〔Increased Lifespan VI: 2880 days to lifespan.〕
In an instant, youthful vigor filled my body. I jumped to my feet, feeling like a teenager again!
Most of my energy ca from pure excitent, but I really was getting middle-aged. It was a great feeling to suddenly lose all the small creaks and aches in my muscles and joints.
It has been too long since this happened the last ti! The developnt points seemingly grew slower and slower the more advanced the Bee Empire beca. Now only significant ti and expansion could give us anything.
Although the status screen showed I had only 15000 developnt points until the next developnt level, I knew it would take several tis longer to earn than 10000 points.
And of course, this ant that a grand, empire-wide celebration was in order—after I and the Council decided on the next set of genes.
***
Worriesgone was the first one to clap her hands after I announced to the Empire Council the reason for our unscheduled eting. However, others swiftly joined her.
"This is faster than I thought it would happen," Undecided said. "Congratulations, Father! You lead us forward faster than the dreams can catch up with…"
"Congratulations, Father! It's been so long since the last Great Ceremony of Picking New Genes—I can't wait to organize another celebration… Perhaps even humans will be able to appreciate it?" Worriesgone asked.
"No, the genes are for the bees. Leave humans out of it," Bloodhero protested.
"They wouldn't even understand what we are talking about. They don't have the rationality to understand—it will be just another legend to them," Researchina agreed.
"Genes are good… But we have so many hives and Queens now. Would be terrible if Father tried to elevate them with his blood all at once," Tabletina drawled out, narrowing her eyes at Worriesgone before glancing at .
"Terrible, indeed." Ambrosia pinned with her gaze. "But he wouldn't. At this point, it will be more effective to raise replacent Queens."
"But… But where will the other ones go?" I asked, shocked by the very idea. "They were born and raised to rule! Without their hives, they will fall into depression, I'm sure. Not to ntion, if they don't breed, who *knows* what will happen?!"
Knowing how horny my little princesses were… This spelled trouble. A life without fulfillnt!
"You can't reasonably keep sharing your blood with everyone in the Empire now. There are over 400 sub-hives in it," Ambrosia said, poking with her sharp claw. "Don't even try. Our daughters can still work as Advisers, but the Drones better stay reserved for the young Queens with the best genes. We still have a limited amount of them."
I smiled.
"You look so pretty when you are stern like that…" When Ambrosia's frown deepened, I caught myself. "Ahem. I an, this is true. I don't have enough blood for 400 people! The little princesses still won't be happy, but… I will think about what can be done to cheer them up."
The Queens were very willful and high-maintenance, but I saw how they can be when angered. Perhaps so of them will consider martial careers?
I shook off the thought for now and returned to the present.
"The Council still must pick the genes I will take," I said. "Let's get back to this. Thanks to the Chaotic Evolution, I saw many interesting genes I want to have in the Empire for everybody, and many of them probably co from the perception stat. Any other suggestions on what to upgrade?"
The Advisers shook their heads.
"Please, begin, Father," Researchina said, raising a coal pencil over a sheet of paper.
I made a brief prayer to the invisible but real spirit of luck and put a point in perception.
〔For improving perception, you have a choice of next genes: 'Magnetic Field Perception I', 'Darkvision', and 'Enhanced Perception V'.〕
〔Magnetic Field Perception I: gives a weak sense of magnetic fields.〕
〔Darkvision: allows seeing clearly (without colors) even at extrely low light.〕
〔Enhanced Perception V: increases base perception to 50.〕
"Oh! This is a good spread, and a no-brainer. The stat boosts are always the best!" I was almost about to pick it on the spot.
"But darkvision is so useful! The 'Enhanced Perception V' will only increase our perception by a little, no?" Bloodimina pointed out.
"According to the notes, bees have a base perception of 44 already. We will gain only 60% of a regular increase this ti," Tabletina said. "Of course, Father needs this gene to get the next one…"
"We all lived just fine without darkvision. If it's too dark, we can always use candles or even lanterns!" Things-Things exclaid. "And we can perceive things just fine. But the magnetic fields! What even *are* those? Aren't you curious, Researchina?"
"I already *know* what these are. Father has explained. Our scouts could use it for navigation, or to look for tals…"
And like that, the Council has descended into a squabble. The simple choice turned hard.
Except, it didn't.
Magnetic fields can be sensed with a compass, and darkness can be lit with lamps.
I chose the 'Enhanced Perception V' gene and grinned. The difference was small, but the world *did* feel a little sharper.
"Calm down, girls. The Emperor has made his choice! Our perception will rise by 6 points."
Everybody went quiet. Bloodhero and Workharder stopped sending each other increasingly loud telepathic ssages.
I turned to the side of the room, where the quiet observer watched.
"Oracle Undecided, did you see in the dreams sothing about the best attribute to increase next?"
She frowned, closed her eyes, then just sat there, thinking. And thinking. And thinking…
A full minute passed in silence, broken only by echoes of telepathic ssages my Advisers sent each other in the anti.
"Yes, Father," Undecided said, opening her eyes to look at . "I saw it!"
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