Chrysalis Chapter 1746 - Sentencing

Within under an hour since the disgraced Priest departed from his side, Alir found himself dragged out of his confinement. The ants showed no interest in speaking to him, and they didn't summon any human to field his inquiries. Such rudeness had been absent up until this point.

.

In the depths of his thoughts, the Grand Priest hadn't genuinely expected that Beyn, despite his deep fall, would actually reveal to the ants that he was responsible for carrying out the ritual. It amounted to an unfounded claim, with zero proof! Even supposing he possessed some, the Grand Priest understood full well the consequences for the Colony if they dared to execute a high-ranking figure like himself from the Way.

Strains were mounting sharply inside the Dungeon, and the Church kept stirring up opposition against the monsters in each throne hall, every advisory gathering, and all executive discussions throughout Pangera. The downfall of the Judgement Battalion might have already ignited the spark, but to condemn him for something entirely lawful?

It was utter insanity. Pure insanity!

Yet still… hadn't he voiced it himself? Beyn was undoubtedly deranged. That Priest represented a hopeless case, unfit for any redemption through teaching. So what about the Colony? Did they lack any instinct for survival? They'd been equally engaged as the Church in efforts to influence public sentiment in their favor. Commerce, entertainments, presents—every tactic available. They had to know the repercussions.

Alir had no desire to perish.

Not at the hands of monsters. The mere notion struck him as profane and inverted. In his heart, monsters served only to toughen the believers; he held that conviction firmly. Those who met their end in the Dungeon merely suffered from insufficient faith or proved undeserving of the Path's blessings. Alir Vinting fit neither description. Throughout his existence, he'd remained steadfast in devotion. He'd climbed the Path's levels, elevated his Class, labored without cease for the Dungeon's utilization, and elevated the Church's standing. He refused to meet his fate like this!

Upon being brought forward, treated like a mere morsel of sustenance, and placed before the enormous ant beast that had ravaged the Judgement Battalion, every trace of Alir's resistance and fury dissolved, vanishing like vapor. This being held no regard for his contributions, nor for his opinions or feelings.

Merely being in its vicinity proved challenging, overwhelmed by the crushing wave of authority emanating from it. With gaze resembling sparkling gems, it peered down upon him, its jaws clicking restlessly, and he couldn't stop imagining the damage they'd inflict if they clamped onto him.

Its consciousness linked to his in an instant, leaving him no opportunity to ward it off. Just like a young dog seized by the nape, he dangled helplessly, scrutinized and rendered powerless to fight back.

[I know you,] the ant declared to him.

Alir attempted to clear his mind, to convey nothing at all, but such efforts proved futile. The monster had already breached his defenses. They had crossed paths previously, back in the Silver City.

[You were already watching us closely at that time,] the ant reflected, its voice booming within his skull. [Well then. This won't be enjoyable, not for either of us.]

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No hint of regret colored the creature's words, serving as the sole alert Alir got. Right away, the monster started sifting through his thoughts, delving into recollections as if a researcher scanning ancient scrolls. It didn't hurt precisely, yet the intrusion felt profoundly invasive.

[This… is against the law,] he forced out through clenched jaws.

[Many wicked acts remain lawful,] the ant countered dismissively, barely focusing. [Take, for instance, what you inflicted on my sister. So why should this differ?]

That particular recollection was what Alir yearned most to conceal, but the harder he evaded it, the fiercer the ant pursued, exploiting each vulnerability and flicker of uncertainty to dig further and expose additional fragments.

In time, evasion became impossible; the creature's mental strength dwarfed his own, peeling back his barriers with the ease of someone shelling seafood.

With complete and agonizing thoroughness, the ant dissected every instant of the procedure. Starting from the effective capture of the ant, right up to the last bit of essence drawn from its deceased body, nothing escaped notice—no detail skipped, no moment glossed over.

CRACK.

Alir flinched sharply, unable to hold back as those massive jaws slammed shut. He nearly sensed them closing around his throat, though they held back. For now.

[I see,] the ant stated. [Beyn spoke true. It was you.]

[You can’t kill me!] Alir screamed over the mental link. [You'll ignite a conflict you can't sustain!]

The ant cocked its head a bit.

[Kill you? Whatever makes you assume I'd grant you such a swift release?]

It allowed that idea to resound and reverberate in Alir's mind while he struggled to comprehend the implication. What fate did they plan for him? What terrors could these bugs unleash on those they deemed offenders?

A burst of illumination appeared, followed by a smaller ant manifesting, as though conjured from nothingness.

[Is this the one?] it inquired.

A note of revulsion laced the new arrival's voice, suggesting reluctance to participate, a desire to steer clear of this affair.

Could this be his tormentor?

[This is him,] the massive ant verified, making no effort to shut Alir out of the exchange. It regarded him with utter contempt.

[Well… if there's anyone who merits this, it's him,] the smaller ant exhaled, then spoke straight to him. [Hey, you. Which arm do you prefer?]

It remained there, observing him, awaiting his reply. Alir's throat turned parched. Were they about to sever an arm? His thoughts whirled. If they limited it to just a limb, he'd count it as fortunate, though the prospect of amputation turned his gut.

[I’m left handed,] he fabricated.

[I’m in your head,] the giant ant pointed out, annoyed.

[Right arm, then,] the smaller ant decided. [Alright, let's move. I don't intend to drag this out any more than necessary.]

[What are you going to do?] he demanded, dreading the response yet fearing ignorance more.

The smaller ant nudged him, urging Alir onward in the desired path.

[I’ve been informed that your kind has never managed to pull ‘essence’ from anything but monsters. An intriguing puzzle, I'll admit, but obviously none of your experts possessed true Brilliance.]

It required a second for Alir to grasp the implication. When realization hit, bile surged toward his mouth.

They were going to harvest it. They were going to devour it.

[Today, we're discovering the flavor of your essence,] the smaller ant affirmed, then snapped its jaws in distaste. [Disgusting, no doubt.]