Mikhailis kicked off his shoes and set them aside, a grin spreading across his face.
"Finally, some alone time. Time to forget this dating-simulation-esque mess and enjoy some time with my real pride and joy. Let’s see what that little frog variant is up to." He paused, glancing at his AI interface.
"Rodion, what do you think? Should I take a break from all this melodrama?"
<You do realize that avoiding your problems doesn’t solve them, correct?>
Mikhailis laughed, waving off Rodion’s comment.
"Yeah, yeah, but honestly, if running away leads me to something as exciting as a new chimera ant variant, I think that’s a win."
<While your escapism may be questionable, I must admit that analyzing this new variant could be beneficial. So, shall we commence this ’ant empire simulation’ game of yours, Your Highness?>
Mikhailis leapt up, grabbing his magnifying glass from the desk before dashing out of the royal chamber. He navigated the familiar hallways, his mind racing with thoughts about the new hatchling. Reaching the room where he kept his aquarium, he could already feel a surge of excitement running through him.
This wasn’t just any ordinary ant—this was a chimera ant variant that had been formed from the mix of frog genetics.
He pushed the door open, stepping into the chamber containing the specially-made glass aquarium, large enough to accommodate a mini-ecosystem for his growing chimera colony. His eyes immediately fell on the tiny figure within the container, nestled in a corner. There it was—the newly hatched frog variant, its glossy dark green body glinting under the dim light.
Mikhailis knelt by the aquarium, holding up his magnifying glass to get a closer look. The variant was small, but its powerful limbs already looked distinct—its back legs were longer and thicker compared to the rest of its body, likely an adaptation for jumping, and its torso bore a subtle musculature that hinted at its strength.
"Alright, Rodion, let’s analyze this little beauty. Give me the complete details."
<Commencing analysis. Please stand by.>
Mikhailis leaned closer to the glass, his breath almost fogging it as he watched the chimera ant curiously. The creature shifted, its compound eyes darting around the tank, and it tilted its head slightly as if sensing Mikhailis’s gaze. He couldn’t help the smile that tugged at his lips—it was cute in a way only someone like him could appreciate.
<Analysis complete. Frog variant chimera soldier detected. Physical characteristics include reinforced hind limbs suited for enhanced jumping abilities. Estimated leap potential: up to ten meters. Body exhibits signs of increased muscle density for flexibility and strength.
The limbs’ skeletal structure resembles a hybrid form, retaining the ant exoskeleton while integrating certain frog joint characteristics, giving it flexibility uncommon in standard chimera ants.>
"Ten meters, huh?" Mikhailis whistled in appreciation.
"Imagine the reconnaissance possibilities with that kind of mobility. It’s like a mini-spy that can leap across obstacles like nothing. Now, how about the magic attributes?"
<Detected mana flow consistent with minor earth affinity. The subject’s skin possesses a slight reactive property that could be used as camouflage, blending with natural surroundings. Furthermore, there is evidence of a water retention mechanism, suggesting the possibility of surviving in aquatic environments for extended periods.>
Mikhailis’s eyes widened.
"A dual-land and water operative, huh? This little guy’s gonna be a game-changer. I bet it could cross rivers without issue, not to mention hiding in plain sight when needed. Man, this is awesome!"
Rodion’s voice chimed in with a touch of sarcasm.
"Look at that," Mikhailis said, his voice softer now, filled with a strange sense of pride.
"They’re already treating it like it’s one of them. This little guy’s gonna grow up strong, I can feel it."
<Your optimism is noted, Mikhailis. However, I would caution against overestimating its development. It remains a young chimera and will require careful nurturing before it can serve its intended purpose.>
Mikhailis gave a dismissive wave.
"Yeah, yeah, I know. I’m not gonna send it on a solo mission tomorrow or anything. Still, I can’t help but think this is just the beginning, you know? Like, we’re on the verge of something incredible here."
Rodion’s voice, as always, was calm and measured.
<Indeed, this is merely the beginning. There are numerous possibilities ahead, many of which are contingent upon your decision-making skills, questionable though they may be at times.>
Mikhailis couldn’t help but laugh, shaking his head.
"Alright, I get it. I’ve made some mistakes. But you’ve gotta admit, this is turning out better than we thought."
<The results thus far are satisfactory, but I would advise not getting too comfortable. There are still many uncertainties, and unforeseen challenges could easily disrupt this delicate balance.>
Mikhailis looked at the frog variant once more, watching as it began to interact with the worker ants, its legs flexing as if testing their strength. There was something strangely endearing about the sight—almost like watching a baby animal learning to walk for the first time.
He leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a whisper.
"Hey, little guy. You and me, we’re gonna take this kingdom by storm. Just you wait."
He straightened up, glancing at the door before turning back to Rodion.
"Alright, let’s let the workers do their thing. We’ll check back later to see how it’s growing."
<Understood. Feeding has commenced, and the worker ants are attending to the new variant. Estimated growth rate will vary based on the availability of nutrients and the environment’s conditions. Regular check-ins are recommended.>
Mikhailis gave the aquarium one last lingering look, a smile still playing at his lips.
"You know, Rodion, this is what I needed—a little bit of quiet, something to focus on that isn’t... complicated."
<Are you implying that your relationships with Serelith and Lira are ’complicated’? I would argue they are consequences of your own actions.>
"Geez, Rodion, give me a break." Mikhailis rolled his eyes, though he couldn’t help the chuckle that escaped his lips.
"Anyway, enough about them. Let’s get back to work."
As he left the room, closing the door behind him, he couldn’t help but feel a renewed sense of determination. There was still a lot to figure out, both with the chimera ants and the precarious relationships he found himself juggling. But for now, he had a goal—to see that little frog variant grow strong and make it something extraordinary.