Chapter 8 - Rivalry
I reviewed my minions kill notifications as I moved.
Congratulations! Your minions have killed a level 24 Mature Cave Spider! +5,600 experience!
Congratulations! Your minions have killed a level 14 Fledgling Cave Spider! +1,000 experience!
Congratulations! Your minions have killed a level 15 Fledgling Cave Spider! +1,200 experience!
Congratulations! Your minions have killed a level 24 Mature Cave Spider! +5,600 experience!
Congratulations! You are now Level 10! +1 to Charisma, Constitution, Dexterity, Mind, and Spirit, +5 Free Stats points to distribute. Note: You now have +15 Free Stat points to distribute.
‘Ah, that’s the stuff! More incentive to do what practically all my ex-girlfriends asked of me. Time to kill some more spiders!’
It did not take me long to get to the cavern entrance. I was beginning to get used to my enhanced stats and found my stats did not reflect my level as I was able to take out a level 52 guardian. Which brought up another question. When I arrived here, I was told this dungeon should have at max level 25 monsters, so why were they level 52? Was that a result of the cultists experiments? Something to worry about later. I’ve got enemies to kill.
I refocused my attention on the battle at hand. We had superior numbers, but the tunnel was limiting us in our movement. Add in the fact that the spiders could climb on the walls and ceiling was adding to the challenge. However, I have some spiders of my own.
Giving the order for my undead mature spiders and my one remaining undead Fledgling Cave Spider to climb the walls and attack, the goal being to push the enemy back into the cavern, granting my forces the ability to better leverage their higher numerical advantage.
One of the enemy Fledgling Cave Spiders got past our line and was heading towards Pinky’s exposed side. I used my Bestow Curse ability for the first time and applied the Curse of Exhaustion on the spider.
Curse of Exhaustion
Description: Bestow the sin of Sloth on the target, rapidly using up their stamina and making them tire quickly. Can have psychological effects as well depending on how susceptible the target is. Note: Wielder must strengthen their will and resolve or suffer the sin of Sloth backlash. Remember there is always a price to sin.
The enemy unit immediately began to slow and grow sluggish. I was in mid-swing to end its life when I was hit with the backlash the curse warned me about. My stamina began to rapidly drop, and I felt the pain I inflicted on my target. That momentary distraction caused me to miss my target. Luckily for me I had an Acid Spray prepared and released it point blank in the spider’s face causing it to partially melt and die a few moments later.
Congratulations! Your minions have killed a level 18 Fledgling Cave Spider! +2,000 experience!
Immediate threat dealt with, I leaned against the tunnel wall for a minute to catch my breath. The backlash was no joke. All I wanted to do was lay down and rest. The description said I needed to strengthen my will.
‘Does that mean I need to fight this in some way?’ I thought to myself.
Then another memory of my friend going on about one of the fantasy books he read popped into the forefront of my mind. My buddy was telling me how the hero used a weapon that made him feel the pain he inflicted on others. At first, I thought it was the dumbest weapon ever, even with the cool stuff it could do. DW told me about the only way for the main character in the story to combat the pain he felt was to steel his resolve. The hero had to recognize and believe he was killing for justice and what he was doing had to be done.
My friend said it was a great analogy for embodying what it meant to be meek. The real definition of meek, not the common misunderstanding out there now. The true definition, roughly translated, is to have the power and be dangerous enough to use it, but only do so when you absolutely must. When those times came, you knew in your heart and mind there was no other way.
I don’t know but that conversation always stuck with me. Maybe it was how passionate my friend was when he explained it. Might have been the fact that it made me re-think my understanding of what meek really meant.
A smile came to my face thinking about my old friend. That smile seemed to start to clear the fog from my brain.
One thing was for sure, my buddy DW was still providing insights to this day. Perhaps my recalling this memory was just the clue I needed. Cause right now I wanted to not do much of anything but take a nice long nap. ‘Snap out of it Arch!’
‘Was it as simple as that? I just make my will like steel and resolve myself to know that what I do is what I must do’ I contemplated.
Deciding to give it a shot, I focused my will in the belief I did what I had to do to save Pinky. Knowing I will do what I must to protect those I care about...
‘Wait, when did I start caring about a giant murderhobo spider? Well, she is MY murderhobo spider and nobody messes with me and mine!’ I mentally resolved myself.
That seemed to further lessen the effects to the point where after another few seconds the feeling passed and I felt like my old self, well my new old self.
Returning my attention to the battle at hand, my forces had pushed the enemy squad, who now consisted of one Mature Cave Spider and two Fledgling Cave Spiders, back into the mouth of the cavern.
I reviewed my pending notifications.
Congratulations! You have learned the dangers of using the 7 curses. Your friend’s wisdom has saved you this day! Remember to protect yourself in the future!
Congratulations! Your minions have killed a level 17 Fledgling Cave Spider! +1,600 experience!
Congratulations! Your minions have killed a level 16 Fledgling Cave Spider! +1,400 experience!
Congratulations! Your minions have killed a level 20 Mature Cave Spider! +2,800 experience!
Congratulations! You are now Level 11! +1 to Charisma, Constitution, Dexterity, Mind, and Spirit, +5 Free Stats points to distribute. Note: You now have +20 Free Stat points to distribute.
Pinkoria seemed to notice me regain my senses and spoke. “Master, are you alright? I took charge of the minions while you seem wounded.”
“Thank you, Pinky. I used an ability I possess for the first time. I was not prepared for the backlash it caused. I am feeling better now.” I said before looking at Pinky.
“Let’s finish this!” I smiled at Pinky, sheathing my sword, before casting Misty Step.
I appeared on the back of the remaining Mature Cave Spider. I dual cast Ice Lance and Produce Flame, one in each hand. Unleashing them one right after the other right on the spider’s head. The rapid temperature extremes cause the spider’s head to pop like a ripe melon.
Congratulations! You have killed a level 21 Mature Cave Spider! +3,200 experience!
Congratulations! Your minions have killed a level 16 Fledgling Cave Spider! +1,400 experience!
Congratulations! Your minions have killed a level 18 Fledgling Cave Spider! +2,000 experience!
With the last Mature Cave Spider dead, the two Fledgling Cave Spiders were taken out rather quickly. Upon their deaths we heard more skittering, and another squad of five Fledgling Cave Spiders and two Mature Cave Spiders moved in our direction.
They were kind enough to be grouped together. I channeled my Fireball spell and sent it right into the center of the squad. The detonation and explosion took out the whole squad in one shot.
Achievement earned! Title Gained!
Title: TOASTY!
Description: Kill 5 or more units at least 10 levels above your level with a single fire spell. +15% effectiveness to your fire spells.
“HAHAHA! This system has a twisted sense of humor. I love it!” I laughed at the hilariously named achievement.
With my new title, I decided to finally step into the cavern and see what else I could set on fire.
‘I’m not a pyro at all, I do not know what you are talking about. Never mind the fact I used to just stare at an open flame with fascination when I was a kid.’ My mind wandered as I walked into the cavern.
A loud voice echoed through the cavern.
“WHO DARES TO ENTER MY DOMAIN?! WE HAVE BEEN WITHOUT FOOD, EXCEPT FOR FOOLISH ADVENTURERS! IT HAS BEEN TOO LONG SINCE WE HAVE TASTED SOMETHING OTHER THAN OUR OWN CHILDREN! NO UPSTART WILL INTERFERE! YOU SHALL FEED MY BROOD!”
“Well one thing is for sure Pinky, we are not alone here.” I mentally told my companion.
“No, we are not, master. I can sense another queen. Master, we must kill her; she will not allow any of us to live or leave alive.” Pinkoria replied.
“I have no intention of leaving this place until we complete our quest. Plus, we must kill the queen for sending her minions to attack us.” I said before beginning to really study what I was seeing in the cavern.
“You know just what to tell a girl, master.” Pinkoria stated.
The cavern held a few torches that poorly lit the area. Some of the cavern walls had carvings along the sides. Where the torches were lit you could see spider webs and, in some places, desiccated corpses in armor or half covered in webbing. Most of the corpses looked like they had been there a very long time.
“Well, that explains why they were so quick to cannibalize their dead. Let’s see what we are dealing with here. Sounds like she is still obsessed with killing you, Pinky.” I said.
“Yes, master. It is our nature to kill those we see as rivals.” Pinkoria explained.
The cavern was not very well lit, and the cavern went a way back, clearly going farther than my vision could show. My ability to see in the dark showed several moving shapes in the distance. This cavern was perfect for what I wanted to do. I dual cast Fireball, creating a ball of fire in each hand. I continued to channel my mana into each as they grew bigger and brighter.
After a few seconds I released both fireballs aimed at the opposite sides of the cavern. As they flew the illuminated the cavern to reveal at least 50 Fledgling Cave Spiders, 20 Mature Cave Spiders, and a massive Queen Cave Spider on the back wall.
When the fireballs collided with the back cavern walls, they immediately incinerated the spiders there. Fun fact, spider’s silk just so happens to be very flammable. The webs instantly caught fire and rapidly started to spread along the walls catching and setting spiders ablaze if they did not get off the webs in time.
The notifications were streaming in, so I willed them to minimize and provide a summary at the end of the battle. That distraction over, I looked at my handywork. Both corner ends of the opposite wall of the cavern were on fire and it spreading to the other walls.
‘Man, spider’s silk is flammable.’ I thought as I heard screech after screech of spiders as they caught fire.
SCREECH!!!
HISSSSS!!!
SCREECH!!!
HISSSSS!!!
The spider queen roared. “HOW DARE YOU ATTACK MY BROOD IN MY OWN LAIR!”
I turned to Pinky, “Wasn’t she the one that threatened to feed us to her brood?”
“Yes master. We should kill her now.” Pinkoria replied.
‘I agree Pinky.” I replied as a plan was starting to form in my mind.
The queen was clearly much older than Pinky. She was about three and a half to four meters tall or roughly twelve or more feet. Her chitin appeared to be heavily armored, and she had a huge thorax, like half of her body was her giant backside.
Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.
Seeing the flames approaching her, the queen quickly detached herself and landed making the ground shake.
BOOM!
Before I set my plan in motion, I took a moment to further study the queen and get some of her basic information.
K’th’oria, Queen Cave Spider
Level: 65
Description: K’th’oria has continually fed on the power of the dungeon core to sustain herself when not eating her children. She has forsaken her spider goddess and used the dungeon core to massively increase her level and power. Queen cave spiders are massive cave spiders that are very territorial. K’th’oria is larger than most Queen Cave Spiders and as such does not move around much except to draw power from the core or eat her children. Another queen in their territory is considered an invasion and they stop at nothing to wipe out the threat. Their webbing is stronger than other cave spiders and their venom is lethal in the right quantities. Queens are the only ones that can produce eggs to grow their brood. Attacks can range from spraying venom, bites, piercing attacks from their sharper front legs, and shooting web attacks.
“Come on! What the heck is that?! Level 65! How is that even fair?!” I complained as the queen took a few seconds to gain her balance.
After I got over the initial shock of her level, I began to refocus on what I had learned.
‘That was actually a great deal of information I just got on the queen. I think that is the most info I have ever received off anyone so far.’ I thought as I started to back up.
It was clear the queen was not used to walking on the ground, her bulbous behind clearly disproportionate to the rest of her. After a few more seconds, she got her baring and began to charge at us.
“Back in the tunnel!” I ordered.
I knew there was no way that the giant queen was going to fit through the tunnel. Looking to both sides I saw the spiders that weren’t near a web heading our way as well. Deciding to focus on the queen, I channeled two more Fireball spells and unleashed them after a few seconds.
Both spells hit the queen right in the face and detonated. She was knocked back by the force of the blast.
I did not stop there as I dual-cast Ice Wall to block and funnel the enemy spiders. Having gained a few moments respite while the queen shook herself off and got back to her feet, I used that time to strengthen the Ice Walls. The giant blocks of ice were thicker and slicker before, the spiders would not approach from the sides.
That done, my danger sense or appropriately called spidey-sense tingling made me realize I left one spot open, directly above us. Several Fledgling Cave Spiders were dropping down from the ceiling. I activated Misty Step while simultaneously ordering my minions to kill my would-be attackers.
I appeared on the side of the spider queen and grabbed a rusty sword off the ground. I did not need it sharp to try something new. I activated Produce Flame and focused it at the tip of the weapon. The whole blade ignited as I swung it down on one of the back legs of the queen.
The sword cut cleanly through like a hot knife through butter. Ichor spewed from the open wound. With the weight from her rather large backside the queen once again lost her balance, giving me time to repeat the process on another leg.
K’th’oria was smart and used one of her remaining legs on that side to smack me away from her. This time my danger sense triggered, and I used Misty Step to teleport to the opposite side of the queen and severe her other rear back leg and the next closest leg in two quick strokes.
The queen’s giant thorax hit the ground hard and the ground shook again.
THUMP!
By now my makeshift plasma sword was warped and completely useless, so I discarded it. The blade had done its job, but I still had legs to severe. Casting Misty Step again, I appeared next to another emaciated corpse and grabbed the sword in its hand.
I checked in on my minions and found them holding their own just fine. They were using the ice walls and cavern entrance to their advantage by funneling the enemies into a choke point they could control.
‘Pinky really is pretty darn smart.’ I thought as I activated Misty Step and Produce Flame again.
I appeared near one of the spider queen’s legs right as my new blade caught fire. Once again, her armored leg proved little resistance to my flaming sword as I severed another appendage.
The queen cried in impotent rage, “I SHALL DEVOUR YOU WHOLE!”
In a cool spray of mist thanks to Misty Step, I was gone once again and sliced off another leg. By now the queen had two legs left on one side and one leg left on the other side. She was losing a lot of ichor and I was jumping around too much for her to get a lock on me.
Another cry came from the queen, this time a cry for help. “TO ME MY CHILDREN! PROTECT YOUR QUEEN!”
The assault on my minions stopped as the enemy forces turned tail and tried to get back to their queen as quickly as possible. This of course left them vulnerable, and my forces began picking them off as they retreated to their dying ruler.
Not waiting around for their arrival, three spell casts of Misty Step and a few swipes and the queen was now legless and flopping around.
Pinkoria called out to me. “Master, you must kill her most brutally! It is the only way they will stop.”
I dropped the second ruined sword and picked up a third and repeated my process of coating it with flames. This time I channeled even more mana to increase the temperature. The blade began to glow blue as I used Misty Step to put me directly above the queen.
Using the momentum of gravity, as I fell, I swiped my glowing plasma sword at K’th’oria’s head. The intense heat of my blade made it easy to separate the spider queen’s head from her body, doing a little superhero pose as I landed.
I stood up and pointed the blade at the oncoming spiders. “WHO’S NEXT?!”
Pinkoria yelled, her voice echoing across the cavern. “BOW DOWN TO YOUR NEW QUEEN AND OUR MASTER!”
The spiders halted their advance upon hearing those words. They had just seen me take out their queen and they knew another queen was present. It was the nature of their race to bow before one with power.
Seeing them surrender, I lowered my flaming blade and discarded yet another ruined sword as I thought, ‘Man, I really have to figure out a way to keep a blade from being destroyed in the process. I mean come on, who doesn’t want to wield their own plasma sword!’
“They will not attack master.” Pinkoria said and she caught up to the remaining spider forces.
“Perhaps Pinky, but why take the chance?” I asked.
She stared at the spiders for a few seconds until they all seemed to bow or bend themselves in a sign of supplication. “They have recognized me as their new queen. Like you master, I enjoy having minions at my beck and call. If you use your Form Contract on them, they will join your forces and will serve both you and me, master.”
There was no reason not to. If my guardians were any indication I had enough mental and spiritual capacity to bring these spiders into the fold. Making up my mind I approached the first Mature Cave Spider I saw.
I activated my Form Contract ability and got to work. It did not take too long to get through the remaining forces. All of them gave off feelings of fear and a sense of awe. It was really weird that I could sense emotions from giant spiders. No one resisted the contract forming which made the process pretty smooth.
When I was done, I ended up with 10 Fledgling Cave Spiders, and 6 Mature Cave Spiders. After they were all bound under contract, I checked my mental space and felt as if I was about a third of my current capacity. I had lost several of my skeletons, so I decided to resummon the ones I lost.
My skeletons were ordered to scour the cavern and gather the various fallen adventurer corpses and do the time-honored tradition of looting the bodies.
I could sense how hungry my new minions were, so I ordered them to eat their fill of the dead except for K’th’oria, she was for Pinky and I. The feeling of gratitude that came from them was almost overwhelming. I was not so sure how I felt about that either. They were grateful to have a chance to be a cannibal. Shaking my head, I knew it would take time to get used to such things.
“If you want to start in on the dead queen, feel free to. Just let me find her core.” I said to Pinky.
“That would be good master. There is no telling when our brood will get a decent meal and I still want a chance to eat what’s left of K’th’oria.” Pinkoria replied.
“I’m sure you do, Pinky. Probably some instinctual thing, right?” I commented.
“Oh, master really does understand me so well.” Pinkoria answered.
SLURP
SLURP
SLURP
“Pinky, when you and your brood are done eating, would you mind finding out where the dungeon core might be.” I asked as I dug inside the queen to extract her core.
It was a disgusting process, and I used the conversation to distract myself.
“The Mature Cave Spiders told me it used to be on a pedestal in the rear of the cave.” Pinkoria replied mentally.
“Pinky, what do you mean used to be?” I asked as I felt a round object the size of a softball and tugged. I pulled out the spider queen’s core. “Ah there it is.”
“Master, K’th’oria enshrined a webbing around it and would spend most of her time in that area. None of her brood were allowed in there.” Pinkoria said as she pointed a foot at what looked like a large web cocoon or what was left of one as the fire had consumed most of it.
Before I decided to tackle the dungeon core, I checked in on the brood. Most had gotten their fill, and some were still pretty bad off, some missing legs or sporting severe burns on their bodies. I decided to send a mental command to my spiders. “Once you are done eating let me know which of you would like to get healed in my Summoning Realm.
After they ate their fallen brethren, several approached me and bowed. I dismissed the ones that were heavily injured to give them time to heal in my Summoning Realm.
“Pinky, ready to go complete our quest?” I asked.
“Yes master, as long as I can come back and finish my meal.” Pinkoria replied.
“Well while we go take care of that, I’ll instruct my skeletons to start equipping themselves with all the loot they harvested from the dead adventurers.” I said as I gave my skeletons the mental command.
Pinky and I walked over to the half-burnt cocoon. She was able to remove what was left of the webbing to reveal a glowing pedestal with a large orb sitting at the top. I approached the pedestal and put my hand on what I assumed was the core.
You have found the Corrupted Spider Goddess Cultist Dungeon core. Do you wish to access the dungeon core, Yes or No?
I selected Yes and a new screen popped up in my view.
Dungeon Core Options
Dungeon Information
Assume Control
Remove Magic Core
Exit Dungeon
I focused on each option and received a description of each.
Dungeon Information: The cultists corrupted this dungeon core and were punished by their goddess for it. The current owner of this core is K’th’oria…error, current dungeon master dead. Choose Assume Control to change ownership.
Assume Control: If the current dungeon master has been slain, another can choose to take its place. Do you wish to become the dungeon master of the Corrupted Spider Goddess Cultist Dungeon, Yes or No?
Remove Magic Core: This action will allow you to safely remove the magic core powering this dungeon. When removing the core, you can choose to leave the remnants of the dungeon intact or destroy it upon your exiting of the Core. Do you wish to remove the core now Yes or No? Warning: You must immediately exit the dungeon before the remnants of power dissipate and you become trapped.
Exit Dungeon: Leaving the dungeon will allow the dungeon to eventually resurrect its dungeon boss.
I stepped away from the dungeon core and turned to Pinky. “Hey Pinky. If I remove the magic core we will have to leave immediately or end up trapped here. Plus, I plan to destroy this place so no one can somehow stumble upon it again.”
“Our brood should be ready to leave, master. I believe even the skeletons are done arming themselves.” Pinkoria replied.
I walked over to the remaining pile of armor, weapons, and random items still left. “Waste not, want not.” I said as I began filling my bag with the remainder of the loot.
Once that was done, I used Dismiss to send my minions into my Summoning Realm. What I found interesting is while I had everyone, but Pinky in my Summoning Realm I felt more at capacity. Whereas before I felt a bit over a third of my capacity, once they were all in my Summoning Realm, I felt closer to half my capacity.
‘Hmmm, there must be something about sustaining and healing living creatures that is different than my undead. That or there is something else going on I haven’t quite figured out yet.’ I considered before turning to Pinky. “Let’s finish this quest and get out of here.”
Approaching the pedestal again I selected the Remove Magic Core option and received a prompt.
Do you wish to destroy the dungeon Yes, or No? Note: If you select yes, it will drain additional power from the core and take longer to recharge.
I selected the Destroy Dungeon option and the next thing I know I have a glowing magic core in my hand before I see a blinding flash of white. I instinctively shut my eyes and when I open them, I am in a new cave and tunnel structure. I can see a city off in the distance.
A few seconds later I felt a rumbling underground. “That must have been the destruction of the dungeon.” I said as I put the magic core in the bag for safekeeping.
I decided to finally review my notifications. Two of my notifications are gold and seemed to be pulsing. Deciding to check those last I see the summary kill notification.
Congratulations! You and Your minions have killed over 150 enemies above your level! Total experience earned: +580,000 experience!
Congratulations! You are now Level 28! +17 to Charisma, Constitution, Dexterity, Mind, and Spirit, +85 Free Stats points to distribute. Note: You now have +105 Free Stat points to distribute.
“Damn, that is a crap ton of experience!” I blurted out as I jumped so many levels at once.
“Well time to review the last few notifications.” I said as I mentally selected the last two remaining notifications.
This one was read to me in a sensual female voice.
Congratulations Arch-E! You have completed my quest and you saved some of my followers in the process. You have done better than I could have hoped and show promise for the future. For doing such a fabulous job I am graciously granting you and your companion a few bonuses. I will leave the fate of my failed children in your hands. Rewards: +130,000 experience (+100,000 base plus +30,000 bonus), Greater Boon of the Spider Goddess (upgrade bonus), Magic Core.
Congratulations! You are now Level 30! +2 to Charisma, Constitution, Dexterity, Mind, and Spirit, +10 Free Stats points to distribute. Note: You now have +115 Free Stat points to distribute.
Well, that experience bump was a nice bonus and getting a greater boon instead of the original boon should be interesting. I’ll have to check that out in a moment.
Congratulations Arch-E! You are the first to receive my greater boon! To celebrate such an auspicious occasion, I am granting your minion a special gift, Transformation of the Spider Goddess! She will now be able to take the form of a dark elf, drider, or her now much larger queen form. Enjoy Arch-E! Oh, and one more thing, you shall automatically receive a new quest from me once you finish absorbing this knowledge.
Quest: Past Failures 2!
Description: The spider goddess is pleased with your actions and sees great promise within you. She has entrusted you to decide the fate of the Drow in the city or Aranthia. You must decide to give them salvation or make them suffer for their past and current crimes. The spider goddess only requires that you make it known at some point you possess her Greater Boon, so they know the source of their destruction or salvation.
Rewards: +1,000,000 experience, undead followers or Drow followers (depending on outcome).
A million experience points! A million exp. to decide the fate of an entire people, no pressure. I mean how do I fully complete such a quest? Well, a problem for later. Let me check out that greater boon.
Achievements & Boons
Traveler’s Gift
Darkness Within
Cold Hearted Boon
Greater Boon of the Spider Goddess
Greater Boon of the Spider Goddess
You have received a greater boon from the spider goddess. She has granted you the ability to summon driders. You can also create new loyal drider minions from past followers of the spider goddess who have fallen out of favor. This greater boon also grants you dominion over all spiders. All followers of the spider goddess and all species of spiders will naturally wish to help you and answer your call for help. This also reduces the mental and spiritual capacity requirements of all spider type summons. Plus 10 to all stats.
Wow! That was pretty sweet boon! Thank you…
My train of thought was completely derailed as I was tackled by a gorgeous dark elf woman!
“MASTER!”
‘What?!” I said as I tried to hold this very spry dark elf at arm’s length to get an even better look at her.
She had long pink hair that went down past her waist. Her eyes seemed to sparkle with mischief. The woman had the perfect curves and stood about 5’3 or a little over one and a half meters tall. She wore chitin armor and looked ready for battle.
“Pinky?!” I asked in surprise.
“Yes master! Now I can travel with you, and no one would be the wiser!” Pinkoria replied happily.
“So, I take it this is your humanoid dark elf form?” I asked.
“Yes, though I can adjust my armor. I just figured best to be ready for battle.” Pinkoria answered.
“Well did you see we got a new quest? I’m guessing that is the city of Aranthia. Best if I assign my stat points before we head that way.” I said as I brought up my status screen.