Chrysalis

By the time the carvers return to finish the defensive works on the platform, I am a wreck.

And I don't mean in the emotional sense. I mean, I am physically and mentally a wreck.

Monster activity rose day by day, and the Krath egged it on, leading hordes and hordes of monsters to descend on us, taking pot shots and using their foul magic when they got the chance. I've been doused in acid and slime so many times I'm worried it's starting to seep into my diamond carapace!

Despite my best efforts, the platform has suffered significant damage. By the time the build teams return, massive chunks have been blasted out of the diamond coating and two of the intakes have been destroyed. I've done everything I could to take the heat off the battalions and keep the Templars safe, but the toxicity levels in the fifth have gotten so high I can no longer step into the mana for more than a minute at a time. That means I'm fighting on the front, trying to take as much punishment as I can to keep the others safe.

It's been… brutal.

The other platforms, without the aid of my magnificent self, have suffered even worse. We managed to avoid losing any ants to capture, but injuries and even casualties have been high. When the walls and defensive embankments are finally done, I can't help but collapse to the floor.

I need a holiday.

"Looks like you've been working hard, Eldest," Tungstant says as she walks over.

She's been here managing the build teams for the past few days, and as I look over to her, my antennae go stiff with shock.

"Holy moly, Tungstant! Are you alright?"

are you talking about, Eldest?

swear I can see the spectre of death hanging over

legs are shaking and your antennae are dragging on the ground! What the heck

working hard along with the other builders. Don't worry… we've

practically a ghost! In fact, looking at all the builders as they make their way off the platform, every single one of them looks as if they are on the brink of falling straight into their own grave. I've never seen ants look so completely exhausted; it's almost

concern, Tungstant waves me off

about finished now. A few

few final touches? On what, their gravestones?! This cannot be allowed to

pointing at Tungstant and several nearby work

nearby soldiers, healers, carvers and generals all freeze, wondering who the heck

the side a little.

Shadows begin to gather.

of them," I demand. "All of the build teams need the full treatment. If they keep working

of my vision as

oblivious to the gathering danger. This is a

then blinks back to light in an instant. Tungstant and the rest of the build teams are gone, vanished without a trace. The surrounding ants and militia stare at the empty space left behind by the

I say. "You could see how tired they were, same as I could. The fortress is pretty much finished,

do. Bah. Who cares? If anything, maybe now they'll listen a little more closely when I tell them to get enough