Chrysalis

Corun, Torrina and Granin all stare at me with glittering eyes after they reveal that it's the Ancients who've stuck this hook in me rather than the Dungeon itself. At times like this I have to remind myself that despite their intelligence, these three are cultists who essentially worship a giant worm.

[So in your opinion, the fact that the Ancients have done this to me, rather than the Dungeon itself, should change my view of it?]

[Of course,] Torrina nods seriously, [these are the oldest and most powerful creatures in this world.]

[How could it not make a difference? Are you saying you don't care that you've been called by these god-like entities?] Corun entreats me, grinning.

I stare him in the eye.

[OF COURSE I DON'T CARE! Why the hell would it make any difference to me? Are you stupid? Is your brain a worm?! I swear on the Colony, if I ever become an Ancient I'll stick a hook in your guts and haul you around the Dungeon, we'll see if your opinion changes!]

Granin raises both his hands and tries to calm the mood.

[Alright, let's settle a bit. Obviously Anthony isn't thrilled at being in pain. That's perfectly understandable. I'm sure that you can understand why we might be excited though, right? You've essentially been touched by what we would consider to be omnipotent beings.]

[Granin,] I grate out, [even if I wasn't in pain, I wouldn't care about the Ancients. All they are to me can be summed up as 'threats to my family'. Outside of that they can take a long walk on a scenic trail.]

Corun almost winces.

about them like that, Anthony,] he tells

I sarcastically bite back. [Will they cause me

ache

can't detect any mana that's connecting to me. It's like this sensation comes from

to figure it out, or what requirements are necessary to trigger the call. Some promising monsters begin to feel it early, perhaps even

the core somehow? It shouldn't be possible according to what I know, but these monsters have been alive for literally thousands of years. If they haven't

can barely operate on this stratum at all, I presume going to the second would be even worse. If the Colony needs help this is going to make it difficult to

nods, understanding where I'm coming from. She glances at Granin, who indicates she can answer

constant. The only way to get rid of it that we've ever found is for the marked individual to … ] she reaches for the right words, [ … lose the interest of the Ancients. Once they no longer believe

during an evolution

they've reached out and attempted to draw promising monsters to them,] Granin says directly. [It's a crude method, but they are attempting to drive you to descend further, evolve more, fight and survive in ever more difficult conditions. Only a monster who can overcome all of

about to tell Granin exactly what he can do with his beliefs

difficult

the nest in shock. It

they rush forward to assess any threats. But underneath all of that

"Weren't you

managed to get her guards to let her go out hunting and everything. I kind of thought that would end up being