The remaining swarm—hundreds of spiders of all sizes—converged on the chamber entrance. Behind Northern, passages collapsed, cutting off retreat. The Crimson Weave contracted, transforming the battlefield into a web-choked killing ground.
And from the Broodmother's abdomen, something else emerged. Larger than the Hunters. More intelligent than the Stalkers. A spider that moved with almost drifter-like awareness.
[Catastrophic Hellion detected: The Firstborn]
Northern's head tilted as he watched the massive spider descend from the Broodmother's body. Nearly as large as a house, with intelligence gleaming in its cluster of eyes.
"Huh. You know, I've been mostly using the basics." His hands turned over, palms up. "Haven't really tested the more... exotic options."
[...]
"What's that tone for, Aoi?"
[Nothing]
