The hivemind is conquering for me? Chapter 771: More Than A Boop?

Behind her helmet, Nerissa's eyes widened as Apollo uttered those words. 'Is he just screwing with me now? Does he realize I suspect his secret?' A headache started brewing in her mind, prompting her to glance at the sole nearby figure who might ease her turmoil. Yet, spotting Artemis inside Skaja staring back with eyes marginally widened only intensified it.

The term hadn't vanished entirely, much like certain doctrines, but comprehension of its significance belonged solely to lineages steeped in ancient legacy. Apollo had been a rustic noble mere months ago; it defied logic for him to recognize such a word.

The goddess, her mount, and the Nymph observed intently as 'Apollo' exchanged further words with Serena briefly before pivoting toward them, abruptly seeming startled.

"Why are you staring at me like that? Something on my face?"

"Aside from your sexually exotic face? Can't spot anything." A third voice piped up, her persistence forcing me to debate pulling out the stick.

I chose to brush off Sithrik first, then spoke to the pair. "Skaja, I've been asked to relay that you should link up with the other sub-commanders for logistics. After that, you're free to unwind... On that note, my body finally feels sore with all this rest. Any spot to crash?"

"Ugh, that bitch," she grumbled softly before flashing a grin. "No issue, Apollo. Trust me, nobody will mind you catching some sleep right now. You've earned way more rest than anyone today. Your command tent's two spots over. Should be undisturbed."

I gave Skaja a nod, then faced Nerissa. "Care to nap with me? You can still play big spoon."

Nerissa declined with a head shake. "Tempting, Apollo, but I've got a message to send and need to offload my leaves somewhere. I'll be tied up awhile."

I nodded, recalling her bloom phase hit earlier... 'Holy Zamboni, was that just today?' The realization struck amid the chaos of battle, warping my sense of time.

Shaking it off, I grinned at the two. "Alright then, catch you later." Suddenly, a pull tugged at my leg.

"Yes! Come, Apollo~ To our nest!"

Letting her drag me along, I voiced my thought. "Listen, Sithrik, our sleeping setup's changing."

...

Left alone, Nerissa yielded control to Artemis briefly as the goddess spoke. "Fine, I'm still convinced he's not one of us, but that guy's definitely hiding something off."

"What do we do, my Goddess?" Nerissa sought direction.

Artemis gazed toward where the... man had vanished and shook her head. "Nothing at all."

"Huh?" Nerissa voiced her bewilderment.

"I warned you before, Nerissa—I'm utterly drained and couldn't care less about this empire right now. So we stay put. If Apollo turns out to be kin after all, fantastic, I'd be thrilled. But if not? No sweat—he's a potent young human brimming with boundless potential and a weird knack for odd knowledge. Big deal? Mull it over. Skaja's too exhausted for more strain; I can't linger. Just ponder my advice, Nymph. Oh, and you honored my sister fiercely in battle today. You made me proud too."

Soon, Skaja staggered, clutching her head. "Seriously? What the hell are you two discussing to shut me out? Ugh, starving here. Ugh, gotta chat with those old fogeys... Ugh."

She stormed from the tent, leaving Nerissa to rise. The divine praise warmed her heart, yet the goddess's stance on Apollo felt blasphemously off.

Ignore a potential god among them? No way—she'd keep probing, observing her friend without breaching trust. Her affection for Apollo deepened daily, especially after he triggered her bloom again! The mere idea of surging stronger post-cycle thrilled her. She'd kiss him for it.

"!!!"

That impulse shocked her. Offering her blessing was one matter, but craving it herself? Unexpected. And it didn't repulse her—another surprise.

Her emotional outlet was booping—a solid snoot tap to reset feelings. All Nymphs had quirks like that: boops, hugs, cheek pecks, forehead kisses, even playful shoulder thumps or boob grabs weren't unheard of.

But a full kiss now? Layered atop her boop instinct? It baffled her completely.

She resolved to quiet her mind. Reaching out to her kin on the planet was crucial, so she could share her discoveries and inform them that Artemis demanded her shards returned. Whoever happened to be there might offer some elder insight to guide her through these clashing feelings too.

...

Spartari-Mid world- Western front: Stradus: Fortress Moon

The resounding clack of her heels filled the silent corridor, with the landscape beyond appearing barren and dusty. Sweltering. But as she progressed, the atmosphere chilled sharply around her, betraying her approach. Anyone who glimpsed her saluted first out of deference to a Tribune, then spotted the item on her head and fell to their knees in profound reverence.

Normally, Hailey despised such bootlicking displays. Yet carrying that hefty metal case in her grip, she welcomed their gaze upon her rank. It was all in service to her beloved.

That notion propelled her further. It even led her to detour toward a storage vault where she had stashed away one of the empire's most invaluable treasures on a whim.

Reaching the corridor's end, she faced two Praetorians standing sentinel—an unusual choice, since Sigismund typically avoided deploying Praetorians due to... biological suspicions.

Upon her approach, the pair courteously blocked the path and one declared, "Princess, it's a delight to behold you after so many years. It gladdens me that you're thriving. However, the King is conferring on a sensitive military matter. You'll need to wait. Disobedience won't be permitted."

"How long must I wait?" Hailey's voice cut like ice, devoid of any warmth.

"Impossible to say, though my comrades within have notified the king of your presence. He'll summon you when prepared."

Hailey released a drawn-out breath, then forced a smile onto her face.

"Very well."

Her purpose here wasn't personal. She acted for her man. She refused to become—and begrudgingly admitted the old crone was right about avoiding—an 'icy bitch.' A favorable impression mattered, even if Sigismund already favored her.

Thus, she leaned against the wall at a proper distance from the sentries and shut her eyes. Turning inward, she started meditating. The jagged icy summits enclosing her abruptly expanded once more.

Apollo had thawed them previously. His passion, his blaze, exerting a tangible influence on her abilities. Near him, her might held steady, yet without the summits, she sensed even greater depths. She savored it.

However, mere days apart from him now, and they reformed—tougher, thicker, icier. Far mightier. She herself brimmed with enhanced power. All because of him~

Suddenly, amid the somber azure expanse overhead, a brilliant glow burst forth after that mere reflection, halting the summits' advance. Her musing on him mimicked his effect on a smaller scale. She concentrated intensely: his grin, the flavor of his kisses. His charm, his chiseled build... That strikingly handsome visage, the shivers from his nearness...

Heat flushed her external body, prompting her to halt. The summits surged in fury. They loathed the solar intrusion. Craving to strike back against its meddling. They swelled anew, subtly yet undeniably.

After a few trials, her grin widened as the sun erupted in her epiphany. Balance achieved. A method to advance her growth actively. She was formidable already, immensely so, but Apollo surpassed her. Her wisdom outpaced his in spots, yet he wielded true halting force.

With this discovery, she could sharpen her prowess deliberately, rather than letting the summits expand unchecked. Magnificent.

Yet another cause to adore her man.

This was—

"Kiyaaaaaahhh! Princess!"

The sun evaporated, the summits claimed victory this round. Flooding her quasi-domain. For an immense shadow had engulfed her...

Opening her eyes, she sidestepped swiftly, evading a lunging hug from the very last person she wished to encounter now.

"Milanna..."