Surrender

In the hall large enough to hold tens of thousands, two rows of pillars rose high. At their far end stood a towering altar, where raging flames danced as mist and smoke spread through the hall.

Two centipedes forged of steel, one blue and one brown, coiled, writhed, and released great clouds of white vapor atop the altar. These dance-like movements were the ritual sacrifice they offered to the gods before battle.

Many grubs filled the hall. As they watched the ritual, they greedily devoured coal.

When the ritual ended, the blue centipede gave a low chant. "Servile people, assemble!"

Some grubs gathered beneath the altar, while others could not bear to put down the coal at their mouths.

This was the fullest meal they had ever eaten, and quite possibly their last.

Bzzz—

With a roar, the blue centipede spat out a mass of scorching steam that diffused throughout the hall.

At the blue centipede's roar, the steam inside the grubs responded, continuously raising its temperature and pressure within their bodies, making them roll about the floor in agony.

This was the blue centipede's punishment and warning to the grubs.

"Lowly servile people, you have now been fortunate enough to become warriors. This is glory worth cherishing for a lifetime. Prepare yourselves for battle."

The gate turned, and the exit beneath the altar slowly opened. The blue centipede was about to issue the command to begin the second wave of attack.

The brown centipede spoke. "The servile people, common people, scholarly people, and high officials should attack together. Our combat power should not be scattered."

The blue centipede replied, "The vanguard was wiped out in the blink of an eye. Something clearly changed on the enemy's side. We must conduct more probing attacks. Otherwise, no matter how many soldiers