We Live in Dragon’s Peak – Chapter 1167

We live at the foothills of Dragon Peak.

The Thousand-Handed Spider’s Web

Teruru-chan, the Thousand-Handed Spider, lives at the bottom of the deep Abyss Valley, located midway up the sacred mountain’s south side. Normally, she lurks quietly at the valley’s bottom, but when someone unauthorized invades the forbidden territory, she fulfills her duty as its guardian.

However, what will happen?

When someone unauthorized invades Teruru-chan’s dwelling, a dwelling belonging to someone tasked by the witch to eliminate invaders of the forbidden territory, how will Teruru-chan react?

After all, doesn’t it make you wonder?

The fact that you haven’t become Teruru-chan’s prey within the forbidden territory means you’re an officially permitted resident, authorized by one of the administrators. These residents are guaranteed freedom within the forbidden territory. Of course, this is on the premise that they do not damage the forbidden territory or cause trouble.

So, a question arises, doesn’t it?

A resident recognized by the administrator is, in other words, a person recognized by Teruru-chan. What will happen if such a recognized person invades Teruru-chan’s dwelling? Will invading Teruru-chan’s dwelling count as damaging the forbidden territory? Will it be considered a troublesome act?

While residents must abide by the rules of the forbidden territory, this does not include any specific rules for dealing with Teruru-chan.

“So, everyone else is curious too, right?”

“It seems Ruiseine has been completely corrupted by Elnea-kun?”

“Um, Ruiseine Older Sister is saying things like Elnea Older Brother!”

“Oh my, oh my, that’s just your imagination?”

We departed the mansion, and it’s almost lunchtime. We arrived at the south-central slope of the sacred mountain without a single person falling behind. Before us lies a large crack in the earth, descending to the bottom of the abyss. Facing this chasm, I shared the question that had been on my mind with the Shooting Stars.

The Shooting Stars, upon hearing my story, wore slightly troubled expressions. “Is this just a little bit?” Setting aside my own surprise at your contrasting reaction.

“It may be a bit late to say this, but honestly, I can’t guarantee what will happen from now on. Therefore, anyone who feels their life is in danger after hearing my question is welcome to stay here.”

Despite what I said, not a single one of the Shooting Stars declined.

This time, those who volunteered for the Teruru-chan’s dwelling visit team were the twin sisters Viletta-sama and Vietta-sama, along with Annie-sama, Liz-sama, Michelle-sama, and Serica-sama, all of whom have prior adventure experience with us. Additionally, there were two new Shooting Stars, Clays-sama and Tasha-sama, who had not been selected for Elnea-kun’s adventures until now, making it quite a large group. By the way, Clays-sama and Tasha-sama are priestesses who have lost their magical power.

Seeing that no one intended to back down, Sefina smiled coolly. “It seems Ruiseine’s final threat didn’t work, does it? Well then, I’m off to Oz’s place.” With that, Sefina turned on her heel and was gone in the blink of an eye. Sefina’s retreating figure, which should have been heading straight for the summit, suddenly vanished. She was likely whisked away to a different location by the Bewildering Technique applied to the entire sacred mountain.

“Well then, let’s be off too.” Holding Priscilla-chan, I turned my feet towards the massive crack that ran deeply into the earth.

“We will be descending a cliff from here… but for all of you, there should be no problem, right?” The Shooting Stars are no ordinary priestesses or battle priestesses. They must have used teleportation magic countless times to get here, yet they show no signs of fatigue. They must have undergone countless, unimaginably harsh training and battles. It’s unlikely that such individuals would falter even at descending a cliff. Indeed, everyone nodded without hesitation to my words.

“We must not be careless, but we are confident.” “If we were to give up at this point, that person would laugh at us.” Viletta-sama and Vietta-sama nodded to each other with the same gesture.

“Then, I will be waiting underground, so please descend safely.” Huh? You’re not coming down the cliff with us? Unfortunately, I’m holding Priscilla-chan, so I can’t move freely. Besides, I don’t think Priscilla-chan will descend slowly with the Shooting Stars, will she?

“Muki! I’m going down with Priscilla-chan too!” “Oh my, oh my!” I said in reply to Madrine-sama, but it was too late. Priscilla-chan, having grown tired of waiting, activated Spatial Jump.

“Um, I’m going all at once, okay?” “Ruiseine Older Sister is taking it easy, nyanko.” “That’s just your imagination, Nimia-chan?” In an instant, my vision turned completely dark. Priscilla-chan, seemingly accustomed to it, activated Spatial Jump several times in the darkness. My Dragon Eye showed me the scenery of the cliff face falling downwards in the darkness.

And after another Spatial Jump. Suddenly, I felt the sensation of the ground beneath my feet. I stumbled, losing my balance, but I didn’t drop Priscilla-chan. “Now then, Priscilla-chan. Let’s take a short break until everyone arrives, okay?” “Um, I want to eat sweets?” “Nyanko.” I lit the portable light, took out some baked goods from my bag, and offered them with some tea to Priscilla-chan and Nimia-chan, who immediately began eating them with gusto. Once the Shooting Stars safely reach the underground, we’ll have lunch along with a break, I thought as I turned my gaze towards the dimly visible scenery of the sky far above and towards Teruru-chan, who I presumed was lurking in the depths of the darkness.

After waiting for a while in the abyss, illuminated only by the portable light. The first to reach the bottom were Clays-sama and Tasha-sama. Both appeared to be skilled priestesses in their thirties, and they showed no signs of fatigue despite having descended the cliff. Next came the three battle priestesses, Isabel-sama, Serica-sama, and Michelle-sama, followed by Liz-sama and Annie-sama. A little later, Viletta-sama and Vietta-sama arrived, and Madrine-sama descended last with energetic vigor. “Madrine-sama, thank you for leading us.” “As the former Head Miko, it is only natural for me to watch over the priestesses and battle priestesses.” Everyone laughed at Madrine-sama, who proudly puffed out her chest. It seems everyone still has plenty of energy.

“Then, after our lunch break, we’ll head towards Teruru-chan’s location. If we proceed through this underground, Teruru-chan should be lurking somewhere.” Honestly, even with my Dragon Eye, I cannot see through the darkness of the abyss. Perhaps Teruru-chan is obstructing my vision? My Dragon Eye isn’t strong enough to break through the dazzling illusion of the legendary Magic Beast, the Thousand-Handed Spider.

We all huddled together for lunch under the power of magic and the portable lights. After a solid rest, we resumed our exploration.

“Um, Teruru-chan is quiet, isn’t she? Is she not home?” “Who knows? Perhaps she’s waiting for our visit deep inside, eagerly?” “Ooooh, Teruru-chan, wait for me!” Now that we’ve descended underground, our destination is just ahead. So, Priscilla-chan is walking on her own two feet, without using Spatial Jump. I held her hand to keep her from running off alone, and we proceeded through the underground. Priscilla-chan, still full of energy, pulled my hand forcefully, trying to rush forward into the darkness without fear. However, the Shooting Stars, knowing that this is the Thousand-Handed Spider’s nest, were understandably cautious in their steps. Madrine-sama was also keeping an eye on her surroundings to ensure the Shooting Stars didn’t get separated. Madrine-sama truly is an unsung hero who subtly lends a hand in times like these. Fufufu, we are well aware of Madrine-sama’s unspoken consideration.

“Nyaa.” Nimia-chan, who had been resting comfortably on Priscilla-chan’s head, let out a cute meow. However, this wasn’t a reaction to reading my thoughts.

“So many souls protected by the First Star!” A sweet voice suddenly echoed from the depths of the darkness. At the same time, my Dragon Eye registered an anomaly.

“Everyone, please be careful of what’s above you!” It was at the same moment as my warning. From the far darkness high above, a long object, several times thicker than the pillars of the Great Shrine, descended onto the underground! With a violent tremor that shook the ground beneath our feet, a thick, pillar-like object plunged into the earth. The Shooting Stars let out screams at the sudden turn of events and stared at the thick, pillar-like object embedded in the ground and the darkness above. The thick, pillar-like object, black as the darkness itself, stretched endlessly, continuing into the depths of the darkness I gazed upon.

“W-what is this…?” Tasha-sama murmured, holding her breath.

“It’s Teruru-chan!” Priscilla-chan jumped up joyfully. That’s right. The thick, giant object that suddenly descended from the darkness far above was Teruru-chan’s leg! But why on earth is Teruru-chan doing something so dangerous!

“Um, it’s Teruru-chan’s interference!” Even while calling it interference, Priscilla-chan sounded gleeful. Conversely, the Shooting Stars, realizing they had been identified as intruders by the Thousand-Handed Spider, turned pale with despair. It’s understandable. This is the bottom of a deep cliff. Beyond the magic spells and portable lights illuminating the darkness, sheer cliffs stretch far into the sky. In such a place with limited escape routes, being attacked by a legendary magic beast, who could remain calm? However, contrary to the despair of the Shooting Stars, Priscilla-chan erupted in joy.

“Ah.” In a fleeting opening, Priscilla-chan slipped from my hand. Having gained her freedom, Priscilla-chan ran into the depths of the darkness without hesitation. And in an instant, she disappeared into the deep darkness.

“Ruiseine!?” Madrine-sama hurriedly rushed over to me. “I apologize. In the suddenness of it all, I let go of Priscilla-chan’s hand.” “Oh, how could this happen.” While Madrine-sama and I were in distress, Viletta-sama and Vietta-sama quickly came to our aid. “Is Priscilla-chan going to the Thousand-Handed Spider?” “In this situation, it’s dangerous for a small child to go to the Thousand-Handed Spider alone.” “Yes, I am so sorry…” Clays-sama and Tasha-sama offered gentle smiles to encourage me as I hung my head.

“It’s alright. If we all go looking for her, we might make it in time.” “I’m sure the Goddess’s protection will be with us.” However, I turned my gaze towards the darkness.

“So many purified souls!” Teruru-chan’s voice echoed again from the depths of the darkness. And this time, several of the Thousand-Handed Spider’s legs swung down towards us!

“We cannot involve the Shooting Stars in any further danger,” Madrine-sama said. The Shooting Stars, however, shook their heads. “What are you saying? If we prioritize our own safety here and abandon Priscilla-chan, we will not overcome the trials ahead.” “We will definitely bring Priscilla-chan back!” Dodging the Thousand-Handed Spider’s legs that were descending with heavy thuds, the Shooting Stars were united with unwavering resolve. Clicking the heart allows you to easily convey your support. (Login required.) Support. Log in if you have an account. Learn more about the reading experience on KADOKAWA.