Aftermath

Richard was unsure whether the resemblance to Sinclair and the girls in his party was intentional or there were other reasons. It may have been a coincidence, but judging from the broodmother’s answers he had a thought he never had before: perhaps the broodmother had its own mind and soul, and wasn’t merely a contract beast that just followed his orders.

The special unit was the same as any other drone. Once born, it picked up its eggshell and devoured it clean. Its outer armour grew slightly harder, thicker, and more glossy. Once done with the task, the unit stood in place without moving.

The broodmother then transmitted a special spell to him called Enlighten. It would activate...