The hivemind is conquering for me? Chapter 797: Momentary Check-up

Following the arrival of the water, I outlined my current three-phase strategy to everyone present. It was clear that unanimous approval had been secured. Subsequently, I dismissed most of them, retaining only a select few for further directives.

"Gabrielle, please remain for a moment. Tamara, Willow, stay close to the tent. And Francesca, accompany Rhapso to survey our designated 'playground.' We commence operations at the earliest opportunity."

Once the tent was cleared, leaving only Gabrielle and myself, she approached with a smile. "Apollo, that was exceptionally well-done. Your strategic mind is truly impressive, and quite captivating."

I chuckled at her compliment, then addressed the primary reason for asking her to stay. "Gab, about those tears earlier – what was the cause? I need to ensure you're alright."

Gabrielle adopted a defensive posture. "Oh! That? It's nothing, I promise..." Her voice trailed off before she sighed. "Apollo, could you put your helmet back on for a second and perhaps lean down a bit?"

Complying with her request, I lowered myself until I was resting against the table. Gabrielle then stepped closer, her fingers gently tracing the crest atop my helmet.

"I apologize, Apollo. I truly am fine now. It's just... this pentagonal crest... even though it's quite small, it bore a slight resemblance to the scourge. Old habits, I suppose, being drawn to insect-like features."

I swallowed, maintaining my composure. "That must be it. I'm simply relieved you're okay now."

Gabrielle then moved forward and embraced me, exhaling deeply. "You're too kind to me, you know? Checking on me like that is incredibly sweet. Though, considering our age difference, shouldn't it be the other way around? Hehe."

Her words prompted another chuckle. "Hah! What age difference? Eighteen? Nineteen years? Trust me, as we've discussed, I prefer my women to be more mature. Keep being adorable, and I might just gobble you up."

"Hehehe~" Gabrielle giggled, releasing the hug and looking up at me. "Be careful what you say, Apollo. If I decide to act on those words, you might never get rid of me... Or perhaps you'd like that~"

The look in Gabrielle's eyes as she spoke sent an involuntary shiver down my spine. 'Scaroused' struck again, prompting me to clear my throat. "*Ahem* Gab, could you fetch Tamara and Willow and bring them in here?"

...

Nerissa rolled her eyes as Gabrielle departed.

’That woman really needs to tell Apollo already. It’s genuinely baffling how long this has been going on…’

She conceded that amidst an ongoing war might not be the ideal timing, but the situation still caused her unease whenever the two of them were alone. Keeping such a secret from her—from Apollo—was a taxing ordeal, especially now that he had unintentionally confirmed her suspicions.

She let out a silent sigh. It had to come out eventually…

’Right?’

...

I turned towards Nerissa, intending to inquire about her well-being after hearing her sigh, but moments later, Willow burst into the tent with an exclamation. "Wow! That armor looks so cool, Apollo! Look at it! I bet the creature you got it from was incredibly powerful. Can I touch it?"

Before I could respond, Willow's hands were already all over me. I recognized the fascination in her eyes, likely pondering if she too would obtain such an item after her forced evolution. It was a thought that also sparked a flicker of excitement within me, but the present moment was not for such musings. As I prepared to speak, another set of hands began to inspect the armor.

Turning, I saw Tamara, her face a mask of genuine surprise and curiosity. "This is far more imposing than your previous armor pattern... It appears significantly sturdier as well," she commented casually.

*Thwuunk*

A forceful impact struck my armor, yet I remained entirely unmoved. Glancing at Tamara, I saw her shaking her bloodied fist towards my chest, her eyes wide. "Wow, not even a scratch. That's a serious upgrade, Apollo. How did you manage to defeat a creature with such a formidable carapace?"

Before I could offer an explanation, Nerissa intervened.

"Apollo identified a critical vulnerability on the creature's neck while positioned above it. Utilizing a nearby stalagmite, we restrained its neck, allowing him to plunge it deep into the creature's throat, resulting in decapitation. It was a masterful display of tactical foresight; without his keen observation, we would have been locked in combat with that insect for hours."

"What led to this confrontation? What was the objective of the mission?" Tamara inquired, and Nerissa stepped forward.

"Tamara, I would advise against probing further into Praetorian affairs. While I understand you meant no offense, the mission details are classified. Apollo was only permitted to participate after rigorous testing and screening."

Tamara immediately stepped back, lowering her head. "Ah, yes. My apologies, Praetorian. Please forgive my transgression."

Nerissa resumed a neutral stance, and I looked at her. "I suppose there could have been a more tactful way to phrase that, but yes, it is classified. I apologize; I cannot betray their trust."