Savage Forest - Chapter 118.2

“Judging by what we saw at the forest’s edge, it’s clear intruders have entered the Nervana. If we’re to face them, having such weapons at our disposal is already an advantage.”

Lehijin, who was still uncertain, eventually agreed with Kiyan, as he usually did.

During their journey, Piache frequently asked Kiyan about the skull spider and the forest’s daughter.

“Is it really impossible for a pregnant or disconnected daughter of the forest to communicate with the skull spider?”

Kiyan, understanding Piache’s maternal worry for Enya, did her best to provide answers.

“It’s said that if the daughter of the forest endures the pain and sheds a great deal of blood, she can still manage some form of communication, even while pregnant.”

Kiyan’s face darkened.

“Of course, it depends on the individual. Some daughters of the forest form a strong bond, while others don’t have such a close connection with the skull spider.”

Kiyan’s expression clouded with sorrow as memories of her own daughter, Eireke, and her tragic fate crossed her mind.

Hearing her words, Piache seemed more anxious than ever.

“We need to reach Enya as soon as possible and tell her this. But… how are we supposed to get blood from that child?”

Her worried expression resembled that of a mother animal sensing danger for her young.

“You truly care for Enya.?”

As Kiyan muttered softly, Piache didn’t hesitate with her reply.

“She’s like my own child.”

There was not a hint of doubt in her voice.

She remained silent, and Piache, too, seemed to refocus on the journey ahead. Then, Kiyan murmured.

“There’s only one other rare case where a skull spider might go on a rampage.”

Piache glanced back at her.

“It’s an obscure part of the legend, known to very few… probably only that stubborn fool Zechariah would know.”

Kiyan clicked her tongue in frustration, rubbing her forehead as if recalling a distant memory.

“What are you getting at? Spit it out already.”

When Piache urged impatiently, Kiyan answered calmly.

“When the skull spider is preparing for its own death and introduces the next generation to the forest’s daughter.”

Piache’s eyes widened in shock.

Even Inaken, who had been keeping watch nearby, turned his head toward Kiyan.

“The next generation of skull spiders? You’re saying the skull spiders also pass down their lineage?”

Piache asked urgently.

“Skull spiders have been protecting the Nervana Forest for countless years. You could almost say they’re more than just monsters—they’re entities with souls of their own. Like humans, they weren’t there from the beginning. They lay eggs and produce offspring.”

Inaken, clearly hearing this for the first time, opened his mouth..

“Just as the daughter of the forest passes the title to the next daughter, the skull spider introduces the next generation to the forest’s daughter. But since the lifespan of a skull spider far exceeds that of a human, it’s an incredibly rare event.”

Piache was left speechless by this unexpected revelation.

Kiyan added further with a tense expression.

“The current skull spider is estimated to be ancient. It’s likely over a thousand years old… and from what I can tell…”

She trailed off, unable to finish her thought.

Piache pressed her lips together tightly.

Considering all the factors at play, it was clear that the situation Enya, the current daughter of the forest, was facing was far from simple. Even Kiyan, who was well-versed in the legends and the skull spider, couldn’t provide any definite answers.

In the end, the greatest danger was one that only Enya, as the daughter of the forest, could bear.

‘Hold on just a little longer, child…’

Piache said to Enya inside.

‘I hope we can reach you in time.’

For the first time in her life, Piache found herself silently praying to a god she had never once turned to before. In the distance, birds took flight once again, filling the air.

The forest was already alive with unrest.

* * *

Enya regained consciousness, feeling a sharp pain throbbing in her head.

“Huh…!”

As soon as her eyes fluttered open, her hands instinctively went to her belly. Thankfully, there was no blood seeping between her legs, nor did she feel any terrible pain.

Something touched her.

Enya was so surprised that she jerked back and rolled on the ground in panic. A familiar voice whispered in her ear.

“Enya!”

The whispering voice was unmistakably Fiarca’s.

Enya’s eyes widened as she took in her surroundings, which were growing dimmer by the moment. Sure enough, Fiarca’s group was tied up against a nearby tree trunk.

Enya gasped in shock as she recognized the figures of Senu and Jahan among them.

“You’re all safe…!”

Enya covered her mouth with her hands and shouted. Suddenly, someone clamped a hand over her mouth.

“Shh! Be quiet. We’re still captured. It’s not safe yet.”

Silanda said. Beside her lay the massive form of Reyhald, collapsed on the ground.

Enya lowered her voice and asked Silanda anxiously.

“Silanda, what happened?”

“Right after you fainted, Gernan’s men moved us here.”

Enya glanced at Reyhald with worry.

“Is he alright?”

“He’s not dead, so don’t worry too much.”

“Where are we?”

From a distance, Fiarca answered her question after overhearing their conversation.

“We’re at the head of the waterfall.”

Enya blinked in confusion.

Now that she thought about it, the deafening sound of rushing water made her head pound. The noise of the water crashing down nearby echoed in her ears, thundering in sync with the beat of her heart.