Bofuri (The Strongest Shield Of Tensura) Chapter Thirty Eight

Kaede stood facing the tunnel that led out of her temporary headquarters, the polished stone archway framing her figure. She had quickly refreshed herself, using the stream that flowed through the alcove. Luckily due to the various nodes she had applied to her equipnt, they still looked pristine, despite the recent alterations.

Acer stood beside her, her presence as calm and positive as ever. She wore a subtle yet confident expression, her sharp green eyes scanning the horizon. (They’re coming, Mother. I can sense them.)

Sure enough, monts later, figures erged from the tunnel, their forms becoming clearer as they approached. A tall black Antari led the way, his towering figure almost blending into the darkness around him. Behind him walked three monsters, each radiating an air of authority that was impossible to ignore.

The queens were unlike any of the monsters Kaede had encountered before. She could actually feel that they were strong. They not only looked strong, but, each carried a distinct aura of power and authority, yet their movents were fluid and deliberate, exuding a quiet grace. The first queen, her exoskeleton a deep gold, was the largest, towering at almost ten feet. The second, darker and sleeker, seed more watchful, her crimson compound eyes gleaming with a quiet intensity, she was also the smallest, standing at the sa height as Solum. The third, was only slightly taller with earthy tones marked by faint green patterns.

'Whoa!' Kaede didn’t speak imdiately, letting the silence stretch as the queens ca to a halt before her. The tension in the air was palpable, though not hostile. Solum stepped aside, bowing his head slightly to signal the queens' arrival.

"They’re here," Solum said simply, his voice low and steady.

Kaede inclined her head in acknowledgnt, her gaze shifting from one queen to the next. She could feel the weight of their collective presence. 'They're strong. Together, they might give Shifu trouble. What do I do? They're all looking at . I think this is where I'm supposed to show my power or sothing.'

For a mont, no one moved. Then, subtly, Kaede reached out within her self, using her [Magic Perception] and just releasing all of her restrained magicules while simultaneously activating her acquired skill [Queens Aura]

Instantly the temperature dropped as a heavy miasma erupted from Kaede, the entire alcove trembling from the pressure. Solum staggered before stabilising him self. Ari rely twitched, unshaken by the presence of her mother's power. Acer was grinning wildly, happy as she felt her mother's warmth all around her.

A faint ripple passed through the queens, as though they were communicating amongst themselves. Their antennae twitched slightly, and Kaede felt the brush of foreign thoughts against her mind. The connection was tenuous, tentative, but unmistakable.

(You are the one who commands this place,) a voice resonated faintly in her mind, layered and resonant, as though it ca from all three queens at once.

Kaede remained composed, her ntal voice steady. (I am.)

Another pause, the ntal connection growing stronger. The golden queen shifted slightly, her movents deliberate. (We have seen your strength. We will pledge our colonies to you. If you are truly as powerful as you appear, then you are the one we will follow.)

Kaede’s gaze didn’t waver. She could sense the weight of their decision, the pride they carried even in submission. "You’ve made the right choice," she said aloud, her voice calm but firm. 'I can't believe that went well!'

Kaede’s lips curved into a faint smile. "Well, we have a lot to discuss, so without further ado, I'll na you now."

Sohow, Kaede could feel the shock that rippled across the three queens. The golden queen, shifted her weight slightly. Though she maintained her regal composure, Kaede could sense an undercurrent of curiosity and uncertainty in the air. The other two queens mirrored the subtle shift, their antennae twitching in response to her declaration.

(You would na us?) the voice echoed in Kaede’s mind, resonating with layered tones that carried both intrigue and hesitation. It was the golden queen who seed to be speaking this ti, though the connection through the Hive Link blurred the lines between their individual identities.

Kaede nodded, stepping forward. "Yes. From what I've learnt, nas are not just titles. They’re a symbol of power, trust and connection. By naming you, I’m acknowledging you as individuals and as leaders under my command. You’ll grow stronger, strong enough to lead your colonies in this world."

The queens exchanged a glance -or what Kaede assud was their equivalent of a glance- before the crimson-eyed queen spoke next, her ntal tone sharp and precise. (This is a great gift. Yet, are you certain? Naming us could drain you of your strength. We are not weak creatures, and naming us may co at great cost to you.)

Kaede smiled faintly. "I know the risks. But I’m not the sa as other humans or even monsters. Trust , I can handle it."

Acer, still grinning proudly, chid in through the Hive Link. (Mother is amazing! You’ll see. She’ll handle it like it’s nothing!)

Kaede shot a quick ntal pulse of affection toward Acer before turning her attention back to the queens. 'Ti to make this official.'

She raised a hand, her [Magicules] flaring to life once more in response to her anxiety. The air shimred around her as she focused on the golden queen first. "You... I na you Aurina."

The golden queen shuddered as a stream of magicules suddenly burst into existence, flowing into her, her exoskeleton glowing faintly with a golden hue as the na settled into her being. Her aura flared brightly, a burst of power that made even Solum take a step back.

Even as the first queen was still lighting up the chamber, Kaede turned her gaze to the crimson-eyed queen, whose sharp presence reminded her of a certain red haired empress. "And you, vigilant and cunning, I na you Crimara. Your keen instincts and precision will be invaluable."

Crimara’s crimson eyes glead as her na was spoken, and a wave of heat rolled off her as her body glowed brightly red.

With the addition of a bright red light, painting the chamber, Kaede faced the queen with earthy tones and green patterns, whose aura exuded stability and connection to the land itself. "You, remind of a dear friend of mine." She thought back to her companion, Syrup. "I'll na you Hachi."

Hachi's glow was softer, more subdued, but no less powerful. A wave of warmth spread through the alcove as her green patterns brightened.

Kaede's heart rate increased as she waited for the inevitable weakness that would follow, as the last of the naming ritual concluded.. However, "That's it?" She only felt a slight drain, that felt like only ten percent of her magicules had been used. "Did my magicule capacity increase while I was sleeping?"

She looked back at the three queens, who were now radiating power far beyond what they had monts ago. Before her, three tall humanoid figures erged from the light.

Aurina stepped forward, now standing at eight feet tall. "Aurina accepts this na. I shall lead with honor."

Next, Crimara stood beside Aurina, who was about two foot taller than she was. "Crimara acknowledges your gift. I will ensure that no threat escapes my sight."

Finally, Hachi stood next to her fellow queens, at seven foot tall. "Hachi accepts. The colony will flourish under your guidance."

Kaede smiled faintly, pride swelling in her chest. "Good. Now let’s work together to build sothing great."

The queens bowed deeply, a gesture of respect and acknowledgnt. Solum, who had been watching silently, gave a small nod of approval.

Acer practically bounced in place. (See? I told you Mother was amazing!)

Kaede chuckled softly, letting herself relax for a mont. "Alright, everyone. We have a lot of work ahead of us. Let’s head to the eting room -er chamber"