Arachnid (Unordinary Webtoon Fanfiction)

3: Beast

Previously...

Gou huffed. "Alissa isn't gonna give up her throne just because Rein beat me," he said.

"Well, yes," said Broven. "After all, she's a 5.0... What's your level, Rein?"

Don't tell hi-

Shush.

"4.9."

"Oh, not bad," said Broven, smiling.

"And what about you?" I asked him.

"Oh, I haven't told anyone yet," said Broven, smiling even more. "Anyway, let's see you fight."

Gou groaned.

"Oh, and Rein, if you show talent... Since Alissa isn't allowed to do Turf Wars since, well, the latest 'incident', I'll consider giving you the position of Queen fill-in."

---

"...What kind of 'incident' are you talking about here, exactly?" I asked skeptically.

"Ah, well..." Broven leaned back at where he sat on a desk. "Alissa has a hot temper if you get what I mean. And she's strong, so..."

...Oh.

"...Alright. I'm willing to give your offer a try, at least," I said simply. Gou started to protest, but Broven held up a finger to silence him.

"Very well. 4 PM tomorrow, at the Agwin Turf Wars Zone. See you then."

Wow, he really planned all of this beforehand.

The meeting ended abruptly, and before I knew it, I was walking home again. I passed the dorms on the way, sighing.

I didn't sleep in the dorms, for fear of someone finding out about the whole arachnid thing again. Plus, the more I could stay away from the school, the better. Authorities were constantly visiting.

Sure enough, the next day at 4 PM sharp, I arrived at the Agwin Turf Wars Zone. Most turf wars were held at further locations, so the Zone, as the students called it, was mostly a practice place for battles.

Not that the bullies ever prepared a specific place for a civilized battle.

Sure enough, the next day at 4 PM sharp, I arrived at the Zone. Broven and Gou were already there, waiting.

Upon seeing me, Broven jumped up and ran to the side of the Zone where he planned on spectating the battle.

"Hey there, Rein! How ya doin'?" he called. I nodded my head as a response. "Well then, without further ado, let's start!"

I barely had time to react before Gou dashed at me.

He's fast!

I get it, I don't need you infiltrating my thoughts to tell me.

Rude!

Gou had already drawn back a fist, ready to throw a punch at me. I tilted my head just in time, dodging the punch, although it grazed my ear.

You could've used me to dodge that-

Gou jumped back, preparing for another attack.

How am I supposed to attack if I can't use the arachnid...? I thought. Empath powers weren't going to help me in this situation...

That's why you have to use the power you were given when you were born! Plus, you know you've kept me imprisoned for far too long... At this rate, if you don't release some of the power building up, your body will be destroyed!

Spare me the lecture.

I decided to analyze Gou's attack pattern first. Once I got all his attacks down, I could attack with the arachnid. Maybe.

Probably.

Gou stomped the ground with his foot. The force of his stomp made a crater in the ground, and cracks split along the ground.

Super-strength, huh? Along with boosted speed.

Gou picked up a chunk of debris from the crater he had made and threw it, aiming for my head. I jumped away, kicking off from the ground, and the debris whizzed past me.

Gou went for a punch again.

That's all he has, I thought as I studied his expression, using my ability. It's about time, anyway...

It's time.

I felt the power flicker inside me, like a flame. It grew and grew, into a roaring blaze. And it burned.

Gou's a tough opponent. Don't go easy on him.

Shut up.

One leg. Two legs.

Four.

Six.

Eight.

Bingo. Anything else?

Speed. Webs.

Speed.

I dashed behind Gou. His head turned around quickly, sensing where I was going immediately. Fast, indeed.

I pressed my palm against his back.

"Sorry, Gou."

From where my palm touched his back, a web of silk started spreading. It wrapped around Gou's wrists and ankles, preventing him from moving away.

I slipped behind him, pressing the tip of a pincer to his chest.

That's more like it.

"Forfeit, please?" I asked Gou.

He hesitated for a moment, then said, "...Fine."

Broven started clapping. "Bravo! Have you been hiding that all this time, Rein?" he asked me. I avoided the question. "Well, there we go! Our new Queen!"

Broven clapped me on the back. "And well done, Gou." Gou was gloomy. "You're a real beast, Rein. Congrats."

The fire slowly died down, until only a small flame was flickering.

Are you sure you want to imprison me again? What's so bad about just embracing yourself for what you are?

The fire crackled, growing.

There. Even you want to be powerful, just like humans. It's just your instinct.

No.

The gust of wind pushed the fire into nothing but ashes.

Beast and monster. What's the difference?