Vivian La Clacidas ------------------------------------------------------------------------
For a while, I watched Vivian’s performance, but my interest soon waned. It wasn’t my job, and I had something far more intriguing in my possession: the core I had taken from Vivian. I was willing to venture into hell itself if it meant boosting my stats, so I reached into my pocket with anticipation. I intended to examine the core’s details with my third eye.
“Ugh… hic! Argh!”
Vivian let out a sharp cry, her body writhing in agony. Ignoring her pained pleas was difficult, but the moment my hand closed around the hard sphere, I managed to push aside my guilt.
The core was spherical, like a mana stone, so the chances were slim, but you never know. It had been a while since I acquired it, and it must have undergone several processes during her transformation into a spider. Hoping for some results, I activated my third eye.
『Core of the Ancient Alchemist Vivian』
The mention of an inner core was promising, but as I continued reading, my expression turned to disappointment. After focusing and reading the entire description, I clicked my tongue and tucked the mana core back into my pocket.
There was a mention of stat point increases. Depending on one’s magical ability, consuming it could raise stats by one to four points. However, there was a catch: it was only effective for users with magic below 70. For anyone above that, it merely facilitated or stabilized the flow of magic. In other words, for me, it was just a healing item.
Still, it was valuable enough to sell or give to Hyun or Yujung. It was a shame, but there was no rule saying I had to consume it myself.
As I pondered what to do with the items I had acquired from this dungeon, I realized that Vivian’s cries had ceased. I looked up, wondering if she had died.
Removing the core that maintained her spider form would inevitably lead to internal chaos. After all, she had lost the power she had accumulated over a hundred years in an instant. It was akin to a user having magic but losing the organ to manifest it.
I lifted my head and looked ahead. And there…
“What the…?”
I was so shocked that I let out a breathless gasp. The spider was gone. In its place was a young woman with long, jet-black hair, sitting on the ground. Her sharp eyes glared at me, and I instinctively knew who she was.
“Vivian?”
“What do you want, you jerk?”
”…”
“If you’re going to call me, at least say something.”
I stared at the humanized Vivian for a moment before slowly speaking.
“Vivian? Is this your original human form?”
“Can’t you tell? You always act like you know everything.”
Vivian’s sharp retort made me chuckle.
“Hmm. I didn’t expect you to turn back into a human.”
“Hmph.”
I examined Vivian’s body more closely. Sensing my gaze, she covered her chest with a scornful expression. It was only then that I realized she was naked, but I wasn’t interested in her breasts. I walked over and placed a hand on her shoulder.
“Pervert.”
She continued to hurl insults, but I ignored them. Vivian was right. I had assumed she wouldn’t die just from having the core removed, but there seemed to be more to it. Seeing her revert to an incomplete human form made me ponder deeply.
Crackle. Crackle.
As I unconsciously gripped her shoulder, her skin peeled away like shedding scales. I reflexively withdrew my hand, revealing raw, red flesh beneath. This wasn’t a good sign. Vivian was dying.
“It hurts…”
The skin where I had touched her was cracked like an earthquake-ravaged road. Vivian kept expressing her pain, and I felt awkwardly responsible, so I spoke to her. After all, I was partly to blame for her condition.
“Surprising. I didn’t think pulling out one core would turn you back into a human… or make you look like you’re about to die. What did you do?”
“Hmph. It’s none of your business, is it? And I don’t owe you an explanation.”
“True.”
When I agreed lightly, Vivian snorted and turned her head away. Her tightly closed lips screamed that she didn’t want to talk to me anymore. I nodded a couple of times and turned to leave.
“Well, take care.”
”…Actually, I might be able to tell you.”
As I took a step, I felt Vivian’s hand grab my sleeve. I smirked and chuckled.
“You’re kind of cute, you know. Heh.”
“Ha. Cute, you say. I was quite popular in my human days… not that it matters.”
Vivian, who had been smiling at my compliment, quickly frowned and pouted. I waited for her to speak, my expression saying, “Go on, if you have something to say.” Meeting my eyes, Vivian blushed and spoke in a shy voice.
“Do you… really want to know?”
“No.”
“Oh. I see… huh? Hey! Don’t leave!”
Vivian shouted as I turned away again after saying “No.” I stopped and shrugged with a nonchalant expression.
“Why? I’m leaving now.”
“What about me?!”
Vivian pounded her chest in frustration, causing her breasts to bounce. Hmm. A full B-cup. She alternated between looking at my face and her chest, biting her lip before covering herself again.
“You said not to care.”
“I do care! You can care!”
“No, thanks.”
When I refused flatly, Vivian crawled over, clinging to my pant leg with a tearful face. Oh boy, she’s really pulling out all the stops.
“Please, care about me. Sob.”
“What? I spared you, isn’t that enough?”
“What, what? Do you even know what’s happening to my body because you recklessly pulled out the core? Can’t you see my skin cracking? You can just walk away, but I can’t! Thanks to you, I’ve lost all the power I had, both from before and after becoming a spider. My insides are a mess. What are you going to do about it?”
Feigning surprise, I widened my eyes and asked back.
“What, what? So because of me, you’re…”
“Yes, you idiot! If things continue like this, I’ll be dead in five days, reduced to a pile of ashes!”
“Alright, Vivian. Thanks for everything you’ve given and done for me. Goodbye.”
“That’s not what I meant! Please…”
Watching Vivian burst into tears again, I responded in a cold voice.
“You gave it to me. Let’s not make this messy. I’d like to end things cleanly.”
At my harsh words, Vivian mumbled something unintelligible through her sobs. Feeling a bit sorry for her, I spoke in a more gentle tone.
“There might be a way to fix this…”
“What, what is it?”
Hearing my muttering (which was intentional), Vivian perked up and asked eagerly. Her posture straightened, and her eyes shone with a fierce will to live. I was curious about her reasons, but I decided to set that aside for now. First, I needed to check Vivian’s information. I activated my third eye and focused on her.
< Resident Information (Native Status) > * Converting resident information to user information.
Name: Vivian La Clacidas
Class: Chimera Alchemist Master (Rare)
Nation: Espinion (Currently a fallen city-state)
Clan: -
True Name · Nationality: Ancient Alchemist · Black Hunting Spider · Whole Plane
Sex: Female (24 · 128[?])
Height · Weight: 165.5cm · 48.8kg
Alignment: Chaos · Neutral
[Strength 48] [Endurance 25(-25)] [Agility 56] [Vitality 20(-25)] [Magic 42(-50)] [Luck 49(-25)]
The core responsible for her physical transformation was forcibly removed, causing internal chaos. The chaos is ongoing. She cannot use her abilities as a Chimera Alchemist.
Although she has returned to human form, it was not through a proper process but rather an unknown force. She has suffered significant internal shock, and some of her stats are continuously decreasing.
She requires urgent treatment for severe injuries. If left untreated, she may soon die. Even a major healing spell cannot cure her internal injuries. It might save her life, but the chances of lasting aftereffects are high.
Using at least one elixir can achieve complete internal and external healing.
After carefully reading through all the information, I looked up to find Vivian swallowing nervously, her eyes fixed on me. But I didn’t respond immediately. My silence seemed to frustrate her, as I noticed her lips twitching, trying to form words. I turned my head slightly to avoid her gaze.
“On second thought, I don’t think it’s going to work. I might have spoken too soon. Let’s just drop it.”
“Hey, you can’t just do that. If you start something, you should at least see it through.”
”…I don’t want to.”
Saving Vivian was simple enough. I could use one of the two elixirs stored in the user-exclusive warehouse in the city. But I hadn’t prepared two elixirs for no reason; they were both accounted for. While healing her might be somewhat beneficial, I couldn’t help but feel it would be a waste.
As I turned away, Vivian grabbed me again, pleading desperately. But I shook her off and walked silently down the corridor. Her voice, filled with sorrow, echoed behind me.
“I want to live… I want to live…! You! Human! How can you be so cruel? When I think of everything you’ve done to me… I… I…”
“Twisting the user’s neck, slicing them open, letting monsters have their way with them. You don’t seem to remember your own actions.”
“I’m the master of this place. I have the right to defend myself and punish intruders in my home. I can also hold you accountable for slaughtering my subordinates.”
Watching Vivian tremble and retort defiantly, I sighed. She wasn’t entirely wrong, but humans are selfish creatures. Still, I didn’t have time for a pointless argument. Leaving her like this felt unsettling, so I turned back.
I wasn’t playing around anymore; I was seriously considering recruiting Vivian. The moment my cold gaze met hers, she flinched and quickly lowered her head.
“S-sorry. I went too far. I was wrong.”
Vivian kept apologizing, though she wasn’t really in a position to be angry. Once I stopped seeing her as an enemy and considered the possibility of her becoming an ally, a wave of sympathy washed over me.
An awkward silence lingered for a moment. Then, in a quiet voice, I spoke.
---------------------------= Author’s Note ---------------------------=
Hello, this is Royujin. Before diving into the afterword, Vivian?
Vivian: “Yes, dear readers. Thank you so much. I was originally supposed to die in episodes 68 and 69, but thanks to your comments, I survived. I’ll work really hard from now on.”
Kim Suhyun: “Hehehe.”
Vivian: “What’s with that laugh? It’s annoying!”
Kim Suhyun: “Nothing, nothing at all.”
Originally, Vivian was supposed to return to her original form in episode 70, but I forgot I had spared her. Adding the extra process took an additional one or two episodes. Still, I think it’s necessary, so please bear with me a little longer. :)
I do have another chapter ready, but I can’t post it today. That’s because I’m quitting my job today. It’s not just a simple goodbye; there’s a lot of handover work to do. I need to prepare for that, so I won’t have much time to write today. Plus, the draft still needs revisions.
I’ll try to write whenever I can and see how it goes. Yesterday’s continuous writing session was greatly fueled by your support. Thank you sincerely. I’ll strive to become an even better Royujin.
『 Reader Comments 』
SkyLoveK: Congratulations on being first! I’m glad you’re enjoying the story. I’ll continue to deliver even better content. (__)
hohokoya1: Wow, you’re really praising my work. I’m blushing… (__ )*. I’ll work hard to meet your expectations. I always enjoy reading your comments.
DragonYinYang: Drum! Drum!! Drum!!! Drum!!!! Drum!!!!!
HumanLife: Hehehe. Poor Vivian. It seems she’ll be the designated pitiful character of the group… ㅜ.ㅠ
Aintje: The answer was a woman in her 20s! Hahaha.
rhkdel2: Oh. Vivian was saved! She’s saved! Although we still don’t know what will happen…
Toranoanal: Haha. It’s been a while since I’ve seen your comment. I guess I was secretly waiting for it. Your comment made me think a lot. Whether to make her a pet, a summoned creature, release her to be helpful later, or kill her. I chose to humanize her, thinking it would be most beneficial for Suhyun’s current situation. I feel a bit sorry. ㅜ.ㅠ The part about the inconsistency is correct. And the afterword made me burst out laughing. Haha. I’ll be more careful in the future. :)
Demodex: I was surprised by the sudden surge in recommendations, and it turns out it was you, Demodex. Thank you. I’ll use this as motivation to work even harder.
Repil: Every time I try to do a continuous writing session, something comes up. There are so many good people here that I can’t just skip the handover out of loyalty… It brings tears to my eyes. ㅜ.ㅠ
Hong Seung-sik: The last comment! Vivian is probably very grateful to the readers. Hahaha. Please look forward to the next episode!
I always read all the comments repeatedly. Please don’t feel too disappointed if you’re not mentioned in the reader comments. If you’re really curious about something, send me a message, and I’ll reply! (Please leave lots of comments! And recommendations… ☞☜)
With that, I’ll take my leave for today.
I hope you always read my work with a relaxed mind.
Pre-selections, recommendations, comments, critiques, and questions are always welcome.