As the one hundred and seventy drones scattered across the clearing, the metamorphosis began in earnest. The enhanced Bloodline Alienation Liquid, brewed from five-hundred-year-old Blood Ginseng, was incredibly potent. The aura and phenomena it triggered were far more intense than the basic versions used previously.
A sinister yet powerful golden-red spiritual mist swirled around the drones, casting strange, flickering light into every corner of the illusion array. With this phenomenon came a surge of violent, overbearing energy erupting from within their small bodies. At this level of power, there was no gradual progression—there was only life or death, success or failure.
Perhaps because the liquid's power was too volatile, the moment the medicinal force was triggered, drones began to explode one after another. In mere moments, over twenty had perished. Qi Ping's heart tightened at the sight.
The success rate for a Rank 2 metamorphosis was significantly lower than the first evolution. Crossing a major boundary was never easy; if even half of the previous success rate was achieved, it would be considered a triumph. During his last two experiments, supported by the Beast King's Grace, he had seen about four successes out of fifty.
Statistically, out of one hundred and seventy drones, six successes would be a reasonable expectation. However, because these drones were the elite of the elite—hand-picked over a year of rigorous selection with the added attribute bonuses from the Queen Bee—Qi Ping allowed himself a glimmer of hope for a higher number. In his mind, anything above seven or eight would be a massive victory.
The opening moments were a brutal blow. He felt the Queen Bee's legs tighten on his shoulder; she was clearly just as anxious. Fortunately, after the initial wave of deaths, the mortality rate slowed down, allowing Qi Ping to breathe a silent sigh of relief.
By the end of the first stage, one hundred and twenty drones had managed to withstand the rampaging demonic energy, while fifty had succumbed to body-bursting failure.
'The success rate for this first stage is already much higher than the initial experiments. Given the violent potency of the enhanced liquid, this proves the superior individual quality of these drones.'
The results of the selective breeding were finally showing.
'Next is the second stage...'
The second stage: Physical Reconstitution. This was when the drones would develop fully mutated organs or entire new body structures. Intense transformations began to ripple through the survivors.
'Based on previous experience, the mortality rate here should be around two-thirds. Since this evolution is harder, it might be even higher.'
Qi Ping's estimation proved accurate. The second stage claimed eighty-two drones instantly. Only thirty-eight remained. Qi Ping's expression darkened. This mortality rate was alarming. According to the Encyclopedia of Spirit Beast Nurturing: Demon Insect Volume, the third stage was the deadliest by far. At this rate, it was a gamble whether any would survive at all.
His heart, which had briefly settled, climbed back into his throat. However, he found a sliver of comfort in the variants appearing among the thirty-eight survivors. Two bees in particular were eye-catching—they were covered in blood-red carapace and radiated a sinister aura.
'The Blood-Armor Bee has appeared again. Two of them, and their auras are vastly stronger than the one from the first experiment. I wonder what their talent is. Surely one of these two will make it through?'
Beyond the Blood-Armor Bees, two others caught his eye: one covered in dark golden armor and another in emerald green. Their glows were as fierce as the blood-red pair, making them stand out as a Resplendent Trio among the swarm.
Among the others, some grew six wings, others developed massive antennae or oversized stingers. It was an explosion of biological diversity. To his delight, he even saw signs of a variant resembling the Brewmaster Belly-Bee, though it seemed evolved.
'I have to wait for the final results. No matter how strong they look now, it's all for nothing if they can't survive the final stage.'
The third stage was the longest. Qi Ping watched as more bees perished in silence. He was anxious but powerless to help. After a long wait filled with tension and prayer, the final result emerged.
Eight bees had successfully stabilized their auras at the early-stage of Rank 2. Qi Ping exhaled a long, heavy breath of relief.
"Eight!"
"Eight drones successfully reached Rank 2!"
The success rate was almost exactly what he had predicted. 'The selection of battle-hardened elites over the past year worked. The effect of the Beast King's Grace remains stable!'
In truth, this success rate was staggering. According to common manuals, surviving three out of one hundred and seventy was considered lucky. To have eight was a miracle of both his Druid talents and the swarm's own tenacity.
"Overall, this is a fantastic result!"
Qi Ping was satisfied. The Queen Bee and the surrounding swarm vibrated with joy. Their tribe now possessed seven distinct Rank 2 breeds! To them, birthing even one or two would have been impressive; seven was beyond their wildest dreams.
The little spirit fox and the flower spirit didn't fully understand the technicalities, but sensing the joy from Qi Ping and the bees, they wore wide smiles. If Qi Ping was happy, they were happy.
'Now, let's see just how strong these eight are. I hope for some pleasant surprises.'
Over the following days, Qi Ping tested the characteristics and talents of the survivors. By the time the final testing was done, he was beaming with pride.
Among the eight, two were Balanced Bees. These were the standard, reliable core of the Golden Marrow Bee swarm, with decent combat and brewing capabilities. Of the remaining six, three were specialized: the Scout Bee, which could conduct silent reconnaissance; the Mountain-Moving Bee, possessed of immense physical strength; and the Toxic Bee, a variant Qi Ping was already familiar with.
While the Mountain-Moving Bee was somewhat clumsy and had obvious weaknesses, the Scout Bee and Toxic Bee were invaluable. The Scout Bee had mediocre combat stats but possessed incredible perception and stealth, making it perfect for patrolling and alerting Qi Ping to danger. The Toxic Bee remained as lethal as ever; as long as it could inject its venom, few creatures of the same rank could withstand it.
However, the three that truly surprised him were the ones that had caught his eye during the second stage: the Resplendent Trio.