Chrysalis

It takes a few days, but we finally make it down here. The remnants of the wave are still visible in mana levels and spawn rates that are higher than they otherwise would be, but the never ending streams of monsters bursting from the walls of the tunnels are no longer to be found, which is nice. To be honest though, the spawn rates and mana levels have never really returned to what they were when I was born. If I had to hazard a guess, after the first wave, the mana level never dropped back down to what it would normally be, and this time is likely to be the same.

Are we going to experience a series of waves that will push the mana level higher each time? Is that a normal sort of thing? Somehow I doubt it. Whatever is going on doesn't appear to be what would be considered part of the 'normal' cycle of mana in the Dungeon. I can't decide if this is going to be a good thing or not. The higher spawn rates and frequent waves are only going to push the Colony forward at an accelerated rate, so long as we remain strong enough to protect ourselves.

[You guys ready for this?] I ask my gathered friends.

[Ready, Master!] Crinis assures me.

[I am alwayssss ready to take!]

[Harr!]

[Seems good. Let's see what we can see then.]

"Wait a minute! Wait for me!"

I turn around impatiently.

"Come on, Brilliant! What the heck have you been doing back there?"

"DASHING!"

How slow

few days old! Unlike an ancient ant like

don't call me an ancient," I glance around shiftily,

you mean?" she asks whilst trying to stop herself from flopping onto the

explain it to you later, but yes, I get your point, I am very old compared to you. We'll take

[Quick break everyone.]

over a little in disappointment before taking up his now accustomed rest position near Brilliant, making sure the little thing remains protected as

to be the second ant in the Colony who gets to see this. Aren't you

am…. I'm just…. So

worked you

whacking her with tentacles, helping to train the Exo-Skeleton defence Skill through repeated impacts whilst making the young ant Dash to avoid getting entangled in a constricting mess. When she failed to Dash in time to avoid her clutches, Crinis made sure she regretted it. The things we need to do in order to raise our young to be strong in this cruel world! It's almost enough to bring a tear

It's time for you to start working on what you really wanted to be doing, mana manipulation!

have," a little energy comes back into her eyes, "I have bought it,

too bad. When that happens, let me know. You need to keep your wits about

very basics of self-preservation abilities doesn't mean she'll be able to get away from anything down here. The

anything you can tell me about the third stratum? So

least, not much that I've been able to confirm with my own eyes. In terms of things that I've been told about it, there's rather a lot, not that much of it will be useful to you. In essence, the third stratum is the realm of demons, if there are any other types of monster here, I've not heard of them or seen them. The primary elements are fire and ash, although apparently there are other variants as you get deeper. The whole place is very open, almost the entire thing is considered to be one vast expanse with small offshoot tunnels in the floor and in the side of cliffs. Lastly, the key feature is the pillars that connect the ceiling to the floor. Kilometres high, they are made from an apparently unbreakable stone. The higher tier demons form societies and cities attached to the side or around these formations, one of which sits beneath us

whole city of

and pay a visit, but I'd like to get a bit closer and lay eyes on the place. Now, let's get