280 Crest to Trough

It was dark all around, the air still, suffused with a mild chill. A hollow cone extended to the top, blanketed by a hemispherical dome. The walls were made of sand, slightly hardened with saliva.

It was hardened to the extent capable of maintaining its structural rigidity against the natural phenomenon. The moment anything artificial affected it, the ceiling would collapse, bringing down the cause into it.

Prowling at the bottom, with its body covered by a thin layer of sand was a Crust-Mantle. It was larger than the others, its presence grand. When the ceiling collapsed, it was just about to lunge at its prey when it noticed its brethren falling.

It swiftly climbed up, going above its brethren while inspecting its condition. On seeing that it was perfectly fine, the Crust-Mantle was confused for a moment before deciding to see things for itself. Moreover, unlike the others, it was a Tier 2 being, top of the food chain on the layer it resided.