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? I'm completely

carapace has gone grey! I swear I can see the spectre of death hanging over her

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

been working hard along with the

their way off the platform, every single one of them looks as if they are on the brink of falling straight into their

concern, Tungstant waves me off with

finished now. A few final

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

pointing at Tungstant and

all freeze, wondering who the heck I'm

Eldest?" Tungstant says, staggering to the

Shadows begin to gather.

full treatment. If they keep working

edges of my vision as the

completely oblivious to the gathering danger. This is a sure sign of just how out of it she is.

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 vanished ants, then turn their wide-eyed, haunted

say. "You could see how tired they were, same as I could. The fortress is pretty much finished, so we need them rested before

right, they're just weirded out at hearing me tell the torpor police what to do. Bah. Who cares? If anything, maybe now