Solo Leveling- Ragnarok-Chapter 326 - 324

As Suho said, he had been incredibly busy lately. No, everyone related to him was busy. While Ammut's group was being sucked into the Sea of Afterlife, a lot was happening outside as well.

Bzzzzzzz!

Arsha's worker bees were flying across the battlefields where Elvenwoods and hunters from all over the world were fiercely fighting, clutching the pollen fluttering in the air with their three pairs of legs, faithfully carrying out the last command left by the Queen Bee.

"Gather Elvenwood pollen for Lord Sung Suho."

That command was still in effect even though the Queen Bee was gone. Thanks to that, pollen collected by bees from all over the world was being continuously delivered to Suho. However, he had to keep managing all that pollen flow which took a lot of time...

Bzzzzzzz-Bzzzzzzz!

On the rooftop of Ahjin Soft's headquarters numerous worker bees were swirling around Suho, having traveled across the dimensional walls from around the globe. Of course, Harmakan had to put in an immense amount of labor for this to be possible. He had to open and close countless tiny Gates, barely the size of fingernails, to allow the worker bees to cover vast distances. Even if the dimensional holes were small, controlling such a large quantity of them was an extremely cumbersome and mentally taxing task. Still, as Harmakan got more and more involved, the speed at which pollen gathered in Suho's hands increased tremendously. However, just gathering a lot of pollen didn't amount to much. No matter how good at magic Harmakan was, he couldn't replace the role of the Apostle of Evolution. This was where Beru played his part.

[Kieek! No need for more research! We can start mass-production based on the scattered cells of the test subject No. 47] Beru actively utilized the knowledge of the Apostle of Evolution whose brain he had devoured to complement Harmakan's magic.

[The basic framework is simpler than I thought.] Harmakan's eyes gleamed darkly at Beru's advice. New knowledge always excited the Demonic spirits. The cells created by the Apostle of Evolution were already an almost complete project, with the only absolute limitation being the inability to create a "soul." That's why it was a failure. But for Suho, that limitation made things even easier.

"We don't need to create a soul, and there's no reason to. We just need to increase the quantity of cells as they are now."

[In other words, recycling subject No. 47. I understand perfectly.] Harmakan nodded at Suho's command and supplemented the magic circle. And with Beru's help...

[There are some differences, but mass-producing something similar to No. 47 has become possible.]

Actually it was even easier than producing subject No. 47. What they needed to create for the "Solo Leveling: Ragnarok" project was simply avatars, puppets that could temporarily hold human souls. They didn't need egos like the one No. 47 had.

Smirk.

"This is enough."

Ironically, all the test subjects that the Apostle of Evolution considered failures were perfect for Suho's plan. Harmakan's job was to copy those cells as a basic template and mass-produce something similar using the pollen collected by the worker bees as material. If this project succeeded, all of humanity would be able to enter immortal bodies and fight against the enemies from the outer universe as combatants.

[However, there is one problem.] Harmakan informed with a serious expression.

The challenge was quite serious. Getting human souls to inhabit the immortal avatars was easy. The real question was whether they would be effective combatants in the war against the Outer Gods. That was the issue. Despite the fact that they revived and healed like shadow soldiers, if their basic combat power was low, they wouldn't be of any help in the war.

[My lord, how do you plan to solve that problem?] Suho answered Harmakan's question with a meaningful smile.

[Kieek! As expected of my young lord! Even a worm has its own tricks!] Beru was truly moved by that attitude, even shedding tears.

"...Was that a compliment?"

[Of course! A 'special' compliment!]

"..."

Suho just chuckled at the praise. After witnessing his overwhelming battle against Nidhögg recently, all the taunts, no... 'encouragements', Beru had given him about being as weak as an 'ant larva' gained credibility. Seeing was believing after all... That day, he showed the true power of a Marshall rank shadow soldier, a close aide to his father. Thanks to that, Suho couldn't help but be humble.

'...I still have a long way to go.' No matter how strong he became, there was always a 'bigger fish'. Now, Suho's power had transcended human limits. But that wasn't his goal, the real enemies weren't other humans, but invaders from outer space. To face them...

'I won't hesitate to use any means necessary. That's what war is.' Suho's eyes, gazing at the distant universe where his father was, were filled with determination. At that moment...

"Suho." Just in time, his uncle, Yoo Jinho, approached Suho, who was still receiving pollen from the worker bees on the rooftop of Ahjin Soft.

Bzzzzzzz! Bzzzzzzz! Bzzzzzzz!

There were so many worker bees swirling around him that Yoo Jinho had to approach cautiously. Looking slightly tired, he delivered the message.

"We've modified the game capsule according to your plan. As soon as we check the prototype's performance and stability, we can start mass production."

"That was faster than I expected."

"It's all thanks to Harmakan. Maybe it's because the Demonic Spirits were involved in the capsule's design from the very beginning, but he finished it quickly with just a few tweaks. Nevertheless I think the avatars are more important than the capsules... Do you think it will work out?"

"We just finished our prototype too." Before Suho stood "No. 47", thanks to the efforts of the worker bees, it was restored to its beautiful female shape, from before its creator's passing. But as it lacked a soul and ego, its eyes were lifeless. Yoo Jinho, who discovered it late due to the swirling swarm of bees, asked.

"You're saying you're going to put a soul into that avatar? Who is the first test subject?"

"I have just the right person." Suho smiled meaningfully. In the distant past, in a timeline that had been forgotten, there were beings on Earth who had taken over human bodies and acted through them: The Rulers and the Monarchs.

The Monarchs completely devoured human souls and took over their bodies to act on Earth, while the Rulers silently lent their power while maintaining the human soul. Suho, who had heard all his father's stories about that time from Beru, had a grand plan based on all those events and abilities...

* * *

"If it's entering a soulless body, the Monarch's ability is the perfect fit."

[...]

Arsha, who was chosen as Suho's test subject, could only widen her eyes in shock. She, merely a flying insect, had been disguising herself as a human all this time to blend in with the people of Earth. Perhaps because the disguise had become a habit, she was maintaining her human form even at this moment, dying in the Sea of Afterlife, but even that was becoming difficult now... However, just as her disguise was naturally wearing out Suho had brought her a new vessel.

"Come on in. It's a hive your worker bees made for you."

Rumble!

"Ahh, one more thing before that, I know we don't have time for leisurely conversations, so let's get straight to the point."

Even at this moment, a fierce battle was unfolding above their heads. The Ice Elves were blocking Nidhögg causing a massive commotion, with ice arrows. Of course, from Nidhögg's perspective, those attacks were harmless, but if their true purpose was to inflict a "debuff", it was a perfect method. First, the frost froze Nidhögg's eyelids, obstructing his vision, then his movements were visibly slowed down by the cold. In this slightly calmer moment, Suho picked up Arsha and brought her to No. 47.

"Of course, entering this avatar won't suddenly make you stronger."

[I know. I'm already at my limit...]

Arsha understood Suho's words perfectly. As he put it, this vessel was just a hive. If anything, a proper Monarch would become weaker when trapped in this body, just as it happened when they took over humans in the past. Of course, No. 47's body was a masterpiece far beyond that of ordinary people's. After all, it was the best vessel the Apostle of Evolution was able to create. But even so, entering this "hive" wouldn't make her stronger. Harmakan, who had restored this avatar, was worried about that very issue. Even if human souls entered the avatars: Would they be effective against the invaders from outer space. Although they changed vessels, the innate limitations were clear. However Suho had considered all those factors and made the offer to Arsha.

"That's why you'll need this."

[...]

Arsha's body trembled as if struck by lightning at the sight of the object Suho suddenly held out.

[Item: Seed of Evolution]

[Acquisition Difficulty: ??]

[Type: Consumable]

[A seed made by compressing the energy left behind by the Apostle of Evolution.]

It was the very core left behind upon the Apostle level entity's death. It was an item created by Beru by condensing the energy of the Apostle of Evolution that was scattering after he was defeated and killed. However even Beru himself didn't know the purpose of this seed. It was a true wildcard. Although, as he had definitely removed all the energy of Itarim in the process, it wouldn't have any harmful effects on Suho.

[S-Suho...! How can you use such a precious item on a lowly creature like me...!] When Suho handed her the Seed of Evolution, Arsha desperately refused. This wasn't right, no matter how touched by the action she was!

[I can't accept it! You should use this yourself...!] Suho should be the one to use this precious item! As the name 'Seed of Evolution' suggested, it could 'evolve' his power in some way, so it didn't make sense for her, a mere flying insect, to take advantage of it!

"No, I don't need it." Suho firmly shook his head.

He already knew... The ultimate form that the Apostle of Evolution envisioned was the 'Shadow Monarch', so what was the point of Suho, his son, using this? Besides...

"I don't want to taint the soul I inherited from my father with something suspicious like this."

[What commendable words!] Beru, who appeared beside Suho, nodded in satisfaction. Then he gave some advice based on the memories of the Apostle of Evolution whom he devoured.

[Since it's the energy left behind by the Apostle of Evolution, it's most effective when used on the test subject he left behind! So... Shut up and eat it!]

"Yes, take what is given to you. But in return you need to swear your allegiance to me with your soul."

[I... I pledge my loyalty!] At that moment...

Ding!

[Obtained Pet: 'Queen Bee Lv. 99'.]

The pet system activated, just like with Gray and Ragnar, it was the proof that Arsha's oath was sincere.

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"Your level is this high...? You must have reached your limit as a Queen Bee." Suho had a surprised expression, learning that Arsha's power was greater than he thought. But those words also meant that no matter how high her level was, it was impossible to overcome the limitations of her race. In other words, it was time for evolution.

"Now eat it."

[Yes...!]

Arsha unhesitatingly accepted the Seed of Evolution that Suho held out. And she moved into the empty body of No. 47, still standing there soulless. At that moment...

Flash—!

A strong light erupted from No. 47's body.

Crackle— Crack! Crack—!

No. 47's body couldn't withstand that light and cracked, but it quickly recovered thanks to its unique characteristics, then it cracked again... After repeating that cycle countless times.

Flash—!

'Arsha' opened her eyes.

Ding!

['Pet: Queen Bee Lv. 99' evolves into 'Void Insect Lv. 1'.]

"Void?" Suho blinked.

Was it thanks to the efforts of the countless worker bees who crossed the dimensional gap to gather all those cells? Or was that the direction of evolution Arsha desired, just like the Apostle of Evolution evolved into the Nightmare Apostle? He soon found out the reason...

Exhale...

A refreshing sigh escaped Arsha's lips as she opened her eyes in No. 47's body. And she smiled at Suho with an alluring gaze. It was a bewitching smile that reminded him of the time he first met Arsha, but unlike then, her eyes were filled with honey-like loyalty.

[Thank you, Lord Sung Suho. My master.]

"You still seem a bit weak."

[Yes. I'm still lacking. But my evolution has just begun.] Arsha's gaze subtly shifted upwards.

Nidhogg struggled violently against the ice elves, but Arsha's gaze was fixed far above, not on the serpent, but on the leaves of the World Tree scattering due to its fierce struggle, and specifically, on the tiny pollen of the World Tree, visible only to the worker bees.

[Gather, my worker bees.]

Whoosh—!

Upon Arsha's command, small void gates opened around her, similar to the dimensional gaps created by Harmakan for the worker bees. The moment the worker bees, scattered across the globe, crossed over to the Sea of Afterlife through these holes, they all evolved into Void Insects, receiving Arsha's energy.

Bzzzzzz—

The Void Insects began to gather like a swarm of bees at Arsha's command.

[Master, please give me your orders.] Arsha waited for orders, her eyes locked with Suho's.

He chuckled at her confident expression and muttered, "As expected, you're quick-witted..."

Having been trying to get in his good graces all this time. Arsha already knew what Suho would order her to do. All that remained was his permission.

"I allow it. Do what you do best."

Even after evolving, Arsha was still too weak to inherit the Primordial Darkness. But the way to become stronger was always the same. To grow and multiply. Suho raised an arm, pointing towards the sky, his index finger directed at the World Tree. Then, his command fell.

"Build a hive on the World Tree."

[As you command!]

Bzzzzzz—!

At that moment, the Void Insects soared, ignoring the giant Nidhögg, they flew straight towards the World Tree. To build a hive on this cradle of the universe, on the center of the Sea of Afterlife.