The location where we teleported in the VR world was at the foot of a mountain, near the caves. As killing rank 9 beasts was our first priority, we moved into the cave in search of a mana beast nest (the location where mana concentration is high is likely to be infested by the beasts). Ren went first to scout the area and check the beasts inside.
The cave entrance was dark and ominous, the air thick with humidity and the faint smell of earth. As we ventured deeper, the flickering light of our mana torches illuminated the jagged walls, glistening with moisture. The sound of dripping water echoed softly, and we could hear the faint skittering of creatures in the shadows. Stalactites hung from the ceiling like daggers, and the ground was uneven, covered in loose stones and dirt.
Further into the cave, we came upon two nests of spider-type beasts. The first was filled with baby spiders, small and agile, their bodies a mix of black and iridescent colors. They scuttled about, their many eyes glinting in the light. The mother spider, a massive creature with long, spindly legs and a sleek, shiny body, guarded the nest with a fierce demeanor. We dubbed her Silkweaver, while the baby spiders were called Weblings.
There were around 30 baby Weblings in total, and we had already dealt with 19. After seeing the diminished number, Silkweaver sent one of her Weblings to alert the second nest and began searching for the rest of the invaders. This would make our task a little more difficult.
"Let's keep it quiet," Eryndor suggested, his eyes scanning the surroundings with a calculating gaze. "If we can eliminate the remaining Weblings before they call for reinforcements, we'll have a better chance against Silkweaver."
We quickly formulated a plan. Diluc and Peter would distract the remaining baby spiders while Ren and I prepared for the attack. With our combined efforts, we attracted a group of 5-6 Weblings, quickly dealing with them while making as little noise as possible.
As we dispatched the last of the baby spiders, I glanced at Eryndor. "What's your plan for Silkweaver?"
Eryndor took a moment, observing the cave's layout. "I'll use a technique I've been working on. It's a quick-draw sword technique called Thunder's Edge. I'll wait for the right moment to strike while you two keep her occupied."
"Got it," I replied, feeling a surge of adrenaline.
With everything in place, we approached Silkweaver's nest. The mother spider was large, her dark body glistening with menace. As Diluc and Peter moved forward to create a diversion, I watched Eryndor as he drew his katana, focusing intently on the spider.
Diluc shouted, distracting Silkweaver, while Peter lunged forward to engage her. I could see Eryndor remain still, gathering his energy, lightning crackling faintly around him as he prepared for his strike.
In that moment, Diluc and Peter did their best to keep Silkweaver's attention. Diluc struck first, swinging his weapon with precision, while Peter darted around, delivering quick jabs to confuse the spider.
And then, with a flash of movement, Eryndor activated his technique. "Thunder's Edge!" he called out, his voice ringing through the cave.
In an instant, Eryndor drew his katana in one swift motion, his speed amplified by the lightning mana coursing through him. The blade sliced through the air, aimed directly at Silkweaver's exposed underbelly—the weak point that all spiders share.
The attack struck true, and in a single blow, Silkweaver let out a chilling screech before collapsing lifelessly to the ground. The other baby Weblings scattered in panic, the cave erupting in chaos.
"Let's finish them off!" I shouted, rallying my teammates as we prepared to deal with the remaining threats.