The Fourth Spider

"Henry, perhaps you don't need to think so much. Granted, destiny's gifts come with hidden prices, but how do you know what price you'll pay if you choose not to accept them?"

Cathy Weber's sudden remark left Henry completely baffled.

Since she hadn't turned around when she spoke, Henry could only place a hand on the shoulder of the woman in front of him and ask, "Cathy, did you see another vision?" The slow-to-react woman turned around, her face full of confusion. "Henry, I've been watching the girls the whole time. Are you hallucinating too?" Well then. He hated this kind of mystical nonsense.

Henry waved at Cathy and silently stared at the spider before him.

What did a trembling spider look like? Henry couldn't describe it. But the little thing before him gave him the distinct impression that it was considering how to make a run for it.

Such humanlike behavior obviously shouldn't have appeared in an insect. But when Henry considered who might be standing behind this little creature, he had no intention of investigating any further.

If he really provoked an existence like the Spider Totem, one that involved the multiverse, could he still hope to live peacefully?

So Henry stared at the spider preparing to slip away. "I can take you to see the person you want to meet, but I can't guarantee what the outcome will be. In exchange, cooperate with my research."

Abandoning its thoughts of escape, the little spider actually rose onto its toes, one side higher than the other, giving the impression of a puzzled head tilt.

"Don't play dumb. I don't know why, but you understand what I'm saying, don't you? If you agree to the deal..." Henry held out his upturned palm before the spider. "Then come with me."

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