Unfolding...
Unfolding...
Also known as: Worker, Clicking Worker, the one who made sounds, Speaking Worker, the Worker with a name, The Antinium, the individual known as Pawn, the former Worker, Pawn of the Antinium, insect, slave, Individual
An Antinium Worker who exhibits Aberration-like behavior by creating rhythmic noises, but remains peaceful.
Pawn is an Antinium who suffers constant, indescribable pain from the places where his appendages have been severed.
A worker that rhythmically clicks its mandibles, survives a monster attack, and is brought to the surface on a secret mission by Klbkch.
Breaks rank to speak and request to watch the game, secretly accepts a stack of paper chess pieces, and triggers a class awakening as a [Tactician].
Leads a group of Workers to offer standardized condolences to Erin, undergoes a traumatic emotional breakthrough into individuality, names himself Pawn, and plays chess with her.
Pawn acts as the avatar for an Antinium hive mind during a series of chess matches, speaking with sudden clarity and pushing Erin to play at her absolute best.
Pawn continues to lead the Antinium Workers to Erin's inn each evening to eat and play chess.
Pawn visits the inn to play chess, gets briefly attacked by the skeleton, and informs Erin about the Hive's new Prognugator. He and two other Workers efficiently construct an outhouse for the inn.
Pawn plays chess with Erin, expresses feelings of uselessness, and is then abruptly arrested and injured by Ksmvr under suspicion of being an Aberration.
Pawn arrives at the inn at the end of the chapter, heavily mutilated and missing limbs, shocking the adventurers and Erin into silence.
Returns to the inn severely mutilated from torture by Ksmvr. He is comforted by Erin's chess games and singing, repeatedly insisting he is an individual and not an Aberration.
Pawn reflects on his missing limbs and his newfound individuality while sitting outside the inn. He defends the Antinium's loyalty to Calruz and ultimately lies to Erin, claiming he must return to the Hive to prevent them from coming after her.
Pawn encounters the adventurers on the road and explains that the Antinium are off-duty, waiting for the Queen to complete a secret task.
Erin mentions that Pawn left for the city with other Workers and notes his increased confidence in chess.
Ksmvr thinks about having safely secured Pawn in the Hive and ponders his borderline disloyal thoughts.
Erin sits in the outhouse and reflects on how Pawn and the other Antinium helped build it.
“I. I am. But it is wrong. All is wrong. When the many become one, it is Aberration. I am Aberration.”
“Apologies. But the Innkeeper Solstice makes a mistake. This one—I am sorry. You misunderstand, Erin. At this moment, you are not simply playing me, but all the Antinium gathered here.”
“He was the designated Worker who won 54.6% of all games he played. He had no name. If you wish it, I will remember him, Miss Solstice.”
“I am not sure I have any advice to give you, Erin Solstice. I am not experienced in the ways of this world.”
+110 more quotes →“The Antinium have no honor. And I am—was a Worker. My life is for the Hive. If my death is required, I will die.”