'I can't get any closer. The resonance field from that massive fragment is too strong. If I continue, I'll definitely wake all the Soul-Devouring Insects.'
A few Soul-Devouring Insects seemed to sense something, and their flight paths suddenly became erratic.
They turned, their compound eyes "staring" directly in Ian's direction.
But in his Crescent Form, Ian existed in the rift between reality and the Dream Realm. The Soul-Devouring Insects couldn't truly perceive him; they could only instinctively feel that "something was nearby."
Ian observed the Soul-Devouring Insects for a full hour.
He recorded their behavioral patterns, the frequency of their soul ripples, and their connection to the Nest's consciousness.
Then, he made a bold decision: while in his Crescent Form, he would proactively "touch" a Soul-Devouring Insect's soul.
Ian reached out a finger and gently touched the Soul-Devouring Insect's soul core.
