"Can you hear me?" he thought, focusing on the mental link that had formed between them.
The girl nodded, her voice resonating in his mind. "Yes, Master, I can hear you clearly."
He tilted his head. "What about speaking aloud? Can you do that?"
She shook her head, her golden hair swaying. "No, Master. I can only communicate through the link."
The revelation made Aiden more curious. He wanted to understand what kind of species she was. She didn't seem human, yet her features were strikingly similar. Turning his attention inward, he asked Eva, "Eva, can you provide me with her stats?"
Power Level: 450
Mana Level: 1200
Affinity: Life+
Aiden's eyes widened in shock. Her mana level was staggering—far beyond what he had anticipated. "1200 mana…," he muttered under his breath, marveling at the sheer power this being held. "I should've tried becoming a magical beast myself," he joked internally, chuckling at the absurdity of his thought.
But his amusement was short-lived as his gaze fell on the "Life+" symbol in her stats. He frowned, unfamiliar with the notation. "Eva, what does the '+' symbol mean next to her affinity?" he asked.
For the first time in what felt like ages, Eva replied directly. "The '+' represents creation. A being with this symbol has the potential to create lifeforms of the same affinity."
Aiden's jaw dropped. Creation? Did that mean she could create other beings? "Eva, what species is she?" he asked, his voice tinged with both curiosity and unease.
"She is a Hive Queen" Eva replied.
The answer hit Aiden like a thunderbolt. A Hive Queen? He had heard of hive species before—ants, bees, and other creatures that operated in colonies—but he had never imagined creating one. His gaze flickered to the girl sitting on his bed, her black-and-gold eyes now locked onto Ciara, who was perched on the floor.
The tension between the two was palpable. Lumina's eyes narrowed slightly, and Ciara's fur bristled as she hissed at the new arrival. The atmosphere in the room grew colder, and Aiden quickly stepped in. He scooped Ciara up and placed her on the table, keeping her away from the girl. "Calm down, you two," he muttered, sighing heavily.
He also felt surprised hearing Eva's natural voice than the mechanical voice of the shard after a long while so he asked about it to her to which she replied that it was due to the excess amount of spiritual energy generated during the girl's birth.
Turning his attention back to the girl, Aiden realized he hadn't yet given her a name. He studied her features carefully, searching for inspiration. She was radiant, her golden hair cascading down her back like liquid sunlight, and her presence exuded an otherworldly grace. Without thinking, he whispered, "Lumina."
Her face lit up with a joyous smile as she heard the name. In an instant, she sprang from the bed and wrapped her arms around him, hugging him tightly. Aiden froze for a moment but then patted her head gently, his heart warming at the sight of her happiness.
After a few moments, Aiden pulled back slightly, remembering the complications her presence might bring. He couldn't let anyone in the mansion see her in her current form. "Lumina," he asked through their mental link, "can you transform into something smaller? Something less… conspicuous?"
She tilted her head, confused. "How small, Master?"
He pointed to Ciara, who was still perched on the table, her golden-yellow eyes glaring at Lumina. Lumina frowned, clearly displeased with the idea. As if in protest, Ciara hissed again, prompting another sigh from Aiden.
"Lumina, this is important. If you don't transform, our safety could be at risk," he explained patiently.
Reluctantly, Lumina agreed. But before she transformed, she looked at Aiden and said, "Master, I need a strand of your hair."
Aiden blinked, baffled. "Why my hair?"
"I can use it to study your memories," she explained. "And it can also be used to create a stronger brood for you."
The word "brood" sent a shiver down Aiden's spine. He hesitated for a moment but ultimately relented, pulling a strand of hair from his head and handing it to her. Lumina accepted it reverently, as if it were a priceless treasure. To Aiden's surprise, she swallowed it whole.
"What are you doing?" he asked, alarmed.
"Studying, Master," she replied simply. "This will allow me to understand you better and serve you more effectively."
Aiden didn't know whether to be impressed or concerned. The idea of her creating a brood for him was unsettling, but he couldn't deny that having allies would be useful against the enemies he would inevitably face. Deciding to trust her, he waited patiently.
After a while, Lumina's eyes snapped open, and her expression changed. The curiosity and affection in her gaze were now replaced by pure admiration and awe. "Wait…" Aiden began, realization dawning on him. "Did you see all my memories?"
Lumina blushed deeply, her face turning a shade of crimson. "Yes, Master," she admitted shyly. "I saw both your worlds—this one and the world of creators, Earth." She paused, her golden eyes shimmering with emotion. "But you don't need to worry, Master. Lumina loves you very much. You brought me into this world, and if Master wishes, Lumina won't hesitate to give this body to you."
Her words, combined with her bashful expression, made Aiden's face heat up. "You… don't have to worry about that," he said, pulling her into a comforting hug. "Only a psycho wouldn't love their own family. You're family, Lumina."
Her face lit up with a blissful smile, and a golden glow enveloped her body. Aiden stepped back, watching as her form began to change. When the glow faded, she had transformed into a golden-colored ant, her sleek body shimmering in the light. Her eyes were now completely black, save for the faint golden pupils that gleamed within.
"How do I look, Master?" she asked through their mental link.
Aiden picked her up carefully, marveling at her new form. "You look… cute," he said with a chuckle, gently patting her head.
Lumina let out a soft laugh, her antennae twitching. She climbed onto his shoulder, her small size making her look like an accessory rather than a creature. Ciara, however, was less than pleased. She leapt onto Aiden's other shoulder, hissing at Lumina. The two exchanged glares, and Aiden sighed heavily.
"Can't you two get along?" he muttered.
Before the situation could escalate further, a knock came at the door. "Young Master, are you awake?" Greta's voice called from the hallway.
Aiden quickly adjusted himself, ensuring Lumina and Ciara were secure on his shoulders. "Yes, come in," he replied.
Greta entered, her gaze immediately falling on the peculiar sight before her. Aiden stood with a cat perched on one shoulder and a golden ant on the other. She blinked in surprise. "Young Master… did you bring home another pet?"
Aiden scratched the back of his head, a wry smile on his face. "You could say that. Her name is Lumina."
Greta tilted her head, clearly confused but choosing not to question it further. "I came to inform you that dinner is ready. Shall I escort you to the dining hall?"
Aiden nodded, grateful for the distraction. "I'll be down in a minute," he said.
As Greta left the room, Aiden glanced at Lumina and Ciara. "Alright, you two. Let's go."