Chrysalis Chapter 6 Breaching the surface

Two full days have passed since we breached that smaller tunnel to scavenge for food. During those forty-eight hours, I’ve done nothing but dig, punctuated only by the occasional hour of stolen sleep.

The colony managed to secure a significant bounty 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.

We managed to launch several raids down there before our escape pocket moved too far away, allowing us to stockpile enough food to hopefully sustain us until we reach the surface.

The mana veins, however, presented a serious issue. Once our escape route connected to that smaller tunnel, the veins surged forward, invading our vessel so rapidly that we were powerless to stop them. Within hours, they were spiderwebbing beneath us, and it wasn't long before I sensed heat signatures manifesting.

I did my best to alert the ants and stationed extra sentries near the larvae. Many of those young ones had matured after the recent feeding and were spinning cocoons to enter their pupal stage. Even with these precautions, we still lost a handful of newly hatched workers and a few larvae.

It’s a bitter pill to swallow, but there truly wasn't another option; the colony required food, and without that Biomass, those grubs never would have reached maturity anyway.

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

The veins are expanding even faster than before, outpacing our ability to dig away from them. Soon, the entirety of our escape tunnel was bathed in mana light; no matter how far we push, we can't seem to leave the glow behind. Luckily, we must be high enough in the Dungeon that only the weaker monsters are spawning.

Our progress has been hampered over the last couple of days by massive slabs of rock. I’ve had to use my Infused Mandibles to grind through them. We’ve just cleared the second major patch, and the path ahead looks much easier—nothing but soft soil for now.

According to my Tunnel Map, which has reached level three, the surface shouldn't be far off. It’s difficult to be certain, though, since I don't know the topography between the original entrance and our current destination. There’s a nagging fear that we might emerge under a river or the ocean, which would certainly leave me feeling salty.

Heh.

Though I'm no expert in excavation, I hope the soil would become noticeably damp if we were approaching a body of water. So far, the earth remains dry, so we press on!

I haven’t been idle during the manual labor. My sub-brain has been constantly drilling Mana Shaping, which has finally hit the impressive level eight! Manipulating mana into various patterns is becoming much more fluid, though it remains a brutal challenge. As I practice specific constructs, I’ve noticed my proficiency grows alongside my familiarity.

It’s a reminder that I shouldn't just depend on the skill level itself to improve. Actively working on a specific pattern makes me more adept at using it, regardless of whether the level ticks up.

I’ve also started dabbling in External Mana Manipulation. Man, that is tough! Controlling mana inside my own body is simple compared to influencing it outside. Trying to grasp it feels like stretching my own thoughts out of my skull and using them as a tether to pull in external energy.

I managed to gain one level in that skill before returning to my shaping drills. For now, the latter feels like a much better investment of my time.

Here is my current status:

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

The constant digging and skirmishing have yielded a few minor skill gains. I'm most satisfied with the steady progress of my mana-related abilities. Chattering at Tiny whenever I’m bored has also bumped up my Pet Communication skill, which was a nice surprise! I can hear his thoughts more clearly from a greater distance now.

Mostly, I’m just desperate to reach the surface. I need a moment to breathe and strategize for both myself and the colony. I can't plan our next move until I see what’s waiting for us up there.

I’m hoping for a secluded forest, miles away from any civilization. We could just hide out and wait for the Wave to pass!

I’ll keep all six of my claws crossed!

The Tunnel Map indicates we are extremely close to the surface now; we could break through at any moment. Since we’re reaching such a major milestone, I decide to talk to the Queen, who has been digging tirelessly beside me.

"I think the surface is just ahead! It’ll be a relief to finally stop digging."

She doesn't break her rhythm as she responds. "Yes, the family requires rest. I only hope we lose no more children before we arrive."

Her priority is always her offspring. I wonder if this is her natural personality or if the Dungeon designs every Queen with this instinct?

"Maybe the attacks will stop once we’re above ground and can catch our breath," I suggest.

"Do you know what the surface actually is?" I ask, curious about her knowledge.

"No," she says simply.

"Then why are you so sure it's a good place for us?"

"One of my children told me so." I can almost sense a hint of amusement in her mind, as if the idea of her children being wrong or deceptive is a concept that simply doesn't exist for her.

And perhaps it doesn't. After all, what kind of ant would lie?

As I’m reflecting on that, my mandibles scrape against something hard. Dammit! Not more stone! I’m exhausted from chewing through rock; my face feels like it's on fire!

Grumbling, I begin channeling mana into my Infused Mandibles to make the work easier. The Queen shifts back to give me room at the front. When it comes to rock-breaking, my mandibles are slightly more efficient than hers. Honestly, I think she’s glad for the break; she’s the only one who hasn't stopped for a single second since the Wave started.

CRUNCH CRUNCH CRUNCH.

I work with mechanical precision, snapping my jaws shut to tear into the stone. It yields easily, and shards of rock rain down on my head and bounce off my carapace.

Wait, does this stone feel like it's giving way? It feels almost... loose.

The shape of these rocks seems unusually uniform for something found underground...

Whatever.

CRUNCH CRUNCH CRUNCH CLATTER!

After a few more minutes of effort, the stones suddenly collapse forward, revealing a void beyond.

Is this it?

Are we finally there?

Excitement surging, I shove my head through the opening, pushing aside the remaining debris to get a look at the other side.

Where are we?!

The sight that greets me is completely unexpected. My compound eyes take in the entire scene in an instant.

We have emerged inside a stone structure with a high, arched ceiling. Rows of long wooden benches line the room, all oriented in the same direction. A crowd of people has scrambled back in terror, huddling against the walls as they stare at my monstrous ant face in pure horror.

This would have been shocking enough on its own.

This alone would have been a disaster.

But that’s not what has me frozen.

At the far end of the hall, where all the benches point, stands a pulpit. A figure in robes is pointing at me, his face twisted with intense emotion. And behind that man stands a statue.

That statue.

...Is that...

Sir Ian McKellen?

Is that Gandalf?