ushernet Chapter Thirty Eight
Chapter Thirty Eight
Kaede stood facing the tunnel that led out of her temporary headquarters, the polished stone archway framing her figure. She had quickly refreshed herself, using the stream that flowed through the alcove. Luckily due to the various nodes she had applied to her equipment, they still looked pristine, despite the recent alterations.
Acer stood beside her, her presence as calm and positive as ever. She wore a subtle yet confident expression, her sharp green eyes scanning the horizon. (They’re coming, Mother. I can sense them.)
Sure enough, moments later, figures emerged from the tunnel, their forms becoming clearer as they approached. A tall black Antari led the way, his towering figure almost blending into the darkness around him. Behind him walked three monsters, each radiating an air of authority that was impossible to ignore.
The queens were unlike any of the monsters Kaede had encountered before. She could actually feel that they were strong. They not only looked strong, but, each carried a distinct aura of power and authority, yet their movements were fluid and deliberate, exuding a quiet grace. The first queen, her exoskeleton a deep gold, was the largest, towering at almost ten feet. The second, darker and sleeker, seemed more watchful, her crimson compound eyes gleaming with a quiet intensity, she was also the smallest, standing at the same height as Solum. The third, was only slightly taller with earthy tones marked by faint green patterns.
'Whoa!' Kaede didn’t speak immediately, letting the silence stretch as the queens came to a halt before her. The tension in the air was palpable, though not hostile. Solum stepped aside, bowing his head slightly to signal the queens' arrival.
"They’re here," Solum said simply, his voice low and steady.
Kaede inclined her head in acknowledgment, her gaze shifting from one queen to the next. She could feel the weight of their collective presence. 'They're strong. Together, they might give Shifu trouble. What do I do? They're all looking at me. I think this is where I'm supposed to show my power or something.'
For a moment, no one moved. Then, subtly, Kaede reached out within her self, using her [Magic Perception] and just releasing all of her restrained magicules while simultaneously activating her acquired skill [Queens Aura]
Instantly the temperature dropped as a heavy miasma erupted from Kaede, the entire alcove trembling from the pressure. Solum staggered before stabilising him self. Ari merely twitched, unshaken by the presence of her mother's power. Acer was grinning wildly, happy as she felt her mother's warmth all around her.
A faint ripple passed through the queens, as though they were communicating amongst themselves. Their antennae twitched slightly, and Kaede felt the brush of foreign thoughts against her mind. The connection was tenuous, tentative, but unmistakable.
(You are the one who commands this place,) a voice resonated faintly in her mind, layered and resonant, as though it came from all three queens at once.
Kaede remained composed, her mental voice steady. (I am.)
Crimara’s crimson eyes gleamed as her name was spoken, and a wave of heat rolled off her as her body glowed brightly red.
With the addition of a bright red light, painting the chamber, Kaede faced the queen with earthy tones and green patterns, whose aura exuded stability and connection to the land itself. "You, remind me of a dear friend of mine." She thought back to her companion, Syrup. "I'll name you Hachi."
Hachi's glow was softer, more subdued, but no less powerful. A wave of warmth spread through the alcove as her green patterns brightened.
Kaede's heart rate increased as she waited for the inevitable weakness that would follow, as the last of the naming ritual concluded.. However, "That's it?" She only felt a slight drain, that felt like only ten percent of her magicules had been used. "Did my magicule capacity increase while I was sleeping?"
She looked back at the three queens, who were now radiating power far beyond what they had moments ago. Before her, three tall humanoid figures emerged from the light.
Aurina stepped forward, now standing at eight feet tall. "Aurina accepts this name. I shall lead with honor."
Next, Crimara stood beside Aurina, who was about two foot taller than she was. "Crimara acknowledges your gift. I will ensure that no threat escapes my sight."
Finally, Hachi stood next to her fellow queens, at seven foot tall. "Hachi accepts. The colony will flourish under your guidance."
Kaede smiled faintly, pride swelling in her chest. "Good. Now let’s work together to build something great."
The queens bowed deeply, a gesture of respect and acknowledgment. Solum, who had been watching silently, gave a small nod of approval.
Acer practically bounced in place. (See? I told you Mother was amazing!)
Kaede chuckled softly, letting herself relax for a moment. "Alright, everyone. We have a lot of work ahead of us. Let’s head to the meeting room -er chamber"