Chrysalis Chapter 1796 - Returning to the Fortress

Relief washed over me as the fortress entrance finally came into view, not because I had endured severe hardship in recent days, but due to the sheer annoyance of those Legionaries. Yes, I am a colossal monster, and I understand their inherent fear and animosity towards my kind – it's hardly a novel situation. Yet, every time my focus wavered, I felt their gazes upon me, like hungry predators assessing prey they couldn't quite conquer. They constantly muttered amongst themselves, casting suspicious glances my way. I'm quite convinced some of them even hurled rocks at my joints, attempting to find a weak spot, though I couldn't catch them red-handed. The rocks certainly didn't throw themselves, damn it!

Had they made any overt moves, I have no doubt Protectant and the others would have intervened immediately. However, their actions were limited to hushed whispers and attempts to unnerve me, which, while effective in making me paranoid, didn't provide grounds for a dramatic intervention. Considering we had both been awake for over thirty-six hours straight, this tiresome charade was more than enough.

[There it is, the fortress. Inside you'll find Commander Chyron and her Legion, who I'm sure will be more than happy to see you. I'm out of here.]

[It’s rather large,] Commander Eliza remarked. [How did you manage to build it so quickly?]

[We're ants,] I replied, as if that alone was a sufficient explanation. And frankly, it was. Our industrious nature speaks for itself. [This isn't the only fortress like this that we've constructed down here.]

[How many are there?] she inquired, seeking further details.

[I have absolutely no idea,] I admitted.

Thankfully, we had entered the zone permeated by cleansed mana, an achievement Commander Eliza seemed unable to comprehend. In her estimation, overcoming the native mana of the fifth layer, with its self-replicating and corruptive characteristics, was an 'impossible' feat. What could I say to her other than perhaps they should have exerted more effort?

Understandably, the Legionaries opted to wait outside for Chyron or one of her subordinates to emerge, a decision I found quite reasonable. However, I had no intention of lingering with them. As soon as they were settled, I proceeded inside, finding Tiny, Crinis, and Invidia awaiting my arrival.

[Hey there, gang. How is everyone?]

Tiny responded with a wide grin on his bat-like face, offering a thumbs-up.

[Good,] he confirmed.

Crinis, contrary to her usual behavior, did not immediately burrow into my carapace and begin exploring my internal structure. This was, in fact, a positive development.

[Master, you are late,] she stated pointedly.

[Yes, well. I'm perfectly fine, as you can see, but there were a few unexpected twists out there.]

[I suppose that isn't your fault,] she conceded, finally approaching and settling onto my back.

This unusual restraint from Crinis was unsettling, stirring a sense of worry within me.

[Did you... do anything wrong while I was away?] I asked, suspicion coloring my tone.

[Of course not,] she replied calmly. Perhaps too calmly.

I felt compelled to uncover the truth of the matter... but for the moment, I let it rest. I had been meaning to reconnect with the Templars, and I had already kept them waiting far longer than intended. Through the Vestibule, I could have contacted them at any time, naturally. Each of them occupied a permanent space within the Nave, so to speak, but I generally disliked conversing through it, as it felt somewhat intrusive.

Engaged in conversation and laughter with my companions, I navigated the fortress, deliberately avoiding any path that might lead me to Solant, and made my way towards the Templars' location. Conveniently, they had congregated in a single area, significantly simplifying my search.

My progress was unexpectedly halted when I discovered they had gathered in a space far too confined for my form – specifically, the human quarters of the fortress. Clearly, the corridors here had not been designed with colossal monsters in mind, rendering them impassable for someone of my magnitude. With no other recourse, I was compelled to contact them through the Nave, directly addressing their minds.

[Hello there! I've come to pay a visit! How is everyone? Feeling... uh.... human? I suppose?]

[Wha? What?]

[Who?]

[Greetings, Great One.]

It turned out they were asleep. The older ones, at least; the three children seemed to be inexplicably awake, suggesting this was likely a dormitory. That made perfect sense. After a short while, the six of them emerged from the corridor, refreshed and clad in attire.

[Good morning!] I greeted them with enthusiasm. [Or at least, I think it's morning!]

[It isn't,] one of the younger ones, Emilia, informed me. [It's closer to the middle of the night.]

[Oh.]