Episode 81
The students had already encountered the 3rd Druid.
The guy I saw at that time transformed into the form of an Ancient Wear Wolf.
But this time, it seemed to be completely different.
“That’s…!”
The monster that came out of the cage was a huge dark red spider.
Because of the golden M-shaped pattern on her head, she was called Crown Arachne.
It was a powerful monster that was classified in a similar class as the Ancient Wear Wolf.
Hey profit! Fighting.
The guy spewed white thread from his tail and climbed up to the ceiling of the arena.
Then, while hanging upside down, she stared at her surroundings with her eight eyes shining.
‘It won’t be easy.’
As Anselm warned, Crown Arachne was a very picky one.
Sticky spider webs, deadly venom, and eight legs that move freely through terrain.
It was extremely difficult for humans with their feet on the ground to deal with.
All the students were letting out a low sigh.
“I understand why you emphasized 10 people in 1 group, but can you beat something like that?”
“It seems better not to challenge at all. If you get stabbed by fangs, you’ll end up without a chance to use your hands?”
“Isn’t that why wizards are waiting? To use detoxification magic?”
“I already recorded my body by the time I cast it.”
“Write! I’m worried.”
This cooperative training was not compulsory participation.
It was a way for only Joe to go out confidently.
So the competition rate was a bit low, but no one was willing to participate.
It was because the opponent was too strong.
In addition, as Anselm’s explanation continued, the students’ faces turned blue.
“Currently, that 3rd Druid has been maintaining Spirit Descent ever since it was captured. It’s kind of runaway.”
As he explained, there was a black pendant at the bottom of Crown Arachne’s chest.
crackle! crackle!
However, isn’t the black ghost’s seal instantly turning silver and then returning to its original state?
Some students who saw it expressed their doubts.
“Huh? Didn’t that just turn silver?”
“What are you talking about? It’s just black now.”
“Whatever it is, I just won’t do it.”
It was a very brief change, so most of them seemed to go unnoticed.
He was just fed up recalling the majesty of the 3rd druid he had seen before.
Eventually, Anselm pointed to the wizards in the Blue Tower and finished his explanation.
“If we ever get into danger, we’ll cast a control spell on our mage tower. Then the training material will stop moving, so don’t worry too much.”
But no one believed what he said.
“It’s really spinning. Who’s doing this kind of training?”
“Unless it reaches an additional point…”
But it was just that moment.
chuck! chuck!
A group of people marched out toward the entrance of the arena.
They said, bowing their heads toward the seats of honor where the president and professors were sitting.
“We’ll do it first!”
The one who declared the participation without fear was Franz, the leader of Group 1.
While watching the situation leisurely, I burst into a small laugh inwardly.
‘He’s a madman at the bonus point.’
The difference in points between the princes was virtually non-existent.
It was a situation that could be overturned with just one evaluation, so I had no choice but to be impatient.
That’s why they rushed to me to join the group.
“I like the courageous challenge. If Group 1 succeeds, I’ll give you an extra point.”
“Thank you, President!”
Since only a very small number of points could be given, each point was very precious.
To the extent that Franz, who was united with that pride, bowed his head.
‘Ah, of course she’s like that because she’s her biological mother.’
Anyway, the first challenger was Franz’s group 1.
It seemed that the power was greatly increased by merging with the 4th group that recorded compliant grades in the druid subjugation mission.
“Still, wouldn’t it be possible to win with 1 trillion?”
“The 2nd Prince’s skills are said to be outstanding, but the opponent is really bad. It’s a Crown Arachne.”
“It will be an unpredictable match.”
The students watched Group 1’s challenge with a mixture of worry and anticipation.
I was also watching Franz’s behavior with interest.
The second prince glared at the crowd where the third prince was sitting for a while, then looked away.
But then, our eyes met.
There was only one emotion I felt from the momentary exchange of gazes.
‘Confidence? Take a look, is this it?’
That’s how Team 1 proudly went down to the semi-basement arena.
thud! Kugoong!
When the door opened and the students entered, Crown Arachne, which had been hanging upside down, reacted.
It began to emit cobwebs with its eight eyes shining.
It seemed that he had read the hostile aura of Group 1.
“Close the doorway. Cancel the control magic. Start training!”
With Anselm’s cry, the half-open iron door was violently closed.
Wow!
As the heavy shock was transmitted throughout the arena, Crown Arachne immediately shuddered.
It was because the control magic that had been restraining the body so far had disappeared.
The ferociousness of the runaway state had returned, and he let go of the cobwebs towards the ground.
charrr!
It seemed to be an attempt to create favorable terrain in advance.
“I can’t let it go like that. Let’s go!”
“Yes!”
Franz immediately led his crew and surrounded Crown Arachne in a circle.
Since the stomach is a weak point, it seemed that they thought that if they attacked from all sides, they would have a chance of winning.
But that was an obvious miscalculation.
Pooh-!
“Ugh!”
The three members of the crew, who were approaching from the rear, were neutralized by the bundle of spider webs launched like a net.
In addition, Crown Arachne lifted her hind legs and tried to strike the three down.
Quaching! Tuoong!
At least one person would have been killed had it not been for Franz who rushed in and attacked from the front.
“Damn it! Turn the angle a bit and attack! Bizolt goes to the rear and kicks out the spider web!”
“Yes, yes!”
Bizolt hurriedly moved around the battlefield at the command of the 2nd prince who suddenly burst out.
It was to save the members who were hit by the spider web netting.
Awesome! Awesome!
“All right, all right!”
It was a bit awkward to play with the sword, perhaps because he was nervous, but fortunately, the spider’s web was easily cut.
It was thanks to raising the aura.
However, Bizolt, who saved the three captives and turned his head away, made a distant expression.
It was because while 40% of the power was empty, the rest was being smashed by Crown Arachne.
“Wow… it’s exhausted.”
* * *
“Team 1 failed!”
In the end, Franz’s Joe perished like a dog before the overwhelming power of Crown Arachne.
If the wizards of the Blue Tower hadn’t intervened at the right moment, they would have all been annihilated.
‘At least I lived because of his habit.’
Crown Arachne did not immediately kill its prey.
I would inject anesthetic poison, wrap it up with spider webs, and then chew it up later.
That’s why I was able to save my life even if I hit him.
‘I can see why I brought that guy as a teaching aid.’
If you feed livestock such as cows and pigs in advance, they won’t kill the students right away.
In any case, with the disastrous defeat of Group 1, the stadium entered a lull.
“Hey, is this possible?”
“It’s absolutely impossible in my opinion. Honestly, the stadium itself is too advantageous for him.”
“Well, to fight through sticky spider webs in a confined space… By the way, who will challenge now?”
“If the 2nd Prince failed, there are only two left.”
The students murmured and stared in the direction where Ellington was sitting.
Because the Third Prince faction was the second strongest force in Benderford.
But no matter how much I thought about it, I didn’t think I could defeat Crown Arachne.
Even in this situation, the expression of the president and faculty did not change at all.
‘It’s like asking the students a question. It’s like asking them to take care of themselves.’
Quite a bit of time passed, but no challenger came out.
Then Marie Méliès got up and came out to the podium.
“It doesn’t look very nice to see everyone hesitating. The wizards of the Blue Tower will protect you just like they did. So feel free to take on the challenge.”
“…”
The president encouraged them, but no group was willing to step forward.
It must have been because he had seen Team 1 suffer so overwhelmingly.
President Méliès, slightly twisting his forehead, spread his five fingers and continued.
“We will give 5 extra points to the successful group and double the amount of prize money. In addition, we will increase the number of people up to 15. Group 1 can also try again.”
“Ugh!”
At her shocking declaration, the students all breathed in vain.
If you get that many points here, you’ll be able to settle right in the top ranks.
But, it was just that moment.
Drooling!
Didn’t Ellington jump up from his seat and start walking somewhere?
Confirming the third prince’s gaze, I shook my head wildly inwardly.
‘no. Do not come. I’ll play and eat!’
chuck!
However, Ellington, who approached without hesitation, stopped in front of me.
“The proposal I made is still valid. Why don’t we join forces?”
Sure enough, the 3rd prince had proposed an alliance.
The rewards increased as much as I did, but it seemed to ask how long I was going to stand by.
However, my position was the same as at the beginning.
“Me too. Let’s leave out the kids who aren’t very helpful.”
“If that’s the case, Adele Richter should also be removed from the force.”
“why not?”
“Because he’s the weakest among us.”
“Aren’t you pretty?”
“…”
As if the answer was absurd, Ellington stumbled with his mouth wide open.
I told the third prince an important fact.
“I thought you were quick-witted, but I still don’t seem to understand.”
“What do you mean?”
“To negotiate.
“Are you saying that the reward for first place in training isn’t enough?”
“I just need to change my point of view. Imagine that I don’t need the help of my crew.”
“……You seem to want something other than Venderford.”
Now I can talk a little bit.
With a fishy smile on my face, I lifted my chin toward Ellington.
“Good luck.”
Let’s hear what you’ll give me.