Weave Shadow Nest! Cave Lord!

As Leon sat cross-legged to meditate and rest, insect chirps of "chik chik chik" surged like crashing waves from a spiderweb-like nest in one corner of the north side of the first floor of the labyrinth.

Dense spiderwebs tangled through the cramped space, weaving interconnected bridges through the air.

Tens of thousands of Cave Spiders moved through the place.

There were huge ones two meters long, and hatchlings no bigger than a palm... Just one glance at that densely packed swarm would send anyone's SAN plummeting! Even the boldest and most experienced adventurers of Sword and Broken Sword Pavilion would turn and flee without hesitation upon seeing it...

If they could still escape.

Obviously.

This place had already gone beyond the scope of a labyrinth and become a full-fledged monster nest... This was no longer a problem adventurers could handle. It should have been dealt with by the local lord.

For adventurers making a living in the labyrinth, there was simply no need for them to shoulder the lord's burdens at the cost of their own lives.

It was worth mentioning that although Cave Spiders belonged to the category of monsters, could be summoned by the labyrinth core, and dropped magic crystals upon death... they also possessed certain biological traits, and those traits did not conflict with their monster nature.

Not only that.

Powerful Cave Spiders could develop intelligence close to that of humans, even overcome their racial talent for "solitude," and evolve into "communal tribes" with the characteristics of civilization.

Especially when monsters from the labyrinth mixed with monsters living under natural conditions, the latter would naturally bring the "advanced ideas" from outside into the labyrinth, accelerating these little bugs' transformation from "primitive spiders" into "civilized spiders."

Normally, a qualified Demon Lord would avoid letting that happen.

After all, only obedient monsters were good monsters. Monsters that united were not only useless, but would become pests within the labyrinth.

Cave Spiders were not the only monsters capable of establishing their own order.

Once these monsters formed a self-governing order, they would no longer actively answer the Demon Lord's summons. They might even break away and carve out their own territory, building independent "nests" within the labyrinth and preying on other monsters there.

In a sense, the Slave Rats that had fled to North Peak Mine were victims of exactly this situation.

When Reggie Dragon was still alive, they had lived quite comfortably in the labyrinth. Not only did they have a stable food supply, but every so often they could sneak out and steal the farmers' grain, leaving the latter hopping mad yet helpless.

However, ever since Lord Demon Lord died, the situation had changed completely.

Originally the lowest-ranking slaves in the Demon Lord Territory, they had fallen directly from "cannon fodder" to "food."

In contrast, Cave Spiders, one of the ratfolk's natural enemies, had flourished due to the absence of order at the bottom of the labyrinth.

A mother spider named Arachinos declared herself the "Cave Lord" under the support of countless descendants, establishing a kingdom called Weave Shadow Nest in the northern part of the first floor of the labyrinth.

Unlike the "solitaries" wandering the labyrinth.

They were not only stronger and more industrious, but also had clear divisions of labor.

They moved through the caves in groups. Some cared for spider eggs, some bundled captured prey, some fed plump dead-fly larvae, while others dug through labyrinth walls, carried dirt, and expanded the nest outward... They bustled about like worker bees in a hive.

Furthermore, under the Cave Lord's leadership, the Cave Spiders of Weave Shadow Nest used both kindness and intimidation to rapidly assimilate the "solitaries" wandering the labyrinth, as well as Cave Spider tribes of all sizes that had risen during the same period. As a rising power, they became one of the great forces dividing the underground world beneath Thunder City, creating a miracle-like prosperity!

Human ambition swelled. Bugs were no different.

Especially because Arachinos knew exactly how powerful Lord Demon Lord's minions were, and how weak its seemingly massive body was before them.

Those demons were not nearly as easy to bully as little rats.

Though they were temporarily unable to spare attention for the first floor near the surface, it was only a matter of time before they set their sights on this place.

And Hell would send a new Demon Lord.

That creature would not care who was innocent and who deserved death.

To gain true freedom, Weave Shadow Nest had to expand outward, enlarging both its territory and living space while increasing the size of its population, until it built a colossal "nest city" deep in the mountains that surpassed even the underground labyrinth and Thunder City—

When that day came.

Neither Hell nor the human kingdoms would dare look down on them again! Yet just as the noble Cave Lord was carrying out its grand plan, a group of creatures reeking of corpses stepped into its web...

Frantic footsteps interrupted Arachinos's thoughts. A powerful gray-shelled male spider crawled to the entrance of its chambers.

"Your Majesty, the citizens we sent to the 'frontier' have been slaughtered by adventurers from outside! The outpost has been destroyed. The ground is covered in the children's bodies. Not a single one survived!"

The "chik chik chik" insect chirps were filled with rage and grief.

If it had not feared the invaders' strength, it would have rushed up and torn them to pieces at once.

Towering like a mountain, Arachinos looked down at its servant. Disbelief and wariness flickered in its scarlet eyes.

"How is that possible... Why would adventurers target the northern entrance? That place... Hadn't they stayed away from it for a long time?"

Long before its people reached that area, unknown little spiders had already spun thick webs there.

That was precisely why it had chosen that area as the outpost for opening a new nest.

The gray-shelled male spider crouched lower, burying its enormous head even deeper.

"I... don't know... But lately, it seems to have become lively again!"

As it spoke, it seemed to recall something and hastily added.

"That previous 'bumper harvest' also seemed to have something to do with those adventurers!"

Arachinos's gaze darkened, murderous glints flickering in its scarlet eyes.

Adventurers.

Those people could have come sooner or later, yet they had chosen this moment to suddenly appear.

For Weave Shadow Nest, which was actively expanding into the northern mountains, this was terrible news beyond measure.

After pondering for a moment, it issued an order.

"Arakdo, take several hunters and investigate. Find out what those adventurers are... We need to understand what they are and what their purpose is."

"As you command."

The black-shelled, patterned-faced spider crouching in one corner of the chambers dipped its head slightly, then left on eight sturdy, nimble legs.

As for the imposing Arachinos, it dismissed its servants and turned toward the depths of the nest with a group of trembling male spiders.

Danger was drawing near.

As the mother of Weave Shadow Nest, it needed to lay more children...

Meanwhile, after finishing his meditation, Leon rose to his feet and resumed grinding monsters.

Although he kept saying the players should compete amongst themselves, he had never intended to dump every problem on them while he sat aside and rested.

As the boss of the Great Cemetery, he needed to level up more.

He could not let the players catch up to him.

Hard work paid off.

Before evening, Leon, his hands stained with blood, finally reached Level 33! Thanks to him.

The five players had also improved to varying degrees.

Among them, the Dragon Walk trio and Hu Wan had filled their experience bars. Once they had enough Contribution Points, they could officially advance to Black Iron! They would become Skeleton Soldiers like One Leaf Knows Autumn, possessing Extraordinary Power! As for One Leaf Knows Autumn, that guy was too clever. After figuring out how to deal damage and leech experience, he simply gained another level and was already LV5.

This time, not only the other players, but even Leon felt that letting this guy play for free was a massive loss.

ID: Leon

Race: Human

Soul Level: Fine Steel (Level Cap LV50)

Level: LV.33 Experience Points: (112/330,000)

Constitution: 13 Strength: 13 Agility: 13 Intelligence: 38 (+2)

Spirit: 39 (+1)

Glancing at his status panel, then at the spider corpses strewn across the ground, Leon could not help sighing.

"One general's success is built upon ten thousand bones."

Was that how the high-level demons on the front lines had fought their way up?

How many cities would they have to conquer...

At that moment, You You made an ill-timed comment by his ear.

"Lord Demon Lord, arthropods don't have bones, do they?"

Leon knew that guy would make a snide remark. He chuckled.

"Not so. Chitinous exoskeletons are also a kind of bone. I can even summon skeletons from their corpses."

Before You You could speak, Leon continued.

"And You You, that's how you end up with no friends."

You You: "Wah!"

You You: "QAQ"

Perhaps that last sentence had struck a nerve. Deeply wounded, You You transformed into an emoticon it had probably learned from the Official Website and floated away through the mirror Leon casually pulled out...

Calamity Online Official Website.

Today was unusually lively.

The closed beta server had only been open for two days. While most players had only just gathered three-digit Contribution Points, someone had already saved up 1,000 points and broken through the level cap of LV3! If that was not insider favoritism, what was?!

Boar-Headed Knight: "Insider favoritism! It's definitely insider favoritism!"

Drink It All In One Gulp Chemical Pool: "Exactly! Even if it's not insider favoritism, they definitely exploited a bug!!! I suggest the officials investigate thoroughly!"

Drink It All In One Gulp Chemical Pool: "Fuck?! Which damn admin changed my ID?!"

Knowledge Explosion: "Pfft, hahahahaha... Wait, your issue is hilarious, but put it aside for now. Let's talk about the insider favoritism!"

Boar-Headed Knight: "Exactly! I'm still LV0. How did this guy reach LV4?! (Screaming)"

Minotaur Warrior: "You've got the nerve to say that... I wanted to carry you to level up, but you were either locked in solitary or on your way there. (Sweat)"

Dragon Slayer: "Nerf him! I don't care! Nerf him! (Losing it)"

One Leaf Knows Autumn: "The others are just joking around, but you haven't even entered the game yet. (Sweat)"

Unruly Life: "Hehe, that act is pretty convincing. You gave me a good laugh."

Drink It All In One Gulp Chemical Pool: "Dog Devs, come out and face me! Tell me! Are you feeling guilty? If you're not guilty, then why did you change Drink It All In One Gulp Septic Tank to my name!"

Player "Drink It All In One Gulp Chemical Pool" has been muted for 24 hours. Please speak politely.

Old Man at the Village Entrance: "Where did this rabid dog come from? (Sweat)"

Boar-Headed Knight: "Trembling.jpg"

One Leaf Knows Autumn: "Calm down, brothers. I explained the leveling method in my strategy post. Anyone can use it, though it tests awareness and micro-control. Also, strictly speaking, I'm not LV4. I'm already LV5."

Old Man at the Village Entrance: "Holy shit! That fast?! (Vomiting blood)"

One Leaf Knows Autumn: "There were indeed some lucky coincidences, but that's not the point. Let me share my thoughts... As expected, mages are the ultimate answer in this game!"

Knowledge Explosion: "Wait, you can cast spells now?!"

One Leaf Knows Autumn: "No, but NPCs can."

Without concealing his lucky break, One Leaf Knows Autumn recounted what had happened that afternoon, vividly emphasizing Lord Demon Lord's handsome figure as he commanded wind and rain.

With a mere wave of Lord Demon Lord's hand, the Cave Spiders that took them Skeleton Soldiers ages of maneuvering and outsmarting to kite to death simply died in heaps...

The description was so exaggerated that even Leon, secretly lurking and reading, could not help blushing.

At the very end, One Leaf Knows Autumn also specifically mentioned the changes that occurred when he broke through the LV3 bottleneck.

Especially the changes to his Spirit and Intelligence attributes!

He was no longer a brainless Skeleton Soldier. He had transformed into an intelligent elite monster!

Old Man at the Village Entrance: "Now that we have MP bars, we should be able to learn skills, right?!"

One Leaf Knows Autumn: "That should be the case, unless something unexpected happens. But I haven't figured out how to learn skills yet."

Watching the players' discussion on the forum, Leon's mind began to stir as well.

"You You, is there a way to let players learn magic?"

Now that the players had MP bars, it would be too wasteful not to make use of them.

And in Leon's impression, undead worlds had creatures such as Skeleton Mages.

Though they could not make human sounds, they could still communicate with the elements of nature in their own ways and wield their own Extraordinary Power.

Likewise.

Although the players did not know the language of this other world, language should not be an obstacle to spellcasting.

You You in the mirror pondered for a while, then gave Leon an answer that delighted him.

"There is... Hmm, I was wondering whether it might be a little early, but since your image has already taken root in the players' hearts, Lord Demon Lord, I think it's about time for you to add some settings for your players."

"Settings? What do you mean?" Leon asked, utterly confused.

You You answered as though it were obvious.

"Give your followers doctrines, of course. Whether you personally send down an Oracle or speak through a representative... Isn't that sort of thing common for Gods?"

Common? Maybe it was common in this world?

Seeing that Leon still did not fully understand, You You bounced about as it continued explaining.

"For example, Saint Siss's followers said Saint Siss brought holy light, so holy light came to exist in the world... That's the most typical kind of setting!"

Leon froze slightly.

"You mean... holy light was defined into existence? It did not exist before that?"

You You nodded its abstract head. "Of course! What kind of light in the natural spectrum is that convenient? People in this world might not know better, but surely you do?"

"Actually, it's not just holy light. Most magic in this world works the same way. Communicating with elemental spirits is essentially praying to them, summoning elemental fire, elemental wind, elemental water... You've noticed it too, right? Something like elemental fire is actually different from fire in reality, isn't it?"

That was true.

Leon nodded deeply. He had wondered about that question long ago.

In reality, fire was essentially gaseous or ionized matter at high temperatures. What people saw was more often the phenomenon displayed by matter.

But the fireballs he formed through chanting were different.

That fire did not rely on the existence of any substance. It burned in the void, consuming an abstract force called Extraordinary Power. It was not attached to any concrete material, and oxidation might not even have been taking place.

"I think I understand what you mean. In other words... the essence of Extraordinary Power is actually a kind of faith?"

"That's right! Extraordinary Power and Faith Power are actually the same thing! Or to put it even more plainly, Gods gather the strength of many people and manifest things mortals firmly believe in as things that truly exist!"

As it said that, You You could not resist making another small jab.

"By the way, Lord Demon Lord, you're only realizing this now? Calamity Online's lore has been hinting at it from the very beginning."

Uh...

Had it?

If it was referring to the line, "The people of the First Era forged divinity with Extraordinary Power," that wording was far too abstract.

Leon pressed his fingers to his brow and got straight to the point.

"So what exactly should I do? Create a magic system like Saint Siss or the demon gods? Wouldn't that be too difficult for us?"

He had only around a hundred followers.

Aside from the players, there were probably only those locked in cages and the mascot girl currently on duty at the convenience store.

If even a god like him could create things out of thin air and invent a new branch of magic, wouldn't the species on this planet have long since stepped on their own feet to ascend to heaven, achieved psionic ascension, and made mind triumph over matter? You You said, "There's no need to make it so complicated! Look, Demon God didn't actually invent a new magic system either, did he? You should know this best—the magic system used in hell is still the one from the era of the God of Death. It's just been improved upon a little."

"The Second Era is different from the First Era. The people and gods before us already established a great many rules, essentially perfecting this world's underlying code!"

"So you don't need to create an entirely new kind of magic. At least for now, you only need to refer to existing magic or martial techniques and directly assign them to the players!"

"You could even let your players use holy light! It's just that holy light inherently restrains the undead under the rules. Considering that you've already attached yourself to the God of Death's system, You You wouldn't recommend doing that!"

"Directly assign them?! You mean I just need to add these things to the setting guide? It's... that simple?"

Leon found it a little hard to believe.

Yet You You nodded its abstract little head with complete confidence.

"That's right, that's right! It's that simple! After all, when players cast skills, they use their own Extraordinary Power, consume their own MP, and invoke the 'code' that already exists in this world. Strictly speaking, they aren't borrowing your power! Rather, all of you are borrowing the power that already exists in this world!"

"Once you've established the doctrine, you just need to find a teacher to show them a few times so they know what the skills look like and what effects they have. Then You You can add a skill-casting 'UI' to the players' interface, or you can personally teach them an incantation for focusing Spiritual Power. Then your little players will be able to use skills normally!"