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.

try and not make a mistake

your,

said, before turning away and once again becoming still as the workers continue

bit 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

to strike

uh. How are

best I can come up

to turn back and

Are you well?"

giddy. A conversation! An

uh, I’m good! I

glad" she says, before beginning to

I get some

to me, patiently waiting for my words. Actually talking to a giant monster ant is a little more difficult than I expected it to be, much more difficult than

seems kind of obvious, but I need to keep 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 is that is important to her. She’s probably not even that old, I mean, technically in this world I’m less

getting ready to evolve! I just wondered if you, uh,

think I might need to repeat the question when eventually her antennae reached down

a strong core in you" she

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

our kind. Choose as you wish, and continue to use

not certain what evolution is

the words of the Queen as she responds to

improve the lives of our people. To the colony, it matters not what you

the head with her antennae. I think I’ve gotten

I start to make my

from having my first conversation in months, I have to say that what the Queen had

itself doesn’t give a rats ass which one you pick, as long as you

it just comes down to my

a commander or do I want to be a magic

general or

think about it

has to be wizard right? Like, this is magic 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 has

be a magic user

is the

and find everything much the same as I left it. Tiny still sleeping and the traps are prepared but

Excellent.

time on your doubt Anthony! Commence

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

Comments ()

0/255