The hivemind is conquering for me? Chapter 792: Onto Another Battle

I shifted my armor into standby mode, and sensed immediately beneath my clothes that the creature's bulk meant it could no longer be just a vambrace. The standby mode had extended all the way up my arm to my shoulder, ceasing just as it grazed my shoulder blade.

I then tested my range of motion to ensure nothing was restricted. My left side felt a bit heavier, but I was confident I would acclimate to the sensation after a few hours.

...

Several hours later, we had gathered all the crystals within the cave, along with a couple of geodes intended for transplantation and the creation of new crystals. With the added weight, I found myself perspacing slightly, but it was manageable.

This also served as excellent practice for my Gyrokinesis. Since surpassing the bottleneck, my passive Gyrokinesis had become rather trivial. Thus, the need to consciously engage it, even slightly, was beneficial; struggle often leads to progression.

Once all the crystals were loaded into crates, Nerissa, demonstrating her capabilities as a transmuter, conjured some heavy-duty trolleys. We then began pushing the crates toward the surface.

Upon reaching the top, Phoebe informed me that allies were awaiting our arrival. I re-equipped my armor, not being in the mood for any radiation experiments at the moment. I also observed that with the new biomass acquired, the armament process had expedited, shaving off at least a second.

This is not surprising, however. Jewel utilized prime biomass for my armor, so for that biomass to have such an affinity for the insect's remains, it was clearly an enhancement.

As we emerged onto the surface, my mind drifted into a daydream about a conflict between free thinkers and the insectoid species. Unfortunately, the sound of weapons being drawn abruptly interrupted my thoughts.

My senses snapped back to reality just as Phoebe began her reprimand. "Phalanx, how dare you aim your weapons at a Sentinel? And in the presence of Praetorians, no less? Had I been less merciful, you would all hang for such treason. Now, depart and fetch your superior!"

Phoebe then turned to me, placing a hand on my arm. "Apollo? I apologize for their actions. Are you alright?"

"Huh?" I mouthed, genuinely bewildered by her reason for checking on me, before continuing. "Um, I'm fine? It's not the first time someone's drawn a weapon on me because of my armor's appearance... But to be fair, have you seen how it looks now? I appear rather intimidating; I wouldn't blame them."

"I see," Phoebe responded, withdrawing her hand. "Forgive my presumption. I neglected to consider that you possess a maturity beyond your years. Furthermore, you differ from most nobles. I attempted to assuage your feelings, but it proved futile, as you are not arrogant. A rare quality in the current empire."

I merely shrugged and let out a chuckle. "I wouldn't claim to be entirely without arrogance. I simply don't feel the need to elevate myself above soldiers, especially considering I was lost in thought."

...

Phoebe regarded the human before her, her eyes blinking in surprise. She was already aware that Apollo was... unique. However, his perspective on life in Spartari was remarkably alien given the present circumstances. Nearly every young noble she had encountered throughout her millennia of existence shared the same traits: deference to the Praetorians and a condescending attitude towards anyone of lower standing.

Exceptions existed, of course, such as those who genuinely joined the military to serve the empire rather than merely seeking an easy assignment.

And here stood a young noble, a fallen Archon now serving as a Sentinel, who had led a siege from the front lines and assisted her and her squad in combating a Psionic entity. His strategy alone had spared them hours of potential combat.

Phoebe glanced sideways from the corner of her visor. Nerissa and Rhapso, despite continuing their tasks, exhibited a slight decrease in efficiency, their gazes occasionally drifting towards Apollo. Phoebe now understood more profoundly than ever why Nerissa had abandoned her post to follow this young being.

She too was captivated by this anomaly. And now, Rhapso was also choosing to follow him. The intrigue intensified. What could have compelled the youngster to depart with the human? What transpired after they prevented him from transforming into a woad?

Outside of combat, she hadn't experienced such a fixation in millennia. Yet, this seemingly ordinary Psionic human possessed a magnetism that felt... So familiar. 'But it cannot be. Rhapso himself denied that he-'

"Praetorian! Please forgive my men! They are loyal soldiers of Spartari. We received intel that the Sentinel was equipped with alien technology, but to witness it firsthand... It was pure instinct. Nothing more, I swear!"

Phoebe's concentration fractured as she frowned, turning her attention to the Centurion standing before her. "It is not to me you should offer your apologies, Centurion. Your men drew their weapons upon a superior officer."

"Y-yes! Of course, forgive my men, Sentinel. They are good lads. They were just shocked by your sight... Plus they are not fond of being in irradiated territory for longer than needed," the centurion stammered, and off to the side, Rhapso then spoke up loudly.

"Oh! Yes! The radiation was here when we arrived.... Make sure that is front and centre on your report, Centurion!" She then nudged Nerissa in the ribs.

Phoebe then shot a glare down at Rhapso before turning back to the conversation at hand and watched as Apollo placed his hand on the centurion's shoulder before speaking in a breezy tone.

"Not a problem, Centurion. It’s human to fear the unknown. In fact, I commend your soldiers for being alert, even in the company of Praetorians. Come, let us talk to a few of your men, so they can ask some questions and remove that fear of the unknown."

Phoebe then observed for a moment as Apollo, appearing eight feet tall in his armor, casually walked away with the centurion as if nothing had transpired. She then continued to watch for another moment as the Phalanx gathered around the towering figure of Apollo, which quickly culminated in them all erupting in laughter.

Her mind grew tranquil like a still lake as she watched the interaction with rapt fascination before she felt a gentle nudge against her arm. At that point, she spoke.

"Do you get the feeling that if you looked away from him, something unknown and exciting is bound to happen? I don’t recall the last time I felt this much interest towards a human."

"Heh~" Nerissa let out a soft chuckle. "Every second of every day. He does not become boring to watch. And yes, even when I came home the other month, I dreaded it, scared for what shenanigans he was up to."

"Shenanigans... A fitting word." Phoebe muttered before she continued her observation.

"You know... If you wanted, Apollo would be more than happy to-" Nerissa began before Phoebe interjected.

"-No. That won’t be necessary. I still have too many responsibilities to go off galavanting. Though I won’t deny that having Rhapso leave Nymph company for a short period might do her some good. Just, allow me these few moments of curiosity, and then he is yours again."

Nerissa remained silent, merely nudging her sister softly before walking away to load up more crates.

Phoebe then cast a subtle glance at Nerissa before turning her gaze back to Apollo, her mind becoming placid once more as she watched.

...

"Sentinel! This low-altitude vessel will ferry you back into our territory before dispatching you south. We have received word that your allies will be joining you on a new front. Best of luck to you, brother."

"And you, brother. A thousand victories to you in the war to come!" I said, patting the centurion on the shoulder before he saluted and returned to his troops.

I then turned to the Praetorians; Phoebe extended her hand. I reached out and clasped it as she spoke. "I bid you good fortune, Apollo." I then heard her tone shift, becoming spirited for a moment. "And make sure to keep my sisters safe; they will certainly need it."

I chuckled at Phoebe’s words. Before continuing the friendly exchange. "Don’t you worry. With them at my back, I am sure we will achieve greatness together."

"Hmm~ I am sure your statement holds more than enough truth."

Marnes and Aeteos then both extended their hands for a handshake after Phoebe.

"Good luck, lad. The next time you are at the royal Palace, come seek us out."

"Yes, you still owe us that surprise attack. I am eagerly anticipating showing you that our speed is unmatched."

I nodded my head. "You can count on it, my friends. I am sure many more Drakoshi will fall to you during the coming war. Happy hunting."

The duo simply nodded at me after that, and with a final glance exchanged amongst the three of them, I turned and entered the ship.

Nerissa and Rhapso lingered for a moment. A silent understanding passed between Nerissa and Phoebe for a moment before Rhapso broke the quietude.

"Okay guys, have fun. I’m going to teach Apollo and these other humans how to truly win a war. Good luck!"

She then turned and ran after Apollo into the ship, at which point Nerissa gave Phoebe a nod before following.