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Paliseth carried me ever deeper into Arachne Cavern. As we got deeper in, the amount of spiders we encountered only grew by the minute. From the initial head-sized spider, we began bumping into spiders the size of a small basin, to finally that of a large basin. Not only that, there were now monsters with the lower body of a spider and the upper body of Dark Elf following us.

These monsters were the Dryders I had heard about not too long. Being the monster that they were, they were naturally naked as well. Dryders had males and females, and no matter which gender they were, they were all above average in terms of appearance. Unfortunately, that only applied to their upper half…

For the most part, Dryders had a humanoid upper half except for their arms which were covered in a sturdy exoskeleton. Their hands were covered in the same exoskeleton that tapered out into a sharp claw reminiscent of a demon’s. Even in the relative darkness of the cave, I could see a dangerous glint off the tip of their claws, offering the glimpse of what fell fate would befall anyone unfortunate enough to cross their path.

In general, Dryders came out to be roughly two to three meters in height with the majority of that being due to their arachnid lower half. They had a variety of attack options available on top of their usual spider silk. Depending on their individual genes, they might even have some unique attacks.

For example, if the Dryder in question had the genes of a poisonous spider within him or her, any attack made would be laced with poison as well. Spiders with spiky carapaces would result in Dryders having the same characteristics as well. For these Dryders, the spikes would mostly manifest in their rear and came in at a shocking ten centimeters length and half a centimeter thickness.

These spikes weren’t particularly deadly on their own, but the sheer numbers available gave the Dryder a distinct advantage in battle. A Dryder activating this skill could easily cover an enemy’s field of vision in spikes. However, such an attack had a short duration as the Dryder only had so many spikes.

In essence, if such a Dryder suddenly turned his or her rear towards you, you could be sure that he was about to activate his ultimate weapon.

Other than the aforementioned two strains of Dryders, there were countless others as well but Paliseth did not go into further details. Instead, she ended up carrying to a horrific section of the cavern. As for what made this particular section so horrific, it was those spine-chilling cries in the air generated by the coupling of a monster spider and a female Dark elf.

As we got closer and closer to the source of this sound, the stench that assaulted my nose nearly left me retching in disgust. The scene itself was… graphic, to say the least… the kind that would forever haunt me in my dreams.

Furthermore, it had to be said the female vessels in this section were all mad. They had to be! They were either mad or twisted. Who knew if they were even able to reproduce at this point. Either way, they were either broken in the head or broken down there. Then there were those who had become soulless puppets, completely oblivious to the trauma around them.

Now that we had passed by that horrific breeding ground, the next area Paliseth carried me to could only be described as a cliff. Even though we were clearly in a giant cavernous system of tunnels, there was somehow a cliff-like formation that dropped off into a giant basin that contained nothing but a greyish mass of spider silk -disgusting.

“My dear, we’ve arrived.” She lowered me down onto the ground then smiled knowingly at me. Her slightly cold hands reached out to grasp my face and turned it till I had no choice but to face her. Staring right into my eyes, she said so in a teasing voice, “Such a beautiful little thing, if you weren’t so perfect, your big sister would have kept you to herself already.”

I curled my lips in annoyance. “I’d rather not. Compared to being your husband, I would much rather face a spider.”

“What do you mean husband? Your big sister is the husband in this relationship.”

“So does this count as Jezsere having contributed?” I said, ignoring her usual flirtatious teasing entirely.

“Are you worried that I would send her here?” At that point, she laughed heartily and said, “Don’t worry, I would never bear to send her here. That was just to scare her a little, it’s not my fault she’s like that…”

Naturally, I didn’t believe a word she said. After all, she had already cheated my innocent feelings once. Even so, what she said made sense as well -a tiger didn’t eat its own cubs. But these were the Dark Elves we were talking about… one couldn’t be too sure.

“My dear, I think you should be more worried about yourself.” Her voice turned icy cold at that point, following which I felt a shove on back and down I went. “Well, not like it matters now. The best has to be left for our goddess after all.”

The moment we reached cliffedge, I knew she was about to do something to me. The most likely scenario was that she pushed me off the cliff so that was what I prepared myself for. Honestly, even with my limbs and wings bound up, I still had a way to break free. At the same time that she pushed me off the cliff and I felt a sense of weightlessness, I wasn’t worried at all. This was all within my calculations.

Shadow Demon!

My shadow began to twist and turn into its own separate entity. The Shadow Demon’s first act was to transform its shadowy arm into a blade and slice apart the spider silk. Given that my Shadow Demon had merged with Shadowfang before, an Epic-grade weapon, it was only to be expected that it inherited that weapon’s sharpness, a fact that I only recently discovered.

No matter how strong Paliseth’s silk was, there was no way it could stand up to the sharpness of an Epic weapon.

Now that I had broken free of the silk, I immediately beat my wings to distance myself from Paliseth. Yet this escape plan of mine was doomed to failure from the start. She held absolute control over this situation, and without my Devil King Idol to protect me, I really wasn’t much of a threat to her.

“My dear, you can’t escape so you’d better behave.” She licked her lips seductively like she was recalling a particularly delicious memory. “If you’re too naughty, you might just get spanked.”

“You would have to catch me first then.” Now that I was free, I was more than confident enough to talk back to her. “I’ll leave the Devil King Idol with you for now. I’ll be back.”

I was done messing around that harlot; I quickly called out to Ferti’nier in my mind to summon the teleportation gate right now. Technically speaking, the point of me accepting the summons in the first place was to visit Nicole, Roscar and the others. But now wasn’t the time for such matters. At this rate, I might just end up being a sacrifice to the Spider Queen.

There’s no helping it, I’ll find another way to return. Ferti’nier, I need you to open the teleportation gate now. Any later and I can’t guarantee my safety.

“Alright, your big sis will get right to it.”

Her unexpected efficiency surprised me. At the same time, it made me feel like I had finally won, assuming she didn’t mess up at this point.

However, two seconds passed without anything happening… Why am I still staring at that spider lady’s disgusting mug? Also, what the heck is that growing black hole? Exactly how long more before I can return to Purgatory?

“So you still have a card to play, such a pity.”

Paliseth casually fired off a magical black orb at the slowly expanding black hole. A second later, a powerful shockwave blasted forth from the collision point, knocking me a good ten meters away and causing me to lose control of my body temporarily.

Following that, the black hole and that black orb both disappeared.

It’s gone?

‘Err… Ferti’nier, what’s going on? What the heck was that black hole? Don’t tell that was the teleportation gate back to Purgatory? Why was it just the size of a football?’

“Drats… it failed… such a pain. I just knew it would get destroyed before it could form completely.” Even though she said she was annoyed, I could hear a hint of excitement in her voice. “In that case, your big sis has to start over again.”

‘Hey, what are you getting all excited for? And was that really the gate back to purgatory? Exactly how long does it need to form? Don’t tell me it needs a year!’

“Relax, relax. Your big sis has already left a marking point in Sable Radiance before leaving. Thanks to the whole summoning ritual, your big sis only needs ten seconds to form the gate -really quick, right?”

‘Now’s not the time to play around! What do you mean you need ten seconds? Are you trying to get us killed here?!’

“But setting up a gate to cross dimensions requires time. Did you think it would be easy to create such a powerful gate?”

‘Blast it… why are you even talking down to me right now? Also, why the heck didn’t you tell me something so important from the start?!’

“You never asked.” She happily replied before launching into an explanation. “Let’s be clear here, little brother, the only reason your big sis is able to create such a gate so quickly is because of the special circumstances created by a summoning. If our little brother wasn’t a summoned Devil, one would normally need…”

‘Enough, enough. I don’t want to hear about any of that right now. All I want to know is what should we do now? There’s no way Paliseth will ever give us ten seconds to create a gate. And this is her homeground too… Can you stop fooling around already, my dear big sis? We’re about to die here!’

“But your big sis is already being serious.” Having said that, her tone began to take on its usual mischievous tone. “You know, little brother, if you get into trouble, your big sis will suffer as well. That’s why your big sis cannot be any more serious right now.”

‘Curse you, stop fooling around already. Even if I can’t see your face right now, I can clearly tell that you were winking when you said that you know!’

Shameless Self-promotion

Announcement: I’ve re-opened my Patreon in case anyone wants to sponsor more chapters. Every end of the month, those chapters in early access will be released for free for all to read. If you sponsored a chapter, you will gain permanent early access to these chapters. Essentially, everyone gets more chapters to read, but those who donated get to read earlier. More chapters will then be translated at the start of the month. Explanation on the Patreon itself.

LINK HERE

If you liked my work translating Devil’s Evolution Catalog, feel free to check out Song of Adolescence. Also, every comment is appreciated even though I might not reply. I do read them.

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Wait a second, why is the array black?

Bah, now’s not the time to mind the small details. Even if the Devil King Idol’s not with me, I should just pack my things and run. As long as I can make it back to Purgatory, I can always come retrieve later when I’m stronger.

‘If we get into danger, you’d better open up that teleportation gate, got it?’

“Yeah, yeah. Just leave it to your big sis.”

Ferti’nier figuratively slapped her chest to show her confidence. Seeing her so serious for once, I calmed down significantly. After all, this was a matter of life and death; even she wouldn’t fool around with her own life.

Well, that’s the benefits of having two souls…

Having gone through that one-way teleportation, we found ourselves in front of a giant cavern. We were still in an underground environment, but there was at least a good one hundred meters between us and the cavern’s pitch black ceiling. Even so, I couldn’t help but feel a little claustrophobic.

The cavern’s entrance wasn’t particularly packed with people: only those twelve Dark Elves who took part in the ritual before and some warrior-looking guards. However, we were welcomed by an unexpected pair. It was Reyage, Jezsere’s sister, still accompanied by one of the guards who escorted him out previously. From the looks of things, they had been waiting for our arrival.

What is he doing here? I thought he got escorted away by those three Dark Elves. So how did he end up reaching here before me? Is this area somehow connected to another one-way teleportation array? Before I could clarify these burning questions however, our two parties met eyes and I knew that I would never get the chance to have them answered.

“Esteemed mother.” Realising that Paliseth was here with me, Reyage promptly paid his respects to her.

“You’re here too I see.” Even though the pair looked more like a pair of brother and sister based on Paliseth’s youthful appearance, they were most definitely mother and son. Having found a new toy to entertain her, she lowered me down on the floor and sauntered to Reyage, long, slender fingers caressing his face even before she stopped. “Such a cute child you are, you grow more and more like your father each day.”

“Esteemed mother, are you really planning to sacrifice Sir Mo Ke to the goddess?” He continued, not at all affected by her actions. Clearly, this was a common occurrence and he was already a hardened veteran on this front.

Paliseth continued caressing her son’s face. Yet even if she might have seemed playful, her words were anything but. “That’s right. It’s a shame but this decision is final.”

“I understand.” Reyage sighed softly before steeling his resolve. “I’m sorry for my impudence then, esteemed mother.”

“Oh? You…”

Paliseth was about to tease her son a little longer but her body suddenly froze up. Not only was Paliseth affected by this sudden turn of events, even the surrounding Dark Elves seemed to have suddenly been caught in some paralyzing spell as well. Each of them crumpled to the floor, eyes still wide open but limbs clearly frozen.

I’m sorry, mother.” Reyage slowly lowered his mother to the floor then immediately walked up to me. “Sir Mo Ke, we need to leave this place now.”

“What about Jezsere?”

I still had a lot of questions on mind, like what was he even doing here? And how did he just paralyze all of them? In fact, why was he even going against his own mother to help me? Where was Jezsere? There were just too many questions right and I wasn’t sure which I should ask first. However, it was undeniable that the safety of my little white bunny was one of the top priorities right now.

“She’s safe. We need to get out of here now… Oh right, how is your body feeling?”

“I’m fine.”

Whatever he had used on Paliseth had clearly not worked on me. Perhaps it was because my bloodline was too noble and could even resist such adverse effects.

“As long as you’re fine… let me help you with those bindings.” A flick of his hand later, a dagger appeared in his palms and he began walking briskly towards me. “Don’t worry, I got this all planned out.”

As long as he managed to undo my bindings, escaping was basically guaranteed. Yet just when success was within our grasp, Paliseth suddenly got up from the ground. Because of how sudden all this was, I only managed to squeeze out a quick warning.

“Behind you!”

Unfortunately, it was too late. Or perhaps it would be more accurate to say that her speed was too quick. The moment the first word had left my mouth, Paliseth was already behind Reyage, and with a quick flip over her shoulders, had him flung away like a ragdoll.

With how strong a Matriarch like her was, Reyage was not only thrown several dozens of meters away, he even slammed into the cavern wall nearby with a deafening boom. After the dust had settled on his collision, Reyage could be found lying in a perfect mold of himself carved out of the cave wall.

“Silly child, I was the one who taught you how to use those paralytic herbs. Did you think I would have no countermeasure against them?”

Having said that, she flung her arm across the room, covering the afflicted Dark Elves in a pink mist. A short while later, they were able to move once more.

“Our apologies, clan leader…”

Having regained control of their bodies, their first act was to immediately beg for mercy from Paliseth. Despair and fear were clearly written on all of their faces. While I might not have seen the methods of the Dark Elves firsthand, I could already imagine how terrifying their punishment must have been. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if she was capable of having all of them executed in a fit of anger.

“I have no time for you lot right now, get that unfortunate son of mine out of here first. We can settle this matter once the ritual is over.” Not at all bothered by the prostrating Dark Elves, she turned around and smiled sweetly at me. “My dear, it’s not good to keep the goddess waiting. Your big sister over here will happily lead you along now.”

My face immediately darkened with despair, just like those prostrating Dark Elves. Also… who the heck is a big sister? You’re old enough to be my grandmother, you old hag… Well, at least she’s not suffocating me with her chest again… not that I mind…

“Is Reyage going to be fine?”

Regardless of how his plan worked out, he got injured trying to save me. At the very least, I should ask if he was fine, else I would feel very guilty… In other words, now that I’ve asked her about him, I don’t have to feel guilty at all… Truthfully, I couldn’t even guarantee my own safety right now, let alone meddle in Reyage’s. Considering his status, Reyage should be fine… probably. Mostly.

“Hohohoho, are you worried, my dear?” Now that we were in the cavern, she continued with her usual teasing. “Don’t worry, your big sister over here knows her son well. He won’t die from something like that. Not now anyway.”

Not now anyway… you’re a really caring mother, aren’t you? And what do you mean by not now anyway? Are you planning to have him executed later?

Given my current situation, I really had no way of making demands of her, even if I got down on my knees to beg her. I still couldn’t understand why he would go to such lengths for me, but I was grateful nonetheless. Even though we were merely acquaintances, he still went against his mother’s wishes to try and save me… I’ll remember this favor. If there’s ever a chance in the future, I’ll definitely repay you. It’s just… now it’s a little difficult to do that. So, brother Reyage, I wish you all the best. Whether or not you can make it through this ordeal is all entirely up to you.

The cavern itself was a circular tunnel that extended straight ahead for nearly twenty meters. Scattered along its walls were spiders the size of a human head. At times, we would stumble upon some gooey spider eggs.

“Where are we?”

Honestly, spiders didn’t scare me, but they were disgusting. Especially when they clumped together… thank god I don’t have a phobia of such things else I would be shivering right now.

“This is our sacred ground, the Arachne Cavern.” Her sudden interjection caught me off guard and nearly made me jump in surprise. “How about your big sister bring you around for a quick tour? There’s all sorts of fascinating things here.”

“Arachne Cavern? You mean the area used to give birth to Dryders?”

“My dear, you know this place then? I bet it was Jezsere who told you; I heard you had a meeting with her just now.” Having said that, she suddenly licked my ear, causing my entire body to shiver and contort in the spider silk. Clearly aware of this anomaly, she merely chuckled.

“Hohohoho, you’re too sensitive, my dear. Your big sister just gave you a little lick, that’s all. You’re even blushing now, how cute.”

She then leaned in again for another lick.

“Let go of me!” I yelled as I withdrew my body subconsciously.

“I can let you go if you want. But if I do, I’m not sure what those spiders beside you might do.”

Having been reminded as such, I finally noticed the horde of spiders eyeing me intently. Had it not been for Paliseth, I had no doubt that I would be buried alive by spiders right now…

Shameless Self-promotion

Announcement: I’ve re-opened my Patreon in case anyone wants to sponsor more chapters. Every end of the month, those chapters in early access will be released for free for all to read. If you sponsored a chapter, you will gain permanent early access to these chapters. Essentially, everyone gets more chapters to read, but those who donated get to read earlier. More chapters will then be translated at the start of the month. Explanation on the Patreon itself.

LINK HERE

If you liked my work translating Devil’s Evolution Catalog, feel free to check out Song of Adolescence. Also, every comment is appreciated even though I might not reply. I do read them.