《Eclipsed Destiny》 The moment Everything changed Chapter 1: The Moment Everything Changed The city lights shimmered like scattered stars against the night sky. Standing by the window, Haruto gazed at the skyline, his phone pressed to his ear. ¡°So¡­ you¡¯re not coming home this week, huh, sis?¡± His tone was casual, but a hint of disappointment slipped through. On the other end, his sister hesitated. ¡°I¡¯m really sorry¡­ Something urgent came up at work.¡± He sighed, running a hand through his hair. ¡°Yeah, I figured. Just don¡¯t overwork yourself, alright?¡± ¡°I won¡¯t¡­ Goodnight.¡± ¡°Goodnight.¡± The call ended with a soft beep. The room fell silent. He set his phone down and glanced at his desk, where stacks of books and notes lay waiting. Another long night. He sat down, picked up his pen, and got to work. The hours passed in a blur of scribbled notes and turning pages until, finally, his alarm vibrated against the desk¡ªstudy session over. Leaning back, he rubbed his eyes. His body was exhausted, but his mind was still racing. ¡°Five minutes,¡± he mumbled, resting his head on his arms. ¡°Just five minutes¡­¡± The moment his eyes shut, sleep took him. And then¡ª A voice. Soft. Unfamiliar. ¡°I found you.¡± His eyes snapped open. Something was wrong. The warm glow of city lights¡ªgone. His desk, his books¡ªgone. Instead, towering trees surrounded him, their dark silhouettes stretching toward a sky filled with unfamiliar stars. A cool breeze whispered through the leaves, carrying the scent of fresh earth and damp moss. His breath slowed. His mind sharpened. He rubbed his eyes once, twice. No change. Okay. Think. Dream? No, too detailed. He could feel the cold, the uneven ground beneath his hands. Hallucination? Unlikely¡ªhis mind felt clear, no dizziness, no distortion. So that left¡­ what? His pulse was steady, but his stomach twisted. ¡°This is real, isn¡¯t it?¡± he muttered under his breath. The moment he said it out loud, reality settled in like a weight pressing against his chest. He exhaled slowly. Priorities: One¡ªconfirm if this place is dangerous. Two¡ªfind civilization. Three¡ªfigure out how the hell I got here. His eyes scanned the unfamiliar forest. Shadows stretched between the trees, but nothing immediately threatened him. He took a careful step forward¡ªthen stopped. A strange glow caught his eye. Kneeling, he examined a small plant with deep blue petals and a shimmering liquid pooled at its base. He frowned. That¡¯s¡­ odd. The petals had a faint glow, and the leaves were thick and waxy, unlike anything he had seen before. He reached out, brushing a fingertip along the stem¡ªfirm, but smooth. The liquid shimmered under the faint light. He narrowed his eyes. I know over 400,000 plant species. I¡¯ve studied botany, medicinal herbs, even rare hybrids¡­ But this? His fingers curled slightly. This doesn¡¯t exist. Not in any book. Not in any research. Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author. For the first time since waking up, unease crept into his mind. Could this be a rare species? A genetic mutation? Something from deep within an uncharted rainforest? He inhaled slowly. No. That still didn¡¯t explain the trees, the sky, the air itself. His surroundings weren¡¯t just unfamiliar¡ªthey were fundamentally different. His mind turned over the possibilities, searching for the logical answer. But the only conclusion that made sense was one he didn''t want to accept. This¡­ isn¡¯t Earth. The thought sent a quiet chill through him. And then¡ª ¡°Analysis complete.¡± He stiffened. The voice was calm, emotionless¡ªyet undeniably real. "Plant: Saphiris. Classification: Medicinal Plant. Effect: Secretes a high-purity blue liquid with potent healing properties. Capable of accelerating cell regeneration and closing wounds upon contact. Effectiveness increases when processed into an elixir. Additional Notes: The liquid retains its potency even when separated from the plant. Excessive use may lead to mild numbness due to rapid tissue regeneration. Highly valuable for medical applications." His fingers twitched. That was not normal. Slowly, he stood, scanning the area again. No one was there. ¡°Who said that?¡± he asked, his voice calm but firm. A brief pause. Then, the same voice answered, smooth and measured. "I am [Unique Skill: Azara]. This skill was granted to my user upon entry into this world. My primary function is to assist with information analysis, optimize decision-making, and provide strategic guidance to enhance adaptation to the new environment." His heartbeat remained steady, but something inside him shifted. A skill? A system? A deep breath. His mind had already accepted the reality. This wasn¡¯t a dream. This was a new world. And something told him¡­ this was just the beginning. ¡ªWHOOSH. A powerful gust of wind tore through the trees. Leaves ripped from branches, swirling violently. His eyes snapped upward. A shadow streaked across the night sky. It was massive. The wings stretched wide, cutting through the moonlight like a phantom. As it descended, its shape became clear¡ªsnow-white scales gleaming under the stars, golden eyes burning like molten fire. A dragon. His entire body tensed. It¡¯s coming straight for me. Then¡ª FWOOOOOSH! A blinding burst of white flames shot down from above, illuminating the forest in an eerie glow. The heat rushed toward him, his instincts screaming¡ªmove! Without hesitation, he lunged forward, grabbing the Saphiris plant and sprinting toward the trees. BOOOOOOM! The ground behind him exploded in a wave of white fire, sending dirt and shattered branches flying in all directions. The force nearly knocked him off his feet. Not good. He pushed forward, weaving through the thick trunks, using the dense forest as cover. Flames roared behind him, lighting up the night like a second sun. He had to think. Fast. Why is it attacking? What triggered this? Was it me? Or¡­ something else? No time to stop. No time to analyze. Right now¡ª Survival came first. High above, the dragon¡¯s golden eyes scann Chapter 1: The Moment Everything Changed The city lights shimmered like scattered stars against the night sky. Standing by the window, Haruto gazed at the skyline, his phone pressed to his ear. ¡°So¡­ you¡¯re not coming home this week, huh, sis?¡± His tone was casual, but a hint of disappointment slipped through. On the other end, his sister hesitated. ¡°I¡¯m really sorry¡­ Something urgent came up at work.¡± He sighed, running a hand through his hair. ¡°Yeah, I figured. Just don¡¯t overwork yourself, alright?¡± ¡°I won¡¯t¡­ Goodnight.¡± ¡°Goodnight.¡± The call ended with a soft beep. The room fell silent. He set his phone down and glanced at his desk, where stacks of books and notes lay waiting. Another long night. He sat down, picked up his pen, and got to work. The hours passed in a blur of scribbled notes and turning pages until, finally, his alarm vibrated against the desk¡ªstudy session over. Leaning back, he rubbed his eyes. His body was exhausted, but his mind was still racing. ¡°Five minutes,¡± he mumbled, resting his head on his arms. ¡°Just five minutes¡­¡± The moment his eyes shut, sleep took him. And then¡ª A voice. Soft. Unfamiliar. ¡°I found you.¡± His eyes snapped open. Something was wrong. The warm glow of city lights¡ªgone. His desk, his books¡ªgone. Instead, towering trees surrounded him, their dark silhouettes stretching toward a sky filled with unfamiliar stars. A cool breeze whispered through the leaves, carrying the scent of fresh earth and damp moss. His breath slowed. His mind sharpened. He rubbed his eyes once, twice. No change. Okay. Think. Dream? No, too detailed. He could feel the cold, the uneven ground beneath his hands. Hallucination? Unlikely¡ªhis mind felt clear, no dizziness, no distortion. So that left¡­ what? His pulse was steady, but his stomach twisted. ¡°This is real, isn¡¯t it?¡± he muttered under his breath. The moment he said it out loud, reality settled in like a weight pressing against his chest. He exhaled slowly. Priorities: One¡ªconfirm if this place is dangerous. Two¡ªfind civilization. Three¡ªfigure out how the hell I got here. His eyes scanned the unfamiliar forest. Shadows stretched between the trees, but nothing immediately threatened him. He took a careful step forward¡ªthen stopped. A strange glow caught his eye. Kneeling, he examined a small plant with deep blue petals and a shimmering liquid pooled at its base. He frowned. That¡¯s¡­ odd. The petals had a faint glow, and the leaves were thick and waxy, unlike anything he had seen before. He reached out, brushing a fingertip along the stem¡ªfirm, but smooth. The liquid shimmered under the faint light. He narrowed his eyes. I know over 400,000 plant species. I¡¯ve studied botany, medicinal herbs, even rare hybrids¡­ But this? His fingers curled slightly. This doesn¡¯t exist. Not in any book. Not in any research. For the first time since waking up, unease crept into his mind. Could this be a rare species? A genetic mutation? Something from deep within an uncharted rainforest? He inhaled slowly. No. That still didn¡¯t explain the trees, the sky, the air itself. His surroundings weren¡¯t just unfamiliar¡ªthey were fundamentally different. His mind turned over the possibilities, searching for the logical answer. But the only conclusion that made sense was one he didn''t want to accept. This¡­ isn¡¯t Earth. The thought sent a quiet chill through him. And then¡ª ¡°Analysis complete.¡± He stiffened. The voice was calm, emotionless¡ªyet undeniably real. "Plant: Saphiris. Classification: Medicinal Plant. Effect: Secretes a high-purity blue liquid with potent healing properties. Capable of accelerating cell regeneration and closing wounds upon contact. Effectiveness increases when processed into an elixir. Additional Notes: The liquid retains its potency even when separated from the plant. Excessive use may lead to mild numbness due to rapid tissue regeneration. Highly valuable for medical applications." His fingers twitched. That was not normal. Slowly, he stood, scanning the area again. No one was there. ¡°Who said that?¡± he asked, his voice calm but firm. A brief pause. Then, the same voice answered, smooth and measured. "I am [Unique Skill: Azara]. This skill was granted to my user upon entry into this world. My primary function is to assist with information analysis, optimize decision-making, and provide strategic guidance to enhance adaptation to the new environment." His heartbeat remained steady, but something inside him shifted. A skill? A system? A deep breath. His mind had already accepted the reality. This wasn¡¯t a dream. This was a new world. And something told him¡­ this was just the beginning. ¡ªWHOOSH. A powerful gust of wind tore through the trees. Leaves ripped from branches, swirling violently. His eyes snapped upward. A shadow streaked across the night sky. It was massive. The wings stretched wide, cutting through the moonlight like a phantom. As it descended, its shape became clear¡ªsnow-white scales gleaming under the stars, golden eyes burning like molten fire. A dragon. His entire body tensed. It¡¯s coming straight for me. Then¡ª FWOOOOOSH! A blinding burst of white flames shot down from above, illuminating the forest in an eerie glow. The heat rushed toward him, his instincts screaming¡ªmove! Without hesitation, he lunged forward, grabbing the Saphiris plant and sprinting toward the trees. BOOOOOOM! The ground behind him exploded in a wave of white fire, sending dirt and shattered branches flying in all directions. The force nearly knocked him off his feet. Not good. He pushed forward, weaving through the thick trunks, using the dense forest as cover. Flames roared behind him, lighting up the night like a second sun. He had to think. Fast. Why is it attacking? What triggered this? Was it me? Or¡­ something else? No time to stop. No time to analyze. Right now¡ª Survival came first. High above, the dragon¡¯s golden eyes scanned the forest, searching for him. Think. He couldn¡¯t outrun something that could fly. Hiding wasn¡¯t an option forever. I need a plan. Fast. [END OF CHAPTER] A Desperate Decision Chapter 2: A Desperate Decision The roar of the dragon reverberated through the trees. Haruto could feel the vibrations in his bones as he pressed himself further into the bark, hoping it would shield him from the monster circling above. His breath was shallow, his pulse quick. The dragon¡¯s golden eyes were like burning suns in the darkness, scanning for any movement below. Think, Haruto. Think. The flames had missed him by mere inches, scorching the ground where he had stood just moments before. He needed to get away. He needed to survive. But how? He glanced around, assessing his surroundings. The forest was dense, but the dragon¡¯s size and strength made it clear: hiding wouldn¡¯t be enough. He closed his eyes for a moment, remembering what Azara had told him. ¡°I am here to assist you, Haruto. My data reserves are vast. If you require guidance, I am ready.¡± That¡¯s right. There were skills he could use. But what exactly? ¡°Azara,¡± he whispered, his voice tight with urgency. ¡°What abilities do I have that can help me right now?¡± Azara¡¯s voice was calm and measured, as always. ¡°Response: My user possesses [Unique Skill: Absolute Cutting].¡± Haruto¡¯s mind raced, trying to digest the information. Absolute Cutting? If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. Azara continued: ¡°Effect: Grants the ability to cut through anything, ignoring all defenses, regeneration, and magical resistance. Can sever physical, magical, and even conceptual entities.¡± Haruto felt a shiver run down his spine. This was¡­ beyond anything he had imagined. But it wasn¡¯t over yet. Azara kept explaining. ¡°Additional Features: Allows precision control over cutting depth and intensity. Capable of nullifying regeneration and severing energy-based attacks. However, there are limitations.¡± Haruto leaned against the tree, his eyes scanning the darkened sky as the dragon circled above. Limitations. He needed to know. ¡°Limitations: High energy consumption at peak usage. Requires mastery for optimal effectiveness. Direct contact with the target is necessary.¡± Haruto clenched his fists. Contact. He could deal with that. The dragon was a large target, and it had already launched an attack. But would the skill even be enough? Before he could gather his thoughts, Azara¡¯s voice broke through his focus. ¡°Warning: The dragon is preparing a powerful attack. Estimated impact range: imminent. My suggestion: activating [Unique Skill: Absolute Cutting] may yield optimal results in this scenario. Does my user wish to proceed?¡± The air grew tense as Haruto could hear the deep rumble of energy gathering above. The dragon''s wings beat faster, the golden eyes narrowing with a malicious intent. It was about to unleash something catastrophic. He didn¡¯t have a choice. ¡°Yes.¡± His voice was steady, even as panic roiled inside. He clenched his fists and stood tall. "Absolute Cutting!" His right arm shot forward. His hand glowed faintly, the air around it warping as a white beam shot from his palm, cutting through the very air with an almost deafening whine. The dragon''s enormous form twisted in mid-air, attempting to shield itself with an arc of brilliant white energy¡ªits own defensive magic. But Haruto¡¯s attack didn¡¯t falter. The beam sliced through the dragon¡¯s magical shield as if it were nothing more than paper, continuing its path directly toward the dragon¡¯s chest. BOOOOM! The explosion of energy sent shockwaves through the forest, the sheer force knocking Haruto back a few steps, but he grit his teeth and planted his feet, refusing to fall. The dragon¡¯s form twisted mid-air, and in an instant, it crashed to the ground with a deafening thud. For a moment, everything was silent. Haruto stood there, breathless, a smile playing across his face. He had done it. But before he could process the weight of his victory, his vision began to blur. His body was drained from the sheer intensity of the skill. He staggered, his legs barely holding him up, and then¡ª His head spun. ¡°Haruto?¡± Azara¡¯s voice echoed faintly, but he was already losing consciousness. As his body gave out, he heard Azara¡¯s voice one last time, though it sounded distant now. ¡°Acquisition complete. New abilities obtained: [Divine Rejuvenation] [Lightblade Arsenal] [Heaven¡¯s Wrath]¡± The world around him dimmed, the darkness taking him under. He smiled weakly as his vision faded. And then, everything went black. The Aftermath Chapter 3: The Aftermath The sun¡¯s warmth slowly began to break through the darkness, casting a soft, golden glow across the forest floor. Haruto¡¯s eyes fluttered open, his body stiff from the ordeal. For a moment, everything felt foggy, like he was still trapped in the aftermath of a dream. But the cold air, the rustling leaves, and the distant chirps of birds quickly reminded him that this was real. He slowly sat up, feeling the pressure in his head, his limbs sore and weak. His gaze fell to his arms, which were scratched and bruised. The cut from earlier, the one that had almost sliced deep into his flesh, was completely gone. His skin was smooth, as though the injury had never existed. He frowned. My skin is healed. I don¡¯t remember healing, and I didn¡¯t use any medicine. What does this mean? His mind raced through potential explanations. Could this be linked to the powers I¡¯ve gained? Some form of automatic regeneration, maybe? His gaze drifted down to the Saphiris plant he had carried with him. The once-vibrant blue liquid had turned a dull brown, like the plant had lost its vitality. Was it the environment? Or did the plant react to something else? Haruto¡¯s brain ran calculations, exploring every possible variable. "I see." The words were soft, his voice barely rising above a whisper, as he muttered his thoughts aloud. His mind was already running the numbers, evaluating the implications. The plant was an anomaly, but there was still a puzzle to solve about the connection between the plant¡¯s vitality and his new powers. His stomach growled loudly, snapping him out of his analysis. Priority: survival. I need food, and I need it quickly. His thought process was quick, calculating the time it would take to find a reliable food source. The river is the most probable source of immediate sustenance. I¡¯ll move toward it. Before he could move, his thoughts went back to the dragon. It had been a monumental fight, a struggle for his life. The dragon dissolved after death, leaving no trace. Did I¡­ absorb its essence? Or was it destroyed completely? He ran a mental model of the events. The dragon''s death had been dramatic, and now, the aftermath was equally puzzling. ¡°What happened to the dragon?¡± he asked aloud, speaking to the silence. A brief silence followed before a calm voice echoed in his mind. ¡°Upon death, the dragon''s essence was consumed by your Unique Skill. High-tier creatures such as this dragon dissolve into an ethereal form, leaving no physical remains. However, their abilities and essence are transferred to you upon defeat, allowing you to assimilate their powers.¡± Haruto¡¯s brows furrowed, quickly processing the implications. Absorbed? His mind rapidly calculated the potential benefits of this skill. This means I now possess the abilities of a dragon, possibly enhancing my combat capabilities and possibly more. How much of this can I control, though? Can I selectively integrate abilities, or will it overwhelm my skill set? ¡°Wait, so I... absorbed its abilities?¡± he asked, testing the theory. Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original. ¡°Affirmative. Your Unique Skill grants you the ability to consume the essence of defeated monsters, integrating their powers into your skill set. This process occurs automatically after their death.¡± If I¡¯ve gained these abilities, how do they affect my skill set? How does the essence work with my current powers? Haruto felt the weight of this new knowledge. He was accumulating strength faster than he could assess its full extent. I need to test these abilities carefully to understand their limitations and applications. For now, he pushed those thoughts aside, focusing on his immediate need: survival. Food first, then I¡¯ll strategize further. His stomach growled again, louder this time. Haruto shook his head, clearing his thoughts, and stood up with a grunt. He needed food, and he needed to keep moving. His mind processed his next move instantly. The river is nearby, and based on current flow, the fish should be abundant and easily caught. After what felt like hours, Haruto¡¯s eyes caught sight of something that made him stop in his tracks: a river. The water was clear, flowing gently, and in its cool depths, he could see fish darting through the current. His heart raced as he realized it was his best shot at getting something to eat. I can catch fish using speed and precision. The question is: how much energy do I need to expend to catch them efficiently? Too much wasted movement could lead to unnecessary fatigue. He knelt beside the water, fingers brushing over the surface before plunging them in, grabbing a fish with surprising speed. His body responded instinctively¡ªhe didn¡¯t need to think about it. But Haruto analyzed the situation anyway. I can¡¯t afford to waste energy, so I¡¯ll catch only what I need for now. Too much would be unnecessary, and I must stay alert for any possible threats. After catching enough fish, he searched for a place to rest. The forest was vast and unfamiliar, but he soon found a cave. It was small, but the entrance was wide enough to make him cautious. If a large predator roams here, I¡¯ll need to block the entrance. He gathered a pile of sturdy branches and stacked them near the entrance, creating a makeshift barricade. It wouldn¡¯t stop a determined monster, but it was enough to give him a moment¡¯s notice if something approached. As the fire crackled in front of him, its warmth soothing his tired body, Haruto sat down, watching the fish cook. The flickering flames reflected in his sharp eyes, his body language showing a rare moment of ease. He let out a small breath. This is my first time being alone. The realization settled in. At his parents'' house, there were always servants. Food was prepared, shelter was guaranteed, and safety was never a concern. But now, it was just him. Haruto let the thought sink in before shaking it off. There was no point in dwelling on the past. "Where am I?" he asked, his voice quiet, though his thoughts were clear. There was a pause before the voice responded in his mind. ¡°This is a dangerous and expansive area where many powerful monsters reside. It is known for its high concentration of hostile creatures, making it a place where survival is difficult for unprepared individuals.¡± Haruto stayed quiet for a moment, processing the information. You really know everything, don¡¯t you? he thought. He quickly shifted his focus, moving on to the next pressing question. How can I get back to my world? There was no response. Just the crackling of the fire and the cool night air. Haruto sighed, realizing what that silence meant. So that¡¯s a no, huh? He took the fish off the fire and blew on it before taking a bite. The meat was tender, the flavor rich and satisfying. He savored it slowly, appreciating the warmth of the fire and the simple pleasure of food after a long day. After finishing his meal, Haruto sat back, his thoughts racing. ¡°What abilities do I have now?¡± he asked aloud, his voice soft. ¡°I have to know what I¡¯m dealing with.¡± He spoke to himself, already processing the possible answers in his mind. Azara¡¯s voice echoed in his mind once again. ¡°Response: The user currently possesses the following abilities:¡± ¡°[Heat Resistance]¡± ¨C Grants resistance to extreme heat and fire-based attacks. ¡°[Keen Senses]¡± ¨C Enhances perception, including sight, hearing, and smell, allowing for heightened awareness of surroundings. ¡°[Fire Manipulation]¡± ¨C Grants control over fire, including the ability to breathe flames and shape fire-based attacks. ¡°[Ice Manipulation]¡± ¨C Enables the freezing of enemies and the creation of ice-based weapons. ¡°[Lightning Manipulation]¡± ¨C Grants the ability to electrify attacks and enhance movement speed using lightning energy. ¡°[Absolute Resistance]¡± ¨C Provides immunity to most forms of physical, magical, and elemental damage. ¡°[Shape-Shifting]¡± ¨C Allows the user to alter their physical form at will. ¡°[Longevity]¡± ¨C Significantly extends lifespan and slows aging.¡± Haruto exhaled sharply, his mind racing. Fire manipulation, huh? He looked at the stone he had used to create the fire earlier. He sighed dramatically, overwhelmed by the range of powers now available to him. He looked outside the cave, seeing how dark it had become. "How creepy it looks out there," he muttered, deciding to go back inside. He lay down on a bed of leaves he had made earlier, trying to settle in for the night. Before he closed his eyes, he used his fire magic to keep the fire burning longer, adding more wood and carefully coaxing the flames to stay alive. As he finally settled into sleep, Haruto mumbled to himself in a sleepy voice, "Tomorrow, I''ll find humans... if there are any." Descent into the web Chapter 4: Descent into the Web The morning sun filtered through the dense forest canopy, casting dappled patterns on the forest floor. Haruto awoke, stretching his arms with a yawn. His body felt lighter, more energized than before. As he stood, still groggy, he reached out to move a small piece of wood obstructing his path. CRACK! To his astonishment, the moment his fingers brushed against it, the wood shot forward, embedding itself into a nearby tree with considerable force. Haruto blinked, staring at his hand in disbelief. ¡°I¡¯m... pretty strong, huh?¡± he muttered, flexing his fingers as if to confirm the newfound strength. Shaking off his surprise, he made his way to the river. Kneeling at the edge, he dipped his hand into the cool water and, with a swift motion, caught a fish. Pausing, he smiled to himself. "Why am I catching fish with my hands?" he chuckled. Stepping back from the riverbank, he pondered. "Using light magic on water could disrupt the ecosystem... Overheating or distorting the water might lead to oxygen depletion or thermal shock, both of which would harm the fish." Nodding to himself, he decided on a different approach. Focusing his magic, he extended his hand toward the water. A sharp bolt of lightning crackled from his fingertips¡ª ZAAAP! The water flashed briefly, and within moments, several fish floated to the surface, stunned. Haruto grinned, pleased with his controlled use of magic. "Perfect." He gathered a few fish and returned to the cave. After starting a fire, he cooked and ate them, feeling revitalized. Standing at the entrance, gazing out over the forest, he sighed. "Guess it''s about time I leave." Taking one last look at the cave, he murmured, "Thanks for the shelter." Without hesitation, he turned and walked toward the cliffside. Reaching the edge, he took a deep breath and commanded. "Azara, activate Flight." Azara''s voice responded smoothly. "Response: Activating [Flight]. Wings manifest from the user''s back, or magical levitation stabilizes the user in the air, depending on preference. Flight is now available for use." Haruto opted for levitation. FWOOOSH! The moment he lifted off the ground, a sharp boom echoed through the air as he accelerated. The sound barrier shattered, leaving a brief ripple in the sky. He soared over the vast forest canopy, the wind rushing past him. From above, he finally saw the expanse of the land¡ª It was immense. As he surveyed the landscape, something caught his eye. A glowing white tree stood in the distance, its luminescent branches resembling a spider''s web. Haruto slowed, descending toward the ground. As he landed near the tree, he murmured. "It really does look like a web..." Before he could take another step, the ground beneath him gave way. CRACK! This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it. The earth collapsed, pulling him down into the abyss below. "Tch¡ªFlight!" He instinctively tried to levitate, but¡ª Nothing. It was as if something was actively nullifying his ability. He had no time to think as he plummeted further, the wind rushing past his ears. Reacting quickly, he thrust his hands forward. "Ice Magic!" A thick sheet of ice formed beneath him, softening his landing as he slid down a smooth icy slope instead of crashing to the bottom. As soon as he was safely on the ground, a powerful pressure descended upon him¡ª His breath hitched. His body froze. A terrifying aura filled the air, suffocating and oppressive. Haruto''s eyes widened. "What... the hell is this?" He struggled to breathe, his heart pounding. Forcing himself to look up, his pupils contracted at the sight before him¡ª A massive spider stood ahead, its white, armor-like skin gleaming under the dim underground light. Six glowing red eyes fixed on him with predatory hunger, its fangs twitching in anticipation. Haruto opened his mouth to speak¡ª But before he could react¡ª CRACK! A sudden impact slammed into his chest, sending him flying backward. His body crashed into the stone wall behind him, creating a massive crater upon impact. The entire cave shook from the force. Dust and debris rained down. Haruto''s head spun as he coughed, slowly extricating himself from the rubble. Surprisingly, he wasn''t injured. Clenching his fists, his mind raced. "I... I didn''t even see the attack coming." His expression hardened as he locked eyes with the monstrous spider. This wasn''t just a wild beast. This was a predator. And it was hunting him. The massive spider''s deep, resonant voice echoed through the chamber. "Attack my children..." With a swift movement, the spider closed the distance, and its brood of smaller spiders scuttled forward, surrounding Haruto. From his perspective, they moved slowly, as if time itself had slowed. "They''re so slow," he mused. "I guess it was the size that hit me." In an instant, Haruto moved with fluid grace, his ice sword flashing as he decapitated the smaller spiders with precise strikes. As he fought, he thought to himself, "If I hadn''t killed another monster after the white dragon, I''d be in big trouble." Just as he was about to strike another spider, a web shot out, ensnaring his sword. The spider that had attacked him was unlike the others. Azara''s voice chimed in. "Response: Analyzing target¡­" [Species] ¨C Arachne Monarch [Classification] ¨C High-Rank Arachnid Monster (Mythical Evolution) [Threat Level] ¨C Catastrophic [Description] ¨C A rare and nearly extinct evolution of the arachnid species. Possesses humanoid intelligence and monstrous strength. Capable of controlling vast spider colonies through royal pheromones. Its silk is more durable than steel, and its venom distorts reality. Combat is strongly discouraged unless overwhelming force is available. [Weaknesses] ¨C Light-based magic, purification abilities, overconfidence. "End of analysis. Proceed with caution." Before Haruto could react, the Arachne Monarch appeared behind him, delivering a powerful punch. Instinctively, he conjured an ice shield, but the force shattered it upon impact. Reappearing behind the creature, Haruto delivered a swift kick, sending it crashing into the wall. Observing the larger spider, Haruto noted, "Maybe that spider isn''t an attacker." He raised his hand toward the massive spider, and fireballs materialized behind him. Closing his hand, he sent them hurtling toward the creature. However, the Arachne Monarch intervened, slapping the fireballs away with ease. Haruto smirked, realizing, "Guess I''m right." The Arachne Monarch''s expression darkened as she addressed him. "Bastard!" She lunged, throwing a punch that Haruto barely managed to dodge. The ensuing battle was intense, with the Arachne Monarch''s speed and strength posing significant challenges. Haruto''s blows seemed ineffective against its dense exoskeleton, and the creature''s retaliatory strikes sent him flying into the air. Barely had time to react, the massive spider lunged again, its six crimson eyes glowing with predatory hunger. He twisted his body, narrowly dodging a strike from one of its razor-sharp legs. The limb slammed into the stone wall behind him, cracking it on impact. "Fast." Haruto dropped low, using his leg to sweep through the dirt¡ªonly for the Arachne Monarch to leap, avoiding the trip. Anticipating its move, he shot up, driving his fist toward its exposed abdomen. His knuckles connected, sending a sharp shockwave through the air. But the creature barely flinched. Instead, one of its smaller limbs lashed out, striking him across the chest. The force sent him skidding backward, his boots digging into the ground. "Its body is too dense¡ªblunt force won¡¯t work." The spider screeched, then lunged again, its two front limbs stabbing downward. Haruto sidestepped, his footwork precise, and countered with a rising palm strike to its head. The impact jerked the Arachne Monarch¡¯s skull upward, disorienting it for a split second. That was all he needed. He shifted forward, twisting his waist as he drove his elbow straight into the creature¡¯s joint. A sickening crack echoed as the limb buckled slightly¡ªbut not enough. The Monarch shrieked in fury, its other legs moving in a blur. One struck Haruto¡¯s side, another slammed against his shoulder, and before he could reposition, a third shot forward, aiming to impale him. Haruto¡¯s instincts flared. With a sudden burst of motion, he twisted his torso, barely avoiding the piercing limb. His fingers wrapped around the incoming leg, muscles tensing. Then, with a sharp exhale, he yanked. The entire beast lurched forward, off balance. Now! Haruto surged forward, his knee smashing into its face, followed by a spinning kick that sent the creature staggering. But before he could press the advantage, the Monarch shrieked¡ªits smaller spiders swarming toward him. Haruto clicked his tongue. "Tch. Guess it¡¯s time to stop holding back." Haruto created another ice sword, and this time, he infused it with lightning. The moment the Arachne Monarch surged toward him, he swung his fused sword, striking her mid-lunge. The sword¡¯s fusion of lightning and ice crackled as it hit, and the Arachne Monarch tried to break through the attack. However, the moment the sword made contact, the lightning discharged directly into her body. But the lightning didn¡¯t burn her¡ªit froze her nerves instead. The Arachne Monarch froze, unable to move. With her body locked in paralysis, she tried to speak. "What the hell is that sword?" Haruto¡¯s voice was calm, his expression focused. "This isn''t just an ordinary ice sword. Normally, lightning and ice don¡¯t mix¡ªlightning generates heat, which should melt the ice. But I¡¯ve forced the lightning to fuse inside the ice itself, not just coat the surface. The ice is stronger, denser, and acts like a prison, trapping the lightning inside instead of letting it run wild." "Because of that, the lightning doesn''t behave normally. It¡¯s been completely suppressed by the ice, but it¡¯s still active. The moment this blade strikes, the energy inside reacts¡ªfreezing and electrocuting the target at the same time. The cold makes things brittle, and the electricity shatters them instantly." The Arachne Monarch struggled, but her paralysis kept her in place. With a swift wave of the sword, Haruto froze the remaining large spider that had tried to attack him. A gust of wind swept through the cave, and the large spider¡¯s frozen body shattered into dust. Haruto stood there, looking at the dust. "Huh... well, that was unexpected." A calm voice from Azara chimed in. "New abilities obtained:" ? [Silk Regeneration] ? [Spider¡¯s Sixth Sense (Predator''s Instinct)] ? [Royal Pheromones] ? [Web Shield] ? [Venomous Strike] ? [Spider¡¯s Agility] ? [Arachnid Communication] ? [Web Mastery] Haruto glanced at the Arachne Monarch, raising his sword to deliver the final blow. But just as he prepared to strike, Azara¡¯s voice interrupted. "Notification: The Spider King has been defeated. Control over its spider colony has been nullified. Remaining spiders are now without leadership and will act independently." Haruto looked at the fallen Arachne Monarch. "So that was the King," he muttered, gazing at her. She lay still, waiting for her end. However, before the final blow could be struck, Haruto hesitated. With a flick of his wrist, he removed the ice and electricity surrounding the Monarch¡¯s body, allowing her to collapse to the ground, helpless but alive. The remaining spiders hesitated, unsure of what to do now that their leader was incapacitated. The coronation of the spider king Chapter 5: The Coronation of the Spider King After a long, silent moment, the Arachne Monarch¡¯s wounds fully healed under the care of the healer spiders. Slowly, she stood, her gaze fixed on Haruto with newfound reverence. Haruto, meanwhile, found himself seated on a crude yet regal throne of woven silk and stone. The sheer weight of the moment pressed down on him, making his muscles tense. A throne? Me? The idea felt ridiculous, yet here he was, surrounded by creatures treating him like royalty. To his shock, many of the spiders were clapping their forelegs together in excitement. "Look how great he looks!" one of them cheered. "He truly is worthy of the title!" another chimed in. The Arachne Monarch suddenly dropped to one knee before him. Haruto felt his chest tighten at the sight. She was my enemy just moments ago¡­ and now she kneels before me? If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. "Arachne, you don¡¯t need to kneel!" he said hastily. "My lord, it would be disrespectful for me not to show my honor," she replied, her tone unwavering. Haruto hesitated, rubbing the back of his neck. "O-Okay¡­" He tried to gather his thoughts before asking, "Do you guys have names? I can¡¯t just call you all ¡®spider¡¯ forever." The spiders exchanged uncertain glances. The Arachne Monarch spoke first, "Monsters like us do not possess names, my lord." Haruto blinked, taken aback. No names? No identity beyond what they are? He frowned. "Then I¡¯ll give you all names," he declared. "It wouldn¡¯t feel right otherwise." The Arachne Monarch¡¯s eyes held a hint of hesitation before she bowed her head. "As you wish, my lord." Haruto studied her carefully¡ªher long black hair, pale white skin, and piercing crimson eyes. He pondered for a moment before speaking. "Arachne¡­ from now on, your name will be Liora¡ªfor light." The Monarch¡ªLiora¡ªtensed briefly before lowering her head further. "I am honored, my lord." Haruto then turned to four other spiders, selecting those who had stepped forward as significant figures in the colony. "You¡­ you''ll be Solin¡ªlike the warmth of the sun." "And you¡ªNyx. The embodiment of the night." "For you, Zephyr¡ªswift as the wind." "And lastly, Vesper¡ªtwilight¡¯s quiet guardian." Each spider bowed in gratitude as they received their new names. Haruto smiled slightly, feeling a sense of accomplishment¡ªuntil a sudden dizziness overtook him. His vision swam, and he barely had time to react before he stumbled forward. "W-What¡¯s¡­ going on¡­?" Azara¡¯s voice echoed in his mind, calm yet urgent. "Warning: Critical depletion of Arcanum reserves detected. Immediate hibernation protocol initiated. Consciousness will be forcibly suspended to prevent system collapse." Haruto¡¯s eyelids grew impossibly heavy. "Why didn¡¯t you¡­ tell me before¡­" His words slurred as darkness swallowed his consciousness. As his body slumped forward, Liora swiftly caught him, her expression shifting from reverence to concern. "Our king needs rest," she said, her voice steady but firm. The newly named spiders gathered around, watching over their slumbering ruler. For the first time in history, their kind had a king. And soon, the world would know it too.