Chrysalis

The Path is not a creation of any mortal kind, not even the Chal, at the height of their strength could affect such a change to our world. No, the Path descended from above, and it has illuminated the way forward for the world ever since. The Path sees no race, colour or creed, it embraces all and in return all must embrace it.

The Path is our road to ascension, to a greater state of being, the system will uplift us, but only if mortal kind is united will we be able to pursue the Path to its final destination.

Exert from the Holy Book of the Path.

Yesterday was a little too hectic for my tastes I have to say. It’s my dearest wish that today will be a little more calm. My only aim is to try and secure one more biomass so I can mutate my eyes to +3 and then perhaps relocate my nest to a location a little more distant from the surface.

However it doesn’t appear as if my day is going to as peaceful as I’d hoped.

Why on earth are there all these soldiers out here!?!

When I emerge from my nest and move into the cavern there are already human soldiers everywhere! They are moving systematically around the cavern, luring monsters out of their side tunnels and exterminating them with superior force. From my position huddled on the ceiling in the shadows I can see they’ve established some sort of formation around the water pool. Wooden tripods extend over the water surface and hanging from each is some sort of crystal or device that appears to be absorbing light from within the water?!

What on Pangea is this fancy technology? What are they absorbing? What are these funky crystals?!

More importantly, how am I getting out of here alive!?

The cavern has been completely occupied by them! Even if I try and rely on my stealth, I’ve already seen the monster detecting equipment they have available. I’d be stupid to think I could sneak past, and even If I could, there is only the large tunnel down halfway up the tunnel for me to head to, but that is clearly how they are going to advance further into the dungeon!

Can I hide in my nest successfully?

No, I don’t think so. When they see all the dirt I’ve shifted into the tunnel they may even realise that it’s the work of a monster and start to clear it out. Possibly they already have knowledge of that tunnel and will realise something is off when they notice the dirt obstruction!

In that case, what the hell am I supposed to do?!

Stupid humans!

There is only one option left available to me, but that choice is almost certain death! I have to escape past my nest and further into the tunnel towards the area I saw my first Croca-beast!

Isn’t this a classic case of out of the frying pan and into the waiting jaws of doom?!

to the shadows near the entrance to my tunnel the disciplined soldiers are already beginning to sweep around to my side of the pool, waving torches to illuminate shadows and identify every stray nest and tunnel that may be hiding. I haven’t got much time

do these soldiers need to work so hard? Take a break

no choice. Time to face the

way to my nest. My heart pangs a little as I crawl through the small gaps I left on the ceiling and leave my temporary

but we had good times. If I’d had a few of my fellow ant bros to stay with me it would have been a real

the safest place for me. I’ve already seen the kind of reception I get from surface society in this world (it wasn’t great), so maybe it’s time I try and get along with my own kind. Ant

all, how far away from my nest could I possibly have been dragged before I was born? The nest may be

positive Anthony! Charge forth and find the queen! That is

do so in a safe way, without being

of my nest and into the unexplored side of this tunnel. I haven’t been out here since the first day I awoke in this place and saw one

a little since then though! I’m level two now, have a few Biomass points spent. I’m

all six of my claws and begin to carefully make my way forward. My antennae

I swear the veins along the wall are glowing more brightly and are pulsing with slightly more frequency than they did

the corner around which I saw I first

have serious trauma

no monster, please no

a peek and thankfully there

Phew!

For now the tunnel seems to continue to a wide curve to the left (my right since I’m upside down). I

from the

advance boldly

something in the air. Only a hundred meters further into the tunnel I

Hmm.

senses I try to determine if

wiggling with all their strength my antennae aren’t

this setup. One of these tunnels could mean

can’t hold

to improve Antennae? This will

Do it!

BUGAAAA!