The Eccentric Entomologist is Now a Queen's Consort

Chapter 195: The Night Patrol

Mikhailis lay on his side inside the tent, his body relaxed in the plush sleeping bag, his breathing even. He kept his eyes half-lidded, giving the impression of being on the verge of drifting off, the soft crackle of the dying campfire outside the tent adding to the illusion of a peaceful rest. Vyrelda had taken the first watch, her silhouette visible against the canvas walls as she moved to and fro, occasionally glancing in his direction, ensuring that her liege was indeed sleeping soundly.

He let out a slow breath, waiting. Minutes passed, then more—the slow passage of time allowing the tension in the camp to relax. Vyrelda’s footsteps became less frequent, the cautious rhythm of a guard settling into a routine patrol. Lira had long retreated to her sleeping quarters in the far corner of the tent, and even her normally sharp gaze seemed to have softened after a long day.

Alright, this should be enough, Mikhailis thought, his mind fully awake despite the steady breaths he took.

His heart rate remained steady, masking his anticipation.

It had been days since he could finally put this experiment into action—a culmination of effort and innovation on Rodion’s part, not to mention the advancements his Chimera Ant Colony had made. His mind drifted to the Skullborne Ravager. A particularly intriguing evolution, one that had granted him something he had always desired: a loyal, powerful tool at his fingertips, one that could be commanded from afar.

He resisted the urge to smirk. The evolution process had been swift, especially with the growing numbers under the Skullborne Ravager’s command. Thirty goblins, fully subdued, now serving not just the Skullborne Ravager but their queen as well—and, by extension, him.

It’s time.

Mikhailis shifted slightly, his fingers closing around a small talisman hidden in the folds of his sleeping bag. The Hypnoveil talisman—a finely crafted artifact that could only be activated by him. He held it tight, letting his senses focus, his breathing shifting subtly as he synced with Rodion.

Mikhailis closed his eyes fully, allowing his mind to tune out the physical world. He took one more deep breath before whispering in his thoughts.

I’m ready, Rodion. Let’s go in.

The transition was immediate—a lurch that pulled at his consciousness, a dizzying sensation of being detached from his physical body. The tent, the campfire, even the rhythmic footsteps of Vyrelda blurred and then dissolved into darkness. For a fleeting moment, he felt disoriented, like a drifting leaf caught in a sudden windstorm.

But then—clarity. The darkness gave way, revealing something else. He opened his eyes—but they weren’t his eyes. They were the eyes of something more monstrous. The Skullborne Ravager’s senses burst to life around him, more vivid and sharp than his human perception. The night was suddenly filled with countless stimuli—the subtle rustling of leaves, the faint crackle of electricity in the air, the scents carried on the wind. The enhanced strength and predatory instincts surged through his veins, making his pulse quicken.

He couldn’t help but grin inwardly.

This is definitely an upgrade.

He rolled his massive shoulders, feeling the immense power stored within his new body. Everything felt amplified. The strength of the Ravager’s muscles, the resilience in every sinew—this was raw power, the kind he’d only dreamt of possessing. He took a step forward, feeling the ground beneath his clawed feet, the crushing strength they possessed evident with every movement.

Rodion’s voice echoed within his mind.

Good, Mikhailis thought, slowly moving forward, testing the limits of his new form.

The goblin, one of those fully under the Ravager’s command, had been stationed nearby. It was following their camp, keeping a safe distance to avoid detection.

The swap had gone smoothly, and now Mikhailis was in control—fully embedded within the body of the Skullborne Ravager, yet conveniently close to their position. The physical prowess at his disposal was intoxicating. The Ravager’s bulky frame allowed him to move with an animalistic grace that belied its size. Every sense was heightened; he felt like he was truly alive.

Rodion reported. There was a pause before he added, with a hint of sarcasm.

Mikhailis laughed inwardly.

Gotta love a good bug hero, right?

He adjusted the positioning of the talismans attached to his armor, ensuring each one was securely in place. The talismans allowed him to maintain control, even in this new, more powerful form.

But there was more to this than just the thrill. He had noticed something peculiar earlier that day while repairing the carriage. The axle had been damaged in a way that suggested more than just accidental wear and tear. It had been bent unnaturally—almost as if someone had intentionally sabotaged it.

Mikhailis had his suspicions, and now, with this enhanced form, he was ready to put those suspicions to the test.

Rodion, I want you to replay the analysis of the carriage damage.

Just as I thought, Mikhailis mused, his eyes narrowing.

Someone is watching us. Maybe agents from Vesperia—perhaps those targeting Prince Laethor.

He moved forward, his new form gliding silently through the trees, the Chimera Ants merging with him in perfect synchronization. There was no awkwardness in their movements, no hesitation. Every step was smooth, every motion fluid. He felt powerful, ready to confront whatever threat lay in wait.

He approached the edge of the campsite, the dim light of the campfire flickering through the trees. The tent stood undisturbed, Vyrelda’s silhouette still visible in her patrol. Mikhailis smirked, his new form concealed in the darkness.

Time to see if our uninvited guests are still around, he thought, his eyes scanning the perimeter. He moved with purpose, his senses reaching out, seeking any sign of an intruder. The Skullborne Ravager’s enhanced sight picked up the smallest details—a broken branch here, a faint footprint there.

They’re close, Mikhailis thought, his heart pounding with a mixture of excitement and determination.

Let’s make this interesting.

Explore more stories with empire

He took a deep breath, the exoskeleton-like armor shifting around him, every muscle in the Skullborne Ravager’s body tensed and ready. He could feel the energy coursing through him, the raw strength of the Chimera Ants feeding into his own willpower.

With Rodion’s voice guiding him and the power of his new form, Mikhailis felt truly unstoppable. This was it—the culmination of his efforts, the blend of intellect, magic, and sheer physical power.

Okay, he thought, his gaze fixed on the darkness beyond the camp, a grin spreading across his monstrous face.

Time to make a great show.