Chrysalis Chapter 1785 - World of Sludge

Unbelievable.

What a colossal amount of mucus.

After somehow managing to drive away the peculiar, near-tier nine monster inhabiting these tunnels, I retrace my path. I glide over the noxious, hissing sludge that the Krath unleashed upon me and commence their pursuit. Elusive and nearly imperceptible, the Krath's gravitational signature presents a tracking challenge, yet it surpasses any alternative method, given their exceptional mastery of stealth.

This leads me upward and around several tunnel bifurcations, ultimately guiding me into a vast cavern. It is here that the enormous artery, originating from the lungs, makes its appearance. I must confess, that structure fills me with dread. Its wet, pulsating nature is one aspect, but the sound – the sloshing of mucus being forcefully propelled through it – is utterly unsettling.

I am quite convinced that if I were to bite into it and breach the structure's thick wall, the immense internal pressure of the mucus would strip my antennae clean off and shatter my carapace. Even if it did not, the sheer volume and potency of the substance would engulf me in an instant, akin to being caught before a dam's emergency spillway the moment the gates are opened.

Fortunately, this is precisely where that colossal artery diverges. Resembling the most repulsive plumbing imaginable, it splits into two, then four, and finally a dozen smaller, yet equally loathsome vessels. These attach themselves to the cavern's ceiling, spreading out in various directions and conveying their toxic contents to other parts of the Dungeon.

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It is within this very vicinity that the evidence of the slugs' meddling is most apparent. As those vessels branch off and embed themselves within the quivering ceiling, clear signs of alteration are visible. Additional conduits, mimicking the natural formations but evidently inferior, have been grafted indiscriminately. These siphon off mucus, plunging into the roof and disappearing towards a higher level. It is evident that the Krath residing in this area have discovered a means to manipulate the organic substance forming these tubes, though their execution is flawed. Appearing more corrupted and damaged than the surrounding stratum, I surmise they must constantly maintain their handiwork here, lest it rupture under the strain and inundate the entire area.

I extend my antennae, attempting to detect any trace of… sluggishness. Indeed, a few are present, but not the substantial, concentrated group I had anticipated finding.

Nevertheless, I remain certain they are lurking nearby, and my search must continue.

Retreating from the cavern back into the tunnels, I probe here and there, but once more, discovering a passage to my intended destination proves futile. Undeterred, I persist and eventually stumble upon a clue. It is minuscule, likely no larger than a human fist, but it is an opening that I can trace into the wall, winding upwards and away.

A Krath tunnel.

The very thought of excavating through these walls fills me with revulsion, considering their repulsive nature, yet I have little alternative. What ensues is the least tranquil excavation of my existence as I gnaw, slash, and shudder my way forward, penetrating and forcing passage through the vile, fleshy walls. The endeavor consumes considerably more time than I would have preferred, but eventually, I breach into a new area, and what I discover defies my expectations.

If I were to draw a comparison to anything previously encountered, I would liken it to a network of canals. However, it bears no resemblance to Venice. The sole visitors to this place are those afflicted with chronic sinus infections and who regularly indulge in acid baths.

To put it mildly, there is scant room for a creature of my size. Maintaining my position above and away from the sludge channels, which propel their viscous contents with surprising velocity, presents a significant challenge given the low ceiling. Venturing further, it rapidly becomes apparent that this intricate system was not constructed overnight. Interconnected channels, junctions, peculiar fleshy mechanisms designed to pump sludge to higher elevations, and a host of other contrivances are evident. Furthermore, Krath are present.

Every tunnel I explore, every branch I investigate, they are there. Eagerly fleeing from me, yes, but their numbers are substantial. This signifies that I am exceedingly close to their sanctuary.

Gweheheheh. Prepare yourselves, slugs, for soon you shall have nowhere left to flee!

I can almost sense the boundless torrent of purified mana flowing through these passages. It shall be magnificent.