Chrysalis Chapter 1799 - Abyssal Babysitting

Morrelia and her fellow Tribune, Joshen Aurelis, understood the need for caution when their commanding officer was in such a mood. However, it wasn't always possible to avoid being caught in the crossfire. Commander Chyron was a professional and fair leader, who didn't ask more of her troops than she demanded of herself. It was simply more likely for her to impose greater demands upon herself when she was displeased.

Currently, they were following closely behind their Commander, clad in full armor as they marched through the fortress's corridors. A brief consultation with Commanders Eliza Sparrek and Steven Monside had provided all the necessary information regarding Anthony's activities upon his arrival with several hundred trainees.

The exact cause of the catastrophe he'd orchestrated remained, for the moment, an enigma.

They had also managed to acquire a straggler. A young trainee, likely no older than nineteen or twenty, had requested permission to accompany them. While perhaps not an unusual request under the circumstances, it was rather surprising that any of the Commanders had granted it.

"So, you've spent a considerable amount of time around this monster?" the trainee inquired.

Morrelia glanced at the girl with mild surprise. She couldn't recall encountering anyone so... vivacious... during her own fifth year of training. The harsh environment and rigorous drills tended to quickly eradicate excessive positivity from most individuals. Morrelia, having possessed little to begin with, had fit in seamlessly.

"Legionary Sheriman..." she started, but Joshen interrupted.

"Much more time than I would prefer, but significantly less than my fellow Tribune. She first encountered the creature when it was considerably smaller than it is now, during the initial Wave."

Irritated, Morrelia shot Joshen a look, but he was barely paying attention to her, instead offering a smile to the young woman accompanying them. At any given moment, there was a high probability that Joshen was preening to some degree; he dedicated a substantial amount of time to ensuring his appearance was impeccable. However, this current display was simply... mortifying. With his chest puffed out and his head tilted at precisely the angle to emphasize his jawline, he couldn't have been making a more concerted effort to impress.

Disgusted, Morrelia could only shake her head. Not only was Sheriman beneath him in rank, but she also appeared to be five or six years his junior. Yet, when Morrelia turned her attention back to the officer in training, she found the young woman's gaze fixed solely upon her. Large, sparkling eyes, as blue as a clear winter spring.

"Uh, that's true," Morrelia conceded, averting her gaze.

Was this the type of person Joshen found appealing? She seemed more like a dewy-eyed damsel than a proper Legionary. She didn't even possess a mustache.

Dismissing the unwelcome thought, Morrelia redirected her focus to the immediate objective. They were heading to confront Anthony and press him for details regarding the events that transpired below. Knowing him, something terrible had occurred, and he bore the full responsibility, but eliciting an admission from him would prove nearly impossible.

An indirect approach seemed advisable in this situation.

"I've never witnessed such a colossal monster," Sheriman exclaimed breathlessly. "The aura it exuded was utterly overwhelming! You were with it when it was far less powerful? How could you have let it live back then?"

What kind of question was that?

"It was not opportune at the time, nor was I an official member of the Abyssal Legion," Morrelia responded curtly, eager to conclude the exchange.

"Not opportune? What was occurring?" Sheriman pressed, seeking further information.

"Matters," Morrelia replied flatly. "And other things."

"What sort of things?"

"If you have inquiries for Anth-for the monster, Legionary Sheriman, then you are welcome to direct them personally. We will be meeting with them momentarily."

"We will be meeting with them now," Commander Chyron's voice boomed. "Would you kindly cease your chatter back there?"

Startled, Morrelia realized they had indeed reached their destination. Anthony himself, in his immense tier eight form, was resting comfortably before them, accompanied by his companions. Four formidable monsters gathered in one location was enough to send her instincts into overdrive, despite her knowledge that they were all non-hostile.

Far from intimidated, Sheriman appeared utterly captivated, leaning forward, her eyes shining with intense interest as she surveyed the scene.

Anthony largely disregarded them, offering a languid wave with one antenna while he consumed some Biomass provided by the Colony. In mere moments, a mind bridge was established, connecting them all to the colossal ant, enabling communication.

[Greetings, esteemed members of the Legion. How is everyone faring today? Feeling robust? Feeling invigorated? Judging by the grimace on your face, Commander, it appears to be a day that ends in 'y'. Am I correct?]