Chapter 97

Chapter 97

Cracks appeared on the eggshell, and a furry leg poked out.

Next, a pair of round eyes emerged.

The moment they saw Lorant, those eyes clearly showed delight.

"Baby!" At the same time, a childish voice rang in Lorant's mind!

This was the first time Lorant had heard someone else's voice in his head, and the sensation was incredibly strange, causing him to widen his eyes.

However, the surprise and panic were fleeting. Soon, Lorant realized that this was the effect of the Ghost Spider's unique skill, "Soul Resonance."

Through this skill, baby Ghost Spiders could communicate with other species through vibrations at the soul level.

In theory, as long as the Ghost Spider wished, it could even communicate with creatures like Slimes.

What Lorant didn't expect was that the communication would manifest as a voice directly in his head!

Lorant was quite delighted. He leaned closer to observe the little creature hatching from its shell while trying to respond mentally.

"Baby, is that you talking?" He kept repeating this thought in his mind, hoping the Ghost Spider could hear him.

Having completely emerged from the eggshell, the baby Ghost Spider stood still, shaking its legs to remove the liquid clinging to its long fur, returning to its fluffy state.

Seemingly hearing Lorant's words, it tilted its head curiously, examining him.

From the outside, the Ghost Spider looked like a palm-sized white fluff ball.

Hmm, much like a miniature version of a Fluffy Slime.

Just by appearance, it was hard to associate the name "Ghost Spider" with such an adorable creature.

Lorant had always been terrified of spiders.

In fact, he was afraid of all insects except for normal-sized mosquitoes.

Coming to this world, one of Lorant's greatest joys was the absence of those frightening little insects due to the presence of exotic beasts.

At least in daily life, there wouldn't be any scary insects suddenly appearing to startle him.

But this Ghost Spider completely overturned his preconceived notions about spiders.

The little creature was entirely snow-white, covered in fine white fur. At first glance, if thrown into a pile of Dream Weavers, it would blend right in.

It was just a small white round cake!

At that moment, the little round cake lifted its head, revealing a pair of bright black eyes, looking at Lorant with curiosity and sparkle.

"Baby! Speak!" Accompanied by its soft, childlike voice, it was utterly adorable.

Lorant extended his hand, and the little creature jumped lightly onto his palm.

He gently held it up.

Lorant leaned in closely to examine the tiny thing.

Underneath the fur, this little white cake actually had its own limbs.

While both the Ghost Spider and the Dream Weaver came from the same clutch, they shared nothing in common except their white fur.

Dream Weavers, classified as creatures similar to plush dolls, always reminded Lorant of soft, floppy toys.

The Ghost Spider, on the other hand, was a standard beast-type creature.

Upon closer inspection, one could see eight short legs hidden beneath the white fur.

Hmm, despite having eight legs, they were short and chubby, lacking any semblance of grandeur.

If not for knowing that this little creature was a formidable "beast," Lorant might have been fooled by its cute appearance.

After observing it for a while, Lorant finally reached out and gently stroked the baby Ghost Spider's body. The Ghost Spider raised its front paws, holding Lorant's finger, and rubbed against it with a contented expression.

Its adorable demeanor melted Lorant's heart.

"Baby!" The soft voice echoed in Lorant's mind once more.

This time, the Ghost Spider sounded even more excited.

Lorant also realized why this newborn creature only knew one word.

If he guessed correctly, it must have heard him calling the egg "baby" every day while it was still inside the shell.

Was this what?

Prenatal education? No, it should be called "eggucation."

Amused by his own thoughts, Lorant gently placed the little creature back beside its eggshell. "Eat, little one. Eat the eggshell and then take a good nap!"

Like all beast pets, after crunching through the eggshell, the baby Ghost Spider started feeling sleepy, its big eyes barely staying open.

But it stubbornly refused to fall asleep, reaching out a paw towards Lorant.

"Hug!"

No one could resist such a sweet request. Lorant extended his hand, allowing the little creature to jump onto his palm.

The Ghost Spider curled itself into a round white ball, rubbing its small head against Lorant's palm. Clearly, it trusted Lorant deeply and closed its eyes in contentment.

This level of intimacy was unprecedented.

Even the closest companion, the Ice Flame Hound, would instinctively find a quiet, secluded corner to curl up in when sleeping as a newborn, feeling more secure that way.

The bond between newborn creatures and humans is not strong, and they are relatively sensitive to external stimuli.

Seeing a situation like this with the Ghost Spider was a first for Lorant. He wasn't sure if it was due to the Ghost Spider's unique nature or the constant companionship they had shared recently.

Lorant carefully placed the Ghost Spider back into the pouch where it had stayed since it was still an egg.

The little creature wriggled in the pouch, finding a comfortable spot and falling into a deep sleep.

Returning to its familiar place and sensing the familiar scent made it sleep soundly.

Lorant, however, was bursting with excitement but had nowhere to channel it. Lancelot had returned to Earl's Castle today, leaving him without anyone to talk to.

After pacing around the room several times, Lorant finally sat down, calmed himself, and opened the guidebook. There, under the A-grade section, a line finally lit up.

"Ghost Spider"…………………………….A0001.

Lorant eagerly clicked on it, only to see a white little ball bouncing happily on the page.

After waiting for it to settle in the center, a pair of large, black eyes gazed curiously at Lorant, tilting its head.

Unable to resist, Lorant smiled and reached out to touch the hologram.

To his surprise, the hologram reacted as if it could feel his touch, closing its eyes in comfort and wiggling its tiny claws, as if enjoying a head rub.

Lorant was startled, almost pulling his hand back.

He had never seen anything like this before.

All the animations in the guidebook were fixed; no matter what he did, there was no interaction.

Lorant assumed these were just pre-set "introductory animations."

But this little one was different.

Its animation was interactive!

Lorant became immediately intrigued and started playing with it, poking and petting it non-stop.

However, he soon realized that the interactions were limited to a few actions.

Although the Ghost Spider was adorable, he quickly grew tired of the game.

When Lorant stopped interacting with it, the Ghost Spider on the guidebook remained stationary.

Then, it gradually turned translucent.

Lorant knew this was one of the Ghost Spider's skills: "Phantom."

It was also the Ghost Spider's most important and powerful skill.

In this state, the Ghost Spider transformed completely, both in appearance and soul, becoming a true phantom.

As the image faded, the Ghost Spider's skill list and information appeared before Lorant.

Skills:

1. "Phantom": The Ghost Spider can change its form to become a phantom, unable to interact with physical objects during this time.

2. "Soul Web": The Ghost Spider weaves webs from its silk that can capture the souls of prey.

3. "Spider [Silk Bait]": Uses silk to control the prey's movements.

4. "Soul Drain": The Ghost Spider can absorb the soul energy of prey to enhance itself.

5. "Phantom Clone": Creates a spiritual clone using silk and soul energy, which possesses the same abilities as the original.

6. "Venom Fangs": Injects its venom through sharp fangs into the prey, slowly corroding the prey's soul.

7. "Soul Resonance": Communicates directly with other souls through vibrations of soul energy.

Seven innate skills—this was the power of an A-grade beast pet.

Moreover, Lorant could sense that the intelligence of the Ghost Spider, being an A-grade pet, far surpassed that of the B-grade Ice Flame Hound.

If the Ice Flame Hound felt like a well-trained pet from his past life, the Ghost Spider was more like a child. With some time and its "Soul Resonance," communicating freely with Lorant wouldn't be a problem.

Lorant gently stroked the Ghost Spider's fur with his fingers as it slept, causing it to shiver slightly from the tickling sensation.

This little creature was now his greatest reliance.

Though untested, Lorant was confident in the Ghost Spider's strength, estimating it to be around Level 10.

However, due to its unique "Phantom" form, if an opponent couldn't handle the Ghost Spider in this state, the Ghost Spider could always retreat safely even if it couldn't win outright.

Coupled with its unique "toxic" attribute, even a Level 12 professional would struggle to escape unscathed when caught off guard.

As for facing high-level powerhouses head-on?

Come on, why would he let the Ghost Spider face someone in a one-on-one battle?

In terms of both size and abilities, the Ghost Spider is clearly not suited for direct confrontation.

The Ghost Spider will be a hidden trump card, secretly protecting Lorant and the Animal Pet Shop.

From breeding the first pet to opening the Animal Pet Shop,

it's only now that Lorant can finally be considered to have earned a seat at the 'table.'

Before this, he maneuvered between various factions, trying to present himself as a valuable commodity for negotiation.

He worked hard to put his worth on the table, hoping everyone would pay for it.

But all of this was like floating in the air.

Just like those wealthy merchants in the Micro Light Rose Club.

They hold assets unimaginable to ordinary people, able to enter high-end venues that resemble heaven, sipping exquisite wines priced by the milliliter at opulent parties with floors paved in jade and gold.

But if the Knight Regiment wants to, these people who seem to stand on clouds will fall into the dust instantly.

All the systems are meant to regulate ordinary people; for professionals, systems are meaningless—meant to be broken to assert their presence.

If he hadn't found Lancelot as a backer from the start, Lorant had prepared to become an appendage of some faction, biding his time until he could secretly build up enough strength to turn the tables.

Fortunately, his luck was good, and he met Lancelot.

And now, Lorant has unprecedented confidence.

Only now does Lorant feel confident enough to agree to Jaina's request to supervise William's experiments long ago.

Only now can he firmly say no when William, without hesitation, prepares to set up the 'Land of Ice and Fire' in the backyard of the Animal Pet Shop.

The little Ghost Spider slept until dinner time.

Lorant was sharing his joy with his mother when he felt his pocket move.

He quickly opened the pocket so the Ghost Spider could come out.

The little creature has great jumping power, easily leaping from Lorant's pocket onto the table, circling it once before returning to Lorant and stretching its legs widely.

It loves the person who's always been there, not wanting to leave even for a minute!

"Baby!" The Ghost Spider happily tapped its front claws on the table twice.

Lorant touched the little guy's claws with his finger as a greeting.

"Mom, this is the little guy I told you about." Lorant smiled, scratching the Ghost Spider's head, making it close its eyes in comfort.

He used his finger to spin the little Ghost Spider around, showing it to his mother, who looked amazed.

"Baby, this is my mom. She's very important to me!" Lorant thought.

The Ghost Spider politely waved its tiny claw.

It recognizes her! She's part of its two-legged human's family!

Ruth was stunned for a moment, then instinctively waved back when the little creature on the table waved at her.

"Oh, Lorant! This is the Ghost Spider you talked about?" She was astonished.

When Lorant was bragging to her earlier, Ruth just imagined how cute a spider could be.

She had seen the terrifying creatures in the exotic beast warehouse, which gave her nightmares for days!

Who would have thought it would actually be this adorable!

Ruth immediately thought of the little Dream Weaver sleeping soundly on her pillow right now.

Equally adorable, and since having the little creature, Ruth noticed a significant improvement in her sleep quality.

What an amazing little being!

"That's right, Mom!" Lorant proudly nodded, acting like a child when relaxed around Ruth.

"What do you think? Isn't it adorable!"

"Yes, its eyes are so beautiful!" Ruth exclaimed.

The little Ghost Spider's eyes were black, bright, and clear, always looking curiously at others like a well-behaved, curious baby.

She looked the little Ghost Spider up and down, unable to suppress a fond smile.

Lorant saw this and nudged the little Ghost Spider with his finger, tentatively saying, "Baby, greet my mom. Say hello."

The Ghost Spider shook its head, and simultaneously, Ruth heard a childish voice in her mind: "Hello!"

Ruth jumped, turning around quickly, but there was no one behind her.

Lorant hurriedly said, "Mom, it's okay. It's the little guy talking to you."

Seeing his son wasn't joking, Ruth's entire worldview was shaken.

"It... it's talking to me?"

"Yeah, I just asked it to greet you. Did you hear it?" Lorant stroked the Ghost Spider's head, making it sprawl out like a small snow pancake on the table.

"Yes... I heard someone greet me..." Ruth blinked, still struggling to accept the existence of something that could directly communicate with her mind.

That sudden feeling of being invaded in one's mind is something most people wouldn't enjoy.

Lorant carefully explained to his mother the abilities of the Ghost Spider and assured her that it wouldn't cause any harm to humans.

Ruth finally felt relieved.

Her curiosity about the little Ghost Spider reached its peak: "You said it was so amazing; doesn't this little guy have another form you mentioned, the ghost form? Can we see it?" Her words almost made Lorant feel like she was asking a child to perform at a festival.

Lorant had not yet seen the other skills of the little creature either. Thinking that he was finally becoming a parent figure, why not?

Just as he was about to speak, he saw the little one suddenly turn around with great alertness, its eyes fixed on the door leading to the backyard.

In the next second, the backyard door was knocked once and then turned open directly.

The person who came was naturally Lancelot, who had just returned from Castle Cavendish.

Sometime along the way, Lancelot, the Earl, had made the small room on the second floor of the Animal Pet Shop his permanent residence.

Although there was a magic system, the size of that room was clearly smaller than even a storage room in a castle, which would be considered suffocating by many.

However, Lancelot settled in quite naturally, occasionally returning to his own territory to handle matters before coming back.

It seemed as if he treated the castle as an office and the Animal Pet Shop as his true home.

Lorant himself did not notice anything amiss.

In his understanding, Lancelot initially stayed at the Animal Pet Shop to train Xiao Qi.

Later, due to the beast tide and frequent trips into the Black Forest, Lancelot found it convenient to stay here.

When the Animal Pet Shop was first established, Lorant was worried that Lancelot might come and live next to him, making his family uncomfortable.

Fortunately, Lancelot had a good sense of propriety and never spent the night here during the initial period.

He rarely entered the house, usually going straight to the backyard to be with his Crystal Ice Flame Dog whenever he visited the shop.

Gradually, the two became familiar with each other, and Lorant let down his guard. Lancelot quietly and naturally became a part of the Animal Pet Shop.

Now, Lorant was accustomed to having someone living next door, and if he didn't see him every day, he would ask where he was going.

Lancelot also went from being a polite guest to someone with a key to the room, almost like a co-owner.

Sometimes, Ruth treated him so well that Lorant felt jealous.

If he weren't so involved, Lorant might think of the saying "boiling a frog slowly."

Lancelot entered the door and began changing his shoes and coat very naturally.

For some reason, Lorant had set some peculiar rules requiring people to change their shoes and coats upon entering, but Lancelot obediently followed them.

"Lorant, I've prepared the shops in Holland and Sakuren," Lancelot said while changing his shoes. He had gone back today specifically for this matter.

Initially, their bet stipulated that if Lorant could breed five useful animal pets within a year, Lancelot would only take a 20% share of the profits and provide two free shops for the Animal Pet Shop.

Now, Lancelot had already prepared everything needed.

Currently, the Animal Pet Shop had five types of animal pets, excluding the three E-grade ones: the Crystal Ice Flame Dog, Windbreaker Horse, two types of Slimes, and the Dream Weaver.

Willing to accept defeat, Lancelot happily accepted the reality.

The better the Animal Pet Shop did, the more gold coins Lancelot would receive, so why not?

Lorant was taken aback: "What?"

"The shops, the ones we bet on," Lancelot chuckled at his reaction.

Lorant then remembered the bet.

"Sure, but I'm not planning to open branches anytime soon." He blinked hesitantly: "We don't have enough animal pets yet, so I don't see the need."

Lancelot nodded: "I understand your point, but I think even if we're not expanding now, we can still renovate those two shops according to your ideas."

"Adventurers are willing to travel far and wide for animal pets, but they won't do the same for a bag of pet food, right?"

"Why should the shops always sell animal pets?"

Lorant suddenly understood: "You mean we can make these two shops into merchandise stores for the Animal Pet Shop."

He punched his palm: "Right! I've designed so much merchandise; we can't waste it!"

The animal pets' food, decorations, saddles, and reins were all expensive.

The small metal tag on the Crystal Ice Flame Dog's neck was comparable to a noblewoman's cherished expensive porcelain.

Despite this, almost everyone who reserved an animal pet couldn't resist buying one in advance.

With the long-term sales of pet food and the increasing number of Windbreaker Horses, it was indeed necessary to open such shops.

"You're right. I'll go check out those two shops, and we'll start the renovation. It would be best if they opened at the same time as the main store, and we can promote it properly!"

Lorant, having figured it out, looked up happily.

But he saw a white ball hanging by an invisible thread beside Lancelot's head, cautiously extending its front legs to land on Lancelot's shoulder, as if sneaking around.

Lorant sighed helplessly and stepped closer: "Sweetheart, what are you doing?"

Lancelot's pupils suddenly constricted, and he felt a sudden dryness in his mouth.

Honey?

He called me honey?

Does he know his own feelings?

Did he figure it out?

Is this his response?

But I haven’t even confessed yet!

This seems inappropriate!

Is it moving too fast!!