Primal Cerebrate

"Don't be afraid."

"That is the catalyst fluid from the Primal Pool on Zerus, and it contains ancient, powerful energy." Augustus pointed at the green liquid bubbling faintly behind the glass wall. "For Primal Zerg to become the supreme ruler of Zerus, the power of the Primal Pool is indispensable."

Augustus spoke with such calm confidence that the pool of catalyst fluid might as well have been warm bathwater, full of bubbles and rubber ducks. "And to draw upon the Primal Pool's power, one must immerse oneself in it."

"Then what is the price?" The Cerebrate's tiny triangular eyes fixed on Augustus.

Nothing good had ever come from this big bad wolf calling for it. The wolf lord of Korhal had a black heart.

"There is a certain degree of risk," Yaco answered for Augustus. "If you can withstand the immense power of the Primal Pool, you will evolve. Otherwise, you will fail and die. We have thrown quite a few Primal Zerg tribal chiefs in there, but there have been very few successes."

"As for whether species other than Primal Zerg can absorb the power of the Primal Pool, that remains unknown."

The Cerebrate became even more wary. "I can feel the potent essence within that catalyst fluid. I'll definitely be burst apart."

"You once said that, as a great master of the Swarm, you bore the mission of saving it." Augustus flattered it. "Once you break out of your cocoon and are reborn through fire, you will be the third-generation Overmind."

"Sometimes what flies out of a cocoon is a fly." Tychus smacked his lips. He was delighted to see the Cerebrate stumped; it deserved no sympathy at all.

"I don't remember saying anything like that." Though it had long grown immune to Augustus's manipulation, the Cerebrate was