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?

she says, but her carapace has gone grey! I swear I can see the spectre of

onto life! Your legs are shaking and

been working hard along with the other builders.

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

concern, Tungstant waves me off

it's fine, Eldest. The fortress is just about finished now. A few final

what, their gravestones?!

at Tungstant and several nearby

healers, carvers and generals all

says, staggering to the side a little. "What are

Shadows begin to gather.

the build teams need the full treatment. If they keep working like this, they're going

of my vision as the lights begin to

danger. This is

without a trace. The surrounding ants and militia stare at the empty space left

come on!" I say. "You could see how tired they were, same as I could. The

to do. Bah. Who cares? If anything, maybe now they'll listen a