When Spider Princess heard what Nurikabe said, she glanced at Ryuhime's excited little face beside her and smiled warmly from the depths of her heart.
"I see. So Miss wants to see Spider Princess's strength? Since it's Miss's wish, Spider Princess will naturally comply. But let's not hold back—after all, Miss Ryuhime wouldn't be satisfied otherwise."
Upon hearing this, Nurikabe's first thought was that Spider Princess was reckless. With the tiny amount of demonic power I sense from her, what if I seriously hurt her if I don't hold back?
He eyed her with disdain, convinced he understood her intentions.
Her previous hesitations had been excuses, clearly exploiting his cowardice. Now, because it was Miss Ryuhime's wish, she supposedly couldn't refuse and had "changed strategy." Nurikabe was certain: she intended to make him strike too hard, so the lord would scold him and he'd fall out of favor.
Perfect. Thirty percent of my power should be enough to handle this…
It must be said: the Nurikabe Yuto had subdued was not only timid but had an incredibly overactive imagination. A simple sparring match had now become, in his mind, a full-blown palace intrigue drama, with Spider Princess cast as the "pure and innocent" protagonist.
In reality, Spider Princess didn't need him to hold back. If anything, she was concerned about injuring Nurikabe and damaging their budding camaraderie.
Sure, Nurikabe's demonic power and combat skills were formidable for an ordinary yokai, surpassing many of his peers. But Spider Princess was clearly stronger. The reason he hadn't sensed her true power yet was simple: she hadn't entered her demonized state.
As a demon, Spider Princess's regeneration and vitality surpassed ordinary yokai—she might even exceed Yuto in some respects. Once she transformed, she wasn't just any demon; she was a high-ranking Jorōgumo. Nurikabe, despite his enhanced rank, was no match for her.
The three of them, with little Ryuhime egging them on, moved to the Yuuto family's backyard. Living in the secluded Ukiyo-cho, they could spar freely without causing a scene.
Nurikabe planted his feet firmly and released his yokai energy, attempting to assert dominance with his C-rank power and test the newcomer's strength.
But his confident expression froze the instant Spider Princess activated her own yokai power and transformed.
Her already impressive figure became even more striking in her transformed state. Her six slender legs sliced through the air like scythes, and her aura radiated raw, undeniable strength. At the same moment, Nurikabe unleashed all of his demonic power—but Spider Princess had already surpassed him.
Previously D-rank, her demonic power had surged instantly to B- level!
The difference between C-rank and B-rank wasn't a simple step—it was a chasm Nurikabe couldn't hope to cross. While he might have managed against someone of equal rank, even with his defense and unique illusions, there was no contest here.
She was a higher-level Jorōgumo; not only was her raw power stronger, but her race alone made the fight hopeless. Kicking a brick wall? No. This was like kicking a steel plate.
"All right," Spider Princess said, calm and composed. "I'm in battle mode now. You can attack without holding back. And as you requested, I won't hold back either—after all, it's all for Lady Ryuhime."
Nurikabe's fighting spirit evaporated. He looked utterly miserable. Ryuhime, however, clenched her tiny fists in delight, shouting encouragement.
"Go, Xiao Tu! Hurry up! Don't worry, you're bigger than her, she's no match for you!"
Nurikabe felt a sinking dread. What was he supposed to do? His opponent was a high-level demon with B-rank power! In every way—strength, demonic energy, race—she could crush him effortlessly. Fighting humans was one thing, but this was a different scale entirely.
Regret washed over him. Why had he been so arrogant? Now he'd dug his own grave—and to make matters worse, he had told her not to hold back.
Looking at Spider Princess poised and ready, a thought struck him.
Discretion is the better part of valor. Endure now, and rise stronger later.
With a deep, exaggerated bow, he declared, "Big Sister, I am completely convinced of your strength. This sparring should end here. My admiration for Big Sister Spider Princess flows like a mighty river—endless and unstoppable…"
Even Spider Princess blinked, momentarily stunned. She had assumed he would be more aggressive. His sudden prostration was… unexpected.
But her surprise was short-lived. Glancing at the slightly disappointed Ryuhime, Spider Princess shook her head firmly.
"No, I've already taken this form, which Lord Yuto dislikes. This battle isn't over—we'll go a few more rounds. Besides, as you said, the fastest way to understand an opponent is through combat, isn't it?"