Rodion's voice echoed clearly in the room as Mikhailis sat on his chair, leaning back with his feet up on the desk.
<Commencing with the latest findings. The hierarchy of strength within this world, especially concerning monsters and magic beasts, is more nuanced than initially anticipated.>
Mikhailis glanced up at the display as Rodion continued.
<For humans and other intelligent beings, strength classifications are described by ranks—Baron, Viscount, Earl, Duke, and so on. These classifications combine an individual's inherent power and their acquired techniques. However, for monsters and magic beasts, these ranks represent more than just strength—they are linked to evolution.
Monsters evolve physically and mentally upon reaching a new rank, transforming in a way that exceeds the typical growth observed in humans.>
Mikhailis raised an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued. He leaned in closer, resting his chin on his hand. "Evolve, you say? So, you're telling me the chimera queen evolved when she reached Baron rank?"
<Precisely. The increase in her intelligence, her decision to establish farming within the colony, all of these are directly linked to her evolution. She transitioned from being a mere 'Beast' into a 'Magic Beast.'>
"Wait, so there's a difference between a 'Monster' and a 'Magic Beast'?" Mikhailis questioned, his brows knitting together in thought.
<Indeed. The distinction is subtle but significant. Monsters are born inherently magical; their very existence is tied to the wild magic that saturates this world. They are, essentially, born monsters. Their abilities, however powerful, are limited to their origin. Magic Beasts, on the other hand, are creatures that were once non-magical, or had minimal magic.
Through consumption of high-magic nutrition or significant exposure to powerful magical sources, they can evolve into something far greater.>
Mikhailis let out a low whistle, nodding as he processed the information. "So... if a squirrel finds a magic berry stash, it could become some super-powered rodent? Like... a Squirrel Duke or something?"
<While the comparison is simplistic, the underlying principle holds true. Consumption of high magic influences evolutionary pathways. Your chimera queen was simply an insect, a beast. But after consuming multiple high-magic sources, including magic scarabs, her potential evolved, granting her superior intelligence and magical affinity.
This led to the creation of farming practices and more sophisticated defense mechanisms within the colony.>
"Man," Mikhailis shook his head, "no wonder she's acting all regal now. And to think I haven't seen any of these actual magic beasts or monsters up close. Haven't I been living here for months now without seeing any of the wild wonders of this world?" He sighed dramatically, tapping his fingers on the desk.
Rodion's voice came in, carrying a hint of amusement.
<Your Highness has, unfortunately, been cooped up in this glorified prison called a royal chamber, indulging in digital insects and nurturing a clandestine colony of ants. Perhaps it is time for some exploration?>
Mikhailis's eyes lit up, leaning forward suddenly. "Now you're talking, Rodion. Can we... can we simulate some 'surveillance'? You know, use our little friends to finally check out the world?"
<Indeed. The surveillance system can be activated. We have five worker ants currently scattered across the capital, mapping the surroundings. I suggest we commence the 'world surveillance' initiative, beginning with a one percent coverage of the capital.>
A grin spread across Mikhailis's face, his eyes practically sparkling. "Finally! Yes! Let's go!" He quickly adjusted himself in his chair, his enthusiasm palpable. "And perfect timing too, since Lira's busy with work in the city and won't be back until late. No prying eyes, no maids walking in with their usual 'what is he even doing' look.
Just me, my ants, and the world!"
Rodion gave a brief pause before continuing.
<Shall we then? Commencing operation with the current forces at our disposal. The frog variant will spearhead the reconnaissance efforts. However, to ensure the safety of our precious 'ninja ant,' I would recommend an accompaniment.>
"Come on, guys, keep up!" Mikhailis muttered, his fingers clenching around the edge of the sofa.
The frog variant continued its retreat, leaping over a fallen log and skirting around a thick patch of brambles. The fire scarabs, though slower, maintained their formation, their bioluminescent bodies glowing softly as they moved. The soldier ants, built for strength rather than speed, were doing their best to keep up, but the distance between them and the frog variant was growing.
Mikhailis could feel his heart pounding in his chest, the adrenaline coursing through his veins. It wasn't just a game—this was real. His ants, his creations, were in danger, and he could do nothing but watch.
Suddenly, a loud crack echoed through the forest, followed by a deep, resonating growl. Mikhailis's eyes widened as he saw one of the direwolves break away from the fight, its eyes locking onto the frog variant. The wolf's muscles tensed, and in an instant, it lunged forward, its massive form closing the distance between them.
"Rodion! We need a distraction! Now!" Mikhailis shouted, his voice laced with panic.
<Initiating decoy protocol. Fire scarabs redirecting. Standby.>
The fire scarabs broke formation, moving towards the charging direwolf. Their glowing bodies flickered as they began emitting bursts of light, their fire affinity creating small, dazzling explosions meant to distract the predator.
The direwolf skidded to a halt, its eyes narrowing as it focused on the scarabs. It let out a low growl, snapping at one of the glowing insects as it darted past. The scarabs scattered, their small explosions lighting up the forest floor as they led the direwolf away from the frog variant.
Mikhailis let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding, his body relaxing slightly. "Good, good... keep it distracted."
The frog variant continued its retreat, its powerful legs propelling it further into the forest, away from the battle. Mikhailis could see the soldier ants finally catching up, their sturdy bodies pushing through the underbrush as they followed the frog variant's path.
<Threat level decreasing. Direwolf has diverted attention. Recommending continued retreat to safe location.>
Mikhailis nodded, his eyes still glued to the screen. "Yeah, let's get out of here. No need to be heroes today."
The frog variant led the group deeper into the forest, away from the treant and the direwolves. The forest grew quieter, the sounds of battle fading into the distance. Mikhailis could feel the tension slowly leaving his body, his heart rate beginning to steady.
He let out a shaky laugh, shaking his head. "Man... that was intense. I knew this world was dangerous, but seeing it firsthand... it's something else."
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<Observation: Your Highness is fortunate that the encounter did not escalate. The current strength of the chimera ant colony is insufficient to face threats of Viscount rank or higher. Caution is advised in future operations.>
Mikhailis let out a sigh, nodding. "Yeah, I got it, Rodion. No more picking fights with treants or direwolves. Let's stick to less terrifying stuff for now."
He leaned back on the sofa, his gaze still fixed on the screen as the frog variant and its companions found a secluded spot to rest. The forest around them was quiet, the danger seemingly behind them for now.
Mikhailis closed his eyes for a moment, a smile tugging at his lips. "Still... it's kinda cool, isn't it? I mean, we've barely started, and already we're seeing magic beasts and treants. Just imagine what else is out there."
Rodion's voice carried a hint of amusement.
<Indeed. Though, Your Highness, I suggest we proceed with more caution moving forward. There is no need to add 'eaten by a wolf' to your list of achievements.>
Mikhailis laughed, shaking his head. "Yeah, yeah, noted. I'll make sure not to get myself—or my ants—eaten. But hey, this is just the beginning. We'll grow stronger, smarter. And one day, we'll be the ones chasing the wolves."
He took a deep breath, his gaze turning determined as he looked at the screen.