Chrysalis

My conversation with Rassan’tep is short, and soon I have to open up the way and slip back into the pavilion, head buzzing with what I’ve learned. This is the truth of the Ancients? They’ve had enough of Pangera and want to get the heck out?

Why? This place seems fine!

I mean, would I remove centipedes from the spawn pool for monsters? Yes, yes I would. And will. Other than that, people seem to be getting along alright.

And what happens to Pangera when this dimensional boundary is broken? Is the planet fine and the Ancients just buzz off, or does it explode!? Rassan’tep was pretty vague on this point, and I think I would want a definitive answer before I decided to worship Arconidem. I mean, is the Demon God trying to blow up Pangera or not? Fairly darn fundamental question!

Surrounded by my family once more, watching them skitter about, setting up stalls, precisely laying out the fruits of their labours, I certainly want an answer to that question!

“Sloan! Can I get a minute?”

“Sure thing, Eldest! Just give me a moment.”

She finishes whatever conversation she was having and comes over to me, antennae waving furiously.

“I’m extremely busy right now, Eldest, I hope this won’t take long.”

“This isn’t a battle, you know. It’s shopping.”

“The longer we are on this expedition and the more I speak with Eran Thouris, the more similarities I see. It may have been a mistake to leave Solant behind, she would have learned much.”

Probably, but she has plenty to do where she is right now.

“I’ll be brief then, I need to talk to Brilliant. Urgently.”

Sloan’s demeanour becomes grave.

“She can come to us, as I’m sure you know, but it may cause problems if an ant is detected jumping into the middle of a ka’armodo stronghold without a gate.”

She has a good point, and I hesitate for a moment, but no, this is too serious. If the lizard-wizards get all bent out of shape, then I’ll deal with the fallout when it happens.

“This is important, Sloan. Send word. I need to talk to her as soon as possible.”

“Very well, Eldest. I’ll get it done.”

is going to be able to verify what Rassan’tep had to say, it’s her. I need that confirmation. Just because Arconidem, who is a butthead, it must be stressed, said this two thousand years ago, doesn’t mean it’s actually true. In fact, why would it be true? The big demon was probably lying through his teeth and the Ancients have some other scheme

It is I!

if you see

Gah!

heck did

gives me a superior look and I swear

THWACK!

What was that

disciplinary correction. Never

“But my head hurts.”

I have an important question. More than a question, a mission. A task. This will stress your mind and

practically quivers with

was born ready! Did you forget

connect a mind bridge, because this is sensitive information I’m not sure everyone in the Colony

[You getting me?]

[Loud and clear.]

an ancient order of hidden scholars, that this

….

….

I decide to

[DUN, DUN, DUNNNNN!]

continues to stare up

thing? That cuts Pangera off from the rest of the universe?

looking

to… work out if

[It is.]

….

[Right.]

like I’m missing something here. I told her the secret truths of the world, I’m sure I did. Where is her reaction? She loves

Don’t tease me any further! My mind is burning with curiosity! Tell me!

she starts prodding my leg with one of her

What do you mean “it is”? You already know this world

it off from somewhere. It’s present in every dimension and forms