Chrysalis Chapter 1729 - The Titan Approaches

Usually, pinning down a formidable beast during a hunt proved to be the toughest challenge, forcing hunters to unleash their full might. In dire situations, this might drag on for an entire month, involving precise maneuvers, sealing off passages bit by bit, seizing Dungeon areas, and steadily guiding the monster to the desired spot.

Throughout his career, Graham had engaged in this chase countless times and mastered the techniques for positioning a creature precisely where he desired. But on this occasion, such skills and past encounters offered no advantage. The beast wasn't just exceptionally clever; it boasted numerous companions and an actual stronghold to withdraw into at will. Typically, mighty monsters led isolated lives or gathered only a handful of followers, never an entire society numbering in the millions.

If the ant chose to withdraw into its domain and disappear, the War Bishop possessed scant options to counter it. Though his Judgement Battalion excelled at battling monsters, it fell short of storming a defended stronghold while facing a tier eight Mythic within.

Yet, this appeared fated to become the most bizarre monster pursuit of his professional life. Rather than fleeing to security, the ant seemed eager to present itself to them gift-wrapped. Barely an hour after dispatching scouts, updates arrived confirming the creature lurked close by, poised and waiting.

While immersed in talks with the Marshals on plans and maneuvers, Graham found himself caught off guard by the report. Had he overestimated the ant's cunning? Or was some hidden tactic at play that escaped his notice?

Additional reconnaissance confirmed the monster traveled with company. A force encamped nearby consisted of ants mixed with thinking beings who ought to recognize the peril, plus various other potent creatures concealing their presence. Clearly, the ant had no intention of squandering its existence but aimed for outright confrontation.

Preparing the soldiers for the brewing clash wasn't what Graham had anticipated for the day, yet he embraced it. A swift victory, honor to the Path, and he'd return to his rightful spot in the Cathedral's underground quarters.

“Do you truly plan to advance and face the monster at this moment?” Grand Priest Vinting inquired, his voice betraying underlying anxiety.

“I figured you'd approve of such a turn,” the War Bishop replied, sparing the man scant focus. Assembling the Battalion and their partners dragged on longer than preferred, and extra moments to blend the groups more thoroughly might have helped, but time was scarce. With the beast so near, launching practice exercises wasn't feasible; it could rush their lines and strike within minutes. “You'll escape this place soon enough and return to the Cathedral.”

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What Alir craved was escaping the Dungeon before any conflict erupted. That wouldn't occur.

The Grand Priest's complexion flushed an even darker crimson as fury surged within him. Graham had observed Alir struggling more lately to keep his feelings in check. Before he could unleash the resentment simmering inside, an urgent voice nearby hailed Graham.

“The monster is advancing!”

In a flash, the Grand Priest faded from Graham’s thoughts.

“Toward us or fleeing?”

“Toward!”

The assault was imminent.

“Position all forces in array. I'll confer with the Marshals to ensure they're solid on our approach.”

With those words, the War Bishop marched off, his armor shining under the Dungeon's gentle glow, white cape billowing in his wake.

“You've been informed, I take it?” Williams observed, more statement than query.

“Indeed. Combat looms soon. Are you two at ease with the plan I outlined?”

Williams and Selda shared another wordless look. Graham could sense their deep familiarity, forged over years of collaboration, just from their seamless unspoken exchange.

“Your scheme is… unusual,” Selda remarked, choosing her words with care. “You've explained your rationale, yet we're not certain we agree with your assessments.”

Graham inclined his head.

“In that case, I want you to vacate the battlefield without delay.”

Uttering this, he pivoted to depart, but Williams gripped his arm to halt him.

“We never claimed we'd depart,” the bald warrior murmured.

“If you're unwilling to adhere to the strategy I've proposed, I don't require your aid,” the War Bishop countered evenly, devoid of hostility. “Lacking those key components, you'd obstruct more than assist.”

The pair of Marshals recoiled at his directness. Maybe they'd anticipated bargaining or extended debate. Neither was possible; time pressed.

Detecting a subtle shift in the mana currents, Graham glanced over to spot the enormous ant emerging from a distant bend, gazing their way.

It loomed enormous, akin to an ambulatory structure, its aura pressing heavily even from afar. The ant's shell appeared to shimmer, faint violet hues dancing across its outer layer, as its gaze gleamed like polished gems.

Unfazed, it strode forward at a leisurely pace, utterly unperturbed.

Graham faced the Marshals once more.

“We'll adhere to your guidance,” they promised, eyes fixed beyond him on the nearing monster.

“Excellent. May the Path guide us.”