Chrysalis

“Do you really think the ants are protecting us because the Great One approves of our holy pilgrimage?” Alis wondered.

Jern looked at the ranks of ants marching alongside them, guarding the pilgrims on both sides.

“I think… they probably just came along to make sure we’re safe,” he suggested.

His friend looked up at him irritably.

“That’s all? Priest Beyn says it because they are guiding us along our blessed path and into enlightenment.”

“All they really do is fight Dungeon monsters for us,” Jern pointed out.

Alis scowled.

“Sometimes we have to fight for ourselves, don’t we?”

He sighed and hefted the oversized axe on his shoulder. Surprisingly, an ant had given it to him, which had caused people to whisper and point. Eventually, he’d found a mage, (who did turn to keep him in front of her, which he tested by taking a few steps to either side), who’d explained that, since he was so large and strong, they’d made a weapon he could use to help protect the pilgrims.

“Yes, sometimes we have to fight for ourselves,” he told his red haired friend. “Your fire magic has improved a lot since we left.”

She folded her arms across her chest.

“Of course!” she declared, puffing herself up with pride. “I’ve had the chance to turn my flames on Dungeon monsters before. It’s only natural that my Levels are increasing quickly.”

Jern had to agree. Fighting against monsters really was Levelling him quickly. It wouldn’t be that long before his Class maxed out and he’d need to change it into a new one.

“Still,” he said, turning back to look at the long train of pilgrims behind them, “I never expected we would gather this many people.”

“You really doubted how persuasive priest Beyn can be?” Alis scoffed. “Every place we go, we end up with more and more followers. I feel like we got a thousand at Rylleh alone.”

“Good thing the ants are feeding us,” Jern noted.

course! The Great One is with

but he figured the Great One

enjoying himself and Alis was having a great time, so he didn’t have

next city will be as welcoming as

be? We are coming on a holy

city outside

Great One is universal! I’m

and down the column at all times. Suddenly, two of the nearby soldiers turned toward a patch on the wall, their mandibles flexing as they readied themselves. He stepped toward them

up at him,

“Allow me,” he said.

stepped back a fraction. Jern hefted the massive

fragments. He got a flash of fur, and claws, and a red maw before he completed his swing, smashing his axe deep into

was sure it wasn’t moving, he turned to the soldiers, gave a dip of his head, which they returned with their antennae, and then jogged back up the line to catch

you know. If anything, you’re just taking experience away from

rolled his shoulders

be hard shepherding this many humans through the Dungeon during a wave. I just

opened her mouth to reply, thought for a second, then

she begrudgingly admitted. “I’ll get the next

~~~

made his way to their fire. “Another hard day following the

approached, holy antennae bobbing on the top of his robe. Alis beamed with excitement, clasping her

our best to help protect the

me of how helpful you two were today,” the priest gestured with his one remaining hand toward the ants, still on duty alongside them. “They are grateful for your assistance. It has been very difficult for them to protect us along this journey, given the state of the Dungeon. I fear we must step up and do more to defend ourselves if we are to

to

worry, priest Beyn! We are more than happy to

suddenly included, all the young man could do was nod,

Beyn laughed warmly.

and I hope we will be well received, but we