It had been over a week since I returned home, and most of my time was spent training with Grandpa and refining our plan to hunt the Mutated Spider Emperor. This was no ordinary soul beast, it was a creature with power nearing the 100,000-year level, making it the most dangerous enemy I had faced so far.
The primary issue wasn't the Spider Emperor's strength or its poisonous attacks, both of which I could handle thanks to my immunity and the strengthening effect poison had on me. No, the real challenge was its ability to summon hundreds of vicious, venomous spiders to swarm and overwhelm its opponents. Even if poison couldn't harm me, sheer numbers could.
I needed Grandpa to deal with the summoned spiders while I focused solely on taking down the Spider Emperor. He agreed to my request without hesitation, and together, we spent days developing tactics to ensure our success.
By the time we were ready to head for the Sunset Forest, every detail of our strategy was set. Grandpa and I both knew the stakes. He would act as a barrier, destroying any summoned spiders that tried to interfere while I fought the Emperor head-on. Our synchronization would be key.
The journey to the Sunset Forest began early one morning. As we traversed the vast landscapes, I couldn't help but reflect on the similarities between this spider's ability and the abilities of Bibi Dong's Soul Devouring Spider Emperor described in the novel. Her third ability came to mind, the power to summon a swarm of poisonous spiders. Could this Mutated Spider Emperor have been destined to become her prey in the future? Was I, in some twisted way, rewriting destiny by stealing it for myself?
A smirk played on my lips. If it was meant for her, I felt no guilt in the slightest. If anything, it would make killing this spider even more satisfying. And in the future using her own ability against her would be intoxicating.
After several days of travel, the atmosphere around us began to change. The once vibrant forest grew darker with each passing hour, and traces of potent poison tainted the air. The trees took on a sinister hue, their bark covered with a thin sheen of venom that dripped ominously onto the forest floor.
"We're getting close," Grandpa muttered, his voice a low rumble. His sharp eyes scanned the area as his aura flared slightly, keeping smaller beasts at bay.
Soon enough, we encountered the first signs of the Spider Emperor's minions. Spiders the size of wolves began to scuttle into view, their grotesque forms illuminated by the faint, sickly green glow of the forest. Individually, they weren't much of a threat, but their numbers began to swell as we moved forward.
"They're forming a defensive perimeter," Grandpa observed. His tone was calm but tinged with focus. "Stay sharp."
The closer we got to the Spider Emperor's lair, the denser the swarm became. Eventually, the path ahead was completely blackened by a writhing mass of spider legs and venomous fangs. The minions moved as one, their movements eerily synchronized as if controlled by a single mind.
"This is it," I said, my voice steady despite the rising tension. The Eight Spider Lances emerged from my back, their sharp edges gleaming with menace. "Let's begin."
Grandpa stepped forward, his aura flaring to life as his spirit rings materialized around him in a dazzling display of light and power. His sixth ring, in particular, shone brightly, a powerful skill he would use to clear the path of summoned spiders.
"Don't hold back," he said, his gaze fixed on the mass of spiders ahead. "We'll need everything we've got."
"Don't worry, Grandpa," I replied, my lips curling into a smirk. "I've been waiting for this."
With a roar, Grandpa unleashed his power, sending a wave of energy crashing into the swarm. The battle had begun.