Klein made his choice.
He did not understand that the moment he chose to pass the queen by, fear had taken root in his heart.
His pride concealed that fear. He thought retaliation in kind would make the Insect Race just as afraid.
In truth, these actions were merely excuses for him to run away.
Watching the spreading genetic fluctuations, Klein felt exhausted in body and mind. He knew nothing could be undone.
Just then, a voice sounded deep within his heart.
"Submit to me, and you will be granted an identity among the Insect Race. The great queen will be your only master."
The voice grew louder and louder within him. Fear welled up in his heart, swiftly drowning his resolve.
His eyes turned a crimson black, the red of congealed blood rapidly transforming into black.
That blackness, born of red taken to its utmost extreme, made him look terrifying.
A pair of wing cases appeared on his back, the distinctive mark of the Insect Race.
The Insect Queen came to his side and stroked Klein's head.
"There is no need to be afraid. No one can hurt you, my child."
Under the queen's soothing touch, his expression gradually calmed, and his entire demeanor grew subdued.
He stood behind the Insect Queen. "Greetings, Mother."
Such scenes unfolded in every border city of the Angel Empire. The subordinate races of that vast empire were reduced entirely to puppets, one living being after another transformed into members of the Insect Race.
Even many territories of the Abyss Empire were affected, and the Insect Race rose rapidly.
In the Angel Empire, Michael, the Angel King of the western reaches, stared gravely at the map in his hands.
The scourge of the Insect Race was spreading rapidly and had already seriously threatened the