Chapter 20: Nyssara

Alix draws his sword in a blur, deflecting her attack with ease. The force of her strike reverberates through the cavern, sending small rocks tumbling from the walls. "Not bad," he says, his tone almost playful. "But you'll need more than flashy moves to touch me."

The Arachne doesn't respond, instead spinning a thick web to anchor herself to the ceiling. She leaps back, her hands moving rapidly as she weaves the silk into sharp, spear-like projectiles. With a flick of her wrist, she sends them hurtling toward Alix.

"Creative," Alix mutters, activating Blinding Reflexes. Time seems to slow as the spears approach. He sidesteps the first, slices through the second, and lets the third shatter harmlessly against his aura. "But predictable."

Before she can launch another attack, Alix closes the distance between them in a single bound. His blade arcs toward her, aiming for her exposed torso. The Arachne reacts quickly, twisting her body to avoid a fatal blow. The tip of his sword grazes her chitin, leaving a deep scratch that glows faintly.

The Arachne screeches in pain, stumbling back as her crimson eyes lock onto Alix. Her fear is unmistakable now, her earlier confidence crumbling. In that brief exchange, she understands the terrifying gap in their power.

Alix, unfazed, adjusts his grip on his sword, his expression calm but deadly.

"Ready for round two?" he asks, stepping forward.

But before he can strike again, the Arachne raises a trembling hand, her voice breaking.

"Wait! I admit defeat! Please... stop!"

Alix halts mid-step, his sword hovering inches from his side. He blinks, confused.

"What? Already? We just started fighting."

The Arachne lowers herself cautiously, her eight legs folding under her as she presses her humanoid upper body closer to the ground—a gesture of submission.

"I underestimated you," she says, her voice shaking. "You're not just strong. You're… overwhelming. There's no point in continuing this fight. I can't win."

Alix narrows his eyes, studying her carefully. He doesn't lower his sword. "So, what? You're giving up just like that? No vengeance for your kids? No desperate last stand?"

He tilts his head, a mocking edge creeping into his voice. "That's kind of disappointing."

The Arachne flinches but holds her ground. "I only fought because I thought I had a chance. But now I see... you're not just another invader. You're a monster beyond anything I've encountered before."

She takes a deep breath, trying to steady herself. "If I continue, it will only mean my death. My children… they're already gone. Fighting for revenge won't bring them back."

Alix lowers his sword slightly, his crimson eyes glinting with thought. Then, an idea strikes him, and a sly grin spreads across his face.

"Fine," he says, his voice cutting through the silence. "If you admit defeat, then prove it." He gestures toward her with the tip of his blade. "Submit to me."

The Arachne's crimson eyes widen in shock, her entire body going still. "W-what?" she stammers, her voice laced with disbelief.

"You heard me," Alix replies, his tone cold and commanding. He doesn't elaborate or try to persuade her. Instead, he crosses his arms and waits, his imposing aura filling the cavern.

The Arachne stares at him, torn between her pride and her survival instinct. Her claws dig into the ground as she struggles with the decision.

"You want me… to serve you?" she asks, her voice barely above a whisper.

The Arachne's gaze drops to the ground, her pride and anger warring against her fear and logic. Finally, after what feels like an eternity, she lowers herself fully, bending her humanoid upper body forward. Her arms stretch out before her, and her spider legs fold beneath her in a deep, submissive bow.

"I… I swear my loyalty to you," she says, her voice trembling but resolute. "From this day forward, I will serve you, my master."

Alix watches her kneel, satisfaction flickering in his crimson eyes. He steps closer, towering over her as she takes her oath.

"That's the greatest decision you've ever made in your life," he says, his tone both confident and final. "Serve me well, and you might just live to see something greater than this cave."

The Arachne looks up at him, her expression a mix of submission and lingering unease. "What… do you ask of me, master?"

A glimmer of satisfaction flickers in his eyes as he takes in the scene.

"Before we get to business, I should probably ask…" He gestures toward her with a casual wave of his hand. "What's your name?"

The Arachne looks up cautiously, her crimson eyes meeting his. "My name is Nyssara," she says softly.

"Nyssara, huh?" Alix repeats, letting the name roll off his tongue.

"Alright, Nyssara, let's get to it. How exactly do you mine all these minerals?"

Nyssara straightens slightly, her confidence slowly returning now that her life is no longer on the line.

"I have a special subordinate for that, master. They are adept at extracting the minerals efficiently."

"Subordinate?" Alix raises an eyebrow. "Show me."

Nyssara nods and lets out a sharp clicking sound, a signal that echoes through the cavern. Moments later, a group of spider monsters skitters out from the shadows. Unlike the aggressive ones Alix had cut down earlier, these spiders are smaller, with oddly shaped forelimbs that resemble crude but functional pickaxes. Their black, chitinous bodies glisten faintly in the light as they approach and bow slightly before Nyssara.

Alix stares at them for a moment, then smirks. "Oh, that's convenient," he says, crossing his arms. "Built-in tools? I'll admit, that's pretty efficient."

Nyssara nods, gesturing toward the walls. "They've been trained to mine the minerals veins without waste. It is how I've sustained myself and grown stronger over the years."

"Good," Alix says, his smirk widening. "I'll leave the mining to you and your little crew, then. But listen carefully, Nyssara."

He steps closer, his crimson eyes locking onto hers. "There will be soldiers coming here later. They'll be guarding this place, and they are a lot stronger than you. So don't even think about doing anything funny. Got it?"