Chrysalis Chapter 1610: 1718 - Swept Clean

Green Mountain is both more and less grand than my expectations. It is difficult for these settlements to truly stand out, considering they are constructed upon mountain slopes so massive they defy belief.

When you factor in the ambient mana of the fourth stratum—brimming with life, light, and water—nearly every direction you look offers a breathtaking vista.

That being said, the city perched on this specific peak is clearly ancient and highly developed. It features towering walls, a thriving harbor, and thousands of homes that scale the incline toward the clouds above. It isn't the Silver City by any stretch of the imagination, but its prosperity is undeniable.

It also feels somewhat militaristic.

While the Silver City was intended to be a habitable masterpiece, Green Mountain seems designed to scowl at the rest of the world. Despite its lush name, the architecture is quite austere and grey. Upon closer inspection, many structures appear to have been designed as internal fortifications and defensive chokepoints in case of an invasion.

It isn't quite a fortress, but the defensive mindset of the inhabitants is obvious. This is logical, given that core harvesting is a primary industry here. Situated close enough to the Mother Tree to see her silhouette, the locals have built a reputation for their deep-seated hatred of all things monster. It is quite a stroke of bad luck for them that the Colony decided to occupy the neighboring mountain.

Oh, it seems I have been noticed.

I spent several days navigating a labyrinth of tunnels to reach the edge of Green Mountain’s territory. To avoid their outposts and walls within the Dungeon, I chose to tunnel upward to the surface. I crafted a stone path as I ascended, eventually breaking through the lake’s surface to get a clear view of the city.

Faint alarm bells are ringing from the ramparts, and I can see tiny figures rushing around, pointing and yelling. They certainly seem full of energy. I imagine patrolling those walls all day must get incredibly dull.

To be fair, if an assault were to happen, it would come from the tunnels, not across the water. Regardless, I wave an antenna at them as a friendly greeting. I hope they can see me.

Apparently, they can, as they are now hurling fireballs at me.

So many fireballs. They must have siege engines stationed on those walls to launch this many projectiles so quickly. Instead of lingering to start a mana war against a city full of mages, I retreat back into my tunnel. I plummet hundreds of meters before halting my descent with a gravity well just before hitting the floor.

That is a very useful trick. The more I use gravity wells to maneuver, the more I appreciate them. Fall damage? Hah! That doesn't apply to me.

When I reach the bottom, I find several of the nameless waiting for me, hidden within the shadows.

I don't recall being able to spot them this easily before. They must be getting careless.

"Eldest, we have captured every straggler we could find," one says, emerging from the gloom.

"I appreciate the help. I didn't want to keep you from your usual tasks for this long. I hope there aren't too many who have started skipping their sleep."

"There are many," the nameless one replies, her mandibles clacking as if she were disappointed by the conduct of unruly children. "The holding cells will be packed for the next few days."

Are you kidding me? Wow. I never intended for any ants to become so obsessed with enforcing mandatory rest, but it is incredibly frustrating that my siblings decided to act out the moment the oversight was removed. Show some discipline, for goodness' sake!

"I’ll have Crinis assist you," I inform the nameless one. "It seems my siblings aren't afraid of the dark quite enough."

That should teach them a lesson.

The nameless one performs the eightfold genuflection before me. It is a rare gesture of respect, especially since I am not a member of their order.

"With the shadow herself helping us, we will finish the task in record time."

[Are you okay with that, Crinis?]

[As long as you don't wander too far away…]

[I’ll be fine.]

[Then I am willing.]

In the end, we caught roughly half of the delvers in the tunnels—about twelve hundred people. Word is that Merchant is currently renegotiating the terms of their release. I wonder if the Green Mountain Council will finally cave and pay the price. A massive ransom has been requested for their citizens, intended as investment capital for Merchant’s projects. I’m curious to see what she achieves. After all, the Colony needs cores!

However, if she loses that gold, she’s getting a serious scolding! I don't care how tiny she is!

"Well. Now that they’re cowering behind their walls, it’s time for the next stage," I sigh, stretching my limbs and grooming my antennae.

For now, we will return to the nest for a brief rest. I could use a status check and perhaps some mutations before moving forward, and I still have new abilities to test.

I am certain Green Mountain will be spitting blood when they have to hand over all that wealth to a pack of monsters, and they’ll likely cry to their allies about how unfair it is. They will be furious, defensive, and seeking vengeance.

That is perfectly fine. That is exactly where I want them.

Once the second phase is complete, they will be pleading for us to leave them alone. I am already bored of toys. I want my revenge on the slugs below, and these delvers have already wasted enough of my time.