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Chapter 349: Unique Belt
"Spirit Deer Transformation, isn't that an Elf Druid skill?" Little Ghost, the first to react, lightly tapped her index finger on her lips, looking thoughtful.
As she said that, I remembered. Cain's Book did mention that Elf Druids differ from us Human Druids in terms of skills. One difference is that Spirit Deer Transformation replaces Werebear Transformation, and the Spirit System in the Summoning tree is also different from ours.
I gloomily examined the Gold Antlers. The required Level was surprisingly 30. The highest Skill Tier it granted was only Tier 3. Wasn't this just making me drool with envy? However, with the Divine Word Helmet, my resentment towards Druid Exclusive Helmets had lessened considerably. Unless it was Unique Grade or had Top-tier Three Skills, it really couldn't compare to my current helmet.
"What do you think Spirit Deer Transformation turns you into?" Little Ghost looked at the helmet, then at me, her eyes sparkling. It was obvious she had some Ulterior Motive brewing in her Brain.
"What else could it turn me into? A deer, of course," I blurted out.
"Turning into a deer, how cute!" Little Ghost's Eyes were already sparkling with Silver stars, seemingly completing the image of me turning into a deer in her Mind.
"..."
Since I was 10 years old, this was the first time someone had described me as "cute."
Ignoring Little Ghost, whose Brain was filled with her own delusions, I continued to take out two other Gold Equipment: a Heavy Belt and Scale Mail. They were decent; while their Stats weren't Excellent Grade, they were above average. After all, they were inscribed with "Wu Fan's Production."
Besides these, there were two higher-Level Equipment: a Magic Grade Light Armor and a Tower Shield. The Light Armor's Stats were Cold Resistance +%. Required Level 36. It was a suitable match for this Equipment. The Tower Shield had +% Enhanced Defense and +5 Strength, Required Level 38. These two decent Stats made this high-Defense, high-Strength Tower Shield an Excellent Grade Magic Grade Equipment.
Next were the Dropped Items from thirteen Elites plus one Minor Boss Level Dwarf. Compared to the Blood Flesh Beast I killed at a higher Level, they were much poorer. Together, they only dropped one Gold Equipment, making me exclaim that the Drop Rate was too deceiving. However, this Gold Equipment was an amazing piece of Equipment, at least in Appearance.
A Scythe. Its shape was like the Scythe we often see held by the Death God, with a beautifully curved Figure. The chilling Blade, slightly revealing a Blood color, could send shivers down your spine just by looking at it. However, precisely because its shape was too different from ordinary Weapons and its Attack Method was completely different, this thing wasn't something every Adventurer could wield easily. It required long hours of Practice to use proficiently; otherwise, you might not even injure the Monster and instead cut yourself.
Rose of Misfortune Scythe
Two-Handed Damage: 25-60
Durability: 65-65
Strength Requirement: 41
Dexterity Requirement: 41
Required Level: 32
Polearm Class: Fast Attack Speed
+40% Enhanced Damage
+% Increased Attack Rating
+10% Increased Attack Speed
2% Open Wounds Chance
+ Strength
"Wuwu~~"
After seeing the Scythe's Stats, I rolled on the Ground in Pain. Why didn't I learn the Scythe Skill? Such perfect Stats, such perfect Stats...
The Open Wounds Chance Stat could cause the Enemy to enter a Bleeding state. In This World, where Recovery Speed is slower than a snail's, this Stat is incredibly overpowered. This Stat usually only appears on Large Weapons like Axes and Polearms, and it's extremely rare. This was the first time I had seen it after adventuring for so long. Combined with the other Excellent Grade Stats, this Scythe was simply the Excellent Grade of Excellent Grade.
Furthermore, the Scythe has a well-known hidden Stat: if used by a Druid, it gains a higher Tier of Attack Speed Bonus. This means that what is originally Fast Attack Speed becomes Increased Attack Speed in our Druid hands (most Weapons get an Attack Speed Tier correction based on the Class). So this Gold Scythe was practically tailor-made for us Druids. How could I not roll around?
Perhaps some people would ask, couldn't you just hold the Scythe and Shapeshift? Yes, that would indeed grant the Scythe's Stat bonuses. But Claws and Scythes are different, whether it's Attack Range or Attack Method. And the Open Wounds Chance Stat is much more likely to appear with Scythe attacks than Claw attacks.
Forget it, I can't use it until Level 32 anyway, so I'll just put it away for now. I reluctantly stuffed the Scythe into my Inventory and Identified the remaining dozen or so Magic Equipment. Looking at the Pile of Equipment growing higher and higher in my Inventory, I started thinking about finding some Time to sell off the ones I didn't need and properly clean up my Cluttered Inventory.
The next day was another refreshing morning, but our Mood wasn't as pleasant as the Weather. After much consideration, I decided to visit the Spider Cavern to see if I could retrieve Gheed, that pain in the Buttocks. After sailing from Lut Gholein to Kurast for nearly three months, I had to go back at least once to Report my safety to Velas and the others, lest they cry and scream, thinking I had been swept away by a Deep Sea Colossal Octopus.
The location of the Spider Cavern wasn't hard to find. First, we returned to yesterday's Dwarf Tribe. The place that used to be inhabited by over a thousand Little People was now empty, with only a few burnt-out Torches stuck lonely in the Ground. The desolate Scene made me feel a slight touch of Sorrow. Although they were Enemies, they were still over a thousand Lives.
After sighing for a while, I immediately followed the directions of the Dwarf Shaman. Known as the Labyrinth Killer, I, who could break through Labyrinths in a straight line, headed towards the Spider Cavern.
Alright, I admit, I just relayed the Dwarf Shaman's words to the Three-No Princess and had her lead the way. If it were me, a day's journey would take ten days or half a month to complete. Damn it, ever since this Little Squirt joined, I haven't had a chance to get lost. You know, getting lost is the prerequisite for a Fortuitous Encounter! Anyone who has read Novels knows this.
The location of the Spider Cavern wasn't like the Spider Egg Sac. It wasn't like an ocean of Spiders turning a large area of the Forest into a Spider Web Act. The Surroundings of the Spider Cavern were very clean, even making us wonder if we had taken the wrong Route or been Deceived by the Dwarf Shaman. But soon, the Traces that appeared In Front of me proved that neither we nor the Dwarf Shaman were mistaken. Following the increasingly dense Spider Web, we finally arrived at the Entrance of the Spider Cavern.
"Ugh... which bastard with no Buttocks is so Dark Humor?" I shivered looking at the Opening of the Spider Cavern and cursed fiercely.
Standing In Front of us was a giant stone-carved Spider the size of a small mountain. Its Appearance was incredibly realistic, and the gloomy Opening, four or five meters high, was actually just the Spider's ferocious giant mouth. It looked both disgusting and terrifying. Don't you think the person who carved this thing had nothing better to do?
Much later, I learned that this Spider wasn't actually a stone carving...
Forcing down my disgust, I walked into the Opening. The Light immediately dimmed. It wasn't hard to guess this Environment. Unless you were a Spider fanatic, who would want to come to this Ghost place for a Trial? And Spiders have always liked darkness. Over Time, the Magic Torches here weren't maintained, and naturally, it became completely dark.
As the Light dimmed, a nauseating Monster Scent rushed towards me. I didn't know how to describe this Scent. It was probably similar to places filled with Bat Corpses and feces. As I walked, there was a crunch under my Footsteps. It seemed I had stepped on something. Seeing that this dim Environment made even walking difficult, let alone Battle, I had no choice but to take out the Crystal Ball for Light Radius. Although it would attract many Enemies, it was better than stumbling in the dark.
As the Crystal Ball slowly rose, the Surroundings immediately became clear. I looked down at the Ground, wanting to see what I had stepped on, but what came into my Line of Sight left me quite speechless.
A Bone. To be precise, it should be a Human Bone. Not just this one. Following my Line of Sight, I could see that both sides of the Cave were piled high with Corpses. There were Human ones, Animal ones. All sorts of Bones were piled together in a Cluttered manner, with faint Will-o'-the-wisps flickering, illuminating the pale white Bones with an eerie green light.
Actually, I used to be very afraid of Corpses. I remember when I first Transmigrated, entering the Evil Cave, I was so scared by the pile of Bones that I ran out and threw up for a long Time before recovering. But now, seeing these things again, my Heart no longer felt any ripples. All I felt was a faint Sorrow for the tragic deaths of my fellow Humans.
Casually setting these Bones on Fire, turning them into Ashes, I continued forward with the Crystal Ball above me, my Eyes and Ears constantly searching for even the slightest Movement. A Cave is different from other Environments; Enemies often Attack from unexpected places.
Soon, we encountered a Branching Path. One, two, three, four... In less than half an hour, we had already encountered four Branching Paths, more complex than any Labyrinth Terrain I had been to before. I wiped the Sweat from my forehead and cursed under my breath.
When we reached the fifth Branching Path, I was about to pick one randomly, but the Three-No Princess behind me tugged at my clothes, shook her Head, and pointed to another branching path. Originally, I didn't want her to come in with me, but she blocked all the excuses I had prepared with just one sentence.
"Without me, you'll get lost."
Damn it, now even this Little Squirt looks down on me. Is being Directionally Challenged Person my fault? It's like Appearance, some are ugly, some are beautiful, it's natural, it's genetic, understand?
I muttered to myself and followed the Three-No Princess's instructions. My Man's Seventh Sense told me that the path I had just chosen definitely held some mystery. Either it hid Treasure, or it was inhabited by a Divine Beast Mother currently experiencing difficult labor. This was a once-in-a-lifetime Fortuitous Encounter! But on the other hand, if I didn't follow the Three-No Princess's correct Route, I'd probably be eating Tree Bark Soup for three meals a day again...
Facts proved that the Route calculated through her meticulous planning was indeed more Efficient. After walking for about two hours, I had this Feeling—the surrounding Air became increasingly Humid and stuffy, and the Temperature got higher and higher. Any Adventurer with some Experience could tell that this was a sign of going deeper into the Cave.
However, why hadn't we encountered a single Spider after walking for two hours in what was known as the Spider Kingdom? Enduring the Humid and stuffy Air, I wiped the steaming hot Sweat from my neck and vented my frustration by kicking a Spider Egg Sac in the Corner of the Wall. Several fist-sized Juvenile Spiders immediately scattered in a panic from the Green Liquid that splattered out.
Strange. Too strange. Could it be that the Spiders knew I was coming and gathered together to ambush me? The thought of tens of thousands of Spiders swarming towards me like a tidal wave made me shiver, but I immediately dismissed the Idea. Leaving aside whether they were that Smart, the narrow Terrain of the Cave wasn't suitable for a group attack.
Right.
A flash of insight. I suddenly thought of a possibility. I remembered Phoenix once said that Spiders would swarm out once or twice a month to hunt outside. Could it be that I just happened to encounter this situation? The more I thought about it, the more likely it seemed. I couldn't help myself feel happy. Luck! This is Luck! While they're away, quickly take down the Mini-Boss deep inside the Cave, Burning One - Web, and retrieve Gheed first.
However, if Gheed wasn't there, but on a regular Spider, then I would be depressed.
With that thought, my originally cautious Pace quickened. With the support of the Three-No Princess, this super navigation system, we soon entered what seemed to be the deep part of the Cave.
"Careful."
Just as I was stepping forward, I suddenly felt a sense of alert, pulling the Three-No Princess to a sudden stop. The next moment, the White "Wall" in front of us suddenly broke open, and several fiery red, ferocious Figures rushed out. If I hadn't stopped in Time, I would have been pounced on directly.
Six fiery red Giant Spiders blocked our way. Their three pairs of slender, hairy segmented legs, like steel bars, moved rapidly. The front pair swung like blades. The six gloomy Eyes on their foreheads made one feel as if they had been bitten by a cold Viper.
Flame Spiders, a type of Giant Spider Monster that lives year-round in dark and dry Environments. Their characteristics are agility. Their Attacks are accompanied by Fire Poison, and they have some Resistance to Fire. The description of them from the Book instantly flashed In One's Head.
"Squeak squeak——"
An ear-piercing scream came from their foot-long Tusks. The leading Flame Spider suddenly curled its six segmented legs, and its entire Body pressed forward.
"Go to hell."
I gripped a Magic Grade Giant Battle Axe and swung it fiercely, chopping the pouncing Flame Spider back. In this narrow Terrain where dodging is difficult, a suitable Heavy or Polearm Weapon is more practical than any other Weapon.
Chopped flying by the Axe Blade, which was almost the size of a car, this Flame Spider shrieked and flew out. However, its companions behind it were not intimidated. More and more Flame Spiders rushed out from the White "Walls," pouncing one after another. Some even climbed onto the Walls and the Cave ceiling to pounce. One annoying thing about Spiders is this—Gravity has absolutely no Influence on their actions. As long as there's a place they can climb, nothing can stop their advance.
Damn it, you guys really think you're Martial Arts Masters, I cursed inwardly, quickly switching Weapons. An Ice Arrow instantly appeared in my palm, then split into three, hitting the Flame Spiders "flying on walls and ceilings." Suffering Cold Magic Damage, these Flame Spiders' Bodies stiffened, and they immediately lost their footing, falling from the Cave ceiling and Walls, landing on their companions instead, causing a commotion. Seeing that the Prey had formed a Formation, why would I be polite? I switched Weapons again. The Sorceress Tier 3 Lightning Element Skill, Lightning, turned into a White electric dragon that shot straight across the Ground—in this straight-line Cave Terrain, if I didn't give them a taste of Lightning, even God would be unhappy.
"Squeak squeak——"
The White Lightning, as thick as a Bucket, passed through the legs of almost all the Spiders. A strange smell of burnt Flesh and Blood instantly filled the narrow Cave. The Giant Spiders curled their six legs, white smoke rose from their Bodies, and the terrifying fuzz on their legs was completely burned off. They trembled incessantly, clearly having enjoyed the electric shock.
Oh oh, so these Spiders are afraid of Lightning Element, that's a new discovery. Seeing the unexpected Result after the Lightning, my Eyes immediately lit up. Unfortunately, in terms of Lightning Element, I only mastered Charged Bolt and Lightning. If I could get a Staff with the Tier 4 Skill Chain Lightning, wouldn't I roast these Spiders into ecstasy?
Looking at the trembling Flame Spiders, I was fantasizing, but my hands weren't slow at all. A series of Polar Storms froze the still wailing Spiders into Ice Blocks, and then with a bang, they shattered into Powder.
I suddenly realized that having mastered multiple Class Skills made me particularly suitable for fighting in this Terrain.
Casually picking up a few Gold Coins from the Ground, I cursed the group of poor Spider Monsters, then looked at the location where they had suddenly appeared. Only then did I realize that the white areas on both sides of the Walls weren't White Walls at all, but rather Spider Egg Sacs, sealed at the Opening with dense Spider Silk, making them look no different from Walls. Once an Enemy invaded, they could quickly tear open the Spider Silk and launch a Sneak attack. In this day and age, the Wisdom of Spiders shouldn't be underestimated.
It seemed we were approaching the Core of the Cave. And those Flame Spiders should be the Guard Spiders left behind. Thinking this, I slowed my Pace considerably, my Gaze not only scanning both sides of the Walls but also the Ground and the Cave ceiling. God knows where these strange Spiders would build their nests.
Subsequently, we encountered several more batches of Spiders. Besides Flame Spiders, there were also Poison Spinners. As their name suggests, these oily Green Giant Spiders could inflict Potent Poison with their fierce biting Attacks and had strong Resistance to Poison. However, they were easier to deal with than Flame Spiders. Firstly, my Poison Resistance was the highest, and secondly, my Fire Magic was also the most ferocious.
Soon, we broke through the layers of defense of the Giant Spiders, and our Footsteps finally stopped at the Exit.
Appearing beneath our feet was a circular Cave, comparable in Size to a giant opera house. The Walls of this circular Cave had many openings resembling Cave entrances. Hundreds of Spiders were busy going in and out of these openings, and the Opening we were currently in was located in the upper half of the circular Cave.
Hey hey, is this a Spider Cavern or an Ant Cave?
In the center of the Cave, a Giant Spider, several times larger than a normal Spider and the Size of a small car, caught my attention. Burning One - Web. You're so flashy and conspicuous, who else could it be but you?
A Gold Chest next to it made my mouth water profusely. How many months had it been since I last saw one? Gold Treasure Chest, I miss you so much.
With the temptation of the Gold Treasure Chest, the Size of Burning One - Web was immediately ignored by me. It was just a mere Mini-Boss. This Druid Master doesn't even put you in my Eyes. Minions, destroy it for me!
With a command, Ghost Wolf and Poison Creeper were summoned by me. In the spacious Cave, they also had room to maneuver. One by one, they charged towards the Target with vigor. Light Snow , as the number one Expert, naturally took on Burning One - Web without hesitation. First, a Radiant Fury Strike sent this little car flying into Mid-air, then it flipped over and landed on the Ground. Its six segmented legs, thick as arms and covered in fuzz, thrashed around like an overturned turtle. After finally flipping over, Light Snow had already pounced on it, and a great Battle between a Giant Spider and a Giant Ghost Wolf officially began.
About ten minutes later, the Battle ended. What else was there to say? Burning One - Web was just a bit larger in Size. Although its Body couldn't be said to be inflexible, its seemingly powerful four pairs of segmented legs, three of which were used to support its Body, only had the front pair and that terrifying fanged giant mouth as Attack Weapons. Oh, I forgot, it also knew Cursing, Amplify Damage! Thinking about it this way, its Strength was still quite formidable. Unfortunately, its Opponent was Light Snow , a Demon Lord Level Expert whose Attack was higher than a Giant Bear and Speed was faster than a Ghost. Complete defeat was only natural.
Watching the end of the Battle from the sidelines, as the Master, I nodded with satisfaction, making a post-Battle summary like a seasoned commentator. Let me state beforehand, I absolutely didn't stay out of the Battle because I was disgusted by Spiders. It was just to test the Strength of my Summoned Pets. Yes, yes, the grand four-yearly inspection.
Burning One - Web gave me a much bigger surprise than I expected. Not only did I find Gheed in the Gold Treasure Chest—ugh, I can't pick this up directly with my hand, I have to wrap it in Thick Cloth first—I forced myself to endure the disgust, lifted the strangely smelling Gheed with my fingernails, and threw it into the deepest Corner of my Inventory.
"Ahem, I got off track. Where was I? Right, the surprise, the surprise Burning One - Web brought us. This guy actually dropped a Unique Item! Do you know what a Unique Item is? You don't? Alright, let me tell you, a Unique Item is..."
"Ow ow——"
A dull Heavy Blow interrupted my incessant muttering. Clutching my Lower Leg and howling loudly, I turned my Head back fiercely. Who was it? Who dared to interrupt my excitement?
The displeased Appearance of the Three-No Princess and Little Ghost came into view. I immediately deflated. Wasn't I just a little bit excited? You should show full understanding, you know?
Giving them a gloomy Gaze, I focused my Eyes on the Unique Belt in my hand, cheering up again. I couldn't wait to slap the Identify Scroll onto it...
Lenymo Sash
Defense: 15
Durability: 12-12
Required Level: 7
+10 Defense
Mana Regeneration 15%
All Resistances +10
+30 Mana
+1 Light Radius
+1 Skill Point
"..."
"Spirit Deer Transformation, isn't that an Elf Druid skill?" Little Ghost, the first to react, lightly tapped her index finger on her lips, looking thoughtful.
As she said that, I remembered. Cain's Book did mention that Elf Druids differ from us Human Druids in terms of skills. One difference is that Spirit Deer Transformation replaces Werebear Transformation, and the Spirit System in the Summoning tree is also different from ours.
I gloomily examined the Gold Antlers. The required Level was surprisingly 30. The highest Skill Tier it granted was only Tier 3. Wasn't this just making me drool with envy? However, with the Divine Word Helmet, my resentment towards Druid Exclusive Helmets had lessened considerably. Unless it was Unique Grade or had Top-tier Three Skills, it really couldn't compare to my current helmet.
"What do you think Spirit Deer Transformation turns you into?" Little Ghost looked at the helmet, then at me, her eyes sparkling. It was obvious she had some Ulterior Motive brewing in her Brain.
"What else could it turn me into? A deer, of course," I blurted out.
"Turning into a deer, how cute!" Little Ghost's Eyes were already sparkling with Silver stars, seemingly completing the image of me turning into a deer in her Mind.
"..."
Since I was 10 years old, this was the first time someone had described me as "cute."
Ignoring Little Ghost, whose Brain was filled with her own delusions, I continued to take out two other Gold Equipment: a Heavy Belt and Scale Mail. They were decent; while their Stats weren't Excellent Grade, they were above average. After all, they were inscribed with "Wu Fan's Production."
Besides these, there were two higher-Level Equipment: a Magic Grade Light Armor and a Tower Shield. The Light Armor's Stats were Cold Resistance +%. Required Level 36. It was a suitable match for this Equipment. The Tower Shield had +% Enhanced Defense and +5 Strength, Required Level 38. These two decent Stats made this high-Defense, high-Strength Tower Shield an Excellent Grade Magic Grade Equipment.
Next were the Dropped Items from thirteen Elites plus one Minor Boss Level Dwarf. Compared to the Blood Flesh Beast I killed at a higher Level, they were much poorer. Together, they only dropped one Gold Equipment, making me exclaim that the Drop Rate was too deceiving. However, this Gold Equipment was an amazing piece of Equipment, at least in Appearance.
A Scythe. Its shape was like the Scythe we often see held by the Death God, with a beautifully curved Figure. The chilling Blade, slightly revealing a Blood color, could send shivers down your spine just by looking at it. However, precisely because its shape was too different from ordinary Weapons and its Attack Method was completely different, this thing wasn't something every Adventurer could wield easily. It required long hours of Practice to use proficiently; otherwise, you might not even injure the Monster and instead cut yourself.
Rose of Misfortune Scythe
Two-Handed Damage: 25-60
Durability: 65-65
Strength Requirement: 41
Dexterity Requirement: 41
Required Level: 32
Polearm Class: Fast Attack Speed
+40% Enhanced Damage
+% Increased Attack Rating
+10% Increased Attack Speed
2% Open Wounds Chance
+ Strength
"Wuwu~~"
After seeing the Scythe's Stats, I rolled on the Ground in Pain. Why didn't I learn the Scythe Skill? Such perfect Stats, such perfect Stats...
The Open Wounds Chance Stat could cause the Enemy to enter a Bleeding state. In This World, where Recovery Speed is slower than a snail's, this Stat is incredibly overpowered. This Stat usually only appears on Large Weapons like Axes and Polearms, and it's extremely rare. This was the first time I had seen it after adventuring for so long. Combined with the other Excellent Grade Stats, this Scythe was simply the Excellent Grade of Excellent Grade.
Furthermore, the Scythe has a well-known hidden Stat: if used by a Druid, it gains a higher Tier of Attack Speed Bonus. This means that what is originally Fast Attack Speed becomes Increased Attack Speed in our Druid hands (most Weapons get an Attack Speed Tier correction based on the Class). So this Gold Scythe was practically tailor-made for us Druids. How could I not roll around?
Perhaps some people would ask, couldn't you just hold the Scythe and Shapeshift? Yes, that would indeed grant the Scythe's Stat bonuses. But Claws and Scythes are different, whether it's Attack Range or Attack Method. And the Open Wounds Chance Stat is much more likely to appear with Scythe attacks than Claw attacks.
Forget it, I can't use it until Level 32 anyway, so I'll just put it away for now. I reluctantly stuffed the Scythe into my Inventory and Identified the remaining dozen or so Magic Equipment. Looking at the Pile of Equipment growing higher and higher in my Inventory, I started thinking about finding some Time to sell off the ones I didn't need and properly clean up my Cluttered Inventory.
The next day was another refreshing morning, but our Mood wasn't as pleasant as the Weather. After much consideration, I decided to visit the Spider Cavern to see if I could retrieve Gheed, that pain in the Buttocks. After sailing from Lut Gholein to Kurast for nearly three months, I had to go back at least once to Report my safety to Velas and the others, lest they cry and scream, thinking I had been swept away by a Deep Sea Colossal Octopus.
The location of the Spider Cavern wasn't hard to find. First, we returned to yesterday's Dwarf Tribe. The place that used to be inhabited by over a thousand Little People was now empty, with only a few burnt-out Torches stuck lonely in the Ground. The desolate Scene made me feel a slight touch of Sorrow. Although they were Enemies, they were still over a thousand Lives.
After sighing for a while, I immediately followed the directions of the Dwarf Shaman. Known as the Labyrinth Killer, I, who could break through Labyrinths in a straight line, headed towards the Spider Cavern.
Alright, I admit, I just relayed the Dwarf Shaman's words to the Three-No Princess and had her lead the way. If it were me, a day's journey would take ten days or half a month to complete. Damn it, ever since this Little Squirt joined, I haven't had a chance to get lost. You know, getting lost is the prerequisite for a Fortuitous Encounter! Anyone who has read Novels knows this.
The location of the Spider Cavern wasn't like the Spider Egg Sac. It wasn't like an ocean of Spiders turning a large area of the Forest into a Spider Web Act. The Surroundings of the Spider Cavern were very clean, even making us wonder if we had taken the wrong Route or been Deceived by the Dwarf Shaman. But soon, the Traces that appeared In Front of me proved that neither we nor the Dwarf Shaman were mistaken. Following the increasingly dense Spider Web, we finally arrived at the Entrance of the Spider Cavern.
"Ugh... which bastard with no Buttocks is so Dark Humor?" I shivered looking at the Opening of the Spider Cavern and cursed fiercely.
Standing In Front of us was a giant stone-carved Spider the size of a small mountain. Its Appearance was incredibly realistic, and the gloomy Opening, four or five meters high, was actually just the Spider's ferocious giant mouth. It looked both disgusting and terrifying. Don't you think the person who carved this thing had nothing better to do?
Much later, I learned that this Spider wasn't actually a stone carving...
Forcing down my disgust, I walked into the Opening. The Light immediately dimmed. It wasn't hard to guess this Environment. Unless you were a Spider fanatic, who would want to come to this Ghost place for a Trial? And Spiders have always liked darkness. Over Time, the Magic Torches here weren't maintained, and naturally, it became completely dark.
As the Light dimmed, a nauseating Monster Scent rushed towards me. I didn't know how to describe this Scent. It was probably similar to places filled with Bat Corpses and feces. As I walked, there was a crunch under my Footsteps. It seemed I had stepped on something. Seeing that this dim Environment made even walking difficult, let alone Battle, I had no choice but to take out the Crystal Ball for Light Radius. Although it would attract many Enemies, it was better than stumbling in the dark.
As the Crystal Ball slowly rose, the Surroundings immediately became clear. I looked down at the Ground, wanting to see what I had stepped on, but what came into my Line of Sight left me quite speechless.
A Bone. To be precise, it should be a Human Bone. Not just this one. Following my Line of Sight, I could see that both sides of the Cave were piled high with Corpses. There were Human ones, Animal ones. All sorts of Bones were piled together in a Cluttered manner, with faint Will-o'-the-wisps flickering, illuminating the pale white Bones with an eerie green light.
Actually, I used to be very afraid of Corpses. I remember when I first Transmigrated, entering the Evil Cave, I was so scared by the pile of Bones that I ran out and threw up for a long Time before recovering. But now, seeing these things again, my Heart no longer felt any ripples. All I felt was a faint Sorrow for the tragic deaths of my fellow Humans.
Casually setting these Bones on Fire, turning them into Ashes, I continued forward with the Crystal Ball above me, my Eyes and Ears constantly searching for even the slightest Movement. A Cave is different from other Environments; Enemies often Attack from unexpected places.
Soon, we encountered a Branching Path. One, two, three, four... In less than half an hour, we had already encountered four Branching Paths, more complex than any Labyrinth Terrain I had been to before. I wiped the Sweat from my forehead and cursed under my breath.
When we reached the fifth Branching Path, I was about to pick one randomly, but the Three-No Princess behind me tugged at my clothes, shook her Head, and pointed to another branching path. Originally, I didn't want her to come in with me, but she blocked all the excuses I had prepared with just one sentence.
"Without me, you'll get lost."
Damn it, now even this Little Squirt looks down on me. Is being Directionally Challenged Person my fault? It's like Appearance, some are ugly, some are beautiful, it's natural, it's genetic, understand?
I muttered to myself and followed the Three-No Princess's instructions. My Man's Seventh Sense told me that the path I had just chosen definitely held some mystery. Either it hid Treasure, or it was inhabited by a Divine Beast Mother currently experiencing difficult labor. This was a once-in-a-lifetime Fortuitous Encounter! But on the other hand, if I didn't follow the Three-No Princess's correct Route, I'd probably be eating Tree Bark Soup for three meals a day again...
Facts proved that the Route calculated through her meticulous planning was indeed more Efficient. After walking for about two hours, I had this Feeling—the surrounding Air became increasingly Humid and stuffy, and the Temperature got higher and higher. Any Adventurer with some Experience could tell that this was a sign of going deeper into the Cave.
However, why hadn't we encountered a single Spider after walking for two hours in what was known as the Spider Kingdom? Enduring the Humid and stuffy Air, I wiped the steaming hot Sweat from my neck and vented my frustration by kicking a Spider Egg Sac in the Corner of the Wall. Several fist-sized Juvenile Spiders immediately scattered in a panic from the Green Liquid that splattered out.
Strange. Too strange. Could it be that the Spiders knew I was coming and gathered together to ambush me? The thought of tens of thousands of Spiders swarming towards me like a tidal wave made me shiver, but I immediately dismissed the Idea. Leaving aside whether they were that Smart, the narrow Terrain of the Cave wasn't suitable for a group attack.
Right.
A flash of insight. I suddenly thought of a possibility. I remembered Phoenix once said that Spiders would swarm out once or twice a month to hunt outside. Could it be that I just happened to encounter this situation? The more I thought about it, the more likely it seemed. I couldn't help myself feel happy. Luck! This is Luck! While they're away, quickly take down the Mini-Boss deep inside the Cave, Burning One - Web, and retrieve Gheed first.
However, if Gheed wasn't there, but on a regular Spider, then I would be depressed.
With that thought, my originally cautious Pace quickened. With the support of the Three-No Princess, this super navigation system, we soon entered what seemed to be the deep part of the Cave.
"Careful."
Just as I was stepping forward, I suddenly felt a sense of alert, pulling the Three-No Princess to a sudden stop. The next moment, the White "Wall" in front of us suddenly broke open, and several fiery red, ferocious Figures rushed out. If I hadn't stopped in Time, I would have been pounced on directly.
Six fiery red Giant Spiders blocked our way. Their three pairs of slender, hairy segmented legs, like steel bars, moved rapidly. The front pair swung like blades. The six gloomy Eyes on their foreheads made one feel as if they had been bitten by a cold Viper.
Flame Spiders, a type of Giant Spider Monster that lives year-round in dark and dry Environments. Their characteristics are agility. Their Attacks are accompanied by Fire Poison, and they have some Resistance to Fire. The description of them from the Book instantly flashed In One's Head.
"Squeak squeak——"
An ear-piercing scream came from their foot-long Tusks. The leading Flame Spider suddenly curled its six segmented legs, and its entire Body pressed forward.
"Go to hell."
I gripped a Magic Grade Giant Battle Axe and swung it fiercely, chopping the pouncing Flame Spider back. In this narrow Terrain where dodging is difficult, a suitable Heavy or Polearm Weapon is more practical than any other Weapon.
Chopped flying by the Axe Blade, which was almost the size of a car, this Flame Spider shrieked and flew out. However, its companions behind it were not intimidated. More and more Flame Spiders rushed out from the White "Walls," pouncing one after another. Some even climbed onto the Walls and the Cave ceiling to pounce. One annoying thing about Spiders is this—Gravity has absolutely no Influence on their actions. As long as there's a place they can climb, nothing can stop their advance.
Damn it, you guys really think you're Martial Arts Masters, I cursed inwardly, quickly switching Weapons. An Ice Arrow instantly appeared in my palm, then split into three, hitting the Flame Spiders "flying on walls and ceilings." Suffering Cold Magic Damage, these Flame Spiders' Bodies stiffened, and they immediately lost their footing, falling from the Cave ceiling and Walls, landing on their companions instead, causing a commotion. Seeing that the Prey had formed a Formation, why would I be polite? I switched Weapons again. The Sorceress Tier 3 Lightning Element Skill, Lightning, turned into a White electric dragon that shot straight across the Ground—in this straight-line Cave Terrain, if I didn't give them a taste of Lightning, even God would be unhappy.
"Squeak squeak——"
The White Lightning, as thick as a Bucket, passed through the legs of almost all the Spiders. A strange smell of burnt Flesh and Blood instantly filled the narrow Cave. The Giant Spiders curled their six legs, white smoke rose from their Bodies, and the terrifying fuzz on their legs was completely burned off. They trembled incessantly, clearly having enjoyed the electric shock.
Oh oh, so these Spiders are afraid of Lightning Element, that's a new discovery. Seeing the unexpected Result after the Lightning, my Eyes immediately lit up. Unfortunately, in terms of Lightning Element, I only mastered Charged Bolt and Lightning. If I could get a Staff with the Tier 4 Skill Chain Lightning, wouldn't I roast these Spiders into ecstasy?
Looking at the trembling Flame Spiders, I was fantasizing, but my hands weren't slow at all. A series of Polar Storms froze the still wailing Spiders into Ice Blocks, and then with a bang, they shattered into Powder.
I suddenly realized that having mastered multiple Class Skills made me particularly suitable for fighting in this Terrain.
Casually picking up a few Gold Coins from the Ground, I cursed the group of poor Spider Monsters, then looked at the location where they had suddenly appeared. Only then did I realize that the white areas on both sides of the Walls weren't White Walls at all, but rather Spider Egg Sacs, sealed at the Opening with dense Spider Silk, making them look no different from Walls. Once an Enemy invaded, they could quickly tear open the Spider Silk and launch a Sneak attack. In this day and age, the Wisdom of Spiders shouldn't be underestimated.
It seemed we were approaching the Core of the Cave. And those Flame Spiders should be the Guard Spiders left behind. Thinking this, I slowed my Pace considerably, my Gaze not only scanning both sides of the Walls but also the Ground and the Cave ceiling. God knows where these strange Spiders would build their nests.
Subsequently, we encountered several more batches of Spiders. Besides Flame Spiders, there were also Poison Spinners. As their name suggests, these oily Green Giant Spiders could inflict Potent Poison with their fierce biting Attacks and had strong Resistance to Poison. However, they were easier to deal with than Flame Spiders. Firstly, my Poison Resistance was the highest, and secondly, my Fire Magic was also the most ferocious.
Soon, we broke through the layers of defense of the Giant Spiders, and our Footsteps finally stopped at the Exit.
Appearing beneath our feet was a circular Cave, comparable in Size to a giant opera house. The Walls of this circular Cave had many openings resembling Cave entrances. Hundreds of Spiders were busy going in and out of these openings, and the Opening we were currently in was located in the upper half of the circular Cave.
Hey hey, is this a Spider Cavern or an Ant Cave?
In the center of the Cave, a Giant Spider, several times larger than a normal Spider and the Size of a small car, caught my attention. Burning One - Web. You're so flashy and conspicuous, who else could it be but you?
A Gold Chest next to it made my mouth water profusely. How many months had it been since I last saw one? Gold Treasure Chest, I miss you so much.
With the temptation of the Gold Treasure Chest, the Size of Burning One - Web was immediately ignored by me. It was just a mere Mini-Boss. This Druid Master doesn't even put you in my Eyes. Minions, destroy it for me!
With a command, Ghost Wolf and Poison Creeper were summoned by me. In the spacious Cave, they also had room to maneuver. One by one, they charged towards the Target with vigor. Light Snow , as the number one Expert, naturally took on Burning One - Web without hesitation. First, a Radiant Fury Strike sent this little car flying into Mid-air, then it flipped over and landed on the Ground. Its six segmented legs, thick as arms and covered in fuzz, thrashed around like an overturned turtle. After finally flipping over, Light Snow had already pounced on it, and a great Battle between a Giant Spider and a Giant Ghost Wolf officially began.
About ten minutes later, the Battle ended. What else was there to say? Burning One - Web was just a bit larger in Size. Although its Body couldn't be said to be inflexible, its seemingly powerful four pairs of segmented legs, three of which were used to support its Body, only had the front pair and that terrifying fanged giant mouth as Attack Weapons. Oh, I forgot, it also knew Cursing, Amplify Damage! Thinking about it this way, its Strength was still quite formidable. Unfortunately, its Opponent was Light Snow , a Demon Lord Level Expert whose Attack was higher than a Giant Bear and Speed was faster than a Ghost. Complete defeat was only natural.
Watching the end of the Battle from the sidelines, as the Master, I nodded with satisfaction, making a post-Battle summary like a seasoned commentator. Let me state beforehand, I absolutely didn't stay out of the Battle because I was disgusted by Spiders. It was just to test the Strength of my Summoned Pets. Yes, yes, the grand four-yearly inspection.
Burning One - Web gave me a much bigger surprise than I expected. Not only did I find Gheed in the Gold Treasure Chest—ugh, I can't pick this up directly with my hand, I have to wrap it in Thick Cloth first—I forced myself to endure the disgust, lifted the strangely smelling Gheed with my fingernails, and threw it into the deepest Corner of my Inventory.
"Ahem, I got off track. Where was I? Right, the surprise, the surprise Burning One - Web brought us. This guy actually dropped a Unique Item! Do you know what a Unique Item is? You don't? Alright, let me tell you, a Unique Item is..."
"Ow ow——"
A dull Heavy Blow interrupted my incessant muttering. Clutching my Lower Leg and howling loudly, I turned my Head back fiercely. Who was it? Who dared to interrupt my excitement?
The displeased Appearance of the Three-No Princess and Little Ghost came into view. I immediately deflated. Wasn't I just a little bit excited? You should show full understanding, you know?
Giving them a gloomy Gaze, I focused my Eyes on the Unique Belt in my hand, cheering up again. I couldn't wait to slap the Identify Scroll onto it...
Lenymo Sash
Defense: 15
Durability: 12-12
Required Level: 7
+10 Defense
Mana Regeneration 15%
All Resistances +10
+30 Mana
+1 Light Radius
+1 Skill Point
"..."
