Civilization

Chapter 318 318 - Engaging With The Reaper

The moment her cocoon skill deactivates, Selino dashes past Bael without even glancing in his direction. Maybe she knew time was running out in the switch skill, thus making her want to engage with the Reaper faster. Strangely, I have felt so many emotions during this hour of swapping bodies, but this was the first time when I feel a mix of anxiety and excitement. A nervous grin spreads across our faces, as Selino leaps off the ground lunging forward at the Reaper.

"Bone Shield." - Reaper

Slowly putting out his hand, a purplish red magic circle forms in front, as numerous types of human bones emerge collecting together to form a circular shield. A small explosion rings out, as the tip of our trident connects with the shield. However, without missing a beat, 8 spider legs sprout out from my back, stabbing forward around my body and the shield aiming for the Reaper, who was hiding behind it.

"A pitiful display." - Reaper

Parrying all 8 attacks with a spin of his scythe, the Reaper sends out a wave of energy, pushing us away slightly. Confidently, Selino commands the two lower spider legs to support our body, as she nonchalantly shrugs her shoulders. Stepping side to side using the spider legs, she engages in conversation with the Reaper.

"I wonder, Skelly. Why did you invade the continent? You know, that was on my mind for a while, even when I was still relaxing next to the Horde. Oh, it wasn't just me that is wondering about that. The Horde was also confused, since your invasion was so, sudden and yet so weak at the same time." - Selino

"Queen of Spiders, do you think you have the liberty to ask questions?. Circle of Death." - Reaper

Banging the butt of his scythe on the ground, the Reaper creates a large magic circle below our feet. Instantly noticing the danger, Selino activates Extreme Speed and sprints to the side.

"So impatient, Skelly! Why the rush? It is not like a bag of bones should be in a hurry." - Selino

"Pathetic. To think the Queen of Spiders has to resort to cheap words. Rise. Black Skeletons. Feast on the flesh of this poor fool." - Reaper

Seeing his spell fail, the Reaper chooses a different approach, summoning a small platoon of 10 skeletons. However, each skeleton was armed with a different set of weapons. Some were close-range, with gauntlets attached to their bony hands, or small knives, while others were mid-range, showcasing a thick whip or a long halberd. There were even skeletons holding onto crossbows and longbows, each equipped with a set of arrows ready to be fired.

"What are you doing, Selino? Why are you talking to him? Are you trying to provoke him, because if you are, it ain't working." - Ian

"Quiet, deary. I was genuinely curious about his thoughts on the invasion, but it doesn't look like he wants to tell me. Hmm… I only have 5 minutes left. Why don't I go all out? Hehe~ Now then deary, watch me closely, this is something all Arachae should be able to do, although your body can only handle up to the second stage. Athena's Curse.." - Selino

While I was looking through my own eyes as Selino commands my body, I could still sense the small changes around me. A tingling sensation sends goosebumps throughout my whole body, as my back tenses. The tattoo on my back quakes, and I feel thousands of tiny pricks along my body. I know this feeling, yet at the same time, it feels foreign. Where…? The time I went out of control.

Embracing the sensation, I start to focus on the changes happening to my body. Tiny spiders start to spread across my body, covering my arms, legs, chest, and face, only leaving small gaps between them. A surge of power washes over me, a freeing sensation could be felt as if I was reborn. Despite it happening without my control, I… I didn't mind it.

Like watching someone perform an insane unrealistic act, leaving only shock and awe, that was me. My heart pounds against my chest, rapidly. I can sense the pure adrenaline pumping through my veins as Selino's excitement infects me.

"Now then… Let's get rid of these distractions." - Selino

With a burst of speed, Selino bolts into the skeletons, and before they could even react, a string of explosions envelops her surroundings, blasting the skeletons away and shattering them in the process. Glancing over at the Reaper, Selino smirks, darting over, taking the straightest path to the Reaper's head. Blocking the strike with the blade of the scythe, the Reaper's hood flutters vigorously in the wind is caused by the explosion from our trident.

Hurriedly, he twists his body away while tucking the top of the hood down with his free hand, as if he wanted to hide his face. Even though I was just watching through a screen and focusing all my attention on it, I couldn't make out his face. Twirling around, the Reaper begins to exchange rapid blows with Selino, as both parties attempt to kill one another. However, we had 8 more potential methods of attack, each with its own pattern.

Standing on our own two legs, Selino barrages against the Reaper, inflicting small cuts on his robe as the intensity increases. The Reaper, on the other hand, continues to furiously defend while also incorporating his own attacks in the process. A swing could defend against a stab, a spider leg or two while also slicing at our feet or neck. Inhaling a sharp breath, I sit on the edge of my seat while I observe as carefully as I can Selino's spearman-ship and the Reaper's responses.

"This is going nowhere, Skelly deary~ I'm only hitting that thin cloth that covers your body. Why don't you go easy on me?" - Selino

"To think you can activate the cursed mark while inhibiting a human. Impressive. However, that is as far as you go. No more fooling around. Demonic Outburst! Nightmare Slave!" - Reaper

With a burst of demonic energy, the Reaper envelops himself in a deep dark red aura, as multiple clones of himself slowly materialize, surrounding us in the process. The aura radiant the most around his scythe, extending the blade until it was twice the size. Raising their scythes above their shoulders, the Reapers prepare for their attack. Selino tenses up, as she anticipates the attack. Seconds passed and with just a blink, all 10 Reapers' scythes clashed either with the spider legs or with our trident.

Countless slices and slashes, appear before us, each colliding with the spider legs more and more as Selino uses them to defend against them, counterattacking as much as possible with the trident. However, as if the Reapers were like phantoms, our attacks were hitting nothing but air or the clones, slicing and stabbing through… Unable to do any damage. At the same time, unable to take any damage either but not for long.

One by one, the spider legs broke and shattered. Leaving us more and more vulnerable. Attacks were connecting, I could feel the aura blade slicing against my skin. The burning flesh permeates into our noses, and a searing pain is all I can feel, but Selino doesn't give up.

"I guess this is why they call you the Queen of Spiders. You are truly hard to kill." - Reaper

"Well, Skelly deary~ I just kind of like to stick around." - Selino

"Selino! We need to retreat!" - Ian

"It seems even the human inside of you knows better." - Reaper

"He can hear me? Why? How?" - Ian

"He can't. Well… I thought he can't. That is beside the point, deary. I don't think we can beat the Reaper. Not right now at least. Deary, I'm going, to be honest. You are too weak and time has just about run out, so I'm passing the torch to you." - Selino

"Wait? What?" - Ian

[You have regained control of your body. Switch can not be activated for 1 month.]

"Oh? It seems the human is here. Pity. You have to die." - Reaper

A single Reaper moves forward, placing the scythe around my neck slowly. Unable to move from the gigantic presence in front of me, I instead tried to speak to him even if it was for only a short while.

"Reaper. Before you take my life. Tell me, why did you invade us? For what wrong did we do?" - Ian

"Nothing. You have done nothing. DO you think I need a reason to squash ants?" - Reaper

"So the Horde is also an ant to you?" - Ian

"No. He, Kronos, and Cornelia. There is another reason for invading their territory, but you do not need to know." - Reaper

"Unfortunately not." - Ian

"Well, you won't be dying today. Protection of the Heavens." - SanShiGo

The moment the Reaper's scythe moves to cut off my neck, golden energy envelops my body, creating sparks around my neck. Knowing I only have a few seconds at best, I act quickly, quietly thanking SanShiGo for this opportunity.

"Steel String!" - Ian

Looking upward, I cast one of my new skills, attaching itself to the ceiling and pulling myself up the string quickly, just in time to escape death. Glancing over to SanShiGo, I notice that Bael was locked in combat with Devel and David while the others were moving towards the Reaper. However, the Reaper wasn't happy with the situation.

Engulfing the whole room in his aura, the Reaper, and his clones stand side by side staring at those that were approaching.

"Insolent fools. BAEL! YOU WORTHLESS DEMON! COME TO ME!" - Reaper

"As you wish." - Bael

Sinking into his own shadow, Bael reappears beside one of the Reapers, most likely the real Reaper standing in the middle of the line.

"You have disappointed me. To think you cannot even kill a bunch of insects." - Reaper

"I am sorry, let me-" - Bael

"SILENCE! I do not need to hear your excuses. DEMON TRIGGER!" - Reaper

[URGENT UPDATE]

[Sub Event Quest - Reaper's Castle

Objective - ESCAPE! Retreat from the Reaper's Castle.

Reward - Unknown ]