<To the surface?> (C)

 

I won't even lie about this being a totally spontaneous idea, however, it might just work.

 

<Well, yes. Instead of moving past them in a direction where we would not know if we truly made it behind their ranks, we could go in a completely different direction. They certainly won't expect us up there, so we wouldn't be worried about more soldiers. Aside from this, there won't be any impediment up there, preventing us from reaching allied troops. Maybe even more important, terrorworms are unknown on the surface, which means we'd probably be safe in that direction.> (E)

<The surface you say. As far as I'm aware, it is a rather unpredictable environment. But given our current situation unpredictable might be better than what awaits us here. Very well, you've convinced me. Furthermore, digging upwards is easier, so it might be our best option out. However, I deem it better to tunnel in the direction of the hive. This way, there might be a chance for our messengers to reach the hive and call for reinforcements. Just let me make the arrangements.> (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.

 

<Chera! The drones need to get out of there!> (E)

<What is...> (C)

<Now!!!> (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.

 

<Those imbeciles! What are they doing!?! What was this, Erys?!> (C)

 

Her pheromones hammer into me, carrying urgency as well as demand.
I know, I need to answer.

 

<That was a bomb. A device whose purpose is to explode like this in fire and storm.> (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.

 

<Do they have any idea what this could cause here?! I thought they wanted us alive!?!> (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.

 

<They're desperate. Humans don't like to give up on what they lost.> (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.

 

<Anyway, we can't afford to stop now. Drones! Get the injured ones out of the way and begin to refill the tunnel!> (C)

 

Yeah, the tunnel below must have collapsed.
I don't believe they'll be at us all that soon.
Not if we use that time to get that hole closed again.
So the drones are at it to get any injured drones with a chance of survival out of the way and carry the scattered earth back in.
I think there might really be a chance for us to-

 

"Booom"

 

Another explosion bursts through the tunnel below.
It wasn't as strong as the last, but this time it hit our forces close up.

 

<A second bomb!?> (E)

<Why?! How can they act so recklessly?> (C)

<I, I think they predicted you'd send your troops back in.> (E)

 

The sad part is, it successfully decimated our workers.
Now we are quite down in forces.

 

<These humans!> (C)

 

The princess next to me is thoroughly pissed.
A short time later, the humans breakthrough.
Chera didn't send any more drones their way in fear of further explosions.
Which unfortunately means they can advance unhindered.

 

"Princesses! Are you there! I would like to discuss the terms of your surrender!" (G)

 

Such an asshole!

Human soldiers stream out of the hole into the cave.
However, we're not done yet.
At Chera's signal, from all sides workers and guardians stream towards the gathering point of the enemy.
At the same time, hunters and messengers jump from the crevice we created above the tunnel onto the enemy.
This actually works to cause some panic among their ranks.
Yet unfortunately, not for long enough.
More enemies approach and my fears come true when I realize we're outnumbered.
Spearmen manage to take out guardians, swordsmen can block the workers, while archers and crossbowmen start picking off the messengers above.

As soon as the tide turns against us, Chera gives the order to retreat up the path that leads above the tunnel.
There we can hold them off for longer with the height advantage on our side.
Also, the dirt walls help against their shooters.

 

<Alright, we will persevere as long as possible and then close the tunnel behind us while advancing further.> (C)

 

A desperate tactic, but probably the best we can manage now.
Suddenly a much hated voice resounds.

 

"Dear princesses! You should see by now that you have no chance! Give up and this all can end! I promise, no harm may befall you!"

 

As if I would give a damn about what you're saying!

 

"Asshole! It's you who started this bloodshed! Just leave us alone and it can stop! We're not at our end yet! Spare your men!" (E)

"You still don't understand. There's no turning back now. Either I succeed here and claim what I need or I and all of mine will perish. You should seriously consider my offer to surrender, cause I won't give in!" (G)

 

Suddenly, a wave of pheromones rushes through our ranks.

 

"Funnye. I was about to say thee same!" (Liseti)

 

Huh!?