Chapter 31 -31-My Plan failed

Chapter 31: Chapter31-My Plan failed

"Left!" I shouted, veering to the right myself.

Ethan nodded and dashed to the left path, while I took the right.

The spider hesitated for a moment, confused by our sudden change in direction.

I could hear my heart pounding in my ears as I pushed myself to run even faster.

The forest blurred around me, but I forced myself to focus.

Every step was crucial.

If I could just keep it distracted long enough for Ethan to escape, we might have a chance.

Glancing over my shoulder, I saw the spider had chosen to follow me.

Its massive form moved with surprising agility, leaping from tree to tree.

Acid dripped from its fangs, sizzling as it hit the forest floor.

Why is it chasing me?

I thought it might chase Ethan instead, and I know that sounds cruel because if the spider went after him, he would definitely be killed.

But I don't care whether he lives or dies—my life is more important.

I value it more than anyone else's.

So, why should I care?

But let's focus on the main question: why is the spider chasing me?

Did I do something wrong?

I can't remember doing anything to provoke it.

When did I—wait!

Those mini spiders...

Were they its children?

I looked back and saw the spider's twisted, furious face. It was angrier than ever.

I also noticed scars on its body, probably from rushing through the tree branches.

She was so relentless in her pursuit that she literally ignored her scars just to catch me.

If I ever fall into her hands, forget about living—my bones might disappear along with my body.

Shit, I made a huge mistake.

I have to get away from it and put some distance between us, or it will catch me.

But how?

My mind raced as I scanned the terrain for anything I could use.

Ahead, I spotted a fallen tree, its trunk half-rotted and covered in moss.

I sprinted towards it, hoping to use it as a temporary barrier.

With a final burst of speed, I vaulted over the tree and ducked behind it, pressing myself flat against the ground.

The spider landed on the other side, momentarily disoriented.

Taking advantage of its confusion, I grabbed a nearby branch and hurled it at the creature.

The spider hissed in anger, its eyes locking onto me once more.

It lunged, but I rolled to the side just in time, narrowly avoiding a spray of acid.

The ground where I had been lying sizzled and smoked.

Gotta keep moving, I told myself. I can't let it pin me down.

I darted through the trees, weaving in and out of the underbrush.

The spider followed, relentless in its pursuit.

My breath came in ragged gasps, but I forced myself to keep going.

Suddenly, I emerged into a small clearing.

Desperation clawed at me as I realized I was running out of options.

There was a hole in my cargo pants, and when I looked closer, I saw black liquid stuck to it.

It had melted away my skin, showing my inner thigh muscles.

When did I get hurt?

I was paying attention the whole time, so how did this happen?

After thinking about it carefully, I realized it must have been when the spider spat acid at my dagger.

Some of the acid must have bounced off and hit my pants.

I was so focused on my plan that I probably didn't notice the pain right away.

Without hesitating, I opened my bag and grabbed a Gold-rank healing potion.

I drank it quickly, and I could feel it start to work right away, easing the burning feeling on my thigh.

While I waited for my thigh to heal completely, I checked my inventory.

I noticed I had only two more Gold-rank potions left; the rest were either bronze or Iron.

It was a relief to have them, but I knew I had to save them for emergencies.

Lying on the forest floor, I concentrated on calming my fast-beating heart and controlling my breath.

The pain slowly faded away, and I took the opportunity to compose myself before I started running again.

***

After running for what felt like another 25 minutes, I finally stopped in the middle of the path, breathing heavily.

I put my hands on my knees and checked my watch—it read 3:20 P.M.

I had been running for almost an hour straight.

"Huh, huh, huh."

The sound of my tired breath escaping my lips filled the air.

Exhaustion made my legs and hands shake, and sweat streamed down my face.

A burning sensation in my chest made it hard to catch my breath.

Thinking of resting, I noticed a tall tree nearby.

Judging its height, I estimated it to be around 60 feet tall.

In the Ambros forest, known for hosting some of the world's largest trees like Hyperion and General Sherman, finding such tall trees wasn't surprising.

These enormous trees were usually found in dangerous, Restricted areas, not in the safer parts like where I was now.

Approaching the towering tree, I felt relieved, ready to rest and catch my breath.

Just as I was about to sit down, a sudden noise shattered the calm.

I jumped back, startled, only to see the spot where I stood moments ago covered in dark, ominous liquid.

With a creeping sense of dread, I looked up and saw the Monkey Spider high in the branches.

Darn, it got me quicker than I thought it would.

It pounded its chest, letting out a chilling laugh that echoed through the forest.

Is it mocking me because I couldn't escape even after trapping it?

This guy...

Frustration started to bubble up, but I kept myself calm. Fighting it directly won't lead to victory...

What are my options?

In the last battle, I discovered that its head is protected by a layer as hard as steel.

So, its primary weakness is now useless. The only vulnerable spot left is its underbelly, but it will probably shield it again before I can strike.

Another crucial point is that I'm unarmed. How can I even begin to fight it?

In situations like this, there's only one effective strategy:

"Uhhh, here we go again," I muttered quietly, realizing I couldn't stay there.

Run..

My heart sank as adrenaline surged through me.

Quickly, I turned and ran away from the danger, pushing my exhausted legs to their limit.