Chereads / "The Botanist Witch: Minerva's Tyrant's ways" / Chapter 18 - Chapter 18: Cautious Taming

Chapter 18 - Chapter 18: Cautious Taming

The forest around Minerva was alive with the sounds of rustling leaves and distant bird calls. As she continued her journey towards Lumina, she remained vigilant, her senses heightened by her recent experiences. The path ahead was uncertain, and she knew that every step could bring new dangers or opportunities.

Determined to proceed with caution, Minerva decided to invest in the Rare Insect Encyclopedia from the System Store. She hoped it would provide valuable information on the various insect species she might encounter.

[Purchase Confirmed: Rare Insect Encyclopedia]

[Quest Points: 30]

The translucent interface materialized before her eyes, displaying detailed entries on a wide array of insects. Each entry included descriptions, habitats, abilities, and taming techniques.

[New Insect Species Detected]

[Analyzing...]

[Species Identified: Prismatic Skyrazors]

[Threat Level: Moderate]

[Tier: 3 - Dangerous Swarm]

[Description: Dragonfly-like insects with iridescent wings capable of emitting disorienting light patterns]

[Taming Technique: Use Fairy Light to attract and calm. Establish a mental link through sustained concentration. Prove your worth through a display of strength or skill.]

Minerva approached the Prismatic Skyrazors cautiously, using her Fairy Light to emit a soft, calming glow. The Skyrazors seemed intrigued by the light, their wings shimmering in response.

 However, as she drew closer, they became agitated, their wings beating rapidly and creating dazzling, disorienting patterns.

Minerva shielded her eyes, realizing that attraction wasn't enough. She needed to prove herself worthy of their loyalty. Drawing on her Insect Control ability, she attempted to establish a mental link with the nearest Skyrazor. The process was far more challenging than she anticipated, like trying to grasp a slippery fish with her mind.

[Skill Check: Insect Control]

[Difficulty: High]

[Roll: 75/100]

[Partial Success]

She managed to form a tenuous connection, but the Skyrazor resisted her control. Minerva realized she needed to demonstrate her strength. Using her Fae Strength ability, she leaped into the air, matching the Skyrazor's flight pattern. The insect seemed impressed by her agility but still wary.

Minerva then called upon her Luminfireflies, directing them to create a dazzling light display that rivaled the Skyrazors' own patterns. The Prismatic Skyrazor hovered in place, seemingly mesmerized by the demonstration.

Taking advantage of this moment, Minerva redoubled her efforts to establish a mental link. This time, she felt the connection solidify. The Skyrazor's resistance faded, replaced by a sense of acceptance and even admiration.

[Skill Check: Insect Control]

[Difficulty: High]

[Roll: 90/100]

[Success]

[New Subspecies Added to Swarm Repertoire: Prismatic Skyrazors]

[Swarm Count: 1]

Taking advantage of this moment, Minerva redoubled her efforts to establish a mental link. This time, she felt the connection solidify. The Skyrazor's resistance faded, replaced by a sense of acceptance and even admiration.

[Skill Check: Insect Control]

[Difficulty: High]

[Roll: 85/100]

[Success][New Subspecies Added to Swarm Repertoire: Prismatic Skyrazors]

[Swarm Count: 2]

Exhausted but exhilarated, Minerva landed back on the ground. She had successfully tamed another Prismatic Skyrazor, but the process had been far more demanding than she expected. She knew that taming more would require time, effort, and a deep understanding of their nature.

As she rested, Minerva reflected on the experience. The Fairy Light had been useful in attracting and initially calming the insects, but the actual taming required a combination of mental prowess, physical skill, and a demonstration of worth.

She realized that each new species would likely present unique challenges, and she would need to adapt her approach accordingly. With this new understanding, Minerva felt both humbled and determined. The path to building a truly formidable swarm would be long and fraught with challenges, but she was ready to face them head-on.

As the sun began to set, Minerva found a secluded clearing to set up camp. She used her Fairy Light to create a warm, protective glow around her, and her Luminfireflies formed a perimeter to keep watch.As she settled in for the night, Minerva reflected on her journey so far. She had faced numerous challenges and taken calculated risks, but the rewards had been worth it.

Her swarm was stronger and more diverse than ever, and her abilities were continuing to evolve. With a deep breath, Minerva closed her eyes, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. The path to Lumina was still long and uncertain, but she was determined to uncover the secrets of her powers and find her place in this strange new world.

[Status Update]

Level: 10

XP: 1,500 / 8,000

Quest Points: 30

Race: Human (Fairy heritage awakening)

[Skills]

Insect Control: Advanced (90%)Multi-species Coordination: Adept (55%)Swarm Fury: Novice (35%)Strategic Planning: Adept (70%)Insect Integration: Adept (40%)Combat Mastery: Adept (75%)Herbalism: Adept (80%)Entomology: Expert (100%)Plant Manipulation: Novice (35%)Healing: Adept (60%)Water Insect Control: Novice (25%)

[New Abilities]Fairy Light: Adept (30%) - Heals wounds, restores strength, and empowers insects Fae Senses: Novice (15%) - Dramatically enhances sensory perception when used with Insect Integration Fae Strength: Novice (5%) - Temporarily boosts physical abilities when using Fairy Light with Insect Integration

[Hidden Traits]

Affinity for Light

Insects Swarm Resonance

[Current Swarm Composition]

Chimelings: 50 (Adaptive camouflage, sonic communication)Ironclad Burrowers: 30 (Tunneling, reinforcement)Voidwasps: 15 (Short-distance portals)Luminfireflies: 40 (Bioluminescence, light displays)Steelskin Beetles: 25 (Durable exoskeletons)Whisperwings: 35 (Sound-dampening, stealth operations)Spectral Gliders: 20 (Phasing through objects, calming aura)Prismatic Skyrazors: 2 (Disorienting light patterns)Thornspike Beetles: 15 (Sharp, thorn-like protrusions)Total Swarm Count: 232