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Chapter 10: Queen of Bugs
THE day after they’d decided on the Dragontan Dispatch Team, Takuto was brimming with visible excitement for the first time in a while. Atou became even more excited seeing her king’s enthusiasm and the Dark Elves grew nervous watching their leaders act out of character.
“At long, long last! We will see the birth of a new Hero!” Atou trumpeted. “How long we have waited for this day! And oh how many Resources we have squirreled away for it!”
“Honestly, it was a painful amount of Resources we had to set aside, but we’ll finally get to see the payoff!” Takuto exclaimed.
Resources—consisting of Food collected from the Flesh Trees and Lumber harvested from the nearby forest—were piled sky-high in the center of the Ceremonial Grounds. Stones found from digging up the ground were also stacked in piles.
With help from Atou and the Long-legged Bugs, they’d finally managed to collect enough to spawn a Hero. A lot of effort went into getting this far. The twin girls toddled over to the King wreathed in shadows as they recalled how their clansmen willingly participated in the Resource collection day and night to show their gratitude to him.
Ê nüṁа
“She’s gonna have a full belly,” Maria said, her sleepy eyes widening with surprise.
“Your Majesty? What kind of person is this Hero you’re about to call over?” Caria asked, observing the grounds with more curiosity than usual.
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“You’ll see,” Takuto said with a wink.
“Spawning time is the most exciting time! I can’t wait!” Atou exclaimed.
The girls’ faces lit up with anticipation.
“…Atou, what do you think will happen with Isla?” Takuto telepathically asked Atou, whose eyes were sparkling with the same innocent enthusiasm as the twins’.
E.n um̈ а̀ . id́
“It’s a question of whether she will be on our side or not, right?”
They had one critical matter to discuss: how would Isla view Takuto Ira?
Takuto, a former human from Japan, was living a new life in this world as the game settings defined him—that is, as the King of Ruin Takuto Ira.
Atou remembered interacting with Takuto as a game player from another world, but there was no guarantee Isla would be the same. And if she was, that presented its own set of concerning problems.
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If every Hero unit from the game had a will of their own, there was a chance some might refuse to recognize Takuto Ira as King and rise up against him.
In Eternal Nations, every civilization is led by a Commander who is essentially the player’s alter ego. The player can choose from several Commanders, with some Heroes doubling as Commanders or some Commanders becoming playable units on the map.
W е b̄ ňо v ёľ .Еn̄ u ḿа̀
Isla serves as both a selectable Commander and a unit in the game.
Choosing her as Mynoghra’s Commander opened up the Bug Rush strategy, where the player forgoes research to focus on production and unit creation, allowing them to overrun many of the enemy empires during early-game. She was popular with a subset of players for her unique skillset that opened up an entirely new playstyle for gamers.
In other words, Isla could overthrow Takuto as Mynoghra’s Commander. In fact, Eternal Nations even introduced a system allowing Commanders to be changed or to overthrow each other.
Takuto and Atou were rightfully concerned Isla might refuse to accept Takuto as King and turn on him.
“In the unlikely event things go south, I’ll put her in her place myself. Isla starts with 10 Strength. That puts her on par with where I’m at now, but I have the upper hand with the Holy Sword Artes.”
“I think it’ll turn out fine, but if it doesn’t, I’m counting on you.”
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This could be a turning point for them.
The fact they’d been brought to this world was a strange phenomenon in and of itself. They couldn’t be overly optimistic, no matter how much of the game system they knew had been applied to their surroundings.
Or rather, it was precisely because game logic had been applied to their world that they needed to tread extra cautiously.
Takuto was both cautious in considering every strategy and sometimes daring in choosing a risky move. Of course, all of this was only possible because of Atou, who he trusted fully.
“I will protect you until my dying breath.”
“Please don’t. I can’t resummon you.”
Ėn̈ û.m а. ĩ d
And so the ritual began.
All of Mynoghra’s key figures were present.
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Takuto did consider holding the summoning in secret in case Isla rebelled, but he decided it’d be more effective to have the Dark Elves there to help suppress her if they had to. He understood how loyal and competent the Dark Elves were.
He didn’t tell them about Isla potentially revolting because he didn’t want to unnecessarily worry them or have them warn him against it, but he was fairly positive they would follow his orders without hesitation if the worst-case scenario happened. The group here had already witnessed the summoning ritual every time he summoned a new Long-legged Bug, so they possessed a basic understanding of the challenges involved, but not the difference in scale when summoning a Hero.
“The ritual has begun. Don’t move from that spot until you are ordered to do so…”
The Dark Elves silently nodded and swallowed hard at Atou’s instructions. They knew from their talks beforehand that they weren’t supposed to move.
Ёn̂ ûm̀ а́
The sky had turned a mutinous shade of gray, and the giant, swirling clouds brought about an unusual darkness. A mysterious power surged forth from the ground and swept over the surrounding area.
Something like a crack, not unlike a spider web forming in a pane of glass, twisted into existence in the center of the Materials, and it rapidly sucked everything in. At the same time, an egg-like object with a reddish-brown fleshy texture formed and increased in size as the Materials were absorbed into the rift.
“Wh-Why, this is…”
Elder Moltar quickly clamped his mouth shut, feeling guilty for uttering anything that might distract the King during an all-important ritual. The sight was just so great the words left him before he could stop himself. He wasn’t alone in this, as Gia, the twins, Emle, and the others let out utterances despite trying their hardest to remain silent.
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It was not fear that caused their lips to part—they were simply awestruck.
What a marvelous sight!
É ň u m а .id̈
What a grand phenomenon!
The magnificence of the miracles worked by their king, the might of the Hero about to be born, and above all, the infinite power that the King exercised—witnessing these things increased the awe and respect they held for the being known as Takuto Ira.
Atou was also impressed by what she saw.
She had worked out a plan of action with Takuto in case Isla went rogue, but in her honest estimation, she thought the chances of that were exceedingly low. Her fanatical devotion to her king and her adoration for Takuto as an individual led her to believe the other Heroes would naturally feel the same about him. Not only that, but she had this odd instinct deep within her that insisted everything was going to work out just fine.
GI-CHI, GI-CHI, GI-CHI!
A strange sound reverberated within the grotesque flesh-egg. It was the bizarre heartbeat of an even more bizarre life form.
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After a while, the flesh sack grew so large it reached its limits and cracked. The sticky insides poured out, and a huge mass appeared together with the viscous liquid. Looking much like a moth breaking free of its cocoon, it spread its insect wings and let out a monstrous cry as if to express the joy it felt with its entire body.
At first glance, it looked like an ant, but it had sharp mandibles and horns capable of crushing everything in sight. The torso was definitely that of an insect, but its bulky build seemed to take after humans, eliminating the more delicate features of an arthropod. Something like human breasts protruded from its chest, increasing the discomfort its strangeness gave all who looked upon it.
Its various spiny limbs were also too thick to be built for speed, and the two spiked, grasping forelegs were clearly meant to hold and tear its prey to shreds. The very thin, shiny film making up its two sets of wings glistened with a rainbow of colors as they flapped in tandem, providing a whimsical sight when paired with the muddy green of its exoskeleton.
This insect, possessing a body as big as a house, glanced around the area confused. Then it almost humorously tilted its head like an innocent child unsure of what was going on until its gaze shifted to Takuto, and it promptly lowered its large head in a respectful bow.
“Aah, aaaahhh. My great and mighty king.” A bewitching, youthful woman’s voice spilled from the insect’s mouth. “It’s an honor to meet you in a place like this. This Isla, who rules over all bugs, is most joyful and deeply moved to be able to serve you once again, my master.”
Е́ n̊ u ṁà
The Dark Elves were unnerved by the awfully Humanoid voice coming from the outlandish creature. Isla perked up at their dismay but seemed to have no interest in doing anything other than keeping her head bowed until Takuto spoke.
Takuto watched and observed her for a short moment before nodding with satisfaction and taking one step forward. Atou hurried to stop her king from doing anything reckless, but he didn’t heed her. He eventually arrived before Isla and looked up at her towering body.
Dilarang mengopy novel dari Enuma.id.
“Long time no see. Do you remember me?” he asked.
“…Hm? Oh, oh, I see, I see! I get it! Yes, yes, I most certainly know you, King Takuto Ira. You are the great King of Ruin who knows all. You are also Eternal Nations’ top player. Did I get that right?”
“Yep!”
“I’m a little confused by this situation, but I’m honored you created me again, my master. Please use my power to your heart’s content.”
Ŵ е b ńо̆ v̌ ӗ l̆ Е n ú m̊ ä
Isla nodded and let out a joyful roar. It was impossible to see any kind of expression on her buggy visage, but, for some reason, Takuto was able to see the indescribable mirth deep within her compound eyes.
AFTER successfully summoning the powerful new Hero unit, Takuto, Atou, and Isla decided to talk alone in the Palace now that the dust had settled.
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“It’s good to see you again, Isla. Or should I greet you like it’s the first time? I didn’t have the chance to speak with you much earlier, so allow me to get straight to the point. Are we right to believe you remember playing Eternal Nations with Takuto?” Atou asked, probing Isla with her unrelenting gaze.
Although Atou wasn’t in a fighting stance, she was the picture of a loyal retainer as she stood ready to take action at a second’s notice. Isla couldn’t help but see her like a loyal guard dog barking loudly at its master’s side, and her entirely inhuman facial muscles moved in a buggy smile.
Ŵ е̂ b̆ n о̇ v̄ѐl̊ Ӗ n̂ ŭ m а
“Oh my, look at you little Atou, all puffed up like an angry cat. I can see your desperate eagerness to protect King Takuto. How cute. I want to pet you.”
Amused, Isla let out a high-pitched chirp and skillfully used her foreleg to ruffle Atou’s hair. Atou swatted at the spiny foreleg to protect her hair before it could turn into a bug’s nest. She puffed out her cheeks in a sulky pout, all the fight going out of her.
“Hey! Stop that! And answer my question already!” she huffed.
“Boo! Someone’s as stubborn as a bedbug! But maybe that’s what makes you so cute? Anyway, my answer is YES. Every millisecond of the time I played with King Takuto is ingrained in my heart. Could it be any other way?”
Isla’s eyes turned toward Takuto as she rubbed his head, her gaze insisting she was his faithful subordinate through and through. It was almost as if she were saying the time they had spent in that fictional world had built immutable, steely loyalty between them…
Takuto was wonderstruck by her attitude. He’d initially thought that only Atou, who’d appeared with him in this world, would remember who he used to be. However, judging by what Isla said, the other Heroes remembered him as well. Not only that, but they also treasured the time they’d spent together and still adored him as their king even outside of the game world.
Dilarang mengopy novel dari Enuma.id.
Something about that tickled him pink. He experienced the sentimental feelings one might when reminiscing with an old friend of many years. Then again, since all Mynoghra’s Hero units had idiosyncratic personalities, it was more like being reunited with a close buddy who was more of a bad influence than anything…
Takuto stopped himself from thinking about the other Heroes with troublesome backstories and crazy personalities and redirected his attention toward Isla, who’d answered his call.
“I didn’t have many opportunities to summon Isla during the game, but I’m still super fond of her. Actually, I’m fond of all the Heroes,” Takuto said.
“You basically called on me whenever your strategy using little Atou fell apart.”
“Yep, that’s right! I always had to rethink my strategy whenever a Hero who could suppress Atou’s skills or had higher Strength appeared! That’s when I’d implement a strategy using Isla’s Bug Rush to wear down my opponent’s empire…!”
Takuto always became talkative when it came to his favorite game. Drawing on the memories of those happy days, he brought up all their nostalgic experiences together. After furiously fixing her messed up hair, Atou joined them in reminiscing about Eternal Nations for a while, too.
Е ń ǔm а̇ .id̈
But while it was fine and dandy to reminisce about the past, Isla firmly remembered there were more important matters to tend to first. She waited until there was a pause in their passionate discussion to suggest they get back on topic.
“By the way, isn’t it about time you tell this servant of yours about what’s going on, Your Majesty? I’m lonely being the odd woman out.”
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“Oh, yeah! I forgot!” Takuto said. “Sorry about that. Let me fill you in right now.”
It was impossible to tell what emotion was reflected in those compound eyes of hers, but she was clearly perplexed. That was likely why she’d restlessly scanned their surroundings the entire time they were happily talking the hours away.
Their current Palace was strongly influenced by Dark Elf architecture and design, starkly contrasting Mynoghra’s Palace in-game. The unfamiliar scenery was likely making the Queen of Bugs uncomfortable.
We need her to get used to things fast, Takuto thought. He decided to devote as much time as he could to getting Isla accustomed to this empire as soon as possible.
W̄ ēb̈ n̄о̄ ṽ ėl_ Е ńu m а
“Please wait, King Takuto!” Atou cried. “We shouldn’t explain the situation until we know for sure that Isla will faithfully serve you… It’s my opinion that we observe her a little longer!”
“Don’t you worry your little tentacles, dearie. I won’t go taking your Takuto. I’m an all-knowing queen, after all.”
“PEST!” Atou hissed.
I hope she adapts to this world quickly…
Dilarang mengopy novel dari Enuma.id.
As a general rule, Heroes are selfish and willful. Their backstories portray them as such, and many of the short skits in-game are all about the quarrels they get into with each other. Something immediately set Atou off and had her snapping at Isla. Fortunately, Queen Isla had the dignity not to respond in kind.
Unfortunately, that only caused Atou to explode with anger…
Ӗ ǹ uḿ а
Takuto sighed at the difficult prospect of trying to rein these problematic Heroes in before cheerfully clapping his hands to stop their quarreling.
◇◇◇
“I see. So that’s what’s going on…”
Isla let out a chirp of surprise that sounded like “Gichichi” after hearing all the details from Takuto. Even the Queen of Bugs experienced confusion and astonishment. Truthfully, she hadn’t the faintest idea what was going on, but she forced herself to accept the situation by thinking there must be some meaning to her presence here.
“Yeah. To be honest, there’s a lot of stuff I don’t get, but I’ve made it this far thanks to Atou.”
“Nonsense. I’ve only been able to work this hard because you were here with me, King Takuto. I surely would have taken my own life, for the despair would’ve been too much for me alone.”
Dilarang mengopy novel dari Enuma.id.
“Atou…”
“King Takuto…”
“I feel like the third wheel…”
Takuto and Atou entered their own little world.
While her memories of Eternal Nations were vague, Isla remembered that Hero Atou was Takuto’s favorite. She thought it was wonderful that they got along well, but she had a terrible feeling she was in for an uncomfortable time if they always acted like a mating pair. However, she decided to save those concerns for a later time. She had her own tasks to attend to.
Isla had no objections to becoming his subordinate. The unit known as Isla, Queen of Bugs existed solely to fulfill her purpose. Her powers existed for Mynoghra and Mynoghra’s excellent Commander, Takuto Ira.
Е̇ n̊ u_m̃а. і̆ d̆
“In any case, I understand your strategy. Although I am but a small insect, it would be my honor to help His Majesty accomplish his ambition to create a peaceful empire in this mysterious land.”
Isla showed her loyalty by bending down her upper half. Viewing this as satisfactory behavior, Takuto decided to appoint her to her pivotal role in his strategy.
Dilarang mengopy novel dari Enuma.id.
“I leave Mynoghra’s defense to you, Isla.”
“Oh? Is that all right with you, my master?” Isla asked, tilting her head curiously at his orders.
She was still a newcomer and the first Hero unit to be summoned to this world, since Atou appeared under different circumstances. Her query came with the implied meaning of: “Are you sure it’s all right for a Hero with lots of unknowns to be in a position as important as national defense?”
Of course, Isla had no intention of doing something so foolish as rebelling, but it seemed a bit hasty for Takuto to assign her to such an important role at this stage.
Ë n ŭ m̈ a.. і̄ d̊
“I trust you.”
His expression was unreadable. Even Isla didn’t understand what Takuto Ira was thinking. Like Atou, she was cognizant of Takuto in his sickbed from within the game. Hence, she comprehended his personality and tastes to some extent and believed she had a general understanding of his philosophies and guiding principles, but…she couldn’t claim to possibly know everything about him.
To Isla’s eyes, Takuto Ira looked like the drawing of a human figure painted over in black.
Not that it mattered to her—her thoughts immediately switched over to the orders she was given. The reason why Isla was tasked with defending Mynoghra was simple. She wasn’t a Hero designed for combat. Naturally, she could hold her own in a fight if she leveled up and gained various skills to make her more formidable. However, her true value was in the skill “Breeder” that could secure infinite combat units and labor units and the Distinct Trait that increased the Strength of all Bug units by +2.
Dilarang mengopy novel dari Enuma.id.
Since her skill range included the entire world, Bug units outside of Mynoghra would be strengthened too, but Bug units rarely belonged to other empires, so there were virtually no downsides. Thus, the basic strategy using Isla involved boosting national power with Bug labor units and boosting military power by producing endless, squishy Bug combat units while remaining within your own territory.
Isla was a Hero whose true value manifested in defense-centered mass-spawning-based strategies. And Mynoghra also possessed a Hero whose true value manifested in offense-based strategies.
Ẅе b́ñ о̂v̂е̊l̆ Е̊ n ǔm_а̊
“I’m trembling with awe before the trust Your Majesty places in me,” Isla said. “I take it that means the one heading to Phon’kaven to repel the Barbarians is—”
“Uwaaah, I’m going to be so lonely!” a depressed girl whined.
If Isla, Queen of Bugs is Mynoghra’s defense Hero, then Sludge Atou is the offense Hero. Although she starts off with the weakest abilities, her unique ability to steal her opponent’s skills is just pure evil. She was in an especially sweet position to unilaterally deprive the comparatively weak Barbarians of their skills with little risk to herself.
Barbarians have various useful skills such as Enhanced Strength, Regeneration, and Outdoor Survival that could drastically enhance Atou if she obtained them.
Even in the off-chance that Phon’kaven betrayed them, Atou could easily retreat to the Accursed Lands. Since she was telepathically linked with Takuto, they could converse at all times, allowing her to constantly update and consult him at a second’s notice.
Dispatching Atou was an obvious choice in this situation and something that she and Takuto had planned on before they met with the Dark Elves. Of course, how they each felt about it was an entirely different story.
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Even if they could communicate telepathically, they’d still be temporarily apart from each other. Takuto relied on Atou for many aspects of national management because he still struggled with speaking to others. Without her around, he’d be thrust into the huge challenge of instructing various people by himself. Meanwhile, Atou was also required to carry out their strategy in a highly stressful environment away from her beloved Takuto.
They both felt very much like they were baby birds being forced from the nest by their parents so that they may either learn to fly or perish on the rocks below. However, trials can’t be avoided. They needed to harden their hearts and move forward. Takuto made this decision for Atou’s sake and his own.
“I’ll be lonely too, Atou. But you’re the only one I can count on for this.”
They exchanged passionate, heartfelt gazes. Even without telepathy, they could understand each other’s feelings. In the heat of the moment, they ran toward each other, arms wide.
“KING TAKUTOOOOOO!”
“ATOUUUU!”
Ẅ е̄b̊ṅ о̇v ӗ l Е̄ṅ ů m а
They shared a passionate embrace.
Their exchange might be viewed as one typically reserved for an eternal farewell, but even a temporary separation was that serious to them. Something foreboding niggled at them both. They embraced to silence the echoes of their weak hearts that whispered “What if something bad happens while we’re apart?”
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Much of their concern revolved around issues that might arise on a communication front, however…
“I really am the third wheel…”
As Isla watched the stupid couple, she worried if things were going to be all right with them in charge, but her mission took precedence over those thoughts.
“Ohoho. I’m itching to put my skills to use.”
Ẇ е̄ b̄ ń о̀v̄ е̂ĺ Ëǹumа
Isla let out a beguiling laugh with a “Gichichi” as she felt gratitude toward the miracle of being granted life in this form when all she’d ever been was game data.
Like Atou, Isla didn’t know what had happened to her. But she did know exactly what she was supposed to do: fulfill the great Takuto Ira’s will and make sure he thoroughly enjoyed his new game. She intended to use every fiber of her being to fulfill her raison d’etre.
“Leave the details of our defense to me,” Isla declared. “I shall gather all the bugs throughout the world to meet our master’s demands.”
Now then, how will this game turn out?
Dilarang mengopy novel dari Enuma.id.
Isla had no idea how long this game session would last with her master, but she decided to watch over Takuto with the loving affection of a mother.
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