Chapter 225: Born Fighter – Delayed Evolution
Alex, with Jewel perched on his head, steps into the Forbidden Forest.
Better start with a place far away from the Acromantula Nest… how about the area around the Thornback Nest? That seems pretty safe. Maybe we can pick off a few lone Acromantulas on the way, and I could even swing by the Centaurs’ nest to sell a few [Gem of Corruption].
Thornback? Centaur?
I… have to get used to having my thoughts read… that was just a thought.
No trust Jewel? Sadness!
I trust you! It’s just that sometimes I need to think things through myself… Anyway, let’s go. I’ll explain a few things on the way, and… as long as we’re close, there’s a decision you’ll need to make.
Decision?
As Alex and Jewel venture deeper into the forest, Alex briefly summarizes his previous adventure in the Thornback Nest, leaving nothing out.
Anyway, it’s your decision if you want to visit your…
Hold up! Careful now! Stay back. I spotted an Acromantula. They’re huge, corrupted spiders… enemies! There’s one on top of the tree to the right.
Alex feels Jewel leap off his head. He watches as the young spider nearly vanishes right in front of his eyes.
Zetsu? She can use it naturally!
He then senses the Acromantula slowly descending from the tree.
“It’s always the same with you… the same predictable move…” Alex mutters, already bored with the one-dimensional attack pattern. Thanks to his Gyo and En, a slow sneak attack like this is completely useless against him.
Alex pulls out his [Magoroth’s Legacy (Damaged)], waits for the Acromantula to lunge at him, and then skillfully jumps backward with a Nen-enhanced leap. He conjures a Magorian’s Rage Arrowlvl 4, adds a layer of Shu, and fires it straight into the surprised Acromantula.
You have dealt 87 damage to Acromantula
The Acromantula reels in pain, but somehow regains its balance and glares at Alex, charging toward him with anger. But its advance is slowed as a net suddenly wraps around it.
Alex notices Jewel using Thornback Web Shooting to hinder the Acromantula’s movement.
Nice support!
With a smirk, Alex fires another arrow. The Acromantula, tangled in the web, can’t dodge despite seeing the attack coming.
You have dealt 84 damage to Acromantula
Every one of Alex’s arrows hits like a truck, even without magical imbuement. A single shot like this could easily take out a newbie player. His powerful bow, high-quality arrows enhanced by Imbuement Archery lvl 4, Nen Prodigy lvl 4, Genius Conjurer lvl 4, and Shu makes him a deadly threat to any foe unable to block or deflect his attacks.
Despite the web and its grievous wounds, the Acromantula finally reaches Alex. He quickly switches to his [Shield of Pluto], slamming it into the wounded creature. The impact stuns the Acromantula and even knocks it back, thanks to Alex’s skillful use of Ren and Gyo, turning his shield into a formidable weapon.
You have dealt 17 damage to Acromantula
Alex then sees Jewel use Thornback Poison Spit. A dangerous, acidic green ball of poison flies toward the Acromantula, landing directly in its face. The creature screeches in pain, rolling on the ground in a desperate attempt to remove the toxic substance.
Good job! Let me do the re…
Before Alex can finish his thought, Jewel leaps onto the much larger Acromantula and begins charging up a powerful Thornback Bite. The Acromantula thrashes wildly, trying to shake her off, but Jewel clings tightly using her legs and web. Despite the Acromantula rolling around on the ground, Jewel holds on, her attack charging steadily.
A few seconds later, she unleashes the bite directly onto the Acromantula’s head. Its skull shatters instantly, and the Acromantula’s life is snuffed out in a single, brutal strike.
“!!”
Alex can’t believe what he’s seeing. Jewel, a comparably tiny and cute spider, just crushed an Acromantula’s skull in one attack. The force of it was probably enough to kill even a healthy Acromantula—or at least cripple it permanently.
Jewel good?
Yeah… incredible! You’re just perfect. I also saw you using your Nen techniques. Your Aura control is… as good as mine! You’re so talented!
❤️
This… yeah, I like you too, Jewel
Alex concentrates hard and finally gets Telepathic Bond lvl Max under control, now only communicating with Jewel when he wants to.
Damn, I like Jewel a lot, but maybe I overdid it with feeding her blood? ‘Worshipped indeed’... I have the feeling this spider likes me a little too much! Then again, I’d rather be liked a bit too much than hated or just tolerated.
A bit embarrassed, Alex takes out a piece of cloth to clean Jewel, especially her mouth, wiping away the nasty Acromantula blood. He pets her gently until she joyfully jumps back onto his head.
Together, Alex and Jewel take out quite a few Acromantulas. Jewel mostly supports Alex with Thornback Web Shooting and Thornback Poison Spit, occasionally ambushing Acromantulas with Thornback Burrow and Thornback Bite.
Jewel, your abilities… they’re such a natural combination! It’s a complete combat system, nothing’s missing! Apart from strengthening yourself, your Nen abilities let you sense others and hide yourself. Your Web Shooting is perfect for crowd control, your Spit is a ranged damage ability, and your Burrow handles movement, letting you avoid or surprise enemies. Then you finish them off with your Bite. It’s flawless!
❤️ Jewel Strong!
Jewel is indeed incredible. I sure got lucky… once she reaches Level 4, she’s bound to become even stronger, Alex thinks to himself.
Alex hears the young spider bragging through their connection. She looks incredibly cute despite her lethal combat abilities and earlier ruthlessness. He even senses a hint of smugness, though mostly, Jewel seems happy to be praised by him.
They press on, and soon Alex spots the Thornback Nest. It now looks like a normal cliff, though the walls are still burned black, giving it an abandoned and lifeless appearance.
This is… the place where your mother gave me your egg. It’s your decision if you want to meet her. We’ll be leaving soon, and we might never have a chance to return, Jewel. Take a moment to think about it.
Jewel confused? What should Jewel do?
It’s completely your decision. But I think your mother would be very happy to see you thriving. Don’t worry, I’ll be there with you if you want to meet her. And if anyone tries to hurt you, I’ve got a full bag of Annihilation Grenades, hehe. Anyway… this is your only chance. I think a visit to your mother is warranted. Maybe she’ll have some helpful advice for you too.
Jewel meet mother!
Alex sighs and slowly makes his way toward the same cave, stepping inside with Jewel.
Not this again, hopefully I’ll handle it a bit better this time!
A few smaller Thornback spiders, and even some mature Thornbacks, spot him. Some initially seem ready to attack, but as soon as they notice Jewel on his head, they immediately throw themselves to the ground, prostrating themselves before her.
It takes Alex just a few minutes to squeeze through the tight tunnel back to the underground Nest. The Thornback spiders go crazy at the sight of him—some panic, while others quickly build a small wall to defend their mother and leader.
However, a single, cruel hiss from the giant mutated Matriarch at the back of the cave is enough to silence them. The spiders tremble in fear and instantly move aside, allowing Alex easy passage.
Alex walks through the cave until he stands in front of the massive Matriarch, easily three to four times his size. He feels her eyes on him, but they quickly shift to Jewel, who stares back in confusion.
Human! Heir managed to survive! Gratefulness!
Alex is shocked as a new voice enters his mind, clearly not belonging to Jewel. He immediately realizes it’s the mutated Matriarch in front of him, likely able to communicate with him thanks to his connection with Jewel.
I managed to hatch the egg and used a bunch of… resources to do it. I think she evolved even beyond yourself. She inherited everything your tribe has to offer and… way more. Even my own abilities.
Alex unleashes his Aura using Ren, and Jewel quickly does the same. Both look mystical and incredibly dangerous to the spiders nearby who are immediately frightened.
Evolution! Stronger than possible! Higher species! Eternal Gratefulness! Reason for visit?!
We… were in the vicinity, and I don’t know. We’ll leave soon. I wanted to give Jewel at least one chance to see her mother and tribe.
Human feelings! Emotions! Not Needed! Weakness! Heir will evolve into something more. Eternal Honor! All mine! Giving birth to greater Race! Incredible achievement. Can die in peace!
Die? What’s wrong with you? Do you need help?
Old… no life left. I’ll give birth final time. Keep tribe alive. However… one gift to heir. Evolution need delay. Early growth lead stagnation. Need to suppress! Only one chance. Evolution even higher form! Possible! I feel!
Alex watches as the old Mutated Matriarch focuses herself. Her body shrivels up, as if life itself is draining from her. Using her old but incredibly skillful legs, she weaves the life energy into a silver-colored web crown, attaching it to Jewel. Jewel now looks like a true princess, wearing a crown that doesn’t resemble web at all—it looks like it’s made out of pure silver.
Leave… need rest… death… coming soon. Take care of heir!! Human! Grateful!
Jewel walks to her mother and looks into her old but incredibly proud and happy eyes, making a sound Alex can’t quite identify.
She then quickly jumps back onto Alex’s head. Before Alex can turn around to leave, the old Queen moves one of her left legs and shoves two web sacks toward him. Alex quickly picks them up, feeling the weight of numerous items inside.
Maybe use… goodbye human… beloved heir… daughter! Bring honor to tribe!
They promptly leave the cave. Alex listens carefully to Jewel’s thoughts, worried her mood might worsen.
Jewel’s tribe weird. No real thoughts. Uniformity. Mother bit better but still weird. Jewel loves Soulmate only!
Alex strokes Jewel as they walk through the tunnel, out of the cave, and back up the ravine, leaving the nest behind.
Only then does he take a closer look at Jewel’s crown.
[Suppression Crown - Jewel]
Effect: Suppresses Evolution - Jewel’s body size will not change while wearing it.
Note: Unknown item
What’s up with this item?! It seems… incomplete. Weird! Anyway, I like what I’m reading—no half-hearted evolution. As long as you’re wearing it, you’ll stay this size, and you can still level up and get stronger.
Jewel want grow up!
Please, Jewel… don’t. If you grow to a size like your mother, I won’t be able to carry you around anymore, and it’ll be hard for you to accompany me. This doesn’t seem to weaken you, your stats and growth remain the same. It’ll just temporarily stop you from growing too big and give us more time to figure out how to let you evolve properly. It’s a good thing.
Jewel accompany Soulmate! Jewel stay small!
Thank you…
Alex wipes a drop of sweat from his head, clearly relieved. The thought of the cute Jewel growing into a massive spider abomination maybe five times his size is something he doesn’t want to imagine.
This visit was incredibly helpful… I don’t even want to think about what would’ve happened if we didn’t come!
With Jewel on his head, Alex now heads toward the nearby Centaur camp, determined to make the most of his trip. He takes a quick glance at the two webbed sacks, opening one and immediately realizing the cruel truth.
Those items… belong to Roja and Perlah!!!
What do you think?
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