Chrysalis

After that the crowd was quickly pacified and I was relieved the Queen didn’t secretly sic the people on me. As we agreed she and I remained close to each other as we moved into the next phase of the plan.

With the people calmed, less suicidal and at the same time directed against her enemies, the Queen wants to turn her attention to her most potent and loyal forces. The ones she "cleverly" deployed in the Dungeon to assist other troops in a ploy to appear weakened and lure those who had been working to destabilising her rule into open rebellion. Too bad they had more backing than she had foreseen and with the soldiers she had left she had been soundly defeated.

She’d even kept her guard in the dark because they would refuse to leave her so vulnerable had they known about it. Even now those poor suckers are stuck in the top level of the Dungeon stabbing centipedes in the face whilst the Queen they swore to defend was forced to flee the city.

Honestly. All of these people are so stupid it pains me to be near them! Keep those precious cores in your mind Anthony! You’ll walk out here rich and leave these morons to their own devices.

The way the people in Malgate react to me know is a little unnerving to say the least. As I pass by then back away carefully, making sure not to obstruct my path, many even bow respectfully. All of these displays of subservience are stirring Dark Anthony! Just ignore me people! I’m honestly happier sliding into the background!

It doesn’t matter though. At my size it’s getting hard to hide. I’m already the height and length of a desk basically. If I continue to evolve am I going to end up car size? Bus size?! Yikes. Regardless, as I move about with the Queen people are easily able to find me and continue to show their respect throughout the day.

The Queen speaks to people one on one, in small groups and addresses large crowds. Everywhere she goes the reaction is favourable and those prepared to go and fight are quickly prepared, packing supplies, clutching their crude blades and strapping into worn leather armour that probably belonged to a relative who fought in a war three generations ago.

Even the priest is fully pumped up for this. He spends most of his time following along behind me, eulogising my status as a holy messenger at the top of lungs. I had the Queen tell me what he was saying but forced her to stop about two sentences in. So embarrassing!

all for

prepared and depart the village for the forest, marching together in a spirited column. About an hour from the village, just inside the edge of the woods we find

going to unite with her soldiers in the Dungeon without getting into the city and putting herself at risk? What task could only a dedicated

a single worker can be found. As the column comes to the opening of the tunnel in the ground the Queen gathers everyone around and explains what has been done. When

Dark One! These

took a long time since humans would need to be able to travel through it somewhat comfortably and they are a lot taller than ants. Even Tiny can move

the excavation skill at work that helps to avoid areas that might change the structural integrity, or maybe this world is fundamentally built to support underground

after hatching. I made sure the workers didn’t complete the tunnel since the soldiers on the

dirt, the very moment the last bit of dirt crumbles away to reveal an opening I back away hastily and place myself behind the Queen, leaning against the left side of the tunnel and trying

steps forward to push away the last of the dirt, widening the opening until she is able to squeeze herself through it. On the other side I can hear raised shouts and the Queens calming words. After a short

allow the townsfolk who accompanied us to go first, squeezing myself to one side. Fortunately the tunnel is a little wider here and there is pace to push through. Once the last person has left our small connecting tunnel it’s

suddenly poking one leg out. After a moment when nothing happens I withdraw the leg and slowly push my head through. It takes a moment for my eyes to adjust to the bright mana infused light of the Dungeon. As the light washes over me

the townsfolk are gathered and as I emerge amongst them, my six legs taking purchase on the firm Dungeon walls they make space for me, staying

the forefront is the priest, Beyn. Wherever I go this guy is never far away. My

a troop of fierce and worn looking soldier types. Their gilded armour and fine blades are quite familiar to me as was those same weapons that were turned on my colony. These must be