The hivemind is conquering for me? Chapter 785: Praetorian Meet ’N’ Greet

"Ness?" I called out her name, a sense of surprise in my voice as I observed her. Her body language was practically screaming apprehension, and the distinct flush on her cheeks only served to confirm it. Yet, she managed to gather her composure and speak.

"For my entire existence, I've never done anything remotely close to what I experienced with you yesterday... I genuinely never anticipated I would. I never even felt the inclination. But after witnessing your interactions with your harem, I won't lie, I found myself intrigued.

My intention was never to act on it. The way I perceive emotions and the passage of time is fundamentally different from yours... as you are now. What transpired between us, what I did to you... it's akin to jumping into bed with someone after knowing them for a mere second in human terms. It happened incredibly fast.

However, now that I've experienced it, the sheer pleasure I derived from the act... I know with certainty that I desire to experience it again. I'm unsure of the timeline – perhaps not soon, perhaps it won't be replication of what just occurred, maybe not even within the year. But the sensation itself, I want to feel it once more... With you. My friend. My ally. My potential... something more?"

Nerissa then revealed an expression of profound vulnerability, a stark contrast to the formidable warrior she typically presented. Her gaze began to shift erratically. "Well, we really should catch up with Rhapso before-"

I closed the short distance separating us and gently cupped her face with my hands. Leaning in closer, I retracted my helmet, pausing momentarily to gauge her reaction. The way her eyes flickered towards my lips was all the indication I needed.

As my lips met hers, an immediate taste of sweet, delicious tree sap filled my senses. I felt Nerissa press her body against mine, seeking support, her hand finding my chest. This response ignited a deeper longing within me, but the moment wasn't right, nor was it the primary purpose of this kiss.

Pulling back, Nerissa appeared like a lost lamb, her newly flushed complexion rendering her utterly endearing in my eyes. Brushing a stray strand of hair from her face, I spoke with warmth. "Don't you worry about a thing. We both have a long life ahead of us. We'll proceed at your pace... Our friendship comes first, always. Just grant me a few more of those spontaneous kisses, like the ones that started the other day, to keep me content. Hmm?"

"*Ahem* U-Um. Yes, that sounds absolutely perfect. Thank you for understanding, Apollo. I knew you would," Nerissa responded after my gentle tease, finally regaining her full composure. She then replaced her helmet before surveying their surroundings.

"We should regroup with Rhapso now; we're approaching the other Praetorians; my armor is detecting their signatures."

I gestured forward and my helmet rematerialized. "Lead the way."

...

Nerissa and I proceeded towards a small clearing. It was perfectly circular, reminiscent of the glade, though smaller in scale. However, a distinct sense of unease permeated the air this time.

Noticing my sudden tension, Nerissa offered reassurance. "It's a cloaking field. Technological, not Psionic. I've already designated you as an ally, so the defenses won't vaporize you as you pass through... I've double-checked; you're clear."

"Most reassuring, Ness," I remarked, stepping forward into the clearing. For a fleeting moment, as I moved through, I felt as though I had passed through something akin to slime, and then, from the other side, I heard and saw.

"-Oh, no. We were incredibly mistaken. Yeah. Just some human, nothing more significant. And he's not even that attractive. Nerissa was clearly exaggerating... Totally."

Following the sound of Rhapso's voice, Nerissa and I located her alongside another familiar suit of armor.

"I comprehend... Nerissa, Apollo. It is indeed good to see you both again. Apollo, please permit me a moment to express my gratitude for accompanying us on this mission. And my sincere congratulations on achieving Sentinel Status. That signifies a considerable advancement within the empire. Especially at such a young age."

I approached the Praetorian and extended my hand for a handshake. "Thank you, Phoebe. And it is my genuine pleasure to meet you again. Particularly under more favorable circumstances... Well, better for me, at least. War is never ideal, but... Nice to meet you again."

"Heh," Phoebe emitted a soft chuckle as she clasped my hand before turning her attention to Nerissa.

"Nerissa, approximately five minutes ago, your armor's signature experienced a brief malfunction. Your bio-monitor registered a missed heartbeat; please inspect your gear when you have a spare moment."

Nerissa simply nodded and responded, "Understood, Phoebe. I must have sustained a minor impact the other day that coincidentally manifested its effect on my gear only now."

My eyes narrowed almost imperceptibly as I glanced at her from behind my helmet. She must have sensed the surge of pride I felt, jumping to the conclusion about the cause of that 'error,' yet she deliberately avoided meeting my gaze.

I paused for a brief moment before turning to address the other two Praetorians. "So, is it just the four of us on this mission, or-"

"!!!"

An icy chill suddenly coursed down my spine. I instinctively dodged to the left as a blade scraped audibly across my helmet.

Without hesitation, I lowered my center of gravity and began to spin. As I rotated, I materialized Zircon in my hand and executed a defensive horizontal slash.

However, my slash met empty air. It was then that a voice spoke from directly behind me."Impressive reflexes for a human, I must admit," one of them commented, his voice echoing slightly. I spun around, maintaining a defensive posture. A Praetorian stood before me, yet my attention remained on the potential threats. "More than just fast! I can't land a solid hit; it's as if he anticipates my every move! Truly remarkable, kid." Another Praetorian emerged to Phoebe's left. With his appearance, I finally let my guard down. Being attacked as a greeting wasn't entirely new; Valerica had done the same. I was prepared to let the matter slide, but Nerissa… "Marnes! Aeteos! What is the meaning of this? Attacking our ally in such a manner? One of the few humans aware of and accepting our true nature? I am seriously considering teaching you both a harsh lesson in manners! Unacceptable!" The two Praetorians visibly faltered, their composure cracking under Nerissa's reprimand. "Apologies, sister," Marnes said. "Forgive us, Nerissa. We were merely assessing the Sentinel's readiness for our combat strategies. Besides, I held back. My aim was for his ear – he can manage without one." Nerissa crossed her arms, her gaze stern. "Why apologize to me? You did not attack me, did you? No, you targeted my friend and ally. You owe him an apology." A brief silence followed as the two Praetorians turned to me. Then, in unison, they sheepishly rubbed their heads, averting their eyes. "Our apologies." "We are sorry, Apollo." A smile touched my lips as I decided to lighten the atmosphere. "It's no trouble, Marnes, Aeteos. In fact, consider this fair warning: you both now need to watch out for a sneak attack from me in retaliation. Be vigilant." The duo stopped mid-rub, their heads snapping up to meet my gaze with what I presumed was surprise. A glance passed between them, and then… "Hahahaha!" In an instant, they were flanking me, arms slung over my shoulders. "I like this one, brother. He possesses a fiery spirit!" "Indeed, brother! Not many would dare to challenge a Praetorian. No wonder Nerissa made off with him! Come, let's go." With the tension dissipated, I took a moment to examine their armor. It was identical, adorned with fewer engravings than Nerissa's, and designed with more flexible joints to facilitate speed. A gem was set into the center of each chest plate, bisected by a light and dark pattern running vertically. Their helmets were sleek and narrow, featuring a cool blue visor, and crowned with two flair-like protrusions that gave the impression of wings. "Are you two perhaps twins?" I couldn't help but inquire, given their striking resemblance. "In the human sense, perhaps we are," Marnes replied. "We were conceived simultaneously as our god forged a weapon of dual extremes. After days of relentless labor, so taxing that even our creator grew weary, Vulcan finally produced a piece of Psionic war gear, harmonizing Void and pure Light Psionics," Aeteos elaborated. "Such a perfect balance was achieved that, in his hubris, Vulcan released his energy. Moments later, we emerged as his proud assistants. One embodying Light." "And the other, Void." "Wow, that's quite a captivating tale. I've never dabbled in blacksmithing myself, nor forged anything beyond my own physique. I'd be keen to try someday, but I can't afford to get hooked on another craft. I already have more than enough on my plate." I paused, lost in thought. "Though, Psionically crafted war gear does sound rather appealing... No! Bad Apollo! Redirect those thoughts. Hmm, Vulcan, you say? That's intriguing. I had assumed it was Hephaestus? This is a new take. Hmm? Why is everyone staring at me like that? Oh, am I thinking aloud again? Blast it…" All eyes were now fixed on me in silent observation. I thought I'd improved at keeping my thoughts contained, but clearly not. Quickly shifting the topic to avoid further complications, I asked, "So, when do we depart for the mission?"