Chapter 27

27-1
Observing the pit, Kumoko's danger senses go into overdrive as Mother appears in the pit. Kumoko keeps away, staying out of even the [Appraisal] skill's range.

Suddenly, a Fire Dragon bursts from the magma and attacks Mother with an army of Fire Wyrms. Mother unleashes a breath attack and the army is obliterated without a trace.

Once Mother has gone, Kumoko advances on but is to afraid of Mother to risk using the pit to go upwards towards the Upper Stratum. Suddenly, the Fire Dragon bursts from the magma and in it's rage, attacks Kumoko. Upon appraising the dragon, Kumoko realises its name is Rend and, though heavily wounded, it is faster than she is so she cannot escape and must fight.

27-2
Despite being the underdog in both skills and stats, Kumoko realises she has no choice but to engage in an all out fight with Rend. Going all out, the pair start exchanging attacks with Kumoko using her Evil Eyes and magic whilst Rend uses a mix of ranged and physical attacks. Rend's relentless assault forces Kumoko completely on the defensive.

Surprised by Kumoko's ability to dodge, Rend start getting more cautious, while Kumoko reflects on the fact her biggest two advantages here are that Mother weakened Rend significantly and that despite Rend's leadership skills, his army was wiped out so they are useless. However, his [Imperial Scales] and 'Flame Wrap' are blocking her magic and poison. Seeing his resistance skill go up, Kumoko realises she needs to overwhelm his defences somehow but the sheer power of Rend's flames are making such a task seem impossible.

Quick References

 * 1) Mother is powerful enough to blow away entire armies of monsters in a single shot.
 * 2) Kumoko concludes that Mother likely travels to the Upper Stratum to lay eggs but lives in the lower levels.
 * 3) Dragons have a lot of skills.

Chapter Notes

 * 1) [Parallel Minds] Level 3 to Level 4.

Characters by Appearance
Kumoko Mother Fire Dragon Rend