Chapter 5 : The Queen's Request

The egg pulsed with spiritual energy—its purity far surpassing anything Itekan had absorbed at the mountain.

He turned sharply, feeling a gaze on him. The queen stood still, watching him intently. Then she spoke.

"Son of man, you are trespassing on my lands," her voice echoed, calm yet absolute.

Itekan froze. His body went numb under her stare. The thin, translucent antennae on her head twitched as she curled her massive form closer.

"I allowed you to use my children as playthings for days… because of who you came with. But if you step foot here again—know that even he won't be able to save you," she warned.

Instinctively, Itekan understood: he couldn't attack. The roles had shifted. Before her, he was a mere insect—something she could crush without thought or remorse.

Yes. A bug. That's all he was to her now.

His mind raced, frantically searching for a way out. He could call for his father—he knew Carpathia was close—but something she said made him hesitate.

Summoning boldness, Itekan spoke.

"You know my father?"

"Yes. Every creature in these parts knows him."

"Then why do you think he won't be able to save me from you?" he pressed.

The queen paused, clearly weighing whether to answer.

"Because there are laws," she finally said. "Even those of the rank of legends cannot break them carelessly."

Itekan swallowed hard. He understood now—Carpathia could save him, but wouldn't be able to. The laws bound him.

Desperation flared. "How about this… instead of killing me, we play a game?"

"A game?" she scoffed, baring jagged, yellow teeth that would make a great white shark pale in comparison. "Why should I? I have nothing to gain."

She lunged downward, jaws open, ready to swallow him whole.

"Wait! Wait!" Itekan shouted. He couldn't move—even knowing death was imminent. His body refused.

"Speak," she ordered.

His mind spun wildly. Think. Think. Then a memory surfaced—something his father once mentioned during a chat with the town doctor weeks ago.

"You have nothing to say?" she asked, opening her maw once more.

"Let's play a game!" Itekan blurted again.

"This again—"

"I know, I know! Please, hear me out." Seeing her hesitate, he pushed on, "Have you heard of the Bloodmoon Stone?"

Her eyes narrowed.

"Who do you think you are speaking to?" she hissed.

"Sorry!" Itekan apologized quickly. "Then you know it can increase the purity of blood and enhance the cultivation of demonic beasts, right?"

"Go on."

He'd hooked her. Now to reel her in.

"I know where they can be harvested. Let me go—with the golden egg—and I'll show you."

The queen hissed sharply.

"Come on! You can't just keep threatening me," Itekan protested.

Her displeasure radiated in waves.

"I'll lead you there, okay? You can harvest the stones and raise your cultivation level."

"How do you know I won't just kill you afterwards?" she asked coolly.

"I don't. I'm betting on the off chance you won't need to," he replied, voice steady despite the fear.

A twisted smile crept onto the queen's insectoid face. It was terrifying.

Then she spoke softly.

"Your offer is… unique. And under other circumstances, I would accept. However… I am dying."

Itekan froze.

---

Outside, Carpathia stood still, eyes closed, focused. He could still sense Itekan's spiritual signature—each being capable of wielding spiritual energy had one, unique and unmistakable.

He could hear his son's heartbeat deep within the cave. Itekan was alive. But Carpathia had no idea what was happening inside. He'd tried peering through Itekan's shadows, but something blocked him—as if a door had been slammed in his face.

Those damned laws.

He couldn't break them even if he wanted to. As a hero of legend rank, he was forbidden from interfering in human matters. The same rules applied to these beasts. He could kill them if they stepped out of their territory—but as long as they remained inside, his hands were tied.

He had just sent his son into a literal ticking bomb.

---

"I'm dying."

Itekan could barely comprehend what he'd heard.

"What? Why?"

"Hah… Aren't you supposed to be pleased? If I die, I can't kill you," she said bitterly.

Only now did Itekan notice the softness in her voice. A quiet mourning. He glanced at the golden egg, then saw it—a deep scar running down her body. Her veins bulged bright red against her pale bluish carapace.

"How…?" he asked quietly.

"How?" she echoed. "I thought you humans already knew."

She exhaled slowly.

"Months ago, I was about to ascend to a Grade C beast. But during my advancement, I was attacked… by another Grade C beast—the Twelve-Horned Beak. We fought for three days. I emerged victorious—but not unscathed."

Her voice dropped lower.

"Before it died, I realized it hadn't been in full control. It had been mind-controlled to storm my domain. As it perished, it relayed the identity of the one who sent it… and left me her—"

"Her egg," Itekan finished. She nodded faintly.

"I discovered this wound could not be healed. No matter what I tried. You see, I was about to advance. But because I didn't, my core became unstable and shattered. My body is now decaying from within."

Itekan, without realizing it, stepped closer and gently placed a hand over her wound. She hissed—but did not strike him.

"Son of man, I have a request," she whispered. "If you fulfill it, I will let you leave—with the egg as well."

He met her gaze and nodded.

"Kill them. The ones known as the Crimson Knights. Help me take revenge—for me and for her mother."

"I, Itekan Lie, swear I will avenge you," he declared firmly.

The queen watched him, then shifted the egg toward him. Itekan lifted it—it was nearly three times the size of his head and heavier than it looked.

Then, before his eyes, she bowed her head. Her strength finally gave out. Her skin paled even more.

And she died.

Itekan bowed respectfully before her body… and left the chamber.

---

Itekan emerged into the midday sun. He hadn't realized how much time had passed. His body gave out—he collapsed.

Carpathia was instantly at his side.

"I got it, Dad," Itekan murmured weakly.

"Well done. I never doubted you," Carpathia said softly as the egg emitted a dark fog and sank into his shadow.

"You did well, son."

"Dad… who are the Crimson Knights?" Itekan asked drowsily, stopping Carpathia in his tracks.

"We'll discuss it another time. Sleep now, child," Carpathia murmured as they vanished into thin air.