Weaving a web hammock was both harder and easier than I had thought. A basic web was relatively easy to construct once I got the hang of it. But while it was serviceable, it wasn't very comfortable. I solved the problem by discovering the Utility Threads skill which was available for purchase. Unlike the standard spider threads, they could create far more interesting variations.
> Skill Spider Thread has reached rank 1, level 12 (+8 levels)
> Skill Utility Thread has reached rank 1, level 8 (+7 levels)
With some fiddling around, I managed to create a smooth and fluffy cloth-like fiber that I used to cover the web. With multiple layers in different directions, it created a springy mattress that was incredibly comfortable to lay on. I left some openings to let my legs dangle through the net.
The result was a snuggling-compatible spider hammock.
"This is … so comfortable," Vel said. "And you're so fluffy."
She had jumped in with enthusiasm and was snuggling against me. I had all four arms around her and my pedipalp had wandered on her legs.
"Glad you like it," I yawned.
"Building that web tired you that much?"
"I think the day is catching up to me," I said.
"It was a long day," Vel kissed me gently.
"Good Night," I whispered.
"I love you," she mumbled.
That night was one of the best I had in a long time.
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I woke up with Vel soundly sleeping against me. Her hand had wandered and had tried to grab my butt. There was nothing but fluff there but she didn't seem to mind. My pedipalp also gained a mind of its own and had placed itself on her legs.
I played with Vel's hair for a while, enjoying the quiet of our little nest.
After a few minutes, she woke up.
"Hmmm," she mumbled, "this is so comfortable."
"Agreed," I kissed her.
"I don't want to get up," she whined.
"Oh, I've trapped you in my web?"
"Yessss," she purred.
I pinched her butt with my pedipalp and caught both her hands when she moved them. Vel's breath stopped and her eyes widened. I gently caressed her face. Having four arms was fun.
"Completely at my mercy~" I whispered in her ear and kissed her neck hard enough to leave a hickey. Her little moan of pleasure was all the invitation I needed to continue.
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I used my Dark Moon spell to create water and provide both of us with a well deserved shower. I was glad to learn that my spider fluff was hydrophobic and water slid right off. Drying that much hair wouldn't have been a fun time, even with spells.
Vel made us a quick breakfast from the previous day's leftovers. After that, I proposed we check out the secret passage connected to the altar.
"I feel like we already got more than what we were looking for," Vel said.
"It's the only way that's large enough for me to fit through," I remarked, "whoever made these rituals had to have a way to get out from here."
"I think you can squeeze through the door if you try."
"Don't really want to try that with taratects running around everywhere," I grimaced.
"You're right, too dangerous. Let's see what's in there but you should find a way to wear armor before that." She tugged on my hastily modified shirt.
"Ah, yes." I grimaced. "I knew I had forgotten something."
"Don’t you have a skill for that? You can make fake arrows so maybe there's one for fake armor?"
"That's not a bad idea, I think there was one for Mystic Knight." I opened the skill list and found it right away.
Mystic Armor (Cost: 8 ES, 6 ES)
Instant, 500 MP base cost
Create an armor from mana.
The armor can be composed of multiple garments.
The skill can duplicate existing items if provided a reference.
Enchanted armors require additional mana to create.
Mystic Weapon (Cost: 8 ES, 6 ES)
Instant, 500 MP base cost
Create a weapon from mana.
The skill can duplicate existing items if provided a reference.
Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation.
Enchanted weapons require additional mana to create.
"There we are, Mystic Armor!"
I had only two skill slots left but with the Skill Deck perk, it wasn't an issue.
> Purchased Skill Mystic Armor at rank 3, level 20 for 26 ES
> Purchased Skill Mystic Weapon at rank 3, level 20 for 26 ES
I used my new skill. I reached into my storage amulet for the scout armor and its various components, the skill latched on inside. I pictured myself wearing it with the coat shortened and I mentally adjusted the cut to fit four arms as well. I watched two thousand mana disappear and the armor appear on my body over the shirt I was wearing.
I moved about a bit and the fit was perfect. I wasn't sure of how tough it would be but it was better than anything. I summoned my belt out of my storage and strapped it on. Everything fit like a glove. I felt much better with my equipment back on.
"I'm glad your clothing problem is solved." Vel gave me a big smile.
"Let me summon Alan so he can help scout," I said. Vel nodded.
I summoned Alan back. He appeared in his spider form on the ground in front of us. He froze for an instant when his gaze landed on me.
Great Mistress! What happened?
A lot of things, I said as I picked him up, did you get killed during the battle?
Yes! Alan used spirit magic to slow down the evil spiders to give the Great Mistress time to retreat. Then Alan was overwhelmed.
You did good, I caressed him. I didn't know if what he did had helped but I didn't care, Alan was the best. As to what happened after that, I was subjected to an ancient ritual that changed my body.
Alan understands. The Great Mistress is still the Great Mistress after all, Alan knows.
Now, get ready little guy, we're going to explore the temple. I dropped him back on the ground.
Alan will watch for threats! He said enthusiastically.
"Now, what's behind the double secret passage?" I said.
I pressed the gauntlet against the altar and activated the enchantment. The far wall emitted a faint clicking sound and a part of it slid open.
With the passage open, the perception blocking enchantments were broken and I saw what was behind them. The underground area was spacious and ornately decorated. Like at the libraries, the furniture and ornaments were still in good condition. Important areas had obviously been under some strong preservation enchantments.
A corkscrew ramp led down. I was glad for that as I wasn't certain how I would handle stairs yet. With eight legs, stability shouldn't be a problem but coordination might.
"Huh," Vel said, "a ramp. I guess they thought things through."
"Probably didn't want the freshly ascended members to trip down a flight of stairs."
"Can you even trip with so many legs?"
"Four times more legs to trip over," I said with a cheeky grin.
I let Alan run ahead of us through the hallways.
Vel stepped forward and I followed her down the ramp. It took me a few steps to adjust to the slope but it was smooth sailing after that. There were two and a half turns of the screw before we found ourselves in the chamber.
The chamber itself was composed of many hexagonal alcoves placed next to each other with walking paths allowing access. Everything was Arachne sized except for a few hidden passages probably meant for servants. Each section was delimited by thick wooden walls, of the same kind I had seen in the library, and had a disproportionate amount of large cushions everywhere.
Soft mana lamps placed along the walls provided light.
"Looks … cozy," Vel said as she walked toward the nearest alcove.
"Those pillows do look comfortable," I said.
I lowered myself down into the cushions and they were. I could fit my legs between them with no issues and they kept my body high enough that they weren't bent at an uncomfortable angle. Not as good as a web but a very close second. Vel had simply thrown herself into the pile.
"I'm taking a few of these with me," she said.
"I am too," I smiled, "they make for an excellent spider-chair."
I pulled two cups from storage and poured each of us a cold infusion from one of my water skins. The few alcoves near the entrance were all laid out the same with a table at the center and a ring of cushions around them, their openings all faced each other which made me think it was a dedicated rest area. The out of the way kitchen accessible only to servants reinforced this idea.
Found anything on your side? I sent to Alan.
Many chambers but no threat. He sent back.
The description of the Arachne class mentioned it was high priestesses who were transformed, and they were likely at the head of the temple. Which meant this was probably where the most important members did their business. I could see some offices further down as well as some rooms with a large amount of cushions at the center and some furniture along the side, likely bedrooms.
As I let my mind wander through the offices, I spotted another of the wooden boxes. I focused my attention on it and looked inside. There were three pieces on a velvet cushion. At the center was a necklace or choker made of the same silver metal as the rest of the set. At the front were three circular plates with polished gems attached to a silver silk band; smaller plates were attached at regular intervals on each side.
> [Ravri Ritual Band (Bound, Durability, Storage, Stasis, ???; 0/200)]
Another storage item. What was the obsession with using necklaces as storage items?
On each side were two bracelets about the width of my palm. They kept to the theme with silver metal bands that circled around in a helix, small gems were set at each intersection.
> [Ravri Ritual Bracelet (Bound, Durability, Effect Storage, Mana Battery, ???; 0/3 effects, 0/1000 MP)]
> [Ravri Ritual Bracelet (Bound, Durability, Skill Storage, Mana Battery, ???; 0/3 skills, 0/1000 MP)]
"I found more pieces of the set," I said, "a neck band and two bracelets."
"Two more bracelets …" Vel started to ask then looked at my two sets of arms. "Think they're the last?"
"I hope, not a lot of places to put more jewelry."
"Maybe a ring? Or something for your legs?"
"Possible. Hopefully not, I have a lot of legs to furnish."
"Let's see then."
I vanished our mugs and stored a good amount of pillows as we left. The office was the third on the right, the door opened without issues and I skittered directly to the desk. I pulled the box out with trepidation and opened it.
"It's beautiful," Vel said, "almost as much as you."
"You're even more beautiful," I gave her a kiss.
"Stop flirting and put it on," Vel grinned, "the wait is killing me."
I obliged and put the small band around my neck. The small latch clicked in place and the system message appeared.
> Bound item Ravri Ritual Band for 250 MP
> Bound item Ravri Ritual Bracelet for 250 MP
> Bound item Ravri Ritual Bracelet for 250 MP
I accepted without a thought and received another message.
> Item Set [Ravri Ritual Set] Acquired
>
> Hidden Enchantments Revealed
My eyes nearly bulged out of my skull.