Chrysalis

The floor of this particular expanse is quite similar to the last one I was in. Long fronds of those spined weed like plants that drift and bend with the flow of shadow mana in the air. The stone coral is also present, but the huge strands of web that are anchored to the rock dominate the space that we can see. I can detect flickers of mana in just about every direction, monsters huddling away from this new invasion of their space. An interesting point is that I can feel mana flowing through the massive webs I can see also. The spiders that made these must be similar to the one that poisoned Tiny.

"Be careful of the webs," I warn everyone around me, "there's shadow mana infused inside."

There are a few mages in Vibrant's group and they quickly busy themselves running over to the nearest web and investigate it, their antennae quivering with eagerness.

[You watch yourself,] I say to Tiny, [I don't know if you're immune to the influence of that mana or not, but I don't see any reason to take a chance, do you?]

The big ape looks mad but he shakes his head with a grimace. The pain of having your insides constantly eaten away seems to have made a lasting impression on him. Since his evolution, I'm pretty sure he would be at the very least, resistant to the effects of that mana, but we have absolutely no reason to push our luck.

[Any chance I can send you out on a scouting mission?] I ask Crinis.

[No.]

Haaah.

[Fine. I guess we'll just hold here for a moment as we get our bearings. Invidia! Let's do some practice!]

blast them with whatever element I happen to be practicing. That, or we engage in mind magic duels, which I almost always lose. I think that once I manage to evolve again,

to ensure I'm well practiced with my constructs. The fire bolt, fire spear, even the fire domain might come in handy in this place. The fire domain is a little tricky to use though. My allies and pets aren't affected by the flames of the domain itself, but since it produces such ridiculous amounts of

is, doesn't share my patience and decides to lead a group to scout the surrounding area, screaming at me about how she'll 'just take

at what I

'find' it, or did you chase it down and bite it until

"One of those! Yes!"

carapace (of an inferior sort) in segments that support a powerful looking

shoot barbs from its

They were fast, too! I mean, not fast fast, like me,

thought so. The musculature at the tip is oddly shaped and way too bulky for just stabbing. Looks like it's all attached to some sinew which acts as a launching mechanism. The barbs themselves are probably formed deeper in the tail so there's a ready stock of ammunition. Seeing the claws and tail is bringing up some bad memories for me. If those damn centipedes pop up in here then this expanse is going to experience

a strong foothold in this cursed place! I can tell from the ants around

the webs for later. For now, we can sweep around this area and clean up anything that we can

guys,

the native monsters are unable to put up much resistance before our onslaught. I have fun operating twin flame throwers and roasting whatever gets in front of me as Crinis performs

from the dark with their glistening mandibles ready to puncture our defences. With Crinis and Invidia

you can

I sssshall takess

[Good stuff.]