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.]

I crush

real risk,

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

destroying the ball while the Endless have it? That

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 is a powerful advantage. There are several mage-heavy teams who use this as

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 control. I’m no slouch at elemental

in place. No killing, removing legs, blinding or

exercises, the ants were allowed to cause non-fatal damage, for the sport of Tunnel Ball, the less…

Fair enough.

how much

exceed the

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

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 the one bearing

pass

He nods, relieved.

do that. Thank

[Nono, thank you.]

the stuff, pouring into me every second. Discerning one ant from another in

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

it. The scout managed to sneak into the chamber while I was talking with Peter and is currently positioned in the shadows in one corner, doing her level best to remain as still

pass on a heap of false information, but I hardly think I need

“Leonidant.”

…

“Leonidant….”

…

No reply.

turn to face

“Oi. Answer me already.”

…

Does she really think

THWACK!