Negotiating Terms

Black Bourne's words also had the effect of snapping everyone back to attention. "That mother fu..." The before delirious boy began, having been standing near the front of the group.

But he was cut off when Donn Kell who was keeping his distance in the back of the group, pushed him to the side violently as he rushed toward the giant bug. The only thing on his mind was the chance to kill something and test the power he gained finally.

Black Bourne also shot forward after getting over the sight of a talking bug. His thoughts, however, wasn't the same as Donn Kell. There were many wounded people and a group that was about to be injured or killed in front. He would protect all of them before anything more happened.

Despite having different opinions, they both were on the same wavelength.

Kill the giant bug!

The old man instead had a horrified expression on his face. He went to make a move to stop their reckless actions but only ended up felling from the grass chair that four tribesmen carried. The scene to the old man was like watching his last hope and dream slowly fade away just as it came in reach.

With the old man still on the ground, he reached out his hand at the two rushing youths, making the image of his hand overlap them. Then fear and regret could be seen in his eyes as he made a grabbing motion toward their distance figures.

It was as if he wanted to stop them even from that distance. Naturally, nothing happened as they continued on their way to the giant bug. Or at least it was before their shoulder was grabbed by Key Stroke, stopping them cold in their tracks.

"Stop trying to get killed idiots! Do he feel like fodder to you?!" He shouted and asked them, annoyed by their stupidity. Surprise and confusion replaced their rage at the giant bug. Wasn't Key Stroke still standing still when they had shot forward? How had he caught up and even subdued them easily?

Before they could wonder more, they finally understood what Key Stroke meant. The giant bug with eight legs and eight eyes that was different shades of brownish colors glared viciously at them. Its presences, or rather its ambition aura flowing off it caused small beads of sweat to form on the body.

A giant wolf spider!

It was leagues apart from the giant cricket they had met during their first day in the grass field. In its eyes was an intense glee directed at him as if it hoped they had continued their actions. Feeling the strength of the giant wolf spider, Key Stroke began to wonder just how stronger was the Queen to make this thing submit to her. Maybe a Title Adapter?

Key Stroke steel himself as he walked to the giant wolf spider without any wavering. "Excuse my friends' actions. They are quick to anger when surprised. I am called Key Stroke and also the current Tribe Leader. Can you explain when these 'tribute' are to be delivered to the Queen her majesty?" He asked.

"Snort, don't act special because you're a newly evolved Adapter. It doesn't matter how many times you specks evolve. You will still be feed in my eyes." It sneered. Key Stroke retained an indifferent expression as he looked the giant wolf spider in the eyes. "Audacious!" It bellowed.

After giving a powerful screech, Key Stroke felt a strong force hit him that seem to attack the insides of his body. Following that, he felt pain as a liquid from inside tried to erupt from his throat. With a small grunt, he forcefully swallowed it down while keeping the signs of discomfort hidden.

The giant wolf spider had only screeched, and yet, he had been injured? Not allowing the offense to cloud his judgment, he acted as if nothing happened. But if one was to look into his eyes, there was great anger. He would definitely remember this day.

"I didn't want to say this, but I have found a way for other species to enter the Divine Door. If you can guarantee us specks some time, the Queen her majesty will be able to enter as well." Key Stroke said, using the knowledge he gained about only humans being able to approach the Divine Door.

"Really now? In that case, I will just bring you back to extract the information out of you. You specks are always willing to squeal when given a little pain. Ga gagaga!" It screeched, making laughter sounds.

Key Stroke shook his head in disappointment as he continued. "And if I was to kill myself here and now? What do you think the Queen her majesty will do when she finds out that the speck with the knowledge to open the entrance to the Divine Door died because of you? Can you shoulder that kind of responsibility?" He questioned.

The giant wolf spider gleefulness instantly vanished. Fear had replaced it instead. What would the Queen do? Of course, he knew what she would do. It looked at Key Stroke with a sneer. "Speak your terms speck. And don't try my patience, I doubt you really want to die after all." It replied angrily.

Key Stroke smiled. "Naturally its nothing too hard. I need the specks from other tribes to gather at the Divine Door. Remember, the more specks there are, the better the chance of success. This means you can't go killing any off or the process being slow can only be blamed on you." He spoke.

The giant wolf spider started making clanking noises as if it was grinding teeth. "Anything else?!" It stretched out the screeches. "In matter fact, there is, how do 1-year sounds?" he asked, testing the waters.

The pressure around them let him know he was probably pushing it too much. "Okay. Give me three months to teach the other specks of the method needed to be used for them to help open the door." He persuaded.

The giant wolf spider bellowed in rage. "You will only have one month! I will inform the Queen her majesty, and if you can't keep your end, all of you specks shall be exterminated." It bellowed.

Key Stroke's eyes grew cold when the exterminated word was brought up. One month was going to be tough trying to build a reasonable resistance against the Queen, but since there were Adapters in this world, it should be possible if barely.

"Okay." Key Stroke said. It was the only thing he could say.