56 Defense at 100 meters above ground, part two
A monkey ascends the wall.
Using thread manipulation, I attach adhesive threads to the wall along the monkey’s path.
Not good.
MP remaining is insufficient.
Possibly overused in toxin synthesis.
Still, if necessary, I have no choice but to endure without thread manipulation.
A stone flies—quickly I duck behind a rock.
The monkeys remaining on the ground continuously hurl stones.
Even if struck, it won’t be fatal—annoying beyond measure.
The lead monkey enters the adhesive thread zone I set.
Of course, the monkeys become stuck and halt their movement.
If the front is immobilized, the following should stall, buying time—no!
They use their allies’ bodies as footholds and continue climbing.
The adhesive thread zone is still substantial, but this will be breached earlier than anticipated!
Damn it!
No time for restraint now.
A net is cast toward a cluster of apes concentrated in one area.
The apes caught in the net are left as-is.
Struggle only tightens the adhesive threads, further restricting movement.
A mass of such apes ahead will serve as an obstacle.
Apes caught in the threads are generally left undisturbed.
From observed status data, it is determined they cannot escape my threads.
This time, slashing thread is not used.
For absolute certainty, immobilize all apes using adhesive threads.
Elimination comes later, at leisure.
A second net is launched.
Several more apes are caught within it.
As the third net is prepared, a stone projectile strikes me.
Dodge hastily.
Damn it—enemy or not, they're providing support at the perfect moment.
Moreover, the apes have begun dispersing to the left and right, avoiding my net.
This makes it impossible to catch more than one or two even with the net.
These creatures are smarter than the previous monsters!
If they're so smart, they should realize I'm not worth the effort!
What benefit is there in defeating such a tiny spider?
Yet the apes press forward with relentless determination.
I wish they'd stop.
Please, spare me this intensity.
Channel that energy elsewhere.
For example, into something like ○○○ (self-censorship).
While distracted by such trivial thoughts, I scatter threads.
The apes have split left and right—I must distribute the threads evenly across the entire area.
Use thread manipulation only in conservation mode.
Running out of MP in this situation would be dangerous.
The reason I don't choose to retreat into a basic shelter is because this location is one hundred meters above ground.
My threads are powerful, but not invincible.
They are vulnerable to fire and easily blown away by earth dragons.
They possess high defense, but can be breached if force exceeds that threshold.
I do not believe the apes can generate such force.
On the ground, I would unquestionably choose to take cover.
But this is not the ground.
If the apes attack the basic shelter and latch onto it—
The shelter would bear the weight of their bodies.
If multiple apes accumulate, and the shelter fails to withstand the load—
The basic shelter has no foundation.
It is held together solely by adhesive force between ceiling and walls.
Could support a weight like that of a rock.
But the upper limit of load capacity remains unknown.
Considered expanding for greater stability, but chose instead to prevent apes from approaching.
Expansion would only increase the maximum load threshold, I reasoned.
Still, perhaps I should have considered the number of apes.
At first.
For some reason, their numbers aren't decreasing at all!
Thought maybe I failed to finish off those knocked down by poison, but corpses resembling apes are piled beneath the wall.
No sign they’ve resurrected.
Simple explanation—there are more apes than before.
Reinforcements, in other words.
Hah—where are they even coming from? The numbers keep growing.
Should’ve been around fifty at first. Now there are easily twice that.
Moreover, they continue to increase.
A marathon with no end—terrifying, isn't it?
What should I do?
Seriously, what should I do?
Not only is MP dwindling, but red stamina and willpower are failing too.
I’ve been spooling thread nonstop since just now.
When stamina runs out, it ends.
The thread will cease to emit.
That must be avoided at all costs.
Assume the position of the Crouching Spider Star.
Target: the monkey closest to this position.
Swing.
Hit.
Good—now use adhesive force to forcibly pull it upward.
Quickly restrain the struggling monkey with thread.
Drive in the venomous fang.
During this, I’m struck by a thrown stone.
Ow!
But HP only dropped by five.
As expected—despite the range, it’s too far from the ground for significant impact.
Pain persists. But with Pain Reduction and Pain Nullification active, it is forcibly ignored.
The power of the venomous fang cuts off the ape’s breath.
Consume it immediately.
This task hinges on speed.
Finish quickly and return to the front lines.
The apes are still struggling with the adhesive threads.
Many are now stuck, incapacitated, but their bodies are forming a path—solidifying as they attach.
Progressing steadily toward me.
Stamina recovery is possible, but one more time only. Assume this is the final opportunity.
Thus, consume it swiftly, completely, leaving nothing behind—fully assimilated as sustenance.
Bhah!
Consumed.
There is a faint sense that the apes’ killing intent has increased, but it is too late now.
I am the one who consumes.
How dare you be devoured by such creatures!