Chrysalis

I have gravely underestimated the true danger that I will face here in the Silver City. Locked away in this warehouse, constantly watched by guards. Two sets of guards, if I’m being accurate.

My true enemy has revealed itself. Boredom!

I’m so boooored! There’s a whole city out there filled with adventure, and excitement! Probably! At the very least, there must be a plethora of awesome things to see. The buildings, the fine art, the… non-inside of warehouse type of things.

After spending so much time flopping listless on a ship, the last thing I wanted to do was spend more time flopping listless inside a building.

Well, it’s nice to be inside, but that’s not the point!

In a desperate search for things to distract my mind, I have delved into the very things that I usually try to avoid examining too closely: the Vestibule and the Nave.

With only ten thousand ants around, the energy flowing into the Vestibule is a mere trickle of what it usually is, and separating out the individual threads from the flow is a breeze. Meaning, I can keep tabs on any individual or group of ants without really having to try. Normally, I don’t like prying in this way, but I’m bored as heck, so it’s been fun to see what’s going on around the place.

The other thing I’ve been investigating is the Nave, the various presences within it, specifically the four golden figures standing against the wall. I know they came on the trade mission, but I haven’t found a good moment to talk with them, really. Unfortunately for me, there’s no possible way for me to avoid it anymore. In fact, I welcome the conversation, given that I have nothing else to do.

I’m like a guy finally pairing all his socks to avoid trying to calculate his taxes.

So, I reach out to the pair via the Nave.

Hey there, it’s me, Anthony.

The big lad, Jern, I think his name was, reacts in his usual calm way, but the girl, Alis, falls off something, judging by the way she yelps, then cries out again.

Sorry if I surprised you, I’m not sure how I can give you any warning when contacting like this. Anyways. Can I get you two to pop over to my warehouse? We should have a chat to try and work out exactly what’s happening here.

They both agree, Alis with a significant amount of muttered grumbles, but it isn’t long before the two of them appear in front of me. It’s tempting to keep using the Nave to speak with them, but that’s probably rude, or something? They’re right here, so a mind bridge will suffice.

[Hey there, gang. How are we enjoying the tour?]

They look at each other before Jern shrugs casually.

[It’s been fine,] he replies. [I never thought I’d get the chance to see the fourth stratum like this. It wasn’t that long ago I was on the surface.]

with mana

at the back of his head.

a few… issues,] Alis says, starting out strong but quickly wilting. She gathers her strength to go again. [We almost died when that giant hunk of rock

tale has been taken without consent.

uncomfortably, but it’s not really an unreasonable complaint. All of the people aboard the ships were put in great

Greystone, and we aren’t happy about it. There’s no reason to bring your complaints to me, though, I was also at risk! In fact, it was me who

grow pale, but decide not to point out the danger that I put them in.

hand and I point an

[Yes, Jern. What’s up?]

or something? I think Priest Beyn

she’s just realising the same, then turns to stare up at me again. I stare

he

I say that? These two received unique Classes from the System, which they probably wouldn’t have gotten

confused by my declaration of non-godhood, but Jern is more direct with

a god?] he asks

[Of course not.]

sort of spiritual connection to

me in a way

just an effect of your

for spiritual connections?] Jern

expression is totally innocent, and even Alis is looking less troubled the

[I take in Will from those who…] ah, heck. There’s no good way to say this…. [From those who… have

[Huh,] Jern says.

That’s it? Just ‘huh’?

god! Lots of monsters could

[Have they?]

Guh.

not that

[Huh.]

Damn this guy!

just because Beyn says something about me, doesn’t mean you need to believe it. I’m not some messenger sent by the System to light a new Path, or whatever he goes on about! I’m an ant monster who just happened to help out some