I watched through Scout Spider 13's crystals as Annes parried a Cave Stalker's claws. Her movements had grown sharper, more precise since our first expedition weeks ago. Beside her, Patter's spear found the sweet spot between the creature's armor plates. The monster collapsed with barely a sound.

My friends had taken to the Hellzone like they were born for it. Even Copelan, who still froze during sudden attacks, contributed by planning our routes and devising tactics for different monster types.

Opening my status screen, I marveled at the numbers displayed. Thanks to my mechanical "children" (the twenty-six constructs created in my workshop) my base stats had skyrocketed. Each little automaton counted as a descendant, triggering my Ancestor Might attribute to boost my capabilities far beyond normal.

Name: Widow

Level: 25

Species: Dirtborn [MONSTER]

Gender: N/A

Age: 1

Titles: Original, Vanquisher of Qordos, Defender of Weath, Dragon Slayer, Fugitive

Strength: 64

Endurance: 65

Dexterity: 65

Intelligence: 67

Wisdom: 59

Attributes: Ancestor Might (Descendants: 26), Invulnerable Flesh, Integration, Court Style Swordsmanship, Weath Defense, Enchantment

Abilities: Mind Speech D, Mind Sight C, Language Comprehension S, Assembly B, Analyze C, Depository C, Mana Manipulation D, Blade Skill E, Brace E

"These numbers are remarkable," Copelan had said when I shared my status numbers with him. "Your strength and agility scores match what I'd expect from a level 35 warrior. Even your mana capacity is comparable to an experienced battle mage."

The praise felt strange coming from him. Copelan's usual scowl had softened over our weeks of delving together. He'd proven to be an invaluable strategist, plotting our expeditions with careful precision.

My personal growth had slowed compared to solo hunting. Where I once gained at least one level a night, now I averaged one level per week. But watching Genta master new spells, seeing Annes perfect her sword techniques, observing Yulios grow confident in his abilities; these meant more than rapid personal advancement.

"Twenty-six points to every stat," Copelan muttered, still analyzing my status numbers. "The System clearly never anticipated someone exploiting Ancestor Might this way. Creating mechanical descendants is... ingenious."

I gestured to Scout Spider 13, currently perched on a nearby stalagmite. Its eight legs shifted slightly, crystal sensors sweeping the surrounding tunnels for threats. Like all my spider scouts, it was a masterwork of engineering and enchantment. Each one represented hours of careful Assembly work combined with Eyarna's enchanting lessons.

Through their arrays of sensory crystals, my spider scouts had become invaluable for keeping our delving groups safe. They spotted ambushes, mapped new passages, and warned of dangerous monster nests. More importantly, each new construct pushed my capabilities further beyond normal limits.

The advancement felt right, even if it meant bending the System's rules. After all, I had twenty-six mechanical children to protect now, along with a growing group of friends who trusted me with their lives in these dark tunnels.

I watched Patter and Annes move in perfect synchronization. The two had developed an impressive fighting style together, with Patter's spear keeping monsters at bay while Annes darted in with precise sword strikes.

Cave Stalker nest ahead, I projected through Mind Speech. Scout Spider 13 counts eight of them.

"Eight?" Copelan's grip tightened on his sword. "That's more than we usually encounter."

"We can handle it." Annes rolled her shoulders. "Remember how we took down twelve last week?"

"That was with Genta's fire magic," Copelan said. "And Loland got that nasty gash across his arm."

I understood his caution. The injury to Loland had shaken everyone, even though it hadn't been serious. Now both he and Yulios were resting up in their rooms, along with Genta and Sven who'd earned a break after consistent training.

Everyone's improved significantly, I said. All of us has gained a level since starting. Genta gained two just from our expeditions. And the rest of you are close to leveling up again.

Patter nodded. "The practice is paying off. Even Professor Hassel noticed improvement in our form during class."

"When he bothers to show up," Annes muttered.

Through Scout Spider 13's crystals, I tracked the Cave Stalkers' movements. Their hunting patterns had become familiar after weeks of observation. These creatures were predictable, which made them perfect for training.

"Speaking of improvement," Copelan said, "your constructs have gotten more sophisticated. Scout Spider 13 moves almost naturally now."

He was right. Each new spider incorporated lessons learned from previous designs. The latest models featured enhanced crystal arrays, more efficient joint assemblies, and stronger enchantments thanks to Eyarna's teachings.

The practice helps, I said. Just like your swordsmanship.

Annes grinned. "Remember how stiff you were with that blade when we started, Copelan? Now you're actually dangerous."

"I still freeze sometimes," he admitted.

"Less often though," Patter said. "We all have our moments. What matters is we're getting better together."

I felt a surge of pride watching them. In just a few weeks, they'd transformed from uncertain C-rank students into capable fighters. Even Copelan, who'd once struggled with basic sword forms, now moved with growing confidence.

Let's circle around to the eastern tunnel, I suggested. We can catch the Cave Stalkers from their blind side.

They nodded, falling into formation without need for further instruction. Weeks of fighting together had taught us each other's strengths and habits. We moved as one unit through the dark passages, ready to face whatever challenges awaited.

Through Scout Spider 13's sensors, I watched my companions move into position. The eastern tunnel provided perfect cover; the Cave Stalkers wouldn't detect us until we struck. My mechanical offspring's crystal arrays transmitted every detail: the creatures' positions, their movements, even the subtle vibrations of their footsteps through the stone floor.

I shifted my combat chassis, the digitigrade legs adjusting silently on the tunnel floor. My four arms readied the weapons in held in each hand, spear points and sword blades eager to taste battle.

"Ready?" Annes whispered, her blade already glowing with gathered mana.

I projected to all of them: Wait for my signal. The largest one just moved away from the group.

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Copelan's breathing steadied as he gripped his sword. The change in him over these weeks still amazed me. Same with Annes and the rest. All of them held trepidation when we first descended down into the Hellzone. Now they acted almost professionally, fully confident in their abilities to handle whatever this place threw at them.

Patter adjusted her spear grip, eyes focused ahead. She'd mastered the tunnel fighting techniques I'd taught them, adapting her spearwork for the confined spaces.

Through Scout Spider 13, I tracked the Cave Stalkers' positions. The creatures moved in their typical hunting pattern, with three pairs spread out while two solitary hunters checked the perimeter. It was almost time.

The lead hunter is approaching the junction, I projected. Patter, take point. Annes, cover her left. Copelan, stay between them and watch for flankers.

They moved without hesitation, trusting my guidance completely. These expeditions had forged something deeper than mere training partners. We'd become a true unit, each member understanding their role perfectly.

I positioned myself behind them, my chassis's weapons ready. My four weapons hummed softly as I channeled mana through their alchemically-coated surface.

The lead Cave Stalker rounded the corner. Patter's spear struck first, finding the gap between its chest plates. Annes followed instantly, her mana-charged blade severing one of its legs. Before it could screech a warning, I stabbed into its brain with my enchanted estoc.

Perfect execution. Just like we'd practiced.

Three pairs coming from the north tunnel, I warned. Two singles from the east. Formation beta.

My companions shifted positions smoothly, preparing for the real fight.

The Cave Stalkers charged toward us, their chitinous legs clattering against stone. We were ready for them. My mechanical spiders had mapped every tunnel, tracked every monster's movement pattern. There would be no surprises today.

Begin, I projected, raising my weapons as my companions surged forward to meet the attack.

Through Scout Spider 13's crystals, I watched Annes dodge a Cave Stalker's lunging bite. Her blade flashed, enhanced by Blade Skill, and carved through the creature's neck. Her form was perfect; she'd mastered the timing of the mana channeling precisely.

Beside her, Patter's spear kept two more monsters at bay. Her reach advantage proved devastating in these tunnels. One Cave Stalker tried circling around her guard, but Copelan intercepted it with a precise thrust through its eye.

My enhanced stats made these creatures trivial opponents. I could have ended the fight in seconds, but that would deny my companions valuable experience. Instead, I held back, monitoring the battle through my spider scouts while providing strategic support.

A Cave Stalker slipped past Patter's spear wall. Before it could flank Annes, I severed its legs with a quick sword strike. The creature collapsed, allowing Copelan to finish it with a downward stab.

"Left side!" Patter called out, shifting her stance to face three more attackers.

Annes moved to support her, their weapons working in perfect synchronization. The Cave Stalkers stood no chance against their coordinated assault.

I kept my combat chassis positioned behind them, ready to intervene if needed. My mechanical limbs hummed with stored power, but I resisted the urge to unleash it. This was their fight to win.

Through Scout Spider 13, I tracked the remaining monsters. Two tried circling through a side passage, but Copelan had anticipated this. He met them at the junction, his sword work showing none of his earlier hesitation.

The battle ended quickly after that. Eight Cave Stalker corpses littered the tunnel floor, their chitin armor shattered by precise strikes. My companions stood panting, tired but triumphant.

"I did it!" Copelan's voice cracked with excitement. "I just gained a level!"

"That's wonderful!" Patter clasped his shoulder.

"Good job." Annes grinned, wiping monster ichor from her blade. "Those last two kills were perfectly executed."

I projected warmth through our Mind Speech link. Well done. Your sword work has improved significantly.

Copelan beamed at the praise, his usual serious expression replaced by genuine joy. The transformation in him since we'd started these expeditions still amazed me. Gone was the stiff noble youth who could barely hold a sword properly. In his place stood a capable fighter who'd earned his advancement through dedicated practice.

"Let's check their nest," Patter suggested. "Cave Stalkers sometimes collect interesting items."

I nodded, letting them lead the way while Scout Spider 13 kept watch for any stragglers. This victory belonged to them. They'd earned it through weeks of hard work and trust in each other.

We made our way back through the tunnels, my companions chatting excitedly about their victories. I kept Scout Spider 13 trailing behind us to watch for any pursuing monsters, but the path remained clear.

Upon reaching the storage room entrance, I transferred from my combat chassis to my humanoid frame while the others gathered their gear. The familiar sensation of switching bodies tingled through what remained of my organic flesh.

The storage room door opened, and Genta entered, an envelope clutched in her small green hands. Her orange-spotted nose crinkled with curiosity.

"Thank goodness I made it in time," she said. "One of the Academy secretaries brought this to me earlier in the night. It's addressed to someone called 'No Eyes.'"

My mechanical fingers paused in adjusting my uniform. No Eyes. A name I hadn't used since changing it to Widow.

"They said they've had it for over a month but couldn't find anyone registered under that name." Genta handed me the envelope. "One of them finally brought it to me, thinking it must be a monster name. I figured that this No Eyes person was you, since, well… you know."

I took the letter carefully. Few people knew me by that name, and most of them lived in Weath. The paper felt rough against my porcelain fingers as I broke the seal.

The sight of the familiar handwriting hit me like a physical blow. If I still had tear ducts, they would have overflowed. The letter was from Harke, the healer I'd met in the slaver camp, the one who'd helped me understand what I was.

My mechanical hand trembled slightly as I held the paper. After everything that happened in Weath, after fleeing to the Academy and building this new life, here was a connection to my past. To the time when I first began to understand myself.

My first friend.

I unfolded the letter and began to read, my mechanical fingers holding the paper with delicate precision.

"Dear No Eyes," Harke's familiar, careful handwriting began. "I hope this letter finds you well. I had written to you in Weath first, and Willem's response brought both joy and sorrow to my heart."

My companions gathered closer, but maintained a respectful distance as I continued reading.

"Words cannot express my grief upon learning of Mallie's fate. She was truly a bright star that fell too quickly, one that will forever be missed. I find myself wondering if I could have prevented such tragedy had I remained..."

The letter trembled in my grip. Even through my mechanical body, I felt the weight of his words.

"Perhaps my healing skills could have made a difference. The thought haunts me daily."

Oh Harke. If only I could tell him how wrong he was. Nothing could have stopped Themas's magic that day. No healer could have saved her.

"Willem told me you've gone to the Academy," the letter continued. "I want you to know that Mallie would have wanted this. Her invitation was a point of pride for her, and she would have chosen you to take her place. You were the only one she would have wanted to go in her stead."

My body shook, the mechanical joints making soft clicking sounds as they vibrated with emotion I couldn't physically express.

"Is everything alright?" Annes stepped forward, concern etching her features.

Don't worry, I said through Mind Speech. I'm just... happy to hear from an old friend.

I continued reading Harke's letter, my mechanical fingers steadying as I focused on his words.

"Willem wanted me to tell you that your plan worked perfectly. When the Duke's men arrived, the villagers stuck to the story just as you'd arranged. The soldiers believed that you had killed Kolin and his men, then fled into the Hellzone."

Relief coursed through what remained of my organic form. The villagers were safe. They wouldn't face retribution for helping me.

But then Harke's writing grew more somber.

"However, I must share some troubling news. The Duke's men needed someone to blame for their failure to protect Kolin. Since you weren't there to serve as their scapegoat, they arrested Mayor Antos. They charged him with incompetence and took him to Further Vale to face the Duke's justice."

My mechanical hand clenched, crumpling the edge of the paper. Poor Antos. The old pervert might have been crude at times, but he'd been a good leader to Weath. He didn't deserve this fate.

"Willem has taken over as mayor in Antos's absence," Harke continued. "But we've heard nothing about what happened to Antos after they took him away. The soldiers who regularly pass through claim they don't know his fate, or perhaps they simply won't tell us."

Genta touched my arm gently. "Bad news?"

Someone who helped me was arrested, I replied through Mind Speech. They took him because they couldn't find me.

"That's not your fault," Annes said firmly.

I nodded, though the guilt still gnawed at me. Another person had suffered because of my actions.

"Willem wants you to know that despite everything, the village is managing," Harke wrote. "He says not to blame yourself for Antos. The old man knew the risks when he helped devise your plan."

I clutched the letter tighter, my mechanical fingers careful not to tear the precious paper. Rage and sorrow churned through what remained of my organic form. First Mallie, then Antos; how many more would suffer because of me?

No. I would grow stronger. Strong enough to march into Further Vale itself if needed. The Duke would not escape justice forever, and if Antos still lived, I would tear down the prison walls to free him.

My eyes moved to the next paragraph, where Harke's neat handwriting explained his absence from our planned meeting.

"I deeply regret not being able to meet you as we arranged. The Guild required my presence in the Kingdom of Falling Stones far longer than anticipated. Politics and bureaucracy move slowly, even when lives hang in the balance."

He continued with news that lifted my spirits slightly: "Once my duties here are complete, I intend to visit you at the War Academy. During my travels, I've been researching extensively about beings like yourself. I have several theories about your origins that I'm eager to discuss in person."

The letter concluded with words that made my mechanical frame tremble with emotion:

"I know you will become a warrior worthy of legend within those Academy walls. Your determination and spirit were evident from the moment I met you. Stay strong, my friend. Until we meet again. - Harke of Vensor"

I pressed the letter against my chest, right where my heart would be if I were fully human. The paper crinkled softly against my uniform. Despite everything, the pain, the losses, the constant struggle; knowing I had such a friend brought warmth to my fractured existence.

"You okay?" Genta asked softly.

I nodded, carefully folding the letter and storing it in my uniform pocket. Yes. This letter... it means more than I can express.

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