Chrysalis

By the time we manage to isolate some small pieces and place them into the wuffer intake pipes, several of the lousy monsters have pulled themselves back together and I’m forced to chomp them again. Repeated exposure to toxicity and acid is really starting to take a toll on me, and I’m going to need a break sooner rather than later.

Even Tiny is struggling inside the safe-zone, his fur becoming patchy in areas where he’s been burned. Invidia is staying close by, healing and cleansing him as much as he can, but I can tell the ape is getting worn down.

Using the heavily enchanted trenches drawing toxic mana toward the groups of wuffers as a delivery system seems to make the most sense. It’ll get the problem to the wuffers and isolate it from the rest of the safe-zone at the same time. The only concern is… how will the happy wibble-wobble pets take it?

Even I watch with bated breath as the test sample is absorbed. The wuffers have been happily doing their thing for ages now, absorbing the toxic mana in a constant stream and releasing a dense cloud of purified energy that fills the safe-zone.

For a moment, it’s difficult to tell what is happening. Even my senses struggle to keep tabs on such a small bit of mana.

[Invidia, can you tell what’s happening in there?]

[It appearssss the pieces have been absssorbed.]

[Oh snap. So one of the wuffers has actually taken it in?]

[Yesssss.]

A few moments later, I pester him again.

[So… what’s happening now?]

[Waitssss a moment.]

Exactly one moment later.

[How about now?]

You sssshould be able to sssense it

confused. I don’t sense anything! Certainly no toxic mana…. Wait, that’s

is ever

I’m no exception, since I’m the only one who can gather

zone, wherein they are further ‘processed’ until they can be fed into the toxic mana lines

expanding the safe-zone beyond its previous limit. It won’t last long, this is a temporary boost after all, since

state of refreshment, but I am thoroughly

and plop myself down in some clear space. The moment I step inside, I feel a bit better. The purified mana begins to seep into me, warring against the

mandibles have it the worst, they’ve been etched and melted by the act of biting and carrying chunks of those creatures

you get this much damage to your carapace? Are you even

It’s not easy out there,

Sheesh!

as bad as it looks. The acidic effect of the fifth is strong, sure, and every monster I fight only makes it worse by spreading goop, slime or mucous which is even more acidic. However, my carapace is made of gravity compressed diamond. It’s dense. Absurdly dense. It’s going to take a heck of a long time

worst of my injuries is not the carapace, but my joints, antennae, eyes and other, less well protected bits of myself.

and Invidia come over and plop themselves down next to me. Tiny also suffered quite a few burns, but Invidia has been patching him

gang. Crinis, are you feeling

no… I’m fine, thank you

don’t eat any more fifth

[I will… try.]

at the wuffers from the many core shapers watching over them. Lots of running about, antennae waving