Chrysalis

Since we unexpectedly crushed the Immortalis Garralosh (immortal Garralosh? Even I can work that one out), progress has been slow.

The density of monsters has been increasing. Not only the Croca beasts in their various forms are more common but also the local wildlife. One of those stupid Hippo Turtles managed to sneak up on us and almost took Tiny's arm off, but he managed to dodge away in time, and I tied the flabby beast down with Gravity bolts until we were able to kill it. Their strength is in their far, but also their weakness.

Hehe.

Other things have also been growing in strength, namely the oppressive aura that fills the expanse, it's so thick now it hangs over us like a fog. Even with a Will as high as mine it intrudes on my thoughts and fills me with a compulsion.

This close, I can sense more clearly what the aura is trying to convey — a combination of fear, and demand for obedience. I'm not sure if a gland creates this aura or if it's some side effect of a sufficiently powerful core, but this oppression is rolling out in waves and suffocating the will from the newborn monsters while also suppressing the instincts of the creatures within the expanse.

Just what kind of creature can cause such an effect? I'm getting a touch nervous since I think we're getting reasonably close to finding out!

["Everyone holding up ok? I know it isn't easy to operate under the effect of this pressure"]

[I am … all right, Master. I will not fail you!]

One the one antenna, I'm touched by her loyal spirit, on the other, I'm concerned about her lack of self-preservation instinct. Crinis is loyal in an almost fanatical way that Tiny never was. I wonder why?

[I'm not worried about you failing at all Crinis, I want to make sure you're fine. If you can't fight properly, then you won't be safe, and we will need to pull back. It's crucial that you be honest here]

[I am touched by your concern Master! I believe I will be all right. If I feel that I am becoming a liability, I will tell you]

[Good girl Crinis] I pat her by bending one antenna back and tapping her on the head a few times where she is resting on my back. Like a cat, she flops down and turns from a tennis ball into a tennis blob. I need to stop indulging her.

right buddy?] I ask

[Hmm] he rumbles.

to say the least, the aura must be having the most potent effect

fight] he says

think I get what he's trying to say. With the fear and command pressing into his mind, he wants to fight and have the adrenaline take over. Or perhaps he just feels

Vibrant? You

soldier ant, no longer a small, cheerful hatchling, is more subdued than usual. Even her usually boundless energy and enthusiasm has

utterly

up next to her and give her a friendly thwippity with my antennae, the

will be able to use all of the stuff down here, and we won't have to worry about those waves of monsters killing our

a little energy coming back to her

Encouraged, I keep going.

of pressure? Think of the Biomass? It must be so dense with it that every mouthful will give a point. When you take into account how large the monster is, how much Biomass do you think

I didn't notice Tiny walking

dribbling me

immediately to make up for your lack of manners!] Crinis

I don't think that's necessary] I say quickly, but it's

pet, Tiny moves swiftly to make amends. He reaches down with two enormous hands, grabs me around the middle, and flings

SPLASH!

hold of me desperately as we fly through the air and then crash

on the shore looking extremely pleased with himself and Vibrant on her back cackling with her legs wiggling

"Haaa hahahahahaha!" she laughs.