Chrysalis

“Be careful, Tribune. The monster may attempt to manipulate your thoughts.”

Morrelia frowned.

“I’ve received mental fortitude training and raised my Skills to the commander level,” she said evenly. “I will of course remain vigilant nevertheless. Thank you for your diligence, Legionary.”

[What’d he say?] Anthony’s voice echoed in her mind.

[They’re still worried you’ll manipulate me,] she sighed.

[I mean… is it possible to communicate in any way without allowing for the chance of manipulation? I’ve seen what the brathian do to people with just words. It’s not pretty.]

[You know as well as I do that a mind bridge allows for more than just communication. How did you defeat Garralosh again?]

[Ugh… I’d rather not remember, to be honest; that was nasty. Alright, this is the place.]

The ants’ forward operating base wasn’t anything special, yet. There were hundreds of carvers still working on it, and she knew full well what miracles they could accomplish.

[Are there really rooms in there for us?] she asked, a little sceptical.

[Of course! We’re an accommodating group of insects. Unlike your Legion.]

Morrelia felt a pang in her chest.

[Are you thinking of the bolts we shot at you?]

[Of course I am! While I was falling out of the sky as well. That’s such a cheap shot.]

a deep

The stated purpose of the Legion is to protect people from the Dungeon, and to that end, they’ve

giant ant turned to regard her directly, the many lenses

are doing what you think is best to protect people. It’s the right goal, just the wrong target. But

least he wasn’t going to hold it against her personally, but he wasn’t

know,] Anthony continued, [is what you think. Am I a threat

her on the spot,

[The wisdom of the Legion has helped us stand firm against the Dungeon since the Cataclysm. There is tremendous value

you do right by the Colony, and

at

sucked out of the massive monster and

about that…. That whole mess was

[Was? So it’s resolved?]

heck no,] Anthony muttered darkly, [not by a long shot. But that’s not

of his legs. To have such a large monster moving so quickly right next to her was

any bigger, you’re going to have trouble fitting into the nests,] she observed as

tunnels wider,] he dismissed her concerns, and he was probably right. [This is what you came for, right? You want to know how we’re going

said, looking

of tasks around her. It was clear the Colony was only beginning to muster the might of their industry

working on this above?]

barked a laugh. [The initial invasion force is being

[A million?!]

aren’t going to make any progress being half-hearted about it. Here, take a look at these

a group of ants

the wuffers,] Anthony told her, [I love these guys. I don’t know why they turned out so happy, but