Chrysalis Chapter 1729 - The Titan Approaches

Usually, pinning down a formidable beast during a hunt proved the toughest challenge, forcing hunters to apply their full might. At its most grueling, this might demand a prolonged effort spanning a full month, involving precise movements to seal off passages, seize Dungeon areas, and steadily guide the monster to the desired spot.

Throughout his career, Graham had engaged in this chase numerous times and mastered the techniques for positioning a creature precisely as needed. But on this occasion, such skills and past expertise offered no advantage. The beast displayed exceptional cunning, backed by numerous companions and a genuine stronghold it could flee to at will. Typically, even mighty monsters led isolated lives or gathered just a handful of followers, not an entire society numbering in the millions.

If the ant chose to withdraw into its domain and disappear, the War Bishop possessed scant options to counter it. Though his Judgement Battalion excelled at battling monsters, it lacked the capability to storm a defended site while clashing with a tier eight Mythic within.

Yet, this encounter appeared fated to become the oddest monster pursuit of his professional life. Far from fleeing to shelter, the ant seemed eager to present itself to them gift-wrapped. Barely an hour after dispatching scouts, updates arrived confirming the creature lurked close by, poised and expectant.

Engrossed in tactical discussions with the Marshals, Graham found the report startling. Had he overestimated the ant's cleverness? Or did some hidden tactic escape his notice?

Additional reconnaissance confirmed the monster traveled with company. A force encamped nearby blended ants and thinking beings who ought to recognize the peril, plus various potent creatures concealed in the shadows. Clearly, the ant had no plans to squander its existence but aimed for open confrontation.

Preparing the soldiers for the looming clash wasn't what Graham had anticipated for the day, yet he embraced it gladly. A swift victory, honor for the Path, and he'd return to his rightful spot in the Cathedral's underground quarters.

“Do you truly plan to advance and face the monster at this moment?” Grand Priest Vinting inquired, his voice betraying underlying anxiety.

“I figured you'd be pleased with that turn of events,” the War Bishop replied, sparing the man scant focus. Assembling the Battalion and their partners dragged on longer than desired, and extra moments to blend the groups more smoothly might have helped, but time was scarce. With the beast so near, launching practice exercises seemed impossible; it could rush their lines and overwhelm them within minutes. “You'll escape this place soon enough and head back to the Cathedral.”

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What Alir craved was to exit the Dungeon before any fighting erupted. That simply wasn't feasible.

A fiercer crimson flushed the Grand Priest's features as fury surged within him. Lately, Graham had observed Alir struggling more to keep his feelings in check. Before he could unleash the resentment simmering inside, an urgent shout reached Graham from close by.

“The monster is advancing!”

The Grand Priest vanished from Graham's thoughts in a flash.

“Is it heading our way or retreating?”

“Our way!”

The assault was imminent.

“Position all forces immediately. I'll confer with the Marshals to confirm their trust in our approach.”

With those words, the War Bishop marched off, his armor shining under the Dungeon's gentle glow and his white cloak billowing in his wake.

“So you've been informed?” Williams observed, his tone more statement than query.

“Indeed. Combat should commence soon. Do the two of you feel at ease with the plan I outlined?”

Williams and Selda shared another wordless look once more. Graham sensed their deep familiarity, forged over years of collaboration, from how effortlessly they conveyed messages without speaking.

“Your scheme feels… unorthodox,” Selda remarked, choosing her words with care. “You've explained your rationale, yet we're not entirely convinced by your assessments.”

Graham inclined his head.

“In that case, I want you to vacate the battlefield as fast as you can.”

As he pivoted to depart, Williams extended a hand to grip his arm, halting him.

“We never claimed we'd abandon the fight,” the bald warrior murmured.

“If you're unwilling to adhere to the strategy I've proposed, then your aid is unwanted,” the War Bishop countered evenly, devoid of hostility. “Lacking those key components, you'd only obstruct more than assist.”

The pair of Marshals recoiled at his directness. They might have anticipated bargaining or extended debate. Neither was possible; time pressed on.

Detecting a subtle shift in the mana currents, Graham glanced over to spot the enormous ant emerging from a distant bend, its gaze fixed upon them.

It loomed enormous, akin to an ambulatory structure, its aura pressing down palpably from afar. A faint violet sheen danced across its shell, and its eyes gleamed like polished gems.

Unfazed and deliberate, it started striding in their direction, betraying no fear.

Graham faced the Marshals again.

“We'll adhere to your guidance,” they promised, their eyes locked on the nearing monster beyond him.

“Excellent. May the Path guide us.”