Chrysalis

Titus sat heavily behind his desk. The desk was similar to the man in many respects, unadorned, rough even, and solid. Thick boards of stonewood he'd harvested himself in the second strata, made up the surface on which he worked. The desk had to be joined together since he couldn't find a nail that would go through the stuff. The wood was stubborn, unyielding, that's why he liked it.

Titus reached inside his Legionary coat pocket with his free hand, withdrawing a smooth metal box attached to his belt by a chain. Placing down the letter he used both hands to place his fingers just so, frowning when he needed four tries to position his thick fingers correctly, before the box opened with a snap.

From within the case a blue glow spilled onto the desk and briefly illuminated Titus' face as he opened the case and stared hard at the contents, then snapped it shut, placing the case back into his inner pocket.

He opened a draw, removed a fresh piece of paper, collected his pen and began to compose a reply.

"Corrin,

as stated in the initial announcement five days ago, ambient mana levels within the dungeon are climbing and continue to do so, it is the opinion of the Legion that a wave is likely to occur within a week, but AS YOU KNOW, these predictions can be inaccurate and a wave can break with very short notice.

In the interest of keeping YOUR MEMBERS ALIVE we have exercised our right to control Dungeon access in the city of Liria and will be undertaking aggressive action to ensure the safety of the citizens.

If some of your parties are unable to conduct their activities in the dungeon during this time, I regret to inform you that I DON'T GIVE A DAMN.

After the wave is finished or when ambient mana levels return to normal your members will once again be granted access to the Dungeon, not before.

Get stuffed,

Titus.

Commander, Legionem Abyssi, Liria"

missive, Titus mused, but he was never very good at playing nice with idiots. One of the main reasons why he hadn't wanted

corner of his office where, tucked behind a cabinet gathering dust, was an enormous battle-axe leaning against the wall. Almost six

turned to his letter, folded it, sealed it with wax and placed it in his mail tray for one

the Path, he heard the sound of feet

in his veins.

at the forward garrison, blasting open the massive doors with a single hand, he advanced into the building like a storm. The soldiers on duty, Legionaries all, saluted respectfully as he passed by,

him as he marched through the stone

was flat stone floor for thirty metres

at the rent in the ground for several long seconds before he stepped down, submerging himself in the darkness. He prevented himself from inhaling as deeply as he wanted to, bringing

the steps he could see the first of several guard stations, each usually manned by two legionaries, was now fully complemented with a team of five. They turned to salute him as

reached the first. Ten legionaries occupied the wall here, two mages took turns to

he was looking for inside the guard post, pouring over maps on the table with some of

and dismissed her

"Commander Titus".

"Tribune Aurillia".

, passages and mana concentration points

is the situation

the guard team has signaled

for monsters in the first strata to show enough intelligence to flee danger. Far more common

he needed immediately

preparations for the

readied on schedule commander, though I have taken

I'll be joining the suppression expedition