The Eccentric Entomologist is Now a Queen's Consort

Chapter 124 The Cat Out of Bag (1) Thalorian Goblins

Mikhailis breathed heavily, dodging a low-hanging branch and sparing a quick glance at Elowen beside him. She looked focused, her gaze fixed ahead, her brows furrowed in concentration. Despite the situation, a grin tugged at his lips as he panted out a comment.

"Well, glad I kept up with my daily runs, huh?"

Elowen shot him a sidelong glance, her lips curving into a faint smile despite their dire circumstances.

"I never thought... we'd be running for our lives together... like this," she said between breaths, her voice light with a touch of humor, even if her eyes were serious.

The sound of chittering grew louder, closer, like a mass of moving gears closing in on them. Mikhailis's heart raced not just from the exertion, but from the thought of those beetles—those countless, relentless beetles swarming toward them. He heard Rodion's voice in his earpiece, ever the calming, though slightly sarcastic, presence in chaotic situations.

Mikhailis snorted, leaping over a fallen log.

"I'll take those odds," he muttered under his breath. He glanced at Elowen, gesturing to the left.

"Cave up ahead. We're heading there."

She nodded without hesitation, her trust in him evident even now. They turned sharply, their feet skidding slightly on the forest floor, and raced towards the cave that loomed in the distance—a dark maw in the side of a mossy rock outcrop. As they neared it, Mikhailis could feel the air cool, the oppressive heat of the swarming beetles momentarily dissipating.

The two of them dashed into the cave, Mikhailis immediately pressing his back against the cold stone wall as he looked back toward the entrance. The beetles had reached the mouth of the cave, but they seemed hesitant, the swarm gathering outside, almost as if debating whether to enter the darkness. He exchanged a glance with Elowen, both of them breathing heavily.

"Looks like they don't like caves," Mikhailis said, his voice still slightly breathless.

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Elowen nodded, catching her breath.

"For now... we should be safe." She looked at him, a faint smile on her lips.

"Not quite the romantic alone time one would envision."

Mikhailis chuckled, shaking his head.

"Yeah, well, at least we're not beetle food. I'll take what I can get."

Their laughter was cut short when a guttural noise echoed through the cave—a chilling, low growl that made the hair on Mikhailis's neck stand on end. His eyes darted toward the darkness deeper in the cave, and Elowen stiffened beside him.

Each slash was deliberate, each motion a perfect combination of grace and lethal intent. She moved like a blur, her form shifting and reappearing in flashes as she dispatched her foes, her magic guiding her steps and amplifying her speed. The goblins barely had time to react before they fell, their grotesque forms collapsing in her wake, leaving Mikhailis awestruck at her sheer prowess.

"As expected of a [King]-ranked swordsman and magician!" he shouted, unable to keep the admiration out of his voice. He watched as Elowen cut through the goblins, their numbers seemingly endless. Despite her skill, it was clear that the sheer volume of enemies was taking its toll on her—her breath was growing labored, her movements slower than when she had first begun.

He saw her eyes flick toward him, a momentary lapse in her focus as her gaze softened. She was worried about him—even now, in the middle of battle, she was thinking of his safety. Before he could say anything to reassure her, a movement at the cave entrance caught his eye. He turned, his stomach sinking as he saw more goblins pouring in from outside, their grotesque forms blocking their only exit.

"Shit! Seems like we're getting sandwhiched..." Mikhailis uttered with a wry smile.

Elowen turned, her eyes widening as she took in the scene—the goblins closing in from both sides, trapping them. Her lips pressed into a thin line, her grip on her sword tightening. Mikhailis could see the determination in her eyes, but he knows, with this number, even her would get tired.

Even the strongest warrior would die when getting sandwiched by 1000 enemies.

Realizing that Elowen was struggling to keep up, Mikhailis knew it was time to reveal his own secret.

I guess it can't be helped.

He took a deep breath, steeling himself for what he was about to do. He turned to her, his eyes meeting hers, a determined glint in his gaze.

"Elowen," he said, his voice steady despite the chaos around them.

"No need to worry about me. Let me show you my secret."

She looked at him, confusion flickering across her face, but before she could respond, Mikhailis let out a sharp whistle. The sound echoed through the cave, cutting through the goblins' shrieks and the clashing of steel. For a moment, nothing happened, and Elowen shot him a questioning look.

Then the ground began to tremble, a low rumble that seemed to resonate through the very bones of the earth. Mikhailis held his breath, his eyes fixed on the shadows at the far end of the cave. Slowly, the darkness seemed to shift, to move, and then—

A group of Chimera Ants emerged, their forms massive and intimidating, their exoskeletons gleaming in the dim light. Elowen's eyes widened, her gaze snapping to Mikhailis, her mouth opening in shock.

"What...?" she breathed, her eyes darting between the Chimera Ants and Mikhailis.

Mikhailis gave her an apologetic smile, his expression both serious and hesitant.

"This is the result of my research here," he said, his voice steady. "I was planning to tell you once I was sure they were useful and under control, but it looks like we don't have the luxury to wait."

Elowen stared at him, her eyes wide, her mind reeling. She had known Mikhailis was intelligent, that he had a penchant for strange research, but this—this was something entirely different. The Chimera Ants, massive and imposing, stood before them, awaiting his command.

Mikhailis turned to the Chimera Ants, his voice loud and clear.

"Attack!"