Chrysalis

We will be one

Within, within

Surrender the self

To him, to him

The darkest night

Will end, will end

The cage of our flesh

Will break, will break

But we will live

Forever and ever.

In him

Prayer and refrain from the “Lamentations: Spirit of the Great One”, written by Priest Beyn.

mercenary city of Gliax was anything but efficient. Positioned on the southern shores of the golden mountain, it was a prosperous trading hub, a raucous tourist destination and the seat of power for the Guild

disoriented. The handlers grabbed him by the shoulders and pulled him out of the way as the next group came through behind him. He

Guild registry where they confirmed their applications, found their way to

away, catching up with old friends, alongside the usual brainless flexing that went on whenever more than one merc could

Drake were wide-eyed, looking at the hubbub and

tourists,” Rillik said over his shoulder. “Just because it’s your first time on a big expedition, that doesn’t mean you need to announce it to the world. At least try to act like you

nonchalance. It was so patently transparent that he couldn’t help but bark out a laugh, drawing more eyes

pack away their belongings. While

the first time you’ve been on a big expedition, and I think this is going to be even bigger than we expected. The Path must have posted this job in quite a few cities; mercs are pouring into Gliax from all over the place, and I hear

nodded, trying to contain their excitement, and he smiled. Their attitude was infectious,

it get to your head. There’s going to be powerful, experienced mercs out there boasting, daring each other, making bets and generally acting like pirates. Don’t be fooled. When the time comes, they’ll forget all of that nonsense

times before, which he had, to be fair. Elly was nodding, hanging on his every word as she always

out and poked the young man

why we came here. Kill monsters, square away a tidy profit, and get out. More mercs on the job is good for us, we can

the spot he’d been

know. I’m excited, all right? Give me a

Rillik grunted.

attempt to kill the mythic. When they approach you, look them in the eye and very politely tell them to jump overboard. I don’t care if they promise you world-diamond underpants as a down payment, it’s not happening. As long as I’m in charge of this crew, we aren’t signing up

“Crystal,” they chorused.

he told

about you, Rillik?” Lacos asked as the other two scrambled out

mercenary waved him off as he kicked off