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?"

you talking about, Eldest?

I swear I can see the spectre of

Your legs are shaking and your antennae are dragging on

I've just been working hard along with the other builders. Don't

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 beyond

concern, Tungstant waves me off with one

finished now. A few final touches, and it'll all be

their gravestones?! This cannot

them!" I yell, pointing at Tungstant and several nearby work crews

healers, carvers and generals all freeze, wondering

staggering to the side a

Shadows begin to gather.

demand. "All of the build teams need the full treatment. If they keep working like this, they're going to brick themselves

edges of my vision as

you talking to?" Tungstant remains pleasant, completely oblivious to the gathering danger. This is a sure sign of just how

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

how tired they were, same as I could. The

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