Chrysalis Chapter 1718 - Swept Clean

Green Mountain is simultaneously more and less grand than my expectations. It’s difficult for any settlement to truly stand out when they are nestled against 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 port, and thousands of homes that scale the mountainside toward the clouds. While it isn't the Silver City by any stretch of the imagination, its prosperity is evident.

It also feels somewhat militant.

While the Silver City was crafted as a living masterpiece, Green Mountain looks as though it was designed to scowl at the horizon. Despite its lush name, the architecture is austere and grey. Upon closer inspection, many buildings seem positioned to serve as internal fortifications and defensive barriers should the city ever face an invasion.

It isn't quite a fortress, but the defensive mindset is palpable. This is logical, given that core harvesting is a primary industry here. Located close enough to catch glimpses of the Mother Tree in the distance, the residents have a reputation for harboring deep-seated hatred for all things monster. It’s a stroke of bad luck for them that the Colony decided to claim the mountain right next door.

Ah, it appears I’ve been noticed.

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

Faintly, the sound of alarm bells echoes from the battlements. I can see tiny figures rushing around, pointing and yelling in my direction. They certainly seem spirited. I suppose standing guard on a wall all day must get tedious.

Realistically, if an assault were coming, it would emerge from the tunnels, not across the water. Regardless, I wave an antenna at them as a friendly greeting. I hope they can see me.

Oh, they definitely see me; they’re hurlng fireballs now.

Massive fireballs. To launch so many in such a short window, they must have heavy siege equipment mounted on those walls. Instead of lingering to engage in a Mana war against a city full of mages, I retreat down my custom tunnel. I plummet hundreds of meters before deploying a gravity well to arrest my fall just before I hit the floor.

That’s a useful skill. The more I use gravity wells to move, the more indispensable they become. Fall damage? Ha! That’s a problem for other people.

Once I reach the bottom, I find several of the nameless waiting in the shadows.

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

“Eldest, we have secured all the stragglers possible,” one says, emerging from the gloom.

“I appreciate the help. I didn't mean to keep you from your usual duties for so long. I hope there aren't too many who have started neglecting their sleep.”

“There are many,” the nameless one replies, her mandibles clacking as if she were disappointed by unruly children. “The holding cells will be packed for several days.”

Are you kidding me? Wow. I never intended for any ants to become obsessed with enforcing mandatory nap time, but it’s frustrating that my siblings lose all self-control the moment I look away. Have some discipline, for goodness' sake!

“I’ll dispatch Crinis to assist you,” I inform the nameless one. “It seems my siblings aren't afraid enough of the dark.”

That should teach them a lesson.

The nameless one offers me the eightfold genuflection. It’s a rare gesture of respect, considering I am not a member of their specific order.

“With the shadow herself aiding us, we will be caught up in no time.”

[Are you okay with that, Crinis?]

[As long as you stay nearby…]

[I’ll behave.]

[Then I am willing.]

In the end, we captured roughly half of the delvers roaming the tunnels—about twelve hundred in total. Word is that Merchant is currently back there negotiating their return. I wonder if the Green Mountain Council will finally swallow their pride and pay. A massive ransom has been requested for their citizens, which will serve as investment capital for Merchant’s projects. I’m eager to see what she accomplishes. After all, the Colony is hungry for cores!

But if she loses that gold, she’s getting a serious scolding! Size doesn't matter!

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

For the moment, we’ll return to the nest for a brief rest. I need a status check and perhaps a few new mutations before proceeding. I also have several experiments I want to try.

I’m certain Green Mountain will be spitting blood when they have to hand over all that wealth to a group of monsters, and they’ll likely scream to their allies about the unfairness of it all. They’ll be furious, defensive, and seeking vengeance.

That’s perfectly fine. That is exactly the state I want them in.

Once the second phase is finished, they’ll be begging us to go away. I’m already growing bored of toyng with these idiots. I want my revenge on the slugs below, and these delvers have already wasted enough of my time.