The hivemind is conquering for me? Chapter 753: Dreaded Responsibility

"The River? Apollo, they won’t allow any boat to travel down the river without a fight. Plus, it’s far too wide to cross, and the risk of getting spotted is way too high." Skaja objected, yet I shook my head in denial.

"I didn’t mean swimming across. See, rivers act as natural barriers, and nature can be terrifying sometimes. From this image, it looks like a swiftly rushing river, which would sweep us downstream. But listen to this: since this planet lacks hydrostatic equilibrium, causing gravity to be unstable, I figure we must have grav-gear on hand?"

"Plenty of it!" Willow exclaimed eagerly from across the room.

I seized control of the map and zoomed in on a rocky incline that sloped toward the riverbank. "We start here. The slope hides us from the Drakoshi’s view just enough. Then we trek half a mile underwater using grav-gear to avoid being carried away. Once we surface, we’ll be right by the wall. Detection risk is minimal compared to other entry points. It’s also nearest to our Knight friends, so extra safety if everything goes south."

The same guy who cut off Skaja earlier piped up. "Fine, that sounds solid... but aren’t you overlooking that we need air? I can’t hold my breath and walk half a mile underwater. I’d have to come up eventually."

I stared in disbelief at the man in his modified Phalanx pattern armor and responded. "Does that armor come with a helmet?"

He shot me a glance that screamed ’duh, obviously.’

"And with the helmet on, can you handle a vacuum for a while?" I questioned, making the man grow annoyed.

"What, are you stupid? Naturally it can. Standard Phalanx gear lasts two hours in space until the oxygen depletes. Wait, never mind. Yeah, that’ll work."

I nodded to him as Skaja reclaimed command of the room.

"Very well. Our basic plan is set. Since this operation demands it, task assignments come later. For now, prepare yourselves. Departure in three hours."

...

"Apollo, that was a tactically brilliant idea. I’m impressed." Nerissa remarked shortly after. I grinned and waved her off teasingly. "Quiet, don’t try making me blush right before battle."

"No, Apollo, she’s correct." Gabrielle added, joining me with a few others. "The Spartari Codex of war discourages aquatic fighting, since we’re poor swimmers biologically against other aliens. I’ve never trained in water combat despite my elite skills. The Drakoshi won’t expect it either, now that I share your view on water lulling defenders into overconfidence."

"But didn’t you say you’re a total scaredy-cat around water?" Lena teased, and I shook my head.

"Water doesn’t bother me." I then gazed blankly ahead. "Oceans, though—that’s my issue."

I’d never shake off what Nukumi revealed to me...

"Enough chatter. Time to gear up and rouse the snake. Hope you’re all set for what’s ahead, especially you two—gotten sufficient rest?" I directed at Rhea and Willow. They exchanged glances and burst into laughter.

"You joking? Haven’t slept properly since Euc 4. But it’ll do." Rhea replied, while Willow approached and squeezed me in a tight embrace.

"Besides, our ’friend’ nearby boosts morale; just being near you refreshes me." She proclaimed. I casually draped an arm around her. The tent’s atmosphere chilled instantly, despite my Thermokinesis, until we pulled apart.

’Weird feeling?’

...

Two hours passed, and I was set. Gear checked, snake awakened, contingencies reviewed with Onyx for disasters. While lounging with Nerissa, Skaja approached and queried.

"Apollo, a private word?" Her tone carried hesitation.

I glanced at Ness, then back at Skaja, concerned by her voice. "Of course. Everything okay?"

She noticed my worry and cleared her throat. "*Ahem* Apologies, yes. We—I’ve been considering: when the Phalanx arrives tomorrow, you should lead, with me as your advisor."

My brows furrowed in confusion at her words. "Huh? Why me?"

"Apollo, I’m not blind—you’ve got real charisma. Infectious vibe, and frankly, you’re easy on the eyes. Your battle smarts are top-notch, not just from that planning session earlier." She jabbed a thumb toward the strategy tent.

"You wrecked my squad in your test mostly with wits, plus freakish strength. Now you’re a sentinel? Massive deal. Phalanx distrust Psionic users—envy or suspicion. But sentinel status? That carries weight. Knowing one’s on the field skyrockets morale."

’Here it comes! Responsibility! Damn you Nerissa for this title!’ I shot the Nymph a glare before facing Skaja again.

"You sure that’s wise? Your squad respects you—would they accept me leading? We get along, but... you get it."

Skaja affirmed with a nod. "They obey me, even if grudgingly. Loyal to the core. My oath to you transfers that. That’s why post-sabotage: avoids distracting them before the op."

A gauntlet clamped my shoulder firmly. Nerissa loomed, her purple slit eyes piercing sharper as she urged. "Apollo, in our time together, I seldom request favors. Please accept. It benefits you most."

I held Nerissa’s stare briefly, then shrugged unevenly at Skaja. "Guess I’m outvoted. Fine."

Skaja beamed. She summoned her spear, slammed its butt into the earth, and thumped her chest. "Wise decision, war leader. I, Skaja Bloodshield, daughter of Tora Bloodshield, pledge my service to you, Sentinel Apollo—a man who’s defeated me in combat before. My honor to serve as war council, fight in your lines, shed enemy blood side by side. Hahh~" Eyes shut, she sighed contentedly, then met my gaze as if unburdened.

"Truth be told, I look forward to serving under someone again. I’ll notify command of the shift. Ha! Grandma’ll flip—heir to the spear under a man... Tangent, sorry. Off now, war leader."

Sithrik poked her head between my legs, tongue flicking toward Skaja. "Sssmart choice, pledging to a king like you, Apollo. Natural, even away from your lands, given your power."

"Mhm. Time will tell. Feels like a setup—she arrived tense, left relieved." I turned to Nerissa, but she hurried off after Skaja.

I eyed Sithrik, realizing she pressed against me. "Uh, Sithrik... bad timing."

She ramped up the pressure deliberately in that area.

"Or perhapss the ideal moment, my king?"

...

Nerissa tailed Skaja closely, then yanked her into an empty tent when clear. Skaja resisted briefly but puzzled as Nerissa clamped a hand over her mouth.

Helmet off, Nerissa whispered urgently. "I sensed her at the spear’s summon. And your ’we’ slip. This fragment holds together. Please, let me talk to her. It concerns my goddess."

Skaja stared wide-eyed at the green-skinned woman, but soon her eyes glowed green, hair shifting to amber-red. As it happened, Nerissa released her and knelt.

A commanding voice enveloped her then. How she’d missed it, even fragmented.

"Helmet on, fool Nymph, before they lynch you. Skaja can’t handle my full avatar yet—we’ve got seconds. I’m incomplete, still irked my wielder yielded to that... kisser. Urgh. So, Nerissa, what about my sister?"

Elation tingled through Nerissa. Her kin knew fragments, but none cohered before. She felt it spark at the spear... True, it was her—a piece. The Goddess...

Artemis.