Chapter 26: Saved!
Clearly, Elliot recent battle with the Administrator had made the Queen Taratect misjudge Kumoko's actual strength!
The Queen's connection to her daughter only provided a general sense of her power, not precise details. She must have thought Kumoko was the one fighting the Administrator, mistaking that immense power as Kumoko's own.
In the blink of an eye, the Queen Taratect shattered the barrier between the Lower and Middle Stratums, appearing right in front of Kumoko and Elliot. Her body was enormous and bloated, yet her speed was still shockingly fast.
She opened her mouth, and an intense beam of destructive energy erupted. Everything in its path was instantly obliterated. Countless creatures throughout the labyrinth were vaporized by the shockwave.
Elliot frowned. At his current speed, he definitely couldn't escape. He'd only slow Kumoko down. It was better to let her go first while he tried to hold off the Queen alone. Without a word, he scooped Kumoko into his palm.
Kumoko panicked. "Elliot, what are you doing?! Elliot..."
"You go first. I'll catch up," Elliot said with firm conviction. But Kumoko knew that was just empty talk. Once a monster like her mother targeted you, there was no escape.
But Elliot didn't give her a chance to argue. With immense strength, he launched Kumoko through the air like a cannonball.
"ELLIOT—!" Kumoko's voice faded as her body shot into the distance.
Only when Kumoko was out of sight did Elliot finally relax a little. He knew he was no match for the Queen Taratect either, but Kumoko staying would have been useless and would only hinder his movements. Letting her escape was the better choice.
RUMBLE! BOOM! Chunks of rock rained down from the ceiling as the Queen Taratect continued her devastating attacks.