Chrysalis

[You really thought you were strong enough to beat a mythic monster on your own?]

[I figured you were just an ant! How was I supposed to know?]

[I’m a tier seven, mythic ant! Probably the first one in the history of the darn Dungeon. Pay a little respect, man.]

Thankfully, my opponent wounded nothing but his pride in our confrontation. I think, for a moment, the crowd were considering rushing down and attempting to subdue the ‘wild monster’, which would have been a rather difficult scenario to navigate, but thankfully they relaxed when I sat down and didn’t follow up on my strike. I mean… whose first instinct is to rush at the huge monster? The Folk are crazy, I’m telling you.

He rubs a hand over his furry head, disgruntled.

[If we’d known you were this strong, we would have gotten some higher ranked swordsman to guard you.]

[There’s no way the brathians lied to you about my tier, right?]

He shrugs helplessly.

[They probably assumed the same thing I did. Tier seven, but an ant, so it’s fine. As a result, you only got me and my apprentice as guards, and I hate to say it, but we aren’t up to the job.]

[Oh, the rabbit girl is your apprentice?]

[What do you mean, rabbit?]

[I don’t know… I was just getting rabbit vibes from her.]

[And what are you getting from me?]

[Dog or wolf, depending on your mood.]

I figure honesty is the best policy. If I’m being unspeakably rude, hopefully someone will tell me.

[That’s unspeakably rude,] he says, placing a hand to the bridge of his muzzle.

Dang it.

[Hey, I didn’t know! I apologise if I’ve caused offence. You guys don’t like being discussed in relation to the animal you resemble?]

We prefer to focus on the things that unite us rather than the things that

looks around. A lot of the crowd has dispersed, but there are still people in their seats, looking down at the two

be another fight soon, so we need to

fighting pits get used

That wolfish grin again.

[Around the clock.]

should you find

exit or anything, I just find a relatively empty part

you aren’t a

not! I’m of the fifth sword, not

So…

to a

yes. My student is of the

I went easy on you then. I wasn’t sure how much

he wants to rebut my statement, but after being defeated so handily, there isn’t much

It’s getting awkward just

‘that dog guy’, weren’t

never! Yes.

I realise it was an instinct, a dog raising its hackles. Although

he mutters. [My name is

don’t

pit and back on the road, heading towards the field the Colony were setting up in, the… not

of him, at least, I think so, and

mean I’m going to get new guards?

Barker grimaces.

people feel safe if you can

I definitely can. Like… I didn’t even use my middle grade stuff… let alone the best

believe in a thing

[I don’t.]

Once we get back to—what in the name

I look around, wondering what brought

Barker points a finger.

[What is that?]