Volume One: The Hell-Level Lord World Chapter 104: The Escalating Mind Parasite

After observing how these emerald ant soldiers propelled themselves, Chen Gu felt somewhat puzzled by the ants’ strategy.

At first, he had assumed that these acid-spraying emerald ants followed a venomous serpent-like approach. But to his surprise, they actually treated themselves like jet-powered beings, using the acid they emitted to propel themselves through the air.

When they collided with enemies, their bodies would explode, coating the foes with strong acid that inflicted significant damage.

Noticing Chen Gu’s bewildered expression, the brain insect quickly explained.

“I’ve tested it. The emerald ant’s jet propulsion can’t reach far — one to one and a half meters is the maximum. Plus, the acid’s potency diminishes the further it travels through the air. This method allows them to fly short distances and detonate upon impact, increasing their destructive power.”

“How powerful is this impact?” Chen Gu inquired.

The brain insect paused before replying, “It takes only ten emerald ants to kill one skeleton soldier.”

A ten-to-one exchange? Chen Gu considered this and found the ratio rather acceptable.

“What about zombies?”

“There might be more required since zombies have thicker flesh. However, our strong acid is special — it counts as magical damage, effective even against ghosts. We can also target vampires and necromancers. Most importantly, we can move underground, stealthily approaching enemies.”

Seeing the brain insect’s earnestness, Chen Gu smiled.

“Alright, I never interfere with your plans for the emerald ants. Do as you please, just meet my few conditions. For now, you’ll stay here while I go bury several queen nests in other locations.”

“My lord, wait—please take me with you.”

“You want to come along too?” Chen Gu was curious as the brain insect jumped before him.

“Yes. I’ve gained the queen’s recognition and now lead this region. I can’t remain here. I’ve arranged for a new brain insect to manage this area while I head to the nearby main city to oversee its construction.”

“Very well, then come along.”

Chen Gu climbed into the carriage with the brain insect. Suddenly, the insect asked, “My lord, should we install an ant nest on your carriage?”

“No need. Then whose city would that be?” Chen Gu shook his head.

“My lord, you established the Emerald Kingdom to enable fast communication, right? You can’t be finding local nests every time you arrive somewhere. If there’s a nest right on your carriage, you could contact the brain insects there directly.”

Hearing this, Chen Gu considered it. Indeed, the purpose of the Emerald Kingdom was swift communication. Without an efficient method to stay in touch, what was the point of building it? These emerald ants weren’t formidable fighters.

“Alright, then leave one here.”

“Great! By the way, my lord, let me introduce this newly trained brain insect. He has vast potential—his mental strength even surpasses mine.”

The brain insect continued, “I have a plan to modify brain insects into specialized communication units, fully ensuring your communication won’t be disrupted.”

Only then did Chen Gu realize the brain insect’s true intent. He hadn’t expected even an insect to be so shrewd. This wasn’t a spontaneous idea but a calculated move to oust a rival insect with greater potential and secure control of the region. Most importantly, the insect framed it as offering a good position to the newcomer. Even if the rival protested, there was nothing they could do.

Sometimes Chen Gu truly underestimated these little creatures—they were fiercely competitive. Even before the new brain insect appeared, they had already planned ahead. Chen Gu was at a loss for words.

Yet the brain insect before him felt no suspicion; from his perspective, he was genuinely finding a good place for a companion.

After Chen Gu agreed, the brain insect set up the ant nest location on the carriage. He didn’t build it on the front vine carriage but chose the area designated for the breeding ground.

The breeding ground was not yet constructed, but some interior arrangements were already in place. The carriage had five floors, divided vertically. The bottom layer was thick soil meant for cultivating corpse vines. The next four floors were for raising chickens, rabbits, and crows respectively. Once completed, this breeding ground would be the main food source for the Vine Light carriage.

Currently, nothing had been raised there—it was still empty. The brain insect built the nest here so it could quickly access ample food. Emerald ants have a diverse diet; they consume flesh when available, or soil and leaves otherwise. More importantly, emerald ants can serve as cleaning tools for the breeding ground and could even assist with farming tasks in the short term.

Naturally, the brain insect didn’t need to stay at the breeding ground. According to his plan, the companion with stronger mental power would be transformed into a communication device, submerged in a special liquid to survive.

When Chen Gu needed to contact someone, he could communicate directly with the brain insect immersed in the liquid. If this experiment succeeded, they could train more brain insects specifically for communication and even develop new functionalities.

For example, each of Chen Gu’s heroes could carry one brain insect communicator. Or they might enable projection or group video conferencing.

All of these were feasible.

Chen Gu was keen on such advancements. His territory had expanded, and he couldn’t communicate directly with Silver Pine City or Allen’s forces.

If emerald ants had this capability, Chen Gu was willing to let the brain insect experiment.

Hearing Chen Gu’s approval, the brain insect was overjoyed.

“My lord, rest assured, even though I control nearby territory, I will prioritize your commands. Trust me, before long, highly versatile brain insects will be trained, enabling you to receive all battlefield information in real time.”