He quickly answered very sincerely, “White River Valley…”
“Ah. I know!” The old Halfling displayed an expression of realization. “Last time there was a group of Gnolls who came down the hill that coincidentally bumped into me. They yammered about wanting to attack a territory, wasn’t it your territory?”
“Looks like those Gnolls failed?”
Marvin nodded, displaying a helpless expression, “Unfortunately, our granary was burnt by that bunch of Gnolls.”
“My people are suffering from hunger.”
“I have to bring enough food back to the territory within a week. This shortcut is the quickest way I could find.”
The old Halfling looked at Marvin, apparently verifying whether Marvin’s words were true or not.
A long time later, he nodded, “Well, watching so many people starve to death isn’t in my nature.”
“I can help you a bit, but after you succeed, you have to tell me which loathsome Wizard told you about the place I was living in seclusion.”
Marvin agreed with a smile.
This was a lot simpler.
…
The Spider Crypt was a lower difficulty instance, but it still required several players to group up to clear it.
One of the reasons was the Black Spiders’ special properties, but the most important part was that in addition to the twelve Black Spiders, a Red Spider with a Hero-like build was living here.
This spider had at least the strength of the 3rd rank, and moreover, she had gained wisdom and given herself a name, [Elizabeth].
This monster was not only strong, but also very cunning. She usually pretended to be an ordinary Black Spider to lower the vigilance of approaching adventurers, thanks to her skin being able to freely change color.
She could also speak the Common Language, enticing some simple adventurers by saying she was a young lady who had been cursed into a spider, asking them to lend a hand and save her.
Of these simple minded adventurers, most ended up in Elizabeth’s stomach.
The reason Marvin seeked out Old Tucker’s help was the existence of this Red Spider.
To bring back food from Jewel Bay, he had to thoroughly clear out the tunnel.
Twelve Black Spiders and one Red Spider Elizabeth.
The Black Spiders were nothing much, but compared to the Red Spider’s strength, Marvin’s strength was a bit weak.
Of course, if he could use the Beast-shape Shapeshift, Marvin could simply slap all those monsters into bits and pieces.
But unfortunately, the Beast-shape option was still grayed out, and he didn’t know when he could activate it again.
This reflected the drawbacks of his subclass.
The biggest shortcoming of Sorcerers was the uncertainty, and Shapeshift Sorcerers took that shortcoming to the extreme!
If he could turn his body into the Asuran Bear, Marvin simply wouldn’t need Old Tucker’s help.
But he wouldn’t lose much by seeking Old Tucker’s help, as that Halfling usually had a very good heart.
The reasons this guy lived in seclusion here were that firstly, he wanted to be peaceful, and secondly, it was considered as a self imprisonment. Old Tucker had made a great mistake when he was young. Even though he got redemption in the end, he still couldn’t forgive himself, so he came the Shrieking Mountain Range alone, found this crypt, and kept hiding under the Mountain Range, living a life in seclusion.
Old Tucker was a 3rd rank Thief. If Marvin remembered correctly, he was a level 9 Thief, and a level 4 Tracker for a total level of 13.
His fighting abilities were weaker than that of most 3rd ranks, but his Stealth and Hide were very powerful. Coupled with the Innate Halfling Stealth bonus, he could move as he pleased in the Spider Crypt.
That young Halfling at his side was an orphan he had picked up in Jewel Bay. Very rarely would a Halfling child be abandoned by his parents. Old Tucker adopted him. As was their wont, the name was inherited following the Halflings’ simple tradition.
Little Tucker.
In Marvin’s memories, Little Tucker would give a side-quest. But right now he was busy settling his territory’s food issue, so he couldn’t waste energy being side-tracked and also didn’t have much to say.
Little Tucker was also a Thief and was currently at peak 1st rank. The small guy’s talent was pretty good. He would be regarded as very outstanding among Feinan’s inhabitants.
If he could, Marvin would even think about kidnapping Little Tucker.
But unfortunately, he knew about Halflings’ stubbornness. Although this race was enthusiastic, they would never be easily convinced by an outsider.
Before he had a good enough impression on Old Tucker, he wouldn’t be able to abduct that small Halfling.
…
The party immediately left the lakeside to return to the main road and continue forward.
With the two Halflings joining the ranks, the team speed suddenly accelerated a lot.
Old Tucker took the lead, and he was really too familiar with this tunnel. He would have to take this path every time he went out to purchase necessary items.
Whenever a Black Spider appeared, Old Tucker wouldn’t make a move, letting Marvin soloing it.
And Marvin also wouldn’t avoid doing it. After slaughtering the third Black Spider, let alone Little Tucker having an admiring gaze, even the old Halfling had a whole new level of respect for Marvin.
“Very exquisite moves and blade techniques, very rarely seen at your age. You definitely must have had a great master,” Old Tucker said.
Marvin smiled, not expressing his opinion.
His skills were honed after countless battles. And a Master teaching him how to use skills? No way.
Marvin and Tucker were in front, followed by Little Tucker and Lola who felt quite safe.
The bored Lola, due to her curiosity towards Halflings, kept asking questions to Little Tucker.
Little Tucker was very shy. He kept his mouth shut while being constantly questioned by Lola. If not for the darkness, his red face might have been exposed.
As the four people continued onwards, the number of Black Spiders killed by Marvin already reached nine.
But that Red Spider Elizabeth had yet to appear.
“Should be close by,” Old Tucker said in a heavy voice.
“Everyone be careful. The Red Spider can shoot flames, the poisonous kind of flames. I don’t have the suitable antidote on me.” After saying this, he nodded toward Little Tucker.
The latter immediately entered Stealth.
Little Tucker’s stealth was still quite strong. At least he wouldn’t be found by the Red Spider and become a liability.
The old Halfling stuck his ear to the ground and listened for a bit. He suddenly made a gesture to Marvin before also entering Stealth!
Marvin understood Old Tucker’s meaning and immediately leaned his body to the side.
Hide!
In an instant, only Lola was left in the tunnel, holding a burning torch.
“Hey?”
The girl somewhat reacted. “What are you doing?”
“Why are you all hiding?”
The next instant, her expression changed!
That damned Marvin, couldn’t he be the bait himself?
“Hey! Quickly come out!”
She lifted her torch and dagger, and yelled out in fear, “Damn Marvin! I helped you…”
Her voice abruptly stopped.
Because at this time, a thumping sound started echoing from the tunnel!
A huge silhouette unhurriedly crawled over.
She supported a huge abdomen as she stuck to the tunnel wall.
Lola lifted her torch, already filled with fear.
She suddenly raised her dagger toward the spider and bluffed, “Don’t approach!”
“One more step and I’ll kill you!”
That spider ignored her and kept slowly moving forward. Lola wanted to move back, but how could she have thoug
ht that another spider would appear behind her!
“Finished, screwed!” Lola shivered from fear, falling on her butt and yelling while sobbing, “It’s like the Jiska said!”
“[Swimming Fish]’s men are unreliable!”
…
But at that time, a calm voice echoed beside her ear, “Shut up!”
A flash of light suddenly appear on her left side, as Marvin rolled and arrived at the back legs of the spider!
And on the other side, Old Tucker suddenly acted!
His dagger was as fast as lightning, and the anguished wailing of a spider could be heard!
Marvin was just as ruthless. After a simple combo, this spider’s life was over!
But when he turned to look at Old Turker, the latter had also killed a spider.
Both of their expressions immediately turned grave!
Those two were ordinary Black Spiders…
‘Fuck! This Red Spider is craftier than in the game! It’s actually able to see through our bait! Using two Black Spiders as probes!’
Marvin’s heart turned cold, immediately checking his surroundings.
Suddenly, a ball of fire was shot out from a distant location, flying toward everyone!
This ball of fire was very wide, taking up almost half the tunnel!
Marvin squinted and unhesitantly dragged Lola to the ground and covered her!
The fire whistled past his ear, almost setting his clothes on fire.
On the other side, Old Tucker also protected Little Tucker.
But they had already lost their advantage.
The Red Spider already knew they were there. She didn’t directly appear, instead disappearing at the end of the tunnel!
She would use every means to kill them. And this place was her home!
“Fuck! This is troublesome!” Marvin angrily pushed the ground.
But he hadn’t expected the ground to be so soft.
____________
Author’s Note: Lore – Feinan’s Astrological Signs
07.12-07.27: Bright Crab
07.28-08.14: Swimming Fish
08.15-08.26: Sea King
08.27-09.14: Fire Dragon
09.15-09.30: Hunter
09.31-10.12: Copper Mirror
10.13-10.27: Bull
10.28-11.11: Magic Vase
11.12-11.25: Sky Wolf
11.26-12.09: Wizard Ruler
12.10-12.25: Dragon Hawk
12.26-01.10: Windy Cliff
01.11-01.15: Snow Woman
01.16-02.01: Ash Cloud
02.01-02.17: Silver Fox
02.18-03.03: Fairy
03.04-03.17: Lion
03.18-04.06: Gold Bell
04.07-04.21: Iris
04.22-05.11: Sky Dog
05.12-05.26: Flying Snake
05.26-06.13: Great Bear
06.13-06.26: Small Bear
06.26-07.11: Gardener
…
These are the astrological signs in Feinan, and each sign has a relevant story. The specific lore will slowly be added bit by bit. Everyone can check what astrological sign they are in Feinan.
Chapter 137: Beheaded
Chapter 137: Beheaded
Translator: Translation Nation Editor: Translation Nation
The Spider Crypt was completely silent.
Lola looked at Marvin, still a bit startled, and asked in a muffled voice, “Why are you squeezing my face?”
Marvin ignored her, stood up and looked in the direction the Red Spider took.
“She temporarily retreated,” Old Tucker said seriously. “I did say this Matriarch Spider was very cunning. I tried to kill her several times, but it was impossible with only my strength.”
“It’s doable if you add me,” Marvin confidently said.
Old Tucker took a glance at Marvin and nodded after hesitating for a bit.
He could feel that Marvin’s strength was a lot higher than his rank would suggest.
The next instant, the flexible Halfling quickly started to sprint into the depths of the cave!
“Remember to follow closely!”
Marvin dragged Lola up before following after Tucker.
He knew that Old Tucker was tracking the marks the Red Spider left behind.
This was a very rare skill.
Only the Thief’s advanced class, [Tracker] had this gift.
Marvin’s Night Tracking needed to have something belonging to the target to be able to track the target, but the Red Spider only threw fire, so there was nothing left behind.
Tracking so effortlessly and quickly was something only Old Tucker, a real Tracker could do!
As Old Tucker rushed forward, Marvin followed closely behind. Lola frantically grabbed Little Tucker and said in a low voice, “Protect me!”
The young Halfling blushed. He’d had very little contact with girls, and Lola was such a good-looking girl.
He clenched the daggers in his hands and nodded.
Lola smiled, satisfied, and suddenly said to the young Halfling, “Why are you still distracted, hurry up!”
“What can we do if we lose them?”
“Ah, it’s your fault, I can’t even see their shadows!”
…
In the depths of the tunnel, Old Tucker slowed down, vigilant.
The way the Red Spider moved was very unique. He had studied it for a long time.
This unique way of walking would leave distinctive marks behind. Old Tucker relied on these to track it.
Marvin, following behind him, grasped his daggers tightly.
Although they were both used to working alone, cooperation between high level teammates was pretty good. Between experts, there wasn’t a need for lots of words, as simple movements could transmit an information to the other side.
Nearby.
This part of the tunnel was more complicated.
The main path was still a deep tunnel, and holes could be seen on the walls. A large number of scattered bones could be seen scattered around the crypt.
These bones were the remains of adventurers.
The appearance of the adventurer’s remains meant that Jewel Bay wasn’t far.
Because these adventurers had all entered the Spider Crypt from Jewel Bay’s entrance.
Most adventurers simply couldn’t get far in before they would end up in the spiders’ bellies.
Old Tucker silently made a sign, pointing at a cave overhead.
Marvin nodded.
He immediately stood to the side, using Hide. Old Tucker also smoothly entered Stealth.
[Summon Night Crow]!
[Shadow Doppelganger]!
Marvin skills were instantly released. The Shadow Doppelganger also used Hide.
And that crow flew into the cave.
After summoning the Night Crow, a completely new field of view appeared before Marvin’s eyes.
He could switch back and forth between his field of view and the crow’s.
And the Night Crow also had Darksight, so he could see everything clearly in the pitch black tunnel.
A few red spots could be seen in the cave.
Marvin knew that these were the old vestiges of the Red Spider’s venomous flames. Each spot contained a violent fiery venom!
If an ordinary person came into contact with the Red Spider’s fire venom, they would instantly die!
This was why this Spider Matriarch was so frightening. In comparison, other spiders could be seen as quite gentle.
‘The Red Spider can spit fire venom three times per day. She had already used it once, so if we want to kill her safely, we have to trick her into using it two more times!’
‘The top priority right now is to draw her out of her nest!’
Marvin’s heart moved, abruptly controlling the Night Crow to fly past.
It was purposely moving noisily and was immediately found by the Red Spider!
She suddenly approached in a threatening posture.
She had dwelled in the dark crypt for a ver
y long time, and she had wisdom far beyond ordinary creatures, but a lifeform like that crow was very unfamiliar.
She had never seen that thing before. This made her quite curious.
But the Night Crow flew very craftily, dipping down and leaving the tunnel as if he was escaping.
The Red Spider swiftly crawled down after it.
…
Chance!
Marvin was motionless in the darkness. He couldn’t see Old Tucker, but he knew that guy was a Thief. Unless there was a critical situation, he wouldn’t rashly act.
The key was still to rely on himself.
Finding the Red Spider’s cave was already hard enough. In fact, this was the main job of Thieves in many teams.
Thieves were quite inferior at frontline fighting. Even the powerful Phantom Assassin could only burst once or twice. After the burst, if they couldn’t kill the target, they would probably die.
There were three problems with the Red Spider. The first was her wisdom. The second was that she could spit fire venom. The third was her secretive whereabouts.
Old Tucker was able to help him deal with the third issue, and this already satisfied Marvin.
The Night Crow flew out flapping its wings, followed by a huge spider crawling in a ridiculous manner.
The Red Spider Elizabeth was a Black Spider who had undergone a mutation. She was the same as other Black Spiders, not able to spin much silk, and mainly relying on crawling.
Marvin deliberately let the Night Crow slow down. As a result, it was caught by the Red Spider and brought to the spider’s jaws!
The next instant, a shadow suddenly burst out and rushed toward the Red Spider from the front!
The Red Spider opened her jaws and frightening flames were shot out, directly hitting that shadow.
“Pshhh…”
That human silhouette turned into a ball of shadow, dissipating on the ground.
The Shadow Doppelganger was used!
Marvin had already made preparations. His firepower could be considered as pretty good, so he didn’t need the Shadow Doppelganger for that. This skill’s most important use was still as a body double, able to save his life.
They’d tricked the spider into expending the second use.
Marvin inwardly counted.
But at that time, the Red Spider apparently noticed something wrong and started to return to her cave!
‘Can’t let her leave!’
Night Ranger - Full Series - 735 Chapters Page 80
