When we stepped out of the pyramid, it felt like a boundary had been severed, and the massive city before us left me stunned. It wasn't just an isolated pyramid—surrounding it was an expansive area, filled with sturdy buildings and stone-paved roads that created a scene both magnificent and full of mystery.
Rows of houses stood side by side, their roofs covered with light-colored tiles that gleamed under the sunlight as if radiating their own glow. Between the buildings were countless stone statues and pillars engraved with strange patterns, evoking a sense of ancient reverence.
In the air, I could sense the faint fragrance of herbs, and the wind carried the sound of bells ringing from somewhere afar, as if this city was alive, breathing in sync with the rhythm of its own history.
This city was unlike anything I had ever seen before. So beautiful.
"If Shiraori wants, we can explore the city later," said Meradis.
Thanks to her words, I was reminded that we were still being pursued from behind. "Let's go."
We then used our camouflage abilities to sneak into a less populated area. The houses here were in worse condition, so I guessed this was a slum district.
That abandoned house looks usable. And so, one spider and one spirit quickly entered.
We were finally safe, but now how do we return?
"I believe it's that machine. Clearly, it was the cause that brought us to the past. But from what I observed earlier, that machine wasn't the complete version we saw before. So most likely, the only way back is to wait until it's finished."
Hmm, what Meradis said made sense, but who knows how long that will take...
"I'm not sure staying here for too long is a good idea," I said.
"Then we need more information—about this place, the progress on the machine. If possible, we might even need to help them finish building it."
A reasonable suggestion, but where do we even start? With this form, stepping outside would only get us attacked again.
I sighed.
"Don't worry, Shiraori. In fact, corporeal spirits, once matured, can change their form to resemble a normal human."
Meradis said, then transformed right in front of me.
Naiwa!
Meradis in her mature form was absolutely stunning!
She still retained that graceful and gentle aura, but her beautiful face carried an allure and charm that was impossible to ignore. Her eyes sparkled brightly, and her skin was smooth like porcelain. Her fluffy hair flowed lightly down her back, shimmering with a soft golden hue under the dim light. Each strand moved gently with her motion, making it look like she was enveloped in a faint halo.
Her slim figure had elegant curves, attractive without being ostentatious. The short dress she wore, formed from strands of magical energy as thin as silk, clung to her body, swaying lightly with her steps. Her long legs and slender arms gave off an air of grace and nobility, as if she didn't belong to this mortal world.
Her mature form stood about 160 centimeters tall, yet was absolutely perfect. Every gesture, every glance carried a quiet confidence and a unique charm—gentle yet impossible to look away from.
"Don't... don't stare at me like that..."
Meradis blushed.
So cute!
"You look amazing," I said, voicing my honest compliment.
"Really?"
"Yeah. But... why don't you take this form more often?"
No good!
If she stays like this, I won't be able to concentrate!
"I had injuries before, so maintaining this form would consume a lot of energy."
Ah, I see.
Her issue was solved, but what about me...
"Don't worry, I can also turn you into a human," Meradis said.
Really!?
I shot forward in front of her, excitement bursting out. This was something I'd always dreamed of!
"It's possible, but only temporarily."
"Temporary is fine!" I was already too eager.
"Alright. Then, think of the human form you want, and I'll cast the spell."
Okay!
Hmm...
If it's a human form, then I could go with my previous life's appearance. But with such a rare opportunity, I want something even more than that!
Immediately, the image of the half-human, half-spider being I saw in the future through the Inference system surfaced. I didn't see their face clearly, but I was pretty sure it was me. And honestly, that was the most beautiful person I'd ever seen.
Not being narcissistic or anything!
Yeah, let's go with that form.
"I'm ready!"
Meradis nodded and began chanting in a language I didn't understand.
Suddenly, my body felt strange... it was changing... I could feel it. It really was changing!
A wave of light appeared and then faded away, hazy like a thin mist dissolving in the wind. I felt a gentle energy coursing through every cell, reshaping my body bit by bit—as if my flesh was being reconstructed, bones lengthened, and muscles realigned into a completely new form.
"Oh my!" Meradis gasped.
"What is it?" I asked.
She seemed shocked by something... Was my new form that ugly?
"Am I... am I too ugly?" I asked, uncertain.
"No... you're beautiful…" Meradis said, her tone dazed, eyes still fixed on me as if trying to confirm she wasn't hallucinating.
It can't be that extreme...
But look! I could see my hands now! Real hands, not just illusions like in the Virtual World. My fingers were fair, slender, flawless—like they were sculpted from living jade.
I tried to stand but immediately collapsed. The change in balance was too sudden, and I couldn't adjust in time, wobbling like a child learning to walk. Luckily, Meradis caught me just in time, her arms steady and gentle as she held me.
Guess I've been a spider too long and forgot how to be human.
Wait, I want to see a mirror.
Meradis gently conjured a reflective surface. I immediately looked into it and saw my human form.
"Oh my god!"
I gasped aloud.
Now I understood why Meradis reacted like that earlier.
Because I was truly too beautiful!
My hair was long, snow-white and silky, flowing down to my waist, glimmering like it was coated in frost. My skin glowed like jade, smooth enough to reflect the surrounding light—like a flawless statue carved from translucent quartz.
My facial features were perfectly balanced, with large silver eyes under long lashes, a delicate nose, and naturally rosy lips. Without makeup or accessories, my appearance was still dazzling, like a fairy tale beauty.
I looked down at my hands—no more spider legs, just smooth, slender arms like any other girl in the city. My fingers were long and elegant, the kind meant to cradle the most fragile things.
Still, the sensation of this human body felt strange, like I was learning to live in a whole new shell. Every movement required care; even the breeze brushing against my skin felt completely different from the hard shell I had before.
Oh wait... is it cold in here...? No, wait...
I looked down at my body.
Aaaaaaaah!!
I wasn't wearing anything!
I had forgotten—as a spider, clothes never mattered!
I immediately covered myself, glaring at Meradis with frustration.
Why didn't she warn me?!
Even if we're both girls, being seen naked like this was still unbearable!
"S-sorry... I forgot to remind you. But you can use your silk to create clothes, right?"
Yeah, I forgot that too.
Meradis looked flustered as well, quickly averting her gaze, though I could still catch her sneaking glances at me from time to time.
Hmph!
This woman...
I used my fastest speed to create a full outfit and put it on.
"So... what now...?"
Somehow, I felt awkward talking to her.
"We should head out and start gathering information first..." Meradis's tone was also a bit off.
I guess I should forget what just happened and focus on our goal.
"Alright... let's go."
"Yeah."
Still awkward!
...
We walked along the crowded streets, but it was still difficult because we couldn't understand the language of the locals. They chatted animatedly with one another, their words carrying a strange cadence, as if every phrase held hidden meaning we couldn't grasp. Despite trying to listen carefully and pick up patterns, we still couldn't understand a thing.
"We need to find a way to communicate with them," I whispered, trying to stay calm amidst the bustle. "Otherwise, it'll be hard to learn more about this civilization."
Meradis nodded, her eyes scanning the surroundings. "You're right. But it looks like we need to find someone who can speak our language."
I had already used [Scan] to analyze their language. It was just like when I first started learning the language of this world—it would take some time to become fluent and able to communicate.
I also taught what I learned to Meradis. It seemed that when we were focused like this, we could still talk normally with each other.
Suddenly, someone walking by bumped into me. It was just a normal, light bump—probably accidental—but that moment of contact made my whole body jolt like I'd been electrocuted. A chilling sensation ran down my spine, and I instinctively stumbled back, heart clenched tight in my chest.
"What's wrong?" Meradis immediately turned toward me, voice full of concern.
My face had clearly gone pale, my already fair skin now whiter than porcelain. I bit my lip, my body trembling slightly, eyes wide with confusion. My heart pounded erratically, and my mind went blank for a moment.
What just happened...?
Not only Meradis, but even I was confused by my extreme reaction to something so small.
Then... I remembered something.
Ah, that's it!
I suddenly recalled a detail from my past life. One of my biggest fears had been physical contact with others. I almost couldn't bear it—sometimes, even to the point of vomiting.
My family had taken me to various doctors, but no physical abnormalities were ever found. In the end, they concluded it was a natural phobia, nearly impossible to fix.
Because of that, I had few friends at school, and I never joined any social activities. I was just a useless NEET shut-in at home. Even my parents' touch triggered resistance, though it wasn't as strong as with strangers.
The only person I could touch without flinching was my little sister.
By the time I finished reminiscing, I realized Meradis had led me to a bench by the roadside.
"Are you okay? Was that man bothering you?"
"It wasn't him... it was..." I explained my condition to Meradis. She listened intently, her expression serious.
"I see," Meradis murmured thoughtfully.
I was feeling a little better now. Thankfully, I didn't throw up earlier.
Suddenly, Meradis reached out and held my hand.
Ah!
"..."
"Do you feel the same way now?" Meradis asked.
I think... no.
Nope, not even a hint of discomfort.
I brightened up and looked at Meradis. "No."
"That's good," she smiled gently.
From my experience with my sister, I knew I had a few exceptions. But I never expected Meradis would be one of them.
This... isn't bad.
And so, we sat there quietly, not saying anything, just enjoying the warmth of holding hands.
This is kind of nice.
Hehe.