Chrysalis Chapter 6 Breaching the surface

Two full days have passed since we breached the smaller tunnel to gorge ourselves. For forty-eight hours, it has been an endless cycle of excavating, punctuated only by the occasional hour of snatched sleep.

The colony managed to secure a massive haul of Biomass from that hunt. Piles of it were hauled back to nourish the Queen, the workers, and the larvae, providing the vital energy required for the grueling tasks ahead.

Before our escape pocket drifted completely past that tunnel, we launched several raids, stockpiling enough food to hopefully sustain us until we reach the surface.

The mana veins, however, became a serious issue. Once we linked our pocket to that smaller tunnel, the veins surged forward, invading our escape vessel so rapidly that we were powerless to stop them. Within mere hours, they were spider-webbing beneath our feet, and shortly after, I sensed heat signatures beginning to manifest.

I did my best to alert the ants, attempting to station extra guards near the larvae. Many of those grubs had reached maturity following the last feeding and had begun spinning cocoons to enter the pupal stage. Even with these precautions, we still lost several hatchling workers and a few larvae.

Though it was a painful loss, there was little else we could have done. The colony required food; without that Biomass, those grubs never would have survived to reach maturity anyway.

At least, that is the lie I tell myself for comfort.

The veins are expanding even faster now, outpacing our ability to dig away from them. Before long, our entire escape passage is bathed in mana light. No matter how fast we tunnel forward, we simply cannot leave the glow behind. Fortunately, we must be high enough in the Dungeon that only weaker monsters are spawning.

Our progress has been hampered significantly over the past two days by massive slabs of rock. These required me to use my infused mandibles to grind through the obstructions. We have just cleared the second of these patches, and the digging has become much easier—nothing but soft soil ahead.

According to my Tunnel Map—which has ascended to level three—the surface shouldn't be far off. It is difficult to be certain, as I don't know the topography of the surface between the old entrance and our current destination. There is always a slim chance we might breach the floor of a river or the ocean, which would certainly make me a bit salty.

Heh.

I am no expert on excavation, but I hope that if water were ahead, we would notice the earth becoming increasingly damp as we progressed. So far, there is no sign of moisture, so on we go!

I haven't been idle while digging. Utilizing my sub-brain, I have continued to hone my mana shaping skills, reaching the impressive level eight! Manipulating mana into various patterns is far easier than when I began, though it remains a brutal challenge. After repeatedly constructing specific patterns, I’ve noticed my proficiency growing alongside my familiarity.

It proves that I shouldn't rely solely on the skill system for growth. Actively practicing a specific pattern improves my execution, even if my level doesn't stay in lockstep.

I also began experimenting with external mana manipulation. Damn, that is difficult! Managing mana inside my own body is simple compared to controlling it externally. Reaching out to grasp it with my mind feels like dragging my own thoughts out of my skull to use as a rope for dragging in nearby energy.

I managed to level that skill once before returning to my shaping practice. I feel the latter is much more productive for the time being.

My current status is as follows:

Name: AnthonyLevel: 8 (core)Might: 41Toughness: 29Cunning: 32Will: 22HP: 50/50MP: 45/58

Skills: Excavation Level 8; Improved Acid Shot Level 5; Advanced Grip Level 1; Shattering Bite Level 2; Advanced Stealth Level 5; Piercing Chomp Level 5; Tunnel Map Level 3; Mana Shaping level 8; Forceful Mana Level 4; External Mana Manipulation Level 2; Mana Sensing Level 4; Core Engineer Level 2; Advanced Exo-Skeleton Defence level 3; Pet Communication Level 2;

Mutations: Focused Eyes +5, Infrared Antennae +5, Restrictive Acid +5, Absorption Legs +5, Infused Mandibles +5, Diamond Carapace +5, Limb Regeneration Gland +5, Pheromone Language Gland +5, Deep Gravity Magic Gland +5;

Species: Mind Ant (Formica)Skill points: 4Biomass: 13

A few minor skill gains have accumulated from all the digging and combat. I am most satisfied with the steady progress of my mana skills. Also, chattering at Tiny whenever I’m bored has boosted my pet communication skill—an unexpected bonus! I can hear him more clearly from a greater distance now.

Ultimately, I am desperate to reach the surface soon. I need an opportunity to evaluate our situation and plan the next move for myself and the colony. Planning is impossible until I know what awaits us up there.

I’m hoping for a secluded forest or something similar, far from any civilization. We could hide out and wait for the wave to pass!

I’ll keep all six sets of claws crossed!

Based on the tunnel map, we should be extremely close to the surface; it could happen at any moment. With such a major milestone approaching, I decide to inform the Queen, who has been digging tirelessly beside me as always.

“I think we’re almost at the surface! It’ll be a relief to finally stop digging.”

She agrees without pausing her labor. “Yes, the family requires rest. I hope no more children are lost during our ascent.”

Even now, her primary concern is her offspring. I wonder if this is a learned trait or if the Dungeon crafts every Queen ant with this temperament?

“Hopefully the attacks will stop once we reach the surface and we can catch our breath,” I suggest.

“Do you know what the surface is?” I ask out of curiosity.

“No,” she answers.

“Then how are you so sure it will be good for us to go there?”

“One of my children told me so.” I can almost sense a hint of laughter in her voice, as if the idea that her children could be mistaken or would mislead her is a concept that simply cannot exist in her mind.

And perhaps it doesn't. What reason would an ant have to lie?

As I am reflecting on that, my mandibles scrape against something hard. Dammit! More stone! I am fed up with carving through this material; my face already feels like it's on fire!

Grumbling internally, I begin channeling mana into my infused mandibles to slice through the rock more efficiently. The Queen shifts back slightly to grant me more room at the front. When it comes to sundering stone, my mandibles actually outperform hers slightly. To be honest, I think she appreciates the break; she is the only colony member who hasn't entered torpor since the wave began.

CRUNCH CRUNCH CRUNCH.

Working with mechanical precision, I snap my mandibles shut, tearing into the stone. It yields easily, causing sheared fragments to crumble and rain down onto my face and carapace.

Wait, does it feel like these stones are giving way? They seem almost... loose?

They also appear remarkably uniform for rocks found underground...

Ah, well.

CRUNCH CRUNCH CRUNCH CLATTER!

After a few more minutes of digging, the stones suddenly collapse and tumble around me, exposing an open chamber beyond.

Is this it!?

Did we actually make it!?

Overjoyed, I thrust my head forward, shoving through the gap and clearing away the debris to get a better look.

Where are we?!

What greets my sight is more than a little startling. My compound vision takes in the entire scene at once.

We are inside a stone structure featuring a high, vaulted ceiling. On both sides of me, long wooden benches are lined up in rows, all facing the same way. A crowd of people has recoiled in terror, huddling against the walls while staring at my ant face in sheer horror.

All of this is shocking enough.

This alone would have been a disaster.

But that isn't what captures my focus.

In front of me, at the head of the building where the benches are pointed, stands a pulpit. A robed figure stands there, pointing at me with a face twisted by intense emotion. And behind that man stands a statue.

That statue.

.... Is..... Is that?

Sir Ian McKellan?

Gandalf?