—it displayed the visual feed from the dispatched Chimera Ants. Mikhailis focused on the video, watching as the ants crawled silently along the ceiling of a dark cavern passage, their segmented bodies moving in sync, careful to avoid detection.

He was studying the feed when something caught his eye—a flicker of movement in the darkness ahead. Two red eyes shone through the gloom, followed by a figure covered in armor that seemed almost organic, like twisted roots wrapped around a scrawny green form.

"Is that… a Thalorian Goblin?" Mikhailis muttered, his body tensing.

<Affirmative. Scanning... Goblin detected. Species: Thalorian. Current status: Potential scout. Awaiting orders>

"Don't let him run!" Mikhailis barked, his eyes narrowing as he focused on the projection.

The feed zoomed in on the goblin as it started to move, sensing danger. It turned abruptly, its twisted armor rattling, and tried to sprint down a side tunnel—but before it could even take a step, the ground beneath it erupted. Five Chimera Ants burst forth, their mandibles snapping as they blocked the goblin's path.

The creature let out a shrill screech, scrambling backward, but it had no chance. The remaining Chimera Ants swarmed from the ceiling, dropping around it like a net, their limbs grappling onto its arms and legs, forcing it down to the cavern floor.

<Subject successfully contained. Goblin's movement restricted. Hypnoveil is preparing hypnotic sequence>

The projection showed the Hypnoveil Variant moving forward, its glowing eyes locked onto the panicking goblin. The air shimmered around it, and the goblin's struggling began to slow, its frantic attempts to escape turning sluggish as the hypnotic effect took hold.

Mikhailis watched, his eyes narrowing as he assessed the scene.

"Great. Now it's time to hypnotize this guy and send him back to its nest. We'll see what secrets he can bring us."

<Understood. Hypnosis commencing... Subject will be returned to nest and observed for further intelligence gathering>

Mikhailis took a step back, exhaling slowly. The tension in his shoulders eased slightly as he removed his glasses, letting them hang loosely around his neck.

We're finally getting somewhere. If this goblin leads us to something useful, we might be able to take care of this mess before it gets any worse.

He looked toward the window, where the night sky spread across the horizon, the stars barely visible against the dark expanse. The looming threat of the Goblin Apostle and the monster outbreak weighed heavily on him, but a part of him—the part that loved a good challenge—felt ready.

"Alright, Rodion," Mikhailis said, his tone lighter, "now let's just hope our little green friend plays his part well."

<If he doesn't, I suppose you'll just have to improvise again... Though your improvisations do tend to involve dramatic explosions and unnecessary heroics>

Mikhailis grinned, adjusting his glasses once more.

"What can I say? Drama and heroics make life interesting."


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