Gather of the Swarm

The Demon was hunting in the forests.

Yet, this time around, it was not the magi that it was hunting after, not their mana or their essence to feast upon- this time around, it was something else, to hunt down the predatory species of insects that no doubt inhabit Agartha. Considering the Spire fallout in the past, the Demon had no doubts that some would evolve past their limits as lesser insectoids, and instead, become rather predatory.

The forest was the place to look for such, and Murmux knew that very well. Looking at every corner possible, checking at every tree and the bush, the Demon was eager to find such bugs to add to its collection- but it was not some sort of a hobby that it took pleasure in, no.

The plans were far more insidious than that.

Taking its time to locate an appropriate mass with such insects, the Demon decided to stop nearby area with far greater volume of trees and other greenery. There's no doubt that flora would inhabit suchplace more than the others, and considering it was out in the wild, there's only a bigger chance.

It was time for gathering.
(Murmux)

Only the vilest, only the most aggressive of the bugs were taken by the Demon.

Obviously, at first, they'd attempt to either crawl away or even worse- bite back against their future master. But just as such communication began, the Demon was quick to establish the link to them, be it through telepathy or Occultism - sometimes, both at once.

Why would it do such? To influence them, to transform them into that capable of understanding and even obeying the Demon.

But mutation through Occult would be a long process, and for now, Murmux was pre-occupied with gathering of these bugs; on top of collecting the predatory species, it paid the mind to the ones that seem to be more agile than others, were venomous, or could weave something, for example such as spiders.

All this small kingdom of bugs, all collected to a single Demon. Now, just how exactly that would go?
(Murmux)

Considering that Murmux was an insectoid Demon on its own, there were surprisingly little issues with communication between the Demon and the bugs. Its almost as if they recognized Murmux as one of their kin, be it because of appearance, of sounds, of smells - that part is not very relevant.

What's truly relevant is the fact that they were listening to it.

The transfer through Occultism was going smooth. It would take months, possibly years for some before they're corrupted, twisted beyond recognition by Demon's influence, but that was a good start- crawling among the garbs that the Demon carried, among chitin cracks that marred its body, or simply remaining upon its grace, those bugs found their home in Murmux.

And that was the start of their bonding.

"Good- yes- come. You will be- fed- nurtured..."

Almost with a soothing voice, the Demon indeed took care to nurture its future minions. After all, they were to do service to Murmux, so why not?
(Murmux)

Once the bugs have been gathered in the decent amounts, it almost seemed as the only source of countless clicking and other insect noises was the Demon, at this point.

Entire forest has fallen silent, and the only source of such minor disturbance was Murmux.

But that's good. That only implied it truly gathered the impressive amount, and with the constant influence of Occult and telepathy alike to these creatures, they were going to be twisted beyond recognition by the Demon with time to come, twisted into being servants of Murmux, both in battle and in daily routine.

Although, with that done, Murmux had no other reason to stick around.

After collecting these creatures for its own use, and for future experimentation alike, the Demon trotted off, seeking for something else.
(Murmux)