Chrysalis

Turns out the rules are pretty straightforward. I question the poor man for far too long, getting him to explain the foundations of the game and how it’s developed over time, as well as asking him about my specific opponent.

As expected of a Champion general, it appears that Solant has already developed quite the reputation for devious strategies, trickery and ingenious tactics. The twenty members of her training group have followed her, forming the core of her following, and they rotate members in and out of the team depending on the opposition and the way they want to play.

It’s hardly going to be enough against me, of course, but their undefeated streak is certainly impressive. Even as superior hatchlings, who are significantly weaker, stats-wise, than regular tier two ants, they still wouldn’t lose.

In terms of the rules….

[Are you sure that only basic elemental magic is allowed?] I ask for the tenth time.

The poor chap nods wearily.

[The game has its origins as a training exercise for hatchlings. The young mages are restricted by the Colony to only the basic elements, so those are all that have ever been allowed….]

[Hmph.]

I could end the match instantly with a gravity well, flattening the Endless to the floor and walking on top of them to score at the other end. It would have been glorious! Those plans are out the window, dammit.

[Considering I’m playing as a one ant team, they really should make allowances and let me use whatever I want.]

Peter just shrugs.

[I couldn’t say anything about that, I wasn’t involved in organising the match. I do think it’s reasonable that you are handicapped, though….]

[More like mandicapped. We don’t have hands, remember?]

I clack my mandibles to demonstrate and the poor man flinches back from the sharp cracking sound that emanates from them.

[Alright. So if I’m on offence, and I drop the ball, or can no longer advance it, my turn is up and I switch to defence, right?]

[Yes.]

[And if I manage to get the ball to touch the other wall, I score a point?]

[That’s right.]

if I crush

real risk,

have to protect the ball from the opponent, that’s

while the Endless have it? That should make it easy

[If you can’t control the mana around your own team, then you risk being unable to advance at all.

the opponent is smart, they’ll bring along four mages at least if they want to contend with me. In fact, if they don’t bring at least that many, I’ll smash them with superior mana

in place. No killing, removing

yes. Although in some training exercises, the ants were allowed to cause non-fatal damage, for the sport of Tunnel Ball, the less… violent version of the game was

Fair enough.

much I

exceed the height of

Well, thank you for your time. If you see priest Beyn out there, tell him I

relief, then his face takes on a slightly green shade. I guess he’s happy he can

one of the Colony to pass the message on,] I advise

He nods, relieved.

do that. Thank

[Nono, thank you.]

stuff, pouring into me every second. Discerning one ant from another in that tidal wave of energy isn’t easy, but I’ve had my constructs picking through it all for ages until I managed to grab hold of the few I

abilities, just as they are allowed to use theirs. It’s not like they aren’t trying to spy on me right

chamber while I was talking with Peter and is currently positioned in the shadows in

a heap of false information, but I

“Leonidant.”

…

“Leonidant….”

…

No reply.

I turn to face her

“Oi. Answer me already.”

…

Does she really think she’s

THWACK!