In its journey towards Thirden, the caravan entered the mountain fissure. Despite being midday, the path was dimly lit as it only received indirect light from the small amount of sunlight peeking into the fissure from above.

 

Behind the shadows of rocks and alternate paths came insect and reptile type monsters that ambushed the caravan going through the main path as it came close. There were also holes in some parts of the fissure walls and ground that giant snakes or centipedes used to hide in.

 

*Clackle clackle*

 

The sound of arthropods scurrying around echoed from the holes, which sent shivers down the players’ and merchants’ spines.

 

[Hiee..]

 

The majority of the healer types, which were girls, couldn’t help but scream and cling to the vanguard men at every sound in the surroundings. The shadows also seemed to move in the corner of their eyes, but would appear normal the moment they turn towards it.

 

The men thought they were lucky. That was until a dark reddish brown centipede much bigger than the previous ones they encountered came out from a hole near them. It had a body as thick as a man and it was long enough to tower over the players when it stood. About a quarter of it was still inside the hole.

 

[Damn, a mother centipede!]

*Snap snap*

 

The centipede raised its front and snapped its fangs to intimidate its prey. Amber venom dripped from its mouth and sizzled when it hit the ground.

 

[Eek, NOO!]

[Shit, let go! I can’t fight it like this!]

 

The girls clung harder to the men. Some even shoved forward the man they’re clinging to before running away.

 

The healer girls weren’t strong enough that the vanguard men didn’t budge when they were shoved. However, one especially unlucky man had a female knight clinging onto him. He got shoved with enough force to get thrown right in front of the centipede.

 

[Oof..wha-]

*Snap*

[AGH!]

 

Before the man could stand back up, the centipede bit into his chest. His armor got pierced like paper by the centipede’s fangs.

 

The centipede raised the man as if to showcase him to the others, then it injected a huge amount of venom into where it bit. The man struggled while slamming his fists on the centipede’s hard exoskeleton covered head.

 

*Splatter*

 

Viscous amber colored liquid came out of the gaps of the man’s armor. Then, it also started pouring out of the man’s mouth. The man struggled and held onto his neck as if to strangle himself before becoming limp while occasionally spasming.

 

At the sight of this, most of the girls that still clung to the men lost strength in their legs and fell on their butts. With that, most of the vanguards were freed. Those that weren’t finally got fed up and pushed the girls with enough force to throw them back towards the merchants.

 

[Stay there! Fucking hell.]

 

Led by Mike, the vanguard men surrounded the centipede that was still busy with its catch. Then as if in sync, they attacked the centipede at the same time.

 

The ones with blunt weapons directly attacked its carapace, cracking it and turning anything inside into mush. The ones with bladed weapons attacked the joints and gaps.

 

In pain, the centipede spat out the melting corpse that was between its fangs and went for the closest man.

 

The corpse tumbled and stopped right in front of the girls that were huddling near the merchants. Facing them was its half melted face.

 

[Hic!]

 

The mother centipede finally came out of its hole completely. Its tail had hundreds of foot long yellow baby centipedes attached.

 

The baby centipedes detached from the mother centipede and moved as one like a wave. They ignored the players and went towards the half melted corpse.

 

*Crickle crackle*

 

At the sight of the baby centipedes feasting on the half melted corpse, the girls froze. About a quarter of them fainted. If it weren’t a game, they would’ve probably soiled themselves.

 

The skilled magician from the group went forward and used a flamethrower-like spell on the baby centipedes until nothing was left, then went to support the vanguards still fighting the mother centipede. 

 

The centipede, which was about to bite another person like it did with the man, was shot by the magician’s fireballs right in its face.

 

*Boom*

*Screeeech!*

 

Putting aside its disgusting looks, the “mother centipede” is actually a boss monster that’s recommended to be fought by a party of at least four. With the caravan having more than enough players, they were now able to easily deal with the centipede after they recovered from the initial confusion, even if it’s just mostly the male players.

 

Now bored with the situation becoming under control, Elle stood up on the roof of the halted carriage she was on, then faced the centipede.

 

The centipede also stood. Then, just when it was about to strike down on a nearby person again, *Pew* a black beam shot from between Elle’s horns.

 

Elle turned her head sideways. The void magic filled beam, which erased everything in its path, followed where Elle’s head faced. It passed through the centipede’s neck as if to slice it. Then, the centipede’s head fell.

 

*Thwoom*

 

The rest of the centipede’s body, which had half of it raised before the neck was sliced, slammed on the ground and squirmed randomly with its greenish yellow belly up.

 

The players turned to Elle with a complicated look on their faces. They were about to point out that Elle should’ve dealt with the centipede right from the start before things got complicated, but before they could, Elle raised one of her hands with her palm facing upwards.

 

*Fwoom*

 

Above her, a black fireball as big as a basketball appeared. Then, the fireball grew and became about three meters in diameter. At that moment, everyone no longer had the courage to voice their complaints.

 

The fireball kept growing until it reached five meters in diameter. Then, Elle compressed it until it was the size of a baseball.

 

Elle brought the black fireball, which was floating above her palm, in front of her face. Then, she blew on it gently as if blowing bubbles.

 

The fireball flew forward slowly and entered one of the holes.

 

[Those who don’t wanna get singed, gather near the merchants.] Elle

 

In panic, everyone rushed towards where the merchants gathered during the centipede fight. They didn’t know what Elle meant exactly, but they didn’t stay around to find out. The vanguards dragged the fainted girls along.

 

There were actually a few players unrelated to the caravan quest that were grinding within the holes and caves of the fissure. They, who were unbothered by disgusting insects, had very little competition and were able to monopolize the experience and drops. They were unfortunate that Elle happened to be passing through the fissure that day.

 

[Huh, what’s this little ball?]

*Flick*

 

A few seconds after the black fireball entered a hole, it was flicked by an unsuspecting player.

 

*Fwooooosh!*

 

Black flames blazed out of every hole in the vicinity like flames out of a giant blow torch. It was not hot, but everyone knew getting hit by those black flames was worse than getting burned by normal flames.

 

The black flames continued to blow out for what felt like a long time. In reality, it was only a few seconds, but their tension made it feel longer.

 

Some of them knew there were players within the holes. They could only keep silent and hope they don’t fall victim to such unreasonableness if they ever cross paths with Elle again in the future.

 

When the flames stopped, Mike went to ask Elle.

 

[That should take care of our insect problem. Is it safe to go now?] Mike

[Looks like there’s one survivor, though.] Elle

 

Elle said while looking at the wall above. The mark on her forehead glowed to show the others that she’s using an ability to find any survivors.

 

[Something survived THAT? What if it’s a raid boss??] Dion

[You’re right. Let’s hurry before it comes looking for revenge.] Mike

[That, over there!]

 

A player pointed toward a large hole above them. From the hole, a giant spider stood and looked down at them. The spider, which was larger than the usual spiders they encountered before, had cracks all over its body.

 

[Those cracks. Was it damaged by the black flames?] Dion

[No, I’ve read this in the forums before. It’s..on the verge of evolving.] Mike

[No way..] Dion

 

The spider instantly created a cobweb on the hole behind it, then it moved backwards to push against the cobweb.

 

[What’s it doing?]

[That..TAKE COVER! Vanguards forward, shields up!] Mike

 

When it seemed the spider couldn’t push the cobweb further anymore, it let go of its grip.

 

*BANG!* The spider used the cobweb like a sling to shoot itself forward. From above, the spider came at a difficult to follow speed.

 

*Whoosh* The spider passed above the caravan without hitting anyone.

 

Before the players could turn to where the spider went, *boing* the spider bounced on another cobweb that it deployed on a hole behind the players beforehand.

 

Maintaining its speed, the spider passed through the players again. This time, it passed between them instead of over them. Then, the spider disappeared into a hole at the opposite side without bouncing back to the players.

 

[..what just happened?]

 

The players stood confused while still on guard.

 

[Looks like nobody even realized it.] Elle

 

Elle jumped down from the roof of a carriage, then walked towards the players that looked at her, curious of her remark.

 

[The spider snatched someone, and it looks like it’s smart enough to target the leader.] Elle

[M-Mike?]

 

The players looked around frantically. Around them, Mike was nowhere to be seen.

 

[This would’ve been effective if a leaderless group got surrounded by monsters. Fortunately, the rest of the monsters were already annihilated by the dark flames.] Elle

[..then, what do we do now?]

[Since it’s safe now even without Mike leading, everyone should proceed to Thirden. I’ll go rescue Mike. Dion, come with me.] Elle

[Wait, what??] Dion

 

Elle ignored Dion’s protests and grabbed him by the back of his armor. Then, she walked towards the hole where the spider disappeared into, without budging no matter how much Dion struggled.

 

[...]

 

The merchants and the rest of the players looked into the hole and at each other. Then, not wanting to get involved, they proceeded towards Thirden as if what happened was no longer their business.

 

A woman dressed as a merchant among them separated without anyone noticing by using stealth skills, and entered the hole to follow Elle and Dion from a distance.

 

---

 

In a spacious cave, the giant spider stood. Beside it was Mike, whose body was bent sideways at a ninety degree angle, on the floor without his helmet. Pink foam that was a mix of his saliva and blood came out of his mouth. His neck was stretched to twice its length, blood dripped from his ears, and his eyes dangled out of its sockets. His body wasn’t able to endure the sudden acceleration when he was grabbed by the spider and ended up in such a state.

 

[Oh no, he died too soon.] Elle

[Shit!] Dion

 

Elle and Dion came into the cave and found Mike and the spider. Dion cursed and took his stance at the sight of the spider.

 

[Relax. It’s under my control.] Elle

[..what are you saying?] Dion

 

Without letting his guard down, Dion glanced at Elle.

 

To show what she meant, Elle raised one of her hands and channeled magic through it. The magic illuminated the invisible wires attached to her hands and the spider.

 

[You..you’ve been pulling the strings from behind the scenes?] Dion

[Figuratively and literally.] Elle

 

Elle smiled at Dion to affirm his suspicion, and pulled on the wires on her fingers to show that the spider was under her control. In reaction to the wires, the spider waved one of its forelegs as if to greet them.

 

Controlling the spider wasn’t the only thing Elle did behind the scenes, though. During the caravan’s travel through the fissure, Elle amplified the sounds that came from the holes, manipulated the shadows to make it seem to move in the corner of the others’ eyes, lured the mother centipede towards them, and adjusted the half melted corpse’s trajectory so that it would stop right in front of the terrified girls. Although, she didn’t expect the baby centipedes to go right after the corpse at that time and was pleasantly surprised.

 

These “pranks” weren’t something she would be able to do anymore once she started to encounter players that have skills, abilities, or gear that enables them to see the flow of magic. Same goes for her almost invisible wires.

 

[Then, you killed Mike?? Don’t tell me, you’re the hitman?] Dion

 

Elle deepened her smile and gave a nod.

 

How lucky was he that the so-called White Devil herself took the hitman quest he paid for. But what if the devil turns on him by the end of the quest? Dion had such thoughts.

 

[It’s too bad he died so fast. How about I resurrect him in that state?] Elle

[Y-you can do that? No, that won’t be necessary.] Dion

[The quest says torture, so torture it is.] Elle

[Wait!] Dion

 

Elle tried to use Blasphemous Resurrection manually according to her understanding of the skill.

 

Mike started to spasm. Then when the spasming stopped, his mouth moved as if trying to speak, but no voice came out since he couldn’t breathe. His elongated neck was broken, so he was paralyzed from the neck down.

 

With his eyes dangling out of its sockets, his eyelids blinked futilely. His view was probably distorted due to this, with the eyeballs out of his control and could only point towards the pull of the gravity.

 

[C-cruel..] Dion

[This is your request, remember? Oh, don’t worry about being heard. His ears look busted.] Elle

 

Elle pulled on the wires on her fingers, then the spider used its webs to raise Mike’s head slightly and point one of his dangling eyes towards his body. Then, the spider repeatedly stabbed Mike’s stomach with its sharp forelegs. The barbs on its sharp forelegs occasionally pulled Mike's innards out. Dion went pale at the sight of Mike being kept conscious in such a state. Then after a few more seconds, Mike disappeared, leaving a loot pouch.

 

[Tsk, he must’ve used the new forced church resurrection feature.] Elle

[..that should be the end of the hitman quest. How about we go back to the caravan now. Please?] Dion

 

Dion didn’t want to be alone with Elle any longer and asked half beggingly to return to the caravan.

 

[You’re envious of Mike, aren’t you?] Elle

[What??] Dion

[That’s why you made this request to Hitman’s Guild.] Elle

 

Instead of returning to the caravan immediately, Elle started questioning Dion.

 

[What is it that you’re envious of? Abilities? Leadership? Positi-] Elle

[Shut up!] Dion

 

Dion raised his voice angrily at Elle, though he didn’t dare to actually shout, considering it’s Elle he’s talking to. Without him knowing, Elle activated Siren’s Voice to lace her voice with magic, which incited his emotions.

 

(No matter what world, there are always corrupt knights like him that pull the honest ones down.) Elle

 

[I can help you, you know? Have you seen the enhancements I did to myself in Firsten training grounds? I can give something similar to you.] Elle

[That, yes..but isn’t it painful?] Dion

 

Elle also activated Succubus Pheromones and filled the cave with a subtle scent that a regular person without smell enhancing skills wouldn’t be able to detect. It served to raise her persuasiveness and slightly cloud Dion’s judgement. Though, it seemed to have clouded his judgement a little too much.

 

[What’s in it for you, though? How about you give me all the enhancements you can give, or I’ll report you being a hitman to the Knight’s Guild?] Dion

 

*Flap* Elle used Demonic Transformation and flew towards Dion to grab his neck.

 

*Thud* Elle slammed Dion to the wall raised slightly so that he could tiptoe to the ground just barely if he didn't want to get choked by his own weight. Then, Elle pointed the claws of her other hand to Dion’s face.

 

[Did you think you could blackmail me?] Elle

*Cough* [I-I’m sorry..] Dion

 

Elle, in her demonic transformation, looked straight into Dion with a poker face.

 

While she seemed offended, Elle actually didn’t care if she was reported to the Knight’s Guild. She pretended to be offended so she could act smoothly on the idea she just had.

 

[Alright, let's make a deal, then. I’ll give you enhancements, but if you report me to the Knight’s Guild, I’ll take it all back and even take a stat rank along. And if you fail to endure receiving the enhancements, I’ll take the successful enhancements back.]

 

Elle loosened her grip on Dion’s neck, then Dion fell to his knees.

 

*Cough cough* [Stat rank? You can take that from me?] Dion

[You’ve no idea what I’m capable of. Think about it, though, you only need to keep quiet about me from the Knight’s Guild to avoid getting a stat rank stolen, and you get to keep the enhancements you can endure.] Elle

 

Like whispers of a devil, Elle convinced Dion to take the deal. Elle held her hand forward as if to help Dion up from his kneeling position.

 

[Alright..deal.] Dion

 

Dion took Elle’s hand and stood up, then he reluctantly shook hands with Elle.

 

[Okay. First, you need to set your pain numbing settings to 0%, or it won’t work.] Elle

[What, why??] Dion

[Just do it.] Elle

 

Dion started to have doubts about getting enhancements, but then, he steeled himself and adjusted the pain settings from his menu.

 

If a girl could endure it, I should be able to, thought Dion. He forgot it was Elle he was comparing himself to, rather than an ordinary girl. His judgement was still slightly clouded by Elle’s Siren’s Voice and Succubus Pheromones.

 

[Next, I’m gonna connect these wires directly to your brain stem. We wouldn’t want to have the enhancements fail due to you squirming around. I’ll at least leave you able to speak.] Elle

 

Dion stood still, then Elle stuck the remaining wires not connected to the spider into the back of his neck. He felt like he was stung by bees, which he endured quietly.

 

With the wires connected to Dion’s brainstem, Elle controlled his body and had him lay down on the floor.

 

[Now then, how about enhancing your general physical stats?] Elle

 

Elle created glowing magic symbols, then plastered it into Dion’s body.

 

*Gasp* [Kuh..ow, Agh! Ah-AAAAAAAAAAAAA-] Dion

 

Dion screamed to the top of his lungs from the burning pain that penetrated deep into his bones and muscles. It looked surreal as his body remained still which did not match his screams. He sweated profusely, which drenched his clothes underneath his armor.

 

[[Skill "Physical Enhancement EX" Lv3 acquired!]]

 

[HAH, HAH, Hah, ha..is-is it over?] Dion

[Next, let’s give you a commanding voice fit for a leader.] Elle

[W-wait! It’s too much!] Dion

[Oh? But you’ll need this if you wanna become an exceptional knight like Mike.] Elle

 

“Like Mike”. Elle further incited Dion’s envy.

 

[..okay..I’m ready!] Dion

 

Dion shouted as if to hype himself up. Then, Elle plastered magic symbols into his throat.

 

Dion opened his eyes and mouth wide, then he raised a silent scream. He felt his throat burn as if he drank boiling oil.

 

[[Intense stress detected. Would you like to forcibly resurrect?]]

 

[[Skill "General’s Commanding Voice" Lv5 acquired!]]

 

[Fuuh, fuuh, fuh..] Dion

[Next, let’s enhance your mind and give you better situational and team awareness of a leading knight.] Elle

[..no more..please..] Dion

 

Dion took deep ragged breaths and his eyes were half closed and lifelessly stared into nothingness as he begged for it to end.

 

[With this, not just becoming like Mike, you will even surpass him.] Elle

 

Tempted by the devil, light returned to Dion’s eyes.

 

[D..do it!] Dion

 

Elle plastered magic symbols directly to Dion’s brain.

 

Dion opened his mouth and screamed silently again with his tongue sticking out. His mouth was opened so wide that a little more would’ve dislocated his jaws. His eyes were bloodshot and rolled back. He started shedding tears of blood and his nose also started to bleed.

 

[[Intense stress detected. Would you like to forcibly resurrect?]]

[[Intense stress detected. Would you like to forcibly resurrect?]]

[[Intense stress detected. Would you like to forcibly resurrect?]]

 

Dion endured and forced his clouded thoughts to not accept the forceful resurrection.

 

[[Skill "Natural Leader" Lv5 acquired!]]

 

Elle detached the wires from Dion’s brainstem, then she whispered to Dion.

 

[You’ve endured well. You can rest now.] Elle

 

The satisfied feeling of succeeding, the pain coming to an end, Elle’s whisper laced with Siren’s Voice, and the subtle scent from her Succubus Pheromones.

 

Dion closed his eyes and relaxed his body, then, bit by bit, his intense breathing started to slow down. His breathing continued to slow down.

.

.

.

until his breathing came to a stop.

 

Cardiac arrest. Brought by sudden relaxation from an extremely tense state.