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.

we are ready for the test. We will count you in starting in one minute's time. Prepare yourself, Isaac,

then, here we

sure you don't fall

are at least half responsible for

[That is somewhat true.]

his lance once more. He surveyed the course ahead again, a dizzying trail of loops and whorls that took them between pillars of 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 supposed to

he know about wielding a lance? On the surface it was a noble's weapon and down below no idiot would be fighting on horseback. The very idea of mounted combat in the Dungeon seemed absurd. But if you were going to ride on something, an all terrain insect wouldn't be

time,] chided Cavalant

his new class was definitely the new mental link he shared with his nominated partner. [Lancer's Bond] was the name of 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

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

as predicted, Cavalant launched herself forward,

hold on. Gripping with his legs, Isaac

going up,] Cavalant

could I

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

they weren't necessary in this particular rider and mount relationship, but he did have a strap

he swore as he struggled to keep his

the wall, zigging and zagging madly along the trail. For his part, Isaac held fast to his lance and aimed it as best he could, every day of his life spent wielding

Crack. Crack. Crack.

targets shattered beneath the point of his spear and then, with one nauseating dash, Cavalant was up the wall and

Isaac hurried to tighten his legs, desperate to avoid

going to

[Don't you dare!]

Crack. Crack. Crack!