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?]

on the things that unite us

of the crowd has dispersed, but there are still people in their seats, looking down at the two of

another fight

these fighting pits get

That wolfish grin again.

[Around the clock.]

should you find it

a fancy exit or anything, I just find a relatively empty part of the stands and climb right on over, my opponent

you aren’t a

I’m of the fifth sword,

So…

halfway to

rank, yes. My student is of

You’re lucky I went easy on you then. I

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

It’s getting awkward

‘that

Yes. Yes

instinct, a dog raising its hackles. Although I make

mutters. [My name is

carefully don’t say

are out of the fighting pit and back on the road, heading towards the field the Colony were setting up in, the… not rabbit-Folk joins us again, grinning broadly

of him, at least, I think

this mean I’m going

Barker grimaces.

safe if you

use my middle grade stuff… let

believe in a thing

[I don’t.]

guess that’s fair. Once we get back to—what in the name of the

around, wondering what brought on

Barker points a finger.

[What is that?]