We pressed deeper into the forest, defeating monsters as we went.

All the creatures we encountered were insect-like in nature.

There were hybrid beetles with three horns that looked like a mix of a stag and rhinoceros beetle, and even giant June bugs large enough to swallow a person whole.

It was clear that the creatures appearing in this forest weren’t the kind of monsters one would normally expect in Asai Forest.

The Iron Mosquito was no exception.

This forest had turned into a paradise for insects.

And the cause of it all became apparent when we reached the deepest part of the forest.

“Ooooooooooohohohohohohoho!”

Hovering in midair, flapping her wings, was the queen of the insects.

But to clarify, she didn’t resemble the typical image of an insect queen, like a large, egg-laying queen bee.

Her appearance was more humanoid than monster-like.

If I had to describe her, I’d say she looked like a regal insect-themed queen.

At a glance, she appeared very human.

But upon closer inspection, her unnatural features became clear.

She was clad entirely in chitinous armor.

Her upper body was adorned with something resembling bondage gear, while her arms from shoulder to hand gleamed with emerald-like structures.

Below her torso, a dress flared out like a pompadour-style gown.

On closer examination, there were no seams between her body and the shimmering rainbow-hued dress—it was part of her.

It seemed to be made of a soft, flexible material, like a wyvern’s wing membrane.

The woman, dressed in her stylish chitin armor, radiated an aura of an alluring beauty.

Her curves were exaggerated in all the right places, with her waist bare and her ample chest bouncing prominently with every movement she made.

It was a form-fitting battle dress that only someone wearing their own natural armor could pull off.

“She’s a noblewoman…”

“A noblewoman indeed…”

“Mimimii…”

I couldn’t help but chuckle at Ivy’s muttered description of her as a “Haughty Insect Queen.”

Where did she even come up with that?

Ivy had a knack for naming things, it seemed.

I had to admit, I couldn’t compete with her creativity.

“W-who are you people!? How dare you remain so composed in the presence of me, Icicle, Queen of the Insects!?”

The Haughty Insect Queen—no, Icicle—began shaking her wings furiously.

It was probably a display of intimidation, similar to how territorial bees behaved when threatened.

“Bruno… can you handle this?”

“Bruno-dono, to face that opponent so calmly… you’re truly remarkable.”

Behind me, Rey and Logan stood poised with their weapons, sweat trickling down their faces.

They could tell that the killing intent radiating from Icicle was no joke.

Their instincts were urging them to flee.

But Ivy and I remained as calm as ever.

We simply observed Icicle closely.

Hmm… stronger than low-tier monsters, but not by much.

If Rey and Logan teamed up, they could probably take her down without much trouble.

“Mii!”

Take her down alone, Ivy urged.

Alright. I’ll give it a shot.

“—There!”

I fired four Light Arrows.

Two pierced her wings, while the remaining two struck her abdomen and legs.

“Gyaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhh!?”

The scream that came from her elegant figure was shockingly deep and coarse.

She plummeted to the ground.

Though I hadn’t held back, I made sure to avoid hitting any vital areas.

“Phew…”

When I approached her, I found that she had lost consciousness.

Surprisingly, the blood flowing from her wounds was the same red as ours.

There were many questions I needed to ask her.

Exchanging a glance with Ivy, I nodded and cast a healing spell on the unconscious Icicle before binding her tightly with ropes.