Chrysalis

In an effort to return to normalcy, I think it's best that I get back to the colony as quickly as possible. With Crinis and Tiny in tow, we make our way out of the village. Before long my thoughts begin to wander toward the Common Will Vestibule. It's powerful, there's no doubt about that. The constant flow of energy that trickles from the gem-like organ and into my system is nourishing in an all-encompassing way. It washes away my fatigue, refills my other glands, heals me and perhaps does other things as well. If it was able to provide me with mana it would be an all-singing, all-dancing provider of everything I could possibly need.

As it is, it's immensely powerful. The only issue I have with it is the strange whispers and thoughts that pop into my head. I'm finding I get an urge to do stuff at random and I have a sneaking suspicion I know what's causing it, and why, and the connotations are a little disturbing to me. I don't intend to set myself up as some sort of king, but the colony feels like it's trending that way at the moment. I'm not sure I like it. I'm really looking forward to breaking out on my own for some Dungeon exploration. Just put some space between the family and myself for a little while and let things settle down. I'll need time to adjust to this new evolution and Tiny and Crinis need to evolve and build their strength if they're to keep up with me.

Before the wave is gone completely, we need to push deep, maybe even try and find the second strata. Do some fighting, level up a few skills, clear the air a little. After all the excitement of the attack by Garralosh, I can't wait to get back to a simpler life.

Muddling along like this, I walk for twenty minutes before I wake up to the fact that I'm nowhere near the nest.

[What the heck?! Where are we?!]

[I - I'm not sure, Master!]

[Hurrn?!] Tiny grunts.

It seems as if we've wandered into the forest. I immediately get suspicious. There's no way I would've gotten lost, I'm an ant! I follow the pheromone trail when I walk. I could walk along the path whilst I was asleep and still manage to get there! Someone has been playing with my mind!

And I can think of one likely suspect…

Kaarmodo. I hope you've brought me here for a friendly chat. No hard feelings about me killing Garralosh right? Or for murdering your attendants? Uh.

surrounding trees for any sign a large, vengeful lizard is about

only silence in my mind after my words and I don't see any movement around me. Doubt begins to creep

turn around to orient myself

[GAH!]

the Kaarmodo has appeared! Flanked by six of his Setsulah attendants with their hoods down for once, the Lizard Wizard is standing only three metres away! I leap back in shock

you doing?! You'll give me a heart attack! You've been there this whole time, haven't you? Playing

Something tells me that's as close as a Kaarmodo gets to laughing out loud. When I calm myself a little, I take a good look at this manipulator and his attendants. I haven't been able to see them this close before and it's interesting to see them now. The Lizard himself is bedecked in finery. I hesitate to say it, but for a giant lizard, he is rolling in bling. Woven tapestries with gleaming golden thread tassels lay

still maintaining a humanoid shape. Eye colours vary from deep gold to emerald green but each are vertically slit as a reptiles. Golden nose rings, necklaces and

resounds in my mind. Very notably, that was not an apology. [Please be at ease, I have not

choice

Uh… unfortunate loss

remind him of that, Anthony? Not smooth! Opposite of

causing my legs to spasm. I let it roll over me, probably well deserved to be honest, as I consider his spell weaving. How the hell he's able to hide them like

them as such. They are bonded to

you brought me out