Chapter 97: The Monstrous Birth of X-7000 and a Painful Predicament

Our journey, marked by the systematic elimination of minor monsters, soon brought us face to face with the second boss.

Fire-based spells inflicted double damage upon these arachnid, insect-type creatures. Given the presence of a fire mage in our ranks, our efficiency in dispatching the lesser monsters was remarkably high. Before long, both Cannon Fairy and Qingyu had reached Level 28, while Su Yingning’s experience bar had advanced by a quarter. I, meanwhile, had soared directly to Level 37.

It was worth noting that as a pet, I received experience proportional to my master’s gains. Simultaneously, being part of the party meant I also shared in the kill experience with everyone else. This unique synergy effectively doubled the experience I accumulated compared to my teammates.

I had inadvertently activated what amounted to a double experience cheat. The sheer number of ‘cheats’ I possessed at this point made me feel a touch self-conscious.

Regrettably, this advantage was restricted to multi-person parties. When Su Yingning and I typically adventured alone, forming a two-person party for instance, if a monster kill granted 100 experience points, Su Yingning would receive 50 points due to the even distribution of party experience. I, however, would gain 100 points—50 from the party distribution and another 50 from being her pet—totaling 150 experience points between us.

Conversely, if we didn’t party, Su Yingning would acquire the full 100 experience points, and I would still receive 100 points, solely from my master’s gains. This would amount to a combined 200 points. Hence, when it was just Su Yingning and I, opting not to form a party proved to be the more advantageous strategy.

However, for dungeon raids of this nature, where a large group was essential for progression, my experience acquisition mechanism became exceptionally lucrative, akin to exploiting a cheat.

To return to the matter at hand, Cannon Fairy began to brief us on the second boss, the Parasitic Bee X-7000.

“We still need to smash the stone. All bosses in this Spider’s Lair dungeon are summoned by shattering that green stone atop the central pillar. Once it’s broken, the Claws Ground Spider X-802 will emerge, but that’s not our primary target. After X-802 appears, its abdomen will rupture, revealing the Parasitic Bee X-7000. I’ll give you a quick rundown on how to handle X-7000… in essence, it boils down to one simple command: ‘aim true!'”

“The second boss is a colossal bee,” she continued. “It stings, and it hurts immensely, so it’s highly recommended to set your pain sensitivity to zero for this fight. Furthermore, it can fly, and it’ll eventually smash through the cave ceiling. We’ll need to use those goblin mortars over there to bring it down.”

Cannon Fairy gestured towards two colossal cannons positioned at the periphery of the combat arena. “Honestly, I’m absolutely thrilled about this part!” she exclaimed. “Ah-ha, I finally get to personally experience the thrill of firing a cannon! Magic, in comparison, feels so utterly underwhelming!”

“In essence,” she concluded, “the crucial element in this fight is to blast it out of the sky as swiftly as possible once it takes flight. Fail to do so, and this creature will unleash aerial barrages, its tail sweeping and spraying venomous spines like a machine gun. The damage is immense, and the stings are excruciatingly painful—so much so that you might even pass out if you don’t disable pain sensitivity… Hey, Yaya, where are you going?”

‘I knew my face must have been contorted into an expression bordering on tears. Which absolute scoundrel designed this boss?! Its ability to fly is one thing, but why, oh why, did they imbue it with such agonizing pain?!’

‘This lord… I, as a mere pet, don’t even have the option to adjust pain sensitivity!’ I wailed inwardly. ‘What a colossal oversight! How could I have forgotten to grant myself a pain adjustment function before I threw the server into chaos?!’

“Um, my ‘aunt flow’ (TL Note: ‘dàyímā’ is Chinese slang for menstruation) just arrived, so I need to log off for a bit… You guys go ahead and fight; I’ll rejoin once you’re done…” I stammered, already poised to make my escape.

A firm grip enveloped my hand, and the immediate rush of shame that followed instantly revealed the identity of my captor.

“Don’t worry,” Su Yingning said, her grip firm on my hand, her face a picture of reassuring serenity. She then turned to Cannon Fairy, asking in a low voice, “Once the boss takes flight, warriors will effectively be useless, won’t they?”

“Exactly,” Cannon Fairy confirmed. “Since warriors are short-ranged melee fighters, they’ll just be standing there gawking once the boss takes to the air.” She eyed us with a bewildered expression, which swiftly morphed into one of gossipy curiosity. “How did Great God Yaya suddenly become so… submissive (TL Note: ‘shòu’ in this context refers to the passive or bottom role in a BL relationship, implying weakness or softness, often used humorously to tease a male character)? Their entire demeanor just turned soft and adorable…”

“Ugh… there’s no such thing!” I protested, my face burning crimson and my voice faint, utterly lacking any conviction. But what choice did I have? I was just as desperate! ‘System, you motherfucker (TL Note: ‘cnnn’ is a common internet abbreviation for a strong expletive in Chinese, akin to ‘f*ck your mother’)!’

Cannon Fairy, however, didn’t dwell on it. Instead, she retrieved a crystal from the central pillar and placed it onto the platform. “Get ready,” she announced. “I’m pulling the boss. Everyone, set your pain sensitivity to zero first… I’m smashing it!”

Bang!

The dark green crystal disintegrated into shards, and the central pillar crumbled, just as it had before. From the subterranean cavern, a colossal spider began to emerge.

We understood that this cavern would serve as our gateway to the next stage. However, an invisible force field would seal the passage, rendering it impassable, unless we vanquished every boss lurking within.

What emerged was a colossal wolf spider, armed with two gleaming, razor-sharp blades. Yet, it swayed precariously, appearing remarkably feeble. The bestiary identified this creature as — [Parasitized Claws Ground Spider X-802].

Sure enough, it wasn’t long before the boss let out a final shriek and succumbed. Immediately, a gaping maw tore open along its back, and from within, a massive, entirely new life form began to emerge.

[Parasitic Bee X-7000 Type]

[A demonic modification. Originally, these creatures were not so large and could only parasitize caterpillars. After their modification, they gained the ability to lay eggs and parasitize other organisms, including humans. Once the larval bees matured, they would burst forth from the host’s body, inheriting the host’s innate talents… This racial trait proved so monstrous (TL Note: ‘guǐchù’ (鬼畜) is a term often used in Chinese internet culture to describe something extremely perverse, sadistic, or bizarre, often with a dark comedic undertone) that the species was completely eradicated by Princess Sheng, the demigod leader of the Beastkin in the Nine Blossoms Alliance. It is now an extinct species, no longer found on the continent of Ardor.]

[Friendly reminder: A hornet’s sting is painful enough; imagine one of this size… Adventurers, pray for your souls.]

As the creature emerged, it was still coated in viscous, green spider blood, presenting a truly repulsive and slimy sight. Instantly, the colossal hornet majestically unfurled its transparent wings and lunged towards us.

“Main Tank in position, DPS in position, Healer in position… Commence battle!”