The following period was a season of stable development.
The Overmind occasionally visited Abathur's gene-lab to monitor the modification progress, harboring high expectations for the results of the Evolution Master's labor.
Abathur did not disappoint the Swarm's ruler. It didn't take long for the Zerglings to successfully integrate the biological characteristics of the Kroot. After a test subject devoured the essence of a Roach, it successfully displayed reinforced physical traits: faster burrowing speeds, thicker chitinous plating, and heightened predatory instincts.
This meant that Zerglings were no longer merely disposable cannon fodder, but elite organisms capable of continuous self-improvement. Soon, such elite specimens would be ubiquitous throughout the Broods.
However, Abathur reported a specific constraint.
"Experiments can absorb beneficial biological characteristics from other species," Abathur rasped. "But cannot utilize traits if genetic foundation is absent. Limitation necessary to prevent useless sequences from contaminating the gene pool. Efficiency is paramount."
It wasn't hard to understand. Sometimes, more isn't better; gene sequences need to be properly synchronized.
"Furthermore," Abathur continued, "subjects can enhance characteristics and increase physical mass by consuming biomass directly. Contradicts Hive Mind principles of centralized resource distribution."
"I know what you're worried about, Abathur," the Overmind replied. "A swarm is still a swarm; it won't lose its identity just because its individuals grow stronger. Quality and quantity must always be a trade-off."
The Overmind never intended for these self-evolving individuals to become the mainstream. These specialists would only be deployed to face the galaxy's most difficult challenges; for everything else, the standard, overwhelming numbers of the Swarm would suffice. After all, if every Zergling had to eat its fill to evolve, the demand for biomass would skyrocket.
Biomass. Biomass. Biomass.
Everything required it, and the Overmind felt the hunger gnawing at his collective consciousness.
"More. I need more biomass."
In this regard, the Zerg were quickly becoming just as insatiable as the Tyranid Hive Fleets. It seemed that no matter how much they consumed, it was never enough.
"Well, let's take it slow. Even the Great Devourer and the Chaos Gods haven't solved the resource problem. At least the Zerg Swarm focuses on sustainable development rather than one-off consumption."
"Abathur, is the new strain ready for deployment?"
"Can. Ready."
"Very good."
The Overmind began hatching a new leader-caste unit. This one was special—resembling a Queen in structure but with reduced psionic output in exchange for raw combat power. It included the genetic sequences of the ultimate predator, granting it peerless head-on combat capabilities at the cost of commanding fewer units.
"Abathur, grant this newborn the capacity for independent research."
"As you command, my Lord."
"I shall name him—Zehaka."
At that moment, the System, which had been silent for some time, finally spoke.
[Hidden Condition Triggered: Obtain and utilize the Kroot genetic sequence.]
[Mission Reward: All Primal Zerg units unlocked; Hero Unit: Dehaka.]
"Damn your system!" the Overmind fumed. "This timing is getting worse and worse! I already have the Kroot sequence and I just made my own version, and only now you give me the Primal Zerg?"
The differences between the Primal Zerg and the Swarm weren't vast; the main distinction lay in the Primals' ability to evolve through duels, though this often resulted in the loss of smaller units.
"I just created 'Zehaka' and you give me the actual Dehaka? This system is a nightmare!"
The Overmind wanted to curse, but a gift was a gift. The existence of the leader Zehaka and the Primal Pack Leader Dehaka wasn't contradictory. Gaining another powerful general was always a win—assuming the System didn't expect him to pay for breakfast.
"Never mind. Having the real Dehaka is better. I was just about to send a powerful specialist on a covert mission."
Primal Zerg are unique because they are not tethered to the Hive Mind's constant psychic signal. Much like the Tyranid Genestealers, being disconnected from the central will can sometimes be a tactical reinforcement, allowing for deeper infiltration. The Overmind prepared to send Dehaka to the T'au home world before the Zerg fleet officially arrived.
Unlike Genestealers, who rely on subverting a population, Primal Zerg rely on eating it. By the time the fleet arrived, Dehaka would have cleared the path.
The Overmind arrived at the spawning pool to witness the birth of Dehaka.
The Primal Pack Leader emerged, standing nearly three meters tall. Compared to the insectoid Swarm, he was more reptilian—an upright, dinosaur-like hunter with a massive tail for balance and claws that were terrifying weapons of war. He looked like a smaller, more focused version of a Hive Tyrant.
As Dehaka hatched from his pupa, he looked up and met the eyes of a Zergling controlled by the Overmind. In that instant, he saw the vast consciousness behind the creature—the being that had once ruled the Primal Zerg's home world of Zerus.
"Dominar."
Dehaka spoke in a guttural version of the common tongue. For a Primal, learning a language was as simple as tasting it. He bowed low, a standard gesture of submission to a superior predator.
"I thought you might put up a fight," the Overmind's voice echoed through the Zergling. Even this small psychic resonance made the air hum with power.
As a being modified by the Overmind's will, the Sovereign's dominance was far beyond what any Primal Pack Leader could challenge. However, Dehaka was no weakling; he was a shrewd, patient hunter.
"The Overlord... once the most powerful on Zerus," Dehaka rasped. "Rebellion is futile. Submission allows for survival. I seek essence."
"A wise choice."
The Zergling circled Dehaka once before delivering his first command.
"I am sending you to a planet teeming with enemies. You will infiltrate their world and destroy their key defenses. I will provide no reinforcements. If you fail, I will simply regrow you in the pool."
"I will not fail."
Dehaka's confidence was unshakable.
"Very well. Go then, Dehaka. Collect their essence."