Chrysalis

Chapter 16

The waves are a mystery to us. Ever since the very first, during the cataclysm that came to be known as ’The Rending’, when huge surges of monsters were spawned in the Dungeon below and tore their way onto the surface in great numbers, we have failed to find the reason why ’waves’ of monsters suddenly flood the dungeon.

Some of my predecessors have postulated that the Dungeon uses the waves as a device to repopulate itself when monster numbers are too low and regular spawns are not sufficient to maintain a healthy population, whatever that may be. There is evidence to suggest that lower monster numbers increases the likelihood of a wave.

Yet there are records of waves occurring even when the dungeon is pact to bursting, though it is far more rare for this to happen, to be sure.

From the private notes of Alberton, Loremaster of the Legionem Abbyssi, Liria.

"You look fine".

"I don’t feel fine".

"Do you ever feel fine?".

"Shove off".

"It’s just a meeting".

"You can’t be serious. A formal call to arms before the entire court is a ’meeting’?!"

Titus shrugged, "this is the way your dearest aunt wanted it done".

Alberton grimaced and tugged at his lace collar once again, "you know I don’t like having to face my aunt".

"We really made a brave Legionary out of you, didn’t we Alberton?"

"Shove off".

"That’s shove off, commander".

appearance. Titus felt compressed in his court garb, the lace, the buttons, all of it stretched and pinched at his

heart, the symbol of the Legion stitched in blue thread on a deep, black background. Under one thick arm he carried his dress helm, polished to a mirror shine

draped in his most elegant robes, his beard had been washed, washed again and then combed before being oiled. The Legions court auxiliaries, charge with overseeing the organisations’ interactions with the nobility, had almost had to tie the Loremaster down as he

forced to it, Titus would have to admit that watching Alberton get presentable was the only enjoyable

stewing in an antechamber outside the throne room, waiting to be announced. After some time an overdressed,

gilded entrance doors, where, after a pause

Loremaster Alberton of the Deep Legion!" boomed

with his staff, a massive stone shaft with an elaborately carved lion head

vaulted ceiling as the two Legionary officials stepped forward into the massive hall. To their left and right the courtiers, officials and local power brokers turned to eye their approach, stepping back to clear the center of the floor, allowing them

had to admit, the light streaming through the large, arched windows and playing across the elaborately carved pillars that supported the ceiling were impressive each time he saw them. Liria had been prosperous for

the sharp gleam of intelligence still bright in her eye. Queen Verita had ruled with grace and wisdom for more than thirty years, much beloved by her people. The Legion had benefited greatly from her trust

irritated to see amongst the officials gathered near the dais some people he didn’t particularly want to meet. As if detecting his souring mood,

be completely rigid,

would be completely useless, as

the two men had reached the edge of the dais they

ease

thanks, Queen Verita" Titus replied

who by this point was almost in panic as the eyes of the court focused on

wonderful to see you again. For too long you have avoided our presence, burying yourself in study. I am very pleased you were able

had only called this formal meeting in order drag Alberton out to visit. The idiotic Loremaster was supposed to scrub himself up and come to court every now and again to keep his doting Aunt happy. If he’d been skipping out on coming here then forcing him to attend

uh, Aunt"

to the gathered dignitary adjacent to the dais. "We have gathered representatives here of many of our great cities prominent groups to discuss the activity within

the room ceased and Titus

guard witnessed a monster ant close to the surface. Due to the special nature of this creature, the Legion intends to advance deeper into the Dungeon and exterminate the colony. In order to facilitate this level of activity, the Legion is formally requesting military

military precision, there was a slight pause before several officials began chuckling openly whilst

cape expensively cut to flow

I may?", she

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