Aurum - Year 3
I went back to my room—my "beautiful prison." This place stirs up mixed feelings. It’s where I feel most comfortable, yet it also makes me feel chained down. I always knew that life as the "Queen of the Hive" wouldn’t exactly be freeing, but I never imagined it would get to the point where my own presence could disrupt the hive’s work.
Still, dwelling on it or regretting things won’t change anything. Something has to shift, but it has to be within the hive’s rules. It’s like trying to reshape a deeply rooted society. The boys have their way of handling things, and to them, their way is "perfect."
From the hive’s perspective, there’s no need to change. They see no issue with the "all for one" mentality or the caste system, and since you don’t mess with success, the boys always push back when I try to alter anything.
It’s like trying to end a war by telling everyone to hug, or laying down "ground rules" and expecting everyone to follow them. It’s just... naïve to think I can change them overnight.
So, I have to play by the rules, dance to their tune. If I can’t be physically present, I’ll find a way to keep everything under my watch. The boys hold all the power. They decide what happens, when it happens, and why it happens. They are the true leaders of the hive, and I’m just the egg factory. But not for long. I refuse to be a queen who lays eggs and eats them, needing protection like fragile glass.
For that, I have to act, dance along. The final word might be mine, but it’s hard to stand against thousands of voices with a different opinion.
“Queen Mother, as requested, I’ve gathered several members from different clubs around the hive!” Yan said excitedly.
“Very good, thank you, Yan.” My plan is simple now: since I can’t keep an eye on all the chaos happening here, I’ll place some of my "eyes" within the ranks. The boys use the hive’s resources and their roles to send everyone around, so I’ll do the same.
My orders are absolute, so I can hide some... "spies" within the classes, all managed by Yan, who will be my eyes and ears.
“I called you all here for a reason,” I said, rising from my bed and walking toward them. “The recent growth of the hive and advancements among the upper ranks have led to some... unusual situations. As queen, I want you to know I’m not pleased. I plan to find out firsthand what’s really going on in our home. You will serve as my eyes and ears, unnoticed and in disguise.”
I paused, letting my words sink in. There were members of hundreds of different classes here—everyone from simple workers to elite soldiers, those in the kitchens, labs, even the farms. Yan had brought them all. I’d enlisted the cleaning club to "arrange" this floor, instructed soldiers to block off the area, and carefully chosen only members who were off-duty to avoid suspicion. No one would know the identities of my spies.
Sure, I could’ve done all this through the hive link; it would’ve been a thousand times easier. But some things can’t be done through the link. My presence weighs heavily on the boys, especially when their levels are low, so having them stand before me in person adds an extra layer of assurance that nothing will slip.
I even took the extra step of selecting 3-4 archivists who personally manage the mental "reports" of my spy group, a daily task required by the hive. This was all done to keep Steve and the rest of the inner circle far from the identities of my spies.
“You’ve worked diligently, as always, but any information about this meeting or your assigned tasks must be kept under lock and key. Do you understand?” I asked, projecting a heavy aura over the boys.
I don’t enjoy intimidating them, but if I have to tread carefully to get the respect I need in this hive, so be it. I won’t let people like Trevis and Steve send my children to their deaths over something as petty as "resources" or "easy XP."
“B-But Queen Mother... W-Why must we hide this from Steve?” a [Knight] asked, stammering. Higher classes tend to have more willpower, something I’ve noticed over time.
The stronger my influence, the harder it becomes for them to retain any sense of free will or personal empowerment. However, one thing always remains: their sense of unity. No matter their level or strength, in their minds, the hive comes before their lives and the lives of their brothers.
I approached the knight and crouched down to his height. They’re so small, barely reaching my knees, even with me crouched. As I knelt before him, I saw the fear creep into him; he began trembling. I can’t let anything leak from this room, so I need to make sure every single loose end is tied.
“You. Will. Not. Tell. Anyone. Are we clear?” I said, placing a hand on his tiny shoulder, letting a dense wave of energy radiate from me.
The little knight shook, his nervousness practically boiling through the link. The effect was immediate. I could sense the understanding settle in the minds of everyone present—the order was engraved in them. If Steve uses his [Royal Advisor] class to "mimic" my authority, then I’ll show everyone what the true authority of the queen looks like.
After addressing them, I dismissed the boys. They each returned to their duties, leaving me alone with Yan.
“Everything as you wished, my queen?” Yan asked, smiling broadly.
“Yes. I’ll review the intel we gather from our ‘spies,’ and then we’ll decide what to do next.”
“Hm, this is fun! I was getting bored with not much to do around the hive. Now I feel useful to you.” Yan grinned.
Yan is my voice and ears, which has earned him the title of “The Queen’s Spokesman.” He typically listens to meetings, passes on decisions I make, and then Radyo transmits that information to the hive. But this new "game" of undercover spies is giving Yan something more exciting to do.
“I wonder if I could use this opportunity to start my own club! I’ve always wanted to be part of one, but my position never allowed it. Wouldn’t that be amazing? I could call it something cool like the ‘Spy Club,’ or the ‘Queen’s Attendants Club.’ It’s the first time I’ve managed so many people and so much information. I’m so excited!” Yan said, twirling in the air, eyes practically glowing with excitement.
"Sure, dear. Do as you wish. I trust you'll do a good job for me."
“What do you think of ‘The Whispering Club’?” Yan asked, his eyes sparkling with excitement.
"Call it whatever you want, sweetheart. It’s your club, after all," I said, following Yan to my lab. I would use the time to do some research on the [Mana Node Heart] while waiting for news from the boys.
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"Alright everyone, the 3 o'clock shift is about to begin. Those assigned today to manually spray the specimens in sections C-3 to G-4, please equip yourselves with safety gear. The substance we'll be using today contains high levels of [Bone Dust] and [Valley Dust], both hazardous to your lungs," a farmer announced, hovering above the other lower-level farmers.
Among them was Pip, a small [Farmer] at level 4, one of my whisperers. I have to admit, Pip has surprised me more than I expected. I thought the pressure of spying would make him slip, perhaps give himself away through nervous expressions or actions. But no, he’s remained calm and collected, working just as he always has, without the slightest hint that he's now a "snitch."
Pip is working in the "Orchid Tower," where magical plants are researched and developed. After plants pass through research in this tower, they’re moved to the Dew Towers—a series of towers dedicated to cultivation. The upper floors are filled with crop-growing areas, while the lower levels house animal farms.
Today, Pip's job is... a bit dangerous. He's carrying a large bucket strapped over his shoulder like a bag, wearing thick animal-hide gloves, wide-sleeved clothes, goggles, and a mask. If it takes this much gear to stay safe, that doesn’t exactly scream "low risk." But at least he’s well-equipped.
Pip flits from flower to flower, using a small scoop to spread merveillance powder at the roots of each plant. Behind him, another farmer follows with a large watering can, soaking the plants' roots before moving to the next. The whole process runs like clockwork—efficient, rhythmic, like a well-rehearsed dance. Despite the precision, the farmers chat lightheartedly, discussing their day or future plans without missing a beat in their work.
I can feel Pip’s emotions through the link—his exhaustion, his joy, his pride in the work. He’s genuinely happy to perform his duties with such diligence, proud to live in what he considers a “perfect” place, and grateful for the camaraderie of his brothers.
But those feelings stir something uncomfortable within me. Can someone truly be happy if they don't realize they’re being controlled? Pip’s joy, his pride—it’s all because of the link and his low level. The link keeps him bound to the hive, fighting and working with unwavering dedication, all while wearing a smile that borders on maniacal.
To me, that’s not happiness. Real happiness isn’t forced. It’s something you feel freely, without external pressure. But then again... what’s the real difference? A bird in a cage can be perfectly content if it has food, shelter, toys, and company. If someone were to tell that bird its life is terrible because it’s caged, would the bird even understand?
Just like animals, we adapt to our circumstances. We adjust our desires and privileges based on the resources available to us. In times of famine, everyone eats disgusting but nutritious paste—except me. In times of prosperity, we all enjoy the luxury of choice.In our current situation, where we can’t afford to waste resources, the hive has to ration its food. The lower working classes are given nutritious pastes that taste like sawdust, while soldiers and higher-ranking members receive more nutrient-dense foods—rich in carbohydrates, calcium, fats, proteins, and vitamins. As for the upper elite, they can enjoy something “special” on rare occasions.
But what is the right choice? Should I decide their happiness for them, or should I allow them to find their own way? As the queen of this hive, I can see that things like free will and empowerment can be dangerous. They can lead to rebellion, dissent, and eventually conflict. Now, I understand why the [Debaters] had warnings in their mental descriptions.
In a functioning society, we should logically prioritize collective happiness. We need to find a balance where everyone feels content with their roles, actions, and way of life. But that’s impossible in a hive!
It's like trying to explain the importance of self-preservation to someone who doesn't understand why they should protect themselves. I think I can see how we ended up here. The lower classes can’t think for themselves—they need someone to lead, to give them orders, because without that direction, they are... incomplete.
Steve and the inner circle took control and created all the "Rules," steering the hive in a more efficient direction. But that’s not what I want. I want a big, happy family. I want a large lab where we can research together, a five-star restaurant where everyone can eat until they’re full, and comfortable rooms for all my babies, so they feel loved and valued.
And I will make this happen, no matter how long it takes.
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Inside my lab, I was accompanied by some of my best scientists, wizards, and researchers. I was eager to discover the full potential of my latest creation—the [Mana Node Heart]. I'd been preoccupied with hive matters for a while, but now I finally had the chance to explore this beautiful invention firsthand. In the “real world,” the device appeared even more mysterious. It was a crystal shell with glowing runes that orbited it, constantly in motion. At its core was a bright golden light that pulsed rhythmically, causing the runes to light up in sync with each beat.
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“So, what do we know about this little guy, everyone?” I asked. I may have been busy, but my team had been all over this thing like hungry dogs after a steak. Everyone was eager to explore the hive’s latest magical advancement, and I can't even begin to describe how Max practically clung to my feet, begging to be the first to work on it with his team.
“We know a lot, my queen!” Max replied, his eyes practically glowing with excitement.
“This is the next great invention of the hive! It has shattered magical barriers we thought were unbreakable and introduced concepts we never imagined! For example, it was impossible to cast any spell from the [Life] element unless you had the [Life] affinity. But with this device, it’s now possible! We’re even exploring ways to enhance spells by refining their formations and magical specifications. We’re also delving into the essence of how spells are cast.” explained one of the [Mages].
“Oh? A breakthrough?”
“Yes! Until now, the theory was that magic required intention, visualization, energy, and direction to be cast. But what if that’s just one method? Or rather, what if it’s only the most basic way to use magic?” a researcher chimed in.
“That’s exactly it!” Max exclaimed. “We used to believe that without adding intention or guidance, casting magic was impossible. But discoveries like runes, magic discs, and mana inscriptions—and analyzing how the [Mana Node Heart] operates—have led us to theorize that natural magic doesn’t need to be ‘tamed’ or ‘forced’ into a specific path. It can be harnessed to power magical inscriptions or objects, creating specific magical phenomena!”
“What other methods are we talking about?” I asked.
“That’s the thing! We don’t know yet!” said one of the wizards. “Humans seem to use magic in a way that’s entirely foreign to us, almost as if they have a closer connection to it, or their bodies are naturally better at ‘shaping’ it.”
“We can’t rule out the possibility that humans just have access to spells we’ve never encountered, or that they have an extensive selection of spells in their [Spells] tab,” added a scientist.
“In short, the [Mana Node Heart] is just—completely... INSANE! It can gather magic from the world around it, quickly convert it into [Life Mana], and cast any spell we want, as long as we know the spell and how to cast it. Using the spells from the [Life] tab stored in our 'memory,' we tested several spells, and they all worked perfectly!” Max said, his excitement barely contained.
“And the most impressive part!” one of the mages chimed in. “Even common spells without an affinity get ‘tainted’ by the [Life] element and take on unique properties! For example, the [Mana Bullet] spell, after being cast through the [Mana Node Heart], created a golden mana projectile. It can easily pierce organic matter but is practically useless against stone, metals, or even wax!”
“Let me make sure I understand this correctly...” I said, trying to piece it all together. “Are you saying the fundamental spellcasting process has changed? Or is it something completely different? Because, for me, the basic process is still the same—shaping magic according to my desires and intentions to create a specific spell.”
“That’s the most fascinating part!” Max replied, almost bursting with excitement. “Normally, when casting a spell without the system's help, there are three key steps. First, you visualize the spell you want while channeling energy into your hands. Second, you direct the spell outward, shaping it with intention until it takes form. Third, you feed the spell mana to stabilize and strengthen it before casting. But all of this requires immense concentration, time, and effort—things you can’t afford during a fight when your head could be taken off in a split second.
And that’s where the [Mana Node Heart] truly shines! It reduces the time needed for the first step and completely eliminates the second and third steps. All you need to do is provide the intention and visualization, and the core handles the rest—creating a magical pattern entirely out of mana that materializes in the real world as the spell you envisioned,” Max explained, eyes blazing with enthusiasm.
“This… is huge,” I said, staring at the [Mana Node Heart].
The boys might be a bit too “nerdy,” but the bottom line is clear—the [Mana Node Heart] is a massive success. It’s officially the first item we have that can cast spells in a ‘semi-automatic’ way. The wand Max created was impressive, allowing someone to use stored mana to create spells, but it was still inefficient since you had to go through all three stages of spellcasting manually, without the system’s help.
Now, the [Mana Node Heart] is a whole different beast. It’s like a simple ‘computer’—you only need an operator to input the 'commands,' and it does the rest. Casting spells with the [Mana Node Heart] is as easy as selecting one from the [Spells] tab. Setting the boys aside for a moment, I walked over to my [Mana Node Heart] and placed my hand on it. I could feel a faint warmth radiating from the crystal shell, along with the rhythmic pulse of its core. It felt as if this thing—made of crystal, mana, and who knows what else—was truly alive.
Closing my eyes, I focused on casting a simple spell, [Spark], which creates a small ball of light resembling a floating ember. Responding immediately to my will, I felt the [Mana Node Heart] pulse more strongly as it drew in the surrounding magic. Even with my eyes shut, I could “see” tangled lines of strange energy separating and flowing calmly into the [Mana Node Heart].
These lines transformed from their unusual, unpleasant coloration into shimmering golden strands. They began to orbit the core as more and more lines of magic entered the object. After several golden lines flowed into the core, they trembled and arranged themselves in an orderly fashion, creating waves that radiated vibrations, generating small ripples in the world's magic.
Then I witnessed the core pulsate as what seemed to be magical letters and runes formed along the lines orbiting the [Mana Node Heart], creating something that resembled a score. This score coiled around itself, forming a golden rope that flowed out from the heart.
The "rope" then started to draw a circle in the air. As the circle closed, it unwound, creating intricate patterns and magical formulas, forming a magic circle reminiscent of those used by humans or seen in anime.
Before my closed eyes, I could "see" the space just in front of the magic circle slightly warp, as if a spiral effect had been added to a photo in Photoshop, before a small spark of golden light appeared within the circle.
“Holly shit! This is incredible!” I exclaimed softly, glancing at the boys.
“Isn’t it!? This is going to revolutionize the magic of the hive as a whole!” Max said, his excitement palpable.
“Max, could you replicate the magic creation process of the [Mana Node Heart]? The way this thing creates magic is simply astonishing!”
“What do you mean, Queen Mother?” Max asked, his brow furrowed in confusion.
“What? Wake up, Max! I’m talking about the magical lines and the incredible process happening within the [Mana Node Heart]! This is totally different from our current method of casting spells!”
“I don’t understand, Queen Mother! To me, the [Mana Node Heart] casts magic just like we do! What ‘lines’ are you talking about?” Max replied, clearly puzzled.
Wait a moment... I was the only one able to see the "creation process" of the [Mana Node Heart]'s magic. That’s... understandable, I suppose? It must be a result of {Magic Senses}; my compatibility with magic is higher, allowing me to perceive it better.
“Look at this, then tell me what you think, Max.” I said, closing my eyes again and sending all the memories of what I had witnessed to him. He would surely be able to utilize this information more effectively than I could. Max closed his eyes momentarily to analyze the memories, and soon his expressions shifted from confusion to admiration, then to amazement, and finally inspiration. Finally, Max opened his eyes with a broad smile and rushed toward the [Mana Node Heart].
“THIS IS SIMPLY DIVINE!! I never thought there was such an... abstract way to create magic!! It doesn’t rely on intentions or desires to shape the magic!! This thing can create spells from scratch using a completely unknown magic invocation system! Do you have any idea how many doors this opens!? The magical and technical implications are enormous!” Max exclaimed, jumping up and down with excitement.
“This means there are multiple ways to cast magic in this world! We can use 'items,' the system, or this new method! And who knows how many other unknown ways to cast magic exist out there?!” said a visibly excited wizard.
“This also raises further questions about the full potential of magic. For example, does each method of casting magic yield the same results, or are there more efficient and 'rewarding' ways to do it? What are the limitations and advantages of each approach?” asked a scientist.
“Let’s also consider how the system reacts to these different methods of spellcasting. Is it something like 'all roads lead to Rome?' Where the 'process' of creating magic doesn't matter, and only the results do?” suggested another wizard.
“Don’t leave us in the dark, Max! Share the information provided by the Queen Mother so we can analyze it together!” urged one of the wizards.
“Of course!” Max replied, closing his eyes. Soon, everyone in the room followed suit, falling silent for a moment.
“This is incredible!! This method of creating magic is completely free from the need to 'shape' it to our will. It’s as if the [Mana Node Heart] is writing a spell, and the magic is the ink!” exclaimed a wizard.
“Brother! Did you notice the similarity to musical compositions? The lines resemble a staff, and the runes look like notes,” a scientist pointed out.
“Indeed! There is an empirical similarity here! But these 'staffs' have many more than five lines, and the 'notes' are much more chaotic,” remarked one of the wizards.
“Can we summon a [Bard] later? They could assist us with this research since this new method of creating magic resembles a form derived from a common musical score,” suggested another wizard.
The method of casting magic through the [Mana Node Heart] is different, and the implications are significant. Can the results be the same? Perhaps, but the process has changed, leading to some deviation in the outcome while still remaining fundamentally “the same.”
Normally, when casting the [Spark] spell, I would simply create a ball of white light in the palm of my hand. In this case, the spell is not “tainted” by my affinity for [Life]; it’s just a regular [Spark] spell, with no magic circles appearing in my hand—just a spell that materializes out of nowhere.
If I wanted to create a spell based on the element of [Life], I would need to use Life mana to shape an abstract concept in my mind, which is inherently complicated. It’s like trying to shape an abstract desire to grow without any foundational understanding. However, the [Mana Node Heart] operates differently. It translates our “wish” into magical runes, arranged in specific patterns within a magical formation, resulting in a specific magical phenomenon, akin to melodies or executable lines of code.
“Do you think it’s possible to create a magic wand with this?” I interjected, breaking the heated discussions.
Max, who had been excitedly engaging with the others about the potential of this new magic and the next steps in his research, paused for a moment, looking at me thoughtfully before considering the idea.
“Uhmm... Yes? I'm almost sure! If we're talking about a magic wand or staff as a magical accessory capable of casting spells or assisting in spellcasting, then yes! The [Mana Node Heart] would serve perfectly as the 'heart' of a magic wand,” Max replied.
“The problem is that all spells would be tainted by the [Life] element, meaning they would all belong to the [Life] branch, which could be quite limiting,” a scientist added, joining the conversation.
“That’s actually useful! Mom was always the only one who could freely cast [Life]-based spells. With magic wands or staffs made using the [Mana Node Heart] as a base, anyone with their own mana could cast [Life]-based magic,” said a wizard.
“But for that, the wizard would have to be about three meters tall and super muscular!” a scientist quipped.
At his words, everyone turned to him, uncertain. Max scratched his head, a look of realization crossing his face as he glanced at the [Mana Node Heart].
“Ahh... Of course. The [Mana Node Heart] is already quite large. Considering it weighs approximately 24 kg and that we’d need to add several other structures and items to the wand or staff, the end result would be absurdly large and heavy, making it very cumbersome to use,” Max sighed.
“So no magic staffs or magical girl wands?” I said, slightly annoyed.
“Well... unless you’re okay with a non-functional one... yeah?” Max replied.
“Ugh... So what real applications do we have for the [Mana Node Heart]?” I asked, shifting my focus back to the task at hand.
“Plenty! We can use it as a replacement for [Blooming Bloons], employ spells like [Heating] to power the tails and stoves, develop new magic-based technologies, or even use it as a weapon fixed to the walls of the hive or to create permanent magical barriers!” Max explained, enthusiasm creeping back into his voice.
“How many more of these do you think you can create, Queen Mother?” one of the scientists asked eagerly.
“H-How many can I create?” I stammered.
“Yes!!”
Crap. I don’t even know how I created the first one, let alone the subsequent ones. I understand the process, but it feels different now. When I created the first [Mana Node Heart], I was... inside it? Now I’m out here, and I doubt things will work the same way...
“I’m not... entirely sure. I need to conduct some tests to see if I can successfully replicate the method of creating [Mana Node Hearts], but I wouldn’t plan on making any more before we move, considering the implications and resources required.”
The group seemed disappointed by the news, but they understood; just because I succeeded once doesn’t mean I could repeat that success effortlessly.
“Humph... Alright, Max, I’ll put you in charge of this research, but I want to emphasize that we shouldn’t do anything too ambitious for now. We’re in the process of moving, and we can’t afford to spend too much time or resources on lengthy experiments,” I concluded.
“Understood, Queen Mother!” Max replied, his excitement palpable.
“Now, I’m going to test some of my new skills, so please take good care of the [Mana Node Heart], alright? Don’t let anyone unqualified touch it; it could be very dangerous!”
“Of course! Only the magic club and collaborators will have access to it! No need to worry, Queen Mother!” Max assured me, turning to rejoin his brothers, who were eagerly gathered around the [Mana Node Heart], engaged in research and discussion.
As I left the room, I made my way to the garden, where I planned to test my new abilities.
“Honestly, I miss my wings so much. I feel like a slug having to walk around on my legs,” I muttered to myself, longing for the freedom of flight.