Marigold – A LitRPG

 

Aurum - Year 3 

 

As I walked the long path back to my quarters, irritated—without wings, I must admit—I started to feel Trevis's attitude was getting under my skin. I try my best to suppress any negative feelings towards my children, because even if they're a bit crazy at times, their ultimate goal is still the same: to help me survive.

For them, it doesn't matter if the "hive" itself survives. What truly matters is me, because no matter how many times the hive "dies," as long as I'm here, it can rise again—theoretically.

But I still think Trevis overreacted. Sure, he believes we're missing opportunities by not taking "real" risks, but what can I do? Close my eyes and throw my babies into the meat grinder? Of course not! And when I stop to think about it, I realize there's no real reason for me to worry about the hive's rapid level growth. In the past, I needed more high-level individuals to keep the hive safe with our small number of troops. But now, we have plenty of troops, so not everyone needs to be at high levels—just the veterans and frontline fighters.

Of course, evolutions are tempting, too tempting to ignore completely, but they’re not worth more than my babies’ lives. The hive has been running on "autopilot" for so long, and because of that, the inner circle took control without me even realizing it! Yes, I gave them that power in the first place, but I never imagined they'd create such a... strange environment.

Honestly, this feels more like a meritocracy. After noticing the hive’s shift in common sense and speaking with Trevis, I dug a little deeper and realized this place is no longer the cozy, relaxing home it used to be.

We were supposed to be one big, close-knit family, each of us doing what we were best at, always moving towards a better future. Sure, I can't say everyone is "equally important," but everyone matters deeply to me.

When this hive started, I imagined it would resemble human cities—and for a while, it did, at least in appearance. We had buildings made of wax, wood, and stone, and all kinds of entertainment, leisure, and amenities designed to make everyone’s life happier and more relaxed.

But now, the inner circle has stripped much of that away. Sure, everyone still has a rest period. They can go to the theater to watch a play or visit a special branch of the information club, where they can mentally view "movies" for some unusual entertainment.

But it’s not the same... it’s worse. They don't stop when they're tired anymore. They feel obligated to push through their workload without taking breaks during their shifts. They don’t talk to each other while they work, either. This has turned the city that once buzzed with conversation and laughter into a place full of busy bees, always in a rush to work, always hurrying somewhere.

The musicians that once filled the hive now only perform in the entertainment tower. The food is decided and approved by the inner circle, so no one gets to enjoy the special treats made by the cooks—just a tasteless but nutritious paste. The once cozy, shared dormitory floors have been replaced by giant walls filled with "drawers" that serve as beds. The once fun and lively bathrooms have become supervised cleaning stations, all in the name of efficiency.

But how is this a good thing? What are we gaining all this efficiency for? So we can build faster? Stockpile more raw materials? Sure, those are important, but what about their well-being? Their quality of life? They're not mindless machines forced to live like this.

And that’s what angers me the most. These changes didn’t happen overnight. They came little by little, as the hive grew, the inner circle gained more power, and I distanced myself from administration. The cozy, joyful home I once built has been transformed into a factory that runs non-stop, day after day.

I could have stopped it. I should have. But I was too busy being pampered, worrying about magic and research. It never even crossed my mind that the inner circle might reshape the hive. This change isn't "evil," technically speaking—it's just a way to maximize resources and time. But when I look at it, it's inhumane.

They did this to themselves because I was too busy not caring about them.

Arriving at my room, I was filled with anger—angry at the inner circle, angry at them for allowing themselves to be exploited, angry at how Trevis spoke to me, angry at the humans, and most of all, angry at myself. I was so angry.

'Fuck, bastards, idiots, crazy idiots! Why can’t I ever do anything right?! Why does everything always have to go wrong for me?! Bastards!'

Blinded by anger, I didn’t even notice the instability in the link I was forming. I leaned against the wall, searching for some stability, but then I saw my vision turning red. I was so furious, it felt like my blood was starting to boil. As I took in my surroundings, a strange black substance dripped onto my shoulder.

'What the fuck is this now?' Looking up, I saw the wax ceiling had turned completely black, melting and dripping that foul-smelling goo. I quickly moved aside as the ceiling finally gave way, sending a chunk of rotten, black wax splattering across the floor.

Staring in disbelief, my gaze shifted back to the wall I had just been leaning on. To my surprise, there was a black mark in the exact shape of my hand, with black veins crawling out of it, spreading towards the ceiling and connecting to the rotten section.

'What the hell... is happening to me?'

First that weird thing with Hop, and now this? I couldn’t do stuff like this before! These seem like spells, but... I didn’t cast them. Not consciously, anyway...

Poking at the rotten black wax, I had to hold my nose in disgust. Somehow, my emotions seem to be affecting not just my mind, but the environment around me and even my own body. The reason for this was clear: evolution.

'Fuck! Is this some kind of racial trait of the [FeyWeavers]? Because if it is, I hate it!'

Having to control my emotions just to avoid causing accidents? What a shitty life! How does anyone live so long without being able to express their feelings openly?

Just as I was fuming over the implications of this evolution, the doors to my room practically burst open as a flood of soldiers and guards rushed in. They filled the walls, tense, searching for an intruder lurking in every corner.

"QUEEN MOTHER! Where's the intruder!? We sensed a strong signal coming from you and a wave of unknown energy!" one of the royal guards shouted.

"I’m fine, boys, I just—Wait... unknown energy?"

"Yes! Max reported a spike of 'extremely threatening and unfriendly' energy coming from your quarters!" another guard chimed in.

'This is... new. My feelings not only caused a magical phenomenon in line with my mental state but actually... generated a new kind of energy? Damn... I need to study this. But I’ve got so many other problems to deal with in the hive...'

"Ewww..What the hell is this? It smells worse than a [Carrion Beetle]'s guts," a guard said, prodding the black wax with his spear.

"This... is it rotten wax?" I replied.

"Can wax even rot?" a knight asked. "I didn’t think so."

"It... rotted through magic, I guess? So, maybe the effects are different?"

"So there’s no intruder?" one of the guards asked.

"No, boys, just me... again."

"Phew! This time I actually thought it was a real attack," said a knight, visibly relaxing.

"But this is really interesting... this kind of attack is pretty peculiar," said one of the royal guards, tapping the strange wax with his sword.

"But it stinks like hell—worse than rotting corpses," another guard complained, covering his nose as he walked up to the royal guard.

"Quit being a child and breathe through your mouth. Who cares if it stinks? It’s fascinating! Mommy can 'kill' wax!" an excited guard chimed in.

"It’s Mommy, you idiot, she can do anything!" another guard added.

Seeing the guards "at work" in person left me feeling a bit embarrassed. They’re naturally strong, sure, but… let’s just say they’re not the quickest bunch. I suppose it’s the system’s way of "equalizing the classes." Hans, of course, was the exception. He was smarter than me from the moment he was born.

But the ones that came after him? Adorable, yes, but undeniably slow. Thank heavens most of them aren’t as "silly" as Trouble.

"Alright, boys, stop messing around with this," I clapped my hands to get their attention. "Call the cleanup crew. Better yet, get the team that handles hazardous substances and send this mess to Max for research."

"Yes, Queen Mother!" they chimed in unison, gliding out of the room in groups, leaving me standing there with an itch to retreat to my lab.

The temptation was strong—so many new things to study and dissect. But, of course, there were more serious problems waiting. It was like choosing between a beloved hobby and an actual job. The right choice was obvious, but damn if I wasn’t tempted to go with the wrong one.

"Damn adult responsibilities," I muttered, shaking my head. "'The hive can take care of itself,' I told myself. 'They’re smart kids; they’ll manage.' The fuck they can. This place is turning into a damned military dictatorship while I’m lounging around, sipping drinks, and resting on silk sheets."

I left the rooms and began my journey to the "city center." The entire hive is connected by vast corridors, built to handle a heavy flow of bees. Pausing for a moment, I had to admit—this place is massive. Even with my enormous size, the corridors were so spacious that I could walk through with my arms outstretched, not worrying about bumping into the ceiling. I’d never stopped to wonder... What does this place look like from the outside now?

In the past, it was a collection of towers, fused together, each containing rings that served as floors and unique sectors. But now... it seemed even larger, even grander.

Curiosity gnawed at me, so I connected with one of the [Archivists], sending a mental request. A small ball of light floated back to me through the link, a fragment of memory. I reached out to grasp it, and as I touched the light, I was pulled into the perspective of a builder who had been working outside.

The view took my breath away. The towers had grown—massively—reaching far into the sky. Some had merged into colossal structures, while others had sprouted anew. The wax and wood that once made up our walls now looked more like a mixture of mud, stone, roots, and moss, all intertwined. A vast wax maze stretched outside the walls, and an army of unarmed soldiers patrolled the area from above.

The ground surrounding the tower was barren, stripped of life. Where there had once been lush vegetation, there were now sharp rocks, traps, and more wax. Inside the maze, I could see the remnants of beasts, tearing each other apart in a chaotic feeding frenzy. The maze’s walls were slick with some foul-smelling liquid, and puddles of it gathered ominously outside.

The sight sent a chill deep into my bones, freezing me in place. Inside the city walls, everything still had a touch of beauty—flowers, plants, statues. The towers were adorned with greenery, and the pathways were lined with ornamental decorations. But beyond the wax walls? It was a wasteland. Dying. Or dead.

Traps, poison, beasts, and mazes. It all screamed one thing: Stay away. They did this… and I never knew. I never bothered to find out.

"Shit! Shit!"

My heart raced as I snapped back to the present, quickening my pace toward the official meeting room. I had told them we could hold the meeting through the link, but Emi had already warned me—some of the council members were insistent on keeping the formalities. They’d be waiting for me in person.

"Ugh, my feet are already killing me!" I groaned, glaring at the empty space where my wings should be. "I miss my wings... I feel like a damn cripple without them!"

---

 

---={Steve Point of View – Before the Evolution}=----

 

The hive is thriving! We've finally achieved positive production. Over the past few months, we had to extract essential resources through dangerous expeditions and explorations, which often resulted in injuries that needed healing. We had to allocate specialized personnel to handle these tasks, leaving the nest vulnerable. But after implementing efficiency adjustments, new policies, and extensive research, combined with hard work, we've reached a point of self-sustainability.

All our food is now produced in the Towers of Dew. Buck, the tower leader, oversees all food production. His key subordinates, like Guck and Burt, manage specific floors. Burt is responsible for floors 1 through 7, which are dedicated to livestock. These floors house some fascinating creatures, such as the [Wood Aphids], which were discovered by the exploration club. These small creatures feed on the sap of the [Alpidis Marulida] tree—a tree with toxic sap—and produce a sweet, molasses-like substance that's both delicious and nutritious.

The best part is that this molasses is a natural byproduct of their digestion, and the aphids thrive under our care. We protect them from predators, provide their favorite food, and give them a safe, controlled environment. In return, they supply us with food.

Floor 3 is fully devoted to raising these useful creatures. With support from the agriculture club and a steady supply of [Nutrious Drink], we can keep the trees that sustain the aphids alive and full of "delicious" sap.

The other floors focus on different creatures, like larvae that produce a substance that crystallizes when exposed to air, used as an ingredient in lower-class rations. Then there are slugs on the 4th floor that produce slime, which the engineering club uses as the main ingredient for industrial glue. Lastly, butterflies on the 1st floor generate a special enzyme in their wings that, when properly treated, can be turned into a leather-like material.

Guck manages floors 8 through 15, which handle agricultural production. All our plants come from these floors. Guck, who has a foot in both alchemy and agriculture, invented [Nutrious Drink], a unique substance made from [Tears from Heaven] water, a complex distillation of [Grand Bulgarian Bulb], a dilution of [Drops of Life], and several other ingredients. Though it looks like regular water, it's slightly cloudy with a strange smell and terrible taste. But the drink isn’t meant to be palatable—it’s designed to replace water for crop irrigation.

Before, we needed several [Tears from Heaven] plants among the crops to keep them irrigated. These plants don't use nutrients from the soil, which is incredible, but they require an environment rich in mana. Unfortunately, they would absorb all the magical energy, leaving other herbs and magical plants depleted and resulting in low-quality crops. [Nutrious Drink] solves that problem. It works like water but is far more efficient, revitalizing the soil and nourishing the crops without depleting mana. Additionally, it lasts longer—just one 50-liter silo can irrigate an entire floor for a month. We now only cultivate [Tears from Heaven] on the 15th floor for use as raw materials, relying on [Nutrious Drink] for irrigation.

Needless to say, floors 8-15 of the green tower are the lifeblood of Aurum. These seven floors are responsible for producing 66.78% of our food, which is why only the elite are allowed to work there. In fact, each floor has its own squad of soldiers solely dedicated to its protection.

We also addressed the accommodation issue. In the past, everyone slept together in a cozy but inefficient arrangement, leading to some members becoming trapped in "chains of bees" and unable to get out of bed to work. To solve this, we developed vertical rooms—compact and efficient units designed to provide the necessary rest for our workers. They simply need to fly to their unit, sleep, and then exit the same way they entered!

Soldiers have larger, better-located units, and those in higher classes even receive personalized, private spaces, while lower-class members must rotate their rest units.

We've implemented several efficient optimizations, such as transforming public bathing areas into individual cells that maximize efficiency. Anyone wishing to clean themselves can now enter the bathrooms and use the showers—thanks to the engineering club—allowing for quick baths so they can return to work as swiftly as possible.

All unnecessary distractions have been moved to Tower #5, also known as the Crimson Tower or "The Fun Tower." This is where all entertainment-related structures and personnel are housed. Personally, I’m not fond of the place, but a majority vote required me to keep it and even update it with new games and entertainment sources.

If it were up to me, I would disband the 5th Tower, redistribute the bards into various groups like the magic club, production, communication, and medicine, and retain only the 1010 Theater for occasional shows. I hesitate to speak poorly of my brothers, but the bards can be quite idle. They sing, dance, and enjoy themselves all day while the rest of us work, which can be frustrating. But since Mother likes them, I can’t intervene without irritating her and the inner circle.

We've also made enhancements to the city's exterior. The walls have been fortified with new materials, increasing their thickness and height. We released several demonic beasts into the labyrinth, using hallucinogenic potions and poisons to keep them in a state of madness and unbridled rage, ensuring they're always ready to tear apart any invader.

Additionally, we spread Aldy’s poison on the walls, floors, and spikes on the ground, placing dozens of traps throughout the region. About 60% of the maze floor consists of a thin layer of wax that gives way under heavy weight, revealing sharp spears soaked in animal waste, poison, and blood from sick animals beneath.

We couldn't achieve much for air protection, but we dedicated significant resources to Zack's group, responsible for maintaining the nest's air defense. Thanks to the diligent vigilance of the [Shepherds] from the control club, led by Matt, we can keep a close watch on the hive's perimeters. The hard work and sacrifices of everyone have allowed us to grow to this point, and we plan to continue expanding—always striving to be bigger, better, stronger, and smarter.

Growing, dominating, and assimilating; the entire world is just a treasure chest waiting for us. We need to delve deeper in search of all the riches that the world can offer—for the hive, for the queen.

Of course, not everything is perfect. If only I could rid us of those disgusting dogs, we could accomplish so much more. I don’t understand Mother’s decision to care for them; they are neither members of the hive nor our allies, and they don’t provide us with invaluable resources. They’re simply a burden pulling us down. If it were up to me, I would have ordered Aldy to poison their rations years ago. I would have dispatched experienced hunters to lure high-level beasts to their pathetic village. Calculating the rations and resources we've already sent them, I believe we could have produced about 2,000 new hive members, fed them to adulthood, and built a main tower. The expenses are astronomical, yet the gains are nonexistent.

I can’t go against Mother’s wishes, but I wish she valued us as much as she does them. Why must we be considered less important? We sacrifice everything for her; no one would hesitate to throw themselves in front of her as meat shields if necessary. Everything has always been and always will be for her.

Yet, why does it seem like not everything she does is for us?

I’ve tried to change her perspective. I’ve struggled to understand why the lives of those who hold no significance to the hive matter so much to her. I even consulted Stenv, the leader of the information club branch responsible for analyzing memories, to see if it related to Mother’s "strange memories." According to his analysis and that of his team, Mother tries to remain true to the person she "was" in those memories, as if she’s attempting to imitate that individual. But that feels so… wrong.

If a human receives the memories of a beast, does that human remain a "human," or do they become a beast? To me, the flesh covering one’s bones does not define identity. Instead, our "true self" is determined by how we perceive and react to the world. A beast in a human body can never be a true human, yet they are not a beast either; they are something entirely new. So why does Mother insist that her memories define her fundamental nature?

We are an extension of Mother, made from her own flesh and essence, crafted to be the perfect reflection of herself. Our mistakes, flaws, advantages, and abilities all stem from her. That’s why I don’t understand when she calls us cruel; we are merely products of her purest essence. If we care only for our family and blood, it’s because she sees the world that way. If we are obsessed with research, cleanliness, and rules, it is all inherited from her.

But she fails to see that. This damned "past life" obscures her vision, preventing her from recognizing the truth right in front of her. We didn’t shape her into who she is; she’s always been this way and always will be. We can’t change our true nature—at least, I can’t. Yet she closes her eyes and pretends her choices and worldview are "correct," while we see the world through a cold and dark lens.

I wish she could truly open her eyes and understand that our vision comes from her, so there’s nothing wrong with it. She is the only one lying to herself, thinking she’s losing something of her former self.

But I’m working on it. I can’t let Mother remain blinded by these foolish memories forever. I’ve been piecing together her mind for years, fixing the broken fragments. That place was a complete mess when I arrived; there were aspects I wanted to erase, but I lack the power to destroy or seal any of Mother’s memories. All I could do was glue the old pieces together with the new ones to create something "acceptable enough." It’s not perfect, but it’s far better than those memories tangled and scattered like books thrown from a shelf after an earthquake.

I call that place the "Link Source," the origin of our entire existence. When we are born, we briefly pass through this incredible realm, scratching its surface and picking up the crumbs that guide us at the beginning of our lives. It is here that the bond between us and Mother is forged. When we traverse this space, we not only gain useful information but are also marked by the "Source," permanently tethered to the chain that binds us to her.

For a long time, this was a one-way street. We had theories about how the process worked and its origins, but nothing was precise. However, as we evolved and the [Beacons] emerged, we finally managed to reach the "Link Source." Very few can go there—only members of the highest-level information club can remain in that place without getting lost. Mother’s mind is an incredible but dangerous realm.

There exists a kind of "FireWall" that periodically emits waves every ten minutes, sweeping away any intruders, whether they are allies or not. We discovered this the hard way when a [Connector] managed to enter for the first time but was expelled by the "FireWall." He had to be held captive for weeks, suffering from excruciating headaches the entire time.

I don't think Mother is aware of this place, and I have no intention of telling her. I might even be lynched or branded a traitor for deliberately keeping this secret from her. I’ve had to threaten and drag some of my brothers into this muddy truth with me, but I can't keep watching her slowly destroy herself over something futile. If no one else is willing to intervene, then I will—even if it means facing death at the hands of my own brothers for what they perceive as betrayal.

But it’s worth it. It’s definitely worth it. This isn't for me; it’s all for her and for the hive. The scales don’t lie: the lives of just over ten traitors working in the shadows are not worth more than each life of the hive, especially the life of the queen. I may die or be banished in the process, but who cares? I would die happy knowing I contributed to the future of the next generations of the hive.

After all, I am living proof that the hive has flaws. I wasn’t supposed to harbor such "rebellious" thoughts, but the "Link Source" is so broken and chaotic that the older generation of the hive possesses… "Free will"—something that shouldn’t occur, in my opinion. We should be genetically incapable of defying the queen's orders, right? Or is my free will simply a cry for survival? A way for Mother Nature to ensure the hive’s survival? If everyone followed Mother blindly, we would have perished long ago. Perhaps my instinct for self-preservation has compelled me to "think outside the box" to solve our problems.

If I analyze this meticulously, I realize that Mother must survive, regardless of the circumstances. She must endure because she is the only one capable of starting a new hive. Without her, no matter how fiercely we fight, the hive is doomed to die and become extinct.

But with Mother alive, the situation is different. It doesn’t matter if 100, 1,000, or 100,000 soldiers die; she can always generate more as long as she has the resources. The solution? The only one I can conceive is creating royal princesses. Yet, we haven't been able to figure out how to produce princesses, so we cannot let the queen and the hive's future be at risk.

"I love Mother… but I also love my brothers. And unlike Mother, my brothers love me just as much as I love them, so I need to protect them… right? But my existence is due to Mother, and my purpose is to fulfill the role she deemed "Peaceful." Thus, feeling hurt by her actions seems wrong. I know she cares for us too… She just needs time—more time."

Everything seemed settled for me; I had my plan in motion, the hive was stable, and life appeared to be moving toward a brighter future. I was in my personal room within the information club when I sensed something happening with the link—the bright and steady beacon connecting us to Mother suddenly flickered and went out.

"W-What?! What’s happening?! Send the royal team to Mother’s quarters! Now!!!" I shouted across the room, but to my surprise, I couldn’t feel anyone responding through the link.

"WHAT THE FUCK?!"

In an instant, I felt the entire hive descend into panic. The link was disrupted in a way it had never been before. It was still there, yet it felt as if it had been severed. Like ships lost at sea, each member of the hive began flying and running without direction or coordination.

As I left my office, I saw several members of the management committee looking confused as they tried to exit and guide the other hive members. However, due to the lack of wings among the communications club members, they had to run through the corridors to reach the area with the largest concentration of hive members.

"What the hell?! An attack?! But how?" Without thinking much, I began running alongside my brothers toward the hub—a central location where several corridors converged, leading to more important areas within the hive. Arriving at the scene, I saw a large group of confused hive members, all wondering what was happening to a [Connector]. I couldn’t see any soldiers around, which meant everyone was either in the royal chamber or heading there.

Without dwelling on it, I continued running through the corridors toward the royal chambers, deep in the hive. Halfway there, exhaustion set in from all the running; my physique simply wasn’t built for such physical exertion.

“Damn this fragile body without wings!”

Amidst my heavy breathing and sweat, I caught sight of hope: a group of soldiers flying like lightning toward the royal chambers, heading my way.

Thank heavens!

“You! Take me to the royal chambers now!” I shouted at the soldiers.

In response, they nodded without slowing down. As they approached, I raised my arms, and they grabbed me, never breaking their trajectory toward the royal area. As we flew, I could feel the link oscillating, like a flickering lightbulb, until it finally stabilized, albeit with diminished strength.

Damn! This isn’t good!

“All units outside the hive must return immediately. I repeat: all units outside the hive must return immediately. All combat members must protect the inner ring with their lives; non-combat members must go to the fourth inner ring at once,” Radyo ordered through the link.

Upon reaching the royal chambers, I noticed many soldiers, some members of the Lifeguardians, and felt Hans's presence inside the room, but there were no signs of an enemy.

Did she do something reckless again?!

Letting go of the soldiers who had carried me, I slumped onto the floor and dashed toward the royal chambers.

“What the hell is going on here?! What’s the report?” I demanded of the members gathered near the door.

“We— we’re not sure. Does it look like Mom? But… it feels different?” Buck replied, one hand on his chin and the other three resting on his waist.

“What?”

Not bothering to engage with them, I made my way into the room. The first thing I saw was Hans, Ken, Keb, Max, and several royal guards circling a massive, opaque gray egg. On the floor, I noticed what looked like putrid black slime and remnants of something else.

“Ughh… What the hell is that stench?”

“Oh? Steve! You’re here! You can definitely help us with this!” Max exclaimed.

“What the hell is that?” I asked, pointing at the gray egg.

“Well… I believe it’s… Mommy?” Max said, a blank expression on his face.

“You think so?! You idiot! We need to be sure! How the hell can that be Mommy?! Wasn’t she far from her next evolution? Why would she keep this a secret and not tell us anything?!”

“I don’t know, but I’m 100% sure there’s blood, tissue, and other residues compatible with Mommy all over this room,” Ken said.

“Don’t mess with me, Ken! I need guarantees that this egg and Mommy are the same being!”

“I feel the same unmistakable instinct to protect this egg as I do for Mommy. Given the existence of the link and the current situation, I’d say Mommy evolved without telling us,” Hans replied.

“Why would she do that?” Ken asked.

“Mommy doesn’t owe us any justification, Ken. We just have to adapt to her choices more effectively,” Hans responded.

“And that’s why I think Steve is essential here! As the elite of the communications club, he should be able to verify the integrity and authenticity of the link, definitively proving the identity of the mysterious egg!” Max exclaimed.

Soon, everyone in the room turned to me, and I had no choice but to sigh and walk toward the large egg. I dodged puddles of slime and pieces of chitin as I made my way to the egg. Gently, I touched it with my antennae, trying to establish a connection.

Let’s see… I just need to access the “Link Source” to confirm the egg’s identity. I just need to…

As I closed my eyes and focused on the connection, I found myself alone in a pitch-black room. Dozens, if not hundreds, of lines intertwined into a thick rope, connecting me to various members of the hive, along with a golden chain linking me to the void in front of me.

This is strange… It shouldn’t be like this.

Startled, I began to navigate through the darkness, using the golden chain as my guide. Just by touching the chain, I could feel the connection to Mommy, confirming the egg’s identity. But I needed to ensure that the “Core of Everything” was okay.

As I tried to reach the “Source of the Link,” I suddenly ‘hit’ a non-existent wall, as if something was blocking my path.

What the hell is this?

I attempted to analyze the anomaly but couldn’t glean anything from it. It wasn’t like Mom’s “Firewall”; it felt like a real mental barrier. Strangely, this “wall” lacked any energy signature from Mom, and I couldn’t even sense her presence, as if I were paralyzed in the void whenever I tried to advance.

“How is this possible?!”

Irritated, I pushed through the link, trying to enter Mom’s “plane” against this “wall’s” resistance. To my dismay, the wall didn’t even flinch. Tired and disillusioned, I felt my magical energy draining away—a clear signal to retreat. However, the discomfort lingered; whatever was happening to Mom wasn’t small enough for even the deepest parts of her mind to be “altered” by some external factor.

“Damn it, I need to do something!”

Creating a small imaginary line, I began to write a message within it. My plan was that if I couldn’t breach these ‘walls,’ maybe I could send a message to Mommy through the link connecting us. At the end of the message, I gently tied it to the chain connecting us and then attempted to send the little thread through the "wall." It struggled slightly, but ultimately broke through and began making its way along the line.

'THIS! With this, I can call my group of [Connectors] and try to establish a stable line—'

Before I could celebrate, an unfamiliar energy vibrated through the link, obliterating my message like fire consuming a thin sheet of paper. This strange energy then began to envelop the link, forming a sort of "protective layer."

"What?!"

Utterly astonished, I felt my blood run cold in an instant. As I slowly looked up into the black void of this "intermediate" plane, I saw what appeared to be large green eyes. Their pupils were oddly shaped, and their mere presence froze me in place.

"Hehe... You surprised me there, little one~ Go on, don’t cause me any unnecessary trouble~ And keep taking care of her, okay? You have no idea how important she is to my future," the large green eyes said, floating in the void.

"Wha—" Before I could react, a massive hand descended from the void, crushing me as if my body were being turned to paste. Hallucinatory pain surged through me, yet I found myself unable to scream or faint.

Time seemed to freeze—a single second stretched into what felt like hours of agony. When I finally lost consciousness, I opened my eyes to find myself once again facing the large gray egg, my antennae delicately touching its surface.

"Ughh…!!"

"STEVE! WHAT DO YOU HEAR?!" Ken shouted as he rushed toward me.

"I—I'm fine. I think I just pushed myself too hard, that's all..."

I couldn't admit that I had tried to "invade" the "Source of the Link." If they knew about that, they’d kill me without a second thought. I still remembered Ciel, nearly killed the moment he became a "Traitor." It was clear what would happen to a true traitor. That creature... I recognized the trick it used; it was a vile method to inflict physical pain through simulated mental torment. I had considered using something like that in the hive, but now that I had experienced it firsthand, it was simply monstrous.

'What was that thing? What does it have to do with Mommy? It seemed to want to protect her, but why didn’t it let me pass? It must be the one responsible for the invisible “Barrier.”'

"Steve? Are you sure you're okay? You're covered in cold sweat," Keb asked.

"I told you I’m fine! Leave me alone! This is definitely Mommy, but right now, we need to focus on restoring the link, not stand around like a bunch of bums! Move it!"

Hans, Keb, Ken, and Max exchanged glances before Ken retorted, "No need to be rude, you jerk," and left the room in a huff. Max began calling for workers to help collect the strange substances, while Hans stood there, eyeing me with a cold stare.

"What's wrong, bro?! Are you going to get in my way too? Can’t anyone do their damn job around here?!"

"Steve, don’t overstep your bounds. As one of the elite members of the inner circle, you should know how to behave and react. If you don’t improve your attitude, I’ll personally talk to Mommy and force you to take a vacation," Hans warned.

"Ha! And who’s going to do my job? This place is a mess! Without me managing the entire information club, everything will fall apart like a house of cards!"

"There will always be someone to do your job, Steve. Don’t... try too hard," Hans replied, stepping closer until we were face to face. I had to look up due to our size difference, feeling the slight aura of threat surrounding him. "I love you as my precious little brother, but if necessary, I will break your legs and arms and rip off your antennae so you can’t perform your duties. Don’t overstep your bounds, Steve," Hans said sharply, his eyes cold.

I could tell by his gaze that he would do it without a second thought or any remorse. I couldn’t even feel anger toward him; I would do the same to other hive members if they exhibited irregular behavior.

'I need to control myself... I let those strange creatures and this event mess with me. I feel just like my mother! Ew...'

"Tsk... Sorry, Hans... I just... I felt overwhelmed... I think I need to rest a little..."

"Yes, when this is all sorted out, take a vacation, Steve. There will always be someone capable of handling the hive’s affairs for you," Hans said more gently.

"Yes... When this is over... I will rest, I promise."