As I wandered through the cave looking for a spot to settle, I noticed I had an audience.
Most of the infant spiders were trailing behind me, their tiny legs clicking against the stone. They made small, high-pitched chirping noises, almost like they were excited to have a guest. Everywhere I looked, fallen webbing draped over the rocks like discarded lace.
Curious, I reached out to touch a strand.
[DING! Acquired: Spider Silk x1]
I turned back toward Roselyn, who was watching me from the shadows. "Do you mind if I collect some of this?"
"You may have as much as you want," she said, her voice echoing softly. "Just ensure you do not harm the nests. If you gather enough, I can use it to craft something better than those rags you're wearing—provided you don't mind a 'monster' making your armor."
I looked at her for a moment, seeing the way she watched over the tiny chirping spiders. "You don't seem like a monster to me, Roselyn. You just seem like a caring mother."
A look crossed her face that was hard to read—a fleeting mix of surprise and intense curiosity. She didn't respond to the comment directly, instead turning her focus back to the silk.
"I will need at least forty silk threads to make the armor. In this world, nothing is free. If you want it, you must work for it."
[NEW QUEST: The Weaver's Task]
Objective: Collect Spider Silk (17/40)
Reward: Spider Silk Armor Set (Rare), 200 EXP.
"A quest, huh?" I muttered. I guess Glacius wasn't kidding about the video game rules.
I spent the next hour scavenging the cave floor. As I worked, Roselyn and I talked. I learned that she was the 'Lord' of this sector of the forest, and that she harbored a deep distrust of humans.
"Too much greed," she said. "Most would rather fight than reason. I gave them the same choice I gave you."
"And what happened to them?" I asked.
She simply smiled, revealing her sharp fangs, but offered no further answer.
"On that note," she continued, "some of them were mages like you. If you wish, you may take a peek at what they left behind. But do not be greedy—you may take only one item."
I hesitated. "Roselyn, you're already making me armor. Isn't that too much?"
"Not at all. The items are just collecting dust in the corners of my cave. Besides..." she paused, her many eyes narrowing slightly. "You seem different. I want to see how you grow. Perhaps one day, when you are stronger, you can return for a duel. If you win... maybe we can travel together. I have been stuck in this forest since I was their size."
She gestured gently to the babies scurrying around my boots.
I smiled. "I'll probably take you up on that. But, uh... you'll have to wear clothes if we do. You know... for the humans' sake."
Roselyn let out a sharp, melodic laugh. "Reach at least level 50 before you even dream of a chance, little mage. Then we shall see."
By the time our conversation wound down, I had gathered the final piece of silk. I handed the bundle to her, and she nodded in approval.
"They will be ready by morning. For now, this area should be safe for you to sleep. By the way..." She looked down at the hatchlings still huddling near my feet. "The little ones seem to like you. If you bond with one, you may find yourself with a monster companion for your travels."
With that, she turned and vanished into the deeper recesses of the cave, leaving me alone with the chirping spiders and the glowing blue screens of my interface.