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 divide

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

to clear out, there’ll be another fight soon, so we

pits get used

That wolfish grin again.

[Around the clock.]

should you find it

a relatively empty part of the stands and climb right

you aren’t a blademaster?]

Of course not! I’m of the

So…

to

My student is of

on you then. I

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

way? It’s getting awkward

thinking ‘that dog guy’, weren’t

Yes. Yes

an instinct, a dog raising its hackles. Although

fine,] he mutters. [My name

don’t

the field the Colony were setting up in,

him, at least, I think so, and then we’re back to strolling

does this mean I’m going to get new guards?

Barker grimaces.

feel safe if you can kick my backside whenever you

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

believe in a

[I don’t.]

Once we get back

what brought

Barker points a finger.

[What is that?]