"No, not exactly... Well, I did watch a bit of the anime about you, but when I transmigrated, only a few episodes had aired. As for the light novel... I hadn't read it at all. So I really don't know if things turn tragic later on," Kevin Cross explained.
"Huh? You don't know what happens next? Well, that's definitely not great news... But I can live with that. No matter how the plot unfolds, my main goal is to get stronger. As long as I become powerful stronger than what the original story ever imagined I'll be ready for anything," Kumoko said, surprisingly optimistic.
"You're absolutely right," Kevin nodded. "No matter what the plot throws at us, it doesn't matter as long as we're strong enough. If I can surpass Uchiha Madara or better yet, Ōtsutsuki Kaguya then none of the future developments would mean a thing to me."
At that moment, Uchiha Izumi chimed in. Her beliefs were clear: power was everything. As long as one had enough of it, there was nothing they couldn't face.
"I think... strength isn't everything. I mean, yes, it's important. But there are other things that matter too," Yi Lin offered, her tone soft yet sincere.
"Strength, huh... I still don't quite understand it fully, but I agree it's important. As long as it's power I can control, then... yes, I want that kind of strength too," added the final member of the group, known in the chat as "I'm Not a Killer."
"You all have good points. But actually, the bad news I wanted to share wasn't about the plot," Kevin said again.
"Wait, there's more bad news?" Kumoko flinched. This time, she looked genuinely worried.
"Yes. There is. The real issue is... since you and I haven't officially established any sort of relationship, I can't travel to your world yet. Nor can I bring you over to another world. Even worse, the chat group is blocking me from sending you any items"
"Wait, wait, wait! You mean I can't eat pizza?!" Kumoko's eyes widened in disbelief.
"I'm really sorry," Kevin said with a regretful sigh. "Unless a relationship is formally recognized by the chat group, I can't offer real help. All I can do is send messages. No item transfers, no cross-world travel, nothing."
"Nooo! I haven't had human food in ages! Pizza, burgers, even just rice or noodles just one bite, that's all I wanted. I was this close, so close I could taste it..." Kumoko looked like she was about to fall apart.
"My condolences."
"My condolences."
"My condolences."
"My condolences."
One after another, the rest of the chat members offered their sympathies. But to Kumoko, it didn't feel like comfort. It felt like mockery, like salt in a wound.
"No, no, no, I refuse to accept this! Hey, hey, hey, Group Leader... would you... be willing to accept a spider?" she asked, her voice tentative.
"Huh?" Kevin froze.
"I know I'm a spider right now, but if you look closely, I'm actually kind of cute, don't you think? So... what do you think about my current appearance?" Kumoko sent over several photos from different angles, even striking some deliberately cutesy poses.
"..."
"You really are willing to go the extra mile for food, huh?"
"Group Leader, don't tell me your tastes are that broad. Are you into exotic dishes or something?"
"I'm starting to reconsider. If Group Leader's really like this..." said Uchiha Izumi with a sigh.
Kevin coughed. "My tastes aren't that broad, okay? But if if you turn into a human and still feel the same way... then we'll talk."
"Turn human? How long is that gonna take? A year? Two years? Three? Then another three? And three more after that? How long am I supposed to wait for one bite of pizza?! No way, absolutely not!" Kumoko shouted, distressed.
"No, what I meant is we could establish a relationship first kind of like what Yi Lin did. She agreed to be my wife, and from that point on, I was able to send her items and even travel to her world," Kevin explained.
"Wait, just agreeing is enough? That easy?" Kumoko blinked in confusion.
"Well, not that easy. Even if it's just a verbal agreement, it happens under the supervision of the chat group. Once you say yes, the group will automatically recognize the relationship. From then on, you'll be considered my wife. You'll be bound to me you won't be able to be with anyone else, not even in a flirtatious way. Think of it like a magical contract. Once it's sealed, you can't go back on it," Kevin clarified.
"A magical contract, huh..." Kumoko's tone grew more serious.
"So, what do you say, Kumoko? Will you make a contract with me?" Kevin asked.
"I... I need to think about it," Kumoko hesitated. Despite all her joking and teasing earlier, the idea of a lifelong magical pact wasn't something she could take lightly. After all, she still saw herself as a girl at heart and making such a decision was a big deal for any girl.
"No problem. Take your time. In the meantime, I'll just... reheat the pizza for myself."
"Ahhh! My pizza, my precious pizza!" Kumoko sent a crying emoji.
With the Kumoko issue shelved for now, Kevin turned to the final member in the chat.
"@I'm Not a Killer. So, who exactly are you?"
"This humble girl is Saeko Busujima."
"Saeko Busujima? So it really is you!" Kevin's expression lit up in realization. No wonder she used the name "I'm Not a Killer."
"I know, I know! Saeko Busujima, the super popular heroine from High School of the Dead," Kumoko suddenly perked up again.
Kevin was momentarily stunned. He hadn't expected Kumoko to recognize Saeko. But thinking about it, it made sense. Even if she didn't have a series of her own, there was nothing stopping characters from having access to content from other worlds. Just like when historical figures joined chat groups someone like Qin Shi Huang might pop in, and everyone, even figures from other ancient times like Laurence Proudpeak or Victor Nocturne, would know who he was.
So when Kumoko casually name-dropped High School of the Dead, Kevin felt a wave of relief. At least he hadn't embarrassed himself by pretending to be omniscient at the beginning.