Chrysalis

Chapter 1062: Deception

They want me to talk to the generals now. Of course they do. I should NEVER have agreed to do this. What are the generals even going to get from this? You’re soldiers, you’re smart, you know what it’s all about.

My intention was for the generals to lead from the front. A big body that could provide auras, leadership, directions and strategy from the thick of the action. I probably shouldn’t have called you generals, to be honest; captains is probably closer to what I envisioned, but eh, it doesn’t matter now.

What does matter, is that you keep doing what you’re doing. I’ve never met or seen a general who wasn’t doing everything they possibly could to lead their siblings to the best of their ability. You can’t be perfect, I don’t expect it and you shouldn’t either. Just do your best. We’re all proud of you.

– Excerpt from the Eldest’s message to the Generals.

CRUNCH!

ROAAAAAR!!!!

“Once again, the Eldest declines to take their turn on offence!”

[It seems as if the Eldest is warming up to the crowd finally as well. They roar in appreciation as the majestic ant poses for them, showing off those impressive mandibles and shiny carapace.]

Clackclackclackclackclackclack!

“And it seems as though your siblings on the dome are appreciating the display as well.”

[The Eldest has always been… I don’t want to say eccentric, but considered a leading light amongst the Colony in terms of showing us what we can aim to be. I wouldn’t be surprised if there was a young ant out there right now, absorbing every action of the Eldest and dreaming of doing the same one day.]

“I thought you didn’t dream?”

[I’ve picked up the odd human metaphor. Clearly, I spend too much time with you.]

“You wound me, Commentant. I wonder if I’ve picked up any antlike habits?”

[I’ve noticed you cleaning your antennae quite frequently.]

“I… what?”

[That was a joke.]

“Ah.”

[The Endless are taking to the field, this is going to be their second to last turn on offence and the big question is, can they possibly hope to deal with what the Eldest is serving them? Fire magic? Too strong. Wind magic? Too strong. Earth magic? Too strong. Water magic? Way too strong. And then those lunging tackles. We haven’t seen any counter for that either. What can they possibly do to try and score?]

“The space control from the Great One has been absolutely absurd. It’s been such a long time since the Endless have been able to take a step past the midline.”

[Well, they have two more chances to try and make it happen. I, for one, hope they can do it. What an incredible achievement that would be, and what a reaction they would get from this crowd.]

“It would be intense, of that I have no doubt. Here’s hoping they can find a way and add even more drama to this match.”

“The Endless are taking their formation now. I have to say, the crowd is most likely anticipating how the Great One is going to stop them as opposed to what the offence will do. They’ve been stopped hard in their tracks the entire second half.”

[We did see some incredible plays from them early in the match, but over the last few rounds, this has been a one-sided affair indeed. The team lowers themselves. Leonidant with the ball, looking to push down the right flank. Does the Eldest shift position to align with the ball carrier? Not at all, straight down the middle.]

“Here we go! Another sluggish start from the Endless as they drag their feet across the pitch, but they are moving. What are we seeing from the Eldest at the moment? Nothing in response so far! This is surprising.”

[Oh, the Eldest is doing something alright. A furious amount of mana is being vacuumed in and manipulated, whatever is coming is going to be big. The Endless’ mages are trying to counter, but they are swatted away like hatchlings from the Queen’s biscuits.]

“Meanwhile, Leonidant is gaining momentum. Sumant and Taylant are taking the point, and they are making a run for it! They approach the midline, still no movement from the Eldest!”

BOOOOOM!

“An absolute cacophony of noise erupts here in the Stadium! What am I even looking at?!”

[INCREDIBLE SPELLWORK from the Eldest! Unsatisfied with crushing with one element, they’ve utilised all four in a grand storm that is smashing the Endless back into their own half! Howling wind! Dancing fire! Crushing earth! Slashing water! An absolute MASTERWORK of base element mana!]

“The Endless are absolutely helpless in the face of this storm! They try to hold, they try to rally! It’s not working! I can barely make out the details down there, the pitch is filled with roiling elements. An earth barrier is shattered before it can properly form, Sumant and Taylant are trying to shelter the others behind their bulk, but it just isn’t working!”

ROOOOOAAARRR!

[Aaaand it’s over! The Endless have been driven back to their own touchline, that ends their penultimate offence!]

“The crowd is going absolutely berserk here in the Stadium. They’ve never seen anything like this, and I’m not surprised, since I haven’t either.”

“Ladies and gentlemen, there’s only two words to describe what we’ve witnessed here today: Magic Tunnel Ball.”