Titus found himself lost in a vision of the future, a world transformed by his own hand. Beautifully grotesque spider humanoid figures moved through a nightmarish landscape, their bodies covered in hair and adorned with various venomous features. Some had the sleek, deadly elegance of black widows, while others were monstrous amalgamations of different spider species, their forms twisted and unnatural.
The ground beneath them pulsed with a sickly glow, the very earth infused with the essence of the Arachnid Titan. Buildings made from webbing and hardened Titan flesh rose from the ground, creating a macabre cityscape that shimmered in the eerie light.
Titus's vision was interrupted by Hades's voice, echoing in his mind. "Hades, oh Hades, why do these people hate me?" Titus asked, his voice tinged with sadness and confusion.
"I don't know, kid," Hades responded, his tone both mocking and dismissive. "Maybe you shouldn't have saved me!"
Shaking off the vision, Titus continued his journey towards the library located in the heart of Area 9. He moved with a purpose, his mind focused on the task ahead. The corridors of Titan flesh seemed to stretch on forever, their walls pulsating with an unsettling rhythm that mirrored the beat of his own heart.
As he walked, Titus couldn't help but think back to the events that had brought him to this point. Donny and his gang had always been a thorn in his side, their cruelty and bullying pushing him to the brink. Now, with Hades's power coursing through his veins, he had the means to exact his revenge and reshape the world in his own image.
Upon reaching the library, Titus pushed open the heavy doors and stepped inside. The air was thick with the scent of old books and decaying parchment, a testament to the vast knowledge contained within these walls. He made his way to the section labeled "Humanities and Civilizations," his fingers trailing along the spines of the dusty tomes as he searched for the information he needed.
Titus pulled a particularly ancient-looking book from the shelf and began to read. The text detailed the three civilizations that existed beyond the walls of Area 9.
Lore of the Civilizations
Fort Maria: The Walking Citadel
Imagine a giant, mechanical spider the size of a skyscraper. Now, slap a fortified castle on its back, add a bunch of fearless warriors and brilliant engineers, and you've got Fort Maria. This mobile fortress roams the land on colossal, mechanized legs, a marvel of engineering and a nightmare for Titans.
The people of Fort Maria are like a mix of medieval knights and mad scientists. Their daily routine involves tinkering with the fortress's massive legs, maintaining the armory, and planning strategies to fend off Titan attacks. Every citizen is trained in combat from a young age, and their engineers are constantly innovating new weapons and defenses.
Life in Fort Maria is all about survival and mobility. The fortress never stays in one place for too long, always moving to avoid Titan swarms. This makes for a nomadic lifestyle, but the inhabitants are used to it. They've got the whole setup down to a science: the fortress stops, they gather resources, repair any damage, and then it's back on the move. It's a tough life, but it's the only one they know.
Atlantis: The Hidden Depths
Deep beneath the ocean's surface lies Atlantis, a submerged city protected by advanced technology and shimmering force fields. Picture a sprawling metropolis with towering buildings made of transparent, luminescent materials, all connected by a network of bubble-like domes and tunnels that keep the crushing water pressure at bay.
The people of Atlantis are the ultimate scholars and scientists. They've mastered underwater farming, harnessed geothermal energy, and even figured out how to communicate with marine life. Their society is built on knowledge, exploration, and innovation. While they might not be warriors like the folks in Fort Maria, their technology is second to none.
Life in Atlantis is peaceful and intellectually stimulating. The citizens spend their days conducting research, exploring the ocean depths, and maintaining their advanced systems. Despite being cut off from the surface world, they thrive in their aquatic utopia, always seeking to learn more about the mysteries of the deep.
Area 9: The Flesh Enclave
Now, if you're feeling brave, let's dive into the nightmarish world of Area 9. This enclave is built from Titan flesh and bone, its walls and structures pulsating with a sickly, bioluminescent glow. It's like walking through the insides of a colossal, otherworldly beast.
The people of Area 9 are a hardy mix of soldiers and survivors. They've carved out a grim existence within the Titan flesh, constantly on guard against the monstrous threats that lurk outside—and sometimes inside—their walls. Every day is a battle for survival, and the enclave's citizens are always prepared for the worst.
Life here is defined by the constant threat of Titans. The structures, made from hardened Titan sinew and bone, offer some protection, but the air is thick with tension and the ever-present smell of decay. The people of Area 9 are resilient and resourceful, having adapted to their grotesque environment. They use every part of the Titans they slay, turning bones into weapons and flesh into building materials.
The Author: Erwin Nacht
The author of this tome is none other than Erwin Nacht, a former commander in the Survey Corps turned historian. Known for his strategic brilliance and unparalleled dedication to understanding the world of Titans, Erwin's legacy lives on through his comprehensive writings. After retiring from active duty, he dedicated his life to documenting the intricate details of the world's remaining civilizations, hoping that his knowledge might one day help humanity reclaim its place in the world.
Erwin Nacht's work is characterized by a meticulous attention to detail and a profound understanding of the human condition. His writings capture not only the physical structures and societies he describes but also the spirit and resilience of the people within them. His hope was that by preserving this knowledge, future generations might find the strength to overcome the darkness that surrounded them.
Titus's Realization
As Titus absorbed the information from Erwin Nacht's ancient texts, he felt a growing sense of resolve. Each civilization had its strengths and weaknesses, and he knew that exploiting these weaknesses would be key to his success.
Fort Maria might be mobile, but its constant movement meant it could be tracked and trapped. Atlantis, while advanced, was isolated and potentially vulnerable to attacks that could disrupt its delicate balance. And Area 9, his own grim home, had grown complacent within its macabre walls.
With this knowledge, Titus felt a dark determination rising within him. He would use the power of the Arachnid Titan to tear down these civilizations, one by one, and reshape the world into a twisted reflection of his vision. And as he stepped out of the library, the sickly glow of Area 9 casting long shadows, he knew that his path of destruction had only just begun.
"Where's Donny?" one of them demanded, his voice trembling.
Titus's eyes narrowed, a cold smile spreading across his lips. "I wouldn't worry about Donny," he said, his voice dripping with menace. "He won't be bothering anyone ever again."
The soldiers exchanged nervous glances, unsure of how to respond. Titus stepped forward, his presence intimidating and commanding.
Kaito, a tall, muscular man with a serious demeanor, tried to hide his fear. "What did you do to him, Titus?"
"Oh, Kaito," Titus said, smirking, "Donny's finally found his true calling—filling the bellies of my new friends. Turns out, he's much better as spider food than as a human being."
Ryu, a wiry young man with sharp features, looked horrified. "You're lying. You have to be."
Titus chuckled darkly. "Ryu, you always were the gullible one. No, Donny's not coming back. Not in one piece, anyway."
Hiro, a brash soldier known for his quick temper, clenched his fists. "You think you're tough now, don't you? Just because you've got some power, you think you can do whatever you want."
"Ah, Hiro," Titus replied, shaking his head, "such anger. It's almost as if you're asking to join Donny. Maybe I should introduce you to my little friends as well. They're always hungry."
Jiro, a quiet and observant man with an air of intelligence, eyed Titus warily. "We know you've been different lately, Titus. Something's changed in you."
"You could say that, Jiro," Titus replied smoothly. "I've had an awakening. A revelation, if you will. And now, I see things clearly. Like how pointless it is to keep pests like Donny around."
Taro, who had always been the most loyal to Donny, stepped forward, his face a mask of determination. "We won't let you get away with this, Titus. Donny was our friend."
"Friend?" Titus sneered. "Is that what you call someone who torments others for fun? Donny was a parasite, and I did what needed to be done. And if you're not careful, you might just end up like him. Or worse."
The soldiers retreated, fear evident in their eyes. Titus felt a surge of satisfaction. He was no longer the victim, no longer the one being pushed around. With Hades's power at his command, he was unstoppable.
And as he made his way back through the pulsating corridors of Area 9, Titus knew that this was only the beginning. The world would soon tremble before the might of the Arachnid Titan, and all who stood in his way would be crushed beneath his heel.
Titus yawned, his patience wearing thin with the soldiers who cowered before him. "You know, I'm getting really tired of all this low-energy activity with you bitch-made ass soldiers," he sneered, his eyes flashing with malice. "None of you have an ounce of heart in your measly bodies."
The soldiers stared at him, their fear palpable. Kaito tried to muster some courage, but his trembling hands gave him away. Ryu and Hiro exchanged nervous glances, while Jiro and Taro stood rooted to the spot, unsure of what to do.
"Fuck it," Titus said, a wicked grin spreading across his face. "Join Donny and all of my little army. I'd like to see how you eat your loved ones against your will."
As soon as the words left his mouth, Titus felt the familiar surge of power course through him. Hades's influence grew stronger, and Titus reveled in the feeling. The soldiers began to back away, but it was too late. Titus's eyes glowed with a sinister light as he summoned his arachnid minions.
From the shadows, the spider titans emerged, their grotesque forms moving with terrifying speed. Kaito tried to draw his weapon, but a web shot out, entangling him before he could react. The other soldiers screamed as the spiders descended upon them, wrapping them in silken cocoons.
Titus watched with cold detachment, his heart hardened against their cries. "You see," he said, his voice dripping with dark humor, "Donny wasn't special. You'll all make fine additions to my little family."
As the soldiers struggled in vain, the spiders began their gruesome work. The titans injected their venom, paralyzing their prey. One by one, the soldiers' screams were silenced, replaced by the sickening sound of flesh being consumed.
Titus turned away, satisfied. "Enjoy your new life," he called over his shoulder, "or what's left of it."
As he walked back through the pulsating corridors of Area 9, Titus felt a surge of satisfaction. He was no longer the victim, no longer the one being pushed around. With Hades's power at his command, he was unstoppable.
And as he made his way back, Titus knew that this was only the beginning. The world would soon tremble before the might of the Arachnid Titan, and all who stood in his way would be crushed beneath his heel.
As Titus walked up to their carcasses wrapped in an elegant pink web stained from blood, he saw their bodies undergoing a grotesque transformation. The web, glistening eerily in the dim light, pulsed with a sickly glow as the arachnid venom spread through their veins.
Their flesh dissolved and rejuvenated over and over, a horrific cycle of decay and rebirth. The once-proud soldiers were now nothing more than twisted hybrids, their human bodies contorted and fused with spider skin and tendrils. Extra eyes blinked open across their faces, giving them an unearthly appearance.
Titus observed them with cold detachment, his lips curling into a cruel smile. "You see," he muttered, almost to himself, "this is your new purpose. No more free will, no more resistance. Just obedience."
The hybrids twitched and shuddered, their new forms struggling to adapt. They were a grotesque parody of their former selves, a living testament to the power of the Arachnid Titan. Their once recognizable faces were now a blend of human and arachnid features, with mandibles clicking and multiple eyes surveying their surroundings.
Titus took a step back, admiring his handiwork. These creatures, these abominations, were his to command. "Welcome to the family," he said, his voice filled with dark satisfaction. "You'll serve me well in the coming war."
The hybrids, now fully transformed, looked to Titus with a mixture of fear and loyalty. They were no longer soldiers of the enclave, but mindless minions, driven by the will of the Arachnid Titan.
As Titus turned and walked away, he knew that his army was growing stronger. With each transformation, his power increased, and the world would soon tremble before him. The corridors of Area 9 pulsated with a sickly glow, a reminder of the twisted reality that now governed this place.
In the dim light, the hybrids began to stir, their movements synchronized and purposeful. They were ready to serve, ready to spread the plague of arachnophobia to the farthest reaches of the world. And with Titus leading them, there was no force that could stand in their way.