A memory flashed before Riven's eyes, one of his, from when he was still a student in Monstrabiology.
The professor pointed to a diagram on the blue holographic screen.
Union Evos Record
"Post-Evo creatures, particularly within the Adaptive Parasitic Sovereign lineage, often retain vestigial social behaviors from pre-Evo insect ancestors. Many exhibit complex mating systems resembling eusocial insects, where a male and female form a permanent royal pair. This pair becomes the reproductive core of the colony, continuing to mate for life while expanding their brood and maintaining hierarchical stability.
"In some rare instances, the male's continued presence enhances colony intelligence and coordination, effectively functioning as a 'thinking core.' Such pair-bonding behaviors are most reminiscent of pre-Evo termites, bess beetles, and burying beetles, which engaged in cooperative nesting and larval care.
"Notably, field studies show that when a Hive Lord dies or vanishes—particularly during predator attacks—the Queen often exhibits signs of severe distress, lethargy, and loss of reproductive drive. In extreme cases, she may wander in search of her mate despite the presence of offspring, gradually deteriorating until death. Many experts theorize that this behavior stems from the species' dependency on the pair bond as both a biological and psychological anchor.
"Observers have reported that Queens in this state display erratic, repetitive searching behaviors, almost as though they are clinging to the hope of finding their partner once again. This emotional dependency is believed to enhance colony cohesion under normal conditions but becomes a fatal weakness when the royal pair is separated."
The flashback ended abruptly.
He gazed at her—at that look of sadness, those tears. For the first time since she'd arrived, Riven wasn't sure if she was the monster in this situation… or if he was.
Riven's thoughts swirled in chaos as he stared at her tear-streaked face.
She actually loved him.
It wasn't just some twisted attempt to use him as a pawn or a breeding tool—she genuinely wanted him. Needed him.
And for some reason, a part of him wanted to cling to that with everything he had.
Because in a world that had always been so cold, so gray, so utterly merciless to him, this was the first time in years he'd felt warmth.
It was the first time he felt valued.
The first time he felt needed in a way that wasn't transactional, wasn't laced with mockery or pity.
Not since his parents had anyone looked at him like this.
He couldn't just turn her away now… could he?
His throat tightened as he let out a shaky breath. "Don't cry…" he said softly, the edge in his voice finally giving way.
"I… I get it."
Slowly, almost hesitantly, he raised his other hand and brushed his thumb across her cheek, wiping away a fresh tear as it rolled down.
"I understand," he whispered.
Her face slowly brightened, golden eyes shimmering with a mix of relief and hope.
"Does that mean… you love me? You won't abandon me?" she asked softly, almost timidly for the first time.
Riven's chest tightened. Without thinking, he suddenly pulled her into a hug, holding her close.
"No… I won't abandon you," he said quietly. Then, with a faint blush creeping up his cheeks, he glanced to the side, stuttering. "As for… love… I-I don't know yet."
Her eyes widened slightly before a soft laugh escaped her lips.
"I guess… I can accept that for now," she murmured, her smile tender.
Slowly, she leaned in, her face drawing closer.
Riven didn't move.
Their lips met in a gentle kiss—brief, hesitant, yet filled with an unfamiliar warmth.
When she finally pulled away, her eyes softened even further as she whispered with quiet determination,
"I'll make you love me. You'll see."
She slowly stood up, her expression bright with excitement.
"Then… will you follow me back to the hive?" she asked eagerly, her tone almost hopeful, like she already knew what answer she wanted.
Riven hesitated before standing as well, rubbing the back of his neck. "We… can't rush things like that," he said carefully. "I'm… not sure I'm ready for all that yet."
Her golden eyes studied him closely, and then she tilted her head. "Is it… because of the Union?"
Riven blinked in surprise, then remembered the Hive Regent skill and how it allowed her to glimpse fragments of his thoughts.
He let out a quiet sigh. "Well… yeah. There are a lot of people in the Union stronger than me. If they decide to hunt us down…" He trailed off, looking away. "I just… don't know."
Her gaze softened, but her voice was calm, almost knowing.
"You're afraid, aren't you?"
Riven stiffened, his cheeks heating up as he glared lightly at her. "Don't say it like that—it makes me sound like some coward who just wants to save his own skin."
Riven rubbed the back of his neck, sighing. "Well… it's not just that. It's also that I'm…"
She leaned closer, a playful glint in her golden eyes. "Scared of monsters, right?"
Riven frowned, his words fumbling. "I'm sorry, I'm not saying I'm scared, I'm just saying… Arghhh, I don't even know but—"
Before he could finish, her finger pressed lightly against his lips, silencing him.
"Oh, Broodmate," she said softly, her smile sweet and teasing. "You're so cute when you get flustered."
He froze, blinking at her in disbelief.
"I understand," she continued gently. "You're scared of monsters, scared of ruining your life by clashing with the Union… but you've started to like me now, haven't you? You don't want to let me down."
Riven's cheeks flushed as he quickly looked away, saying nothing.
She chuckled softly. "How about this—I'll take you to meet them, but you can come back here afterward."
His gaze snapped back to hers, surprised, but she raised a finger. "However… you should know, you're in more danger staying in this city."
His brows furrowed. "How so?"
Her lips curled into a knowing smile. "Being surrounded by so many… juicy humans will drive you crazy."
Before Riven could respond, his stomach growled loudly, the sound almost deafening in the quiet room.
The Queen tilted her head, smirking slightly. "You haven't eaten, have you?"
Suddenly, the Hive System's orange panel pulsed to life in front of Riven.
❖ [Quest: Satiate your hunger. Consume the blood or bodily fluids of a creature with a stable mana signature.]
Riven went pale, his eyes widening as he stared at the prompt.
"You've gotta be kidding me…"