Reincarnated To Evolve My Bee Empire

"You have something for me, Things-Things? Alright, show it!"

I was curious and clueless. Usually, Researcher Bees were the ones who provided me with surprise tech prototypes…

"Yes-yes, Father!" Things-Things turned outside and shouted, "Sisters, bring the gift in!"

Her clear and sonorous voice carried far, even in the ever-noisy hive. A moment later, two Chief Craftsmen Bees entered the Council Chamber.

Between themselves, they were reverently holding an item, the look of which made me gasp.

And not only me—every member of the Council was shocked, except Researchina, who kept an impassive expression.

It was a suit of the prettiest armor I've seen in this world, and at least one of the prettiest I've seen in my entire life! This could compare only with the best items made by medieval artisans.

Despite the primitive technologies and materials available, Things-Things and her sisters outdid themselves ten times over!

Chief Craftsmen, with their chests puffing with pride so much I feared they might burst, turned the armor around, showing me all sides.

The armor was made from colorful green and blue dragon scales. Ones that were too big have been carved into sections, which were held together with brass wire. Larger parts of armor were held together with leather strings, which clearly were a way to put the armor on.

It was made to cover my torso, legs, had a partial covering for the tail, and even fingerless gloves from a combination of leather and scales. There were holes for wings, of course, but no helmet.

The scales were arranged not only by size but also by color. More than that, the chest plate had a golden picture of a round sun with many rays.

'No, wait, this isn't a sun…'

The circle was drawn with a crown, and the sun's "rays" ended with small triangles that hit small circles.

In the language of bee symbolism, the "sun" with a crown always meant me. If the rays ended with spear-like triangles instead of head-patting hands, this meant…

'The mighty many-handed Father-god strikes down enemies of the Bee Empire! This… This is so touching! And so very much like my girls!'

This gift must've been what Things-Things mentioned to me in passing when I gave her the first dragon scale brought by my pet dragons. By now I almost forgot about it…

Your next journey awaits at My Virtual Library Empire

I finally looked at Things-Things again and saw her vibrating with nervous anticipation.

"This is the great armor that I and my best Craftsmen made for you from the best materials, Father! It's so great that I gave it a name—Forever Greatest. Do you like it? Will you put it on? With Forever Greatest, nothing will harm you!"

"It's incredible, Things-Things! Absolutely incredible!" I immediately went to pat her head. "When did you get the time for it between all the metalworking, anyway? And did the inlaying, too!"

She blushed and preened under my praise.

"Researchina helped me with the golden drawings… Inlaying, as you say. And she didn't say anything, because it had to be a surprise! She helped with design, too!"

Researchina nodded, quietly but obviously proud.

I smiled at her and looked at the armor again.

"This armor is outstanding. Let's try it out! The Council session is paused for now—I need to change!"

***

Forever Greatest fit me perfectly. No wonder—Things-Things had all the measurements for my ordinary clothing and armor.

As for the head, the space was obviously left for my bone crown.

I put the armor over my clothing and was congratulated again.

<Congratulations! You've unlocked 'Segmented Armor' technology!>

〔Segmented Armor〕

Brainpower requirement: 12000

Military: +10 per 1 thousand affected soldiers.

Increases defense of wearers based on the armor quality and used materials.

〔〕〔〕〔〕

This armor was really a step over what we had before. Not only did it cover much more than a typical bone armor and looked way more protective.

I confirmed it by looking at my status.

〔Attributes〕

> Strength: 38

> Agility: 41

> Endurance: 33

> Defense: 45

> Intelligence: 122

> Perception: 44

My defense jumped up by 20 points when I put the armor on!

And it was crafted so well, it almost didn't hinder my movements.

"You look so majestic in Forever Greatest, Father!" Things-Things gushed.

"Yes! Like a commander ready to lead us against any enemy! In this armor, you will be infallible!" Bloodhero raised her hammer high. "Lead us to conquest, Father!"

"Majestic, yes, but infallible?" Ambrosia shook her head. "Please, Nectus, don't make your new powers a reason to act recklessly!"

"I won't, I won't, Amby!" I promised her. "But…"

Now I actually *did* have the strength to lead my daughters in battle without having to fear for my life at every step. And after having to watch them fight while being powerless to help, I would rather be on the front lines.

This will definitely cheer them up and make them fight harder, win faster, and suffer fever losses—even without the 'Homeland Protector' title.

And if I kill a few enemies in the meantime, these enemies won't hurt my girls.

"But?" Ambrosia said, eying me with suspicion.

I grinned at her cheekily.

"Do I even need a reason to act reckless, Amby?"

"Nectus!"

I laughed, and if we weren't surrounded by my little brats, I would've kissed her here and then—especially when her outrage changed into a small smile.

As it was, I gathered some shame and turned to my Council.

"We have the genes, we have the morphotypes, and we have the enemy to use these against. It's time to prepare and act! Researchina, Things-Things—Forever Greatest needs a bit of adjustment so I could use my electric charge with it. I will write to you the ideas I have, but you will have to test them on someone else. Bloodhero—well, you already had your instructions. But be ready for the next batch of upgraded Beemarines. Make plans for tactics against giant enemies and have to be stung!"

Finally, I turned to my Health Adviser and sighed.

"And you, Tabletina… do your bloodletting."

"No, Nectus, wait," Ambrosia suddenly cut in. "Before you become so weak from blood loss that you can't move, you must give me your seed!"