The hivemind is conquering for me? Chapter 807: Kissy Kissy

These weapons were not merely potent; they were outright lethal against the Drakoshi. While they could withstand a few conventional bullets, having their very atoms disintegrated by electromagnetic beams was a different matter entirely. It was unlikely they could simply 'tank' such an attack, so I made a decision.

"Listen up, everyone. As a sentinel and an authorized individual permitted to utilize alien technology, I am extending that authority to all of you for the remainder of this war. We will employ these weapons whenever possible, as hoarding them here would be a waste. Does anyone have objections?"

There were none.

"Good. Now, we have all been quite active since yesterday's battle. Everyone go and get some well-deserved rest. I will take the first watch. You are dismissed."

No one voiced any dissent, and everyone dispersed from the armory.

I made my way to the front of the bunker and settled down before the entrance. Although the Drakoshi couldn't physically breach the interior, their discovery of the entrance would be far from ideal, and they would need to be neutralized before they could relay information.

"Ahh~" A sigh of relief escaped me after standing for so long. The wood-metal walls offered a surprisingly comfortable surface as I leaned back. I then closed my eyes to engage in some light meditation. Opportunities to practice had been scarce since my arrival, and I had promised Elizabeth I would at least attempt the… Cultivation of her plane-walking abilities whenever I had a free moment.

As I began to center myself, a head suddenly rested in my lap. Given that I hadn't heard any approaching footsteps, I knew whose it was.

Opening my eyes and looking down, I saw Sithrik gazing up at me, her expression undeniably cute. Before I could utter a word, she spoke.

"Worry yourself not, my king and husband. I am on my best behavior. I simply wish to snuggle with you. Is that acceptable?" she inquired, coiling her body beside me while keeping her head upon my lap.

I had to concede that the surprise snake-wife had certainly grown on me. Her demeanor was amusing and remarkably bold, so I saw no reason to deny her request. "Sure, just keep your body clear of my personal space. I can't afford to be overly distracted while on duty."

In response, Sithrik began to nuzzle her head against my leg, an action I assumed she would perform with a hand if she possessed one. "Apollo, my king, what do you take me for? You've clearly stated your need for time to reconcile your desires. You've also made it evident that you find me appealing, so I don't mind waiting. However, if I may be so bold, your species' approach to these matters is quite peculiar."

"What do you mean?" I asked, my hand instinctively beginning to stroke her scales.

"I hope this doesn't deter you, Apollo, but I will not deceive you. Before I reached that moon, I was bested in combat by a couple of males of my species and mated a few times. To me, that is simply the natural order of life. Might makes right, and through it, life persists. You humans deliberate over this and that – consequences, actions, feelings. Would it not be simpler to just let go? To revert to primal urges?"

I absorbed her words before replying. "I understand what you're conveying, I truly do. At times, I agree, it would be convenient to simply switch off extraneous emotions and act solely on base instincts. But allow me to pose a question. With your advanced intellect, you also possess a broader spectrum of feelings and a greater capacity to comprehend them, correct? Considering this, how have you found your time with me compared to those past situations where might dictated right? Also, don't trouble yourself about it. I'm not an obstinate individual who insists on his partners being 'pure.' For instance, one of my mates was literally branded a 'Degenerate beast' by her own mother before meeting me. My focus is on actions following our acquaintance, not on dwelling upon the past."

Sithrik fell silent for a moment, processing my words. After a few moments, I felt her body tense, and small bursts of fire began to emanate from the gaps between her scales. "I… I have found great enjoyment in getting to know you, Apollo. Learning your preferences and aversions. Witnessing you confront your adversaries. Leading your warriors from the vanguard like a formidable sovereign. It leaves me feeling… exhilarated. It is what compels my bold advances. Your actions stir something within me, igniting a physical longing. Contrasting this with past experiences, which were far from pleasurable… I can discern the wisdom in proceeding gradually. It feels… good."

A smile graced my lips upon hearing this, and an idea suddenly struck me. 'Wow, I'm quite something…'

"Hey Sithrik, could you lift your head for a moment and look at me?"

"Of course, is everything alright, Apollo… Apollo?" She repeated, stunned, as I gently caressed her head. I then wordlessly drew her head closer before pressing my lips against her lip scales. It was a simple kiss, devoid of any elaborate technique, but the evident stiffening of Sithrik's entire body, transitioning from rigidity to a soft, yielding form within moments, suggested she enjoyed it.

Pulling away, her tongue darted out, tracing a line across my face before she spoke. "That was pleasant. Thank you."

A smirk played on my lips. "Well, you are my concubine. I am permitted to steal a kiss whenever I please. Correct?"

Sithrik then entwined herself around my torso, only to return to face me again. "You cannot steal what is already yours, Apollo." Her voice dripped with allure, eliciting a smile from me. I was about to respond when...

*Ahem*

Turning my gaze to my right, I saw a pink-haired woman approaching, a smile fixed on her features. Had it been the other pink-haired woman, I might have felt a flicker of embarrassment, but given who it was, I was entirely at ease.

"Oh, Willow, hello. We were just discussing our affections, and something rather nice occurred."

Willow drew nearer, kneeling beside me. "Yes, I can observe that. You are a fortunate serpent, Sithrik. I am aware of individuals who would commit great deeds for such an opportunity." She then leaned her shoulder against mine, her eyelids fluttering invitingly.

Sithrik offered a nod. "I would presume so. My King is no common human. I am indeed fortunate to be his concubine now, well before he has thousands."

Willow let out a soft giggle and glanced at me. "Did you hear that, Apollo? Thousands? And why does that sound like a meager number for someone of your caliber?"

"Willow," I stated, a subtle edge creeping into my tone, before shifting to telepathy. 'I understand it must be challenging to be without contact from your family, but you cannot freely divulge information about me. The family operates on discretion. Do you comprehend?'

Willow nodded, responding mentally, seemingly unfazed by the intrusion. 'Yes, of course, Apollo. I merely wished to tease the serpent because I am envious you kissed her. Oh, did I just think that? I did. Blast. Um, I mean, I am jealous you kissed the serpent and desire a kiss from you as well. Oh dear...'

Deciding to grant the cutie some respite, I withdrew from her mind.

"I concede that a thousand is a low number for someone as magnificent as Apollo, but I am keeping the count low as contemplating any more would be less than enjoyable," Sithrik continued, blissfully unaware of our brief mental exchange.

A prickling sensation on the back of my neck alerted me to something. With a smile, I turned to Willow and remarked, "You know, Willow, I believe since our last encounter, your power has grown somewhat. I find myself feeling quite suggestible."

Willow suddenly inhaled sharply, beginning to retract her aura before realizing Apollo's tone was playful. She then reconsidered, as he turned to Sithrik and inquired, "Sithrik? Do you believe our friend and companion here deserves to experience what you just felt when I kissed you?"

Sithrik regarded Willow for a few moments before shifting her gaze back to me. "Well, among all the humans I have encountered thus far, this pink-haired one is certainly among the more appealing. Particularly when contrasted with some of the more masculine-looking individuals I've observed. Considering this, and if you desire her as another of your concubines, I see no reason to withhold the gift of your lips."

Before Willow could fully process the unfolding events, I cupped her chin and drew her into a kiss. That distinct spark, which always ignited when I kissed an entity bearing a fragment of the hive's genes, electrified the embrace. It was undeniable proof that I was kissing my mate, not merely Willow.

After a few moments of intense passion, I drew back. Willow's expression was one of utter adoration, which inflated my ego slightly. I decided to change the subject before something else began to inflate within my trousers.

"So, did you come over here for a specific reason, Willow? Or were you merely intending to observe me?"