Chrysalis

It’s been a long time since I’ve seen some of these ants, but it’s nice to see them again. Propellant and Coolant are here, and they have… most certainly changed.

“Alright, I have to ask, what the heck happened to you guys?”

The two mages both turn to face me, I think, it’s kind of difficult to tell due to the visual obstruction over there.

“I’m not sure what you mean, Eldest,” Coolant replies smoothly.

“Yeah, we’re the same as always!”

I mean…

“You have what appears to be a small volcano on your back, Propellant. The air around you is shimmering with heat! How in the heck can you tell me you haven’t changed?!”

“Oh, you mean the evolution thing. I wanted to be more fiery. I was absolutely inspired when you made that mountain explode. I’d never even contemplated the existence of such a level of heat. I had to aspire to reach that level myself!”

“I think what my hot-headed sibling is trying to say, is that we wanted to further specialise in our elements. When we evolved, we chose… rather extreme options.”

“You think!? You’re half made of ice?! Between the two of you, you’re starting to make a localised weather system!”

The extreme heat coming off Coolant is coming up against the freezing air rolling off Coolant and turning into mist. I mean, it's cool and all, but it's spreading around the room and becoming a bit of a pain.

for the most outlandish choices. Most ants will stick fairly close to our base form, not really modifying it all that much. These

of becoming some sort of generalist

wiggles her

mage ant, but decided that it was necessary for at least some of us to explore the limits

can blow

Propellant, very helpful. As I was saying, this was a choice we made in order to further the knowledge of

that it's taken without

that the two

“Of course not.”

these two morons later, since they’re slated to be involved with the fifth exploration,

and Frances are in attendance, of course,

are the healers travelling? Do you have

current level of work? Sure. To cover an invasion into the most toxic and virulent place in the entire Dungeon? Obviously

and hits us

we should get on

so touchy. I swear, if they weren’t as busy, they’d just complain about being under-utilised. It’s impossible for

possibly anticipate. There’s a reason that virulent mana has proven so intractable over the millennia. I’ve only been exposed to it in a limited fashion and I’m fully aware of just how poisonous it can be. Even the slightest slip, the tiniest bit of exposure, could lead to an ant receiving a lethal dose. Medical help is going to