The second trip passed more quickly now that they knew the exact path.
The marks Ren had left were easy to follow even in the semi-darkness of the tunnel. Perfect guides that eliminated all doubt about direction… Since blackish tunnels where trees had absorbed the mana-infused silk stood out clearly against the surrounding white.
Ren's preparation transforming again an impossible terrain into a simple commute.
They reached Silver 1 ring without incidents, the spiders recognizing their previous passage and keeping their distance.
The massive weavers had learned. These humans weren't prey to be ambushed. Weren't intruders to be driven out. They were something else… attacking them would be a fatal mistake.
Mutual respect... The spiders stayed in their webs. The humans stayed on their path. Everyone was happy with the arrangement.
But just as they started to speed up their pace, they heard voices.
"Please! Help!"
"We're trapped!"
