The Eccentric Entomologist is Now a Queen's Consort

The cavern's cold and damp atmosphere seemed to resonate with each movement of the Chimera Ants, their limbs moving with mechanical precision as they held down the Thalorian Goblin. The goblin struggled initially, its eyes darting in panic, but as the Hypnoveil stepped forward, its glowing antennae pulsing softly, the goblin's eyes began to lose their frantic energy. The shimmering gaze of the Hypnoveil seemed to cast a strange, hypnotic influence over the goblin, and slowly, its body relaxed, as though the fear and resistance were being drained away.

The Hypnoveil maintained its gaze, leaning in closer, its antennae swaying. One of the Chimera Ant soldiers approached, standing beside the hypnotized goblin, awaiting further instruction. Its stance was distinct, almost authoritative, a reminder that this was not an ordinary insect but an intelligent creature bred with purpose. With careful precision, the Ant pulled a single leaf from the plant that inexplicably grew on the Hypnoveil's back—an unnatural, eerie-looking thing with veins that shimmered faintly with blue mana—and fed it to the goblin.

The effect was immediate. The goblin's eyes, previously unfocused, sharpened, and its entire demeanor changed. Its body straightened, and its gaze seemed blank yet obedient. It moved, not of its own volition, but as though someone else had taken control of its strings. The Chimera Ant soldier stepped back, satisfied, and the Hypnoveil seemed to give a nod.

Mikhailis, observing from his room with his glasses projecting the scene, adjusted his position.

He had been studying every movement intently.

"Rodion," he called, still engrossed in the projection, "I know you can see everything through the ants—because of that chip implanted in the Chimera Ant Queen. But, what about the ones that are hypnotized? Won't they transmit data, too, once they are under the influence of the Hypnoveil?"

<Intriguing question, Mikhailis. No available data indicates whether the hypnotized subjects transmit data, but... Stand by for an attempt at a connection. Initializing the process now>

Mikhailis crossed his arms, leaning back slightly, watching the goblin's movements. The goblin's limbs were stiff, moving in a mechanical fashion, like a puppet.

If we could control the goblins and make them spies... That would make things a lot more convenient.

Rodion's voice buzzed in his ear.

Mikhailis raised an eyebrow.

"Does that mean it's not possible, or are you just having a moment, Rodion?"

The seconds ticked by, the tension almost palpable as Mikhailis waited. He observed the Chimera Ants watching the goblin closely, the Hypnoveil standing sentinel as its antennae glowed faintly.

Another holographic screen materialized in front of Mikhailis' glasses, displaying a view from the goblin's perspective. Mikhailis leaned forward, his eyes widening with a mixture of amazement and excitement.

"Whoa, Rodion! That actually worked?"

<Indeed. Preliminary analysis reveals that the hypnotized subject is in a blank state. Utilizing neural simulation, I can send signals directly to its nervous system—effectively allowing direct control>

Mikhailis couldn't help the grin that spread across his face.

"This is amazing. It means we can control it like a drone." He paused, tapping his chin.

"But let's keep it simple for now. We need to know where this goblin's nest is first. Let's not spook anyone prematurely."

<Agreed. Focusing the hypnotized entity's objective on a singular directive—return to its nest. I will disengage control and allow autonomous movement for reconnaissance purposes>

Mikhailis watched as the goblin's posture shifted again. Its body seemed to relax slightly, and then it turned, beginning to move deeper into the cavern. Without hesitation, the Chimera Ants moved in tandem, following the goblin, but using the underground tunnels to avoid detection. They moved swiftly beneath the surface, their antennae brushing the ceiling of the cavern as they navigated through the dark, damp earth.

The goblin moved with purpose, its steps guided by whatever instinct remained intact after the hypnosis. The path was long, winding through rough terrain, deeper and deeper into the earth—further than Mikhailis had anticipated.

"How far are we going?" he muttered to himself, shaking his head slightly.

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Mikhailis' interest piqued as the holographic feed shifted. The goblin had reached a wider cavern, the ceiling arching high above, the air heavy with the stench of monsters and decay. The scene was lit by dim torches, their flames flickering eerily across the jagged stone walls.

The goblin moved forward cautiously, and Mikhailis could see several guards patrolling the chamber—Thalorian Goblins, much like the one being controlled, but there were others as well. Larger figures, standing taller and bulkier: Thalorian Hobgoblins. Shamans, adorned in crude robes, their staffs glowing with faint magical energy, moved about in the background, mumbling incantations. Goblin Riders, each astride a snarling wolf, patrolled the cavern's perimeter, their eyes scanning for any threat.

"They've got a whole setup down here..." Mikhailis murmured, his gaze hardening.

The goblin moved toward a cluster of other goblins, clearly a reporting area. It gestured with sharp movements, almost ritualistic, and Mikhailis watched as a larger goblin, a Goblin Champion by the look of it, approached. The Champion stood with authority, muscles rippling beneath its armor of twisted wood and metal scraps, eyes glinting with intelligence.

The controlled goblin began its "report," but Mikhailis noticed the Champion's dismissive gesture, followed by an order. Mikhailis frowned, focusing in on the feed.

<It appears this goblin base is not the main nest. Subject has received orders to proceed to a higher authority—likely the main base>

"Just our luck," Mikhailis muttered.

"Looks like we're going deeper."

As the goblin turned to leave, Mikhailis' attention shifted momentarily. The Chimera Ants had begun dispersing, exploring the cavern in greater detail, their movements careful to avoid drawing attention.

The holographic map expanded once more, new areas lighting up as the Chimera Ants surveyed the cavern. Mikhailis' eyes narrowed as one feed caught his attention—an underground prison, crude metal bars sealing off a section of the cavern. Behind the bars, he could see women—human women, most of them visibly pregnant or injured, their faces hollow and filled with despair. The realization hit him like a punch to the gut.

Villagers... They must've been taken from the nearby areas.

The sight of the women's suffering, their lives reduced to mere tools for the goblins' twisted breeding, made his blood boil. His jaw clenched, hands tightening into fists.

"This is... frustrating," he whispered, his voice trembling with suppressed rage.

<Advisory: It is not yet time for a rescue operation. The risk of alerting the goblins to our presence remains high>

Mikhailis took a deep breath, nodding, though it pained him to do so.

"I know, I know. But keep two Chimera Ant soldiers stationed here. I want constant visual on this area, just in case something happens."

<Understood. Assigning two units for continuous observation. Proceeding with main reconnaissance mission>

Mikhailis watched as the screen shifted, the view returning to the hypnotized goblin as it exited the large chamber. The path ahead was uncertain, winding further into the depths of the underground. The tension in his chest remained as he tried to push aside the image of those imprisoned women.

We'll come back for you. I swear.

The goblin continued on its way, moving with intent as it navigated the labyrinthine tunnels. The Chimera Ants kept pace, moving beneath the surface, careful not to reveal themselves. The anticipation of reaching the real base weighed heavily on Mikhailis' mind—he needed to know what was waiting for them at the heart of this nest.

Suddenly, the sound of the door to his room opening drew Mikhailis' attention away from the projection. He turned to see Elowen entering, her expression one of exhaustion as she let out a sigh, her shoulders relaxing slightly as she closed the door behind her.

"Hmm? Back already?" Mikhailis greeted, a soft smile playing on his lips.

Elowen's gaze shifted upward, and her eyes widened slightly in surprise as she noticed the holographic map that filled the room as she is also using the Rodion-implanted glasses, the screens projecting several live feeds. She blinked, processing the scene before her, then looked back at Mikhailis.

"What... What is all of this?" she asked, stepping closer, her eyes narrowing slightly as she took in the details of the projections.

"Ah, welcome, Wifey," Mikhailis said, his voice playful as he gave a small bow.Nôv(el)B\\jnn

"Rodion, turn it off for now. Take over while I attend to my lovely queen."

The holographic displays faded, the room returning to its original state as Mikhailis took a step toward Elowen, his demeanor shifting. He reached out, gently taking her hand in his.

"Rough meeting?" he asked softly, his tone different now—calmer, more mature. The usual playful glint in his eyes softened as he looked at her, his thumb brushing across her knuckles in a soothing gesture.

Elowen let out another sigh, nodding slightly.

"You could say that. There's... a lot to discuss. But it can wait." She glanced back at where the projections had been, her curiosity evident.

"Are you up to something dangerous again, Mikhailis?"

He chuckled softly, leaning in to press a gentle kiss to her forehead.

"Only a little bit. But don't worry—I'm being extra careful this time. Besides, I believe that you would love this very much,"