Erlow Great Labyrinth Anomaly Investigation Team③
Continuing from the uncle's perspective
Day thirteen since entering the labyrinth.
Arrived at the originally designated area. Currently conducting monster culling and investigating the cause.
Yet we found ourselves perplexed.
"Nothing here. No monsters."
"Indeed. Reports indicated an abnormal increase in monster density. No such presence detected."
"Right. If anything, the path ahead had more than this."
The number of monsters encountered en route had indeed been higher.
Normally, we avoid combat whenever possible. However, culling monsters is a key task this time.
Each time a monster was discovered, the knights engaged.
As a result, the initial planned travel time of ten days extended to twelve.
Considering the return journey, the investigation must proceed as swiftly as possible.
"Still, it's only day one of the investigation. No need to rush. Besides, if the monsters are gone, that's actually convenient. The anomaly has settled. Case closed."
"Would that it were true."
A light remark to the captain, though I don't truly believe my own words.
The unease I've felt since entering the labyrinth has only grown stronger.
Whenever this sensation arises, nothing good ever follows.
Better to remain cautious.
Day fifteen.
"Indeed, no monsters remain. Perhaps we should finally examine the main passage we've avoided so far?"
"Hmm. The main passage, huh."
No progress had been made in the investigation.
It was expected—the monsters said to be present were entirely absent.
I hesitated at the captain's suggestion.
It's unlikely the queen is here by chance, but the main passage contains creatures of a magnitude far exceeding those in previous routes.
The earth drakes are particularly troublesome monsters, excelling in physical capability.
Ideally, I'd avoid entering the main passage, but given the objective of this mission, that isn't an option.
"Can't help it. Captain, if danger is assessed, we pull back immediately."
"Agreed. Everyone, listen! We are proceeding to the main passage! If danger is detected, retreat without delay—prepare accordingly."
Under the captain's command, the unit advances.
"Here."
"Affirmative. Proceed with caution beyond this point."
Emerging into the main passage.
Scanning the surroundings carefully.
No sign of monsters.
"Not a single one here?"
"Affirmative. According to reports, this passage should be teeming with monsters."
"Indeed. This level of silence is unprecedented. Unsettling."
Caution should be heightened.
My sense of dread intensifies.
Instinct signals that proceeding forward is dangerous.
"Something’s wrong. This bad feeling won’t stop."
"Me too."
The captain is sweating cold.
A similar sweat traces my cheek.
Slowly, we move forward.
Something catches my eye.
"Is that a spiderweb?"
"A Tarract-type monster."
It is a massive spiderweb.
The form of its maker is hidden entirely within the web.
This size. The web’s owner is undoubtedly an adult.
"Could this web’s maker be the cause of the current anomaly?"
"Likely. Look."
At the spot I point, a half-eaten earth dragon corpse is trapped in the web.
"Even an earth dragon reduced to this. This one might have evolved into a Greater-class."
Tarract species experience explosive strength increases through evolution.
The top-tier Queen is mythic-class.
Meanwhile, a newborn spiderling is ranked F, the lowest tier.
The extent of change brought by evolution needs no explanation.
The Greater Talatect is an evolutionary variant that arises extremely rarely.
That strength is near-B rank, approaching A rank.
Given that the earth dragon is being subdued, reaching an A-rank would not be surprising.
Can you handle a creature of A-rank magic?
Impossible. Perhaps we could eradicate them if we were prepared to accept total annihilation—but that’s not a viable option.
That’s right. We’d better return. This is beyond our capacity.
Agreed. Better to escape as soon as possible.
My opinion aligns with the captain's.
They nodded to each other and prepared to leave the spot.
A profound chill seized me.
She gasps.
The web turned away, its back exposed.
Something appeared there.
Exchange glances with the adjacent captain.
Nods, slowly turns back.
And then, their eyes met.
A spider.
Similar to the familiar Talatekt species, but slightly different.
A small, black, scythe-handed creature resembling a spider.
Recognition comes instantly.
This one is dangerous.
No idea how it appeared so suddenly, but it is dangerous—undoubtedly.
Terror locks the body.
Greater Talatekt?
No. Not that level.
This one is not something so easily dismissed.
"Retreat!"
The captain's shout snaps me back to awareness.
We flee in a panic.
Formation is irrelevant now.
We run, feet nearly laughing, forcing them to move.
How long we ran, we had exited the main passage.
Looking back, it did not follow.
Relieved sighs escape from all sides.
The captain exhales once, then immediately begins roll call.
No missing members.
"Leave the labyrinth immediately."
"Ah. We must report back to the homeland. That thing... we couldn't handle it."
They hadn't fought it directly.
But one glance was enough.
That was an abomination beyond measure.
The reason so many monsters had been present was because creatures driven from their homes by that entity had flooded the surrounding area.
The reason no monsters had been near here was because they had fled from it.
Regardless of how it was assessed, it was clearly an entity surpassing Rank A.
It might even reach Rank S.
Such a being was meant for heroes or the elite of nations.
Not someone like us, ordinary individuals.
"Zoa Eire."
Someone murmured.
"What's that?"
"That monster. A spider-like entity symbolizing ill omen. But it shouldn't have been something like that."
Apparently, that monster belonged to a species known as Zoa Eire.
Never heard of such a monster emerging within the Great Labyrinth.
Mutated suddenly from the Taratect species?
Clearly distinct from standard Zoa Eire. The mutation appears undeniable.
Regardless, we cannot do more.
We exited the labyrinth immediately thereafter.