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

Chapter 199: Fateful Decision, Reaching an Understanding-Unexpected Gift

Before Rishi or Tereza can react, Alex speaks decisively. "We should just leave. It looks like we can't help them. According to the contract, that would be life-threatening for us since we'd have to fight the spiders for their prey."

The two cocoons suddenly struggle violently, clearly having heard Alex's comment.

"This is the cycle of life... we obtained treasure, and it's only fair that something gets left behind. You are, of course, right, Alex. I'm glad—and surprised—you realized it this quickly," Rishi muses, his voice carrying an amused tone. He throws Alex another curious glance, his eyes lighting up as if he's just discovered something new about him.

Tereza looks a bit shocked but then nods along, clearly agreeing with her comrades.

The three of them give a respectful nod toward the giant mutated Thornback Matriarch before turning to leave. The cocoons continue to struggle.

Alex stops. He turns back toward the two trapped figures and the Queen, who curiously stares at him.

NO! I can't leave like this! There's one thing I need to do... one thing I owe!

Stepping forward, Alex walks a little closer to the Queen and, to everyone's shock, lowers his head—almost bowing. His expression is softer now, free of the earlier fear and disgust.

"Thank you for the help, Queen. I learned a lot about myself and others during this encounter. I wish you the best."

Rishi and Tereza are visibly stunned. They had clearly noticed Alex's earlier skepticism—his outright hatred and fear of spiders.

Alex turns back and walks toward his comrades, nearly reaching the small tunnel, when something unexpected happens.

The Thornback Queen lets out a loud, determined sound, and the surrounding spiders stir once more.

The group turns back, and Rishi carefully observes her from a distance.

"She's displaying joy, appreciation, and most of all, respect... I think," Rishi analyzes.

Alex notices the shift as well.

From beneath the Matriarch, a Thornback Warrior carefully moves forward, carrying a single large egg. It looks pristine, almost like a massive diamond, glittering under the dim cave light.

The spider, as if carrying something sacred, moves with extreme caution. Lowering itself before Alex, it gently presents the egg to him.

What???

It's like being handed a football-sized diamond. Alex is instinctively drawn to the sparkling, beautiful egg, reaching out carefully and picking it up.

The moment his hands touch it, he feels an immediate connection—deep and undeniable. Holding it in his arms, he cradles it instinctively, as if it were his own child.

[Royal Thornback Matriarch (Mutated) Egg]
World: Harry Potter / Wizarding World
Quality: Light Gold to Gold
Quality (Spawn): Light Blue to Gold
Type: Egg
Effect: Contains the spawn of a Mutated Thornback Matriarch. Due to the mutation, there is a chance that the Royal egg won't contain just a common Thornback Matriarch.
Effect: The creature inside will be automatically soul-bound to you if it accepts you as its master. A specific skill is not required. You will obtain a Pet-class helper should you accept the soul-bond.
Effect: There can only be one Pet-class helper, even if you find another pet that does not require the corresponding skill to tame.
Note: The Royal egg of a Mutated Matriarch that surpassed the very limits of its species. This Royal egg, containing an heir to the Matriarch, has the potential to evolve into a new Thornback variant, simply be born as a common Thornback Matriarch or receive random mutations, like its mother.
Note: This egg is bound to you, it can neither be traded, sold, nor taken out of the world.
Note: Due to the rarity of pets obtainable without incredibly rare skills, this item is classified as Light Gold, even if the pet hatches as a Light Blue Matriarch pet.