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!]

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

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

let you rest here then. I'm going to go talk to the leadership and see what

you mean? What's going on

just

WHAT?!] The worm

I get defensive.

I just wanted to help out

you made giant monstrous ants with the intelligence of humans? Do you

super

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

ground under the watchful eye of his ant protectors. What's his deal anyway? I 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

a convenient meeting chamber for us to use so we don't block off the tunnel,

it's wonderful to see you again!"

operation was

You didn't happen to pick up any new magical secrets, did

things,

bit overwhelming. The situation has changed so quickly that I need a moment to adjust. The Vestibule continues to pump me

great to be back with you all. Thanks for

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

"Shut up, Leeroy."

"Yes, Eldest."

we? How far from

a straight line across the surface from the nest. In terms of movement through the tunnels, we could probably triple that

"HOLY MOLY."

of a long

did you guys even manage to

of weeks?! What the heck have they had to do in order to