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 the

very real risk, considering my

to protect the ball from the opponent, that’s part of

destroying the ball while the Endless have

controlling mana,] Peter enthusiastically elaborates. [If you can’t control the mana around your own team, then you risk being unable to advance at all. Likewise, controlling the mana around your opponent

mages at least if they want to contend with me. In fact, if they don’t bring at least

that, there’s basic safety rules in place. No killing, removing legs, blinding

non-fatal damage, for the sport of Tunnel Ball, the less…

Fair enough.

limits to how much I can modify

exceed the height of the

there, tell him I said to shut up. I know

relief, then his face takes on a slightly green shade. I guess he’s happy he can tell the one-armed idiot to be quiet, but isn’t too happy to be

one of the Colony to pass

He nods, relieved.

that. Thank

[Nono, thank you.]

I reach out with my senses and grab hold of the thread I’m after. Here in the nest, my Vestibule is absolutely jam packed with incoming Will. An absolute ocean of the stuff, pouring into me every second. Discerning one ant

I spy on them like this, right? I’m allowed to use my abilities, just as they are allowed to use theirs. It’s not like they aren’t trying to spy on me right now,

talking with Peter and is currently positioned in the shadows in one corner, doing her level best

on a heap of false information, but I hardly think

“Leonidant.”

…

“Leonidant….”

…

No reply.

I turn to

“Oi. Answer me already.”

…

nothing. Does she

THWACK!