Chapter 7: The Spider Royal Family

The party of animals and humans had open gaped mouths as what they saw was a large hybrid of man and spider. Just shy of two meters the man-spider creature bowed to the group. He had an upper half of a man that wore black armour that protected his chest with intricate designs that looked like white webs. The bottom half was still spider like except there were only six legs as the two arms he had would be the remaining of the eight limbs. He had a rugged face that showed a commanding aura. Although it was the head of a human he had eight eyes. Two large ones where regular eye sockets would be and the others spaced out evenly on the side of the head. If one were to look closely, his skin was made up of very small fuzz like hairs that were pale blue in colour.

“Lieutenant Toxinfangs and Spider General Akaro. You have been summoned by the queen.”

Lieutenant Toxinfangs had no problems with the new arrival. He instead saluted the man-spider hybrid with his front leg.

“General Toxinwebs. We understand. I will bring Spider General Akaro to see the queen.”

“Lieutenant, it is a pity that we lost your general. Toxinacid was a fine warrior and probably the bravest of us all., but it seems you are now following a reliable hero.”

Akaro finally composing himself as he was literally surprised as this was not something you would normally see. Although large rats and spiders was already out of the norm for reality but the man and spider mixed creature reminded him that this was a fantasy game. He finally decided to speak out after saluting as he followed the same gesture of Lieutenant Toxinfangs.

“Greetings. General Toxinwebs. I don't deem myself a hero. More of an avenger to the destruction of my library.”

“That is quite understandable. Do not worry we have protected the more irreplaceable literature. But we will have more of a discussion later. My army will keep our foes in the basement while you meet with the queen.”

The general saluted Akaro before his group of large spiders made a barrier of webs surrounding the entrance way to the basement. His group consisted of about ten slightly smaller versions of the man-spider general.

“Come General Akaro. We can't keep the queen waiting.”

“One moment lieutenant. Is it alright for me to bring my team along?”

“Of course. She would love to meet the heroes who turned this battle around. Your squad is more than welcomed.”

Akaro nodded then looked at the still dumbfounded group. Although they closed their mouths they still couldn't believe that such a creature exists. For his male animal companions they had their own thoughts on the situation.

“Hikaru-nii... how did that spider have a human body?”

“He maybe ate him like how I eat fireflies?”

“Hyung is a general. We are moving up in the world.”

“Sensei do you think I can fight that guy after? He looks strong.”

“Sir Akaro you undoubtedly are the calmest one of this group. To be faced with such surprising mixture and having a conversation with him no less. I am truly honoured to be following you.”

“Master. Big spider man was scary but he seemed to be a nice guy.”

“Such a surprising situation to be faced with a creature as unique as that general. I am sure the queen will be of the same type. Who is Spider General Akaro and why is he making the queen wait?”

“Thisss owl isss really annoying... but he doesss have a point. Massster we ssshould go.”

The females unfortunately after regaining their composure returned to glaring at each other. Akaro was still not aware the animosity that was occurring between the ladies. Especially now they can actually understand each other and they voiced out their opinions.

“Alright everyone we will be meeting the queen so everyone needs to behave.”

Kuroneko was the first to react out of the four as she needed to corral the men under her command. She gave one last glare at the woman who was trying to take her position.

“Empress. How about us?”

The mouse representative stated to the black cat.

“Master. What do we do about the forces we have acquired?”

The ebony cat looked at her master as she was at a loss with what to do with the five hundred mice they have assimilated.

Akaro had to think of the next move in regards to fighting the Rat King but he couldn't bring them to see the queen. Looking at the lieutenant being a little restless he understood every second he made the queen wait could be detrimental to their alliance as her personality was still a mystery. He quickly gave out an order.

“You mice will remain here and stay out of sight from your former colleagues. I'll have an important mission for you all once I return.”

The mice who already knew that this was the cat's commander followed the order without any resistance. They ultimately feared him thanks to his new title but also they witnessed the skills he had used to dispatch their former commanders.

They all stood at attention and used their tails to salute at Akaro before he and his group followed the lieutenant up the stairs.

Entering the second floor he could see wall to wall webs surrounding the shelves but it seemed they were there to protect rather than to destroy. He smiled as the general did explain to him they were protecting it. He made the wise choice of befriending the spiders as they do seem a bit more peaceful and what they ate were insects or the mice so they had no real reason to destroy the books anyway.

From the looks of the surrounding area the majority spider army was at the main floor as all what remained upstairs were the royal guard who were made up of spider-human hybrids. There was a mix of both female and male spiders that consisted of ten of each gender. Some of the armour was different as the males wore similar armour to General Toxinwebs but the females had one would say more risque armour. The females that had a weapon like a spear or sword had armour that barely covered their breasts and stomach area. It showed off their pale blue skin and the muscles that they had. The other females wore silky robes that were quite see through over the armour and they seemed to be equipped with rustic looking wooden staffs. One could tell they were wielders of magic.

Akaro and company were expecting the queen to have similar appearance as the female royal guardsman. As she would be the royal of the spider forces they imagined her to be quite beautiful and they were not disappointed.

Lieutenant Toxinfangs was the first to enter the spider base camp which looked like a tent made out of webs and within were two humanoid spiders. He bowed almost immediately and looked at Akaro to do the same.

The party of human and animals followed suit and bowed before they brought their gaze back from the ground to the two who were in front of them.

The one sitting on the side was male and looked to be slightly younger than Akaro, Anko, and Serenity. He wore silver armour that contrasted his midnight blue skin. His eyes a dark purple in shade were large like all the other hybrids but the smaller eyes formed a triangle formation just off to the side of the larger eyes. He had short silver hair and his boyish looks showed his youth. As he was standing beside the monarch they all assumed him to be the prince.

What really caught the attention of the group was the queen. A mysterious aura can be felt from her and one could say she was quite alluring regardless of her being half spider. Unlike the other spiders her main eyes were angular which gave it a more familiar human like look. They were a vibrant red in colour and had the same position similar to the prince. Her delicate features was surrounded by silky silver hair which flowed down her body. She had a voluptuous torso as her breasts were hugged by a very thin fabric which was fortunately or unfortunately, depending on the person, not see through like the other silk like clothing worn by the other females. Above her breasts she wore a silver necklace that held four gems. A purple gem in the middle which was surrounded by an amber coloured gem at the top, a silver coloured gem at the bottom right and an icy blue like gem at the bottom left. It made a triangular shape and only rounded at the corners as the gems themselves were round. Her bottom half was similar to a black widow as the familiar red hour glass symbol can be found on both the top and bottom half of the abdomen.

'She has a dignified feeling about her. Feels like I'm seeing my mother.'

Anko thought as she too was entranced by the beauty.

'Wow. This game already surprised me with the human looking spiders, but she is soo beautiful. She has the look I want when I model.'

Serenity was also in commenting in her thoughts as she wouldn’t dare say it out loud, as they were in front of royalty.

The animals too had thoughts regarding the queen but they all looked at their leader who has not said anything yet. This fact told them not to say anything until their master has made the first move so to speak.

What broke the ice was not Akaro but the lieutenant who guided them there.

“Your majesty. We have come at your summons. Please forgive our late arrival as we had to make sure our forces had their orders before we arrived.”

With a voice that match her silk like appearance she replied to the large spider.

“Lieutenant Toxinfangs there is no need of an apologies. I have heard of the intense battle that was conducted not too long ago. I am only saddened that General Toxinacid perished. He was such a brave soul who vowed to bring our family safely here and to continue to protect us.”

Then the queen looked at Akaro and smiled.

“You have brought our dear hero here as well. Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Venomsilk, monarch of the Arachnae race. This is my son Venomstorm the second.”

“Greetings your majesty. My name is Akaro and these are my companions. We humble ourselves at your presence.”

Akaro returned the greeting and tried his hardest to find the right words to respond to the queen.

“No need for that much formality. We are familiar with your achievements and also heard stories of your kindness from the spiders who took residence in your library.”

“Yes your majesty. I have also heard from some of the spiders in the army that they have mentioned actions showing my kindness. I'm not too sure what they could be referring to.”

“Ah. That is correct I have forgotten that this is our first actual conversation. I should start from the beginning and explain to you how we came to your library.”

Akaro nodded and him and his party relaxed and sat on the web floor.

Queen Venomsilk began to tell the tale of how the situation at the library came to be.

“As you may know we are a special race of spiders that do not normally appear on the surface where humans reside. Our kingdom is underground, beneath this very city and it is called Spinneretta. We were in the middle of a war against the rat kingdom. My husband...”

At this the queen sobbed a bit at the memory. Then what Akaro, Anko, and Serenity was surprised to find the scenery completely change.

Akaro felt like his soul had left his body as he could only watch what was transpiring. The reason why he felt that way was due to the fact he was experiencing it from the point of view of the queen herself. This gave him a sense of helplessness as he could not move his body nor could he look around for himself. He just continued to view the event taking place.

‘This is really surprising. This game continues to surprise me.’

***Flashback***

It was a dark landscape only illuminated by pale green, purple, and yellow lights coming from fungi tiling the walls in random patterns. The largest of these mushrooms could be found on the ceiling that was directly over a temple like building that had runic words written on the structure.

Here was where the retreating royalty of the spider army was heading towards. Their kingdom had been ransacked by the forces of mice and rats invading their lands. The queen sobbed as her home had been defiled and ruined by the onslaught of rodents.

They had no choice but to continue their retreat. They were clearly at a disadvantage in terms of numbers but they did not look hopeless.

“General Toxinacid.”

The queen look at the handsome spider who her husband had called.

“It is time. We may lose our home but we can end this war. Are the preparations in order?”

“Yes sire. We can destroy it but are you sure sire? This is one of the forbidden laws of our lands.”

“I know general but there is no other choice. I will take full responsibility for the loss of our people.”

The king who had silver short hair and a silver beard that contrasted his dark blue skin ordered his general.

“Lieutenant Toxinfangs. Inform Lady Venomcindra she may start the spell.”

“Yes sir.”

The queen watched as the familiar large spider crawled towards another female spider that shared characteristics matching her own. This spider was her sister and the only mage in their army that could use the taboo magic of fire.

“Ignus Evictus Fira!”

A spark of fire ignited on nearby threads and the spiders watched as a trail of embers start spreading downwards to the castle. It did not take long for an inferno to take place and engulf the castle and started spreading to the surrounding area. Screams from both rodents and any remaining spiders could be heard as many flashes of grey occurred.

“Father we did it! We won!”

“Not yet junior. Victory can only be won if King Phantomfur has retreated.”

Venomsilk watched as her home burned and flashes of memories rapidly went through her mind as if reacting to the floating embers. Remembering the magic lessons her mother was teaching to her and her sister. Meeting the general who would soon be her husband and the new king. Giving birth and watching her only child grow into the young man that he is now. This was the last memory she saw as the fire settled and only smoke blanketed the kingdom.

She could only gasp in horror as the nightmare was not yet over. Out of the smoke was the very reason why her home was destroyed. She watched as the white hand of their enemy’s king pointed towards them.

“Sire! We must retreat to the temple!”

General Toxinacid pleaded as an army of mice were scurrying towards them. Their own forces only numbering about two thousand and majority of them were spiders that were the same size of the mice.

The queen and her family hurried towards the temple doors and the remaining army followed suit. The last to enter was her sister Venomcindra before they shut the door and barricaded it.

They were in the main foyer of the temple and you could see the intricate statues and ancient looking altars. The spiders continued to ascend up the stairs towards a room that had an elevated platform with ancient runes written underneath it.

“We must use this to escape sister.”

“But we don’t know how to use it.”

“Well unlike someone who got married and had a child, I focused on learning ancient magics.”

“But we do not even know where it will lead?”

“It will bring us to a location that has the same runes according to the ancient texts.”

Although Venomsilk had her doubts they had no time to deliberate as the destruction of the temple doors could be heard.

“I need time as there is a lot of us.”

As her sister started to whisper the spell, the rat army finally arrived at the second floor. She watched as they did not proceed any further due to the command of their king.

The tension in the room escalated tenfold and it would seem this would turn out to be the extinction of their race. The fear the queen felt stiffen all her muscles as at any moment there could be blood shed.

“King Venomstorm. Our king wishes to give you pathetic lot of spiders mercy by giving you one chance. He wants a duel with you and the winner can decide what comes after. Do you accept?”

The rat representative had a smug smile on his face. He looked like the same rat that Akaro had executed.

The queen looked at her husband with dread blossoming in her heart. She had a feeling if he accepts she will not see him anymore.

“Father you can’t accept this duel!”

The young prince was the first to comment.

“I, General Toxinacid, shall take his place!”

“No, I General Toxinweb shall accept the duel.”

Venomsilk knew that her husband would accept. She understood no amount of pleading from her or his son would stop him. As a proper queen she waited for the decision of her king.

“No. I will accept this duel. Allow me some time for me to have a private talk with my family.”

“As you wish.”

The rats left to gather at the main floor where the duel will take place.

“Sire! We cannot let you proceed with this!”

She looked at Venomstorm’s face and could not help but shed tears. The resolve in his eyes indicated that his decision was final. His love for his people, friends, and family was one of the reasons she fell for him in the first place.

“I am the only one here who is skilled enough to fight him. The both of you have lost in the battlefield trying to fight him. How many men sacrificed themselves to bring you back safely? I cannot let their deaths be belittled. I still need you two to protect my family in the event I fail to take his head.”

“Father. Let me fight with you! We can win this if we all work together.”

Venomsilk gently cupped her son’s hands.

“My young Venomstorm, your father wants to protect all of us. We have no choice but to follow his order.”

The gate started to glow as the spell was in its final stages. The spiders all saluted their king.

“We have no time. I’ll stay behind so when he wins I’ll bring him back to you sister.”

The queen looked at her sister and a sliver of hope embedded itself in her heart. If her sister was there to watch the duel then there may be a chance he can come back to her.

“Venomcindra. Please be careful and come back safely back to us. We will wait for you and my dear husband.”

“I will. Now hurry on.”

“NO! Father I’ll..uff”

She watched as the two generals knock out her son and dragged him to the platform. They looked towards their king and gave him one final salute. She knew of their bond as former lieutenants to her husband. They soon became close friends and are even considered uncles to her son.

Now it was her turn. Their eyes met and words were not needed. He just went up to her and held her before bringing her face to his. They shared a deep kiss as it could be their last.Venomsilk’s hopes and wishes, her fear and dread, her prayer for his safety, and her love were all conveyed in the kiss.

She stepped back onto the platform and watched as her beloved and her dear sister smiled at her before the whole area flashed white.

The party of spiders soon found themselves in a dark room with many blank papers, ink stones, and pens. They saw a light coming from the doorway and they all started to ascend the stairs.

“Sergeant Webfangs you and two hundred soldiers keep guard here. Report immediately when you see any activity.”

General Toxinacid ordered his men before looking at the queen.

“Your majesty. We will first scout and prepare a base for you and the young prince to rest.”

She nodded.

**End Flashback**

After the memory the three players all had different feelings. Unlike the animal counterparts who only heard what the queen described they had actually experience what she saw.

“Those vile rats! I’ll kill them all!”

Anko was first to vocalize her disdain to the situation. Her anger escalated when she watched the scene of their home having to be destroyed to stop the onslaught of mice and rats but failed nonetheless. She was now more than ever invested into the spiders situation and was prepared to wreck havoc on their foes.

“Is he alive? Is your sister alive?”

Serenity was more frantic as her heart ached at the feelings the queen felt. Not knowing what happened to your soulmate and sister and forced to leave your home. She was already shedding tears as this was too sad for her to control her emotions.

Akaro however had a resolute look in his eyes. The feeling of being forced to leave your home by an outside force coincided similarly to his own predicament.

The queen caught sight of Akaro’s fervent gaze and all knew too well that he had made a decision. He resembled her husband in that sense and could only give a small relieved smile.

‘There is still hope for us Venomstorm. This man will be our savior.’

Akaro however was not aware that he is to be the savior of a race when he responded.

“We will help you and your army take back your home. We know at least your sister is alive.”

The prince was the first to react.

“How do you know if aunty is alive?”

The redhead looked at the young prince and smiled at him.

“The rats and their forces have to use the gate to get here. So they have to keep her alive as she’s the only one who can open the gate.”

“Then father can still be alive!”

It was the first time the prince smiled as the hope that his father lived grew stronger within him.

Akaro however knew for sure the sister was alive but for the king, he unfortunately felt that he died in the duel. Still he felt that crushing the prince’s hope would be detrimental for their cause so he gave a nod.

“Then please Spider General Akaro. Please save my family!”

Ding

[box border=1 cellpadding=0 cellspacing=3 width=80% bordercolor=#202020 bgcolor=#f5f5f5][col colspan=4 valign=top width=100% bordercolor=#202020 bgcolor=#f5f5f5]

Save the Royal Family

You have been asked to save the Spider Queen Venomsilk’s family. Putting all their hopes in the newly appointed general you are tasked to save any living family and to end the reign of terror of King Phantomfur

Difficulty: C

Requirements:

Arachnid race fame: 200

Special title: Spider General

Quest is completed with the death of King Phantomfur

Prince Venomstorm must survive

Rewards:

Based on remaining members of the Spider Royal Family

Special Reward

If Queen Venomsilk is still alive you can unlock the Arachnid Race for other users to use.

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[box border=1 cellpadding=0 cellspacing=3 width=80% bordercolor=#202020 bgcolor=#f5f5f5][col colspan=4 valign=top width=100% bordercolor=#202020 bgcolor=#f5f5f5]

Do you accept?

[/col][/box]

“I will save your family Prince Venomstorm. You have my word.”

[box border=1 cellpadding=0 cellspacing=3 width=80% bordercolor=#202020 bgcolor=#f5f5f5][col colspan=4 valign=top width=100% bordercolor=#202020 bgcolor=#f5f5f5]

You have accepted the quest.

[/col][/box]

Akaro bowed before looking at the queen.

“Our first goal is to take control of the gateway to your kingdom. Then we go and save your sister.”

“We are also going to kill the rat king, Phantomfur, right Akaro?”

She was seething when she said his name. Anko wanted to end the rat’s existence.

“We will. But we must make sure the queen and her son is safe.”

Akaro assured his passionate companion. Then he remembered something that was still bothering him.

“Your majesty. I know now how you got here but why do you say you know of my kindness?”

“Oh my dear hero. You should know now as you can speak the language. We have talked to the spiders that have been residing here on how the owner is like towards spiders. They have said the master of this library would never clean their webs or kill any of them. You would also often tell them how you want them to protect your books from worms or other insects. They have been observing you and have already deemed you as a friend to spiders.”

The young man felt a little embarrassed as she just told the surrounding people that he was talking to the spiders whenever he cleaned up the library.

“Talking to spiders before you even learned their language.”

Anko was the first one to smirk a little at the socially awkward man.

Serenity was giggling as she could imagine him in an apron with a duster talking to the spiders.

This lightened the mood at the base camp.

“Well we need to recover and reorganize the forces. How bout we take a break for lunch?”

Akaro said to the group and the royal guards also heard that they will be eating so they too entered the base camp tent.

“We have kalbi, rice, kimchi, and danpatjuk.”

Anko said taking out grilled beef ribs, rice, kimchi and a sweet red bean soup with sticky rice balls. There was enough to feed the party and the surrounding spiders.

“I’ll have to thank Gasper and the aniki-tachi for preparing this.”

The mood was very festive as the animals, spiders, and the human party shared a meal together. The way the spider forces ate piqued the interest of the twins.

“Hey Hikaru-nii. Look they are spinning the meat in a web.”

“I wonder why Kagerou?”

Lieutenant Toxinfangs answered the question of the two curious foxes.

“Well my young lads. We have to dissolve the food first with our acid in order for us to slurp it up. The webs help keep it the liquid from spilling out like this.”

The sound of him sucking out the liquid was like trying to slurp up the last little bit of soda through a straw.

“Hikaru-nii he’s making slurping sounds.”

“Kagerou do you think nee-san will let us try one of these too?”

Hikaru who already had peculiar taste eating fireflies received a glare from his sister.

“You two don’t even think about it. Lieutenant Toxinfangs just finished saying they used acid. That will burn through your stomachs!”

Serenity who loved watching the twins came with a bowl of danputjuk.

“You can slurp on these, cuties.”

This earned her a glare from the golden fox. Serenity just stuck out her tongue before commenting.

“You should try to understand your brothers. They just wanted to do the slurping sounds they heard.”

“I don’t want to hear that from a hussy. They are my brothers so don’t even try to think you can take them away from me.”

Lieutenant Toxinfangs and the twins knew better and decided to slowly move away as the tension between the two females were escalating.

Meanwhile Suzaku, Seiryuu, and Tsukino was talking to the queen.

“Your majesty as Sir Akaro have said we will help and take back your home. As we all know that a gentleman’s words are like a promise.”

“Thank you. May ask what is your name.”

“My apologies your highness. The moniker that has been bestowed upon me by Sir Akaro is Suzaku. The young rabbit is Tsukino and the dastardly fellow there is Seiryuu.”

The last part was said with a pinch of disdain.

“Ssstupid bird giving me a bad reputation to the queen. Thisss bird isss jussst sssour that he had lossst to me twice.”

“Yes with your underhanded methods. You have yet to face me in a fair duel!”

Tsukino shook her head and hopped on Seiryuu’s body.

“You’re being rude in front of the queen. Do you want me to give you a kissssss again?”

Seiryuu blanched at the thought.

“Anything but that. Forgive me queen for ssstarting a fight with the ssstupid bird.”

“Yes. He is right although he is nothing but a scaly worm. I must ask for forgiveness as my actions have been quite impolite.”

The queen could only giggle at the silliness of the three animals.

“Pardon the stupidity of the men.”

Tsukino bowed in front of the queen.

The dynasty brothers were enjoying their food in peace as they had a conversation with the prince.

“So hyung is like the strongest ever. If your dad’s alive our hyung will save him.”

“Yes Master is really strong. He’ll save prince's papa.”

“Rai-hyung stop talking while your eating. Your spilling spit and your chewed up food, all over my food!”

“Sorry white cat.”

“You did it again!”

Byakko was about to throw a bone at Rai but was stopped after feeling a chill behind him.

“Byakko… are you going to make a mess in front of the prince.”

Kuroneko was right behind the white cat and the three boys and the prince seemed to have froze in place.

“It is fine um…”

“The name master had so lovingly gave me is Kuroneko, your highness.”

The earlier chill disappeared as she politely spoke with the young Venomstorm.

“As my three little brothers have mentioned, our master will be sure to rescue your family.”

“I feel much more assured as a strong hero as himself is assisting us. Thank you Kuroneko.”

“Now I do apologize but I must punished my younger brothers for displaying such a mess with their eating.”

The prince nodded and made an apologetic expression on his face as he moved towards Yasu who was eating peacefully. He could here the whining of the animals he just spoke with.

“Noona! OW! OW! I wasn’t going to throw it… okay...OW! I was lying. I wasn’t going to throw it hard!”

“I’m sorry noona. Rai promise he’ll speak after eating.”

“I didn’t do anything wrong Noona! I just praised hyung!”

“You get punished due to your association with these two.”

“That’s not fair! It’s all your fault Byakko.”

The prince smiled a second time today as he can see how close they all were. This reminded him when he was growing up. Getting scolded by his father whenever he went off on his own. The kindness of his aunt whenever he got into trouble with his parents. They were now part of the team to help return those times to him.

“The vibrant life that can be found in any family is being displayed in front of you. Family in which our young master shall return to you, young prince. Do not fall to despair and continue to grasp the hope you have been holding within you. I am sure your hope and wishes will be granted.”

Venomstorm Jr was surprised by the sudden comments from the owl.

“Thank you.”

“For what?”

“For what you just said.”

“I didn’t say anything.”

“Yes you did.”

“I did not young spider.”

“But you just did?”

The prince was now thinking he may have imagined it but was soon saved by Akaro.

“Don’t worry prince. He’s always like that. His name is Yasu but what he said can be taken to heart. I’ll do the best I can to get the rest of your family.”

Akaro bowed to the young spider before looking around to verify if everyone has finished eating until he came across Anko.

The purple haired beauty was downing the leftover danpatjuk. She was acting quite cute as she vocalized her enjoyment.

“Korean food is so tasty. Especially this soup. I can’t have enough of it.”

“Anko are you done eating? I want to gather everyone and go over our battle strength once more.”

Emberassed by her behavior she nodded at Akaro.

'I can't believe he saw that.'

With that last comment from Akaro the rest of the team convened together with their leader. Their new allies also joined in to listen to the red head.

“First Anko and Serenity what are your levels now.”

After the battle they had a steady flow of experiencing being shared between the animals and them and they have yet to add any of the extra stats for the level up they experienced.

“I’m now level 20.”

Anko was the first to reply. She was the one who benefitted the most of this quest as she was still technically a beginner and she has yet have her four weeks in city.

“I’m level 35.”

Serenity also had leveled up considerably. She was at the highest level entering the dungeon and so she continued to be the highest level in their party.

“I just got to level 28.”

Akaro divulged to his team. Considering he did the most fighting against the level 30+ rats, there was no surprise he was leveling up exponentially.

“The animals are also around the same level as us.”

Looking around at the spiders Lieutenant fangs was level 50, the queen was level 75, the prince level 60, and the royal guards were all level 60’s as well. Akaro remembered that the general they met was level 80. Considering the level differences he knew there was stronger rats in the basement. The last rat they killed was in the level 40’s.

‘This means I will need the spider army for the next part of this mission. There must be higher level rats and maybe also humanoid rats.’

The last thought came to him due to the fact he was talking to humanoid spiders that was losing. This meant that the rat forces had similar soldiers to contend with the ones he is observing in the very room.

“Taking into account all the forces we have about 1700 army strong against a force over 1100. We may have the number advantage but I have a feeling the rats are a lot stronger than I thought. Well I have another plan that will help keep the advantage to us. Anko and Tsukino how are we supplies.”

“Well we ate all that they packed for us for lunch. I have the other bento’s for dinner still. Only enough to feed about the same number of people in this room again.”

“You have the jar still for healing but nothing else.”

“We can assist with that. We can make bandages using our webbing.”

Lieutenant Toxinfangs chimed in.

“That’s good. Lieutenant we will need a team of spiders to be Tsukino’s medic team.”

“I get my own little team. Yes! We will make sure to heal the wounded among other things. Hehe.”

Ignoring the strange muttering of his rabbit Akaro looked at the queen who was addressing Toxinfangs.

“That reminds me Lieutenant. Are you sure you do not want to become a general? And why don’t you return to your original form?”

The queen asked as she looked at the large spider.

Akaro and party also looked at him before he replied.

“Your highness. Thank you for the opportunity but I will follow this general if you will have me. Out of respect for General Toxinacid I will hold off on getting promoted until this war is over. I don’t feel like I deserve the title just yet.”

“I don’t mind. It will make easier for me if a spider is leading the army. I’ll relay my orders to you. I do have to ask, this is not your original form?”

This time the prince decided to also speak out.

“Our race has a caste system and depending on which caste you’re in will determine your form. My mother and I are both royalty and belong to the Venom tier. Toxin tier is reserved for elite warriors and commanders of the army. They also can have the same form as us. The Web tier is for anyone enlisted in the army. Last are just citizens and they have no special title in their name. Technically you would be considered as Spider General Toxinakaro.”

This now made more sense as some of the names among the Web and Toxin titles were the same. The party has met two Toxinfangs, one was the lieutenant and the other was of the royal guard. As they were spiders not many of them had unique names and most of them were named after parts of a spider or abilities that they used. This did not affect the spiders as they can recognize each other but for Akaro and the team it can get quite confusing.

“I chose to stay in this form in order for me to stay under General Toxinacid as I did not feel I have yet proven myself to lead my own army.”

Akaro nodded as he understood this type of bond. If his grandfather was a general and even though he would be given the same opportunity he would also stay under his Jii-chan’s command.

“Alright so I want to make sure everyone is in fighting shape. I can repair everyones items… actually Anko.”

“Yes?”

“Did you get any armor from any of the drops?”

“No. Just a whole bunch of rat tails and one ring.”

“That is going to be a problem. You might as well fight naked with your current armor.”

Akaro just made a simple analogy but this got him glares from the females in the room. Anko with a slight blush was also glaring daggers at Akaro.

“What did I say?”

“You don’t ask people to fight naked.”

Serenity was the one first to comment as they all seemed to misunderstood.

“I did not tell her to fight naked. I said her armor is as if she was naked. The defence is not enough to keep her from getting hurt.”

This was the truth as she was wearing gear with very little defence due to being level 1 when she started. Now that she’s level 20 the armor was just clothing.

“Spider General. We have armor that you and your party can use but only if you accept being a knight.”

Ding

[box border=1 cellpadding=0 cellspacing=3 width=80% bordercolor=#202020 bgcolor=#f5f5f5][col colspan=4 valign=top width=100% bordercolor=#202020 bgcolor=#f5f5f5]

You are offered the chance to receive the special class Spider Knight.

Do you want to add the class to the Grandmaster Class slot?

[/col][/box]

“I’m sorry I will decline being a knight.”

[box border=1 cellpadding=0 cellspacing=3 width=80% bordercolor=#202020 bgcolor=#f5f5f5][col colspan=4 valign=top width=100% bordercolor=#202020 bgcolor=#f5f5f5]

You have not accepted the class.

[/col][/box]

Akaro was still in search for the class he wanted and again declined another combat class. Serenity also follow suit as she still wanted to be a tailor and will only switch her class to tailor related classes.

Anko accepted as she would benefit the most. She was already level 20 without a class so it would only makes sense.

“Akaro. I’m a spider knight!”

“Congratulations. It’s a special class so you are probably the only one in the game.”

Akaro praised the elated young woman.

“I’m one step closer on defeating you!”

“Hmm did you say something?”

“Mou! Stop doing that!”

Akaro smirked as he once again riled her up. The friendly atmosphere between the two was making the three other females of his group glare at him.

“Well she needs to change. So all men are banned to the main floor!”

Serenity bursted out trying to change the atmosphere.

“Agreed. Master it is rude to watch a woman change. I will not approve of a perverted master.”

“Akaro-sama just finish the meeting with the boys downstairs.”

The fox and cat started nudging him towards the direction of the stairs.

“You hear the ladies. Men are to go downstairs. That includes the one in the royal guard and you my son.”

Queen Venomsilk nudged her son as well. The prince nodded and all the men left the tent and headed towards the stairs.

The ones left upstairs were the queen, Anko, Serenity, Tsukino, Kuroneko, Kogane, and the female royal guards.

At the main floor Akaro was completely bewildered at what transpired.

“I would have just left. I don’t think they needed to forcefully tell me to leave.”

“Master, females are confusing.”

“Yes hyung. We will never figure them out.”

“I will only understand justice.”

“Sir Akaro has a lot to learn about a maiden’s heart.”

“You sssaid it bird. How our massster is this obliviousss isss a wonder to me.”

“Hikaru-nii I don’t understand girls.”

“If nii-san is confused, then we will never figure them out.”

“Ho. Ho. A man’s fantasy is to peek. Red headed master maybe you should take a peek?”

“Yasu I respect their wishes. What kind of man would I be if I betray their trust?”

“A happy man. What was your name again?”

Disregarding the comments from the perverted owl, Akaro looked at the other men and their worn out armor and weapons.

“Alright everyone form a line and I will repair your equipment while we wait for them to join us. Genbu I’ll need you here with me.”

Akaro declared and the armored spiders all agreed. Even the General who watched them enter the main area dropped of his equipment for Akaro and Genbu to repair and sharpen.

***

“Hahaha. I love that owl. A happy man. Pure genius!”

Myung-Dae commented as they were still watching his grandson.

“I even have to worry about his pets trying to corrupt him. That owl is going to get a scolding.”

Juhee declared as they were all sharing a bowl of popcorn.

“This is even more interesting to watch than some movies that have been released just recently.”

Dong-Sun, who brought the popcorn, also stated his opinion. They had been watching Akaro for the past hour.

“I’m betting on the Japanese one to be the first to get through his thick skull.”

“I think the Korean archer has a better chance to show him what romance is.”

“Too bad the black cat wasn’t human. She would also be a good choice.”

“The fox also wants to be with him. His attractiveness goes beyond mere people.”

“I don’t think the rabbit has an interest in him that much.”

The two men got hit on the head with a rolled up newspaper.

“Stop making bets on Myung-Ki’s love life! The animals are not even real people!”

***

The women however were busy with Anko and getting her new armor. But as that would not take that long they decided to have a female only conversation.

“You two are quite beautiful you know.”

The queen commented on the two young women in front of her.

Serenity blushed and gave her thanks.

“Not as beautiful as you Queen Venomsilk.”

Anko politely responded back.

“Which one of you two is his wife?”

The two women went completely red at the question.

“Neither. I don’t approve of any of them for Master.”

“Akaro-sama won’t be with either as long as I am around.”

“Now now ladies. We are just animals so we can’t really compete with those two.”

“Who asked you rabbit?”

“I’m not afraid of you anymore!”

“Really?”

“No. I’m lying please don’t glare at me!”

Watching the interactions of his pets the queen responded.

“You do have to understand your master is also a man. He may not be interested in it now but he may fall for one of them. Being his closest companions it is your job to make sure he chooses the right one.”

“Your highness! I don’t think of him that way. I just want to fight him and beat him once in a duel. I’ve been training most of my life to do so.”

Anko responded after recovering from the queen’s earlier comment.

‘Me being that guys wife. You must be joking. Sure I understand that I’m pretty sure he can fight father and maybe win. Then he would be strong enough to be keep the clan strong. WHAT AM I THINKING?! Never!’

Serenity was a bit more honest with her feelings.

“I don’t know about wife but I wouldn’t mind being the one he loves. It’s really hard as there are a lot of women around him being as he’s so handsome.”

The queen smiled at the two women in front of her.

“Well lets leave it at that. Did you know my sister and I were rivals in love as well?”

At this the females in the tent came closer to listen.

“My husband is quite handsome as well when he was younger. He was still a general back then but how my sister and I would fight for his attention.”

The queen started to tell the tale of meeting her first love to the women.

“How did you beat her?”

Anko was the one who asked the question surprisingly. Afterall she was still a teenage girl, albeit a tomboy, but still a teenage girl.

“I don’t know why he chose me and he has never told me the reason why. My sister was much prettier, stronger, and younger than me. He picked me and we got married.”

“That’s not fair. He should have at least told you why.”

This time it was Serenity who commented.

“That’s the situation Serenity. Some men also like to be mysterious in the way of romance. My husband was a romantic once he chose me. He is very similar to your commander.”

“Master being a romantic?”

“Akaro-sama is a little slow in that department.”

“Hahahahahahahaa! That was good joke.”

The three female animals of the group gave their opinion in that matter.

“No not in being a romantic. But being passionate when the time comes. All of you have seen glimpses of it. That focused and resolute look in his eyes. If I wasn’t married I would have fallen for your master.”

All of the women nodded their heads as they all saw that in him. It was one of the reasons why he was attractive.

“But enough of this talk. Put the armor on now Anko.”

“Isn’t this a little too revealing?”

Anko wore the armor and it was similar to what the royal guard wore. The armor accentuated all her best features and barely covered her skin. It looked more like a swimsuit than armor.

“Hmm… you don’t really have the same skin as our royal guards so you might be revealing too much. Although this would probably attract his attention.”

The queen winked at Anko who blushed and severely shook her head.

“No. This isn’t practical for battle. Like Akaro said I might as well fight naked.”

“I know what we can do. Give me the armor that master gave you and that armor as well.”

Serenity smiled as it was her turn to shine.

***

“What’s taking them so long?”

Akaro whispered to himself as he was not use to waiting for women to change. He understood if this was like the time at the fashion show but she was just wearing armor so they can fight. He had already finished the majority of repairs and was now waiting for them to join the group so he can explain the rest of the plan.

“Sir Akaro you cannot rush women.”

“Why Suzaku-nii?”

“Like a flower that only blooms in the sunlight, women need time to display their beauty.”

“That makes no sense.”

Kagerou who had asked the question replied to the crimson falcon.

From the stairs Serenity, Queen Venomsilk, Tsukino, Kuroneko, and Kogane came walking down after the female royal guards entered. The last to descend the stairs was Anko in her new attire.

The spidermen all whistled and clapped as they watched her descend the stairs. Even the male animals couldn’t help but be bugged eyed at the new look Anko was sporting.

To deal with the alarmingly amount of exposed skin, Serenity used her skills and manipulated the clothing her master originally made. Instead of just being a bikini top it looked more like armor over a short sleeve shirt. It still outlined her breasts but there was less cleavage showing and it also covered her stomach. The dark black armor contrasted the violet of the clothing and she wore matching gauntlets. Around her head there seemed like a tiara looking headband that only covered her forehead. Her hair was still in a ponytail and a bit of her bangs covered the headgear.

The bottom half instead of being just armored bikini bottoms she tailored the leather pants into more like spats covering the skin on her assets but still hugged firmly around her hips. The rest of the fabric acted as a skirt that just went underneath the armor but just above her knees. They swayed as she walked. She wore armored boots instead of the leather ones she had. It was a mixture of cute and sexy from the standpoint of the men.

Serenity was conflicted on how to feel. She did not like that she helped her rival become more appealing but she was really proud with the adjustments she made. Then she looked at the one who she wanted to hear the opinion of.

She wasn’t the only one as everyone in the room seemed to be staring at Akaro.

“So what do you think?”

Anko asked as she was feeling uncomfortable with him just staring at her. She had moved closer so he could take a closer look. She also spun once around.

“You are exposing a bit more skin and and the only good place the armor is protecting is your heart and your fore head. The defence will be better due to the armor being metallic and it looks like you can move around in it freely without affecting your technique. So I would say it’s better.”

Everyone all looked at him sighs and disappointment. Even the prince who had a blush on his face was surprised at the comments Akaro made.

The purple haired beauty also didn’t like the comment and punched Akaro in the arm and huffed to the side.

“Master you’re horrible. I may not like her but even I feel bad for her.”

“Akaro-sama you are cruel.”

“Hahaha! Just like I expected. You girls had your hopes up for nothing.”

Out of the male animals only Suzaku and Seiryuu had a sigh. Yasu was still being his usual self. The other boys did not understand why they were calling their master mean.

Akaro was also at a lost at what he did. He didn’t understand why he deserved a punch in the arm.

“What did I say?”

“Forget it.”

Anko turned away from Akaro.

Serenity was also a little angry that Akaro didn’t comment if it was cute or sexy. Her pride as a tailor was hurt.

***

“...”

“Dong-Sun what are you thinking?”

“Is he really your grandson? You would have showered her with compliments.”

Myung-Dae and Dong-Sun both shook their head at the actions the young man took.

“I’m going to scold him later. I’m definitely going to scold him later. Poor girl.”

Juhee was also disappointed at the young man.

***

After an awkward moment the allied forces all turned to Akaro once more.

“Alright here is the plan.”

So I posted Chapter 7 earlier as I just finish rewriting it. I'm going to post the chapters once I've finished them for the rest of the volume. Again if you spot anything let me know. I'm a bit tired due to human errors on my part while I was editing.

Hope you guys enjoy.

OTL I bow to all the loyal readers. Thank you for making me #2.