Chrysalis

When I finally come across Jim, he's shivering up against the wall of the tunnel as dozens of ants keep watch on him, some literally on top of him.

[Jim! You made it out, alright I see!]

[Anthony! Thank the- WHAT THE HELL IS THAT?!]

[You mean Crinis? She's my pet.]

[THAT is your pet?]

[For sure, she's great. Anyway, why are you shaking like a leaf in a storm? Something wrong?]

[Every cell in my body is screaming at me to escape from these ants. I swear they are tasting me in their minds. They look hungry, Anthony!]

[You can't tell if an ant is hungry by looking at them, Jim.]

[I can sense it.]

[No you can't! Besides, what would be the point? We ants are always hungry.]

[Nooooo. Don't eat me, Anthony! I have a family! My poor worm children!]

[You aren't going to be eaten, Jim!] I scoff at him. [If the Colony was going to eat you, you'd be eaten already! Just relax for a second.]

[It's hard to relax when literal predators are climbing on you.]

He has a good point. When it comes to insects and small organisms, ants are just about kings of the hill. Worms are just one of the near infinite number of things that ants will prey upon as they seek out the protein they need to raise the ravenous brood.

[Just take a minute to appreciate your achievement! You're free! You made it out! If you want to, you can slither into the wall and vanish. Back to the Dungeon!]

in. I think I need to rest before I can enjoy it. Besides, I can't feel at ease knowing what Sarah is going through. If she doesn't fight, then isn't she just going to get eaten. It's

and rescue his friend. Now that the Colony has exposed itself, there isn't much reason not to back and try to bust her out. If it's going to happen though, it'll need to happen soon. The Golgari will get word of an active ant colony soon and will start to mobilise their no doubt considerable resources against us. We need to get in, hit the outpost and get out before that can happen. If we pull the Colony

talk to the leadership and see what we

do you mean? What's going on with these ants,

hard to explain. Let's just say, I

did WHAT?!] The worm

I get defensive.

help out my family, you

the intelligence of humans? Do you have any idea

super cool

god. I can't take it anymore. I'm going

don't see how smart ants are any worse than smart apes or smart rock-skinned people. In fact, aren't they just better? I mean, I'll take my current family over my old one in a heartbeat. No time to worry about that now. I need to find whichever members of the Council were foolish enough to come all the way out here. Wherever 'here' is. Time to plan

for me to turn up for a chat. They dug out a convenient meeting chamber for us to use so we don't block off the

it's wonderful to see you again!" This from

pleasing to see that this operation was a success."

must have gone through a lot, Eldest! You didn't happen to pick

a heap of things,

a moment to adjust. The Vestibule continues to pump me full of energy and keep me fresh, but

be back with you all. Thanks for

we came to get you! Through great danger and GLORIOUS battle we have made our way

"Shut up, Leeroy."

"Yes, Eldest."

Where even are we? How far

a hundred and thirty two kilometres in a straight line across the surface from the nest. In terms of movement through

"HOLY MOLY."

of a

guys even manage to

of tunnel? In a matter of weeks?! What the