Fantasy Realm [One Piece] [Harry Potter] [Naruto] - [Progression] [LitRPG]

Chapter 197: Arachnophobia and Claustrophobia, The Secret of the Spider Cave

The group of five ventures deeper inside the cave, picking up more [Thornback Eggs] until they hit a dead end. They leave and enter the slightly larger cave on the other side of the ravine, finding more egg clusters and eggs, which they, of course, collect as well. Alex, Rishi, and Tereza each carry five now, while Roja and Perlah decide to just take a single egg each, obviously not bold enough to demand more.

As they reach another seemingly dead end and plan to return, Tereza raises her voice: "Wait! There is something on that side of the cave wall. I can see signs of frequent use by the spiders. It's like this part is an old highway that's been used for 50 years, compared to the rest of the cave. This spot looks like it hides a secret passage," Tereza says.

Alex pays close attention and uses Gyo for a second, nodding his head. "You're right. There is a pathway leading further inside, it's also going slightly downwards. But that area is pretty narrow. We can squeeze through, but forget about fighting once we're in there, we'll be trapped! Let's burn every single web before entering. I'm not squeezing through that small opening without it. I hate fucking spiders," he says, half complaining, half demanding.

I can fight them just fine, if I'm in the open and can react! But in dark, tight spaces with no escape? NO WAY

"We still have our Annihilation Grenade lvl 4, shall we just throw them in?" Roja suggests, looking at the others.

"I actually agree. If the damn thing collapses, I'm fine with that, as long as we can eliminate the threat of enemies! Let me check a bit more," Alex says, using En.

"That damn opening is a small tunnel. It doesn't get smaller, it pretty much stays the same size as it is now. Large enough for us to duck and slowly walk through it. Also, no eggs in sight. No enemies either... but... hundreds of smaller spiders, of course. So yeah, burn it down or blow it up—both sound like good ideas to me," Alex tells them.

"That's quite a useful ability, Alex," Perlah says, looking relieved.

"Alex, you're being a bit irrational. You obviously dislike and fear spiders, so I respect you for pushing through this, but let's neither burn the webs nor throw grenades. If you can't detect anything with your En, we'll just announce our presence—or worse, cause a cave-in. Just close your eyes and go in," Rishi urges him.

"...You first," Alex replies, hating the idea of squeezing through this spider-infested narrow tunnel.

Rishi moves forward, but Tereza interrupts. "I'm going first. My SNS is the highest!"

Fuck... I hate to say this, but...

"No... I'm going first. I have my shield, and I can cast Fire as well. Also, my En is most effective with me at the front," Alex says, eating two more White-quality dishes: [Successful Dish (Braised Blobfish)], which restores the most HP outside of battles, and [Successful Dish (Cucco Eggs Benedict)].

[Successful Dish (Cucco Eggs Benedict)]
World: The Legend of Zelda, Fantasy Realm
Quality: White
Effect: Heals 15 HP over 5 minutes.
Note: An egg dish containing Cucco Eggs and various other ingredients.
Note: Almost looks like it's made with gold.

"Not bad," Alex says, finishing the food and seeing that his HP is close to full.

Alex Kerber: Lvl 4
HP: 196/252, MP: 75/212, AURA: 76/192

He looks at Roja and Perlah. "Give me the grenades back. I might need them," Alex says.

"Sure!" Perlah eagerly stuffs a grenade into his hand. Roja hesitates slightly but doesn't deny Alex's request.