Chrysalis

[If you’re finished being precious, can we move on to looking at our options?]

Torrina and Corun both nod enthusiastically. The former already has a book and pen in hand, ready to scrawl down every little detail. I might well be the first tier seven ant monster in the history of the Dungeon, and they are not going to miss this chance.

Stupid monster research enthusiasts. Actually, why am I even surprised? They are literally members of a monster-worshipping cult. This is what they live for.

[That’s easy for you to say,] I complain. [I feel like my end-zone is about to meet its end.]

The mythic core had been larger than I’d expected. Granin hadn’t exaggerated when he suggested they were much larger than rares. The concentrated energy contained within was incredible, and after I’d maxed out my core and absorbed the monstrosity, I felt more than a little tender.

It hurt like hell! My guts feel like they're having a boxing match with each other. And everyone is losing. If it hurts this much when I’m just lying flat on the ground, I can’t imagine how bad it would be if I started moving around.

[The faster you get through the menu, the quicker you can start evolving and the pain goes away. You say the same thing to Tiny every time he evolves.]

Granin is utterly without sympathy, standing in front of me with his arms folded across his granite chest. He’s not wrong either.

[Fine,] I groan and start poking through the menu.

[You have reached the maximum level for your current stage of evolution. Would you like to evolve?]

I sure would.

After confirming my choice, I jump straight into the goods. What’s my good mate Gandalf got to offer me? I flick my eyes through the normal options, reading through them silently for a moment.

[Well?] Granin is the first to break.

I look up at him, a cruel twinkle in my eye.

[What?]

causing yourself pain just to make me

That’s true…

mutter across the link

mean, I feel like I’m about to pop from the pressure inside my body, but Granin looks about the same. As eager as his two apprentices are, he’s easily double the two of them put together. He probably feels like this is the defining moment of his long life. I feel

and then rattle off the details of the Supreme Major, Perfect Ant Mage and

Granin observes as Torrina rushes to scribble everything down. [This basically confirms

the thesis,] Corun

you

a little

• Formica Fury (Special)

• Acid Mage (Special)

up now. The way it works off

would

Mage is actually a great sign,] the old shaper says. [The remodelled acid gland it comes with is straight from the fifth stratum. That evolution actually sounds extremely strong, and it’s only

Being able to turn mana directly into acid would be crazy strong, especially since my acid would be given a huge boost with this option. I’d be like a water bender, but with bone-melting

the rare

• Putrid Major (rare)

• Jade-Diamond General (rare)

stratum choice. The stat gains are extremely nice for the Putrid Major and the

[I mean yeah…]