Chrysalis

Despite most of the peoples of Pangera using their own form of currency - even the bruan’chii used something they called a ‘soul chip’ to trade amongst themselves - there was one universal unit of wealth that was good for business everywhere in the Dungeon.

Cores.

Which was why Smithant and Cobalt had brought a healthy supply from the Colony’s stores with them on this trip, though they had begun to suspect that they may have brought too many. Their brathian guide couldn’t resist sending covetous glances towards their carry bags, strapped to their carapace, though she tried to hide it.

“Everything is so spread apart,” Smithant huffed. “It’s inefficient.”

“It is,” Cobalt agreed, “but it does allow room for specialities to bloom. If everyone were forced to compete in proximity to each other, every stall would be the same.”

It was taking a long time to get from market to market; each district of Freehill was a sprawling mass of houses, shops, schools, fighting arenas, seemingly without much planning having gone into the layout. It was apparent that much of the growth was organic, new things being constructed when it was found to be necessary, and placed wherever the people at the time thought it would make sense. It deeply offended the ants.

Yet, it wasn’t their place to criticise others’ way of living, they were out looking for trade, and were having greatly mixed levels of success.

[What is this store?] Cobalt asked their guide.

Irisod read the sign and sighed.

[It is ‘Big Hogs Swarthy Swords’.]

don’t seem to

the name of the store to be…

for quality goods, so

door quickly became apparent inside, as they were confronted with the clientele. Large, pinkish-skinned and snout-nosed Folk turned to stare at the two monsters, wondering what

trade, with permission of the Council,” Irisod assured everyone,

Nobody did.

down at the two ants. He spoke to Irisod in short, clipped tones, and

be aware that

know what you want to buy. Having monsters in his shop

Smithant said without hesitation, her antennae twitching as she took in

stomped out the back and then returned bearing a huge, two-handed blade. He thunked

leaped forward, running her antennae over the metal, as well as her eye. It was an exceptional piece of work. If there was one thing that impressed her about the Folk, it was the amount of craftsmanship they put into their swords. Not only was the metal refined to the highest purity, not only were the

she declared, smitten. “Look at the layering of the steel. What sort of temperature did they fire this, to get that effect? Or was it the quenching? And this metal! Is it an alloy?

can’t even use swords, so I don’t think it’s necessary for us to spend all that much on them, regardless

for the humans,” Smithant pointed out, “and techniques for making good

to the ant who used them, but a sharpened and enchanted set

much this costs?] Cobalt asked

and forth, the

In my opinion, this is

with the overcharging,” Smithant grumbled, still