Chrysalis

Chapter 79

Now that I know I can talk to my colony members, even if they can’t talk back, I don’t hold back and start to throw words at every worker I meet on my way into the nest.

"Hey, how are yor?"

Still needs a bit of work on that one.

"Hoos that work goging for yar?"

So close!

"Blice to see you ablarn".

Nearly had it!

As I wander about cheerfully greeting the ants around me they typically respond in the same way, by turning and tapping me about the antennae before going back on their way.

I’m not really fussed by the lack of response to my blather, just talking and getting the hang of my new mutation is reward enough for me.

Checking in on the brood I can see the little grubs are looking a little larger and a little less sad than they were before, pleasingly plump and growing they’ll become new workers soon enough.

After shouting "See you flater!" to the workers I make my way down to the Queens chamber. By this time I’ve gotten used to saying whatever is on my mind to every ant I see so when I walk in front of the Queen, who is standing still and accepting a grooming for her attendant workers I give a friendly wave of the antennae and say "Hey there! How’s it hambing Queen?"

The enormous ant turns her head slowly and ponderously before looking down at me with her large, unblinking eyes.

"Hambing?" she said.

....

"Uhhhh".

.....

She can talk?

The Queen continues to look down at me quizzically as I stare dumbfounded.

"Hambing?" she asks again.

This sensation of talking and listening using scent is very different to what I’m used to. When the Queen speaks I’m finding my antennae are not only able to distinguish the words she is speaking but also the difference in tone and voice. Her voice sounds patient and warm.

concentrate harder to try and not make a mistake

uh, misspoke, your, uh,

she said, before turning away and once again becoming still

stunned! So the Queen can use pheromone language too? Did she choose this as a mutation advancement or is it something that she gets for being a Queen? Does it really matter? I have

I try to strike up the

Queen, uh.

the best I can

troubles herself to turn back and face

Are you

giddy. A conversation! An actual

uh, I’m good!

glad" she says, before beginning

some advice?"

to a giant monster ant is a little more difficult than I expected

in mind that the Queen isn’t human and unlike me, she never was. I’m not exactly sure how her mind works, what it

if you, uh, had

moment and I was starting to think I might need to repeat the question when eventually her antennae reached down and tapped mine before

sense a strong core in you" she

"Uh.... Yes?" I respond.

fought well for our kind. Choose as you wish, and continue to use your strength on behalf of

I’m not certain

can sense a faint amusement in the words

greater strength and greater strength will improve the lives of our people. To the colony, it matters not what you

away, giving me one last pat on the head with her antennae. I think I’ve gotten all the help I’m likely to get from her majesty at

to make my

I have to say that what the Queen had to say makes

stronger, the colony itself doesn’t give a rats ass which one you pick, as long as you use your new power to assist the

end, it just comes down to my

I want to a commander or do I want to be

general or a

I think

we are talking about... MAGIC. I could lord over the battlefield like a friggin’ god if I can throw fireballs and lightning bolts around! Even what little magic I’ve seen

want to be a magic user for

is the only

the trap network and find everything much the same as I left it. Tiny still sleeping

Excellent.

no more time on your doubt Anthony!

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

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