"Alberton! Alberton! Answer your door you deaf idiot!"
Two young Legionaries stood to one side, faces white with worry as they watched the Legion commander smash his massive fist repeatedly into a sturdy, iron framed door so hard that dust fell from the cold stone ceiling into their hair.
These two soldiers were the first see the monster and also had by far the best look at it, so Titus had taken them immediately to the medicus for treatment and from there to the Legion Keep of Liria. Right now they were several floors below ground level and the air was thick with dust and moisture.
To tell the truth, Titus hadn't been knocking for long but it hadn't taken much for the huge man to run out of patience.
"Open this door Alberton or I'll burn your stupid books to warm my backside!" Titus roared.
The door was yanked open immediately to reveal a dishevelled man in a brown robe sporting a hedge like beard that appeared to stab forward from his face like a wall of spears.
"You wouldn't dare Titus you illiterate ape! There's a thousand years of Legion history in here!" the beard shouted back at the commander.
Titus merely grunted. "Good, your awake" he said as he pushed the much skinnier Alberton out of his way and advanced into the chamber.
"I'm always awake" protested the scholar as he absentmindedly scratched at his robes, "what time is it?".
Titus simply shook his head and gestured for the two young soldiers to enter the room after him, which they did with some trepidation.
The room was a mess, every surface dusty and heaped with piles of parchment, book and scrolls of all descriptions. Several tables and a corner desk occupied the center of the room whilst around the walls were huge bookcases that stretched from the floor to the ceiling. Every shelf of every bookcase was heaped, stacked full of enormous leather bound volumes each labelled with intricate script on the spine.
Casting a quick glance around the room Titus stuck his head back into the corridor just long enough to bellow "cleaning!" and as Alberton began to protest that there was really no need for cleaning and they always disturbed his concentration anyway he simply ignored him and started speaking.
"Legionary trainee Mirryn, legionary trainee Donnelan, this is the Legionem Abyssi Loremaster of the Liria legion, Alberton. We are here, Alberton, for you to consult the records and identify a beastie the two trainees saw in the Dungeon today".
Alberton peered at the two trainees doubtfully. "Haven't expeditions been banned for a few days now? What could they possibly see on guard duty at the Dungeon entrance that they couldn't identify? Have we stopped teaching legionaries what a thorn lizard looks like?"
"If we have, that would be your responsibility as Loremaster, Alberton" Titus sighed "Alberton we need you to identify an ant for us".
The Loremaster froze.
"You mean ... Formicidae?"
"Yes".
Albertons' eyes drifted aimlessly around the room as he absorbed this information. After a moment he seemed to focus again and brought his attention back to the people present.
Without a word he turned and moved to a wooden ladder propped against the wall in a corner of the room. With some difficulty he moved it to one to the shelves propped it open and somewhat nervously climbed it. On the seventh shelf he reached for one of the volumes and withdrew it before climbing back down the ladder with some difficulty.
Thump!
The massive volume crashed into the table, spraying dust clouds into the air. The trainees could clearly see the word 'Formicidae' in stitched in gold filigree on the cover of the volume.
As Alberton retrieved the book, Mirryn turned to her commander hesitantly, "commander, I know we don't usually see any ant monsters under Liria but why is it so serious that we've seen one here?"
Donnelan also turned to listen to the answer. Titus cleared his throat. "A single ant is weak, pathetically weak, but you will almost never face a single ant. They will swarm in the hundreds, thousands even hundreds of thousands. They are far more cooperative than almost any other monster type, they are fearless, feel no pain and are ravenous. An ant colony can sweep clean vast sections of Dungeon, growing in strength, and if they are spawned in the second strata or higher they can climb up to the surface in search of more food. An ant colony expanding onto the surface is a massive disaster, it has only happened twice and whole kingdoms were burned to the ground before they were destroyed."
"In those cases" wheezed the Loremaster, turning to the two young legionaries, "the people were unable to react fast enough to the threat as the ants are excellent at creating their own tunnels, they didn't climb out of the dungeon entrance but burst into houses, basements and through castle prisons. They could be digging through the dirt around us right now".
Alberton chuckled drily as the trainees eyed the walls with suspicion. "Now describe this creature for me and we'll see if we can know our enemy".
As the two young soldiers began to describe the creature they had seen, Alberton began flicking through pages on the vast volume in front of him, muttering to himself. The trainees could see each page was covered in neat script and detailed drawings of different monstrous ant species, the recorded wisdom of generations of Legion soldiers.
"Large eyes you say? Very unusual, at least we can rule out the dorylus species, thank the legion" Alberton mumbled.
Donnelan turned to Titus with an eyebrow raised. "dorylus ants are almost completely blind" he explained, "but a dorylus queen can lay over a million eggs a month, and their colonies can grow to fifty million individuals. Also, they are nomadic, swarming endlessly and devouring everything in their path. Think of millions of monsters crawling across the ceiling, bursting out of the walls and scrambling on top of each other to kill you, what does it matter that they can't see?"
"Spraying acid to attract claw centipedes?" Alberton frowned as he continued to flick pages, "that is ... rare".
"Do you have anything Loremaster?" Titus asked.
"the colouring of the monster and the acid spraying are very distinctive features. We can be fairly sure this monster was some species of formica, definitely a hatchling based on its size. However, there are a few odd features, the creature appears to have mutated its eyes, which is extremely unusual for an ant, also the very unusual show of intelligence to lure other monsters into the fight in order to secure its escape".
Titus nodded, "I agree with you, a regular ant hatchling has a cunning stat of three or four, this ants' is clearly is much higher. What else have you learned?"
"We may have been extremely lucky here commander".
"In what way?"
"You said it yourself, you will almost never see one ant operating on its own. We also know that ants will almost never spawn in the first strata, so how can we explain a lone hatchling being found so close to the surface? I posit that a nest raid has taken place lower in the Dungeon, and a fairly new ant colony was too weak to repel it. As a result, some of the young were brought out of the nest and carried towards the surface where somehow this lone worker was able to hatch".
"So we've possibly been warned of the threat far earlier than we might have otherwise been" Titus mused.
"Correct. It's possible the queen spawned as little as a two months ago. The thing that puzzles me the most is how did this lone hatchling ant worker, possibly the weakest individual monster in the entire Dungeon, survive for any length of time? Based on the information provided, we can deduce that this ant has mutated its eyes at least once, possibly twice. How did it secure biomass? Why does it display a level of cunning far in excess what we would expect? These are very puzzling elements commander".
"I agree" Titus said, "but being able to move against the colony itself is of far greater concern to me than one lone worker ant. We will need to organise a deeper expedition to find and eliminate this threat. The timing is terrible since we anticipate a wave soon".
Alberton winced, "that seems like more than we can take on ourselves, commander".
"I agree" Titus said, "the legion will push into the dungeon immediately while you and I go to have to have a chat with your aunt".
Alberton sighed bitterly at his commanders words and as a team of cleaning staff filed into the room and immediately began shuffling his papers around to sweep he could only sigh again, looking extremely forlorn.
-x-X-x-
The Path is not a creation of any mortal kind, not even the Chal, at the height of their strength could affect such a change to our world. No, the Path descended from above, and it has illuminated the way forward for the world ever since. The Path sees no race, colour or creed, it embraces all and in return all must embrace it.
The Path is our road to ascension, to a greater state of being, the system will uplift us, but only if mortal kind is united will we be able to pursue the Path to its final destination.
Exert from the Holy Book of the Path.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Yesterday was a little too hectic for my tastes I have to say. It's my dearest wish that today will be a little more calm. My only aim is to try and secure one more biomass so I can mutate my eyes to +3 and then perhaps relocate my nest to a location a little more distant from the surface.
However it doesn't appear as if my day is going to as peaceful as I'd hoped.
Why on earth are there all these soldiers out here!?!
When I emerge from my nest and move into the cavern there are already human soldiers everywhere! They are moving systematically around the cavern, luring monsters out of their side tunnels and exterminating them with superior force. From my position huddled on the ceiling in the shadows I can see they've established some sort of formation around the water pool. Wooden tripods extend over the water surface and hanging from each is some sort of crystal or device that appears to be absorbing light from within the water?!
What on Pangea is this fancy technology? What are they absorbing? What are these funky crystals?!
More importantly, how am I getting out of here alive!?
The cavern has been completely occupied by them! Even if I try and rely on my stealth, I've already seen the monster detecting equipment they have available. I'd be stupid to think I could sneak past, and even If I could, there is only the large tunnel down halfway up the tunnel for me to head to, but that is clearly how they are going to advance further into the dungeon!
Can I hide in my nest successfully?
No, I don't think so. When they see all the dirt I've shifted into the tunnel they may even realise that it's the work of a monster and start to clear it out. Possibly they already have knowledge of that tunnel and will realise something is off when they notice the dirt obstruction!
In that case, what the hell am I supposed to do?!
Stupid humans!
There is only one option left available to me, but that choice is almost certain death! I have to escape past my nest and further into the tunnel towards the area I saw my first Croca-beast!
Isn't this a classic case of out of the frying pan and into the waiting jaws of doom?!
As I cling to the shadows near the entrance to my tunnel the disciplined soldiers are already beginning to sweep around to my side of the pool, waving torches to illuminate shadows and identify every stray nest and tunnel that may be hiding. I haven't got much time left before they make their way to my tunnel.
Why do these soldiers need to work so hard? Take a break guys! Relax! No? Dammit.
I've no choice. Time to face the music/death.
Moving quickly I skitter back into my tunnel and make my way to my nest. My heart pangs a little as I crawl through the small gaps I left on the ceiling and leave my temporary lodgings behind.
This was my place of (somewhat) safety in this world, my only refuge. It was only for a few days, nest, but we had good times. If I'd had a few of my fellow ant bros to stay with me it would have been a real home.
You know what? If I could find my birth nest then that may be the safest place for me. I've already seen the kind of reception I get from surface society in this world (it wasn't great), so maybe it's time I try and get along with my own kind. Ant kind!
After all, how far away from my nest could I possibly have been dragged before I was born? The nest may be closer than I think!
Stay positive Anthony! Charge forth and find the queen! That is to say, Mum!
However I will do so in a safe way, without being seen, I hope.
I emerge out of my nest and into the unexplored side of this tunnel. I haven't been out here since the first day I awoke in this place and saw one of my brethren being chomped to death by a horrible, bipedal crocodile.
Things have changed a little since then though! I'm level two now, have a few Biomass points spent. I'm not as weak as I was!
I latch onto the roof tightly with all six of my claws and begin to carefully make my way forward. My antennae are waving in all directions and my eyes are staring hard at every shadow as I advance.
Is it just me or does the tunnel seem brighter than it did last time? I swear the veins along the wall are glowing more brightly and are pulsing with slightly more frequency than they did before? What is that?
Gingerly, I approach the corner around which I saw I first monster.
I have serious trauma about this place dammit!
Please no monster, please no monster.
I sneak a peek and thankfully there is nothing to see.
Phew!
Casting my eyes around I can't see any signs of the ant who was eaten here or the beast that did the eating. For now the tunnel seems to continue to a wide curve to the left (my right since I'm upside down). I can also tell, perhaps, that this is my tunnel sense kicking in, that the tunnel is slowly starting to slope downwards, away from the surface and further underground.
This is fantastic news! Take me away from the cursed surface and its nasty human armies!
I once again advance boldly whilst sneaking the entire time.
Wait. My antennae are starting to pick up something in the air. Only a hundred meters further into the tunnel I sense a change in the air. Very quickly it becomes apparent why. The tunnel splits into two paths.
Hmm.
Using all of my senses I try to determine if one path is safer than the other.
I can't see anything nearby, and despite wiggling with all their strength my antennae aren't picking up anything either.
I'm not happy about this setup. One of these tunnels could mean instant death! BOTH of these tunnels could mean instant death!
I can't hold back any longer.
[Do you wish to improve Antennae? This will cost two Biomass]
Do it!
BUGAAAA!
I can't even try and scrape at my itch right now since I'm trying to stay hidden. Why are you like this Gandalf!?
Eventually it passes and my antennae have now grown noticeably longer than they were before I upgraded them the first time.
With my new and improved senses I again try to determine if either of these choices is less death insistent that the other.
Hold on! What the heck is that! My whole ant body starts tingling as I grasp the faintest wisp of a scent from the left tunnel. There is something about this scent that speaks to me. What on earth could it be?!
Drawn by this sensation, I will choose the left tunnel. Whatever this is, it doesn't feel threatening to me, so I will investigate. I really have no other information to go on anyway.
Disregarding the right tunnel I move into the left, sticking to the ceiling and moving cautiously as always.
As I more forward the subtle smell becomes more and more noticeable, from a distant waft of a mist it has now grown to the strong tendrils of a smoke.
The walls of this tunnel are almost entirely stone, webbed with the now familiar branching lines of blue light that seem to permeate almost everywhere inside this place. My claws make soft scritching scratching noises as I grasp the rock in my tiny claws, supporting my body with four legs at all times as I reach forward with two.
I'm still not a fully coordinated ant but I'm making a lot of progress in this body, if I do say so myself. To go from four limbs to six isn't easy at all but to go from two legs, two arms to six legs, no arms is even greater a shift!
It only takes a few minutes before I locate the source of the scent.
But there isn't anything here?!
Confused I glance around, there definitely isn't anything. The tunnel continues to curve to the left and slightly down but there I cannot see any bodies or creatures of food of any kind.
I use my antennae to feel the stone in front of me and gradually follow the scent down off the roof and onto the floor of the tunnel. As my antennae tip tap here and there, suddenly I am zapped with inspiration.
Pheromones!
How do ants keep in contact without being able to speak? How do ants create those long trails away from the nest to sources of food?
The answer is pheromones! By using a pheromone gland they can lay a trail of scent for other ants to detect and follow. Something is telling me that this is a pheromone trail laid down by a scout ant seeking either food or perhaps trying to locate the stolen brood from the nest!
My people are calling me home!
-x-X-x-
This is an exciting development! The colony is calling me, lighting the beacon to bring long lost Anthony home!
Still, let's not get carried away. Remember what happened the last time you got carried away, Anthony? You still haven't returned to max HP!
After inspecting the source of the scent on the tunnel floor, I immediately move back to my comfortable stealth position on the ceiling and continue down the tunnel. I'll have to continue down this path until I can pick up the trail somewhere.
The tunnel itself is becoming more irregular in direction, zigging and zagging through the earth, even as it continues its downward slope.
As I move I'm beginning to feel vibrations in the air from down the tunnel. Something is definitely happening in front of me. I must proceed with all caution!
Thirty metres ahead the tunnel splits once again. I'm starting to feel that these tunnels and caves are going to be splitting into a very messy network of tunnels. This is going to be hard to keep track of.
[Tunnel sense has reached level 2]
This is what I'm counting on! According to its description this skill helps maintain a sense of direction whilst underground. I suspect because of this effect I've been able to know which way the tunnel is sloping or curving almost without having to think about it. I'll have to depend on this to help me navigate and remember which way is which.
Since I can't detect any pheromone trail from either tunnel and one seems no safer than the other, I decide place a mark in the ceiling right at the split which indicates which direction if have taken. If I create and maintain a simple set of symbols to mark the tunnels it will hopefully help my memory.
After scraping a simple arrow into the rock with my mandibles I move down the right hand path.
Ten minutes later I have returned to the juncture.
Well then! Not going down that way anytime soon! It hadn't taken long for me to discern something was wrong with that tunnel and without having to travel far I encountered an area wherein the tunnel widened slightly creating a sort of hollow that had been occupied for a group of wolf lizards. Five of them were lounging on the rocks, gnawing on bones of what appeared to be recently killed prey. I wasn't prepared to try and sneak past them so I turned my tail and returned.
What symbol should I use for instant death?
In the end I scratch a rough X for danger and a ~ shape next to my mark for the right tunnel to try and represent the wolf lizard tail before marking the left tunnel and moving into it.
Hopefully this path is a little more manageable!
After a few hundred meters the tunnel seems quite safe, almost pleasant, as tunnels go.
HOLD IT!
I freeze in the process of walking, one foreleg poised in the air to advance as I stare hard at the space in front of me.
Is this .... What I think it is?
Before me I can see, barely see, a thin, silvery line of delicate thread stretched taught across the tunnel.
Very gently I bring my leg back towards my body and place it down before taking a few steps back and examining what I see in front of me.
Without having +2 eyesight there is no way I would have been able to notice in time.
Reflecting the soft blue light of the rock walls there is a web of whisker thin strands stretched across the tunnel. I had been so close to walking headfirst into a welcome I would not have survived.
Monster spider! I shiver.
I can't help but feel indignant.
Stupid spiders! You think you're the king of the insect world? Huh!? You let your webs do all the hard work for you! Not an honest, straight forward worker like an ant. If I had two hundred of my kind here, boy you'd have to watch out!
After inspecting carefully I can't see any spider on this web, but that doesn't mean it isn't nearby.
I hesitate. I either have to move through this tunnel or back to the family of wolf lizards and try and sneak through. Since I don't like my odds of sneaking I may have to try and gather some information about this spider monster to make an informed decision on the best path forward.
After some consideration I move to the floor of the tunnel and gather up a few loose rocks. I practice using my mandibles to toss them a short distance, the hard impact sound of rock on rock echoes through the tunnel.
I get the hang of it pretty quickly and line up a few rocks close to the web. Swinging my head I lob a rock at the web. The stone impacts the strands, causing the entire web to shake but it doesn't stick and falls to the ground. Without waiting I throw a second one and then turn and scurry away to hide in the shadows to observe.
At first, nothing happens. The shaking of the web makes it much easier to see, a neat pattern covering the whole of the tunnels width. Eventually the motion stops but still, I wait.
Here it comes! I almost missed it at first since it was moving on the ceiling, the show off! One leg and then the next emerges from the shadows as the monster appears to inspect the prey that shook its web.
Ugh, this thing is hideous! Eight furry legs (clearly too many) support its fat bulbous body as it moves forward and begins to daintily touch and examine the web.
Now as I recall it, a spider is an arachnid, not an insect like me. I have three body segments (head, thorax and abdomen) and six legs whilst a spider has eight legs (yuck) and two body segments (head and abdomen).
This spider is not part of the mighty insect family, he's lower on the food chain! Looking closely, it appears to be roughly my size as well. It's possible this is not a high level monster.
The spider begins to move off the rock and onto the web itself, inspecting the strands more closely. An idea is beginning to form in my mind. Let's just wait a little for our many-legged fried to sit still for us...
The spider is moving slowly across the web, still trying to determine the cause of the disturbance, meanwhile I am carefully pointing my rear at the target, trying to accurately judge the distance.
Hold .... Hooooold..... Fire!
Pow!
I blast out a mighty shot of acid, trying to force the attack at my maximum range. Immediately after letting the acid fly, I begin to change locations and watch the target to see the effect of my artillery.
At this range the accuracy was a little lacking and rather that hitting the spider straight on the abdomen as I'd hoped, the acid sprays across the legs on the right side.
The spider reacts immediately, flailing around at incredible speed! Loathsome fangs are bared, dripping dark fluid as the beast turns this way and that, its many eyes glaring into the tunnel as it attempts to locate its antagonist.
This is something the spider clearly has over me. Even upgraded, my eyesight is probably no match for the natural eyes of a spider. Most spiders have up to eight eyes! As solitary hunters they need excellent senses, much for the same reason I do!
The stealth skill is currently displaying its strength as my foe seems unable to identify my location. Perhaps I was able to catch it unawares, the creatures attention focused on the web rather than observing the tunnel.
I watch the movements of my target like a hawk. After scrambling for a while, the spider calms down and moves defensively to the side of the web, near the walls, watching the tunnel carefully. I can see its eyes gleaming slightly in the tunnel light. It clearly thinks it has hidden carefully.
Stupid spider! I've been watching you all along!
And now you are perfectly still!
Moving slowly, oh so slowly, I turn and prepare to fire a second shot.
Take into account the elevation and angle, no breeze to worry about, think of the arc.
Fire!
I turn just in time to see my acid shoot over the spiders head and spray onto its abdomen, sticking and clinging to the monsters hairy body. I can hear an audible hiss of pain from the spider as once again it thrashes and charges about behind its web, trying to find me.
But I am long gone! Once I confirm the hit I put the jets on and run the heck out of there!
Chase me if you want you dumb spider! If you're brave enough to leave your web that is!
-x-X-x-
Despite my tough talk I was shivering inside my own carapace as I waited to see if the spider would pursue me into the tunnel.
I retreated all the way to the junction, thinking that if worst came to worst I could hide close to the wolf lizards or aggro them onto the spider and try to slip though their den.
Fortunately this spider appears to be as cautious as me!
And why not? All he has to do is sit inside his web and wait for the prey to be delivered, stuck and unable to fight! Practically free Biomass! Truly, being a spider is like easy mode in this dungeon!
My resentment is building towards this web spinning noob. Thinking of all the hardships I've been through whilst this chump is sitting here collecting free XP. My rage is reaching towards the sky, to the very heavens themselves!
To ease my fury, the spider must die!
Of course, I only consider this course of action since I have weighed the odds and I think I can win. There are a few reasons for this, firstly, the tunnel is unusually bright, so spotting the spider and its web is not as hard as it would have been just after I arrived in the dungeon, secondly, the spider appears to be small, possibly as weak (stats wise) as I am, if I can remove the natural advantage it gains from its web, I can win.
That only question is, how can I ensure I never fight it in its web? Phase one is already complete. With my two acid attacks yesterday I can presume that the spider has lost at least five HP. Unless it can secure food to replenish its strength I will continue to attempt to lure it to where I can attack it from range.
Simple.
The weakness to my plan, is that I need to ambush the spider a number of times in order to be victorious, however, if the spider can ambush me even once with its poison fangs .... Lights out.
Antennae, forward! Eyes, open! Brain, focused to a razors edge! There must be no mistakes! Moving in this way I advance towards the web once more, inspecting every stone and fold in the rock for hidden arachnids.
No sign of it however, the horrid thing is probably licking its wounds behind the safe walls of its web, provided it has a tongue.
Since I can't see it, I will process as I did before, trying to lure the fiend here by disturbing the web. As I did before, I prepare some choice stones and line them before flicking them one by one into the web. I use four stones this time, trying to create a larger disturbance to convince the creature a juicy prey has become entangled.
I quickly hide in a shady position and prepare to wait.
And I wait.
And wait.
Half an hour goes by without any seeing even one hairy leg. Not coming out eh? Yellow are ya?! Too chicken to fight face to face like a man?!
This is also fine.
First however, I need to be sure.
One again I prepare some stones, line them up and flick them into the web using my mandibles. I ramp up to seven stones this time, the web shakes and wobbles under my rocky assault.
Once more I retreat and observe. Come at me spider!
Still, nothing. The tunnel, is perfectly still and quiet, not even a whisper echoes off the stone.
I learned during my first hunt that patience is everything to a monster. Death lurks around every corner, no safe guards can afford to be cut. If this spider wants to play a waiting game with me, I'm game. I wait an hour before I make my move.
The spider is either more wounded that I initially thought or is too wary to approach this side of its nest after getting an acid bath last time.
I must move onto phase two of my web disruption plan. Using my antennae I find an area of softer, looser stone and begin to shift it close to the web using my trusty face hands, otherwise known as mandibles.
Once I have enough finer material I begin flicking it up onto the web, sending it wafting and shivering once more. Unlike the heavier stones I was using before, this stuff doesn't get the web really shaking, but it does do something the heavier rocks couldn't.
It sticks.
Flick, flick, flick. Again and again I send the fine stone into the web where some of it rebounds and falls, and some if it impacts the threads, remaining hanging in the air.
I don't need to cover all of the web, just enough for me to be able to pass through without being stuck. Then I will be able to infiltrate the inner sanctum of my foe.
When I'm half way done I take another opportunity to retreat and hide, just in case the spider has at last been drawn out by my constant interfering with its web.
Thirty minutes later and I'm back at work.
Since the spider refuses to emerge I try to cover as much of the web as I reasonably can from the ground with as thick a coating as I can. If I get a leg stuck to this damned web I may not be able to free myself.
Eventually I'm satisfied enough that I'm willing to try and squeeze through. Being as careful as I can I pass my antennae across each strand I plan to walk past, checking for residual stickiness. Finding none, I pass through in the lair of the beast.
This is the most dangerous phase of this conflict. Although I have secured a path of retreat, here in the creatures lair, there could be any number of hidden threads. I must be careful.
Foothold by foothold I creep forward, my eyes scanning every inch of wall and ceiling. A single lapse of concentration will be deadly here. I try to be as stealthy as I can but dark, shadowed areas are becoming harder and harder to find. The flowing blue light the runs through the walls of the tunnels has definitely become stronger over the last few days.
At least this is trouble that runs both ways, although I can't hide very well, neither can my opponent.
Here inside the nest of the spider I can see threads running along the walls and floor here and there, some of them so fine they barely catch the light. I hesitate with almost every step, trying to be certain I don't place a foot wrong.
What's that?
I can see a shape over there, close to the wall! I can't be sure though, is it a fold in the rock, or is it ... a leg!?
Take this you bastard!
Like lightning I blast off a shot of acid.
[Acid Shot has reached level 3]
Ha! Must have been a hit!
Only one thing to do now. That's right, run for it!
Bwahahahaha! You won't catch me spider! I'm like the wind across the fjords, like the gazelle leaping across the plains, like the falcon soaring in the clear skies.
Bah, a thread! I'm stuck! It's got me, ITS COMING TO GET ME!
Will I die here? Before even meeting my colony? I have so many regrets! I'm too young to die! Come to think of it ... I'm not even one month old!
[You have defeated Level 1 Puer Aranea]
[You have gained XP]
Please don't kill me spider! I have so much to live for, I still don't know if I can evolve like a pocket monster, how cool would that be?! You don't want me to die before I find out do you?
And ..... And ....
...
What?
Turning around I can see that one of my legs has brushed a spider thread on the ground, by pulling hard I'm able to break free.
Once liberated I return to where the spider was sighted only to see the small creature, severely burned by acid, lying on its back presenting its curled legs to the ceiling.
...
I'm sorry spider. I misjudged you.
-x-X-x-
[You have consumed a new source of Biomass: Puer Aranea, you are awarded one Biomass]
[Basic profile of the Puer Aranea unlocked]
[You have gained one Biomass]
[Puer Aranea: Child Spider. A newly born spider monster, relies on its web to secure prey.]
I feel great shame.
Clearly the rage I directed at this spider, the contempt I felt for it growing fat on biomass behind its cozy web was very misplaced.
This is a level one baby spider monster. It's possible it never managed to consume any biomass at all.
How pitiful.
Your existence is so pitiful!
We won't talk about your end...
I'm sorry young spider!
After my first two blasts of acid the spider was already heavily wounded, without any way to recover the damage caused by my acid, its pitifully small health pool had shrunk to almost nothing.
When I entered the nest to continue the battle it was already on the edge of death, my last shot was enough to defeat it. Being only level one, I'm sure the experience I've gained isn't much, but by consuming it (the taste was as you could imagine), I have gained two more biomass.
Once again, eyes +3 is within my reach!
With my vision finally in a non-life threateningly sucky state I'll be able to concentrate on other aspects of my body.
Maybe then I'll be able to actually fight something.
Wishful thinking! I suck!
I have to find out how I can grow into at least an adult ant. Perhaps I need to achieve more levels? Before that can happen I need to locate a place I can hunt.
Having consumed the unfortunate arachnid I have at least secured a path forward, so I've little choice but to continue on my journey.
I use broken rocks and dust in order to break through the web on the other side of the nest and squeeze myself between the threads once more.
Enter stealth mode!
Scrabbling back to the ceiling I move cautiously down the tunnel once more.
It isn't long before I find something new.
A shaft plunging straight down into the dark.
Directly in the middle of the tunnel the floor drops away instantly and before me is a hole, four metres in diameter that I cannot see the bottom of, despite the winding light threads that twist through the rock walls.
How far down does this thing go?!
The tunnel I'm in keeps continuing forward so once again I am left with a choice.
If I assume that deeper means more dangerous then I should leave my exploration of this shaft for later. I still take time to sniff the edge of the hole carefully with my antennae, seeking any sign of the trail.
Nothing.
I'm a little disappointed but at the same time a little relieved. I'd rather not have to pursue the trail deeper into these tunnels if I could avoid it, but since going higher in the tunnels isn't safe either (due to the threat of painful death by human), going deeper may be the smarter option...
Gah! My head hurts!
I will have to explore all options in the end probably. No need to keep thinking about it. Onward!
Passing over the shaft opening I proceed further down the tunnel, warily scanning as I do so.
After twenty minutes I encounter another development.
It turns out my small tunnel connects to a much larger one, similar to the cavern I was in before. This large passage is at least thirty metres wide and twenty metres high. Sitting at the opening to my small tunnel I can already see other small tunnel openings breaking off from this main passage.
I know what this means...
More monsters!
I can already see a few prowling between rock formations and I can hear even more. I wonder if this passage links back to the first cavern I was in? Have I just done a wide loop and reconnected to the very passage I was trying to get away from?
I have to be careful.
First things first, I retreat back into the smaller tunnel and start searching for a section of soft dirt I can use to dig. I have to move back about a hundred metres but I find a section of wall I can work with.
Next I begin to construct a nest once more, opening a hole in the tunnel wall and removing the chunks of dirt and rock to block off the tunnel. I just don't feel safe unless I can put even a very flimsy layer of protection around myself.
It takes a few hours but I excavate a cosy, dark nest and manage to block off the tunnel towards the new cavern, leaving my small opening on the ceiling to allow my passage.
Also:
[Digging has reached Level 4].
Even if it is a fairly useless skill, it feels good to grow and improve! When I think about it, I'm already a vastly improved little monster than I was when I started. My senses are sharper, my acid stronger and my skills have improved.
I'm still pathetically weak in combat, I know that, but still.
Let me be proud of myself.
Nest site secured. Time for a nap!
To explore new terrain and possibly hunt, I need to be sharp, so I decide to get some rest in first. I flop my hard carapace down, with my legs splayed out. I can't actually shut my eyes, since I have no eyelids. It's a little weird, to say the least. Since I raised insects in the past I know that ants don't actually sleep, but basically stay still and rest for a while. It's a state called torpor.
As I stay still and unmoving I gradually drift into a fuzzy state of half attention. All stimuli fades into a background noise and my mind slowly drifts away from my senses.
Getting some shut eye... Without actually shutting my eyes.
Sometime later I shake myself awake and pull my legs under me, ready to stand and venture forth.
My mind is refreshed! Peak performance has been reached, it's time to explore.
There are two things I'm concerned about right now. Firstly, I want to try and secure one more biomass so I can improve my eyesight once more. Once that has been achieved I won't try and amass four more points to achieve +4 but start to upgrade the rest of my body. With more powerful legs, carapace, mandibles and acid gland I'll feel a lot more comfortable exposing myself when hunting.
Secondly, I need to secure more XP. With more levels I may be able to increase my stats or progress into an adult ant which may increase my chances of survival greatly. I also have a plan to try and secure more experience safely. Hopefully I'll be able to try it out in this cavern, as long as there is enough monsters, I think I will.
I emerge into the large tunnel and quickly take shelter amongst the rock formations on the ceiling. My stealth has long reached level three. Hopefully I can raise it further by shadowing some monsters in here.
Looking back and forth I can tell that to my left the cavern slopes gradually upwards as it curves into the distance. I can't help but worry that this tunnel is the path that extended from the cavern I was in before. Have I circled around just to put myself directly in front of the soldiers again?!
It seems as though this area of dungeon mostly consists of these larger 'main' tunnels with small ones branching and twisting off in all directions, creating spaces for smaller monsters to exist and group together.
So the large tunnels are the highways and the smaller ones are the backstreets?
Something like that.
Sweeping my antennae I move towards the downward sloping side.
[Tunnel Sense has reached Level 3]
Huh. So trying to decide direction and map the tunnels in my mind is levelling my tunnel sense? Feels a little weird to think the system is able to monitor my thoughts...
Well, skill levels is something that can only help for now!
Hopefully somewhere in this direction I'll be able to find what I'm looking for.
I've noticed two new types of monster in this area already. The first is like a large rat but with three tails, each one tipped with a spike of some sort. Absolutely don't want to mess with that guy. The second is a mollusc looking creature, its long slimy body coated with organic looking spines of bright colours, almost like coral growing directly from the creatures back. Something to consider about this thing is that it is at least twice my size and is clearly capable of moving on the walls since I've seen two of them sliding up vertically already.
I hate slug like things! Yuk! They don't appear to able to move very quickly but I would be shocked if these brightly coloured bros weren't poisonous in some way.
I'll avoid their trails as well, just in case.
Ah ha! I'm starting to hear the sweet sound I've been hoping for! Growls of beasts and the gnashing of claws are starting to happen further ahead! Onward, with the speed of Shadowfax!
-x-X-x-
This world contains a bizarrely game-like system. The information I'm in need of most is exactly how this system functions, for example, how does the system award XP when a monster dies?
Is it divided evenly amongst everything that caused damage? Or is all of the experience awarded to the one who deals the final blow? I've never received a system announcement awarding experience during combat, only after the prey has expired.
So I can assume that only when something dies is XP awarded for it.
Let's test a few theories then.
As I draw near the sounds of combat are growing louder and louder. Sticking to the shadows I peer around the rock crevices to identify the combatants.
Locked in furious battle I see four of the filthy claw centipedes and a croca-beast.
By the shining beard of Gandalf I hate those stupid centipedes, they think they're so great! The four crawling monstrosities have surrounded the much larger, hulking, walking croc, advancing and retreating to distract their foe and create chances for the others.
The croca-beast is doing its best to watch all of its opponents but they are simply too slippery, always moving, circling and feinting. The beast has already been wounded in several places, green ichor can be seen leaking from wounds on the creature. It isn't going down without a fight though, one centipede already lies twitching at its feet, completely torn in half.
Slash!
Bite!
The monsters whirl in deadly combat, swinging claws and chomping fangs!
This is quite thrilling!
I try to keep an eye on my surroundings however. The last thing I want is one of those stupid slugs to slide up and eat me when I'm not looking. Surprisingly, it seems as though most monsters are giving this fight a wide berth, unwilling to get dragged in to a fight between such dangerous opponents.
I'm happy to chip in however.
The croca is snapping its jaws towards one centipede whilst using its claws ward of the others. Its tail swings furiously behind it, trying to defend its vulnerable back as it turns. Suddenly it coils up, crouching low.
This is it!
I hurriedly turn and begin to take aim and as the croca launches itself forward at one of its tormentors, I fire a blast at one of the centipedes, drenching the foul thing in my acid.
As quickly as I can I re-aim and fire another shot at the croca itself, splashing the burning liquid down its left side.
By this time the giant croc has already clamped its jaws shut on its victim, swinging its massive head from side to side it snaps repeatedly down, audibly crunching the exoskeleton of the centipede that writhes and twists madly in the death grip.
However, in leaping forth so boldly the croca has left itself open to retaliation, the remaining three centipedes, including the victim of my sneak attack, heave leapt forth, unwilling to let this chance slip. By taking advantage of the certain death of their comrade they plunge forward with wriggling glee, sinking fangs and claws into the croca beast, tearing away at their prey.
One of the centipedes rears up the end of its body, displaying a spike which it flips forward and drives into the croca's back, surely injecting some form of poison.
The larger monster roars in rage and with a massive swing of its head snaps the centipede in half, flinging pieces away into the darkness, before turning on the remaining pests. However with my acid burning it and the poison in its system its moving slower and slower.
The three surrounding centipedes withdraw from the monster, circling at range, waiting for the poison and damage already done to wear down their prey. The target of my attack has withdrawn further that the others, playing extra defensive at it hisses and clacks at the surroundings, unsure where the hidden foe lies.
Gweheheheh.
Over here!
Once more I fire a burst at that centipede, splashing it squarely on the tail. The creature shrieks and squirms about, clacking fiercely as it attempts to locate my hiding place with its beady eyes.
No such luck, pinchy!
I normally wouldn't act so brazenly but with their hunt almost successful and the threat of surrounding monsters joining in, I doubt the centipedes would be so foolish as to abandon their prey to try and hunt for me.
So once again I nestle into the shadows and prepare to watch how things play out from the safety of the ceiling.
The croca-beast is heavily wounded now, air rasps between its massive jaws as it struggles for air. The eyes of the beast are still alive with fury however and the centipedes give due respect to their monstrous opponent and continue to wait it out, retreating slightly every time the beast steps forward.
My victim is moving slower now, clearly wounded. It refuses to back too far away from the croca-beast, but also remains close enough to claim its stake.
The croca is close to finished now, unable to put up much of a fight. Every breath is a labour at this point. Its blurry eyes lock onto its final target, the wounded centipede I have attacked.
Dash!
With the last of its strength the monster hurls itself forward, desperate to bring down even one more enemy as it goes. The wounded centipede darts to one side as the others once again close in on the beast from behind but the acid has burned away for too long.
The waiting game the centipedes played has weakened the croca significantly but it has also worked in my favour, allowing my acid to slowly burn and accrue damage.
It's just enough of a hindrance that the beast is able to land a vicious swipe with its claws.
Slash!
The centipede reels back from the blow but doesn't fall. Combine with the acid attacks from earlier, the centipede is clearly heavily wounded now.
This was the final burst of strength from the wounded croca, immediately after the furious attack, it collapses to the floor, spent of all its energy.
My heart pounds in my tiny ant thorax, this is perfect!
Once the unharmed centipedes close in on their prey to deliver the finishing blow I once again take aim. This is the last of my acid for the time being, this shot has to count!
Pow!
Once again my acid fires true, straight onto the wounded centipede.
My victim contorts its body as the hateful acid burns away at it once again.
For some reason I have very little sympathy for these clawed centipedes. Hopefully not just because they look so hideous, I like to think I'm not that shallow.
The two healthy centipedes turn to inspect their heavily wounded comrade before turning back to the now collapsed croca beast and finishing it off. As the large monster breathes its last breathe I tense slightly.
...
No system announcement.
I didn't receive any XP, even though I damaged it. This means that being part of a successful fight isn't enough, only the last blow matters!
[You have defeated Level 3 Unguibus Scolopendra]
[You have gained XP]
[You achieved Level 3, One skill point awarded]
Speaking of which! Even though the fearsome blow from the croca-beast surely dealt 80% of the damage to the centipede, I am the one who reaps the reward as my acid has claimed the final hit!
Muahahahahaha!!
The final two centipedes seem scarcely bothered by the loss of another ally. One of them immediately scuttles towards a nearby wall and darts into a side tunnel as the other centipede circles the beat carcass, clacking and hissing at the surroundings, defending the Biomass.
It isn't long before another five centipedes burst out into the main tunnel and quickly surround the prize. Once centipede even crawls over and seizes the remains of the one I defeated and starts dragging it back towards their nest!
Oi!
You dirty thief, I curse your father! I glare down at them from my hiding place on the roof.
[Stealth has reached level 5, upgrade available]
Oh ho! The great Gandalf has bestowed his wisdom upon mine head! So supple his facial hair! So aggressive his eyebrows!
I'll have to investigate this upgrade a little later. For now I must monitor this situation!
The centipedes move quickly to secure their hard won biomass, dragging away the croca-beast and also the body of the first centipede to perish in the battle. They really don't intend to waste anything, even to the point of consuming their own kind.....
This isn't really that odd if we consider normal insect behaviour. Some species will consume their own dead rather than let those precious nutrients go to waste. This dungeon is a highly competitive environment after all, I can really blame them.
Still... As expected of these gross monsters.
They run a very slick operation though, I have to give them that. It doesn't take long for them to get their precious biomass back into their own side tunnel, safe from jealous eyes and the predations of their competition.
However...
If I had a proper mouth I would be grinning the sly grin of a scamming cat.
Foolish centipedes! Not as clever as you thought!!
Chuckling smugly within my mind I snake my way down a stone pillar, moving towards the remains of the centipede tossed away by the croca during the fight.
The final prize, is mine!
-x-X-x-
The waves are a mystery to us. Ever since the very first, during the cataclysm that came to be known as 'The Rending', when huge surges of monsters were spawned in the Dungeon below and tore their way onto the surface in great numbers, we have failed to find the reason why 'waves' of monsters suddenly flood the dungeon.
Some of my predecessors have postulated that the Dungeon uses the waves as a device to repopulate itself when monster numbers are too low and regular spawns are not sufficient to maintain a healthy population, whatever that may be. There is evidence to suggest that lower monster numbers increases the likelihood of a wave.
Yet there are records of waves occurring even when the dungeon is pact to bursting, though it is far more rare for this to happen, to be sure.
From the private notes of Alberton, Loremaster of the Legionem Abbyssi, Liria.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"You look fine".
"I don't feel fine".
"Do you ever feel fine?".
"Shove off".
"It's just a meeting".
"You can't be serious. A formal call to arms before the entire court is a 'meeting'?!"
Titus shrugged, "this is the way your dearest aunt wanted it done".
Alberton grimaced and tugged at his lace collar once again, "you know I don't like having to face my aunt".
"We really made a brave Legionary out of you, didn't we Alberton?"
"Shove off".
"That's shove off, commander".
The two men stared at each other for a moment before chuckling awkwardly. Neither of them enjoyed this kind of formal appearance. Titus felt compressed in his court garb, the lace, the buttons, all of it stretched and pinched at his massive shoulders.
A large insignia was sewn into his coat above his heart, the symbol of the Legion stitched in blue thread on a deep, black background. Under one thick arm he carried his dress helm, polished to a mirror shine until the metal sparkled in the light.
For his part, Alberton was draped in his most elegant robes, his beard had been washed, washed again and then combed before being oiled. The Legions court auxiliaries, charge with overseeing the organisations' interactions with the nobility, had almost had to tie the Loremaster down as he howled and protested the grooming.
If he was forced to it, Titus would have to admit that watching Alberton get presentable was the only enjoyable part of appearing at court.
At present they were stewing in an antechamber outside the throne room, waiting to be announced. After some time an overdressed, wheezing courtier entered to fetch them.
They were brought before the carved and gilded entrance doors, where, after a pause they were announced.
"Commander Titus of the Deep Legion, Loremaster Alberton of the Deep Legion!" boomed the chamberlain.
After calling their names the official struck the floor three times with his staff, a massive stone shaft with an elaborately carved lion head at the head.
The sharp sounds echoed off the vaulted ceiling as the two Legionary officials stepped forward into the massive hall. To their left and right the courtiers, officials and local power brokers turned to eye their approach, stepping back to clear the center of the floor, allowing them to approach the dais on which the throne stood.
Titus had to admit, the light streaming through the large, arched windows and playing across the elaborately carved pillars that supported the ceiling were impressive each time he saw them. Liria had been prosperous for a long time and the throne room reflected that wealth and power very well.
Atop the throne sat a matronly woman, advanced in her years but with the sharp gleam of intelligence still bright in her eye. Queen Verita had ruled with grace and wisdom for more than thirty years, much beloved by her people. The Legion had benefited greatly from her trust in that time.
As they approached the throne Titus was irritated to see amongst the officials gathered near the dais some people he didn't particularly want to meet. As if detecting his souring mood, Corrin, the Mercenary Union president in Liria, winked cheekily at him as he approached.
Titus could only sigh and glance back at Alberton, who appeared to be completely rigid, his eyes locked to the throne on which Verita sat.
He would be completely useless, as usual.
When the two men had reached the edge of the dais they immediately saluted and remained still.
"You may be at ease Legionaries" Verita greeted them warmly.
"My thanks, Queen Verita" Titus replied formally.
The Queen turned her attention now to Alberton, who by this point was almost in panic as the eyes of the court focused on him.
"Nephew, it is so wonderful to see you again. For too long you have avoided our presence, burying yourself in study. I am very pleased you were able to attend this formal meeting".
Titus inwardly sighed. As he suspected, the Queen had only called this formal meeting in order drag Alberton out to visit. The idiotic Loremaster was supposed to scrub himself up and come to court every now and again to keep his doting Aunt happy. If he'd been skipping out on coming here then forcing him to attend in full formal garb was possibly the Queen subtly punishing her shy nephew.
"My honor, your uh, Aunt" Alberton mumbled.
Seeming satisfied by her wayward relatives discomfort, Verita indicated to the gathered dignitary adjacent to the dais. "We have gathered representatives here of many of our great cities prominent groups to discuss the activity within the Dungeon and the course of action to take from this point forth" Veritas said, "to begin, commander Titus of the Legion".
At the Queens' announcement all chatter in the room ceased and Titus cleared his throat to speak.
"Mana levels within the Dungeon are climbing quickly, according to our projections we can expect a wave to break in the first strata in as little as three days, perhaps four. In addition to this, Legionaries on guard witnessed a monster ant close to the surface. Due to the special nature of this creature, the Legion intends to advance deeper into the Dungeon and exterminate the colony. In order to facilitate this level of activity, the Legion is formally requesting military aid from the throne to assist in securing the city from the wave, freeing Legion resources to delve for the creatures nest."
At the conclusion of his speech, spoken rapidly with military precision, there was a slight pause before several officials began chuckling openly whilst others frowned in disapproval.
Corrin, dressed in her official Union leather armor, blue cape expensively cut to flow from her shoulders, stepped forward.
"Your majesty, if I may?", she bowed towards the throne.
"You may speak, Corrin" Verita nodded.
The mercenary leader stood and straitened her cape and turned to address the throne room. "For over a hundred years the city of Liria has prospered under the enlightened rule of Queen Verita and her forebears. The citizens of this city enjoy a peace and prosperity that has seldom been seen, even in the millennia following the great cataclysm".
Titus' eyes narrowed as Corrin continued to speak. He could easily see where this was going to go.
"In all that time", she continued, "the responsibility of managing and policing activity within the Dungeon has been placed into the hands of the Deep Legion. Despite their continual, overbearing and disruptive activities, Dungeon delving has been an economic cornerstone of Liria and through the bravery of the Mercenary Unions' membership has this resource been exploited".
Corrin turned now and gestured towards Titus, "yet now we see the Legion come begging to our great queen for assistance in defending the city, proving their inability to meet their obligations, whilst jumping at shadows and ants".
The Queen raised an eyebrow. "Your point being, Corrin?"
The Mercenary Union president turned and bowed once more to the Queen, her silky brown hair falling around her ears.
"The Mercenary Union once again petitions the throne to allow the Mercenary Union direct authority over Dungeon access, allowing us to properly administer this resource and police our own members. We are supported in our petition by the Associated Merchants Guild", she gestured to one side.
One of the few non-humans in the room stepped forward. The merchant was a Brathian, his silver skin containing an aquatic, translucent quality that revealed their peoples origins.
"Our projections estimate that a restraining of regulations around Dungeon exploitation would double profits within two years your majesty" the tall humanoid said.
Brathian voices had an almost singing quality to them, resonating in the air slightly after they had finished speaking.
The Queen nodded thoughtfully, then spoke, "You are denied once again Corrin. If you would dismiss the threat represented by an ant then I highly recommend you brush up on your history. The land our beloved city is founded on once belonged to another Kingdom, this Queen will not repeat the mistakes of those rulers and underestimate the Dungeon. It is not a resource, nor a mine, for all the wealth and resources it brings us. It is a threat, and should always be treated as such."
The Queen then gestured towards Titus, "If you read that history you will find it was the Deep Legion who liberated this land. For this reason the rulers of Liria have placed their trust in them."
Corren gracefully bowed towards the throne, "Your loyal subject is more concerned with the future prosperity of the citizens than history. The Dungeon is to be respected certainly, but not feared".
The Queen acknowledged her words with a wave of her hand and then stood, the attention of the room was immediately upon her. "The crown will place the royal guard at the disposal of the Legion for the duration of the wave. Let it be known once again that Liria places its trust in the Legion to oversee the Dungeon. Commander, how confident are you that you can exterminate this nest of monsters?"
Titus saluted, hand over his heart. "We are the Legionem Abyssi, the Deep Legion, your majesty" Titus said, turning to face Corrin, "for over three thousand years, in all of the lands of Pangera, one fact has always been true. Under the ground, nobody can match our strength".
-x-X-x-
That centipede was not a pretty sight... ripped right in half, with its internal organs spilling out...
Urk....
However I couldn't pass up the precious opportunity that the hideous remains of the creature represented. Sweet, sweet biomass!
Using all of my guile, I retrieved the corpse, one half at a time and returned to the security of my nest for the ..... Feast.
Holy moly this is awful eating.
This is almost so disgusting I would rather starve. Almost. This is a very key word, almost. Would you like to starve to death Anthony, or eat this pile of smashed centipede? I would rather eat, but only just!
[You have gained one Biomass]
Huh.
It seems each creature usually contains one biomass.
Something interesting that I pay more attention to this time is the leftovers. I can't eat every part of these monsters, the fangs, the carapace, teeth and anything else that is too hard for me to ingest, so what happens to these pieces?
After I wait more than an hour a faint blue glow begins to surround these pieces and before my very eyes they sink into the ground.
What the....
Creepy!
These left over materials are being absorbed straight back into the soil? Does that mean this cavern network is absorbing monster pieces from all over? What for?!
The more I learn the more questions I have...
Well, now for the important business. I currently have three Biomass and one skill point to spend. Firstly the biomass.
[Do you wish to improve eyes? This will cost 3 Biomass]
Ugh. Here we go...
Yyyyes.
ggggggggggUUUUOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!
The itch!! ITS WORSE THAT BEFOREEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!
How?? HOW CAN IT WORSE!?!
As if an entire swarm of bees has decided my eyeballs were the greatest offense to their species, my eyes light up with spectacularly intense itching. After much scrabbling, rolling and beating my head against the wall the feeling finally fades away.
Phew.
Now to the next task, assigning my skill point!
[Would you like to spend your skill point?]
Yes indeed!
The usual menu appears and another mystery is quickly solved. Now that my stealth has reached level five I was informed that an upgrade had become available and now, looking my list of skills to purchase, along with dash and the skills I'd seen before is a new option.
[Stealth -> Advanced Stealth. cost 1 sp: The upgraded Stealth skill, further improves the skill holders' passive ability to avoid notice whilst also greatly increasing this ability when remaining still]
Oh ho!
So when my skills reach level five I can upgrade them to an improved version at the cost of another skill point? Interesting! Of course I will have to select this skill, not being seen is the same thing as being alive! The new passive seems very handy as well...
So now my status is like this:
Name: Anthony
Level: 3
Might: 15
Toughness: 12
Cunning: 25
Will: 18
HP: 30
MP: 0
Skills: Digging Level 4; Acid Shot Level 3; Grip Level 3; Bite Level 3; Advanced Stealth Level 1; Tunnel Sense Level 3;
Mutations: Eyes +3, Antennae +2, Acid +1
Species: Hatchling Ant Worker (Formica)
Skill points: 0
Biomass: 0
Finally level 3! I've come so far, I could almost cry.
This is my pride, my determination. I will conquer these caves! They will bow to my incredible strength!
...
At some point in the future.
For now I need to lay low and continue to scout. In a one on one fight with almost anything I'm going to flat out lose. However now that I have advanced stealth I feel more confident exploring the shaft, heading deeper into this place.
I wasn't able to detect a pheromone trail in the cavern, and although I haven't been able to scout it properly, I can't deny that I'm very curious to see what lies down below.
If I didn't have my new upgrades to my eyes and stealth I probably wouldn't chance this.
Time to witness what lies in the depths!
Giving my antennae a quick clean (got to keep them shiny) I make my way out of the nest and back towards toward the shaft. Okay, this is a little tricky. Moving directly downwards still makes me a little nervous. It isn't something that humans can have a chance to do after all! Walking directly down a wall is one thing but walking down a black hole where I can't see the bottom is another entirely.
Steady now, steady!
Moving slowly I start to make my way down the shaft.
Now that I think of it, it's actually quite bright here in this tunnel. The pulsing veins of blue soft blue light run the length of the walls here, illuminating the rock in their glow. Although not as bright as regular daylight or a light from my own world, it is a well-lit environment compared to what I've experienced so far in this place.
As I continue to descend, the walls pulse every minute or so, the light waxing and waning in intensity, giving the shaft a very organic feel. Also, it's hard to detect but, very slightly I think the light is becoming brighter the further down I go.
After cautiously climbing down fifty metres I see something that surprises me greatly.
What the heck is this?!
Growing out of the wall, directly atop a light vein is a small tuft of something similar to blue grass, except in the center of the small mound of plant matter is a stalk atop which is a tiny blue crystal flower.
There is plant life here in these caves?! How? There isn't any sunlight at all? Perhaps these veins in the walls are able to provide some kind of sustenance? The blue flower is extremely small but by shoving my ant face right up to it I can see it is exquisite in its detail.
Just beautiful.
Leaving my discovery behind I continue to move down the tunnel only to discover the small patches of grass with their accompanying flower are appearing more and more often, I also manage to detect another welcome surprise.
Pheromones!
My antennae start waggling like crazy as I detect the scent of the chemical trail left by my colony. My clan, my tribe, my people/insects!
I have chosen the correct path, clearly the scout from my colony originated down here somewhere and pursued the thieves who raided our nest higher into the caves.
What a brave scout! How diligent, how bold! Giving his all for the colony, just as I shall when I get home!
Excited by my find I continue on my way downwards.
Another forty metres down and the shaft comes to an abrupt end, instead, a narrow tunnel branches to the left. This tunnel is not at all straight, jagged corners and bends come one after the other, slowing my progress to a crawl.
I refuse to barrel blindly around corners in this place, there could be more spiders of all sorts of horrible things hiding. Especially since I'm worried that the monsters about the place will be stronger down here.
I crawl around another corner and the tunnel abruptly opens wide in front of me. What. The. Hell... is this?!
-x-X-x-