Progenitor's Burden

What burst through the trees to confront Rose and her team was a nightmare. The creature before them had once been a giant spider, but now it bore a scorpion tail and a human head with massive pincers protruding from its mouth. It was a grotesque amalgamation of body parts, the likes of which they had never imagined.

Victoria immediately leaned over when the smell hit her, retching at the horrific sight. "Oh god," she muttered between heaves as she struggled to keep her stomach in check. The stench emanating from the monster was overpowering. It stood nearly as tall as the lower branches of the nearby trees, possibly reaching a height of 25 feet if its outstretched legs were accounted for.

"We wanted a tougher challenge, didn't we? Maybe we should stop asking for more and be content with what we have," Alice quipped.

Despite the horrifying sight before her, Rose remained focused, her hands moving into action. They needed time, and an explosion seemed like the perfect way to start this battle. Even though there were no other monsters nearby for her Ice Orb, she unleashed the spell anyway, pouring mana into it. The creature convulsed and twitched as the spikes pierced through its body.

"Ed! Get in there and tank it! What are you waiting for?" Rose yelled at him over the creature's deafening screeches.

Ed lunged forward with a thunderous bellow and a ground-shaking charge in his massive bear form. He collided with the spider's bloated belly just as it reared up, causing the creature to lean back precariously, threatening to topple over. However, the spider's tail came to its rescue, pushing it back into a balanced position.

The spider retaliated swiftly, slamming its front legs down with incredible force. They narrowly missed Ed as they pierced the ground around his shoulders and front paws, creating deep fissures in the earth.

Alice, never one to shy away from action, seized the opportunity and darted forward. She targeted one of the spider's legs with a powerful strike, putting all her strength into the blow. To her surprise, instead of breaking off, the leg only bowed and cracked slightly before she hastily evaded a counterstrike from another spider leg.

Alice called out to Rose, her voice filled with concern, "Rose, can you analyze this thing? How much health does it have?"

Rose took a moment to cast her Analyze skill amidst the chaos.

Name: Spinnerweb Queen (Infected)

Level:?

Health: 4770/5000

Description: The Spinnerweb Queen (Infected), once Veiðisdrottning ("Huntress Queen") of Skuggrholt, was a guardian of the shadowy forest, ruling her webbed domain with elegance and precision. Corrupted by the Myrkr, she transformed into a dark predator, her protective webs turned into venomous traps pulsing with dark magic. Her once-loyal followers are now mindless thralls in her web of corruption. Legends speak of her waiting for a cure or a worthy foe, though many believe she seeks only conquest, her mind as lost to the Myrkr as her form.

She sucked in a breath, realizing that the creature still had almost 5000 health points, and their attacks had barely chipped away at it, with only 230 points of damage inflicted so far. This battle was going to be a grueling ordeal, and Rose shouted instructions to her team, "5000 points, everyone! We've taken down 230 so far. Brace yourselves for the long haul, and don't exhaust yourselves too quickly."

Alice crouched low, her sharp eyes scanning the chaotic battlefield. She moved with calculated precision, darting in and out of the spider's range, avoiding the deadly strikes of its venom-dripping legs and the whip-like tail that oozed a sizzling substance. Each step she took brought her closer to finding an opening, her mind racing to exploit any weakness in the creature's movements.

Rose stood to the side, her staff spinning in her hands as she channeled her magic. She shifted her stance, planting her feet firmly and thrusting her staff forward, directing a swirling vortex of wind blades toward the spider's bloated abdomen. The magic hit with a resounding crack, fissures spreading across the creature's exoskeleton. It convulsed violently, its legs scraping against the stone floor as it recoiled in pain.

Ed, in his Dire Bear form, roared as he barreled into the Spinnerweb Queen. His massive claws raked across its legs, leaving deep gouges in the tough chitin. He rose on his hind legs, slamming down with crushing force, causing the spider to stumble. The ground shook beneath him as he unleashed a furious series of swipes and bites, his raw strength forcing the creature's focus to remain on him.

Behind the spider, Ed's three companions—Argenta, Bruiser, and Zephyr—worked in relentless coordination. Argenta lunged at the base of the spider's tail, her silver-tipped fur glinting in the dim light as she sank her teeth into its vulnerable flesh. Bruiser followed, using his broad frame to ram into one of the spider's legs, forcing it to shift its weight. Zephyr darted in with surgical precision, targeting the softer joints of the creature with quick, biting strikes.

A sudden swipe of the spider's tail caught Zephyr off guard, flinging him into a nearby wall with a sickening thud. He whimpered briefly before Victoria's healing magic enveloped him in a soft glow. His movements steadied as he rose to his feet, growling low as he rejoined the fray.

Victoria moved with purpose, her wings spread wide as she alternated between striking and healing. With one hand, she swung her glowing mace, deflecting a venomous strike from the spider's tail. With the other, she sent out waves of restorative energy to her allies, sealing wounds and easing their pain. Her voice rang out, calm and commanding, urging everyone to stay focused and coordinated.

Alice darted in next, her movements a blur as she targeted the creature's joints. She twisted mid-air, delivering a devastating kick to one of the spider's front legs. The limb buckled slightly under the force, but the creature retaliated quickly, forcing Alice to flip backward to avoid a lethal swipe. She landed gracefully, circling around to strike again.

The battle raged on, each defender playing their part. Rose alternated between spells and strikes, her staff swirling with elemental energy. Ed's hulking form bore the brunt of the spider's rage, his claws and teeth relentless in their assault. The wolves harried the Spinnerweb Queen's backline, their movements synchronized as they exploited every weakness.

Despite their coordinated efforts, the fight was grueling. The Spinnerweb Queen lashed out with ferocity, forcing the defenders to adapt constantly. Injuries mounted, exhaustion crept in, but the team refused to falter. They pushed forward, their attacks relentless, determined to bring the monstrous arachnid down.

Alice could dance between the legs using her One with the Wind and Serpent Strike, striking vital spots as she wove a path under the spider, exiting the other side. She was immediately bathed in white light as she took some damage from the occasional strike when she had not been fast enough.

Victoria, positioned behind the front lines, kept a vigilant eye on Ed's health. When her bear took damage from the spider's ferocious attacks, she channeled her healing powers, mending his wounds and ensuring he remained in the fight. Additionally, she occasionally used her Radiant Assault, sending forth rays of brilliant light that struck the Spinnerweb Queen with searing intensity. The spider hissed and recoiled as the radiant energy seared its flesh.

The Queen, now thoroughly agitated by the radiant assault from Victoria, made a frenzied lunge toward her. The arachnid horror, with its colossal bulk, descended upon her like a nightmarish avalanche. Panic surged through Victoria as she realized the spider was about to land directly on top of her.

With lightning-quick reflexes, Victoria armed herself, gripping her shield and mace tightly, utilizing her Bastion's Guard skill. She muttered the cantrip for Tyr's Aegis, a protective enchantment she had for just such dire circumstances. As the spider's immense body crashed, it met the fortified resistance of her magical shield, forcing her back and down.

From the perspective of the onlookers, it appeared as if the spider had landed squarely on top of Victoria when it leaped over Ed. Ed reacted with a roar that shook the very ground beneath them. His roar, fueled by the moment's intensity, forced the monstrous creature to spin and face him, its attention now solely fixed on the hulking bear once again.

Ed, driven by a potent mix of fear and determination, surged into action. His bear form became a blur as he utilized Rush, hurtling across the open terrain with a speed that belied his massive size. The bear collided with the spider's colossal body, forcing it off to the side and away from Victoria.

He unleashed a barrage of Crushing Blows, rapidly draining his mana, as the spider's bulk shifted, hammering the arachnid monstrosity into the ground with relentless force. The impact was so fierce that the spider, now toppled onto its back, struggled to correct itself, its tail flailing uselessly as it attempted to regain its footing.

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Amid the chaotic aftermath of the falling spider, Victoria, protected beneath the shield of her skill, felt her heart pounding with relief and gratitude for Ed's timely rescue. She silently promised herself that she'd give him a heartfelt thanks, perhaps even a kiss, once this harrowing adventure was over.

Victoria climbed to her feet, her gaze darting between Rose and Alice to let them know she was unharmed. Their attention, however, remained riveted on Ed, who was atop the soon-to-be defeated Spinnerweb Queen, delivering punishing blows with his massive bear paws. With each ferocious strike, he roared in frustration, reverberating through the forest.

The spider, despite its grim condition, fought back valiantly. Between Ed's mighty blows, it retaliated by thrusting its venomous legs deep into his furry body. Shaken but determined, Victoria quickly cast a healing spell on Ed, boosting his health beyond the critical threshold. Meanwhile, his loyal wolf companions had tackled the spider's tail, gnashing and tearing at the base until it finally broke free.

The Spinnerweb Queen, while a formidable adversary, had ultimately proven to be a valuable learning experience for the group. Their new skills and enhanced stats had allowed them to handle the battle with relative ease, despite the occasional challenges, such as Ed losing the monster's attention due to Victoria's unexpectedly high damage output.

Finally, Ed relented, ending his relentless assault on the spider queen. The creature had perished moments earlier, and the continued savagery was becoming grotesque. Covered in a gruesome concoction of spider innards and gore, Ed turned to face his companions. Their combined gazes conveyed a mix of amusement and mock scolding.

Alice couldn't resist teasing him, "You're a filthy bear, aren't you, bad boy? BAD," she chided. Ed chuffed in response before moving aside to find a suitable place to clean himself of the macabre mess that clung to his fur.

Rose navigated over to the shared quest and closed it out. They each got the gold, and the experience automatically split. They also each got an item sent to their inventory. It was a much better looting system than their old video games, where you had to roll. Everyone gets one thing: use it or sell it.

Quest Update: Corrupted Forest Arachnids

Goal: Cleanse the Forest

Reward:

Experience x 145,000

Gold x 600

Item sent to inventory

Rose eagerly shared her loot from the recent quest, a small pair of arm guards known as "Elementalist's Sleeves." She excitedly read off the item's stats, explaining their practical use in her craft.

New Item: Elementalist's Sleeves (Uncommon)

Description: These sleeves are used by crafters and artisans when working with different elements to keep their robes out of the way. They can be a lifesaver when keeping you from getting acid down your sleeve or setting your clothes on fire.

Benefits:

+15 Intelligence

+10 Willpower

Increased success rate with crafting

Ed approached the group after having cleaned himself and changed back into his human form. He excitedly pulled out a set of pants, giving them a shake to ensure everyone in the group could see them. His eyes were fixed on the garment, a striking shade of green with mesmerizing swirls of silver woven throughout.

"I seem to have gotten dance pants," Ed chuckles, his amusement evident. He continued, "Let's see, these are Verdantwood Leggings." When equipping them, they were very revealing of his leg structure.

New Item: Verdantwood Leggings (Uncommon)

Description: These forest green trousers bear sweeping silver lines that form intricate runes and patterns, mirroring the sacred symbols of the ancient forests. Crafted with a deep connection to nature, they evoke a sense of reverence and mysticism.

Benefits:

+20 Strength

+15 Constitution

Increased Nature Affinity

Victoria stood before the group, clutching a small ring adorned with a black gem at its center. She displayed it proudly.

"This ring is pretty neat," Victoria exclaims. "It should help me with mana training so I don't run out of mana in long fights. I don't think I will be wearing it outside of town anytime soon, though."

The group's attention immediately shifted to the mysterious ring as she introduced it…

New Item: Acolyte's Training Ring (Rare)

Description: This ring was once a vital tool in the training of acolytes within Eir's temples, where it was utilized to expand their mana pools and bolster their willpower. However, its use has a unique twist: it constantly absorbs the wearer's mana, siphoning it above its regen ability. This creates a perpetual need for meditation and mindfulness in managing one's mana reserves.

Benefits:

90% of mana is locked while wearing the ring

Increased Intelligence and Willpower growth

Constant mana draw

Alice blinked rapidly, her eyes wide with intrigue at the ring's ability. "That's quite something. Definitely not a battle asset, but undeniably useful," she mused thoughtfully.

Rose said with evident interest, "I'm keen to try it. Though I do wonder what the consequences are if it depletes your mana completely."

Ed pondered aloud, his voice tinged with curiosity, "Well, I've experienced some nasty headaches and dizziness when my mana dips low, but I've never actually depleted it entirely. Guess we're about to find out soon enough."

"I was hoping for something more combat-oriented, but training with this during downtime could enhance my battle readiness. So, I guess it's a win-win situation." Victoria added.

Alice's face lit up with enthusiasm as she declared, "All right, my turn. I got this." In a swift, fluid motion, she produced an eye-catching coat. The garment was unique, sleeveless, and extended like a trench coat. It boasted a vibrant fire-red hue, embellished with gold stitching that traced intricate runes and designs along its edges. Holding it up for everyone to see, she announced with a touch of pride in her voice, "It's called the Ravenflight Cuirass."

New Item: Ravenflight Cuirass (Rare)

Description: A garment favored by warriors of the Norse Skirmisher clans, renowned for their swift and precise combat techniques. This cuirass is crafted from the hide of the elusive Dusk Stag, a creature of legend known for its near-impossible speed and shadowy resilience. Reinforced with riveted plates of star forged steel. Designed for agility, it offers unparalleled freedom of movement while maintaining vital protection in the heat of battle.

Benefits:

+16 Agility

+7 Strength

Reaction Speed boosted 12%

Rose observed the coat with a blend of amusement and admiration. "That coat is flashy," she remarked, a chuckle escaping her as she watched Alice equip the vibrant garment.

Ed couldn't help himself and added, "Makes me think of those Eastern Kung-Fu films. 'Wax on, wax off. '

Victoria countered their teasing. "Don't listen to them, Alice. I like it. You look very kick-ass."

Alice shrugged off their light-hearted jibes. "Oh, I'm not listening to the haters over there. They both wish they had threads this cool," she retorted, her words punctuated by a high, vaulting heel kick, showcasing the coat's flexibility and agility.

Rose, bringing the group's focus back, said decisively, "All right, everyone. We need to get back to Wolf's Run and ensure everything is alright. You know how trouble likes to kick off here rather quickly."

Ed, however, paused, a thoughtful look crossing his face. "Wait. I know the quest was done, but we might be missing something else. I don't think that the creature was acting normally. It was infected, but by what? We should head into its lair, or whatever it has, and see what we can find." His suggestion carried a tone of seriousness instead of his usual levity, which made the others pause for a second to consider continuing vs returning.

Victoria nodded in agreement, her practical mindset coming to the forefront. "Makes sense to me, honestly. We saw which way it sped towards us. If we follow that, I bet we can do this in minimal time."

Rose let out a sigh; her reluctance was evident in her tone. "You're probably right, but I do hate the idea of looking for more spiders. They're just so creepy."

Alice chimed in, echoing Rose's sentiment. "You can say that again. We are all going to need therapy after looking at that thing."

Rose smiled while acknowledging her point. "OK, you're probably right. That doesn't mean I have to like the spiders."

"You would be crazy to like spiders, especially that big and just wrong."

Taking the lead with a sense of purpose, Ed spoke up decisively, "All right, so we agree. Continue forward?" He scanned the faces of his companions, receiving a series of nods and affirmatives in response. Turning towards the trail of destruction left by the spider, marked by crashed trees and torn foliage, he began to walk in that direction. His friends, each with their thoughts on the impending exploration, fell in line behind him, forming a determined procession into the unknown.

The group's journey led them through a tangled forest, where they encountered three separate skirmishes with stray spiders. Each battle was swiftly concluded, their foes disorganized and lacking the menacing coordination they had under the queen's influence.

After about an hour of navigating the dense underbrush, they encountered a noticeable depression in the land. The earth had given way, revealing a network of caves, their dark maws gaping ominously. The area had a sunken, almost hollow appearance, contrasting starkly with the surrounding forest.

Victoria eyed the cave entrance with visible reluctance. "MORE CAVES! I don't want to go into caves. But, considering what we have seen, this screams, 'the answer you are looking for is down here.'" Sighing to herself, knowing that they would have to go down, regardless.

Alice, inspecting the tracks that led to the cave, concurred with a nod. "I agree with her. But, sadly, the tracks lead right to this cave. I wonder what caused it?"

Rose addressed the group. "Let's be careful, everyone. It doesn't look easy for us to get into and out of." She then turned to Ed, concern evident in her eyes. "Ed, will your wolves be okay out here alone?"

Ed assured his companions about the safety of his familiars. "Yeah, they'll be fine. They can take shelter under that rock outcropping over there. Together, they're strong enough to handle a stray spider if necessary." He gestured towards a large, jagged formation of rocks that provided a natural defensive position. The wolves obediently moved towards it, settling down with an air of alert relaxation.

The group then focused on the task at hand - descending into the cave. Ed assisted Victoria, carefully guiding her down the treacherous slope, while Alice supported Rose. Their careful coordination ensured a safe descent for all, though the journey was challenging.

As they reached the cave floor, a chilling, damp breeze greeted them, carrying the unmistakable stench of decay. The odor was overpowering, and it was all Victoria could do not to wretch again.

Ed took the lead, his steps cautious but confident as their eyes slowly adjusted to the darkness. Thanks to their foresight in acquiring night vision from Turgrin, they navigated without the cumbersome need for torches, a blessing in the close quarters of the cave. The group moved deeper, enveloped by an eerie silence punctuated only by the occasional water drip echoing off the cavern walls. The darkness seemed to press in around them, yet they advanced, driven by curiosity and determination.