After leaving that faithful day from the village. I continued ahead towards my destination the Republic City.
Unfortunately, I knew this outcome would eventually come to a halt.
From the village to the pathway leading to the republican lands, it's protected by two watch towers, courtesy of the fire swamp and soldiers of celestial. Heavily armed soldiers' units of knights and military guarded the vicinity in extreme defense. With their numbers at least ranging to ten thousand or even.
The reason behind it is simple. Mainly, because of the unrelenting force from the Night elves to the west. And recently, the Hollowed ones. I assumed much of this would happen. Leaving very little window for me to bypass through easily. My only option would be to sneak my way to the other side.
A suicidal plan indeed. Another was turning my way back and reevaluating my route all over again. Perhaps the best course of action if it weren't for the Hollowed ones pressing on the western lands.
However, it wasn’t all hopeless as one would foresee. For I had a third route in which I could avoid the republican forces on either side.
Thanks to the map I found in Miranda's chest that day. Which covered a good portion of the map of the republican nations mainly. Including but not limited to secret caves, dungeons, and pathways. One of them which I was taking.
Alongside the map, there was a note that contained information worth a thousand gold. For example;
The fire swamps are believed to be the home base of the people of the Fire Maiden. But the truth reveals that it isn't. It is simply the base of operation for their people. A barracks to put in simple term. Their real home is unknown, shrouded in mystery between land’s Beyond.
I can deduce the reason behind such a motive. One to guarantee their safety from both the elves and the republic. Another, securing a safe haven for them to live peacefully, without the harsh expense and environment of an advanced political world which the Republic demands.
I have to admit, that's some risky maneuver to pull. I wonder if the republic knows of this hidden base.
That said; it is believed that the base is somewhere close to the mountains of High lord Acadamy of magic and sword. But it's a matter of theory than practice.
Under the plateau grounds. There is a cave entrance that extends all the way to the other side of the plain. Avoiding the Republicans with ease.
There was no guarantee of safety going down that long cave. However, it was either dealing with the republic or facing off with unknown monsters.
I didn’t even give much thought to such a decision. I went to the latter. Besides, my new companion Okami seemed to know this path as she led the way.
On the topic of Okami. This wolf is extremely weird and not in a bad way.
First of all; She is loyal and follows my orders whenever I speak in Kanji. Second; she is intelligent in many ways. For example, when we were on land and encountered a monster. Okami would approach stealthily. And if we are discovered. It would act as a distraction rather than an assault. Giving me a chance to finish the monster. A very helpful strategy we developed. And when we are looking for treasure and items of worth. Okami would search and look around the items of interest. Saving time for me to loot around.
Lastly, its personability and figure.
Okami seems to be.... cold and indifferent. Much like I am. Cups would usually tend to be needy and spoiled. But not this one. Whenever we were camping, Okami would either stand guard or simply rest on her own. All a while keeping our distance.
I understand she still mistreats me. After all, I just killed his master out of her desire. But the fact he willingly joined me on this journey is rather weird.
Speaking of her looks. It's like I am staring back at the famous mythological figure of Ōkami Amaterasu. A creature of celestial origin that appears as a typical white wolf to outside observers, but her true form, to those with strong spiritual beliefs, depicts her with red markings and fur curlicues.
I can't say whether it's a big coincidence such a being exists. However, the fact she doesn't do anything except apples for some reason and still maintains her perfect physique is enough evidence for me to doubt.
But what do I know... I just met this wolf.
It took us a week to pass through the dungeon. As a result of how convoluted the passageway was. If I had one of those prism stones, I might have made this jag wire tunnel journey easier. While facing off with demi humans including their chieftain. Which are ape like human creatures with significant detartrate development of their human anatomy for some reason. But alas, they were easy to deal with.
There were, however. Unusual tunnel systems that seemed more human-made rather than natural work. Which eventually led to some kind of already descended wooden lift, leading to deeper parts of the chasm to wherever it may go.
But with no way to pull the lift back, we were met with a dead and had to take a turn back into the maze tunnels. After a few days of wandering aimlessly, we finally managed to leave the cavern and feel the stench of the clear wind and the sunlight's glistening rays reflected against my eyes.
I noticed I was at the base of the plateau on the other side of the watch tower between the forest. Bypassing the republic force with ease.
Unfortunately, we didn’t rest much after leaving the cave. We pressed onward toward my next destination. The Basin of Drumcana. A swap situated just south and a little east to the Dwarf’s fire mountain. Where most of the mountain rivers spilled down to.
The reason I had to rush because beyond where the Republicans set camps. And I feared they would still be on guard on the main road.
That's why we decided to move ahead quickly. We would rather play safe now especially since I am around the territory and being a refugee would raise an alarm.
Therefore, we decided to enter the swamp and hope to settle somewhere safe away from the keen eyes of the republic. Safety wise isn't that high since they might investigate the marshland at any moment. But it's better than that vegetative smell of that cavern.
----------------------------------------
The swamp of Drumcana. The forest was Enormous, radiant, and flourishing. Its canopy was reigned by pine, larch, and teak. Faint rays of sunlight bursting through their crowns allowed for dispersed saplings to burst from the crunchy layer of leaves below. Silent branches drooped from most trees, and a variety of flowers, which grew all over the place, added some color to the otherwise unvarying landscape.
Randomly displaced shale of different sizes around the swamp at different levels. Separating the creeks and the paths into multiple branches, all leading elsewhere. But the current of the brooks seemed to head to east, originating somewhere from west where the lake might be.
A disharmony of animal sounds, belonging mostly to vermin, filled the air and drowned out the rustling of the leaves and branches of the tree tops in the wind. In addition, the occasional splashes of frogs jumping in the nearby lake.
Other than that, the swamp was very empty and lifeless. Not a single soul can be seen or heard. Wondering down the swamp wasn’t a major difficulty given it had enough space to walk and look around.
Another reason why I chose this swamp specifically is due to the sheer substantial number of crescentic herbs it had of many types. Gingko, Lavander, and most importantly, Flax seed which is mainly what I am looking for. These herbs especially for some reason excellent response to infinity slayers like myself.
I came across this piece of information yet again Miranda notes. I didn’t question that matter since she was trained by an alchemist plague doctor. So, I merely went along without questioning further.
Finally finding some herbs lying around the bushes. I started to collect and took my time, making sure I didn’t pick the vegetative ones.
(Eating weeds instead of drinking potions. I feel like I have seen or heard this somewhere else.)
As I was collecting the herbs. I kept turning back and looked around, making sure there wasn’t anything that could creep behind me.
For some reason, I felt a sense of someone or something present. Thankfully no eerie hollowed stench can be sensed so that was out of the picture. However, I still felt irritated regardless. not to mention, Okami felt the same, she kept looking out.
I continued to harvest for a little while until I stumbled on one of the herbs. Intertwined by what looks like a series of spider webs.
“Those are thicker than usual- Wait.” I halted as the elemental crystal started to illuminate flickeringly. In addition, Okami growled.
I noticed the trees in the distance were breaking and falling down. As if a lumberjack was axing his way between the forest.
“We aren't alone...” I whispered as I looked back to Okami. “Come on...”
I quickly gathered the materials and hid them in my backpack.
We crept between the forest as we paid attention to our surroundings. For the time being, the forest seemed quiet. We eventually reached a dense part of the forest as the trees grew thicker and more compacted. The thick bushes made it difficult to navigate through the plane.
As We ventured deeper into the dense forest, Okami and I trod along what seemed like a winding path, the undergrowth thickening around us with every step. Shafts of sunlight began to filter through the dense canopy above, dappling the forest floor with patches of golden light. The air was thick with the earthy scent of moss and damp foliage, and the occasional rustle of unseen creatures added an eerie ambiance to our journey.
After what seemed a few minutes had passed of trudging through the wilderness, we emerged into a clearing, a vast expanse of open space that seemed to materialize out of nowhere surrounded by the same thick den.
In the center of this clearing stood a towering stone pedestal, upon which rested a mighty hammer, its handle embedded deeply into the stone as if it had been thrust there by some unseen force.
The hammer gleamed with an otherworldly radiance; its surface was etched with ancient runes that seemed to pulse with power. For a moment, I felt a surge of awe and reverence wash over him as he beheld the magnificent weapon, its presence commanding respect and admiration.
Okami let out a low growl, sensing the significance of the moment. We stood beside us as we gleamed over the hammer.
Suddenly, he looked back at me.
“What?” I answered back in puzzlement. “I am not going there...”
Okami let another growl.
“Treasure might be. But this could be a trap!”
Okami once again growled as she tilted his head.
I looked around the vicinity. Not detecting a similar sense that we felt and noticed earlier. As if the environment had shifted to silence.
(This is obviously a trap....)
I sighed as rubbed my head.
“Better deal with it than later....” I said annoyingly.
Together, we approached the hammer, our footsteps echoing in the silence of the clearing.
With each step, I felt a familiar sense that I experienced a long time ago. A feeling shrouded in the void much like this enigmatic artifact, its mystical aura calling out to me with answers or yet more questions.
As we reached the base of the pedestal, I took a moment to examine the hammer as Okami began to rotate while sniffing it.
The hammer looked at least two times my height, excluding the pedestal. Golden color and mighty as ever, the shaft was engraved with enigmatic runes that I couldn't translate. A language is rather foreign in nature.
Given its size, its weight and its radiating mysterious aura. I can only reason this hammer must be of a titian origin. They after all wield such weapons of massive origin. And hail from a faraway land to which no one or little know of.
That said, the hammer appeared to be clean and fresh. As it was daily taken care of.
I once again looked around to double-check anyone's presence. Then I reached out tentatively, my fingers brushing against the unyielding surface of the hammer as Okami watched me.
With a steady hand, i grasped the handle, only to fail miserably.
“What was i thinking?! Can't one hand this shit!” I muttered.
As i stepped forward, reaching out to grasp the handle of the hammer with both my hands. i felt a jolt of resistance, unlike anything i had ever experienced. The hammer remained firmly rooted in place, as if defying his every attempt to lift it.
Straining with all my might, I poured every ounce of strength into effort, but the hammer remained unmoved, its weight seemingly immeasurable. Sweat beaded on my eyebrows as i gritted my teeth in frustration, muscles trembling with exertion.
Beside me, Okami let out a low whine, sensing distress within me. With what looks like a smirk.
“Cocky one, aren't you?”
But despite my determination, i could not overcome the insurmountable barrier that held the hammer fast. With a heavy heart, i released his grip, stepping back with a mixture of disappointment and resignation.
The problem wasn't the fact the hammer cemented through the pedestal. It was the hammer itself.
Even having Infinity Slayer powers in hand. I still couldn't yank the hammer or even shake it.
“I don't think I am supposed to pull it.... unless...” I took a heavy sigh as I recovered myself again.
Taking a deep breath. I once again reached for the hammer shaft and attempted one more time. In addition, I activated my unquenchable desire as i poured every strength into my hands. Reaching for hammer wound.
Finally, the hammer began to shake, evident by Okami growing tentative and excited.
However, this play would soon be disturbed by none other than....
“You ought not to take what doesn't belong to you mate!”
----------------------------------------
Dropping the hammer aside, Okami and i turned around and gazed our attention towards a Titan leaning his back against a tree.
As described before in the books, this titian size and height surpasses that of a human in many ways. From where I was standing, I could barely reach his knee level.
He had blonde hair, alongside a blonde bear. Extremely thick, makes you think he never shaved nor cleaned for at least a year. He stood Tall, over ten feet, the size tenfold of a human, relatively close to an ogre. Muscles are overgrown in every section of his body. From his foot all the way to his head. His hands are size enough to crush a human skull, body, and arms in an instant. Though he didn't wear much armor except an iron belt around his waist and a chain attached to it to his shoulder pat. He wore a simple blue leather set and boots. And a blue cape from his back.
If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.
(How did I not detect him?! Even Okami didn't sense him!)
However, the dragon crystal seemed to flicker. I must not have paid attention while I was busy pulling the hammer.
That said, this is my first encounter with a Titan. And obviously, a unique one.
The Titan began to approach, every step felt like the whole earth I shook under his weight.
“If you plan to keep those hands of yours.” He spoke in a threatening manner yet maintained a sarcastic tone. All while busy with his nails. “You best not go touchin that hammer lad!”
The Titan cracked a sadistic smile as he began to approach us.
Okami howled in anger as she stood in front of me.
I quickly drew my sword in one hand and a dagger in another. Preparing for the upcoming battle.
“I don't you know you. And you don't know me....” The Titan spoke pleasantly, but suddenly shifted with a serious look as he said; “Best keep that way if you want to survive. So, bugger off!”
“And if i don't?”
The Titan chuckled and began to stretch his neck on both sides.
“Do yer worse! But let me tell you about a little secret boy!”
I said nothing as I took my stance.
“The one on the dirt is by far... the easier of the two!” The Titan said as he knelt down on one knee while the other was in the back. Preparing for a charge.
----------------------------------------
“HERE I COME!”
As the Titan announced himself. He began to stampede ahead.
As I attempted to evade away, I was caught by the sudden shake in the ground and nearly fell down.
“Ah!”
However, I was quickly caught by the Titan who in a mere second reached me and sent me flying all the way back to one of the arena trees. Knocking me out for good.
I trembled down on a tree which as a result of, broke down the moment we made contact.
As I lay there, weakened and in pain. Okami managed to evade his charge before I did as she snuffed against me. Then she started howling back at me. Most likely out of pitifulness.
“Yeah well......” I spoke with difficulty as I struggled to get back up. “Try having two legs....”
“Hahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!” The Titan for a while started to laugh out loud. Echoing through the dunes of the forest. “Oh, man! And here i thought you would bring some challenge! Turned out you are just another fancy knight in shiny armor! All looks but no brainer!”
I clutched my teeth in anger as I finally gathered my strength. Starring into the boasted Titan.
“OH! Hahahaah!” The Titan giggled once more as he slammed his belly. “You are stronger than you look, kid! Perhaps I might have caught the biggest fish so far!”
“You talk too much Titan!” I said furiously as I recovered back on my feet and approached him. “You might be the first Titan I have ever met. But it's enough for me to judge your entire race.”
“Ha?”
“You might be all muscle and talk. But you don't have any brain cells to fill that tiny head of yours. No wonder your entire race failed to the Red Emperor. You simply weren't good enough...”
To that statement, the Titan's reaction quickly changed to a more static and emotionless one.
Through my soul gaze, his aura radiated furiously red as he pierced his hateful stare against me.
“I know you are playing with words... Infinity Slayer....”
I simply chuckled.
“What gave away?” I asked.
“The fact you are still in one piece and not bones pieces.” The Titan smiled as he stretched his back. “I was looking forward to this battle. But I figured children like you ought to be taught a lesson on how to speak to their elders...”
“Sorry, I don't acknowledge someone like you as respectable. A coward of a fallen legacy...”
The Titan didn't stutter and started walking slowly.
“And this will be your final lesson.”
“Try me bitch.”
The Titan without delay, quickly charged ahead towards.
I activated unquenchable desire quickly as I maintained my footing from Titian's rattles off the ground.
“Okami! Go!” I shouted as Okami nodded and quickly evaded to safety.
As the Titan inched closer, not a few steps between us. He quickly raised his fist as he prepared to plunge me down with his Titanic grip.
I quickly retaliated by repaying the same fist back at him. Focusing every inch of my strength into my hand.
As we came in contact and as a result. The forest, the trees, the hush of the wind, rustled beneath our clash. As if an earthquake has stricken the ground. Shaking its core and trembling in our combined might.
But only one emerged from this clash victorious. The Titan was pushed back rather than me as.
A cloud of dust clouded the arena, blinding us from the vision of each other.
Though I couldn't see the Titan, I sensed the distance between us. His footsteps were enough evidence.
Quickly, I drew my great sword and was about to perform the battle art; Impaling Slash. A strong lunging action that can pierce through enemy shields and pierce their guard.
However, I took my time as the dragon crystal flickered, warning of an upcoming attack.
Suddenly, I heard a massive slap echoing down through the forest. Casting the dust of rubble away. Revealing himself finally.
I performed the art and sliced through Titan's right to his broad abdomen.
With the addition of the Infinity Slayers powers, my charge speed was relentless. Therefore, he was not quick enough to catch me.
“AH!” The Titan ached in pain as he fell down on his knees.
I noticed earlier a scarab of bandages under his robe where I injured him. I figured it must have been some kind an old wound that is still healing.
I stood not too far from the Titan and simply looked back at him as he recovered back on his feet. Thought, he took a moment to recollect.
Out of pity, i waited for him.
“Dragon stone....” He muttered. “I still don't understand what they are, and how they function....”
Earlier, when the Titan was about to strike me. I took the crystal and held it under my fist. Granting me an extra force of power above the Infinity Slayer powers.
I had this hunch a couple of months ago. When i was cornered by several Hollowed ones. And I had then no arsenal.
I had to resort to punching my way to survive. And the crystal provided some kind of buff. Evident by the sheer strength I felt surging through and my veins glowing bright light.
Though, I'd rather avoid using this tactic, because it risks revealing my secret attacks.
“It's been a while since I bled on the field of battle....” He coughed. “No less for my opponent surviving longer than a minute.”
“Maybe if you shut up and use your head. You could have saved your high score.”
“Hahahahahaha!” The Titan laughed as he slammed his belly. “Maybe i should get serious now!”
He cracked his fist as he shouted in demand;
“NOW! GIVE ME A BATTEL TO REMEMBER INFINITY SLAYER!”
“If that's your wish!” I quickly drew back the great sword. “So be it!”
----------------------------------------
The Titan once more, advanced towards me. This time, attempting to grab me as he spread his arms while trembling on the grounds.
I activated unquenchable desire as I held in position. Preparing my stance for whatever this Titan is about to offer.
Quickly, the crystal gleamed. As he neared, there was not a slimmer of distance between us. He thrust both gigantic hands into the ground and released them with force, as a barrage of rubble bombarded me.
I quickly retreated backward and dashed through the gravel at high speed.
Though i evaded them, the Titan caught up with me.
This time, his moves became quicker and more aggressive as he attempted to strike me down with his hand.
Dodging them proved to be more difficult. Not only were they fast, but wide. He wouldn't hold his hand into a fist stance, but rather spread them like he is bidding a slap to oblivion. Therefore, i had to simply avoid them and find an opening later.
Suddenly, the Titan raised one of his legs up barely as he tackled for a powerful stomp.
Though there was an opening i could evade and attack him. My guts and the crystal told me otherwise. I retreated backward only to be caught by a shockwave that caused a cone of rocks to burst from the ground in front of him. All while i flew in the air.
The Titan followed up with a power charge using his shoulder to bash me away. Sending me in defeat.
As i cowered on the ground, I felt the Titian steps were approaching.
I quickly drank a healing potion and got back up on my feet.
The Titan prepared for another stomp as he neared. However, it charged on a slower paste.
The crystal once again flickered, obviously hinting at a dangerous attack.
The Titan hit the ground as sharp stone pillars spawned and rushed in a vertical plane toward me.
I quickly jumped and evaded to either side. Then rushed to strike the Titan who seemed to be taking a breath out of exhaustion.
I slashed through his hand as he blocked my attack. Then followed up with more blows at erratic speed.
This continued on for some time, as I failed to strike the Titan weak spot.
However, i planned it all.
Or more precisely, we did.
“It will take more couple slashes to kill me, boy!” The Titan spoke. “Though I am certain you are planning your trump card! So, where is your wolfi?!”
“Heh....” I grinned under my mask. “You already fell into it...”
“Huh?” The Titan paused in question as he noticed the oil slipping between his hands and body.
“Sā, Ōgami Senpū o makiokosu!” I shouted as Okami emerged from the trees, rushing towards the Titan.
As she attempted to strike him down, she quickly transpired into a flaming mist, leaving behind her a trail of fire. And pierced her way toward the Titan.
Though she didn't injure him by any physical means, her flames set the Titan on fire as his clothes and body began to be engulfed in embers of the great god. Such flames that burned demons to ashes.
Titans were no exceptions.
“AHHHHHHHHHHHH!” The Titan screamed in pain as he struggled to put the flame out.
Okami quickly then began to rotate around the Titan’s position at high speed. Creating a whirlwind of firestorm that surrounded and corned the Titan. Further consumed by more wildfire as the tornado grew larger and wider.
Though the battleground was thrown into obscurity. I took this moment to plan my next surprise attack. My eyes glanced over the multiple Pillars that the Titan created with his stomps.
“Huh.... this will do.” I muttered as I ran toward them and began to climb to the highest pillar.
“THATS IT! YOU BURNED MY BEARD!” The Titan howled in fury. “NOW I AM MAD!”
Knowing well he was going to create another shockwave. Hinted by the crystal. I called Okami to retreat.
She left the whirlwind storm in the last second before the Titan slammed his fists in the ground, releasing a more powerful shockwave with cones of gravel spurned from the ground around him.
The shockwave was strong enough to cast the storm away, spreading elsewhere through the arena. And striking the pillars, among which i was standing on.
Suddenly, the pillar exploded as a result of the reaction between fire and terrestrial stones.
Molting lava blasted between the arena's raised pillars. Thus, I was send flying high into the air with my sword now engulfed in fire and charged to the Titan and finish him off.
The Titan looked up in the last second, noticing my approach.
Quickly, he raised his hands to block me off.
However, i never planned to strike his weak spot. Rather, his heck. Therefore, i landed on the hand he intended to block and pierced with a great sword to his neck.
The Titan, fortunate for him caught up the attack and managed to tilt his head slightly as my blade landed on the neck border, nearly killing him.
I was planning to cut his head down. However, the Titan quickly grabbed my leg with his free hand and threw me away to safety.
While dancing in the air, i thrust the great sword to the ground to stop my motion.
I took a moment to take a deep breath as Okami landed beside me.
The arena now is roamed with chaos and fire. Shards and rubble of sharp gravel littered the ground, ember swamp the joint as if it looked similar to the tides of war and battleground. Trees were set on fire as the Leafs died out and the wood brunt, releasing a cloak of intoxicating mist. A wildfire set the forest in discord.
Amidst all that, i noticed the Titan was in pain, in flames, and smirking with a smile.
“Long and hard didst thou fight......” He spoke with a calm tone. “Brave Infinity Slayer, tarnished by the Maiden’s blessing. But divined by the old gods...”
He began to walk slowly as he approached the monolithic hammer, engraved into its pedestal.
“Seeker of truth, bringer of life and deliver of death.” He began to speak in a more appellative tone. “You are honored and thus, granted an audience once more!”
“Huh?!”
I felt the earth shaken once more as the Titan without an effort, pulled the Hammer from the pedestal with ease. Then carried it with both hands.
“By my name as Uthane! The Pride of the Titans! And predecessor of their legend!” He spoke with a dangerous tone as he took his stance.
“How amusing...!” I smiled as I took my stance and prepared for one final round. “I am honored...”
Just then, we both charged and advanced towards each other. Only for this battle to be interrupted by a massive burst from the ground between us as a large wolf spider alongside its many children emerged from the ground.
As a result, the ground began to crack, and fissures grew in between.
Because of this brief inattentive. I failed to see the crack under me and broke down the moment I landed on my feet. falling down the fissure hole.
“GODDAMI....”
----------------------------------------
Falling down the fissure. I ended up inside what looks like a burrowed tunnel alone, seems like Okami managed once again to survive but she remained with that Titain.
(She is quick on her feet, she will be able to survive)
I managed to land on my feet safely but noticed the distance between the surface and where I was was quite enduring.
I could walk my way back easily. However. With the spiders on the loose, they could still pick my senses and I would return to the same chase-the-mouse game.
However, If I take down the giant spider (Presuming the mother). The others will simply leave me be.
The problem remains, how do I separate them from the mother without my tools in hand?
It seemed I dropped my bag earlier the moment I fell. I only had now my blades and a few emergent potions. The only thing that was dropped along with me was... a lemon..?
“A lemon?! what I am going to do with you? squeeze you on the spiders?!” I sighed in annoyance ".... wait.... that could work?"
The Crstyal senses an upcoming horde. they approach from the back of the tunnel;
“I find an exit as soon as possible!” I muttered as I started to run in the other direction towards where they came from through the beast-made tunnels.
Winding Tunnel, Large well-constructed nest or burrow enough to fit a crew to walk through. Lighten up by Very dim natural light of what I assume is the floor I broke earlier. Roots protruding through rock, lots of veins and an abundance of vegetation, mostly ferns and Fungi. No stalactite nor stalagmite can be seen at least for now.
I can hear the spiders' growling voices coming from all directions. They must have caught up from behind and whenever I am going, will lead me to their nest. I picked their sense and managed to see faint movements in the distance thanks to my visual enchainment in the dark which Glew red.
(I can't just run, I need to find the mother and end her! With the Titain distracting them on the surface, I might have a chance.)
Noticing ahead, two charging spiders were advancing their way towards me. With one of them leading ahead of the other.
They were predominantly green-colored. With their abdomen bright red and their joints golden color. At certain parts of their body, they had a green Furr, signaling their origin as forest spiders and being half Huntsman and Tarantula origin. Some kind of Hybrid mutation.
The leading spider lunged towards me, using his front legs to try to hold me down and bite with his long sharp toxified fangs.
I managed to quickly fix my right leg and tilt my back left along with my body. Evading the spider bite, followed by unsheathing my sword and cutting the spider's lower remaining legs around their joint area, crippling it down.
I turned around and then pulled my dagger and thrust right on top of the spider’s head.
The second spider made another Lunge attack on top. I immediately noticed it thanks to the crystal warning me last second. I spun while crouching, avoiding the spider's attack, and turned around to make a clean cut, slicing the spider all the way from head to abdomen into two halves as the blood rained down against my head, with my white mask now stained with blood.
After a quick recovery. I sensed more spiders coming from the original path I first came through.
Without delay, I started to run in the other direction. Hoping to find that lair I am dependent on.
“Huh!” as I ran, I sensed a presence nearby. Same time, the crystal started to flicker again. I paused and looked around to find nobody was around.
Suddenly, the walls of the cavern shattered to rabbles as another spider emerged from the newly made burrow as it lunged his appendages onto my shoulders, piecing the skin all the way.
“AH!” I shouted in pain.
Unable to evade the spider’s surprise attack, I felt down on the ground. Pinched down by the spider as it tried to bite me with its fangs. Instead of freeing myself, I held the spider collar with my two hands, preventing it from gnawing me down with its teeth.
My legs were blocked by the spider’s abdomen for I wanted to push it away from me with as much force as I could. I looked around for anything that could help with these eight-legged creatures.
I would hold the creature off with my left arm alone, so I would be able to grab my dagger from my pocket. However, the creature pinned me down on my left harder than my right. Preventing me from grabbing the dagger.
Dropping my arm would result in the end of me. Therefore, I had to find other means to beat him off
To my right, there was a sharp-end rock that looked like a stalagmite. Knowing well this was my only weapon in hand.
I held off the creature with my left hand as hard as I could and proceeded to grab the stalagmite and strike right around the spider neural tube. At the junction between his head and body.
The spider, as reflex grunted in pain as it lifted its body away from me for a moment. I took this moment to boost my leg and pushed the creature away from me, as it fell on its back, helplessly trying to struggle the pain and get back up.
As a result, I was finally free from his greps. I got back up, not paying attention to the wound, and took my Blade from the floor. Then striking against the helpless. Finishing him off for good.
I took a moment to recollect myself then continued on forward as I just noticed the spiders were closing it.
As I ran, another three spiders were closing in.
“Can a man catch a fucking break!” I muttered in bitterness.
Two of the three spiders were walking on the walls of the dungeon while the third one was normal.
I prepared myself and preformed Sword dance as I lunged toward the first spider, cutting his legs and partial off its organ to half.
Just as I executed my battel art, I pulled my crossbow at the end of the spinning attack and fired at the two spiders who were still on the walls as they started to scorch up and scream in pain as result of the flames.
Thanks to the fur, they were easily lightened up on fire. Thanks to this, it could also delay in the incoming force as spiders are generally scared of flames and their forest physiology made them mor sensitive to flames.
“That should be buy me some!” I said as I started to run the other way.
----------------------------------------
After a few minutes of running around and fighting spiders in this maze of tunnel system. I finally reached what seemed just another open cavern space, a few feet below. The grounds were occupied with rocks oriented in odd shape. The above blue stalactites and stalagmites, create this rather natural cavern design. I quickly descended the floor, observing the area for any threat. But it was clean, in fact, it was a little odd with such an open area with no burrows around. But I must remain vigilant otherwise I would be trapped again.
I noticed up ahead a ramp that led to deeper parts of the cave.
However, not a few seconds after landing down. I felt the environment suddenly to shake as if an earthquake had occurred, evidenced by the rocks falling down from the roof. Finding the crystal flickering once again, I looked back only find nothing came out from the tunnel I fell just.
(No... it's coming from the ramp! )
I quickly ran back and took a defensive position behind the rocks as I knelt down and crouched behind it. Then the alarming presence revealed itself, only for it to be the spider progenitor barging its way to the open space.
Thankfully the abdomen was bloated. The mother was stuck at the ramp entrance. But, the distance between me and the spider was only a few short. One push only it takes and it would corner me down/ therefore, I had to take it down as soon as possible since I had the advantage.
To make matters worse, the spider was spitting acid all around, preventing me from approaching it.
The rocks will provide me support only for a momentarily time until I figure out some plan.
(This is no fighting arena! I need to find the lair as soon as possible. Then I might have a shot at killing that thing.)
As I was constructing a plan. I sensed a nearby presence as well the crystal started to twinkle once again. I look back at the tunnel for the second time, fearing the spiders have finally caught up.
Nothing came out of the tunnel. Except, I heard some kind of tapping noises.
(Are there wasps?)
Bursting out from the cavern roof and top walls more spiders, with what looks like a butterfly wing attached to its cephalothorax. Making wasp like cacophony.
“You've got to be kidding me! Flying Spiders?!”
Five flying Spiders emerged from the higher walls and raced their way towards the arena.
Just then, I noticed the queen spider was about to spit an acidic orb at me. Thanks to the cover, I was protected by it. However, as a result of the acid. The stone was melted down completely, losing its tutelar effect. Promoting me to find a new cover while same time dealing with these flying spiders.
“Talk about random encounters!”
I started to run to the next cover as the mother was preparing for its next shot. One of the flying spiders charged its toward me with the other roaming above.
The charging spider tried to grab me using its legs. I rolled ahead, avoiding its clutch.
Looking back, the Spider was having trouble restoring its balance as a result of its assault.
I took this moment to fire the crossbow with a wooden bullet at its wing base. The beast easily fell down, now walking with his legs.
At the second, the mother spitted out a shower of acid rain around the room. I quickly went to take cover behind one of the rooks, avoiding the acid shower.
After the rain stopped, I left the cover only to find two flying spiders liquefied by the acid.
One of them was the one I already disabled and the other looked more accidental due to the acid rain. It must have tried to attack me earlier.
“Perfect!” I said as I planned out my next move.
I charged towards the mother position. In retaliation, the mother attacked me with one of her front legs. Which happened to be the Extremely sharp end.
I easily evaded it. But as soon the beast missed its attack. The room started to shake slightly with a few rubbles of Stalactite/stalagmite Pillars falling down from the ceiling.
Another attack the mother missed, causing more rocks to fall down.
As soon as I got closer to her. She was about to vomit more acid. However, I pulled my crossbow and fired right toward her eyes. With the steel arrows now stained with lemon juice that I cut earlier while running.
The creature reacted in panic and pain. Started to slam her front legs on the ground in agony, as more Stalactite/stalagmite fell down on the floor as they gravitated the flying spiders.
In addition, the mother started to spit more acid across the room haphazardly. Melting everything in its way. Including the reinforcements spiders coming from the tunnel, I was in earlier.
Amidst this chaos, I hid near the beast, not too far from her. But enough to avoid her slams and acid rain.
After a few seconds, the mother seemed to have her limits and started to retract her steps back to where she came from the ramp.
I emerged after ensuring the zone had been cleared for good. Looking at the possible hundreds of dead spiders, all acidified to nothingness.
I looked back at the ramp and said furiously as my eyes glowed brighter than before;
“Where do you think you are going?!”
----------------------------------------
Chasing the spider queen for a while, I lost its trace given how fast the beast was. But it was easy to follow her given how large the tunnel she made as she ran.
After a while, I managed to reach what seemed like the spider's main lair. The cavern was hollowed large, constricted dome shape with the ceiling sparking out blue rays from what I assume was the day sunlight. With vines and vegetation growing on the walls. In addition, many made burrows by the many spiders residing in these tunnel systems.
What caught my attention the most was these cocoon's eggs hanging from the ceiling by the Stalactite/stalagmite pillars. Concealing the raiding lights.
There. Waiting at the heart of the lair was their founder queen. Eating whatever she retained.
I stepped down from the tunnel I just walked as I fell on the lair floor. Unsheathing my blades, preparing for one last battle.
The beast alluded to by the vexatious presence. Turned around and stared straight at me. Looking all vengeful as it growled in anger.
“Oh, I know very well....” I said out loud. “Revenge is sweet but I'd say taking your anger on others is much more satisfying!”
The spider roared in anger as it prepared itself.