(C)
I won't even lie about this being a totally spontaneous idea, however, it might just work.
(E)
(C)
Subsequently, Chera emits a set of pheromone commands that make the drones gather at the tunnel we just came from.
Immediately, they begin to shovel dirt from around the passage and use it to create barriers in front of the place where at any moment our pursuers might break through.
On both sides, they're carrying away the earth and use the material to build walls against the coming attacks.
Steadily reaching higher they soon have formed a crescent around the tunnel and are digging upwards directly above the tunnel.
This way, all they dig away will eventually land in the way of our pursuers.
Also, I quickly realize that it's easier to dig upwards.
Everything that is in the way just drops down.
So, with the usual Formicea motivation, the drones are making quick progress.
However, naturally, it couldn't work forever in our favor.
The earth wall we've continuously reinforced shifts and crumbles and behind it our pursuers surface.
"Good! Earthmages, back! Spearmen, forward! Create an opening!" (G)
Shit!
They're here!
Naturally, all of our free troops are immediately at it to fight back the enemy and prevent them from laying even one step out of the tunnel into the huge cave.
As soon as that happens we would have an all-out battle instead of the limited exchange we currently have.
The human spears are effective in the narrow space of the tunnel, but even if workers die, their bodies clog up the tunnel and prevent further advancing of our enemies.
We're fighting here a battle of time.
The longer our tunnel to the surface becomes, the closer we are to leaving them behind.
There's no other victory condition.
It pains me to see those drones die for my sake, but I realize that this isn't just about me.
It would dishonor their sacrifice if I'd give up here while they're fighting so hard for us.
Also, one shouldn't forget that Formicean carapaces are hard, so it's not like the spears are infinitely useable as they splitter and break against mandibles and claws.
Also, the men fighting them should be mentally worn out by this kind of enemy in such a dark and narrow environment.
I think the chances are in our favor.
The fighting drags on.
Chera already brought us up the tunnel that continuously gets widened to accommodate us and the material that falls downward is used as obstacles.
Every bit of dirt between us and the enemy is something they'll have first to overcome, while the fierce fighting inside the tunnels goes on.
According to the pheromone trail that Chera maintains to stay informed, Gioras tasked the earth mages to widen the field of battle, while their fighters changed to a less-reckless strategy, with shieldbearers at the front, spearmen piercing from the second row, and crossbowmen shooting from a distance.
This formation clashes with our workers and guardians, neither side inclined to give way, while the remaining gladiators of Chera guard the exit.
The enemy would have to overcome an almost solid mass of fighters to get through to us.
But then something unordinary is reported from the frontline.
The humans are bringing some kind of metal casket from further away.
They move it as close to the frontline as is possible before all of them retreat.
I ponder and realize with terror what is going on.
(E)
(C)
(E)
To her credit, she doesn't waste any time before the order is given.
Drones are streaming back out.
Yet the tightly packed tunnel doesn't allow for quick movement.
Because of this, it's already too late.
"BOOOOOM"
Suddenly, a literally earthshattering explosion bursts through the dirt, breaking the narrow tunnel apart.
It's true!
I didn't just worry for no reason!
However, bombs!?
They're seriously using bombs underground!?!
Sadly, the wave ripped through all the drones that didn't make it out again.
Which are more than would be good.
(C)
Her pheromones hammer into me, carrying urgency as well as demand.
I know, I need to answer.
(E)
To be honest, I only heard on the sidelines that such a thing exists.
Even up to the moment before the explosion, I wasn't sure about the exact nature of the casket.
However, the fact that our enemies were retreating was quite telling.
It could've been anything else, like poison or some magic shenanigan, which Chera couldn't be aware of.
But in any case, ordering retreat was the only smart move for us.
(C)
She's right.
We're already quite a bit above the now-opened tunnel, but they couldn't know this.
It might've collapsed the ceiling onto us as well.
Yet I think I know why they did so.
(E)
If anyone should get this, it would probably be Chera.
The fact that I escaped must've agitated Gioras beyond measure.
I don't think there's a chance for him to give up now.
(C)
I won't even lie about this being a totally spontaneous idea, however, it might just work.
(E)
(C)
Subsequently, Chera emits a set of pheromone commands that make the drones gather at the tunnel we just came from.
Immediately, they begin to shovel dirt from around the passage and use it to create barriers in front of the place where at any moment our pursuers might break through.
On both sides, they're carrying away the earth and use the material to build walls against the coming attacks.
Steadily reaching higher they soon have formed a crescent around the tunnel and are digging upwards directly above the tunnel.
This way, all they dig away will eventually land in the way of our pursuers.
Also, I quickly realize that it's easier to dig upwards.
Everything that is in the way just drops down.
So, with the usual Formicea motivation, the drones are making quick progress.
However, naturally, it couldn't work forever in our favor.
The earth wall we've continuously reinforced shifts and crumbles and behind it our pursuers surface.
"Good! Earthmages, back! Spearmen, forward! Create an opening!" (G)
Shit!
They're here!
Naturally, all of our free troops are immediately at it to fight back the enemy and prevent them from laying even one step out of the tunnel into the huge cave.
As soon as that happens we would have an all-out battle instead of the limited exchange we currently have.
The human spears are effective in the narrow space of the tunnel, but even if workers die, their bodies clog up the tunnel and prevent further advancing of our enemies.
We're fighting here a battle of time.
The longer our tunnel to the surface becomes, the closer we are to leaving them behind.
There's no other victory condition.
It pains me to see those drones die for my sake, but I realize that this isn't just about me.
It would dishonor their sacrifice if I'd give up here while they're fighting so hard for us.
Also, one shouldn't forget that Formicean carapaces are hard, so it's not like the spears are infinitely useable as they splitter and break against mandibles and claws.
Also, the men fighting them should be mentally worn out by this kind of enemy in such a dark and narrow environment.
I think the chances are in our favor.
The fighting drags on.
Chera already brought us up the tunnel that continuously gets widened to accommodate us and the material that falls downward is used as obstacles.
Every bit of dirt between us and the enemy is something they'll have first to overcome, while the fierce fighting inside the tunnels goes on.
According to the pheromone trail that Chera maintains to stay informed, Gioras tasked the earth mages to widen the field of battle, while their fighters changed to a less-reckless strategy, with shieldbearers at the front, spearmen piercing from the second row, and crossbowmen shooting from a distance.
This formation clashes with our workers and guardians, neither side inclined to give way, while the remaining gladiators of Chera guard the exit.
The enemy would have to overcome an almost solid mass of fighters to get through to us.
But then something unordinary is reported from the frontline.
The humans are bringing some kind of metal casket from further away.
They move it as close to the frontline as is possible before all of them retreat.
I ponder and realize with terror what is going on.
(E)
(C)
(E)
To her credit, she doesn't waste any time before the order is given.
Drones are streaming back out.
Yet the tightly packed tunnel doesn't allow for quick movement.
Because of this, it's already too late.
"BOOOOOM"
Suddenly, a literally earthshattering explosion bursts through the dirt, breaking the narrow tunnel apart.
It's true!
I didn't just worry for no reason!
However, bombs!?
They're seriously using bombs underground!?!
Sadly, the wave ripped through all the drones that didn't make it out again.
Which are more than would be good.
(C)
Her pheromones hammer into me, carrying urgency as well as demand.
I know, I need to answer.
(E)
To be honest, I only heard on the sidelines that such a thing exists.
Even up to the moment before the explosion, I wasn't sure about the exact nature of the casket.
However, the fact that our enemies were retreating was quite telling.
It could've been anything else, like poison or some magic shenanigan, which Chera couldn't be aware of.
But in any case, ordering retreat was the only smart move for us.
(C)
She's right.
We're already quite a bit above the now-opened tunnel, but they couldn't know this.
It might've collapsed the ceiling onto us as well.
Yet I think I know why they did so.
(E)
If anyone should get this, it would probably be Chera.
The fact that I escaped must've agitated Gioras beyond measure.
I don't think there's a chance for him to give up now.
