It was around midnight when the basement door creaked open as Annes, Copelan, Genta, and Yulios filed into my workshop. They stopped short at the sight before them: dozens of mechanical constructs scattered across tables and shelves. Scout spiders skittered along the walls while smaller clockwork creatures perched on various surfaces.

"You've been busy," Genta said, yellow eyes wide as she took in the mechanical menagerie.

Annes stepped closer to one of the work tables. "What in the world are these things?"

My children, I replied, not looking up from the delicate gearwork I was adjusting.

Yulios scooped up one of the scout spiders, cradling it like a small pet. The huge warrior looked comically gentle holding the delicate construct. "These are babies?"

I laughed, the musical sound echoing slightly through the large room. The System seems to think so. When I created my first scout spider, it registered as reproduction. Each construct I make counts as a descendant.

"And why exactly are you mass producing metal offspring?" Copelan asked, examining one of the smaller clockwork creatures with scholarly interest.

I have an attribute called Ancestor Might. The more descendants I have, the stronger my abilities become. Each new construct increases my power.

"Well that's a handy attribute to have," Copelan mused.

Genta snorted. "If my mother had that power, she'd be strong as hell. I'm the youngest of thirteen children."

Copelan let out an impressed whistle.

"Thirteen? Your poor mother," said Annes.

"And lucky father," grinned Copelan. That earned him a smack on the arm from Annes.

I looked up from my work, noticing for the first time their combat-ready appearances. Planning an expedition?

"Ready and waiting," Annes said, adjusting the leather bracer on her left arm. Her sword hung at her hip, freshly polished.

Genta drew her blade with a flourish, her wand dancing in her other hand. "Can't wait to get down there and test some spells." The orange spots on her nose crinkled as she grinned.

"Gods, I wish I could do that." Annes sighed, watching Genta's casual display of dual-wielding. "Magic and swordplay at once? Not fair."

"Just one of the perks of being a monster." Genta twirled her wand, sending sparks floating through the air.

Would you mind taking one of my scout spiders with you? I asked, setting down my tools. I need to test its range limitations and scouting capabilities.

"Of course!" Annes brightened. One of my mechanical creations immediately skittered forward, its eight legs moving in perfect synchronization as it positioned itself in front of her.

Annes crouched down, her red hair falling forward as she examined the construct. "What's this little one called?"

Scout Spider Number 8.

Her face scrunched up in disapproval. "That's terrible. You're awful at naming things." She reached out to pat the spider's metallic head. "I'm calling this cutie Chonsey."

Call it whatever you prefer.

"So cold!" Annes straightened up, hands on her hips. "These are your children. Show some maternal instinct!"

I'd rather not.

"Yikes. And I thought my father was brutal," Copelan said with a grin.

Through the scout spider's crystal sensors, I watched the tunnels unfold in shades of red and blue: heat signatures mixed with magical auras. Group 2 moved carefully through the passages, their forms distinct against the cooler stone walls.

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Scout Spider Number 8, or Chonsey, skittered ahead, its eight legs finding perfect purchase on the uneven ground. The sensory crystals I'd mounted on its head swept back and forth, scanning for threats. Thirty feet ahead of the group, the crystals picked up multiple heat signatures; six distinct shapes huddled in alcoves along the tunnel walls.

Vile Roaches. The insectoid monsters weren't particularly dangerous, but their poisonous spittle could cause problems if the group wasn't prepared.

I commanded Chonsey to turn back, its legs moving in a blur as it raced to warn the others. The spider found Annes at the head of the group, her sword already drawn as she led them forward.

But how to warn them? The spider had no voice box, no way to convey the danger ahead. I reached out with Mind Speech, focusing on Annes's familiar presence.

Vile. Roaches. Six. Next. Room.

Annes startled, nearly dropping her sword. Her lips moved as she spoke, but I realized with frustration that I couldn't hear her response. The sensory crystals could detect movement and heat, but picked up no sound.

Can. Not. Hear. I projected the halting words through Mind Speech again.

Understanding crossed her face. She turned to the others, gesturing with her free hand. The group immediately tightened their formation: Annes and Yulios in front, Copelan and Genta close behind with weapons ready.

Through Chonsey's crystals, I watched them advance. The moment the first Roach emerged from its alcove, Genta's fire spell lit up the tunnel. Annes's blade flashed, taking the head off another as it tried to spit poison. Copelan's longsword found a third target while Yulios's massive axe cleaved through two more.

The sixth Roach barely had time to screech before Genta's second spell reduced it to ash.

The entire fight lasted less than thirty seconds. I made a mental note to add audio sensors to the next generation of scout spiders. Being able to hear would make coordination much more effective.

Through Chonsey's crystal sensors, I guided the group deeper into the winding tunnels. The spider's eight legs moved with perfect precision as it scouted ahead, returning whenever danger approached.

A cluster of Cavern Crickets appeared in the next chamber. The moment Chonsey relayed their presence, Annes took point with her sword while Yulios flanked her left. The crickets' chittering filled the tunnel as they attacked, but the group cut through them with practiced efficiency.

More Vile Roaches emerged from side passages, their mandibles dripping with acidic spittle. Genta's fire spells kept them at bay while the others dispatched them one by one. The coordination between the four had improved significantly since their first few minutes fighting.

Chonsey's sensors picked up new heat signatures ahead: the distinctive shapes of Cave Stalkers. The cat-like insectoids typically relied on surprise attacks from the shadows, but with the spider's warning, their favorite tactic proved useless.

I watched through the crystals as the group formed up. The Cave Stalkers burst from their hiding spots, razor-sharp claws extended. Annes and Yulios met the charge head-on, their blades finding vulnerable spots in the creatures' armored hides.

One Stalker slipped past their guard, its powerful legs carrying it straight toward the back line. Copelan stood frozen, his sword dropping to his side as the monster sailed through the air toward him. But Genta was already moving, her blade flashing out to drive the creature back.

The Cave Stalker landed on its feet, hissing in rage. Before it could spring again, Yulios's massive axe swept through its neck in a clean arc. The head hit the ground with a wet thud, followed by the body.

Through Chonsey's crystal sensors, I watched Copelan's shoulders slump as he spoke to the others. His body language radiated shame, a familiar sight from our training sessions when he struggled with physical combat. Despite his tactical brilliance, the actual act of fighting still paralyzed him.

Look ahead, I projected to Annes. She nodded, keeping her sword ready while I directed Chonsey forward.

The spider's legs clicked against stone as it navigated the rough terrain. The sensory crystals picked up the heat of Annes's hand as she patted Copelan's shoulder. Her mouth moved, likely offering reassurance about his freeze-up. The young noble's posture straightened slightly at her words.

Genta stepped closer to join the conversation, her small form radiating confidence as she gestured animatedly. Whatever she said made Copelan's expression soften. He reached out and patted her head in a brotherly gesture.

The goblin girl's reaction was immediate. She swatted his hand away with mock outrage. The vibrations of their combined laughter transmitted through Chonsey's sensitive legs. Even without audio sensors, I could tell the moment had lightened the mood considerably.

Their formation tightened once more as they pressed deeper into the tunnels. Chonsey's crystals swept the passages ahead, tracking the heat signatures of various creatures lurking in the darkness. The spider's eight legs moved with fluid grace, finding secure footing on the treacherous ground.

I guided them past a nest of sleeping Vile Roaches, choosing an alternate route that would conserve their energy for bigger threats ahead. Through the spider's sensors, I watched them move with growing confidence. Even Copelan's steps seemed steadier now, his sword held properly at the ready.

The crystal array detected movement ahead, sensing the distinctive heat pattern of Cave Stalkers on the prowl. I positioned Chonsey at a vantage point where it could track both the monsters and the group's approach. The spider's legs tensed, ready to race back with warnings if needed.

Three. Stalkers, I projected to Annes. Left. Tunnel.

She signaled the others, and I felt pride watching them smoothly shift into combat positions. They'd come so far from their first fumbling attempts at coordinated fighting. Even if Professor Shawe refused to acknowledge their growth, I could see their true potential through Chonsey's unfailing crystal eyes.

Group 2 moved swiftly to ambush their prey. The Cave Stalkers didn't have a chance.

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