Nydusara's Hive is developing well in Commorragh; his swarm eats even better than the Overmind's.
The Dark Eldar have captured almost all the strange and exotic creatures across the galaxy—some for collections, some for arena combat, and some purely to drain their souls. Nydusara has been having the time of his life scavenging these corpses.
However, some dangerous chemicals were accidentally absorbed by the Zerg. This quickly led to a portion of the Zerglings becoming more frenzied and aggressive. Nydusara had to expend nearly twice the effort to control these specific specimens.
The next day, these special Zerglings were sent to Abathur.
†Abathur, study these creatures. See if they have any utility.†
"As you command, Overmind."
Abathur's research was swift this time, and he provided the Overmind with a satisfactory answer.
"Specimen adrenal glands enlarged. Physical functions enhanced. Thought processes unfocused, leading to increased aggression. Difficult to control. Minor modifications possible. Will strengthen control, retain functional enhancement. Increase speed and attack."
†Oh, then go ahead and change them.†
"Accepted."
The Overmind hadn't expected Zerglings could still be improved. They were already fast; now they might even outpace an Ultralisk.
"Overmind, specimen information applicable to other Zerg strains. Optimal choice: Ultralisk. Can reduce Ultralisk reaction to pain, increase resilience. Simultaneously enhance aggression."
†Good, I leave all the modifications to you.†
The Overmind placed great trust in Abathur.
"As you... Hmm? One moment. Minor complication."
Commotion erupted on Abathur's end. The Overmind shifted his vision and saw strange, insect-like creatures with sharp claws and teeth bursting out of several live Zergling samples sent by Nydusara.
Because they had emerged from within the bodies, they hadn't been detected beforehand.
†Aren't those Ambull larvae?!†
The Overmind recognized these strange bugs; they were exactly the larvae of the Ambull, though he hadn't expected them to be inside Zerglings.
Wait! Why would there be Ambulls inside Zerglings?!
†What on earth has Nydusara's swarm been eating?!†
"Interesting. Zergling digestive system: primitive, yet efficient. Parasite avoided digestion. Parasitic capability: excellent. Genetic sequence: harvestable."
These Ambull larvae were quickly torn apart by the Zerglings. Although an adult Ambull is a formidable unit in Warhammer, the larvae were far too fragile before the Zerg Swarm.
Abathur began dissecting the larvae. He noticed they were already gestating the next generation within themselves. This method of feeding young with one's own flesh left him genuinely satisfied.
Soon, Abathur presented new samples.
[New Unit Unlocked: Baneling Variant — Splitterling.]
"Overmind. New Baneling variant: Splitterling. Generates miniature Banelings internally. Upon death, internal organisms emerge. Multiple damage instances achieved."
†I see, I see.†
The Overmind didn't understand bio-technology, but it seemed Abathur had combined the Baneling with the Ambull's internal gestation method to create this new strain. (In Heart of the Swarm, the Splitterling's genetic source was also an organism that brooded young internally.)
Just then, the Overmind noticed occasional, peculiar roars coming from Abathur's Evolution Pit.
†Abathur, what is that sound?†
"Adult specimen cultivated from unknown organism larvae. Undergoing experimentation. Possesses rapid regeneration, high aggression. Genetic sequence: useful."
†...†
Abathur was actually raising an Ambull on the Leviathan?!
Impressive. Ruthless. Most transmigrators would be terrified of Ambulls, yet he was raising one in the Evolution Pit without any fear of it breaking loose.
An Ambull's combat power is significant—around 85 points on the tabletop, while a 10-model Battle Sister squad is 105. It is categorized as a low-level Monstrous Creature.
The Overmind peered inside. The adult Ambull was about three to four meters tall, with massive mandibles like ant pincers and equally sharp claws. With good combat instincts, it could easily tear apart a Space Marine.
Small bugs occasionally burrowed in and out of its skin—larvae, using its body as food.
†So, what results have you yielded, Abathur?†
"Unknown larva: unique parasitic capability. Can enhance Zerg attack effects. Units will destroy targets from within, spawning reinforcements. Swarm numbers increased. Claws: suitable for subterranean excavation. Burrowing speed: superior. Essence: utilized."
The system voice rang out in the Overmind's mind again.
[New Unit Unlocked: Roach Variant — Corpser Roach.]
[New Roach Technology Unlocked: Tunneling Claws — Increases Roach movement speed while burrowed.]
Excellent. The Ambull's traits were indeed useful. In Heart of the Swarm, the Corpser Roach variant came from a creature called the "Twin-tailed Scorpid" that shared this parasitic ability.
†Well done, Abathur.†
"Your praise is the primary catalyst for my research. All for the conquest of the Swarm."
†Do you need anything else?†
"More samples. I require... more samples."
†One question, Abathur. This Ambull—I mean, this unknown adult organism—can it be directly produced by the Swarm?†
"Reproduction: high energy cost. Gestation: slow. Combat cost-efficiency: inferior to Roach. Inclusion in active Swarm roster: not recommended. Genetic sequence has merit, but contains excessive chaotic noise. Would contaminate Swarm gene pool."
†Fair enough. It seems leaving the modifications to you was the wise choice.†
Abathur's dismissal was blunt, especially the part about being "inferior to a Roach." He was truly confident in his own creations. Perhaps the Roach really is the peak of cost-efficiency—aside from being slow, it has few weaknesses.
"Furthermore, Overmind. I have discovered unique capabilities in previous humanoid specimens regarding what you call 'Psionics.' I require foundational data."
†Psionics? Well, the Psionics I know are a bit different from what you might expect. It's related to a special dimension called the Warp...†
The Overmind began explaining Warhammer 40K Psionics to Abathur. If Abathur could create a more powerful Psionic Cerebrate, all the better.