Chrysalis

When the Colony gathers in the tunnels outside the ravaged outpost, we quickly take stock before we march through the tunnels. It's quite an inspiring sight to me, the long column of ants pouring through the tunnels, obliterating everything they find. My pets and I bring up the rear and it's great to finally get a chance to take a peek at their cores and admire the upgrades that they've achieved. Some good evolutions for Tiny and Crinis, and I can see that both of them have been working hard at improving their Skills. Invidia has also been putting in work, judging by the increase to his magical abilities. Considering the short timeframe that he's had, his improvements in the magical fields that I've instructed him to work on are impressive. Although, when you take into account the sheer grunt he's able to put behind his spells, it shouldn't be that surprising.

"Quite a good haul it looks like," I observe to Burke when she drops back to scout the rear of the column.

"Agreed. The wealth of cores we were able to obtain has got the Core Shapers drooling."

"Was there anything other than cores that we got our mandibles on?"

"Oh yes. We cut apart and dragged away anything enchanted as well as a collection of mana empowered materials. The carvers and mages are going to be very excited. Not to mention those two prisoners you picked out. If we can extract anything useable from them then they might even prove to be the best part of the haul."

I'm a bit doubtful.

"You really think they're going to hand over reliable information? They aren't exactly willing co-operators."

"There's a few things that we can try

"Did I see books getting carried away? What the heck are we going to be doing with books?"

The smaller ant wiggles her antennae indecisively.

"I'm not sure on the books, you might need to talk to one of the mages about that one. If I was to take a guess, I suppose it might be for trading with the humans in the village."

I have to think for a second.

these books. We don't even know if

Another shrug.

just guessing here. If you don't have any more questions, Eldest, then I'm going to scout. Pursuit should have started

"Good point. Stay safe."

and hunting for signs of the Golgari. They must be out there somewhere, ready to

with the column. We cover ground quickly, as a nearly tireless army of ants should. Tiny is the first of my

on Tiny, Invidia? Big guy’s lacking a

know thisss magic.

enough. Going to have to tough it out

in the back of

his reluctance, Tiny keeps putting one big, ape foot in front of the other until the column is called to a halt. Hunting parties immediately peel off to try and secure Biomass for the group. Energy is low and it needs recharging! Shortly after the stop, the members of the council who are present find their way back to me for a chat, minus Burke

good pace. I wouldn't think those meatbags would be able to keep up with us."

the Core Shaper shook her

underestimate them Propellant. They were able to capture the Eldest, I think

that up," I groan, "but yes, they can be very capable. Especially when their Warriors and Shapers are working together. It's possible they have other castes that they can deploy in battle and I just haven't seen them yet. So we have to be

of our Core Shapers and their pets to keep an antenna out behind us. We marched hard for the last few hours and we need to rest before we continue. I want to ensure that we stay well rested and

our energy up, stay alert and push hard. Sounds like the Colony's

about torpor? We need to rest at

look uncomfortable when I mention

about it later," Sloan clacks her mandibles, trying to move

point trying to keep everyone rested and then not let anyone

for me, since the Vestibule kept me supplied with all the energy I can spend. I won't need to

we think it's going to take to make it back to the nest?" I ask. "Probably take a