Worshipper Arc: Chapter 13. A New Friendship.
Valoran and the others' only path is blocked by thousands and thousands of Arachantors.
"Now we see why this path smells like death." Says Aleister.
"All these adventurers who were unlucky to wander on this path have been met with a terrible fate" Cera states.
Egor is standing in front with his giant sword in hand to protect the rest as a shield.
Tiara looks at everyone and does something that she has never done before… She does not hide behind the others; she stands beside them ready for the oncoming attack, despite her obvious fear.
"I will no longer hide…I can also fight these things" She says with a mixture of determination and confidence.
"Seems like she gained some confidence. Impressive" Valoran thinks to himself.
Sage and Alesia also raise their arms with sword in hand.
Cera points the tip of her staff on the Arachantors and casts izaru (fire elemental magic).
The flames burn hundreds of Arachnators to ashes.
However something unexpected happens after a few moments.
The ashes from the Arachnators create more and more Arachnators, for each one that was turned to ash three more would be formed from these ashes.
"Impossible!" Alesia yells in shock.
"Cera just vaporises hundreds of them…How can there be more of them now?" Tiara asks.
"I don't know but I will make sure to destroy even the ash this time" Cera responds with determination.
Cera then casts izaru (fire elemental magic) with more magic power this time to make sure not even the ash remains.
A giant flame washes over the Archnators, this time not even one even flinched.
"It had no effect?" Cera questions in disbelief.
"What in the name are these creatures…? I never heard of such dangerous beings" Aleister questions.
Everyone stands in shock and has no idea what to do next.
Valoran then steps in: "They have the ability to regenerate from anything, that in itself is already impressive, however it's the fact that after they regenerate they are completely immune to what killed them"
"This is why these creatures are so dangerous." Egor says.
The Arachnators are now charging toward Valoran the others at speed.
"Defensive positions!" Aleister instructs firmly.
As the Aracnators are moving closer and closer everyone begins to shake out of fear and some accept that this is the end.
Valoran then casually steps in front of the group as the shield.
Valoran moves his right hand and prepares to snap his fingers.
Finger Snap casts Necros the absolute death spell; this spell is a powerful one which destroys its targets not just only on a physical level but also on an idealistic level which means that it destroys the very idea of their existence, if the enemy attempts to inflict harm upon you .
At an instant all thousands and thousands of Aracnators are gone, pulverised to nothingness.
"What just happened?" Aleister asks.
"I don't know myself." Cera responds almost speechless.
Valoran turns around to face the speechless group behind him.
"It's all clear now. They will no longer come back" He reassuringly states.
With no questions asked they went deeper into the cave which is now clear thanks to Valoran killing the Archnators who previously blocked the way.
The deeper the more foul the air itself becomes.
It's the smell of death, they see more and more corpses.
"Do you think all these were adventurers who tried to explore the cave for valuables?" Cera questions.
"It is most likely the case" Aleister reveals.
"What cruel fate they must have endured" Aleisa responds with sorrow.
Tiara tries not to look at any of the corpses but there are so many of them that no matter where looked she would also see some.
"The magic trail becomes more potent the further we go, we are almost at the source as a matter of fact" Valoran reveals.
More and more Arachnators charge toward the group which Valoran easily annihilates completely.
"We should take a break for a little while" Aleister instructs.
Everyone nods in agreement as they have walked for hours without any rest to speak off.
"I understand, you are right this is the best cause of action" Valoran replies in agreement.
Everyone drops their gear they have carried for hours and sit on the floor in a circle with Valoran casting izaru (fire elemental magic) in the middle for food to be cooked which they have in their backpacks.
"Let's eat" Egor says with enthusiasm and a smile which puts everyone in a great spirit given the current situation.
The group eats delicious sausages and hot soup and gets to know Valoran and Tiara a bit more.
"Valoran." Cera calls out.
Valoran faces her with curiosity while eating delicious soup.
"Your power is something I have never seen before, yet you are someone who is self disciplined. Many would try to show their power and use it for their own gain." Cera explains.
Valoran proceeds to give his answer.
"To be honest with you all, I only became this way due to my mentor who firmly believed that weakness only is present if you use your power for selfish desires. He taught me the value of knowledge and control, and to always use your abilities for good, but take action if needed"
Egor, hearing this also involves himself in the conversation.
"You are truly like him, he was just like you said. His death was a tragedy I wish I could have prevented" He states with sorrow.
Valoran still feels guilt for not being able to save Reven.
Aleister moves away from the negative topic and proceeds to ask Tiara questions.
"Tiara"
Tiara is stunned due to her shyness: "What is it?" She asks in a shaky voice.
"Tell us a little about yourself if you don't mind." Aleister politely asks.
She looks down.
"Well…I have always been an outsider wherever I went, because of me being a succubus I was always being judged, that all I can do is to seduce men. My dream is to become a doctor one day, someone who uses healing magic to cure even the most critical wounds. My mother thankfully supports me with my dream. But I fear that my dream may not become a reality as no one would hire a succubus as a doctor, the fact that I was accepted into the Magic Academy however is a blessing of its own" She says with tears but also a smile.
Valoran hearing this tragic story of hers also touches his heart and he feels sympathy as he also understands what it is like to be judged.
"Tiara" Valoran calls out.
Tiara faces him.
"Never give up on your dreams, your race never determines your future. Your magic potential is great and your observation and attention to detail are also on point. Believe in your abilities and your dream will become a reality." He explains.
He goes on with: "If those who judge you due to your race then use that as motivation to prove them all wrong Tiara, I know you will succeed.
Tiara is lost for words as no one besides her own Mother spoke such kind words to her.
"I will!" She says with a bright smile.
"What kind words" Alesia replies.
"Indeed, showing kindness to even a succubus shows your maturity and kind heart" Sage declares.
"If anyone deserves the title as the Magic King, it's you Valoran Silver" Aleister expresses.
Everyone nods in agreement with Aleister.
"I appreciate your kind words" Valoran remarks with a tiny smile.
After a little while they pack up all the pods and gear and proceed to head further into the cave and continue to follow the mysterious magic trail.
Valoran and Aleister are leading the way.
They head deeper into this seemingly endless cave encountering more and more Arachnators which Valoran easily disposes of.
After more walking they can feel the earth shaking beneath them like an earthquake.
"What is going on?" Sage asks in confusion and worry.
"I don't know!" Cera replies.
"Fear not I will protect you all" Egor reassures with his huge sword in both his hands.
"Stay on your guard!" Alesia instructs.
Tiara is holding herself back from having a panic attack.
"Everyone stay in formation!" Aleister instructs.
Then just 7 feet ahead of them (2,1m) huge spider-like legs break through the ground.
"It's Barachnator." Valoran informs.
"It's a much more powerful and dangerous being than the little Arachnators, much harder to permanently destroy" Valoran further informs.
The Barachnator looks toward Tiara who is at the back of the group.
Then out of nowhere the Barachnator vanishes and reappears behind her at an instant.
The beast is so fast that the others did not even react and is already about to kill Tiara by stabbing her with one of his huge pointy legs when, the leg itself hit something so hard that the beast crushed it's leg.
"You will not lay a hand on her you ugly beast" Valoran says as it was Valoran's shoulder the beast struck.
He managed to save Tiara by moving between Tiara and the beast.
"Everyone turns around now realising what just happened.
"So fast…" Alesia remarks in disbelief.
Valoran then casts Sillion (extermination flames). A black cold black flame sticks onto the beast like glue slowly consuming the Barachnator until absolutely nothing remains, not even a subatomic particle.
After the Barachnator is destroyed everyone is speechless until Tiara speaks up.
"Thank you for saving me." She says with tears and hugging Valoran firmly.
"I do not require your thanks, I saved my friend from danger" Valoran says, hugging her back.
She releases her grip and looks up toward Valoran.
"Friend…?" She questions with confusion as no one wanted to be anywhere near her, let alone be friends with her.
"Yes. I consider you as my friend." Valoran responds.
Tiara is overwhelmed with joy and her heart begins to beat faster and faster.
"I also consider you my friend." She states with a smile.
Valoran smiles a little.
The group begins to walk again deeper and deeper…
After a while of walking they arrive at the end of the magic trail and witness something unusual…