The hivemind is conquering for me? Chapter 783: "F- It. Imma Do It!"

"Succubae? What’s that?" Rhapso inquired, appearing beside me, a wooden cup brimming with a clear liquid in her grasp.

I accepted the cup, averting my gaze nervously. "Oh, it’s nothing significant. Thank you for this." I then practically downed the contents. The sweetness was undeniable, precisely what I needed.

"Ahhh~ That hits the spot. Thank you. May I have another?"

A subsequent cup materialized in Rhapso’s hand, which she offered without hesitation. Holding the new cup, I turned my attention back to Nerissa, who remained nestled on my lap.

"So. How shall we proceed from here? What was the purpose of this for you?" I sought clarification. I was aware it was to prevent me from transforming into a massive tree, but the two Nymphs seemed to deeply relish the experience, particularly Nerissa. Her moans had been more frequent than mine.

"Actually, Apollo," Nerissa began, casting a glance at Rhapso. The other Nymph gave a slight nod of affirmation. "Before we delve into that... there’s something else we must address." Her tone grew serious as she dismounted my lap.

"Oh, right, you sort of hinted at it... Earlier? Goodness, was that two days ago? You enchantresses... You implied amongst yourselves that there was another reason for summoning me here?"

Rhapso stepped forward, now adorned in a rudimentary attire fashioned from leaves. "Indeed, Apollo. We have another reason for calling you here. We wish to be completely transparent with you. We also spent the entire day pleasuring you to ease your mind and ensure you were in a receptive mood. A mutually beneficial outcome, considering our need to remove the seed."

I started to cross my legs but, recalling my recent tenderness, decided against it. "Is that so? Well, I can’t fathom what pressing matter would necessitate a full day of oral ministrations to put me in the proper frame of mind. Proceed." I gestured invitingly and took another sip of my beverage.

The two Nymphs exchanged a look before Nerissa spoke, her voice laden with certainty.

"Apollo, we are aware that you are reincarnated."

"*Pfffftt!*"

"*Cough* Cough* Ness! Dammit! I thought we had established this, I’m not one of-"

"Apollo, do you comprehend the meaning of reincarnation?" Rhapso directed the question to me.

I nodded assent. "Naturally, I do. Why else would you perceive me reacting in such a manner?"

At that precise moment, I sensed Sol’s presence re-entering my Mindspace, presumably to ensure my well-being.

"Apollo, could you share your understanding of it with us? Please?" Nerissa requested, her voice tinged with a pleading quality.

I swallowed, but the familiar constriction had yet to manifest, allowing me to speak. "Um... Alright. So, reincarnation is when You. Meaning yourself, me. Our very essence. 'Passes away' and then, through some means or another, returns, either inhabiting a new vessel or perhaps even undergoing a metamorphosis of the soul... Why are you both looking at me like that? You’re starting to unnerve me."

"A-Apollo... Um, I don’t wish for you to panic. However, your knowledge has once again betrayed you. The very word, ’reincarnation’— in present-day Spartari, such a word does not exist. I doubt even the kings are familiar with it. Therefore, your knowledge of it..."

I shifted my gaze between the two Nymphs. I attempted to vocalize certain words, but to my surprise, my mouth sealed itself shut by an influence far beyond my control. Rising to my feet, I regarded them for a prolonged moment. Holding their gazes, which seemed to stretch into eternity, a single word finally managed to escape the barrier.

"Shit."

This was dire... These two had unearthed my secret before my beloved hive did? What a catastrophe. ’WHY CAN’T I SIMPLY CONFESS TO THEM!’ I raged internally, overwhelmed by frustration. I felt Sol preparing to articulate something I was already privy to, but my current state of mind was unreceptive.

Turning away from Nerissa and Rhapso, I began to redress myself. I remained involuntarily mute, unable to utter a sound, until a thought—one I couldn't definitively attribute to myself—occurred to me.

’Would it truly be the worst possible course of action? I mean... it’s only partially untrue? And by stating it, I could at least regain the ability to communicate with these two?’ The mere contemplation of this path caused the silencing force to recede.

’After all... it’s not entirely inaccurate. Jewel herself has spoken of the magnitude of my future power... Hmmm~’

I could sense Nerissa and Rhapso’s eyes fixed on my back. I could hear Nerissa’s breathing quicken, a testament to her apprehension regarding my reaction. Even if the past day’s intimacy held no deeper significance for her, serving merely as a transaction. My confidante had just performed an... incredible act for me. Perhaps offering a gesture in return was in order? Even if it was technically an untruth?

’Screw it. I’m going through with it.’ The decision solidified, and I felt Sol blaze with intensity at the prospect.

’An excellent choice, my ember. With my guidance, this charade will be effortless for you. It is, after all, in your nature to lead. My interference in your decision-making is limited by my pact with the universe in this current form. Now, heed my instructions, and you shall exude a regality befitting my own, my cherished one.’

...

Nerissa’s breathing grew laced with worry. Had she miscalculated? Why did Apollo react with such anger? While he possessed the option to simply deny her suspicions again, his outburst indicated something more profound. Could her intuition be correct? His reluctance to discuss the matter was palpable… Yet, uncovering the truth remained her foremost duty… the truth of Apollo’s potential…

Her eyes suddenly widened in astonishment. Apollo, who already carried himself with impeccable grace, seemed to instantaneously gain stature. An aura, regal and potent, began to radiate from him. Though his back remained turned to them, his voice resonated, commanding their attention.

"Have you revealed this to anyone else?"

A shared glance of wide-eyed surprise passed between Nerissa and Rhapso.

"Have you told anyone else?!" The question echoed, imbued with a new, formidable power. The volume hadn't increased, yet its impact felt amplified tenfold.

Nerissa swallowed hard, her reply delivered with trembling meekness. "Y-Yes. Please forgive me, Apollo. I informed my order of my suspicions that you might be reincarnated. I also spoke with Skaja, or rather, the fragment of Artemis dwelling within Skaja’s spear."

It was then that Nerissa observed Apollo’s hands clenching into tight fists. "So, you have betrayed my trust?"

"N-No, Apollo. I swear upon my honor, I would never! I have divulged nothing of your personal affairs, none of the matters you would wish to keep concealed. My communication was limited to my suspicion of your potential reincarnation and a few observations to substantiate my theory."

An unnerving silence descended upon the glade. The two Nymphs remained frozen, daring not to stir. Seconds stretched into what felt like hours before Apollo broke the quiet once more.

"And? Did anyone lend credence to your claims?"

Rhapso spoke first, her voice wavering with emotion. "Most of the other Nymphs do not share Nerissa’s conviction, Apollo. However, a select few do… Myself included, Phoebe, and a handful of others. Though Phoebe remains somewhat undecided. She did mention that you seemed distinctly 'different' from the typical humans of this era, based on her encounter with you."

Nerissa then added her own contribution. "Artemis also doubts your reincarnation; she states she cannot sense your 'spark'. Nevertheless, she has acknowledged that there is something unique about you that eludes her identification."

"My spark? Intriguing…" Apollo murmured, allowing a brief silence to settle over the glade once more. He then turned abruptly, his gaze piercing Nerissa with an intensity that compelled her…

Instinctively, she dropped to one knee, gazing up at Apollo as he raised an eyebrow in her direction.

He then addressed them in an authoritative tone that sent shivers down the very beings of both Nerissa and Rhapso…

"So, you have discovered my secret? Bah! Very well. You have prevailed. However, heed this: I possess no memory of my past self. For the present, all you need to know is that I am Apollo Lambdason. This is the life I now lead. You shall not propagate this rumor further… In fact, you will go as far as to retract your statements and declare yourselves mistaken to anyone who inquires about this matter. Is that understood?"

"Yes, Apollo," the two Nymphs responded in unison. Nerissa managed to stifle the surge of elation threatening to overwhelm her. She had been correct. Her friend, the object of her intense curiosity, was indeed one of the gods…

"Rhapso." He called out, and the Nymph immediately sprang to attention. "Yes, my… Yes, Apollo?"

He then approached her, gently cupping her chin as he assessed her with a discerning gaze. "I am aware of Nerissa’s character. I understand her word. Despite her… wandering thoughts. My trust in her is absolute, just as she trusts me with her life. While our interactions have been… intimate, I do not yet extend that same level of trust to you."

Panic flared in Rhapso’s eyes, and she blurted out, "I-I will do anything to prove my unwavering loyalty to you, Apollo. Command me, and it shall be done! Shall I perform the sacred rites of marriage? Bind myself to you through an oath? I would consider it the highest honor for you to take my virginity."

Nerissa watched, a knot of dread tightening in her chest, as Apollo blinked in evident surprise at Rhapso’s fervent declaration…

"*Ahem* No, let us not escalate to such extremes. However, I do intend to keep a closer watch on you moving forward. I wish for you to join your sister in her capacity here. She joined me initially to satisfy her own curiosity about me… It seems she received far more than she bargained for, hmm? This is the narrative you will present to your order, but in truth, the situation will be reversed. I shall be observing you, assessing your worthiness of my trust. Do you comprehend my directive?"

Rhapso nodded her head before executing a deep, respectful bow. "Your words shall guide my actions."

Apollo observed them both for a few more moments before inhaling deeply.

"Very well, then. This conversation regarding this matter shall conclude here until I deem it appropriate to revisit it. Is that understood?"

The two Nymphs nodded their assent. The instant they did, the overwhelming presence radiating from Apollo dissipated completely. He reverted to the same cheerful demeanor Nerissa had known and followed for the past year. Her friend. A warm smile spread across his face as he addressed them in his usual, buoyant manner.

"Alright, now that the awkwardness has been cleared away. What is the plan? Shall we return, or do we have further matters to attend to out here?"