Chrysalis Chapter 1791 - Change of Environment

“Gathering all nineteen of us for a full meeting at this stage of the campaign, is that truly necessary? Once the Eldest has managed to clear the obstruction below, can’t we simply proceed with the plan we had already established?”

It was quite unusual for Solant to convene all of her broodmates simultaneously in recent months. She relied on them, her most trusted advisors who understood her intentions implicitly, to ensure her plans were executed with absolute precision.

Juliant voiced the question, and it was certainly a valid one. They had dedicated considerable effort to making Solant’s strategy as infallible as possible.

“As often happens when the Eldest is involved, the circumstances in the lower tunnels seem to have undergone a change.”

Zhant, a mage, took a sip of her tea before folding her front legs together, deep in thought.

“We simulated two hundred and thirty-six distinct scenarios that could arise from the Eldest’s involvement. I presume something has occurred that falls outside even those predictions?”

Solant gave a nod before taking a small bite of her cake. Obtaining confections within the fifth was a rare treat, even with the efficient logistics network she had meticulously developed to function flawlessly. However, for her beloved siblings, she would set aside her own rations and procure a delightful sponge cake, a recent favorite. Its light and airy texture, complemented by the perfect hint of vanilla in the cream, made her antennae quiver with joy with every mouthful.

“As anticipated, no plan is ever robust enough to withstand direct contact with the Eldest,” she remarked.

“How did you gain knowledge of this new development?” Leonidant inquired. “From what I understand, there hasn’t been any communication with them since their departure.”

Solant tapped her head.

“I received a direct message from them.”

The means by which the Eldest managed such a feat, even deep within the fifth, was a mystery Solant was eager to unravel, though she knew the Eldest would likely never reveal it to her.

“So, what was the Eldest’s message?” Leonidant asked, curiosity piqued.

Solant paused, uncertain how to convey the information.

“They informed me they might have inadvertently caused a ‘Snot-pocalypse’ in the areas below.”

A profound silence fell over the table as each of the nineteen siblings processed these words. A few more moments passed, allowing for further private contemplation.

“A… what did you say?” Dunlant asked, his patience clearly wearing thin with what he perceived as absurdity.

“I can repeat it if you insist,” Solant replied, a hint of reluctance in her voice.

“A… snot-pocalypse. What… what exactly does that signify?”

“I had similar inquiries. While the Eldest offered some clarification, I found it necessary to dispatch scouts to gather further intelligence.”

“Scouts?” Washingtant exclaimed. “I’ve received no information about this.”

“Time was of critical importance, sister,” Solant explained. “Let us examine the map.”

Significantly smaller than the comprehensive model housed at HQ, the one she possessed in her private quarters only depicted the lowest, previously mapped levels of the fifth. Upon the scouts’ return, substantial additions had been made to this model, granting access to entirely uncharted territories.

“As you can observe, the Krath had constructed immense lakes of mucus, effectively sealing our passage to the lower tunnels. According to the Eldest, navigating through this was exceedingly difficult, yet they ultimately managed to find a way.”

“This must be the reason for their prolonged absence…”

“Not entirely.”

Solant leaned forward, indicating specific sections of the model.

“This chamber was once completely filled with mucus, nearly to its capacity, a staggering quantity of thousands of megalitres.”

Considering that one megalitre equates to a million litres, the amount of mucus was indeed immense.

“Was?” Leonidant questioned.

“Indeed, it was,” Solant confirmed. “It has now been completely drained.”

“So, the Eldest succeeded? They’ve carved out a path for us.”

“Not entirely,” Solant reiterated. Sensing there was more to the account, her siblings settled back into their seats, taking sips of tea and nibbling on cake.

“While draining that lake has certainly inflicted a significant blow to the Krath forces in the vicinity, that is not the sole consequence. It has, apparently, triggered a mucus feedback loop, which is currently flooding a vast expanse of the lower tunnels and rising several kilometres towards our fortress.”

Each of her siblings possessed more than enough intellect to comprehend the severity of the situation.

“Snot-pocalypse…” Washingtant murmured.

“Precisely. This presents us with certain difficulties, but also with distinct opportunities.”

“The Krath are presently occupied,” Juliant observed.

“Indeed,” Solant declared, her mandibles clicking with satisfaction. “Our adversaries are in a dire predicament and are in no condition to interfere with our endeavors. Provided we implement appropriate protective measures, the escalating tide of mucus should not pose a threat to our infrastructure. In the interim, we can commence preparations for our advance. If all proceeds favorably, we should be capable of capturing a substantial territory in a single decisive movement, effectively shattering the resistance of the slugs in this region and pushing through to the sixth level.”

It was an audacious plan, undoubtedly, but one she felt confident in its potential for success.

“Any chance of more tea?” Zhant inquired with a hopeful tone. “I have this feeling we might be here for quite some time.”

Solant gracefully rose from her seat, swiftly moved to the adjacent room, and then reappeared, a sizable teapot perfectly balanced on a warming tray.

“I am fully prepared,” she declared.