Chrysalis Chapter 1725 - Floating Along the Tunnels

Previously on Chrysalis...

Anthony prepares to depart for the surface to deal with the delvers and the impending threat from the slug tribes of the fifth stratum. His departure is complicated by Commander Chyron and her Legion officers, who insist on accompanying him to observe his actions during the global crisis. Additionally, Anthony's personal protection detail has finally returned after a long recovery and evolution process following their exposure to toxin. Though they remain hidden and are secretive about their new Tier 7 forms, the guards have resumed their duty to watch over the Eldest as the group readies for the journey ahead.

Back in the tunnels once more, I'm indulging in my submarine maneuver for the sheer enjoyment of it, despite it not being essential. There's a certain thrill in drifting forward with my legs folded neatly beneath my carapace. I can practically hear the sonar echoes pinging from my antennae and reverberating against the tunnel surfaces.

Does it please me that so many creatures fail to detect my approach until they spot me and then bolt in terror?

Possibly. Am I certain either way?

On this occasion, though, I'm not venturing from the nest solo. Accompanying me are two full battalions of ants along with their auxiliary non-ant forces, featuring scores of priests. I take care to keep a safe distance ahead of those priests....

Even more crucially, Tiny and Invidia are joining the expedition, alongside Crinis.

My plan is to power level the trio once we descend to the fifth, or probably the sixth, level, pushing them toward tier eight. The thought of their might after complete mythic upgrades is almost beyond comprehension.

I might just be the pioneer creature to command three tier eight mythic companions—a pleasing prospect. Such power will be vital for our success in the deeper strata. The fifth level will surely prove tougher than my previous visit, yet I'm eagerly anticipating the discoveries ahead. An unseen realm that few on Pangera have glimpsed. True triumph against the slugs means shattering the barrier they've upheld for ages upon ages.

After that breakthrough, the world on Pangera will transform utterly from what it once was.

[So….] Tiny communicates to me. [... not… smash?]

[Go ahead and strike them,] I reply, irritation bubbling up, [but make an effort to avoid killing anybody.]

[So…] he responds, his mind still meandering, [not hit… hard?]

It's clear he finds the notion utterly absurd. Striking with anything less than his maximum force probably feels like a grave insult to him.

How can I convey this to him in terms he'll grasp? His assistance will be essential in the upcoming clash, I'm convinced, yet I can't allow him to wipe out hordes of foes and still hope for a calm aftermath. Central to my plan is vexing and provoking our adversaries, baffling and thwarting them, without enraging them to the point where they ignore the steep price of prolonging the fight against us.

If we inflict excessive harm or stir up too much chaos, the inhabitants of Green Mountain could opt for revenge no matter the toll, pulling us into a drawn-out conflict that weakens both sides terribly.

That's the last thing I desire!

My goal is for Green Mountain to yank back its reach, just like a kid who got too near the flames.

[Listen, just… picture it as sparring, okay?]

[... Sparring?]

[It's… like instructing. You'll be demonstrating your unique ape-boxing style to them. So strikes are fine, but solely to illustrate… your exceptional skill at delivering blows. If you flatten them completely, they can't retain the lesson you're imparting, can they?]

Tiny ponders this briefly.

[Ape-boxing… good,] he declares at last, giving a self-affirming nod.

[Precisely! You want them to truly value how excellent it is, don't you?]

He mulls it over further… then nods once more.

[Right.]

[For this one time, I want you to go with some light taps, some gentle punches. Simply… knock them out, got it?]

As he bounds next to me, it's evident the massive ape isn't fully convinced yet, but he's beginning to embrace the concept.

[And me, Master?] Crinis inquires, likely seeking some notice, I suspect.

[You?! You must conduct yourself properly. Can you even battle without unleashing unimaginable terrors on your foes?]

[Perhaps… I could unleash just a few… mildly unspeakable terrors?]

[No!]

Oh my. Crinis would definitely instill dread, but a field of mutilated corpses is hardly something they'd overlook. The propaganda the Church of the Path could spin from that… it's too much to fathom.

[What about your Curse Magic?] I suggest to her. [Haven't you practiced it extensively?]

[Indeed I have,] Crinis replies cheerfully. [May I employ it?]

[Of course. Definitely. Opt for that over your usual methods. It'll work far better.]

Crinis quiets down, content with my words, and a wave of ease washes over me. Merely considering the devastation her tentacles could wreak on people… it's too horrific to dwell on. I struggle to observe even when she targets beasts. No… some Curse Magic is preferable by far.

Or so I believe.

Upon reflection, I'm not entirely sure what Curse Magic can truly achieve. I dismiss the concern. No need to fret; nothing could surpass the atrocities of her standard approach.