By IMERPUS RELUR
--
The sun never rose in this world—not the way Lin Shen remembered. The sky stayed dim, tinged with silver and bronze clouds swirling overhead like a waiting omen.
He watched as more ants finished the nest. A mound had formed, with hollow tunnels beneath the surface. The entrance was wide enough for a human fist, but inside… was a universe.
> [Basic Nest Completed.]
Hive Capacity: 2,000 Units
Upgrade Available: None (Requires Hive Core)
Command Uplink: Active
Ant Loyalty: 100%
> [New Hive Feature Unlocked: Internal Hive View]
You may now view structural layout, issue internal construction orders, and create specialized chambers.
"Internal view… open."
A new overlay slid into his mind. Beneath his feet, a living map of interconnected tunnels lit up—vague at first, then sharper as he focused. Chambers, shafts, and resource nodes pulsed like veins in a living organism.
At the far back, a flicker caught his attention.
A dim section of tunnel where three ants had begun digging on their own—unassigned.
"Strange. Did I give that order?"
No response.
He zoomed the view closer.
> [Chamber Discovered: Subterranean Pocket – Unknown Origin]
Status: Sealed
Suggested Action: Investigate with Combat Unit
Lin Shen raised a brow.
"Spiked Worker Ant," he called. The upgraded unit scurried forward, responding immediately. Its polished armor glinted in the strange light.
"Lead a scouting group of ten. Open that chamber."
> [Command Accepted.]
[Opening Subterranean Pocket…]
Dirt flew as the ants dug with practiced speed. Within minutes, the path cracked open—revealing not soil, but… metal.
> [Relic Chamber Discovered: Ancient Swarm Cache]
Access Level: Fusion Lord Only
Contents: Unknown
Safety Rating: Moderate
Fusion Resonance Detected… Matching DNA Signature: Lin Shen
The metal door hissed open.
Inside, the glow of green crystals filled the chamber—pulsing slowly like heartbeats.
> [Item Found: Hive Core Fragment]
Function: Unlocks Hive Evolution Tier 1
Grants: Advanced Hive Functions, New Buildings, Swarm Logic Layer I
> [Would you like to integrate the Hive Core Fragment?]
Lin Shen whispered, "Yes."
The moment he confirmed it, the ground vibrated. The entire nest shivered—and something ancient stirred beneath the soil.
> [Hive Core Integration Complete.]
[Hive Level Up: Larval Stage → Developing Stage]
New Buildings Unlocked: Ant Forge, Spore Garden, Echo Chamber
Fusion Capacity Expanded
Instinct Layer Installed: Basic Unit Memory Transfer Enabled
The system pulsed once more.
> [Swarm Evolution Has Begun.]
Lin Shen smiled.
"Let's evolve together."