The sky was bright, and the land was colored the same as the clouds in the Marble Flatlands.
A group of white creatures were walking Northwards.
They looked normal, two arms, two legs and a single head, minus the 6 spider like legs on their back, neatly folded.
They were about 250 in number, and all except two looked similiar.
The 248 had White hair tied in a ponytail that reached their shoulder, regardless of their gender, with identical dark Red eyes and White Cleavers.
This was the Scorching Pearl Squadron, one of the 4 elite Marble Spider squadrons.
Renowned for leaving scorching trails of destruction in their wake.
Leading them are two more marble spiders.
Both of them have the same eyes, but the first one carried two Cleavers, and had cut his hair short. The second one had tied her hair into a bun and was unarmed, wearing a pair of gaunthlets.
Soon they saw tall trees, pointing at the sky like raised Javelins.
Their destination was here.
———
On the Jeju islands, far away, some Sleaver slimes, their gelatinous bodies clearly stiff with age sat in a round table.
The slime sitting farthest from the door spoke.
"This morning's Vote is to decide if support to the Javelin Arachnoforms is to be granted. Point your sword upwards if in support, downwards if not and don't if you have any questions STILL remaining."
Out of the 57 Sleaves present (including himself),
30 raised their swords upwards.
26 downwards.
And one just sat.
"What's the question you have prepared for us?
"Who will look after Ceran if we were to go? Because, knowing him, I find it wierd how there was no movement in his cell. At all."
"The entire structure will be sealed off, and escaping it will take a lot of time to dig through. We will be back by then. Anyone else?"
Everyone had their swords drawn. And the supporters were in majority.
"Good. Now, we're setting off immediately. The Hysuans and Menerics are pulling out dangerous tricks."
———
At the new outpost, the Hysuans were hard at work, aiming to finish the outpost as quickly as possible.
Except 5.
The captain, vice captain, Hlemam, Karat and West Hiwana Commander.
Karat was forced to sit with them after Hlemam pointed out that the Elder Arachnoforms were after him.
"One thing still bothers me, Commander."
The captain began,
"How did you fend off the Elders last night?"
Commander Jeveil just pointed to his necklace.
It had a single Red pearl that blended with his skin, with a thin black string.
"This is the newest thing in battlefield technology. HIgh flight Generator Hysuan Armor, or HIGHysuan Armor for short."
He squeezed the pearl, and it expanded into many pieces that floated in the air, before fusing into a full body armor.
"It can attack, regenerate mana for you, and with this model onwards, let you fly."
Even his voice sounded mechanical under the helmet.
"Don't ask too much. Only those above 200 levels or enough medals get them."
Jeveil really did not want to answer questions.
Karat suddenly felt the urge to become curious.
"Commander, what's the max level can you fight with that?"
Hlemam cast a quick side glance at Karat.
Jeveil stared straight at Karat's horn.
"245."
"What level are you right now?"
Most people add
'If you don't mind asking'
At the start or end.
"205"
Jeveil's eyebrow twiched.
If he did not have a plan to use this brat as bait, he probably would have beaten him.
———
The Menerics were increased again.
Since Birak and Elun, leaders of the Scout and Assault group were dead, Carrej, the leader of the Engineer group had suddenly 3 times more work to do.
He was expecting 3 times less work, and the psycologicle damage was immense.He was planning to make two more leaders, so he decided to interview all of them.
It's almost evening and Carrej finally realised that this was fruitless.
The Closest he had found to be a leader was Elfane.
The interview went like this.
C: So, you're Elfane?
E: Yes Sir.
C: I noticed that you have a good command over your comrades. Why do you think is that?
E: Because I'm strong sir. The Assault group values strength over all else.
C: Do you think that, if given the chance, you could manage the Assault group?
E: No sir.
C: Why so?
E: These people are mindless brutes, sir.
C: Do you consider yourself one too?
E: Yes sir.
C: You can go.
All 3 heads of Carrej drooped.
Elfane was just happy to not get extra work.
———
As night fell, the Capital of the Javelin Arachnoforms, Silom, had a mix of happy and tired voices.
The attacks on the Hysuans and Menerics by the lower levelled Arachnoforms was massively successful, and the circle patterned Arachnoforms had done most of their tasks too.
Overall, a big success!
At the top of the Central Tower or Elder's Pavilion,
Four of the Seven Elders sat sulking.
They managed to destroy the Mecharic and managed to damage the main Battery of the HIGHysuan armor.
But the 4 elders were wounded too, and recovery was not quick.
The only good news they had was that the Scorching Pearl Squadron from the Marble Flatlands had arrived in the evening.
And right now, thew were climbing the stairs.
After brooding for a few more seconds, all the elders took on a more dignified look.
They were still waiting for the Jeju Island Sleaver slimes.
-
It was until dawn that the Sleavers saw land.
There were 200 Slimes, 50 over level 100, and 150 between 50 and 100.
"I hate the elders."
"Whose idea was to send a ship during the night?"
"Don't badmouth the elders here."
The discussions were endless, but time was not.
Soon, they reached shore and were greeted by a group of Marble Spiders.
After that, they began their journey Northwards.
The Marble Spiders told them an interesting incident.
Yesterday evening, a stepwell suddenly opened up in the middle of nowhere.
The creatures who went to explore did not return.
Some call it an inheritance site of sorts, or just some sort of sacred ground.
The Sleavers just see it as a place to explore, and if possible, get some treasures.
Until Everybody's Status window activated Simultaneously.
*DING*
[Attention]
[Cottontail City, Javelin City, Javelin Forest, Marble Flatlands, Jeju Islands and Port Stockington have been sealed]
[A foreign Adventurer party is descending]
[Choose Sides]
[Supporter]
[Opposed]
[The Rewards will be of Continental Scale]
[Time Left: 5:59:59]
Well, .