Chrysalis

"Stop your slacking, aren't you ready to work for the colony?!"

"Ugh. Of course, Senior!"

The hatchlings are once again suffering from the effects of being stuffed full of cores and then absorbing a special core. Packing all of them full has depleted my stash to basically nothing but it'll be worth it. These twenty are getting the best start in life an ant could possibly hope for.

Each and every one of them has taken the 'superior hatchling' evolution that Vibrant had. Their stats have been boosted only a little from their original hatchling form, the only significant difference is in Cunning, since a small boost in that stat represents a substantial shift, but over their next few evolutions the payoff will be huge.

Regardless of what type of ant these first twenty choose to be, Soldier, Queen or Worker, I want them to be exemplary examples that will be able to lead those who follow in their footsteps. I'm on the clock though, I need to get these twenty up to level 10 and evolved before the next set of two hundred hatchlings emerges. When last I checked in on the brood they were quite chubby little grubs. It won't be long before they enter the pupal phase. Gotta move fast!

Or at least, I would, but I'm still suffering from my own core being oversized. Gawd I hate this feeling.

Crinis is leading the way down at the moment, with Tiny bringing up the rear. This is a good chance for the two of them to grind some skill points and I don't want to waste it. Normally I'd want to be grinding those skills myself but the discomfort I'm experiencing has dampened my enthusiasm somewhat.

As we descend through the tunnels Crinis reaches out with a forest of dark tentacles, grasping hold of monsters before they even know she's coming. Once held within her grasp there is little they can do to save themselves. More tentacles lash out and the victim is quickly rendered unable to fight before being deposited behind her. One of the ants steps forward to deliver the finishing strike before the rest approach to devour the Biomass.

We are advancing in record time to be honest. This system is nothing except efficient. The workers are still levelling at a decent pace and their enhanced stomachs are working just as well as I'd hoped they would. Not only has their capacity increased, but apparently the mutation menu for the organ has an option that will allow them to consume Biomass as if they were one tier of evolution lower, reducing the penalty!

I MUST get my hands on this organ during my next evolution! Things will be made so much simpler! In fact, this organ and mutation should be mandatory for all workers in the colony! The efficiency gains when spread across thousands of workers will be staggering!

Arrrghh! That stings! Damn core…

What this means for my class of hatchlings is that they are rapidly piling up Biomass as we advance further into the Dungeon, seeking higher level creatures to feed them the experience they need to reach level ten as soon as possible.

[How's it going Crinis? Do you need to rest? I can have Tiny swap in for you any time?]

[That is unnecessary, Master. I am more than sufficient to dispose of this filth. Please allow me to continue]

[Sure, sure. As long as you're okay.]

these monsters into a helpless state. You are walking further and further down a questionable road

our progress is rapid as we

another hour of this I call a halt

with my accelerated learning program so far, your hatchlings. But the

Senior?" they query

it's time for the twenty of you to engage in glorious combat

my broken body will decorate the trash pile

the back and think about what you

rest of the workers. "You know the rules. Each and every one of you is to make it back to the

all with a sharp glare,

I want to see if you can handle yourselves when my pets and I

one they roar with their squeaky hatchling voices, "of course,

I ram

them of course, ready to step in just in case something goes

the lead. Once again, they seem strangely deferential as they

I don't want anything to get a jump

[Hrrrr, bored.]

[Don't care buddy.]

[What about me, Master?]

me Crinis,

despair is once again revealed. She takes her customary position on my back and we are ready to depart.

hatchlings are a little hesitant at first and I

need to talk quietly guys, you don't actually make any sound" I

huddle turns to answer me. "We are operating under the assumption that

"That's…." actually pretty smart.

Huh.

the best