Wizard starting from shoeing donkeys Chapter 1535 - 528: Aberrant Spider Swarm (Part 2)

~3 minute read · 859 words
Previously on Wizard starting from shoeing donkeys...
Rein conversed amiably with the Brighton caravan, earning their trust as they shared concerns about black-robed wizards from the Tutkash School, who desecrate tombs and contribute to rising disappearances among nearby tribes. The group noted the waning intervention by yellow-robed Isodre School wizards, who once clashed with the intruders but now seldom act, while the Empire offers scant protection beyond Nirheim. As Rein inquired about their mineral shipment to the Isodre-affiliated Giant Stone Chamber of Commerce—rumored for crafting metal puppets—a sharp whistle alerted them to a massive swarm of exotic black-marked spiders surging toward the caravan, prompting the warriors to engage the venom-spewing horde.

"Watch out!"

Those spider webs stood out for their unusual stickiness, clinging fiercely. The Brighton fighters ensnared by them thrashed around like they'd been trapped in super-strong adhesive, their actions severely restricted.

The greenish oily poison proved far more vicious, burning like concentrated acid. Despite the tough builds of the Brighton folk, their flesh turned red, bubbled up, and started rotting right away from the slightest touch.

"These webs and that venom are the biggest headaches," Anna muttered in annoyance.

Still, she didn't feel overly concerned. Sure enough, as the frontrunner among the Brighton youngsters—Anna's sibling Antaruka—flushed crimson and swelled in size, the fight was drawing to a close.

"True enough, even a trace of giant bloodline can tip the scales in a minor clash like this," Rein judged Antaruka's power with a quick look.

"Eh? That subtle energy feels like..."

Rein narrowed his eyes a bit, his face showing contemplation.

Being a late-stage Dawn Wizard, Rein possessed razor-sharp perception. He picked up on a faint, recognizable energy lingering after the black-striped spiders met their end, amid the foul blood and guts.

At first, the energy was so subtle that Rein almost overlooked it, but with each additional mutated spider falling, it caught his attention.

"It matches closely with the energy Staven left behind during his last visit," he pondered inwardly.

Rein confirmed it after a brief reflection.

"Are these mutated spiders generally weak, or does a more powerful one lurk in their midst?" Rein inquired.

"That's right, sir. These mutated spiders vary in power; certain ones pack a real punch," answered a Brighton elder who came closer.

"But the real issue lies in how fast they multiply. They haul dead prey into underground lairs to deposit eggs, and before long, fresh spiders hatch out."

"Mutated spider nests must be close by."

"Interesting. Mind showing me the way?" Rein voiced his curiosity.

"Certainly," the elder responded warmly, maybe intrigued by what Rein could do.

"Count me in! I've never laid eyes on a mutated spider nest before!" Anna burst out with enthusiasm.

"Sister!"

Antaruka hurried over, smeared in gore and dirt, gripping his hefty battle axe.

"Brother, having you and the elder with me means I'm totally protected, doesn't it?" Anna begged, tugging at her brother's arm with wide-eyed hope.

"Fine, but stick close to me and don't stray anywhere," he gave in, shaking his head.

The sight brought a faint smile to Rein's lips, evoking thoughts of his own sister, Anna.

Right at that moment, a massive eagle soared overhead in the northwest, as if guiding them forward.

"That direction!"

Before long, Rein along with the Brighton elder, Antaruka, and a handful of companions arrived at the edge of a stretch of rusty soil.

This zone spanned about several hundred square meters. The once-vibrant mountain grassland had dried up ages ago, now overtaken by pale brown withered blades. Most striking were the countless fist-sized openings, packed tightly across the ground like ugly blemishes.

At the same time, clusters of small gray spiders kept emerging from one burrow, only to vanish swiftly into the next, moving in an endless stream.

"No doubt about it, this ties back to Nayu Break Back," Rein determined quietly.

In this spot, the energy grew a tad thicker, though it stayed all but undetectable to those not reaching Dawn Wizard rank.

"This land used to belong to the Isodre school. Even if regular school wizards miss the hidden truths of the mutated spider outbreak, Stuart—as a Dawn Wizard titled 'Shield of Rock'—can't possibly ignore what his underlings report!"

"So why is he permitting the Tutkash school's schemes?"

"Is it possible..." Rein's eyes tightened, a hazy idea forming.

At that point, a Brighton elder next to him commented:

"Sir, though these holes look tiny, they're incredibly deep and tough—even boiling water won't touch them. Nothing short of advanced earth wizards casting earth witchcraft can wipe out the mutated spider horde in this place."

Rein gave a nod but stayed silent, deciding deep down to handle the nest now that he'd stumbled upon it.

For him, it amounted to little more than an easy chore.

He advanced, crouched low, and softly pressed his hand against the soil.

As Rein made his move, the elder and the rest, Brighton elder included, observed with interest, puzzled over the foreign wizard's plan.

All of a sudden!

Dark silver waves surged from the young human wizard's hand, spreading wide to blanket the entire zone.

In the instant that followed!

Sharp cries rang out as gleaming dark silver metal spikes shot up fast from the earth and inside the burrows, forming a deadly bramble thicket!

"Hiss hiss!"

Agonized wails poured from the countless burrow mouths as the mutated spiders perished, giving way to utter quiet.

With the deed done, Rein stood up with a grin, noting how everyone—from the Brighton elder onward—froze in place, jaws dropped and eyes bulging, fixated on the spectacle and unable to pull away.