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?]

that unite us rather than the

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

need to clear out, there’ll be another fight

pits get used

That wolfish grin again.

[Around the clock.]

been illicitly taken; should you

fancy exit or anything, I just find a relatively empty part of the stands

you aren’t a blademaster?] I

of the fifth

So…

halfway to

My student

I went easy on you then. I

statement, but after

name, by the way? It’s getting awkward just to think of you

thinking ‘that dog guy’, weren’t

Yes. Yes

an instinct, a dog raising its hackles.

he mutters. [My name is

carefully don’t say

pit and back on the road, heading towards the field the

each other, she makes fun of him, at least, I think so, and then

I’m going to get new guards?

Barker grimaces.

can’t exactly help people feel safe if you can

definitely can. Like… I didn’t even use my middle grade stuff…

believe in a thing called graceful

[I don’t.]

we get back to—what in

wondering what

Barker points a finger.

[What is that?]