Published at 19th of February 2026 6:38 am

Chapter 335: Barbed Tongue

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The Ripper provided two sets of Symbiotes.

The Wing Symbiotes came as a pair, and were most suited to the shoulder Nodes or spine Nodes.

The Cloak Symbiotes were fiveShadow Moth, Dappled Wormer, Dull Roots, Light-Thieving Lotus, Shy Yellow Vine. Three of them were for stomach Nodes, two for brain Nodes.

Perizen assured him all of the Symbiotes were at the peak of health, fully fed, without any illness or defects.

With this burst of new Symbiotes, Nicolai was quite rapidly filling out. His entire torso was near full.

Skin Shields and Brawler in his heart Node, plus all the ones he was storing there, like the Small Silver Ant.

The new Wing Symbiotes in his upper and middle spine.

Lurker and Big Mouth in his lungs, though now he had the Cloaking set it was likely time to discard the Lurker.

Two Cloak Symbiotes, and the Long Soul Snake, in his brain.

The three other Cloak Symbiotes in his stomach arealiver, small and large intestine.

The only spots left were kidneys and his lower spine. Currently he had the Floatation Ant in one of his kidneys but it was just a minorly useful thing to have, allowing him to apply a weak but controllable force to anything within his Soul Sense.

No Stinger Symbiote? he asked. Theyd given him everything else, with that hed have the full Hornet loadout.

The Ripper shook his head. Without a stinger Node you cannot gain much value from it. Its attack would be very weak, little better than naked Soul Sense against Shields and other spiritual arms.

Nicolai was exceedingly disappointed to learn this, but he could only nod in acceptance. After leaving the Ripper and walking through the same hallway of prisoners, he busied himself experimenting with his new Symbiotes.

The Cloaking set was quite expensive to use, but it thoroughly restrained his ripples while allowing him to use more Symbiotes than the Lurker had. He could make use of around three to six, depending on how loud they were, ripple-wise, and it also masked any sounds plus made him invisible.

The Wing Symbiotes provided flight. Where the Pegasi rings only let him slowly float, the Wing Symbiotes gave him much greater speed. Best of all, he was still able to use his Pegasi rings. That would be handy, because he knew that these Symbiotes would be slightly more effective when used by a Hornet. But using them alongside the Pegasi rings, he felt he might be able to match a Hornets speed.

I understand now what Xyrrith has been saying about you, Thryss said, as they emerged from the stone tunnel and into the Hive proper.

Which is?

That you are as close to a Hornet as a human can be.

That was probably meant as a kind of compliment, but in Nicolais opinion these Hornets had a naive kind of unworldliness. Earth had plenty of the merciless and murderous; Cyborgs and tools of war that would go through this place like it was made of wet paper.

He waited until they were in an empty stretch, then spoke. What would a Hornet do, then, in response to your attempt to see me maimed or killed back there? He asked this blandly, and made no sign of aggression. But even so she tensed, stopped walking. He felt her measuring the space between them as they faced one another.

I dont know what youre talking about. Its not my fault the Ripper is so very aggressive. I was shocked, and it took me some time to gather myself enough to speak. You should count yourself lucky I did. Her mandibles were twisted into a smile. In the event you were a Hornet, and you blamed me you would do nothing. Because you would understand that you are merely our mothers newest, shiniest toy, and I am her Daughter. Do not think us equals.

Youre right, of course. He nodded, and saw her relax. With direct measures unfeasible, I imagine a Hornet in my position would work to improve their influence. Gain a higher standing, and strike at their enemy in subtle ways to undermine her position in the Queens eyes. Make her seem someone stupid, someone useless. Until the Queen values me more than you.

Thrysss eyes were filled with loathing. Your arrogance is disgusting! she snapped, with a sudden anger that reminded him of the Queen. Who are you, to threaten me?

Im the Tier 1 who fought evenly against four Tier 2s. I killed Khoren and defeated Serrin. Im the answer to your mothers greatest problems. Already Im making them disappear, one by one. Did you know, shes promised me what I need to reach Tier 2? Im so useful that she wants me to become as strong as possible, as fast as possible. And once Im stronger, Ill do my utmost to do whatever she wishes. A slave, yes, but a slave more useful to her than any of her children. Then, when I take issue with you, and she has to choose between us who will she choose? What does she value morethe power I can earn her, or you?

As he spoke, he took slow steps forward, and his Soul Sense spread, tinged by Dark. She was Tier 2 and yet she moved back, until her back touched the wall and she flinched with surprise, as though she hadnt realised she was moving. The loathing in her eyes was halfway consumed by fear.

Im here now, and Im not going away. So whatll it be, princess? Do you want me as your enemy, or your ally? His slow press forward ceased, the storm-like boiling of his Soul stilled, the aggressive lines of his body gentled. All to communicate that this was a pivotal moment, perhaps the most pivotal of her life.

She was tense like a frightened cat, but as Nicolai waited, poised, she gradually calmed. Xyrrith was right. Her manner changed. If you can achieve as much as you think then I am happy to work at your side. Greetings. My name is Thryss. She performed a short bow, emanating polite friendliness.

He couldnt help a smile at the act. Almost impressive. Nicolai. He was under no illusions. They werent allies. Her contempt was merely hidden. She had decided that he was not weak and easy prey, that there was little to gain and much to be lost by screwing with him. But she had no trust in him and did not see him as someone who could be of any use to her. The moment he showed weakness or she saw some chance to shaft him for benefits, she would.

But that was fine. His methods were simple. Now she was no longer outwardly against him, he simply needed to give her reason to need him. Then, he wouldnt need to convince her to work with him. If he did it right, she would end up convincing him.

As your new ally, I am happy to provide any help. Tell me, do you have any problems you need solved?

Her mandibles were shifting slightly as she stared at him. Thinking something, but what? Though her Soul was well guarded, even so it was a better indicator of her thoughts than her alien features, and he paid close attention to the faint emanations and ripples, trying to find the truth amongst the falseness.

Youre that eager, are you? I suppose there are some minor ways you could be of use to me. But in truth, I dont need much.

It doesnt look that way to me.

She took a moment to answer, tensing a little at the edge he injected into his voice.

How so?

Your sister. Youre not performing well, compared to her.

He knew from Serrin that there was a rivalry between them. She was wise in seeking to hide it from him, as it was an exploitable weakness. Hed hoped shed bring it up of her own volition, but if not he was happy to do so himself.

She quickly recovered from her surprise at the realisation of how much he knew. What? she scoffed, and waved a dismissive hand. I certainly am.

From what Ive seen, she is quite far ahead of you. He crossed his arms and tilted his head, looking her up and down as though rethinking his judgement of her. I had anticipated you would know that.

Her mandibles spread in a sneer. And what would you, wh has been amongst us for mere hours, know of me and my sister?

Far more than you would expect. I have certain abilities that aid me in this regard. In this case, the ability was called Serrin, and the lengthy talk theyd had. I know you are in competition to see who is the most effective, and the Queen is your judge. The winner of this competition will be allowed to go on and birth a new hive. The other he trailed off meaningfully, though he didnt actually know.

And the other dies, she finished in an irritable snap. And Sythera will die! I stand higher in our mothers eyes than she!

He snorted. Based on what indicators?

It is obvious to me she is less skilled at command than I, though admittedly her bullish nature is quite well suited to warfare. She waved a dismissive hand. But still, we are quite even there. More importantly, recently I have gained more for the Hive than her. Thus I am ahead of her.

Isnt there something youre missing?

No, there isnt. She scoffed. What are you playing at, human? Enough of your drivel. I have much to do.

He shook his head as though in disappointment. Shes stronger than you in Cultivation. Her Soul is quite a bit more powerful than yours. I believe that, too, is something you are measured on. One of the more important indicators.

What? No Ive felt her Soul. She is on par with me. Faint tension in her limbs. She didnt believe him, but she feared he might be telling the truth.

It seems to me shes smarter than you think, or youre dumber than I thought. Im guessing she hides her strength around you. When she confronted me, she showed all of it. You, I could beat easily. She, on the other hand, is near as dangerous as Vorath.

Ive never been overly fond of combat, thats all it is, muttered Thryss. We are measured on our Cultivation, not our skill in battle.

When it comes to Souls, I know what Im talking about. Why do you think I am able to fight above my level? She is stronger than you. And I suspect skill in battle is most definitely one of those things your mother pays attention to, considering her obsession with Serrin.

She glared at him, though perhaps the anger wasnt aimed directly at him, this time. The mention of Serrin was calculated, though he didnt expand on it. Shed made no mention of that particular failure, one which he suspected was quite major in the Queens eyes. He didnt want to talk too much about Serrin. That might lead her to realise who hed gotten all this from. But simply mentioning him was enough to ensure she included that in her mental calculations of how she stood against her sister.

Fortunately he spread his arms. You have assistance. I said I can aid you with your problems, and I wasnt lying. Let me know how I can help you in bringing her low and raising you high, and Ill do what I can. But in payment, I want information. I want to know everything about this Hive, and Im not talking about whats obvious. I want deeper knowledge.

But how? How could she be stronger than me? We are afforded the same opportunities! she hissed, fists clenched. Hed hooked her, but he had to take care, reel her in slow.

Think. There must be something. Has she gained anything recently?

Thryss tensed up. She did, an Artifact called a Singing Bowl. It has something to do with active Cultivation, thats what she said. She didnt seem to value it much.

He looked at her, his manner expressing something like pity. And you believed her?

Shes never been one for subterfuge!

Those with a true knack for it do their utmost to seem the opposite.

Thryss stared at him, stricken. Her hands tightened with fear and anger. You have to seize it for me, she snapped.

The skills of the Mask had been slowly evolving, and now with it and Psychology merged close with him he almost he could peer through the flat planes of Thrysss face. He sensed the thoughts and emotions that twitched her mandibles, shifted her limbs, bled in tiny leakages from her Soul.

At first shed been tough to read, standoffish. But now she was increasingly open. Theyd dug through her wall of terse sentences, her unknowable features, to find the real Thryss and her true motivations. Just the surface of them, but that was far better than what hed had before.

Her anger was unfeigned. She was convinced she needed the bowl. Because now she was beginning to feel the stirrings of desperation. All because of his lie.

Sythera was barely stronger than Thryss, spiritually. Though he would struggle more in a fight against her, simply because she was clearly far more martially inclined. A lie with truth mixed in was always most effective.

Thryss was a Daughter and he knew already that they were a people adept at games like this, but so too was he. In this case hed slid through her defences and convinced her of his lie, because she kept the secret fear that her sister would grow the stronger close to her heart. By speaking it, he simply confirmed something she already feared. But, now shed accepted his first lie, it would be easier to rope her with more.

He had her.

Where does she keep it? he asked her, in the manner of a co-conspirator.

Her rooms.

And if it went missing, and turned up in your hands, what then?

Thrysss mandibles clicked. Then that is the way of things. Vexira knows we will scheme against one another, just as she schemed against her own dead sister. It is allowed, so long as it does not cause too much trouble. But her rooms are well guarded, by the pick of her strongest and most trusted soldiers, Rituals and likely an Artifact or two. I dont know how you could get in there.

Leave it to me. All you need do is answer my questions

Nicolai had many questions, and now that Thrysss aims had become connected with his own, she was happy to answer.

And through that process, question and answer, he worked to shape her impression. The silent contest between Thryss and her sister now seemed slanted toward Sythera. With his responses he shifted her impression of it further, aiming to suggest Sythera was far more ahead than Thryss had known. Each victory he painted a failure, each failure he suggested a catastrophe.

As she admitted one thing or another, and he shook his head with dismay, he subtly guided her. This is bad, very bad, his manner said. Shed already accepted his first lie, and this made the subsequent ones more easily taken. But gradually a resistance was rising in her. Given time she would start to think further, and she would have that time once she was alone. He needed one more nail, a final step to secure this and make it real.

He became hesitant.

Im not sure I can help you with all this.

Her head whipped around to stare at him. What? What are you saying?

He shrugged, and now his manner was standoffish. Like hed come to view her as a lost cause. Maybe you would be better off running.

Thats not an option! she snarled, stepping closer to him, and he could feel it, what hed been waiting for. Desperation. My sister will never be of any help to you! You met her, shell try to kill you just because! You need me, you need what I can do for you!

I have a friend in Xyrrith, and his position is far more stable than yours.

Hes just a Hand, Im a Daughter. She made a show of laughing, but he could feel her desperation.

For how long? Soon enough Sythera will get rid of you. Though shes unreasonable, I would be best served by trying to position myself well in her eyes. He tapped at his chin, released a murmuring ripple as though to himself. Sharing information with her might make her more inclined toward me. After what theyd been discussing, it was obvious what kind of information he would share.

No! She staggered towards him, reaching desperately. He slapped her hands aside.

Lead me where the Queen wanted, h told her. Turning, he gestured impatiently.

You would turn on me?! You dont understand what I can do for you! She will never help you! Even now, I can provide you with information, treasures, support!

He paused, one hand half-raised. A hint convinced.

Encouraged, she came close, manner gentle like someone coaxing an animal. I know what you want. You want your weapon back from my mother, right? You know shell never return it. I know how her storage works. She paused, hesitant, then her will firmed. Kill my sister. Kill her, and Ill tell you how to get your weapon back.

Nicolai faced her fully now, stared at her like hed never seen her before. He was surprised. She offered more than hed anticipated, though he wasnt sure if she was speaking true. For his current purpose, it didnt matter.

He gave a slow nod. Then it will be you and me, together. He extended a hand. She stared at it uncertainly. Amongst my people, it is custom to grasp hands and shake upon making a deal.

Internally, he congratulated himself. Hed started out needing to convince her to work with him, but now, she was the one convincing him to work together.

Something won was always valued more than something given.

Thryss extended her hand towards his own. For a moment she hesitated, and he felt her disgust. But that disgust was aimed at herself, not him.

She seized his hand and they shook.

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