Since the other girl's reaction wasn't what she'd imagined, Shali considered using her authority as the Swarm Overmind to forcibly control her mind. But the problem was that Sonia had eaten the Pseudo-Spirit King Bug, rather than the King Bug eating her brain stem.
To some extent, one could even say that this bear-girl had awakened her psionic abilities through the Pseudo-Spirit King Bug.
...Damn it, I'd never heard of the Pseudo-Spirit King Bug having an effect like this. I raised it using all my savings and my own active cells. So now I've lost not only my savings and my blood and bone, but also a precious lord, haven't I?
No! Don't lose your temper! Shali hurriedly reminded herself. I have to learn to solve problems maturely, without resorting to violence. I'm a proper Swarm Overmind now. Once I develop, I'll represent a faction, a race, maybe even a civilization. I have to learn to win people over with virtue.
Of course, the main problem was that killing the girl right there wouldn't help anymore. Besides, this was Alliance territory, and there were troops stationed nearby. If she made a careless mistake and let things get out of hand, there'd be no way to settle it.
I have to calm down. Right. My top priority is to unravel the secrets of this ruin. Everything else can be discussed.
With that in mind, Shali forced out a benevolent smile. "Can you feel it? Can you feel the changes in your body? This is the power I bestowed upon you! Call me Goddess, and I'll teach you how to master it."
The bear-girl stared at her blankly. There was some fear in her eyes, but not much. The pity in them, however, was unmistakable.
After a little while, she finally said