Becoming a Monster

Chapter 297: Chapter 297: Triangles’ Dilemma

The first strand began to glow as Noah coached her into how to work the item. He didn’t just give her the time to redirect her attention but also because she was the one he already had in mind when choosing who to use it on.

The second helix emitted an equally strong glow, and it was then that the helix began to twirl around each other, faster and faster until the strands merged into one.

In that same instant, the strand enveloped Arachne’s body in a glow of dazzling light of her own mana.

Arachne’s eyes remained closed, her lips pursed, and her brows twitching as she was being fed information of her new skill. Noah could have waited for when she was done so she could tell them the results, but he was too intrigued to wait as he checked the system for himself.

[Queen’s Tribute and Majesty’s Chimera Legacy has been fused to create the ability Imperial Broodmother’s Edict. The foundation of the fused skill still remains the same, allowing for the skill to retain the level of the skills used.]

[Imperial Broodmother’s Edict (Lvl 1)- A queen does not rule alone, she births empires. When you birth spiders of their various rankings, these spiders are born with an instinctual bond to your will as their mother and Queen. Each spider possesses autonomy but are inherently loyal to you. Their experiences remain individual but may voluntarily share through a hive-mind bond. For every hatched spiderling, your stats are increased by 5% of their total attributes as long as they are alive.

Brood Creation

Spawnlings (1–50 Mana): Basic spiders with adaptive, inherited traits. Better used as worker spiders.

Weavers- (51–300 Mana): Intermediate spiders with minor tactical intelligence and specialize in webbing, scouting and maintaining the nest.

Broodguards-(301–800 Mana): Advanced spiders, often with armor, unique traits, or elemental abilities.

Royal Spawn- (801+ Mana): These spiders not only are created with human intelligence, but they are also born with the acquired traits from the resources used to create them but will also guarantee to gain a trait of skill that compliments their creator.]

Noah wasn’t exactly sure how the skill would turn out. He had in mind that the finalized skill would enable her to create stronger subjects or at least get rid of the necessity to require activating the skill. But not only did the new skill do both of those, it went beyond what he expected.

Each category of spider she could birth became more specialized. Now, even a simple spawnling held its own usefulness. Not to mention the addition of creating Royal Spawns.

Noah found himself fondly staring towards his first companion. His eyes glistened with anticipation of what she will do in the future. He felt envious. She was a creature who no longer needed to fight to survive, she simply needed to have babies, and she can gain power without lifting a finger.

Finally, Arachne opened her eyes to catch Noah’s gaze. Her initial excitement faltered under his stare. Under his passionate gaze, something inside of her began to make her heart rate rise. Her face grew flush, and her body grew antsy, it wasn’t just excitement anymore that she was feeling but a desire to show how grateful she was to Noah.

She was unsure of what to do, how should she express herself? She only knew how to respond to Noah’s sincerity by proving herself in battle that his actions didn’t go to waste. But now, she found that idea to be....lacking.

Suspiciously, her gaze pandered to Ailetta. A knowing smile was etched into her many mouths while she nodded in an approving gesture.

The pounding in Arachne’s heart thumped even louder, this was the moment that they had planned for. According to Ailetta, simply going the route that she has been going all this time will only continue having Noah look at her with the same care that he held for all his companions. She didn’t want the same relationship with Noah as the others, she wanted more! She wanted to be Noah’s Queen.

But, she didn’t know how to show it, she didn’t know how to make Noah understand because even she didn’t understand.

And that’s where Ailetta comes in. Arachne often spi-came upon Noah and Ailetta when they kissed. An action that still escaped her understanding till this day. Yet according to Ailetta, this was the best way to claim ownership over your mate.

Arachne was nervous, but her instincts as a female spider quickly took over. Her expression became one of resolution, she was going to show Noah that he belonged to her.

Although she was determined, Arachne still didn’t know that proper etiquette of kissing. To her, it was just a simple action of two people’s lips simply touching, a mating ritual that was more of a display of intent than anything else.

So, without a word, she stepped forward, practically lunging towards Noah’s face. The action looked as if both their faces were going to collide. But then, one motion interrupted it all.

Arachne’s face stopped inches away from his. Her face filled with shock as her eyes were deadlocked with Noah’s who was now intently staring into her. His hand caught her face, holding the bottom of her chin while his fingers wrapped gently but firmly along her jaw.

His eyes, though wide with surprise, weren’t annoyed, offended, nor were they judgemental. They were analyzing her, observing her every action while reflecting on her past actions.

Noah didn’t say anything, and Arachne didn’t move, but his eyes soon carried over to the person that he knew was behind it all. And when he locked eyes with Ailetta, she avoided his gaze, acting as if she was distracted elsewhere.

”I finally understand why you have been acting weird lately...” He muttered, more to himself if anything. Soon after he let out an exasperated sigh, releasing his grip in the process.

”Le,” His firm tone was something that Ailetta understood that she couldn’t continue to play coy with. Her body straightened in anticipation for Noah’s reprimand.

”If you’re going to make decisions for me, the least you can do is discuss things like this with me first. You’re not only betraying my trust, but this is no different than toying with both mine and Arachne’s feelings.”

Ailetta gave a shallow nod, her smile now awkwardly tight. ”You’re right,” she said, not bothering to deflect with sarcasm for once. ”But I won’t take all the blame, Noah, you can hurt people without knowing you are.”

Noah’s brow creased at her words, but he didn’t interrupt.

”I couldn’t convince Arachne to do what she did unless she really wanted to. Noah, I may want you for myself, I would kill and torture anyone who tries to take you away from me. But when it comes to Arachne’s feelings, I find myself not wanting to deny her happiness. Noah, you care for her, you love her, but is it fair to Arachne that you are ignoring the love she wants?”

As she spoke, Ailetta’s once guilty gaze became more resolute. ”I’m wrong for not discussing this with you, but I won’t apologize for helping Arachne to get you to recognize her feelings.”

Noah’s silence spoke volumes. He’s noticed it before; all this time he’s been seeing the signs. But...He couldn’t allow himself or Arachne to take their feelings further than what they already were. His feelings for her were sincere, and he believed that Arachne was simply confused after becoming more sentient of having emotions. Especially since her instincts as a spider were still prevalent. Not only did he assume that Arachne’s attraction towards him was simply instinctual, but he also didn’t want to betray Ailetta’s own feelings

Yet now he found out that not only did Ailetta not mind Arachne’s feelings for him, but she also encouraged it.

”Le, we will discuss this when we get back, all three of us.”

”And Arachne,” His voice softened as he turned his eyes back to her. He could see her body visibly tense, he could sense her emotions tipping out of control, fear and concern eating away at her conscious.

”Love isn’t so easy to understand, I’m still finding it hard to understand myself. Before I can even respond to your feelings, I want you to better understand yourself first. Take your time to think about what you want, and I want you to think about why you want it in the first place. When you get your answer and you still feel the same, then come to me so I can give you a proper response to your feelings.”

Arachne didn’t respond right away. Her eyes flicked between Noah and the ground, unable to center her thoughts from her feelings. But Noah’s gentle, patient, yet strong support gave her the courage to finally meet his gaze.

”I...I will.” Her voice was quietly, shaky, an action that conflicted with her normal stoic self, but Noah nor Ailetta didn’t judge her for it.

Noah gave her a faint smile, redirecting his mind to something that didn’t have to do with feelings. His hands glowed for the final time to reveal an extravagant upgrade stone; one where a number three was carved into it, the number glowing, while around the stone that changed from an iridescent black, to a reflective silver, runes softly shined all around it.

Meanwhile, the still somewhat helpless spider was approached by Ailetta.