I'm back and I've just launched my Ko-Fi page! ko-fi(dot)com/avipbrTo prove that I'm mean busnisse from the 26th to the 31st of May I'll post 1 chapter each day in all 4 of main fics:
- Anthrostate VS Isekai Hero
- LoveNexus Corp
- Monster Girl: Harem Master
- Multiverse-Crafter
As a Ko-Fi subscriber, you'll unlock early access to 5 chapters ahead of everyone else.
Your support helps me keep pushing forward, creating bigger and better stories with every chapter.
Ps: The four stories mentioned above already have 10 chapters on Ko-Ki. Putting 5 chapters ahead of non-subscribers from 31st.
Membership tiers:
Tier 1 - Bronze Flame :
Access to Purple Flame Nexus - Discord Server
Access to 5 chapters in advance of all my fanfics
Tier 2 - Silver Flame:
All beneffits from Bronze Flame
Right to vote on my stories. [ex: Decide what future characters will be like in terms of appearance and personality. Themes to be worked on. How I will expand on an existing story. And which fanfic project should take the place of one I am finishing.]
Tier 3 - Golden Flame:
All beneffits from Silver FlameLottery entry for a Oneshot RPG Adventure
-S2-Hivecore Acres: Seeding the Future-S2-
Kleber stands between Lilo and Rajah, his body tense, eyes fixed on the descending numbers. The air is dense, heavy with anticipation and anxiety as the elevator descends quickly.
Regular insects already make him nervous, but the idea of having to interact with humanoid size monster insects terrifies Kleber. So it's no surprise that his heart is pounding hard in his chest, and his fingers clenched with palms sweaty.
"It'll be fine, Kleber-dono," Rajah tries to calm him. "We're here for you."
Lis, always stoic, just nods silently in agreement with Rajah.
The elevator stops with a soft jolt.
DING!
{Thirteenth basement level.} announces the elevator's automatic voice, cold and impersonal.
The doors open, revealing a dark corridor made of black rock, lit only by dim lights. The air is damp, with a strange smell like a place that hasn't been aired out in a long time.
"Como on," says Rajah, gently pushing Kleber.
At the end of the corridor, a large hall opens with a strange circle in its center.
"What is…" murmurs the confused human.
A huge circle, nine meters (30 f) in radius, adorned with strange geometric symbols and runes from cultures unknown to Kleber adorns the center of the room. The inscriptions glow with a pale blue light, pulsing as if alive.
With wide eyes, Kleber approaches, curiosity overcoming fear. Lis, with her elegant stride, positions herself beside him, her pale face illuminated by the glow.
"This is a teleportation circle inscribed with magical runes, forged by Lady Yzhilde." explains Lis, her with an unusual seriousness present in her voice. "The fact that she was able to perform such a powerful spell permanently with such simple runes is proof that her title of Rune Mistress is not just for show."
Kleber observes the symbols, trying to decipher them, but they're strange, practically alien.
I know it's supposed to teleport, but what exactly does the circle do?
"It allows magic users like me to teleport with little mana consumption." Lis responds. "Prior knowledge of this spell is also not necessary."
Rajah looks around with little interest in the circle, her yellow eyes glowing in the dimness.
"It is a valuable tool, Kleber-dono. Lady Yzhilde is known for her proficiency with runes, and she shares her gifts with all who serve her loyally."
Once everyone is in the middle of the circle Lis raises her hands, the runes glow brighter in reaction, as if they were being powered by an invisible force.
"Desperte círculo rúnico!" chants Lis in a strange and powerful language that Kleber does not understand. "Sob autoridade da Senhora das Runas eu invoco seu poder."
In response, the inscriptions on the circle intensify once more, their light becoming too bright to look at directly.
"Nos transporte até Hivecore Acres!" And with the final sentence, the light engulfs them all quickly.
Within seconds, the light fades, until it pulses as before… only this time, the room is empty.
-S2-Hivecore Acres: Seeding the Future-S2-
Air is dense, heavy with humidity and a sweet, almost nauseating smell. Kleber blinks, his eyes adjusting to the dim light filtering through the treetops. They are tall trees with imposing, thick and twisted trunks, the leaves a dark green, almost black. The trees rise like sentinels around the clearing with the magical circle they had been transported to.
"Where are we?" Kleber asks, confused.
Calmly, Lis raises a hand pointing to the surroundings and responds.
"Hivecore Acres."
As if in response, the trees sprung to life, twisting in reaction to the group's sudden appearance.
Kleber flinches, taking a step back, but despite his fear, Rajah and Lis remain calm.
Two trees pull away from each other, opening a path for a young girl with vivid green hair wearing a dress in a more neutral and pale green tone than her hair walking towards the trio.
"Sorry I'm late," she says, smiling with a slight bow. "I'm still getting used to following human hours and not just the sun's cycle."
"Don't worry, we just got here," Says Rajah, stepping forward and returning the bow. "Lis herself has trouble staying awake for more than six hours a day."
"Humans pace is torture." responds the Banshee, whining softly.
Rajah turns to Kleber and with a firm gesture, signals for the human to come closer.
"Kleber-dono, this is Acaciana, director of Hivecore Acres." announces the tiger woman. "She is a dryad and the only plant-type mamono to cross the portal to earth."
The girl, who seemed too young for such an important position, waves cheerfully at Kleber, who returns the gesture as a doubt arises in Kleber's mind, and he quickly lowers his hand, the smile vanishing as he looks at Acaciana.
"Why is there only you as a plant-type mamono?"
Acaciana tilts her head, her green hair swaying gently.
"Your world leaders are afraid of invasive plant species. They think we can upset local ecosystems."
She pauses, her green eyes glowing with a wisdom that contrasts with her youthful appearance.
"I'm the only one allowed, partly because I'm part spirit. My body is more affected by the environment than the other way around."
Kleber frowns, processing the information.
"But don't you feel lonely? Without others like you?" Kleber asks, his voice full of empathy.
Acaciana smiles, a genuine smile that lights up her face.
"I have my tree and the other mamonos with me, so I'm never alone."
"Excuse me, Kleber-dono." says Rajah, interrupting the conversation. "But we must focus on your mission."
Acaciana agrees with a gentle nod, her green hair swaying lightly.
"Follow me, please."
She turns, her bare feet not sinking into the soft earth as she guides the group out of the clearing. The path is narrow, flanked by tall and imposing trees. The air grows denser, the sweet smell more intense.
In a few minutes, the forest opens up, revealing a breathtaking sight. A vast flower field stretches before them, a profusion of colors and shapes that seems almost too beautiful to be real. The air is filled with the sweet aroma of blooming flowers, and the sound of birdsong fills the air.
Kleber can't help but sigh in admiration as he takes in the view. As a born and raised human in a big city, he had never seen anything like it before.
"Wow." murmurs Kleber, feeling all his nervousness evaporate from his body.
With a proud smile, Acaciana leads them through the field, her bare feet leaving no trace on the soft earth. She moves with a grace and ease that seem almost supernatural, as if she were one with the plants and earth around her.
The beauty of the place leaves Kleber amazed. He turns to Acaciana, curiosity shining in his eyes.
"Why do you grow so many flowers? Do you sell these flowers?"
Acaciana shakes her head, her green hair rippling softly.
"Not exactly. Flowers are just a means to generate our main product."
Kleber frowns, intrigued.
"And what would that product be?"
Before Acaciana can respond, Kleber feels something wrap around his leg, pulling him forcefully.
"Hmm?" the human mutters in surprise.
He tries to keep his balance, but it's too late as he stumbles noticing a thin, almost invisible line coiled around his ankle, dragging him into a dark hole hidden in the ground.
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!" screams the desperate human.
"Kleber-dono!" Rajah growls, leaping on all fours toward him.
As Kleber's body falls into the large hole, but in the middle of the fall Rajah catches him in mid-air
"ROARGH!" Roars the tiger woman with Kleber held in her left arm, while with her right arm she punches the wall with supernatural strength.
POW!
She drives her arm inside the rock up to the middle of her arm, leaving the tigress and the human suspended in the air.
"Are you okay, Kleber-dono?" the tigress asks worriedly.
But to Rajah's dismay, the answer is a female voice coming from the bottom of the hole.
"Ara ara…" hisses a sweet and threatening voice from the darkness. "I didn't know a Denki Jinko had come to this world."
Rajah growls loudly at the mention of Denki Jinko, the feline hairs on her body bristling.
The sound of long shark legs clicking against the rock echoes through the pit, drawing closer with each second. Rajah, still holding Kleber with one arm, turns her head toward the noise, her yellow eyes glowing in the darkness. The tension in her body is palpable, muscles coiled and ready for action.
"Who's there?" Rajah ask, her voice laced with menace.
A soft laugh echoes through the pit, followed by more clicking sounds. Then, slowly, a figure emerges from the shadows.
"Pleasure to meet you all."
It's a woman, but not an ordinary one. Her body is a grotesque and fascinating blend of a female human figure and a spider. Eight long, thin legs extend from her abdomen, each ending in a sharp point. Her face is a mask of serenity, large bright eyes, and a mouth curled into an enigmatic smile.
"Ara ara, such a hostile reception." Says the spider woman, her voice sweet and melodic. "I'm merely the guardian of this place. No need to be so tense, Denki Jinko-sama."
Rajah growls lowly, the fur on her body standing on end.
"My titles and possessions from the other world mean nothing here!" Rajah bellows, baring her fangs at the spider woman. "But if you mess with Kleber-dono again, I'll rip your bug legs and stab your face with them."
Rajah's aggressive attitude surprises Kleber, but the spider woman feigns fear at the threat with a sarcastic laugh.
To get out of the pit, Rajah digs her foot into the stone wall and, using the powerful muscles of her strong thighs, leaps out of the hole. As soon as they land, Rajah kneels on her right leg and looks at the ground.
"A thousand apologies, Kleber-dono." Rajah pleads, her tone once again calm. "Once more I've failed you."
With a serious face, Kleber places his hand on the tiger woman's shoulder.
"There's no need to apologize, Rajah. I was the one who fell into the trap."
Yellow eyes meet the human, surprise shining in their depths.
"But, Kleber-dono…"
He shakes his head, interrupting her.
"You saved me before I hit the bottom of the hole. You did a great job."
Rajah blinks, processing the words. A faint blush rises to her cheeks, contrasting with her white tiger fur. She opens her mouth, closes it, then finally finds her voice.
"Thank you, Kleber-dono. Your words mean a lot."
Acaciana, who had been silently observing the exchange, steps forward. Her green hair sways gently with the movement, her eyes fixed on Kleber.
"You're an interesting human, Kleber. Most of the humans I've dealt with would've blamed Rajah for the incident."
Kleber shrugs, a shy smile playing on his lips.
"I'm not surprised. The way you talk, it seems like you only met with politicians."
Slowly, the spider emerges from the pit, her eight long and thin legs clicking against the ground. Her large, bright eyes blink, the mouth curled in an enigmatic smile that now seems a bit forced.
"Ara ara, poor me, being ignored." She says, her sweet and melodic voice laced with fake offense.
She pauses, eyes narrowing as she observes the group. Then, suddenly, her body stiffens. Her eyes widen, the mask of serenity crumbling for a moment before she composes herself again.
"Acaciana-san…" The spider whispers, her voice now full of respect and a hint of fear. "I didn't know you were accompanying the visitors."
The dryad turns to face the spider, her green hair swaying softly with the movement. Her eyes, usually so gentle and warm, now shine with an intensity that makes the spider step back.
"Anya Corazon." Acaciana says, her voice calm but filled with authority. "May I know what you intended to do with our visitor?"
The spider hesitates, her large eyes blinking rapidly.
"I... I was just doing my duty." She responds, her voice now slightly shaky. "Protecting Hivecore Acres from intruders."
Acaciana raises an eyebrow, her green eyes glowing with a mix of disappointment and irritation.
"And since when are our visitors considered intruders?"
The spider opens her mouth, closes it, then finally finds her voice.
"I... I'm sorry, Acaciana-sama." She says, bowing her head in submission. "I didn't mean to disrespect. I was just following protocol."
Sighing tiredly, the dryad shakes her head, disappointed in the spider.
"If you truly cared about protocol, you'd know about their scheduled visit."
Anya begins to stammer, cold sweat dripping down her forehead. Her large, bright eyes are now wide with panic, the mask of serenity completely shattered. She tries to formulate a response, but her words tangle on her tongue, coming out as incoherent babble.
"I... I... I didn't…"
Quickly, she turns, her eight long and thin legs clicking against the ground as she tries to flee. But before she can take more than a few steps, large and thick roots burst from the ground, wrapping around her legs with relentless force.
Anya trembles in fear, her eyes wide with terror as the roots pull her back, holding her tightly in place. Her body shudders, breath quickening as she struggles in vain to break free.
"Please." She pleads, her voice trembling. "I didn't mean to... I just…"
Acaciana watches the spider with a stern expression, her green eyes glowing with an intensity that makes Anya shrink back even further. The roots tighten, keeping her immobile, as the dryad approaches, her voice calm but charged with authority.
"Anya Corazon, you know very well we don't tolerate this kind of behavior here." Acaciana says, her voice firm. "You've been caught in a lie and now must face the consequences."
Anya trembles, eyes brimming with tears as she looks at Acaciana, fear evident in every line of her body.
"NOOOOOOO!" Screams the spider woman as the roots pull her body down into the soft earth, burying her alive.
Despite how Anya had mistreated Kleber, he was horrified by the display of power from Acaciana.
"Are you going to kill her?" Kleber asked, horrified.
"Of course not." Acaciana denied, turning toward the human. "She's just going to take a long and relaxing cold bath."
Confused, Kleber stared at the dryad, not understanding the statement.
"She's the kind of bug that gets sluggish from the cold." Acaciana explained, laughing at the human's reaction. "Anya hates it more than anything, it makes her feel vulnerable."
Avoiding thinking about the situation, Kleber continues to follow the dryad as ahead of the flower fields, large rectangular wooden buildings rise, resembling old student dormitories. Kleber, curious, turns to question Acaciana, but before he can say a word, a shrill siren pierces the air, the deafening sound making him flinch.
FUEEEEEEEEEEEEEN!
The alarm continues, loud and insistent, reverberating through the entire field. Kleber covers his ears, eyes shut tight as he tries to block out the noise. When it finally ceases, he opens his eyes, his heart pounding in his chest. But what he sees next makes his jaw drop, eyes wide with astonishment.
From inside the wooden buildings, a legion of insect mamonos emerges, wings buzzing as they fly in formation. Hundreds of them, their agile feminine bodies slicing through the air with impressive precision.
"What... What's going on?" He asks, his voice trembling, eyes fixed on the bees now hovering in the air, their antennae moving rapidly.
Acaciana, at his side, answers the question.
"These are honey bee mamonos going out to collect nectar to produce our main product, honey."
Kleber watches, mouth agape, at the bees' dance in the air. Hundreds of them, their transparent wings beating in unison, agile bodies weaving through the flowers with hypnotic grace. Despite their insect parts, they are all beautiful girls, their short blonde hair shining under the sun, radiant smiles on their faces as they fulfill their mission.
"They're... incredible," Kleber murmurs, eyes following the synchronized flight of the bees.
"Yes, they are." Adds Acaciana, smiling proudly at his side.
Rajah approaches Kleber, her yellow eyes fixed on him, her expression serious.
"Kleber-dono, your work as a wellness agent here is essential to maintaining the productivity of the mamonos," she begins, her voice firm.
Kleber shifts his gaze from the bees, his attention now focused on Rajah.
"What do you mean, Rajah?"
"The worker bees work hard to collect nectar and produce honey. To keep them motivated, Lovenexus decided to reward them." Explains Rajah, her eyes shining with an intensity that makes Kleber swallow hard.
"Reward them? How?" He asks, his voice hesitant.
Rajah tilts her head, her white hair falling over her shoulder.
"The most productive of the worker bees will earn a night with you, Kleber-dono. It's an honor for them and an incentive to keep working diligently."
Kleber blinks, surprised.
"I... I'm going to...?"
Rajah nods, her expression serious.
Kleber looks back at the bees, his mind spinning with the information. He never imagined his job would involve something like this, but the idea of being essential to the happiness and well-being of these incredible creatures starts to make sense.
"I see." He murmurs, uncertain.
Rajah nods, a discreet smile on her lips.
While the bees continue their work, Kleber watches, his mind focused on his new responsibility. He knows he has an important role to play and is determined to live up to the trust placed in him.
-S2-Hivecore Acres: Seeding the Future-S2-
The sun begins to set, tinting the sky with orange and pink. The constant buzzing of the bees diminishes, the flowers sway gently with the afternoon breeze. One by one, the worker bees return, their bodies tired but satisfied. Their blonde hair, once impeccable, now tousled by the wind and hard work.
"Ugh…" Murmurs one of them, landing softly on the ground, her wings folding behind her back.
"The nectar today was especially sweet." Comments another, her face flushed from effort, but her eyes shining with joy. "Could it be because of our visitor?"
"Are you talking about that human?" Asks a bee from afar.
The workers, still carrying the sweet nectar, begin to gather, their voices low but lively.
"Yes, him." Whispers one, her eyes shining with excitement. "He looked like a lost prince among the flowers."
"I saw him!" Exclaims another, her cheeks blushing. "So cute!"
"And those eyes?" Interrupts a third, sighing. "So sad, but so deep. It looked like he was carrying the world on his shoulders."
"I almost approached him," Confesses the first, biting her lower lip. "But he seemed so fragile. I didn't want to scare him."
"But he was so handsome too," Insists the second. "I've never seen a human so close before."
"Are you in love or something?" Says the third, laughing.
The bees' buzzing softens, but the chatter grows louder. Suddenly, a shadow covers the group. Another bee lands, her wings trembling from exhaustion. Her face is marked with lines of fatigue. Her knees, scraped, reveal the day's effort.
"3114, you finally arrived!" Exclaims one of the bees from the group, her eyes wide with surprise. "We were starting to worry." She said, pretending concern.
"You always push yourself too hard," Comments another, shaking her head. "You don't have to be so dedicated. The hive won't collapse if you take it easier."
"I know, but I like doing my best. Every drop of nectar counts." Says the bee, smiling tiredly.
"But you make us look lazy." Insists the first bee. "And you're going to end up hurting yourself."
"I know," Repeats 3114, her voice low. "But I feel like I need to do more."
3114 drags her feet along the narrow hallway, the polished wax walls reflecting the soft candlelight. The buzzing of conversations fades behind her, replaced by the comforting silence of her small room. She pushes the door, which creaks softly, and enters. The space is simple, with no decorations, just a small bed and a wooden table.
She collapses onto the bed, her body aching from the day's labor. Her wings, once firm, now hang loosely on her back. Her eyes close, but the exhaustion doesn't erase the worry gnawing at her chest.
"They don't understand," She murmurs to herself, her voice barely a whisper. "They don't see the danger."
Images of the other bees, laughing and playing, flash through her mind. They are her sisters, her companions, but also a risk. Laziness and lack of dedication could lead to ruin.
"The Rune Mistress won't accept that," She continues, her voice firmer. "If this goes on, she'll replace us with another, more useful mamono species."
The thought makes her shudder. The hive, her home, her world — all of it could fall apart if they don't try harder..
"I need to do more," She decides, her eyes opening, resolute. "I need to show them the way. I need to protect the hive."
She gets up, her body still sore, but her mind clear. She walks to the table, where a solitary candle burns. The flame flickers, reflecting in her eyes.
"But how?" She questions herself.
TOCK! TOCK! TOCK!
3114 freezes, her eyes fixed on the door. She has never had visitors, never heard that door knocked on. Her heart races, her mind spinning with possibilities.
She walks slowly, her bare feet touching the cold floor. Her trembling hand reaches for the handle, the metal cold against her skin. With a swift motion, she opens the door.
The surprise hits her like a punch. A worker bee stands before her, but not just any worker. She holds a spear, the metal gleaming in the candlelight. The sharp tip reflects the flame, casting dancing shadows on the walls.
"You…" Begins 3114, her voice faltering. "You're a royal guard."
The worker bee, her eyes cold and determined, nods.
"Yes, I am. And I need you to come with me."
The spear, symbol of authority and protection, remains firm in the guard's hand. 3114 steps back, her eyes wide, her mind trying to process the situation.
"Where to?"
The royal guard, without expressing any emotion on her face, explains.
"To the throne room. Our queen wishes to speak with you."
3114 blinks, the surprise giving way to confusion.