Chrysalis

[You have slain level 37 Fortis Adamas Scolopendra (IV).]

[You have gained XP.]

Stupid centipede! You dare oppose my glorious rise? You deserved what you got!

Although I wouldn’t really call it a glorious rise, more of an imposing hover. I’m still working out the kinks, but it won’t be long now.

Good thing I can direct and contain the energy produced by the wells to the degree I do. It took me a while to realise just what it meant to defeat the gravity of the planet with my own source. Logically speaking, if they affected each other equally, then the planet might well get ripped in half.

When you get right down to it, gravity is a really piddly force. It takes an entire planet of stuff to produce a level that isn’t enough to stop an ant from wiggling about on the surface. Literally the entire planet Earth couldn’t produce enough energy to squash a bug.

Fortunately, we have a nice little workaround on Pangera called mana. I have no idea how the stuff converts itself into… basically everything, but it sure as heck seems to be efficient at it. I can produce enough gravitational energy to lift my body up into the air with ease.

I actually need less mana than I thought to achieve it as well. When I properly focus and control the well, I can utilise the energy within much more effectively. This is the learning process and I am bringing nothing but A’s.

[Tiny! Stop laughing at me this instant!]

The ape does not comply, pointing up at me and rumbling with laughter.

[Don’t be so disrespectful to the Master!] Crinis scolds him, prodding her comrade in the side with a tentacle. [Behave yourself!]

Just because I’m hanging in mid air like a towel draped over a drying rack is no reason to laugh! Just because my legs are dangling like limp noodles? Is that so funny? It’s comfortable, dammit!

With a wrench of Will, I shift the well above me and move it forward, causing my body to drift along under it. Eventually I reach a point on top of Tiny and let my legs, still hanging loose, flop onto his head.

[How do you like that! Huh? Feel the wrath of my noodle legs!]

I drift back and forth, aiming to whack him again, but he easily dodges out of the way, forcing me to float after him.

How dare you use your fancy feet for this?

[Uh… Master?]

second, Crinis, I have to

it about time we should be getting back to the nest? You said you wanted

always count on her to remember what’s important. I’d give her a pat, but I can’t be bothered lifting my legs, they’re comfy

completely right! Thank you for remembering, Crinis. Invidia? Where did you get to?

up in front of me and observes my form. It may just be me, but I detect a distinct

can do it so much better! My mass isn’t stuffed

flying for ages, I’m just getting started. I’ll get a lot

then, everyone, time to head back to the nest. Let’s get

I’m facing the wrong

a sec, need to turn

has been a little tricky. I mean, do I rotate the well? Does that even work? I wobble back and forth in the air until Crinis extends a tentacle down from her spot on my carapace to the ground and uses that leverage

nice one. Let’s

my triumphant drift back to the nest. Just wait until the Colony gets a load

[Um, Master?]

[Yes, Crinis?]

may be a little… quicker, if you

may have a point. We’ve been out for a few days already, we need to get back and see how things

lower myself back to the

but I can’t exactly leave these pockets of gravitational potential lying

Master,] Crinis says,

we do need to get back in

also think you have a much more dignified appearance like this. It wouldn’t do for the Colony to look at you being