Chrysalis

I’m no longer human, I get that, but coming from my world, I understand things like the sanctity of life. Even those soldiers that were killed by Tiny, justified as I felt ordering their deaths due to the massacre of my family, my stomach still twists thinking about whether those soldiers had families themselves, children, wives, parents.

Mindless killing serves no purpose. These villagers may be misled, or just incredibly dumb, but I don’t especially feel the need to massacre them because of it. They aren’t a threat after all, I could probably fight a village full of farmers by myself.

Almost as if they could sense my thoughts, Enid and the Queen immediately turn to me to plead for the life of their associates.

[These villagers are misguided, monster, there is nothing to gain from their deaths. Won’t you spare them?]

Well, I have no intention of killing them, but that statement isn’t technically correct.

[The colony would gain Biomass and experience. Hundreds of workers have died recently, our numbers need to be replenished] I point out.

It’s not like we would gain nothing, right?

The Queen’s face falls and so does Enid’s when my words are relayed to her. Enid looks even more despondent when she questions the Queen and her ruler has to reply, I think she’s explaining just how my colony ended up losing hundreds of members. More specifically, how I lost hundreds of my siblings.

Grrrr.

knees and pleads with me, tears beginning to fall from her eyes. The Queen looks deeply moved

begs you to spare the townspeople, they are ignorant but not malicious. She offers you her own flesh as payment, I too am prepared to offer my life in exchange. It is the duty of a ruler after

two sure are keen on saving

have dreamed of happening in my last life. What is the feeling swelling from within?! Superiority? Power?! Yes you

Muahahahahaaaaaa!

Anthony! Down, Dark Anthony! Down, you fiend! Back to the void

black path, I’ll

massacring these villagers but if I can extract maximum value from the Queen and protect the colony at

failing greater than ignorance. If you wish for me to spare these people, as well as to assist you in reclaiming your city,

out of it and only expose myself to the risk then I’m prepared to take it on in order to get those cores. With so many of the precious gems in my mandibles I’ll be able to strengthen my entourage

agreement. Her eyes narrow as her expression turns thoughtful. To spare the townspeople she will need to turn their fervour to a less suicidal cause. These people are afire with religious zealotry, simply saying ’no’ won’t be sufficient to turn them from their cause. She also needs to somehow return to the

ideas and eventually we hash out a plan. I’m not particularly a great fan of it, but I

always have to

preparations are nearly complete. The true Queen has almost fully recovered from her wounds and continues to rest inside the farm, defended by her loyal workers. Myself and a small taskforce have spent the majority of our time working towards the success of our plan whilst Tiny has been mostly sitting on the Queens guard captain and eating. The Queen herself spends her time with Enid, hashing out the details of what will happen in the town

they have clear instructions to stick with Tiny and not get into trouble, before collecting

finally arrive we are treated to a surprising sight. The town has become flooded with angry looking farmers, the crowd leading up the small hill to the church doors is easily ten times the size it was the last time I

of the roaring flames, causing me to wince. Such a waste! The priest is still there, standing before the energetic throng, his frenzied voice rising above the buzz of the people and

the fields, drawing ever closer to the town. I make no attempt to hide myself this time, sneaking up isn’t part of the plan. Thanks