Chrysalis

[So… you guard my sanctum? What the heck does that mean?]

[We don't know,] Alis replies, [that's just what the description says.]

She seems to be finding her equilibrium again, though she oscillates between being unwilling to look at me, and a feisty stare.

The only sanctum I can think of involves a great deal of torpor, willing and unwilling. Given the appearance of these two within the Nave, I'm guessing that qualifies as the sanctum named in their Class description, but how the heck do they defend it? Defend it from what?!

The mere fact that the Class describes them as 'defenders' means the Nave can be attacked in some way, right? The implication is pretty clear. It's kind of worrying that the possibility exists and I have no idea how it's done, but at least I have some measure of protection. Hopefully.

[From my perspective, I can see a possible 'sanctum', but I have no idea how you protect it. Do you two have any clues?]

Jern and Alis look at each other briefly before Jern rolls his shoulders and turns back to me.

[No clue,] he says simply.

He's direct, this guy. I like him, even if he's way too stubborn.

[You what? You feel stronger?]

He nods, and Alis hesitantly agrees.

[Being close to you is empowering us in some way.]

Dammit. I know what's coming next.

"We should keep these two around, Eldest," Protectant whispers to me from the Shadows. "They could help defend you."

"I'm not increasing the number of babysitters! I already have you twenty and that's pushing the limits."

"It's almost impossible to tell we're even here," she mutters.

"I can tell. Easily."

And I'll never explain how. Gweheheheheh. I'm sure Protectant, Guardiant and the others have figured it out by now, or at least have gotten close, but there's nothing they can do about it, even if they do know! No hiding from me, you pains in the back-zone.

[To learn more, I think we are just going to have to level you up, and any other of the 'templars' who show up.]

These two were the first, but they aren't the only templars out there. Two more showed up a while back, so currently I have four silent golden statues keeping watch within my Nave.

Alis appears eager when she hears my plans to power level them, but Jern doesn't match her energy.

[You don't want to level up, Jern?]

He scratches at the back of his head.

[I don't like fighting that much,] he admits. [I'll do it when I have to.]

Didn't this guy literally go on a crusade? Maybe he feels like he was forced into those fights? That can't be right, they literally conquered cities!

[I won't force you to do something you don't want to, but if there's one thing we aren't short of here in the Dungeon, it's monsters that need whacking. It shouldn't be that hard to pump the two of you up at least a few levels so we can see what your Class can really do.]

As I understand it, they need levels and training in order to fully realise the capabilities of their Classes and the affiliated Skills. Not like a monster, who evolves and that's pretty much it. I mean, it takes time to learn how to use new organs and such, but we don't get major unlocks with levels like non-monsters do. It's all about the Biomass.

What we need to do is discuss with someone who has expertise in Classes and other System gobbledygook. Someone with knowledge of religious based Classes. Someone who is willing to cooperate with the Colony and won't hide things from us.

Hmmm…

Is there anyone else? I need to think for a bit longer….

Hmmm…

Please let there be somebody else!

But no matter how I think on the matter, all roads lead back to the one-armed bandit–I mean priest.

[Can one of you get Beyn in here?] I sigh. [And Enid as well. Heck, get Isaac while you're at it.]

Maybe I can deflect or minimise some of his insanity if I surround him with more sane humans. Wait… if I want sane humans… should I leave Isaac out? Too late, Alis has run off before I was even finished talking, leaving me and Jern standing around awkwardly.

Well, I feel a little awkward, Jern seems to be feeling perfectly at ease, as if he were standing in a field watching the crops grow rather than a metal warehouse with a mythic monster. This guy seems totally incapable of flight, he simply can't be flapped.

[What do you think of the Silver City?] I ask him.

He looks around vaguely.

[It's nice,] he replies.

Conversation dies pretty quickly at that point. Luckily, we don't have to wait long for Alis to return with our most wanted. Before I even see Beyn, I latch onto his mind with a bridge.

[DO NOT SHOUT AT ME. Yes, I did shout that instruction at you, but I feel like you deserve it.]

[I'M HONOURED, GREAT ONE!]

[DAMMIT!]

I hear a thud just outside the entrance, but before I can investigate, the priest comes into view, scuttling forward somehow on his knees with his face pressed into the ground.

[I apologise for lack of control,] he says, voice quivering with emotion.

This guy is just exhausting. Jern seems happy to see him, while Alis appears somewhat concerned to see him bowed down so low. Enid, at least, looks like a normal person should. I think.

[Hey, Enid! How are you enjoying the tour?]

[It's been wonderful,] the old woman smiles. [I never thought I'd get the chance to see some of these places. The Eran has been a wonderful host.]

[She's taking good care of you?] That raises the brathian up a few steps in my esteem. [That's good! Isaac, how are you? How's your moustache?]

I have to ask since he won't stop stroking or twirling the dang thing.

[I had it treated at a salon today,] he says, eyes gleaming. [I'm very happy with the result. Are the Legion around?]

Wha… what does that have to do with anything?

[Yes, of course they are. The fleet is out there, some of them came ashore, we know that much. There's also a significant Legion fortress here with a large garrison. So, yes, the Legion is all over the place.]

His smile widens… to a creepy degree.

[That's good.]

[You're weird. Now, I have questions,] and here I expand out the mind bridge to connect everyone together. [I'm trying to learn about these Templar and their Class. I'd like some advice.]

[OF COURSE, GRE—]

[SHUT UP!]

I will make this guy be quiet someday if it's the last thing I do.

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