Chrysalis

[A demonic existence can be reduced to a single need: obsession. There are many forms that this desire can take, almost innumerable, but every demon feels it. Provided we are given the freedom to pursue this obsession, we are largely content. Though this does not mean we are peaceful. A slaughter demon has but one desire, and it will seek to fulfill that desire always.]

[So… if a demon is going around killing other demons in Roklu, you just… let it go about its business? That hardly seems like it would be conducive to allowing other demons to 'freely pursue their obsession'.]

[As with anything to do with demons, there are no hard and fast rules. A demon of murder killing others is to be expected, it is its nature, so it is not punished for such. Kill too much, and the demon in question could be exiled, sent across the plains to find another city.]

[Not killed? You guys don't kill as a punishment here in Roklu?]

Judging from what little I saw of Grokus' compound, they definitely do.

[We do, but it is generally the city lord who would enact such a thing. It is the right and the responsibility of the strongest demon in the city to enforce their will on it. Those who do not appreciate this burden are free to leave, either to find another city more to their liking, or eke out an existence on the plains.]

[How do you think Grokus has been doing here?]

[I have answered your question,] the blazing eye turns toward me, focusing the full heat of its gaze upon my shiny self. [It is now time for you to answer mine.]

[Fair enough,] I gesture with an antenna, [go ahead.]

The demon, who we've come to know, actually has a name, as do most demons who live in the city, apparently. I was a little surprised at first when he introduced himself, but hey, if a demon wants a name, who am I to go about not using it? So it was that the giant eye wreathed in tongues of flame that hovered around us came to be referred to by his proper title: Allocrix. Or Al, depending on your mood.

[You have mentioned this 'Colony' before. Describe it to me. I wish to know more of it.]

[The Colony? I suppose that's fine. I guess I should ask first off, how much do you know about ants?]

The eye roars with flame.

[Little.]

I sigh.

[Alright then, I suppose I start at the beginning.]

the surface world. Tiny insects capable of forming vast mega-colonies, a collective so unified as to

[You have two stomachs?]

stomach and a regular one,] I confirm, [that way some of our food can be regurgitated

[Fascinating.]

a lot for one question, obviously you want to know more, but I think it's

A pause.

[Very well.]

striking. The vast emptiness vanishes into the distance, well beyond the point my eyes can see as the heat haze and ash eventually blocks my view. Far, far below, the Plains of Leng, even now a writhing carpet of weaker demons locked in eternal combat, the flats pierced here and there with pillars of rock, mountains with sharp cliffs and flat tops. It's mesmerising

of Roklu has continued around us, as more demons emerge and begin to resume their normal activities the noise and movement has steadily risen back to what I presume

giant demon smacking someone down in the middle

they seem quite rare in the city from what I've seen. In fact, as

response. After a few moments he speaks up again. [Demon politics can be simple or complicated, depending on

guess, the

any who would grow strong enough

and say,

[It is so.]

isn't it? You three are the only tier seven monsters that I've managed to detect

Do you assume that there are none others who are capable

Oof.

enough,] I sigh. [So there are

floor, seemingly depressed. [I have no wish for the role.

[The big guy?]

Grokus for the position of city lord, but feels he must dispense with

wants to challenge, but won't until he's managed to …

[Yes.]

I'm going to assume

[It is so.]

I clack my mandibles.

sure don't mess