Chrysalis

"I'm really not sure about this," Isaac muttered under his breath.

[That makes two of us…] his new partner replied.

"I really didn't think they would go for this as enthusiastically as they did."

[It's how we are. If there's an advantage in it, we're more than happy to explore it. Even if it does prove to be… unconventional.]

Isaac felt the massive ant shift beneath him and tried to adjust his position to roll with the movement. The saddle they'd created wasn't quite the right shape, the craft ants having never made anything of this sort before, and it chafed him ever so slightly in an area he would prefer didn't see any chafing.

"I just never imagined that I'd ever be riding on the back of one of you. I mean, I didn't expect that I'd be fighting alongside any monstrous ants, but I got used to that well enough, but to be riding on one? Feels kind of weird. You aren't horses."

[What's a horse?]

"Have you seen a cow?"

[I have, in the farms around Renewal.]

"Right, so think of a cow that's prettier and faster."

[… I do not like this comparison.]

"That's what I mean!"

The once former guard captain heaved a sigh and once again fruitlessly tried to protect his most vulnerable zones from the pommel that rose too sharply between his legs. If it was made of cured leather, that'd be one thing, but that damned armour ant had decided to cover the thing in folded steel. To say he was sweating would be an understatement.

test. We will count you in starting

here

sure you don't fall off this

are at least

[That is somewhat true.]

rock, up the walls, across the roof and back down again. If he just had to hold on, that would be one thing, but the series of targets he was

after all, what the hell did he know about wielding a lance? On the surface it was a noble's

time,] chided Cavalant and

the skill, and even at rank one it provided significant bonuses. Not only were his thoughts connected to the ant he rode, to the point he didn't need to speak aloud if he didn't want to, but to an extent their senses were shared as well. Combined with a quite respectable combat buff, the Class might prove to be a powerful asset,

align with those of Cavalant as she settled beneath him, flexing her six legs as she lowered her centre of gravity. When the countdown finished, she would explode from the starting line and Isaac didn't intend to

call from the mage and as predicted, Cavalant launched herself forward, all six legs

hold on. Gripping with his

up,]

I forget,"

for the tunnel wall. The image of himself splattered across the rock flashed into his

this particular rider and mount relationship, but he did have a strap to grip to avoid falling to his death. A

swore as he struggled to keep

zigging and zagging madly along the trail. For his part, Isaac held fast to his lance and aimed it as

Crack. Crack. Crack.

point of his spear and then, with one nauseating dash, Cavalant was up

hurried to tighten his legs, desperate to avoid

think I’m going to

[Don't you dare!]

Crack. Crack. Crack!