Chapter 38: Man-Faced Spider
Following his rough memory, Lordi Payne fled the nest cave. Just as he paused to catch his breath, the hill behind him trembled violently, as if an earthquake had struck. A piercing shriek tore through the air, sending a wave of dread through him.
Before he could react, the sound wave hit him like a physical force. It felt as though a boulder had slammed into his chest, knocking the air from his lungs. Dizziness washed over him, and the metallic tang of blood welled up in his throat.
Damn it!
The Man-Faced Spider was back.
No time to think. Lordi Payne yelled at the top of his lungs, "Lady Willow! I've mastered the Blood Lothgar Footwork Art! Please show yourself!"
The wilderness remained silent—no response came, no matter how long he waited.
Willow really wasn't here.
His heart sank. Abandoning any hope that the phantom maid would save him, he quickly located his position, picked a direction, and bolted toward Lothgar City. Where else could he go? This was a Foundation Stage demon beast—even Jarl Drainwood wouldn't dare face it head-on. The city was his only chance.
He had barely run a stretch when the ground behind him began to shake violently, the tremors growing closer with each passing second. Furious screeches echoed through the cave, sending chills down his spine. Glancing back while running, Lordi Payne's hair stood on end in sheer horror. The cave entrance was shaking violently, and then, in the next moment, the entire hill cracked and was ripped apart.