Chrysalis Chapter 1752 - Expanded Nursery

Surprisingly, the nursery has moved from the spot I recalled. The stronghold remains ridiculously enormous, with areas constantly being reassigned for new uses. One of the local Brood Tenders, a charming sibling named Tendant, guides me to the desired location and outlines the factors causing the relocation.

"With our domain growing larger, we've taken over additional Krath settlements. Hundreds now, in fact. They can't always escape in an orderly fashion, the unfortunate creatures."

The Brood Tender clicks her mandibles sadly, and I can't help pondering if the natural empathy of her role has stretched a bit too much. Every Brood Tender ought to be a devoted, nurturing instructor to the young ones, naturally, but pitying the Krath? Come on… they're the Krath! No more deceitful, scheming, or outright repulsive race exists on Pangera. Not a single one!

"Abandoning their eggs must be an excruciating choice," the Tender continues, oblivious to my internal debate. "And not every egg makes it through the move, which is simply… simply heartbreaking. Nevertheless, we've salvaged far more healthy eggs and brought forth our adorable baby snails. Consequently, the snail care center had to be substantially enlarged."

"So… how many snails are in our care these days?" I inquire.

From my past recollection, their numbers were modest. Perhaps a few dozen, or up to a hundred at most?

"More than two thousand," Tendant replies cheerfully. "We've split them into smaller batches. They dislike overcrowding intensely. The most recent batch hatched only days ago. Right after emerging, they're tiny. Utterly endearing."

That's… far beyond what I anticipated. At this pace, we might truly build a sustainable group of these purified Krath. Could the Chal Empire reclaim its past splendor? Shielded by the safeguard of their ant partners, undoubtedly.

"I simply wanted to visit the initial batch."

"Oh, Theresant surely won't object to that," Tendant assures me as we reach the entrance of two massive doors etched with a detailed scene of ants and snails collaborating peacefully.

In the end, Theresant shows some concern about allowing me to view the Chal.

"Aren't you overdoing the protection a tad?" I remark, annoyed.

Following a ten-minute debate with her, I'm beginning to feel rather insulted.

"Exactly what do you believe I'll do to them?"

"You're famous for poking the grubs and tumbling them playfully, Eldest," she retorts, somewhat sharply.

"No longer," I object. "I'm far too big now, and my antennae are much too weighty. Besides, I take offense at the suggestion I'd carelessly squash the snails! Do you really think I lack that much restraint?"

Though clearly hesitant, Theresant at last permits me entry into the facility. It's undoubtedly due to my compelling reasoning, not my warning about smashing through the wall. After all, my reputation for rationality precedes me.

Regrettably, my size prevents me from entering the dedicated Chal care chambers, so Theresant has graciously agreed to escort them out for a visit.

Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from NovelBin. Support the author by reading it there.

I must admit, the snail care center exudes a serene and fostering atmosphere. The atmosphere hangs calm and soothing, with every ant moving in a poised, subdued delight that permeates the very rock. In the courtyard where I wait, various themed gardens flourish, their designs stirring diverse emotions and reflections in observers. This ambiance feels… nearly divine.

And the noises! They're hard to put into words. I can't catch any sound clearly, yet amid the overall hush, faint tones linger in the air, vibrating with a vibrant essence all their own.

I end up waiting quite some time. Initially, I suspected Theresant had deceived me, but soon I accept that they are snails, small ones at that. Speed isn't their forte. They didn't earn the phrase 'snail's pace' idly.

When Theresant comes back, she's noticeably anxious, fussing over a cluster of snails escorted by nearly as many Brood Tenders.

This time I'm offended! Is that necessary? Sheesh!

The snails, meanwhile, seem utterly at ease. Their eyes, perched on slender stalks, brim with tranquility and are nearly closed, while their elongated, delicate moustaches drape along their faces, trailing beside their forms. They truly make for a captivating display, these snails. They might have evolved with age, but their hides show a gentle golden hue that glows inwardly, and their shells resemble treasured gems, shining brilliantly on their backs.

Without a word, they advance and halt merely meters from one of my legs. Gradually, they arrange into a tidy pattern, precisely aligned, then gaze upward at me steadily.

Er…

"How do we communicate with them? Can they grasp pheromones? Or should I form a mind bridge?"

"Never!" Theresant retorts sharply. "Their psyches are too delicate for such spells. They're merely babies!"

Granted, they haven't reached a year yet, but they strike me as remarkably sage. Perhaps it's the moustache, yet these tiny beings radiate an aura like timeless sage mentors.

Even so, disregarding a Brood Tender's counsel wouldn't be wise, so I decide to express my gratitude via pheromones, trusting someone will interpret it later. Before I transmit the signal, the foremost snail starts to hum.

A lone tone, yet that flawless, pristine sound resonates through my antennae, leaving me speechless.

Next, a second snail adds a note, followed by a third, then more. Gradually, every chal contributes until the chorus swells, making the fine hairs on my antennae sway like in a grand dance.

The sheer flawlessness overwhelms me, nearly drawing a fanciful tear from my tangible eyes. Swept up in the melody, I lose track of time entirely; every facet of my intellect, all cognitive structures, immerses fully in the enveloping harmony from the snails.

Suddenly, it ceases, silence descends, and I jolt back to awareness, peering at the snails who now look pale and weary. Even their moustaches appear somewhat diminished in majesty.

"Do they… tire quickly?" I wonder.

They'd only hummed for a short while.

"They do not!" Theresant barks, enraged, as she hastily herds the snails, who comply grudgingly to her prodding antennae, heading back to their quarters.

"What do you mean? They've barely been here a few minutes."

"It's been two hours."

"Uh… what?"

"Two. Hours. Eldest! That's precisely why I hesitated to bring them out. Things always go awry around you!"

"What did I do? That was entirely their doing! I haven't a clue what they accomplished!"

"They performed something for you," she fires back. "I don't care what, just stop visiting and wearing them down constantly. They're still developing."

Bewildered, I inspect myself, finding no alterations on my shell or limbs. Uneasy, I probe deeper within, and after some effort, I discover that something has, astonishingly, shifted.

My Pure Core. The change is subtle, barely perceptible, but I vow it's acquired a faintly… radiant look.

What in the world?