Let me see what 127 people’s potential is capable of.

Ah— I was startled.

When I teleported back to the dragon pen, there were a lot of people there.

Of course I panicked.

It’s not that I have social anxiety— I just find interacting with others difficult.

I startled and ended up locking eyes with that bearded man.

Ah— I turned off the evil eye just in case.

I don’t want to be targeted just for staring.

That man— he was rather strikingly handsome. I liked him.

He’d look even more intense if he smiled with a cigarette in hand.

Oh— that would be good.

I might actually want to chase after him now.

But— I can’t speak. And asking someone with social anxiety to talk to others? That’s like torture.

Still— what are they all doing here?

They suddenly shouted and started running. What’s going on?

Did they all hold it in until now?

I don’t understand.

Well, if they’re willing to overlook it, that’s fine by me—welcome, then.

I think I could still win even if it came to a fight, but it’d be troublesome.

They were a group dressed in armor, giving off a knightly vibe, but not particularly strong.

Stat-wise, about on par with the snakes.

Since returning to the upper levels, I’ve killed several snakes. I didn’t realize they were this weak.

There was a time I thought they were boss-level enemies.

I’ve grown quite strong myself.

If they’re only as strong as snakes, then...

Their skill set was fairly developed, but even so, with stats like that, they wouldn’t be a threat.

Not likely my enemy.

Humans… are actually weak?

They looked like knights, and were a decent fighting group, right?

And yet, that’s their strength?

Ugh.

I didn’t expect humans to be this weak.

I thought for a moment I might have to fight Mother too, but that wasn’t the case.

Perhaps that group is simply unusually weak.

Perhaps the difference between strong and weak humans in this world is simply extreme.

I—maybe you’re here.

If even I could become this strong, it wouldn't be strange for her to be here.

Hmm.

Following those people earlier—would that lead to an exit?

Ah, but that old man did have a sense of presence detection, didn’t he.

If I go along, it might be noticed.

I don't like that.

I don’t want to have anything to do with those people.

But to eat delicious food, one must interact with people, doesn't one?

Troublesome, but this one I cannot yield.

Even in my previous life, I avoided making eye contact with shopkeepers when shopping.

This world’s language will have to be learned, and the path ahead looks difficult.

Meh, whatever.

Once the fuss dies down, I’ll head toward the direction those people went.

The area I’ve been heading toward lately has been clearing out of monsters—perfect timing.

No need to rush.

I can’t even become an Arachne yet.

Even if I go out in spider form, I can’t enter human towns.

If someone asks whether becoming an Arachne lets me enter human towns, I doubt it—but for now, that’s the only option.

Heretic Magic illusions only last a moment. Useless.

Hoping that being slightly more humanoid might help is just wishful thinking.

But what were those people even after?

They’re knights—some nation’s military unit?

Did they come to exterminate something?

Monsters that could be targets around here—earth drakes, perhaps?

Sorry, I ate those for food.

I doubt it, but I'm not the one they're hunting, am I?

None, none.

This is, in fact, my second encounter with a human since becoming a spider-being.

Nothing like dispatching a hunting party has been done.

Ah, but if the people from earlier were carrying a鉴定... that could be bad?

A dangerous spider-like monster is present—this could easily lead to a decision to eliminate it.

Did not manage to assess everyone — might have had an assessment user among them.

Perhaps we should chase after it—just to confirm?

Ah, but I don’t wish to interact with people.

Mmhm.

No.

Troublesome.

What is so sorrowful that one must actively engage with people?

Let me stay alone.

Besides, if things go poorly, I can simply teleport away.

If you retreat to the mid-level, a human without fire resistance won't be able to catch you.

You could just teleport away the moment you arrive, after all.

Besides, seeing how strong those people were earlier—whether fleeing is even necessary is questionable.

Dealing with humans is troublesome. But if they come intending to kill me, I won’t show mercy.

Ah… but if I do that, I’ll probably lose access to good meals again.

Ugh, I just want to eat delicious food, why does this have to become so complicated?

Ah, no, no.

Maybe I should just kill them and take their supplies?

Those people probably have food rations at least.

Ah, but in a dungeon like this, fresh and tasty food wouldn’t be stored.

I wouldn’t care for stale preserved rations anyway.

And setting off a human conflict flag? Not worth it.

I might as well become a true Demon King and rule everything.

Then I could feast on delicious food every day.

Ah… that might actually work.

Then again, if that were possible, there’d be no trouble at all.

Ah… I want to eat delicious food.