Chapter 1635 – Something Strange

Theorazzn is one of the few examples where an Ancient has left a persistent sign of their power that has lasted to the modern era. Followers of the Ancient’s cult are quick to point to the fifth stratum as evidence of Theorazzn’s might, claiming they were responsible for turning it into the toxic hazard it is today.

Interestingly, there is some consensus amongst the cults laying the blame at the feat of this particular Ancient, supported by rumours that the Krath deify Theorazzn in some way.

Regardless, extreme toxicity and corruption are the primary abilities attributed to Theorazzn of the Decaying World. Even being within a kilometre of the Ancient was said to cause almost instantaneous death to all but the most mighty of warriors due to the miasma exuding from the monster’s flesh. Getting any closer almost guaranteed a bad end, since you were now susceptible to a direct application of the Ancient’s slime, which polluted an entire stratum and persists after a thousand years.

– Excerpt from ‘Collective Wisdom of the Cults’ by Granin Lazus

Theresant looked at the chal gathered around the door and wondered, not for the first time, just what the little hatchlings were thinking. At least they weren’t straining themselves like before, there was no risk of injury that she could see, but it was still unusual behavior.

“Any movement?” Florence asked.

“No movement,” Theresant sighed.

It was nice to have her sister and fellow Council member here to help. After things had finally started to settle down here, she had come to see if there were any aspects of the new curriculum being developed for the snails that could be used to enhance the education program of the Colony’s own hatchlings.

For over an hour now, every single baby chal within the Snailcare centre had been crowded around the door, silent and unmoving. It was as if something outside the room had captured their attention, but what and how the Brood Tenders had no idea!

Even more puzzling, nothing like this had ever happened before. The hatchlings had been perfectly content with the activities and space inside the carefully controlled environment that had been provided for them. All of a sudden, it seemed as if they universally decided they wanted to leave. It was baffling!

So far, the Tenders hadn’t interfered much, there wasn’t any danger that they could see, after all, but their small attempts to lure the snails back to other activities had completely failed. Without exception, every single one of them was focused on the exit to the exclusion of all else.

Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site.

“Should we… let them out?” Florence suggested.

“What?” Theresant gasped. “The fortress still isn’t secure! There are sections still flooded with toxic mana! Absolutely not.”