Chrysalis

The sub-surface Conglomerate is a loose confederation of brathian cities, kingdoms, merchant houses and roaming caravans that live in the waters of the Fourth Stratum.

The Endless Lake.

Brimming with life and water mana, the Lake is the ideal environment for the brathian to dwell in, though they are capable of living on land as well as beneath the waves. Historically, their people lived in or around freshwater sources outside the Dungeon, and the more peace-loving amongst them still do.

Within the fourth, however, is where the majority of the brathian of Pangera now make their homes.

- Excerpt from ‘On the People of the Fourth’ by Tir

The crushing pressure of the waters abated as Theraz slipped within the pearlescent barrier erected by his people. Knotted muscles loosened and tension drained from his scales as he smiled for what felt like the first time in weeks.

In reality, it had only been a day or two, but the extra life mana thanks to the wave seemed to press in on him. The waters of the Endless Lake were vibrant, filled with energy and life, but the mana was so thick. When he swam, he felt as if the weight of the mountains that towered in the sky above was pressing down on him.

The added weight of the unending tide of monsters did nothing to help the feeling abate.

“Welcome home, Theraz. How did you find the current?”

“Piris, I should have known you would be waiting for me.”

“Of course, I would not want you to lose yourself amongst the fish and become confused.”

“Do I look like a fish to you?”

“Am I supposed to answer that?”

at him mischievously

for me here on the border of our lands simply to throw insults?” he shook his golden-scaled head. “What will your mother

drifting

better! Stop wasting your time! Cease flapping your fins!’

aunt and cousin really fallen out so badly? He’d had

speak with your father, and I do not wish

two swam close to the sandy bottom, darting between the lush plant life and drifting weeds as they moved deeper into the water

tall fields of hornwart

vigilant for monsters spawning within the barrier or

houses made of sandstone, neat gardens and enormous corals. Small fish ducked and darted everywhere, hiding in sponges embedded in roofs and walls. The brathian were everywhere, their vibrant scales of many hues glittering in the dim, shifting light. In the distance, the heart of the

little,” he suggested,

rocketing through the lake, a short jetstream swirling behind them. They only slowed as they approached the outer

see. I was worried we were going to get sent out

the dull, faded

too old to go beyond the boundary, it’s a good thing you

I’ve ever seen in the Endless Lake,” Theraz grinned. “I can’t imagine a day when Mozla the magnificent

“Then you lack imagination.”

to the

and mistress back to the palace.

the palace

man made

that place,” he said flatly, and Piris stared at him in surprise. He noticed and grunted. “I’m too old for them to bother punishing me for my disrespect, little one. There are a few advantages to being a grey-scale like me.

She giggled.

true. For mother and