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.”

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

Eldest. It is I!

consent; if you

Gah!

Where the heck did you come

me a superior look and I swear my antenna moves without my conscious

THWACK!

was

disciplinary correction. Never mind

“But my head hurts.”

your mind and challenge your capabilities to their limits. Are you ready for the ineffable truths I am about

practically quivers with

Did you forget

connect a mind bridge, because this is sensitive information I’m

[You getting me?]

[Loud and clear.]

ancient order of hidden scholars, that this world…

….

….

I

[DUN, DUN, DUNNNNN!]

continues to stare up at me

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

still looking at

to… work out

[It is.]

….

[Right.]

feel like I’m missing something here. I told her the secret truths of the world, I’m sure I

Eldest? Don’t tease me any further! My mind is burning with

prodding my leg with

a second. What do you mean “it is”? You already know this

It’s present in every dimension and forms a sphere around the