Kumodesu

<>

<>

<>

<>

<>

…

<>

<>

<>

<>

<>

<>

…

Oh, the rewards have arrived.

Truly well-deserved.

Let's check the stats again.

<>

HP: 230/230

MP: 150/150 (+200)

SP: 260/260

Hmm... hmmm...

Why hasn't anything changed???

I mean, the stats did increase, but... they still look the same! No new information at all, and of course, it's because [Appraisal] hasn't leveled up yet.

Oh, this cursed skill...

"Don't be upset, everything will work out eventually."

No need to comfort me, I know that... it's just that I'm getting a little impatient.

"How about using a support skill?"

I'd love to, but I've been spending too many skill points lately, so I want to save up.

"If only we could find the condition to level up this skill, that would be great. But unfortunately, even with [Manifest] or [Prediction], I couldn't get any information."

Didn't expect my Parallel Will to be doing so much while I was fighting.

"But hey, me, are you tired?"

"Hmm?? Not at all, I'm still full of energy."

"Then... please... watch over... me."

Right after I said that, I collapsed and fell asleep on the spot.

"You really are something else..."

…

Good morning.

After a good sleep, my spirit has definitely improved. All the injuries and fatigue from the previous battle are gone, but right now, I need to eat something first.

"Oh, you're finally up! I have something important to tell you."

Hold on! Food comes first!

"But this is really important!!"

"Is it something that's life or death for us?" I asked.

"Well, not quite that serious..."

Then it goes behind my meal.

I'm starving here.

"You..."

No matter what my will says, food is my top priority right now. That monster destroyed everything, so naturally, my food stash got wiped out too.

I'm not that upset about the food since I can always find more, but the basement I used to live in was full of human-made stuff. Through that, I could learn about human life, which is beneficial for my development later—but now it's all gone...

Especially that entire library!

Seriously, that's what stings the most.

Even now, just thinking about it pisses me off!

Anyway, I've now reached the fourth floor and quickly swept through the place to gather more food and restore energy for the Virtual World.

Right now, this is the only way I can do it.

After eating to my fill and replenishing the Virtual World's energy, I dove inside to check on the soul's condition. Thankfully, before the big battle, I had already transferred Loyral's soul from the diary into this space.

So now, there are two souls here: One extremely weak one—Loyral's, and the other surrounded by a radiant light, obscuring the figure within—which is clearly Seryl.

"Alright, you said you had something important to tell me earlier?"

My will didn't reply, just pointed toward the soul wrapped in that glowing light.

I didn't understand but still approached, only for that light to suddenly radiate with intense brilliance, illuminating the entire space.

Ugh…!!

I hate bright lights!

Immediately afterward, a humanoid figure appeared before me—faint and hazy. Though blurry, I could tell it was a woman from the curves of her body. Still, I couldn't make out her face or any other features.

Is this... Seryl???

I wondered, but quickly dismissed the thought.

Because behind this vague figure, another soul slowly became visible—one I instantly recognized as Seryl's.

"Who are you?"

I cautiously stepped back and asked.

After all, she's only the second person I've ever spoken to besides Loyral, so I wasn't quite used to this.

"I am the Queen of the Spirits."

A crystal-clear, gentle voice rang out—but it carried a dignified, regal air that made me shiver.

Nai wa!

I backed away a few more steps and looked toward my will.

It merely nodded slightly without any further reaction.

Oh crap!

She's really the Spirit Queen...!!!

I made her wait, and even said I had to eat first.

Is she angry with me?

Will she suddenly come and slice me apart??

Can I still apologize in time??

"I don't have much time left, so I'll be brief."

She continued speaking, though her voice sounded weaker now—seems she really doesn't have much time.

"Y-your grace… what do you want to say…??"

"This is just a residual fragment of my energy, and it will soon fade. Though this soul is protected, it has suffered great damage. If you wish to save it, you must use a skill called [Soul Repair]. Also, I have a request to make."

Nai wa~

I was already worried, having saved both souls but unsure how long they'd last.

And now she's given me the exact method to help—

But... those last words don't sound pleasant...

Another request again, huh?

"I've split myself into several fragments. However, my core consciousness lies within the shard inside this girl's body.

There are ten fragments scattered around, and I'd like to ask you to help gather them all."

Nai wa!

Another revelation.

I'd heard a bit of this in Loyral's story, but I didn't know there were ten pieces. But this request is way too difficult for a mere spider like me…

"But why me? Why would you think a spider can do this??"

I was genuinely confused.

Why does everything keep getting dumped on me, a spider?

"I left a part of my consciousness in one of the fragments to find someone suitable to help me collect them. At first, I planned to ask this girl's husband, but he still has his own mission, so I couldn't interfere. This is the only piece of consciousness I retained. Once it's gone, I'll truly be dead. Since time is short, I can't wait any longer."

Ah, so she's asking me out of desperation, not because I'm the ideal choice...

Somehow, that makes me feel a little annoyed.

"I... I need to think about it for a bit."

"Very well. I hope you decide quickly—my time is nearly up."

I forced a smile, then quickly turned to consult with my will.

This isn't something I can just casually agree to.

"What do you think, me?" I asked.

Having a partner to discuss with like this is honestly kind of nice.

"Well, it's clearly dangerous—but I still want to accept."

"Oh? Why?"

"First, if we succeed, we'll be considered her savior. Think about it—having someone like the Spirit Queen owe us a favor? That's huge. Second, the benefits will be massive."

As expected of my will, voicing exactly what I was thinking.

I'd already considered it too, but the specifics still needed negotiation with the Queen. Still, I'd definitely have the upper hand—she's the one asking me for help, after all.

With that decided, I turned back to face the Spirit Queen.

Even though I couldn't see her face clearly, I could feel a sharp, commanding gaze piercing through me, making my body tremble. Even as just a fragment of consciousness, her presence is overwhelming.

I wonder when I'll be able to become like that...

"Ahem... it's not that I can't help, but you see... for a spider, this task is extremely dangerous..."

I hinted without being too direct, not wanting to sound greedy.

Though in truth, I absolutely am being greedy.

Hehe.

The Spirit Queen looked down at me, and then from that vague, misty face came a gentle smile—one that sent chills down my spine.

Looks like she already knows what I'm thinking.

"Though I'm a bit weak right now, I can grant you several exclusive Spirit skills."

Oh, she's surprisingly straightforward and generous.

I really wanted to rush over and hug her leg while showering her with kisses, but I had to act composed.

"I'm not exactly a greedy person... but these skills could help me speed up the process of gathering your fragments, so I'll accept them."

"Good."

Then the Spirit Queen raised her hand and pointed at me. A stream of light slowly gathered on her fingertip, circled around me, and finally merged into my body.

<>

<>

<>

Huh???

What was that???

Did I mishear???

A title??? Spirit Queen…???

I looked at the Spirit Queen in front of me with a panicked expression.

The first two skills—I've got nothing to say. I don't even know what they do yet. But that last title… anyone, even a complete idiot, could guess what it means.

"Ever since I disappeared, the Primordial Forest has gradually fallen into chaos. The spirit race is noble by nature, so normally no one would dare touch them—but that was only under my protection.

Now that I've been gone for so long, I imagine the place is no longer safe. So I am temporarily granting you this title, hoping you can save the spirit race in my stead."

Another request???

But... isn't it kind of absurd for a spider to have this title?

"No matter what you are, as long as you bear this title, the spirit race will obey you."

Oh… that's kinda... awesome, actually.

"Wait, what exactly is the Primordial Forest?"

"Most call it Ryokuya Forest—it's home to all kinds of creatures. The spirit race, however, lives in a completely isolated region deep within Ryokuya, known as the Primordial Forest."

Oh, I see.

Another piece of new information for me.

"But… it'll take me a long time to get there. Can the spirit race even hold out that long…?"

I really don't want to arrive only to find the place already destroyed and have the Queen dump all the blame on me.

"The spirit race isn't that weak. Besides, before I split myself, I made sure to eliminate all the major threats to that place. So for now, they should be safe."

Didn't expect her to be this thorough.

"I still have one more question."

"Go ahead."

"What's the deal with the spirits on this floor?"

It's clear they're nothing like the Spirit Queen in terms of bearing or temperament.

"They've been corrupted—that's why their personalities turned so extreme."

Nai wa!

Sensing my curiosity, the Spirit Queen continued: "In this world, the only thing that can corrupt a spirit is the power of 'Darkness' from the Dark Continent."

The Dark Continent…

That monster from before came from there too.

"And the only one capable of doing this is the Dark Witch—Careck Madie."

Oh, another name has appeared.

So this world has witches too, huh...

I wonder if they fly on broomsticks.

"What is this Dark Witch like?" I asked, full of curiosity.

"Knowing too much now won't help you, but it's likely she visited this place. Whether intentionally or not, she released her dark power, which led to the corruption of the spirits here."

Nai wa!

He came here???

Is he still around??

What if I run into him??

Oh no, I already feel the danger rising...

"Don't worry. I've already scanned the entire area and couldn't find any trace of her. However, I did detect one of my fragments within this Great Dungeon."

Oh! Another valuable piece of intel.

One fragment is here—that'll be convenient. But... why the heck is it here...?

"The fragment distribution was completely random, so I don't know either. However, you can use the [Spirit Queen] title to locate them. As long as a fragment is within range, you'll be notified."

Oh wow, that's super convenient.

The Queen really is thoughtful.

"If that's all… then I'll take my leave here. I hope we'll meet again someday."

After saying that, the Spirit Queen's form began to grow fainter, as if it could disappear at any moment.

In one final moment, I looked up— And caught a glimpse of her face. Oh… even though it was just for a second, I'll never forget that beauty, or that smile. Truly, she had an overwhelming charm.

And just like that, a new objective has been established for me.

I don't know how long it'll take to accomplish, but for now—

I'm feeling really fired up.