Awakening Chronicles

Chapter 29

I retracted my hand and spun around to take in the various forms around me. So they are a hive mind that acts like a fungus and parasite. So far, they seem strong, yet they lack the intelligence to operate on a sophisticated level. But I don't really blame them for that; Orcs are not the smartest of individuals to be consuming

"Father, thank you for visiting this hive." The voice stuttered out. Each word was measured and seemed to have a lot of thought behind it, yet it also seemed unsure how to use them.

"It's no problem. I was just stopping by to see how everyone is doing." I replied to him. I was trying to improve myself, cause I recognize that I have been scatterbrained as of late, but since I have been human again, everything has seemed more apparent and focused. Maybe I'll spend more time in this form since my thoughts seem more condensed.

"We thank you. Times have been rough since the arrival of the green fleshed ones." Its words resonated in my skull. It brought its tentacles down, and the others started to go about their task once more.

"I see. I apologize for my absence. I have been busy and haven't had a chance to visit you all." I felt terrible having to lie to them like this. I mean, how am I supposed to explain that they terrified me at one point?

"This hive forgives you. However, I know that some of the other hives do not feel the same." It replied to me, and I nodded.

"That is to be expected. I have neglected you all, and you have my apologies." I told the mass of flesh. I meant that apology. I haven't been the best creator or best living being since I became an Administrator.

"All is well, father." It replied. I brought my feet up and sat back on the invisible barrier that I was using to walk above the floor.

"What can you tell me of the surrounding area and the other hives?" I asked. I mean I could pull up my map, but I want a chance to interact with these creatures. I need to get used to them.

"The surrounding area is full of the green fleshed ones. They grow in strength as we do, so we have been struggling to fend them off. Sister Hive Sigma has also been attacking us, so we have been stretched thin." I listened along quietly. That was interesting. I now see why they have a fractured hive mind trait in the racial passives.

"Is Hive Sigma strong?" I asked because I wasn't sure of how the power balance was.

"Sister Hive Sigma has better attributes then we do. They do well to keep away the stronger ones." It replied to me. So it's a war of attrition between hives. They grind each other down and steal each other's strengths.

"What happens if a Hive wins a war?" I asked since I was unsure of what would happen.

"The hive ruler assimilates the defeated one and consumes all of its knowledge." It replied with a solemn tone. That was a rather sad outcome.

"I see. What hive is this?"

"Hive Omega. I am Omega." It replied, and I saw its tentacles twitch in response. Its milky white eye darted across the room and took in the surroundings. "There is another wave of the green fleshed ones coming." After its words, a blood-curling scream broke through the room, and a large majority of the Ancient Ones started flocking towards the door. Some of the zombified orcs took an enormous leap and jumped well over fifteen feet into the air before landing on the outcropping and running at inhuman speeds into the cave system.

Others fell to the ground and started violently spasming as bones broke and shifted. Bones tore through flesh and jutted out in various places. I'm guessing that they doubled as natural weapons. Others of the same variant were still using rusted makeshift blades.