The mont that thing landed, I knew.
This wasn’t like the others.
Its body was massive—easily towering over us at nearly twelve feet.
The exoskeleton wasn’t just thick; but it shone under the dim light, studding with spikes that ran along its limbs and back.
The air around the creature seed heavier, its presence pushing down as if it was sothing physical.
But what really sent my stomach dropping was it’s eyes.
They weren’t lifeless black orbs like the smaller ones.
They were literally glowing.
A deep, eerie crimson that flickered as if sothing inside was alive, watching. Thinking.
This was no ordinary spider.
This was definitely a fully grown one.
A Tier 1 creature.
The realization made my breath catch.
Ma, as always, was the first to act.
Without hesitation, she jumped forward, her dagger flashing. The silver blade aid for its exposed joint—where its upper leg t the body. A precise strike.
But it didn’t land.
Sothing shot out of the spider’s torso.
Thin, whip-like spikes shot after Grandma as fast as lightning.
"Ma—!" I barely had ti to yell before she twisted, barely managing to raise her arm in defence. The black spikes crashed against her blade, throwing her several feet back.
I felt the blood drain from my face.
The other spiders never did that.
What the fuck?
Did it have another ability?
This wasn’t just a Tier 1 beast. It had awakened sothing beyond its basic acid saliva.
Ma’s knuckles were white around her dagger.
"We’re leaving," she ordered, her voice sharp.
She shot a warning, making sure that I would listen.
"Now."
The spider crouched, its legs tensing as it prepared to pounce.
But before it could, Ma moved.
Her dagger flashed through the air, spinning straight at the beast’s head.
It rushed back as soon as the blades ca slicing at its legs.
The Tier 1 creature did not take much damage, but it made the monster screech—just enough of a distraction.
"Move, Noah!"
I didn’t need to be told twice.
I turned and bolted, following Ma into the trees.
The forest blurred past as we ran.
The damp air filled my lungs, the wind whipping against my face. My heart hamred in my ears.
I could hear the thing behind us.
Branches snapped. The ground trembled under its weight. Its guttural clicking echoed through the trees, growing closer.
We weren’t fast enough.
My mind raced, desperate for a plan.
"Left!" Damien’s voice rang in my head. "Take the slope! It would give you better leverage-"
I obeyed instantly, veering off to the left where the ground sloped downward.
Ma followed without hesitation.
The incline made our speed faster, and for a second, I thought I would make it.
Then I heard a whistling sound.
I didn’t even see them—just heard the sharp whoosh cutting through the air.
"Arghh!"
Ma’s body jerked mid-step.
I barely caught her as she stumbled, her weight nearly knocking over.
Turning to her figure, my stomach twisted.
Spikes.
Three of them. Embedded deep into her back and shoulder.
Blood seeped through her cloak, staining the fabric red.
She was still moving, but her steps were unsteady.
Damien cursed. "Shit—find cover! It’s locking onto you two!"
I gritted my teeth. "Where?"
"Northwest—forty ters! There’s an old tree, hollow trunk. Thick vines should keep it hidden!"
I didn’t question it.
I grabbed Ma’s arm and pushed forward, forcing my legs to move faster despite the burning in my lungs.
The spider wasn’t far behind.
I could feel it. Its presence lood behind us, the sound of its clicking growing louder, its massive legs crushing everything in its path.
Ma’s breathing was getting heavier.
Her steps got slower.
Clenching my jaw.
I saw it-
Almost there.
A massive tree stood ahead, its roots twisting into the earth like thick veins.
Vines hung from its branches, hiding a small hollow in the trunk like natural curtains.
A hiding spot.
I half-dragged Ma the last few feet, shoving us both inside.
Then, silence.
I forced myself to stay still, pressing a hand over my mouth to quiet my breathing.
Ma sank against the bark, her face pale, sweat trickling down her temple. Her breath ca in quiet, controlled exhales.
Outside, the clicking slowed.
The ground trembled as the creature stopped.
It was close.
I could feel it just beyond the vines, lingering.
I gritted my teeth.
Seconds stretched into minutes.
Then, finally—
The clicking faded.
It moved on.
I exhaled sharply, my arms trembling.
That was too close.
I turned to Ma.
Blood still leaked from her wounds. The spikes were twisted at the ends. Removing them would be brutal.
Her expression was tight as she leaned against the bark. "We don’t have ti for this," she muttered. "We have to keep moving before it doubles back."
"You’re not moving like this."
She shot a glare. "Noah—"
I was already pulling out the healing potion grandpa had left us in Ma’s space ring.
Her eyes darkened. "We only have two left."
"I know."
"Then don’t waste one on ."
"Not wasting." I held the bottle out. "Drink."
"Noah—"
"Drink it, Ma."
She stared at , lips pressed in a firm line.
I didn’t budge.
Her gaze softened slightly. Then, with a sigh, she took the bottle.
The mont she swallowed, her wounds began closing. The bleeding slowed, though the deep punctures still looked raw.
I exhaled. "Lie down. Just for a bit."
She shook her head. "We need to—"
I pressed my hand against her shoulder, gently pushing her back.
"Rest."
She sighed again but didn’t fight this ti.
I leaned back, finally letting the exhaustion sink in.
We had survived.
But just barely.
And that thing was still out there.
Waiting for us in preparation.
Ughhh
What a drag–
***
A/N: Today onwards, I will be releasing 2 chapters a day!!
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