Deep within the labyrinth, known to some as the basilisk lair, a diverse range of creatures made their home. Among them, the basilisks reigned supreme. These creatures came in various forms, but the most common were the crystal basilisks. Their backs were adorned with shimmering pale blue crystals, making them a sight to behold in the dimly lit caverns.
In the dark recesses of the labyrinth, a lesser basilisk scoured the rocky terrain in search of sustenance. Being low in the hierarchy meant it had little access to the choicest resources. The most abundant and valuable crystals were nestled deep within the labyrinth, where the main nest, ruled by the queen, held sway. As one ventured farther from the main nest, the quality and quantity of resources rapidly dwindled. While there were smaller branches scattered throughout the labyrinth, each occupying sizable crystal clusters, they still had to pay tribute to the queen. Despite this obligation, their lives were far more comfortable than that of the lesser basilisk. Unlike the hybrid or greater basilisks, who either controlled their own territories or served directly under the queen, the lesser basilisk found itself at the bottom of the pyramid, struggling to survive in the harsh environment.
Its smaller and lighter frame proved no match for the imposing stature of the greater basilisks. Left with little choice, it faced the decision to either serve under them or brave the perilous edges of the labyrinth in search of sustenance. Opting for safety and the promise of meager crystal scraps, it chose to serve under one of the greater basilisks. In return, it was obligated to participate in territorial defense and skirmishes as part of its harem, a small price to pay for the relative security within the nest.
The basilisks underwent distinct stages of evolution, akin to growth spurts triggered by attaining a certain threshold of strength. Upon evolution, they would ascend past their former stages of life, regarding them with disdain. Within the nest, the hierarchy was clear: the freshly hatched small lesser basilisks, who grew in strength to become beings akin to the one recounting this tale, were the first stage. Following them were the greater and hybrid basilisks, the former distinguished by their larger, more imposing frames, while the latter diverged from the main evolutionary line, boasting unique and exceptional appearances. However, this deviation often marked the end of their evolutionary journey, as they failed to establish their own lineage. In the harsh confines of the nest, many perished prematurely, never reaching this advanced stage of development.
Furthermore, their genders were not fixed at birth; instead, they shifted with their stages of life. Initially, all basilisks were born female, but upon reaching the status of greater or hybrid basilisk, they transitioned to male. However, the lower-ranking basilisks lacked the ability to lay eggs, a privilege reserved solely for the elusive queen. Despite dwelling within the confines of the labyrinth, the basilisk recounting this tale had never laid eyes upon the queen nor possessed any knowledge of her existence.
The basilisk's journey toward the outer lair was not of its own volition; rather, it had been commanded to do so. In recent weeks, a mysterious phenomenon had been unfolding within the confines of the labyrinth. Many of its kind had inexplicably vanished upon venturing into this particular region. Concerned by these unsettling events, the nearest nest had dispatched the basilisk to investigate, hence its presence in this unfamiliar territory.
She found a wild Arachnithrax on her way; these 8 legged monsters are mainly found in the outer lair; they are pretty weak and instead of competing for the crystals they specialize in web weaving to catch smaller prey . Just a pest which sustains itself on their nest's resources. She decided to kill this pest and be on her way to investigate the surroundings. It was extremely unlucky since in a head to head conflict no matter what an ambusher like this spider couldn't win. The gigantic spider had thin legs and a large abdomen which left it with a lot of weak points . It's only weapons were sticky webs and fangs laced with deadly poison. But how could such a low lifeform can hurt an apex predator like itself with such small fangs. Parrying the spider's fangs with her claws she bit into one of its legs and tore it off, disorienting the spider causing it to lose its balance. Looking at its missing limb it understood that winning was no longer an outcome. Throwing a bunch of sticky webs it ran in the opposite direction. But how could such weak treads hold a beast like itself. With powerful moves it tore away the silk and locked on its target. Before it could move far away she released all the built up tension in her legs and a splint towards its direction slamming it with all her might knocking it out, after that it was a one sided slaughter. One by one its limbs were torn away and with a final stomp of her foot its head was smashed like jelly.
As she basked in the glow of her recent victory, a sudden and unexpected sensation gripped her legs. They were being pulled downward, sinking into the earth as if swallowed by quicksand. Panic surged within her as she realized she was trapped, her movements becoming increasingly futile as the ground enveloped her. Then, without warning, a viscous substance was hurled at her face, coating her mouth and nostrils in a thick layer of clay. Desperation set in as she struggled to clear her airways, but the clay quickly hardened, sealing off her ability to breathe. In a cruel twist of fate, she met her demise, suffocating beneath the weight of the earth and the unforgiving grip of her unseen assailant.