The usually quiet cargo container aboard the ship was bustling with activity, thanks to the technical team members. They were overwhelmed by the sudden increase in workload over the past few days. The order from above was to overhaul all the fighters.
"Hey, Scott. It's dinner time. Let's go grab some food."
"Ah, just let me finish this."
The blond man called out to the black-haired man working by the fighter. Scott, as he was known, put down his wrench and got up from his spot.
"How much longer do we have?"
"It might take overtime."
"Ugh, damn it."
The two of them joined others on their way to the cafeteria.
"I still don't get it."
"What?"
"Why are we tearing apart the planes as if we have a war to fight?"
Pincher, the blond man who was chewing on synthetic meat that resembled an eraser, furrowed his brow.
"Scott, do you always have to bring up work during meals?"
"Isn't it strange, though? Pincher, you should think about it too."
'Here we go again.'
Scott, who never tired of spinning bizarre conspiracy theories, made Pincher sigh.
"What's the latest one?"
"I've heard something. They're trying to capture Metallic Gremlins from above."
"Metallic Gremlins?"
Pincher scoffed as if it were absurd.
"Yeah. Do you really think we can take down Metallic Gremlins if we encounter them? The high-ranking capital guys may be tough, but they're not stupid. Instead of fighting, they'll probably run away."
"You should listen to people until the end. Apparently, Metallic Gremlins are already on board. They know about it above, and they're determined to catch them."
"What?"
"Have you noticed the strange smell in the air lately? They say it's the scent of Metallic Gremlins."
"This is unbelievable…"
Pincher shook his head as if it were ridiculous.
It was true that there had been an unusual odor inside the ship lately. However, if the air were genuinely contaminated, the ship's AI would have reported it long ago. Pincher had never heard of any air quality issues until now.
"Just listen for a moment. Someone from the kitchen team said that people on board have been disappearing one or two at a time since last week."
"Heh, what nonsense."
He had entertained the idea, but it was just as he expected. Pincher couldn't believe Scott's baseless chatter.
The ship had a crew of 222 people. It was not a large number, and if one person disappeared per day, it would hardly be noticeable.
And are the people above idiots? There's no way they'd just sit still when their subordinates are disappearing. As Pincher mentioned, the higher-ups might be jerks, but they're not stupid.
Pincher had tried to dismiss Scott's delusions, but there was someone who interjected into their conversation. It was Cameron, who was sitting next to them.
"I've heard similar stories too. They said the materials management officer went missing."
"Really?"
"Yeah. Thanks to that, the cargo container manager got promoted to acting head."
"See! Pincher, I was right."
Scott was delighted to have someone else agreeing with him. On the other hand, Pincher's expression twisted as if he had bitten into something sour.
"Fine, let's say people are disappearing. Why are the higher-ups just sitting still?"
"They say even the top brass knows everything, but they're hiding it to prevent the crew from panicking."
"Exactly, it's because of the Metallic Gremlins!"
"Metallic or whatever. Even if they're causing trouble, what does it have to do with fighter maintenance?"
Cameron shrugged his shoulders.
"I don't know about that. I've only heard that people are disappearing."
"Well… Are they trying to maintain discipline by manipulating the crew?"
"Ugh, you're such a nutcase. That's just like you."
Scott scratched his head with a foolish expression, and Pincher clicked his tongue.
After dinner, the technical team members returned to their workstations.
Time passed, and before they knew it, it was nighttime.
One by one, team members left for home, and the spacious cargo container, which had been bustling earlier, fell silent as if all the commotion had been a lie.
Scott and Pincher were wrestling in a corner, focusing on a fighter.
"Scott, I'm going to grab some late-night snacks. What do you want to eat?"
"I'm good. If there's synthetic booze, bring that."
Scott was busy undoing a screw under the fighter. The surroundings were so quiet, as if everyone had left for the day except for them.
"Scott."
"Yeah?"
As he was changing a part, someone called him.
"Cameron?"
"Come here for a moment."
"I'm in the middle of something right now."
"It'll just take a moment."
Scott was busy as hell, and Cameron's call was annoying. He had promised to give a piece of his mind to anyone who bothered him with something unimportant, and he reluctantly crawled out from under the fighter. In the spacious area, all he could see were fighters and toolboxes; Cameron was nowhere to be found.
"You call someone and then disappear?"
"I'm right here. Come quickly."
Cameron's voice popped up at the right moment, as if he were trying to inform Scott.
"In the maintenance bay?"
He was quite an irritating guy. Scott grumbled as he made his way to the maintenance bay.
When he arrived at the bay, the lights were off.
"I stopped by here, didn't I?"
He cocked his head, wondering if he had been mistaken, but then he heard Cameron's voice from inside.
"Scott, over here."
"Why is it so dark in here, and what are you doing?"
"I'm looking for something. Hurry up and help me."
Scott pressed the switch in the maintenance bay, but it didn't turn on. It seemed like it had been turned off from the central control room since it was late.
He reluctantly took a flashlight from his belt.
The bright light illuminated the dim interior of the maintenance bay. It wasn't a pleasant atmosphere. Shelves of metal parts were stacked with tools and seemed like they could spill at any moment. On the floor, there were discarded cigarette butts and dried synthetic alcohol stains, making it look quite filthy.
Moreover, there was an odor in the maintenance bay. The air was filled with various unpleasant smells, such as the metallic scent of oil clinging to tools, the smell of solder from the soldering iron, and the stench of unwashed men.
In the midst of this familiar yet repulsive scent, Scott sensed something strange.
"What's this smell?"
Being someone who handled metal parts every day, he could recognize it. In the air of the maintenance bay, there was a scent reminiscent of a metallic tang, but there was something else mixed in.
"Where the hell is this guy?"
"I'm over here. This way."
It was strange. The voice that had been coming from the door just moments ago was now coming from inside.
Following the voice, he passed through the narrow space between metal shelves. In the pitch-black space, nothing could be seen without the flashlight.
He was walking, relying on the light from his hand, and nearly stumbled.
"What the hell?!"
Scott had stepped on something, which turned out to be a rolling screw. After regaining his balance with difficulty, he realized something important.
Even he, containering the flashlight, couldn't see properly due to the darkness. If that was the case, what was Cameron doing in the pitch-blackness?
The conversation they had in the cafeteria earlier came to mind.
The Metallic Gremlins roaming the ship, and the missing crew members.
With a trembling voice he didn't even realize he had, Scott called out to Cameron.
"C-Cameron?"
There was no response.
Just as Scott was about to turn to flee, it appeared right in front of him.
***
"Scott?"
Fincher, who had brought some late-night snacks, found it strange that there was no one around the fighter. Although Scott was acting a bit strange, he was a friend who always diligently performed his duties. He never left his post when there was work to be done.
"Scott!"
Fincher called Scott loudly, and his colleague's name echoed in the quiet hangar.
"Over here."
As if answering, his voice came from somewhere in the distance.
"Where are you? I brought synthetic alcohol."
"I'm in the maintenance bay. Come over here."
"The maintenance bay? Why did you go there again?"
"I'm looking for something. Help me out."
Correction: Scott was good at work, but he could be quite annoying in his personal life.
Fincher grumbled as he headed for the maintenance bay.
"Why aren't the lights on, and what are you doing?"
"I've got something to move. Help me."
"Ugh, you idiot. Seriously."
Fincher entered the maintenance bay, containering a flashlight. In the dimly lit area behind the shelves, Scott's flashlight could be seen.
"Hey, what are you doing?… Huh?"
Scott was not there. Only the tools were left behind, abandoned.
"Why is this here?"
Fincher picked up Scott's flashlight. There was no sign of Scott anywhere in the vicinity.
At that moment, a drop fell on the back of his neck.
"What's this?"
Thinking it might be a leak, he touched the back of his neck. The liquid that had fallen from above was warm and sticky.
He examined the liquid on his palm with the flashlight.
"Blood?"
His palm was soaked in bright red.
The liquid that had fallen from the ceiling was droplets of blood.
Realizing this fact, he swallowed hard. His trembling flashlight pointed upward.
And there it was.
Dangling from the ceiling, containering Scott, was a creature that looked like a Gallargon, a dragon from mythology. The mythical dragon was now tearing Scott apart and devouring him.
The dragon reached out towards Fincher as its last memory before Scott was taken away.
Since that day, no one had seen those three members of the technical team.
***
'Did I have a talent for fishing?'
I sat in the dim maintenance bay, chewing on a human leg. The owner of the leg had been torn off with the spine and was sprawled out.
'Imitation. It's quite convenient.'
The voice of the person whose leg I was chewing on, named Fincher, flowed from my mouth.
Imitation.
Among the creatures that the Material Management Team Leader had tried to smuggle, there was a creature called a Red Worm larva.
The Red Worm is a gigantic worm that only lives on desert planets and possesses a highly rare ability. It can mimic the voices of other creatures. This ability evolved as a means to effectively hunt other creatures in the harsh desert environment.
I devoured a Red Worm larva that had been stored in a container and luckily obtained its genetic essence. Thanks to that, a highly complex vocal apparatus has now taken residence inside me.
'The downside is that my ability is a downgrade compared to the original.'
Unlike the Red Worm, I couldn't mimic any voice I wanted. I could only mimic the voice of the last creature I had consumed. I couldn't mimic the voices of Scott or Cameron, who I had eaten before. Additionally, I could only speak in short sentences or words. If I tried to speak a little longer, growls would mix in, creating strange sounds that weren't quite human or monster.
'But it's still a pretty good ability.'
Instead of low growls, a clear adult male voice came out of my mouth, which felt strangely fascinating and awkward.
I tested my voice a few times and thought about my next target.
'Tomorrow, I should eat someone from the cooking team. Was his name Pierre? We may not be close, but it doesn't matter.'
Even if they were unfamiliar, if they called out to me, they would inevitably pique my interest.
Tomorrow night, I should fill up with this friend named Pierre.
He won't know. He'll die because he said something unnecessary to Scott.
After finishing my meal, I went out to the runway and entered the ventilation duct on the wall.
'Should I stop by the lab before going to the nest?'
As I crawled along the passage, I headed towards the laboratory.
It was to see Experiment subject 26, the Bubble Amoeba.
As I got closer to the lab, I received a wave from him.
｢Hello.｣
The tentacles on the back of my head vibrated softly. Until now, I had thought that psychic abilities were useless.
Unexpectedly, I found that through psychic abilities, I could communicate with other creatures via waves.
When playing games, I always pursued efficient gameplay, so I had never paid any attention to characteristics that had minor effects like this.
'I never intended to have the ability to communicate with Bubble Amoebas.'
It seemed like a trait that would be more useful to Bubble Amoeba enthusiasts than to me.
At any rate, now that it had greeted me, it was my turn to respond. I focused my mind on the back of my head. The tentacles wriggled, gathering invisible energy.
[즈즈즈(Hello)]
I didn't even need to see Experiment subject 26 to communicate now, and something new had come to light.
'His vocabulary seems to have expanded.'
As far as I knew, Bubble Amoebas weren't creatures known for evolution. Once they reached maturity, they mainly grew in size without any significant evolutionary changes.
However, this particular one seemed to transcend the limits of its species, conveying complex and seemingly impossible information. Moreover, its communication skills were improving significantly with each encounter.
'They said they are doing psyonium experiments. Is there an effect I don't know about?'
I wasn't sure if it was a psyonium issue or if the creature had some special abilities. In any case, since the creature's growing intelligence didn't seem to have any adverse effects on me, I decided to stop worrying about that particular issue.
[즈즈 즈즈즈즈(Sorry. Trouble with food today.)]
｢What's the trouble?｣
[즈즈즈즈즈(Can't get any.)]
I could sense a frustrated wave of emotion coming from the creature. I understood it perfectly well. After all, the only source of joy for the creature, which was subjected to experiments all day long, was the calorie bars I brought.
'But I can't get him any more calorie bars now that I've grown in size.'
The current security in the lab was at a level just below a nuclear reactor or a cooling room. After the research officer's death, the security team had tightened the lab's security to the maximum level.
Thanks to that, the ventilation ducts above the previously secure laboratory have become risky. I had vibration detectors installed inside the laboratory, so it was clear that I would be caught if I moved carelessly.
In this situation, there was nothing else I could do except have a conversation with subject 26 from a distance.
[즈즈즈(Are you okay today?)]
｢I'm struggling. It hurts.｣
Since Keisaragi's death, the psyonium experiments had been at a standstill. The subordinates continued the experiments every day, but they didn't inject as much as before. Of course, that didn't mean subject 26 was fine. Even in small amounts, psyonium was a highly toxic substance to the body.
[즈즈(Going)]
｢Goodbye. Take care.｣
'Sigh, hang in there.'
It's not that I didn't want to help, but the risk was too great. Even if I had gained powerful abilities, going head-to-head with the crew of this ship was impossible. At least, I had to become an Ascendant to engage in guerrilla warfare. Once I became an Ascendant, I could easily wipe out the unit that received the enhanced suits.
'The problem is that the conditions for Ascendant evolution are strict.'
To evolve into an Ascendant, I had to kill and consume 10 individuals from each of the two intelligent species that players could control. Since there was only one suitable target on this ship, which was humans, Ascendant evolution was impossible.
'There are pirates, but I don't know how that will turn out.'
Whether I could evolve depended on which cartel the space dogs around here belonged to. If I encountered a human cartel, it would be useless.
'It will take several more days at least.'
Judging by the atmosphere on the ship, it wouldn't be long before I encountered space dogs. The engineering team members I had devoured were staying up all night repairing the fighter planes.
As I was heading towards the nest, a group of people passed beneath me. They were soldiers and the crisis management officer.
"I have some business to attend to, so I'll be on my way."
"Yes sir!"
The soldiers bid him farewell, and the crisis management officer continued walking alone towards some destination.
'I should probably consume the crisis management officer as well.'
Although he seemed like a tough opponent, I decided not to postpone it any longer. Even if I didn't consume him immediately, it wouldn't hurt to gather information about his weaknesses or daily routines in advance.
I followed the crisis management officer.
He was heading to the fitness training room. Inside, soldiers and crew members were diligently working on their physical fitness.
'What's this? Is he Planning to exercise?'
In an instant, after changing into workout clothes, he sat down in front of an exercise machine and began his strength training routine. I watched for about 10 minutes, wondering if there would be any changes, but he was only pumping iron vigorously.
'Sigh. I should check on someone else.'
There was no need to watch prey exercising. As I got up to leave, he finished using the machine, took something out of his pocket, and set it down on the machine's platform.
'A phone?'
It was a small phone in the shape of earphones. He held it in his hand and looked around, making sure no one was paying attention to him. After confirming that no one was bothered, he plugged the phone into his ear and resumed exercising.
His actions piqued my interest, so I focused my auxiliary senses on him.
"Th…contacting… C…nearby…"
His voice, which had been sporadic, gradually became clearer.
"Yes. The plan is proceeding as scheduled. Yes. Yes. Really?"
'A plan?'
"An order came from the family? Oh, no, of course not. How could I ever doubt it?"
For a moment, a perplexed expression crossed the crisis management officer's face, but he quickly regained his composure.
"In any case, it's going well. Miss Keisaragi has already been eliminated. The ship will arrive at C-08 as planned. Yes. All of Captain Samuel's orders have been recorded."
'What?'
"Yes. Yes. That's fine. Everything is in accordance with the will of the family, I mean, with Captain Jung Woojin's will. I'll take responsibility. Yes. I understand. Goodbye."
After hanging up the call, he once again focused on his exercise. He appeared to be a dedicated fitness enthusiast, but my suspicion of him reached its highest level.
'I thought he was a straightforward guy, but he's a real fox, isn't he?'
I knew that the crisis management officer had convinced the captain to make contact with the space dogs.
However, based on the conversation I overheard, he seemed to have much more planned than just that.
Whether this would benefit me or backfire on me remained to be seen.
I quietly observed him from the darkness.
'The caller seems to be from the Yujin family.'
I thought to myself. As far as I knew, the Crisis Management officer wasn't from the Yujin family. His name was Arnold Russell, and the Russell surname didn't belong to either Noble Capital or Prime Capital; it was a rather ordinary surname.
'Could it be an alias?' I wondered.
Or perhaps he was a subordinate of the person he was talking to. From the conversation, it seemed like he wished for Keisaragi's death.
'Could this be an internal matter?'
In the game, both the Noble Capital and Yujin family were ruthless when it came to power and money. The possibility of them fighting among themselves and even resorting to killing each other was quite high. In this space, eliminating Keisaragi Yujin would be fitting.
'But then again, I'm the one who killed her.'
From the conversation, I deduced that his goals were twofold: to kill Keisaragi and lure the ship to C-08. I wasn't sure of the reasons, but almost unintentionally, I had helped him achieve his objectives.
'Whether the Yujin family fights or not, it's none of my concern.'
What was essential was what I would do with Arnold Russell. Cattle were raised for the sole purpose of becoming food. Useless, intelligent food needed to be excluded.
'He's made me wary of him.'
That fact alone justified his death. Having evolved into a Metamorph body, fighting against soldiers wasn't a significant problem. If I were to surprise attack him, I could easily overpower the muscular man.
'But opportunities are scarce.'
Arnold had been meticulous since my hibernation, always staying in crowded places and avoiding remote areas.
'Should I kill him in his room, like the material management officer?'
I considered it, but it wouldn't be easy. He slept in his reinforced suit, unlike the soldiers, making it difficult to kill him quickly.
'If the attempt failed, it would be quite troublesome.'
He could easily contact the ship's AI with the communication device provided as an option.
'Perhaps there's only one option in the end.'
If he had no weaknesses, then I would observe him until he was discovered. Time was what I needed to catch a formidable prey.
I casted one more glance at him before heading to my nest.
***
In a world where more humans are born in incubators than in their mothers' wombs, it might sound absurd to seek a god in such a place. However, I somehow had the feeling that there might be a real god here. If not, there was no way such a favorable situation would be created for me.
"Security officer! How on earth are you handling this situation? Didn't you say you could find them?"
"I'm, I'm sorry…."
From below, Samuel's voice resounded with frustration. Through the gap in the mesh fence, I could see the security chief hanging his head, clearly at a loss for what to do.
I was currently eavesdropping on their conversation from above the meeting room.
"That damn 'sorry' of yours, how many times have we heard it? We're scheduled to dock with the pirates in two days, and you still haven't resolved anything!"
"Well, even if we increase the number of cameras and security personnel, they always manage to avoid getting caught…"
"Damn it! Navigation officer, how many missing personnel do we have on board right now?"
"…including the former material management officer, a total of eight people."
"After the Research officer's death, we have seven missing crew members. Why can't you find them? Don't tell me you're in cahoots with that guy?"
"N-no, not at all!"
Currently, the ship's enigmatic murderer is attributed to the material management officer. This is because of his suspicious actions before going missing and the discovery of his container. He was an undercover smuggler who had infiltrated the ship, and he vanished after the mysterious murder incident.
'Unfortunately, the culprit is right here.'
Samuel, unaware that the culprit was right above him, sighed heavily and slumped into his chair.
"Let me ask one thing. Isn't the material management officer a human being? Shouldn't you search everywhere a person could go?"
"Well, there's a shortage of cameras in some places, and even though we've installed them in crucial areas, it's like they're avoiding them like ghosts."
"Ugh, then what about the body? The body can't just walk around; it must be hidden somewhere. Why can't you find that?"
"We're constantly monitoring areas that could be used to dispose of a body. I don't know how it was disposed of, but we just can't seem to find it."
The Security officer, who had been the center of attention for everyone in the room, took out a handkerchief and wiped his forehead. With his sparse hair, he looked even more forlorn, but there was no one to assist him.
"Tech officer, what about tracking devices?"
"With my skills alone, it's impossible. Even if I attempt to create one, I can't guarantee its effectiveness."
"Damn, he's killing people who can track him. He's definitely not an ordinary human."
An indolent smuggler had turned into a professional assassin. It would be a comical situation if my body were not Amorph. At that moment, Crisis Management officer Arnold raised his hand.
"Captain, I believe what the Security officer is saying is true."
"Why the sudden change?"
"I've personally checked the camera placements and all the possible hiding spots on the ship, and the Security officer has done what he can."
"You couldn't catch the culprit, and now you're defending him?"
"I mean it!"
Arnold seemed like he had deliberately brought this up, ignoring Samuel's attempt to interrupt.
"From a human perspective, that's what it means. If it were a human, they wouldn't be able to hide like this."
"What? Crisis Management officer, are you here to spread strange rumors?"
'Huh?'
I had been enjoying the situation, but the atmosphere suddenly became strange. It seemed like Arnold had decided to speak out, and even when the Captain threatened him, he continued speaking.
"We might be dealing with an unknown entity attacking us."
"You see, Crisis Management officer, the ship's AI isn't that dumb. Even though it's not the latest model, it used to manage entire battleships. If there were creatures roaming around the ship, it should have detected them long ago."
"I'm familiar with AI capabilities as I come from a military background. Navigation officer, but everyone knows. The material management officer's container—everything inside it was empty."
"Well, that's true, but…"
"Then where did those creatures that were inside it go?"
At his words, some of the officers nodded. Samuel also seemed convinced.
'Oh no.'
The flow of people's thoughts was taking an eerie turn. What I had been most cautious about was the suspicion of extraterrestrial life creeping into people's minds.
"Alright. Let's assume strange space monsters are roaming around. Where would they go? We have cameras installed in the middle of every corridor, but we can't see a trace of them."
"There are places we haven't checked."
He pointed upwards with his finger. People's attention shifted in my direction, and I quickly stepped back behind the mesh fence.
"The ventilation ducts?"
"The ventilation ducts are spread throughout the ship. I don't know how big those creatures are, but if they're around 1 meter or less, that's enough room for them to move around."
His statement was accurate.
It seemed that Arnold wasn't the only one who had underestimated the situation. I might have underestimated him as well.
'It's a strategic mistake.'
I had planned to take my time and slowly execute my plan, but Arnold was showing more insight than expected. I should have dealt with this sooner, even if it meant taking more risks.
"1 meter. Isn't that too small to kill a person?"
"Captain, Metallic Gremlins can grow up to a maximum of 80 cm, but they can still destroy an entire battleship. It's not about their size."
"Right."
He felt like an auxiliary system. Everyone in the room was convinced by Arnold's words. The sweating due to anxiety gradually subsided, and the irregular heartbeats were regaining their stability.
"We have a problem. If it's really an alien life form that killed people, what happened to the Research officer's body? If that thing ate the body, we're in serious trouble."
"That problem will be resolved if we can capture it alive and hand it over to Noble Capital. If it's proven that it ate the Research officer, they'll take it from there."
Questions were flooding in from all directions, but Arnold had no trouble keeping up. He answered every question confidently, as if he had prepared for this.
The questioning subsided, and finally, Samuel was the last one left.
"Crisis Management officer."
"Yes, Captain."
"How many soldiers do you think you'll need?"
"I'll select six soldiers from the 8th platoon and have them search the ventilation ducts."
"Permission granted. Please bring back good results."
"Thank you."
After the meeting ended, I returned to my nest.
'…I've endured for quite a while.'
No matter how much I loathed my body, there would come a time when we would inevitably cross paths. Unless I abandoned my nest and left, there was no way to avoid them in the ventilation ducts.
"Even if I were to leave the nest, I have nowhere to go."
Given Arnold's personality, it was clear he would place some security measures around the ventilation shaft. This would effectively seal off the ventilation ducts.
The corridors were covered in surveillance cameras, and the ventilation ducts were off-limits. While we hadn't engaged in a full-blown confrontation just yet, it was only a matter of time.
Now, the crucial moment for me to make a decision had arrived.
'Should I run away, or should I stand and fight?'
Since becoming aware, the once-dry nest had become vibrant with life, as if spring had arrived. Lying down there, I extended my small hand and gently touched the spores.
Feeling the pulsation of the spores, I made up my mind.
'I'll fight.'
This ship might belong to them, but this ventilation duct system was different. This place was my domain, my home. Compared to those who tried to infiltrate this place after glancing at blueprints and maps, I possessed a different level of information.
'The conditions favor me.'
It wasn't just about the battlefield; the overall situation surrounding the ship was turning against them. The encounter with the pirates was set for two days from now.
It was hard to imagine Samuel handing over a significant amount of credits, especially with no bodies to show. The pirates aren't offering any services, and yet they're demanding a large sum of money. Even if there are no complaints on their side, they don't know how things will turn out on pirates' end. Those space dogs are practically icons of betrayal, and they won't just let the ship pass as it is, he knows that well.
To fight the pirates effectively, They needed to maintain their full strength. Capturing me with minimal troops was impossible.
Furthermore, Arnold had mentioned capturing me alive.
'Capture an Amorph?'
Until the enemy is eliminated, the relentless creature that never stops until the enemy is dead is Amorph. An aggressive alien creature that would bite the enemy's neck even if its limbs were cut off and only its head remained.
That's me.
Arnold seemed to think of me as nothing more than a wild animal roaming around on some planet, but that was far from the truth.
Capturing an unknown enemy in unfavorable terrain with only a few soldiers was undoubtedly a foolish endeavor.
'In the space environment, especially within the ship, they'll learn just how terrifying it is to fight against Amorph.'
I would show them everything I had, using every means at my disposal.
I would teach them what it was like to fight against Amorph in the vastness of space.
I linked my senses to the nest and spread them throughout the ship. The ship's structure and the movements of the human occupants were transmitted to me without missing a beat. The auxiliary systems swiftly analyzed their movements to align with their master's intentions.
If you were to imagine a spaceship as a living being wandering through space, I was akin to a parasite inhabiting the brain of a mineral-based organism. I knew what was happening on the ship as well as the ship's owner did.
The auxiliary system reported to me that the captain and the officers were gathering on the bridge.
'Perhaps they're planning to command from the bridge.'
Like them, I was also devising a plan from my perch in the cooling chamber.
'How should I respond?'
First, let's consider the starting points of the enemies. There aren't many ventilation ducts large enough for an adult male to pass through. The agricultural area duct, the storage area duct, and the armory duct were the largest, with the others being just over 1 meter or even smaller.
However, the likelihood of them all gathering in one place was low, as that would slow down their search efforts.
'On the contrary, it's more likely they'll start from two places.'
Six individuals. Not a large number, but not a small one either.
In any case, attempting to conquer the ventilation ducts with a large number of personnel would be difficult. It seemed they were opting for a small elite force strategy, compensating for the lack of numbers with good equipment.
'They'll probably be wearing intermediate-grade combat suits.'
The model was unknown, but it was likely to be of the same grade or lower than what Arnold was wearing. If we were to engage in a direct confrontation, I wouldn't emerge unscathed either.
'There's a narrowing of the passage after the intersection.'
Depending on the facility, there were places where ventilation needed to be well-distributed, while others didn't require it. Areas like the cooling chamber had excellent air circulation systems, so the ventilation ducts were wider, but most other areas were not.
'Narrow passages aren't suitable for humans to navigate.'
Adult men would have to crouch down. It was better than crawling, but it would greatly reduce combat efficiency. Not only was it difficult to use weapons, but the uncomfortable posture also made it challenging to take full advantage of the combat suit.
'That's where I'll launch the ambush.'
The broad outlines of the plan were beginning to take shape. The details would need to be adjusted based on the enemies' armaments and movements.
It seemed they were prepared as well. I could sense their movements.
They had arrived at the two locations I had anticipated: the runway duct and the armory duct.
'Shall I go and greet our guests, then?'
After disconnecting the link with the nest, I rose from my seat.
Tonight, everyone who dared to target my nest would meet their end.
***
[This is A1. A-Team, commence operation.]
"B1, report."
[This is Juzz, B1. B-Team, commencing operation. Juzz.]
"B1, check your communication status as it doesn't seem optimal."
[Juzz-Juzz, B1. Understood]
The command center.
On the holographic display in the center of the command center, the movements of soldiers were divided into six squares and broadcasted in real-time. It was the result of real-time transmissions from tactical cameras attached to the soldiers' combat suits.
Arnold, the crisis management officer, watched alongside the higher-ups as the soldiers entered the ventilation ducts.
'The entity that killed Miss Keisaragi, it's probably him.'
It was originally his duty to handle this situation. There were no changes to the plan itself, but he didn't know how the entity would act as a variable.
The entity was a dangerous organism that had killed eight people, including Miss Keisaragi Yujin.
Others might think the Materials Management officer is the culprit, but he could state with certainty that the Materials Management officer had been killed by the monster.
"Monster. Eliminate variables as much as possible."
Until this ship reaches Space Dog, or rather, its owner, Si-hyun Yujin, who is preparing a grand plan, there can't be any disruptions. If it succeeded, it would change the course of MegaCorp's history.
'When this night is over, you'll all be dead.'
He stared at the holographic images with a cold gaze, and reports came in from the scene.
[A1. We've reached a junction. Move to the right.]
[B1. We've also reached a junction. Moving to the right. Juzz.]
[B3. Juzz-Juzz. Communication status isn't good. Will repair and follow. Juzz.]
"This is the command center. B3, join as soon as your repairs are completed."
The passageways in the ship, like veins in a body, were like a maze. A and B teams had both reached junctions at the same time.
"The paths are complicated. Everyone, move cautiously."
"This is the command center. Even if it's slow, search thoroughly."
[A1. Understood.]
[B1. Understood.]
Five out of six white marks on the map received their orders and moved slowly while conducting searches.
"Hmm?"
Arnold, who had been looking at the screen, felt something was amiss. The camera from B3, which was supposed to be under repair, wasn't moving.
"Check B3's camera."
"This is the command center. B3, confirm the camera's status."
[…]
"B3. This is the command center. Repeating, confirm the camera's status."
[It's okay.]
With those words, the screen moved again. At first, it shook slightly as if in disarray, but soon, like the other soldiers, it regained stability.
"B3. How's the reception?"
[It's okay.]
As B3 had reported, there was no more noise. His mark moved toward where the other B team members were.
"B2. Join up with B3 coming from behind and move."
[B2. Understood.]
The B3 mark on the screen got closer to the B2 mark. Just as they were about to overlap, a scream came through the communication device.
"B2! What's happening?"
[Ugh, aaargh! It appeared! It… thud!]
"B3. Lost contact with B2. Report the situation."
[It took B2 with him.]
"I can't see anything on the screen. Explain in detail."
[It suddenly attacked, so I can't confirm.]
B2's camera showed nothing but darkness. There was no sound, as if the communication device had been damaged.
A sense of unease spread through the command center like a contagion. The captain and officers were buzzing with questions about what was happening. The communication officer continued to try to contact B2.
While everyone was in confusion, Arnold stared at the black screen.
'Did it end this quickly?'
Soldiers wearing intermediate-level reinforced suits couldn't respond at all. Arnold had considered the threat to be somewhat like a dangerous wild animal until now, but he was completely mistaken.
The enemy was a much more agile killer than he had imagined. Having recalibrated the creature's abilities, Arnold gave instructions to the communication officer.
"Relay this to everyone. If you see anything move even a little, open fire immediately."
"Yes, officer."
The communication officer relayed Arnold's orders, and tense responses from the soldiers could be heard over the communication device.
Team A was conducting a search for the monster, while B1 and B3 from Team B were chasing after the missing B2. Although the screen showed their diligent movements, there was no sign of B2.
"They might end up divided and conquered."
In the end, Arnold decided to abandon B2. The communication officer conveyed Arnold's message to Team B.
"This is the command center. B3, halt the search for B2 and join up with B1."
[Understood.]
"B1, once B3 joins you, resume the search for B2."
[B1. Understood.]
B3's marker moved toward B1. The distance between the two marks on the screen gradually decreased. Just when they were about to see each other, a message came through the radio from B1.
[B1. I hear something.]
"This is the command center. What exactly is the sound?"
[B1. I'm not sure, but someone is getting closer. It's at a junction, so I can't confirm exactly.]
"B3. Join B1 as quickly as possible. Repeat, join as quickly as possible."
[Understood.]
The situation grew tense. The silence in the command center was broken by B1's voice.
[B1. The source of the sound is B3.]
"Phew."
Someone let out a sigh of relief. Even Arnold, who had been keeping his eyes wide open to avoid missing any enemy movements, was relieved.
"Phew. This is the command center. B1, report once you've joined up with B3."
[…]
"B1?"
[B3 was taken by the enemy.]
"What?!"
B1's report shocked everyone in the command center.
Even Arnold, who had always remained calm, found it difficult to maintain his composure as the unexpected situation continued. He pushed the communication officer aside and put on a headset.
"officer here. Explain the situation in detail."
[I couldn't confirm it because it happened so quickly.]
"Damn it! It's right in front of you, and you couldn't see it?"
[I apologize.]
Two soldiers had already disappeared. Yet, B1 and B3 claimed they didn't see anything on the video. Unless the creature deliberately avoided being captured on camera, it was impossible…
'Wait a minute…'
Arnold suddenly had a terrifying assumption. He put the headset back on with a stern expression.
"officer here. B1, state your location immediately."
[What?]
"I repeat. B1, state your name immediately."
[…?]
There was no response from B1. The command center froze as they realized what Arnold was trying to confirm.
[Sshh, I got caught, huh? Juzz.]
B1's communication channel remained disconnected. A black hand appeared in front of the camera, and then the screen went black.
[This is A1. What the hell is happening?]
"…"
[This is A1. Command center, please respond.]
The bewildered voice of A1's officer filled the command center, but Arnold couldn't say anything.
***
'For now, the B Team is finished.'
I crushed the signal device attached to B1's reinforced suit under my foot. Three headless bodies lay beside me.
Originally, the plan was to engage them in the narrow corridor behind the junction. While I was rushing ahead to prepare for the ambush, an idea occurred to me.
Using the psychic device.
I got the hint from my conversation with the Bubble Amoeba. If I could communicate with the creature using the special waves generated by the psychic device, could I disrupt wireless communication devices that operated on frequencies? It seemed to work quite well.
Due to the waves I emitted, B3, who was at the rear, experienced interference in his equipment. He had no choice but to stay behind and fix it, becoming an easy prey as a result.
'After that, it was easy.'
Even when his head was pulled out by my combat arm, B3 didn't twitch a finger. It was thanks to my newly acquired fusion ability called the 'Neurotoxin Gland.'
When you have the Neurotoxin Gland, everything in your body, including nails, teeth, and bodily fluids, turns extremely toxic. When affected by this toxin, you'd experience shock or paralysis of your muscles, rendering you incapable of any action.
It seemed like a powerful debuff ability, but in the game, it was considered a rare attribute. Since there were many creatures with transcendent physical abilities, it went unnoticed.
'But not here.'
Unless you were a specially modified human, it was impossible to block the neurotoxin. If you were alone and exposed to it, you might as well consider yourself dead.
After that, it was a breeze. I approached the other team members pretending to be B3, using my 'Mimicry' ability.
While everyone was on high alert, they wouldn't have suspected a friendly approach. Their lack of imagination allowed me to fill my belly with ease.
'Next is Team A, I suppose.'
I tucked B1's head under my arm and headed out. When the cerebral cortex burst open in my mouth like fresh juice, my body filled with energy.
With four combat arms, I easily moved through the narrow corridor. While crawling, the auxiliary device under my chin constantly monitored Team A's movements.
Whether they received orders from above or not, they were moving slowly and carefully, investigating every speck of dust on the alloy.
'They're in a completely defensive posture.'
Team B had no idea about me, but that wasn't the case on the other side. They knew that I could mimic human voices, so it was only natural.
'Now, should I try using the information to my advantage?'
Many say that knowledge is power, but is it really? Sometimes, knowing too much can be a burden.
I hid my body not far from the junction. Soon, the enemy would pass through here.
Then, darkness settled in the steel corridor. The light emanating from the helmet of the lead soldier illuminated the junction clearly.
"A1. We have reached a junction. We will proceed to the right."
They had no idea that I was hiding nearby. If they didn't know, I had to inform them. I shouted loudly in B1's voice.
"Over here! Help me!"
"It's the enemy! Open fire!"
As expected, A1 immediately issued the order to fire. Three team members began firing their laser guns in my direction.
While they were pouring firepower into the spot where I had been, I slipped away into another corridor. By going this way, I could circle around behind them. I used all six of my limbs to move quickly.
"Cease fire!"
[This is the command center. Confirm the enemy's status.]
"A1. Understood."
Unaware that I had already escaped, A1 walked forward. The other soldiers were focused solely on his back, fearing that he might still be in danger.
I attacked A3, who was neglecting rear security.
"Ughhh!"
"Behind! There's an enemy behind us!"
"Cease fire! Our comrade is captured!"
[Damn it! Shoot him now!]
The air ducts were filled with A3's cries of pain as I held him, the terror-stricken shouts of his teammates, and Arnold's screams from the command center. I had no intention of staying in such a noisy place for long, so I incapacitated A3 and withdrew.
[A1! Open fire immediately! That's an order!]
"Opening fire! Opening fire!"
The enemies fired lasers at me belatedly. The corridor was filled with pure energy beams. Even though I was agile, I couldn't avoid all of them, so I took a few hits.
It went beyond just hurting; I was in severe pain. Nevertheless, I gritted my teeth and moved away from the spot.
"A2! Reporting to the command center! We have a casualty!"
[No retreat allowed! We must capture him at all costs.]
"Darn it, Squad Leader, what should we do?"
[…Damn it, treat A3, and then pursue him.]
Their voices echoed in the darkness as I hid in the shadows. I didn't know how good their medical kits were, but detoxifying my neurotoxin wouldn't be easy.
During the brief maintenance time that the enemies took, I checked my own condition.
'Thanks to the Chitinous Exoskeleton, there aren't any major injuries. But it hurts like hell.'
The trained soldiers managed to hit me in the chest and head due to the enhanced targeting of their powered suits.
'It's all because of the suit's calibration.'
The calibration of the powered suit's targeting had turned out to be a double-edged sword.
Unlike regular animals, which would have been killed by the previous attack, I was an Amorph, and my forehead and chest, protected by an exoskeleton reinforced with chitin, were as sturdy as the titanium alloy used in spaceship hulls. Furthermore, my current chitinous exoskeleton was even more resilient.
Even though the enemies didn't realize it, I'd barely suffered any damage despite their trained shots. If they had targeted my tail or limbs, it would have been a different story.
'One down.'
Two prey remained. Since I didn't expect to be ambushed here again, I needed to use a different approach.
Come to think of it, there was a suitable place to butcher them, a location I had considered when planning. It was the narrow corridor.
'Let's lure them in.'
I extended my claws and inflicted minor wounds on my arm, causing black blood to drip onto the floor. Each drop of blood created a puff of smoke rising from the corridor's floor.
This was spider silk, a trap set by a spider to catch prey.
The prey, who had mindlessly followed me, would finally realize what had happened. They would understand that they had fallen into a web of doom.
-x-X-x-
"Darn it! Wake up!"
"Ugh…!"
"Shock detected in A3! Administer the antidote!"
"I'll administer it!"
A2 operated the terminal on A3's wrist. As he did, a sound of air escaping from A3's reinforced suit accompanied the injection of the antidote into the wearer. A3, who had been frothing at the mouth moments ago, showed some signs of improvement, but it was merely first aid. The antidote within the reinforced suit provided minimal life support and pain relief but lacked detoxification capabilities.
They needed to complete the mission as quickly as possible and get A3 to a medical facility.
A1 and A2, sharing the same thought, exchanged glances.
"A1. The antidote has been administered to A3. Proceeding with the mission."
[This is the command center. Permission granted.]
Having reported to the command center above, they left A3 lying on the ground. Three comrades had died because of that damn monster. They couldn't properly rest until they captured it and tore it apart.
"A1. I request permission to administer enhancement serum for more efficient suppression."
[…Permission granted.]
As soon as permission was granted, A1 and A2 pressed the buttons on their terminals. The enhancement serum was injected, and veins popped on their faces and necks.
One of the advantages of reinforced suits was the special solution they contained, which enhanced a soldier's combat abilities. Lower-tier reinforced suits carried painkillers, while mid-tier ones had two chemical solutions. These solutions included a treatment serum that healed injuries and boosted natural recovery and an enhancement serum that temporarily enhanced muscles and senses.
When administered to an ordinary person, the enhancement serum greatly improved physical abilities, to the extent that they could punch holes in concrete walls with their fists. As for soldiers wearing reinforced suits, the effects were even more significant. However, there was a lethal drawback: permanent muscle loss and up to a week of debilitation once the enhancement effects wore off. Nevertheless, those who had already gone mad had no concerns about such side effects.
"That damn creature, I'll kill it."
"I'm going first."
The orders they received were to capture the enigmatic hazardous creature alive. However, the heads of the two soldiers, who had lost their comrades, were filled with thoughts of tearing it apart with their bare hands.
With determination, they walked along the corridor. Along the path where the creature had disappeared, they noticed unusual traces. There were sporadic marks of something having melted the floor.
"It seems like the creature got injured as well."
"Insane… Acidic Blood… I have no idea what kind of monster this is."
They realized that the enemy wasn't your typical savage being. Tensions rose as they continued to follow the melted marks. Before long, they understood that they needed to mentally prepare themselves.
The narrow, low corridor required an adult male to stoop to move through. It posed an obstacle that they couldn't avoid.
"…It's narrow."
"What should we do?"
"We're going in."
They had already administered the enhancement serum. There was no retreat for them. The two soldiers squeezed their bodies into the narrow corridor.
***
'They're coming.'
My auxiliary sensors detected subtle vibrations in the air, much like prey caught in a spider's web. An intruder had entered my domain. Their heartbeats were rougher and faster than those of regular individuals. They exhaled a harsh breath, similar to a beast, which dispersed into the air.
'They've used enhancement serum.'
It seemed like they were quite enraged if they were wearing mid-tier reinforced suits, known for severe side effects. It didn't matter to me. Enhanced physical abilities from the serum wouldn't be of much use in this damp, maze-like space.
'Let's get started.'
Having successfully lured the prey, it was time to set the trap. I deliberately widened my wounds, allowing blood to pour onto the floor. As the acidic blood pooled, toxic gas billowed up.
Beyond the gas-filled corridor, I could see the shape of the hallway. Not content with merely melting the ventilation duct, the corrosive blood had eaten through the corridor ceiling.
'This should do.'
I patched up my wounds and patiently waited in the darkness until they arrived.
Before long, they revealed themselves. They wore special helmets attached to their reinforced suits.
Thanks to the helmets' gas masks, they moved effortlessly through the gas-filled corridor.
They seemed momentarily startled by the sudden gas but, behaving like experienced soldiers, they kept their composure. Cautiously walking while staying on high alert, they eventually found the source of the gas.
A1 concentrated on communication, while another soldier examined the corridor beneath the floor. Everyone was preoccupied, making this the perfect opportunity.
Hunched in a corner of the corridor, I sprang forward like a leopard targeting a gazelle. With my six legs, the cramped space posed no hindrance.
"!"
A2, with heightened senses thanks to the enhancement serum, reacted instantly. His gun barrel swiftly aimed at my head, emitting a burst of light.
An energy projectile whizzed past just inches behind my head. A2 appeared bewildered at missing the shot.I couldn't blame him.
Why did I choose this cramped and uncomfortable place for a battleground?
The tight quarters had subtly altered the angle of his aim. Conversely, my dark chitinous exoskeleton performed admirably as camouflage in this lightless space. It disadvantaged the enemy while favoring my allies.
That was precisely why I had chosen this place as my hunting ground.
"Ugh?!"
He adjusted his posture and aimed at me again. His reaction was swift, but I had already closed the gap. Before he could pull the trigger, both my hands were around his head.
Perhaps he sensed his impending demise. Through the transparent visor of his helmet, I saw his dilated pupils.
The reinforced suit, designed to grant them superhuman strength, couldn't provide protection to delicate and flexible areas like the throat. When I applied pressure to A2's throat, it snapped as easily as a twig.
"Uuaaargh!"
A1, a step too late in realizing my presence, screamed and aimed his laser weapon at me. I used the partially limp A2 as a shield to protect myself.
The scent of searing flesh, born from the burning meat, gently tickled my auxiliary sensors. Amidst the tension of battle and my hunger, I hurled A2's charred remains at A1.
"Damn it all!"
A1, having lost his composure, wildly fired his laser rifle. Given the close range, some shots found their mark on my body.
Perhaps due to the substantial pain or for some other reason, I felt a surge of primal instincts. The sharp blade at the tip of my tail shot out, narrowly missing A1's shoulder as he adeptly parried it with his enhanced left arm.
My tail missed its target and collided with the corridor, after which A1 leaped at me, delivering a powerful punch.
I considered using my combat arm to block it, but A1 was clad in a reinforced suit, and he had also been injected with an enhancer that significantly boosted his combat prowess. There was no need for unnecessary risks.
I evaded A1's punch by taking a few steps back. His solid alloy fist crumpled a bit upon striking the corridor.
'Stronger than I expected.'
It hadn't been this intense in the game. Continuing this fight might result in unnecessary losses.
'It's time to change strategy.'
I swung my tail widely to force A1 to step back and then made my escape. Laser shots from behind me missed their mark entirely.
'Only one enemy left.'
I had already exhausted most of my tricks. Deception wouldn't be effective against A1 now.
In the distance, I could hear A1's enraged cries. Given my venomous state, I doubted a surprise attack would be very effective.
'Oh… is there still one thing left?' As I pondered, a brilliant idea suddenly crossed my mind.
I could sense two life forms currently.
A1, who was rampaging, and A3, who was paralyzed.
While A1 was distracted, firing lasers in the wrong direction, I stealthily crept toward A3's location.
Exiting the narrow corridor, I noticed that the ceiling had risen significantly. Standing on two legs, I spotted A3 lying in the middle of the corridor.
"Uh… ugh…."
A3, who had received emergency treatment, had narrowly avoided death but didn't look to be in great shape. He couldn't speak due to lingering paralysis, only emitting feeble groans.
I approached from a direction that wouldn't trigger his camera. When I was about a few meters away from him, he sensed my presence.
The fearful groans of agony were easily discernible.
"Uh, uh-oh!"
He tried desperately to communicate the situation to the command center, but his arms and legs were already paralyzed. He writhed in a futile attempt to convey his distress. I approached the terrified creature and gently nudged his back with my foot.
Grrrr!
"Uh! Uh-oh! Uh-oh!"
I could see something fluffy standing upright on A3's nape. His hair was already soaked with sweat. Like a frightened animal, he exhaled ragged breaths, trembling without any sense of direction.
Coincidentally, A3 had been attacked exclusively from behind until now. Perhaps that's why he was more terrified – because he didn't know what I looked like. After all, the greatest fear often comes from the unknown.
'Doesn't really matter since he's going to die anyway.'
I used my four combat arms to pierce his side. This area was unprotected, and my hands easily penetrated his body. As I pressed my claws into his back, I felt him release his final breath.
Having swiftly killed A3, I exerted force on the hand that had been inserted into his side. I grasped his elongated intestines with my four hands and pulled them out roughly.
I quickly shoved his entrails into my mouth without savoring the taste and hastily chewed, then returned my hands into his body.
Time was running out. To use A3's body as a shield, I needed to empty his insides. I continued to extract his organs.
'This should do.'
When A3's weight had decreased by about half, I flipped his body over.
The camera lens on his body emitted a red light, as if greeting me. I proceeded to smash the cameras and communication devices attached to A3's body.
With this, they would realize that A3 had been attacked from the other side.
I thrust my head into A3's side. Sticky blood and the lingering warmth of the corpse enveloped my entire being. Inside the shell of A3, now just a husk, there were no organs for sustaining life; instead, it was filled with a predator from the outside.
I coiled my tail, which hadn't managed to enter, tightly around the lower part of the corpse to conceal it.
A moment later, I heard A1's footsteps from outside.
"A3! Are you okay? Answer me!"
Dead men tell no tales. A3, already a mummy, remained silent.
I could sense him reaching out his hand to check his pulse. He was completely off guard. He probably didn't even consider whether A3 was dead or what might be lurking behind that skin.
As he got close enough, my arm pierced through A3's abdomen and jutted out. A1, who had been bending down to check the pulse, just allowed my attack to happen. My sharp talons slashed across his thigh.
"Ugh?!"
He belatedly tried to stand, but it was futile. The paralyzing neurotoxin had already advanced upwards, rendering his lower body completely useless. His body crumpled to the floor like a felled tree. He struggled to get up with all his might, but it had been a long time since even his central nervous system had been rendered useless. Like Troy collapsing under the Trojan horse, A1 was perishing from within the fortress.
"Uh, uh-oh, oh-oh!"
A1's body trembled. Was it because of the shock or the impending doom? Regardless, his future was predetermined. There was only one thing he could do, like prey ensnared in a spider's web: wait for death.
After tearing myself out of the corpse, I licked the blood off my hands. The primitive sweetness was like condensed sugar syrup penetrating my mind.
I would have enjoyed it more, but there was still work to be done. I approached the trembling A1.
I grabbed his shoulders near his ribs with my lower pair of arms and removed his helmet with my upper pair of arms. His exposed face looked younger than I had anticipated. However, the scars around his eyes revealed that he was a warrior who had emerged from many battlefields.
Even such a valiant hero seemed to fear death. His face was a mess of tears and snot.
The two arms above him enveloped his head. Sensing the impending events, he tightly shut his eyes. I increased the pressure in my hands, fulfilling his expectations. With a sound like trees being uprooted in a storm, his neck was slowly torn apart.
There was no scream. The neurotoxin allowed him neither screams nor any movement. His pupils shook violently as he endured the pain of his throat being slowly torn apart while still alive.
By the time the white bones of his neck were exposed, A1 was dead.
I held his head, his tongue hanging out, and gazed into the camera. There was no sound from the communication device, but I could tell.
They were afraid.
This should be enough to convey my message.
With that judgment, I crushed the camera.
The spider's web was not only spread throughout the ventilation shaft.
Next, it would be their turn.
'How will the enemy emerge?'
This is not the end. The ones who sent the soldiers, and more soldiers, are still left. So, what should I do?
With six dead, there are a total of 90 soldiers and officers on the other side. It's highly likely that they will go all out after receiving my warning.
I know that they're short on reinforced suits, but the real problem is the weapons. If the enemy comes armed with more than laser equipment, say, plasma weapons, my chances of winning become slim.
'The plasma class is unstoppable.'
With enhanced physical types, I can withstand it only twice at most, and before that, there's nothing I can do to stop it. One hit would be instant death.
It's inevitable because plasma weapons are developed for fleet battles. They're such high-powered weapons that they're used to destroy warships or tanks, so one shot packs quite a punch.
However, the majority of plasma weapons are so heavy that they can't be carried alone. There are lightweight versions, but those are prohibitively expensive, as if their prices were through the roof.
'All I can expect to find here is a plasma launcher.'
The plasma launcher is a heavy weapon supplied by the division in MegaCorp. Honestly, given the dismal supply situation, it doesn't seem like there would be any plasma launchers either, but you never know.
'It'll be difficult to deceive them any further.'
Since a significant portion of the cards I hold has been exposed, I couldn't deceive the enemy in the same way. I might be able to handle a few of the less experienced ones, but it would be difficult to deceive and surpass the 90-strong force.
'Arnold won't stop until he confirms my death.'
Unlike the amateurish aspects displayed by the Captain Samuel, Arnold is a meticulous soldier. Moreover, he's a soldier who conspires. I don't know what his plan is, but he will undoubtedly try to kill me before arriving at C-08.
'In that case, I'll go for their heads here.'
Now is the time for a speed battle. Let's tidy up the information about me and strike the headquarters before they organize their front line.
Just then, I ran to the bridge.
On the way, I saw soldiers jumping to the opposite side through a ventilation hole in the floor. Their destination was the agricultural area that A1 had reported.
It seemed like the enemy thought I was preparing a siege, but that was a completely wrong judgment. While the enemy was searching in the wrong place, I was already here, right in front of them.
Beyond the iron grill of the ventilation hole in the wall, I could see a white floor. It was the command center, the cleanest space after the laboratory on the spaceship.
Compared to the marble-like floor, the wall displayed a dark cosmic space. It was showing the external scenery in real-time through cameras attached to the ship's exterior.
The people in the command center seemed oblivious to the beautiful spectacle of countless stars dancing and were simply making a lot of noise.
"Crisis Management officer! Where did that insane monster come from? No, more importantly, what on earth is its identity?"
You couldn't see it from here, but you could easily guess that the Samuel was in a state of panic, just by listening to his voice.
Not far from there, Arnold's voice could be heard.
"…I don't know. When I checked the list of materials management officers, there was an organism that wasn't registered in the database. Maybe it's that thing."
"Such irresponsible remarks! I lent you a officer's reinforced suit, and you got nothing in return!"
So, that was a officer's suit. Reinforced suits are a lifeline in space, so they should've spent a bit more.
If there had been a few more intermediate reinforced suits, or even just advanced ones, I wouldn't have been able to hunt them easily. Trying to save money will cost Samuel his own life.
It seemed that he had similar thoughts to mine, as anger crept into Arnold's voice.
"If we had slightly better equipment, this disaster wouldn't have happened, Captain."
"What?!"
"And the statement that we got nothing is incorrect. We obtained information that the enemy is a highly intelligent, dangerous organism that can mimic human voices."
"Is that all you have to say?"
"In the battlefield, gathering information is more important than anything else. We've obtained the minimum information about the enemy, and we need to act based on that."
"Ugh."
There was a hint of irritation, but Arnold's voice remained steady. Samuel had no words to reply and simply clicked his tongue.
"So, is there a solution?"
"We've already sent the soldiers, but there's something else we need to request."
"What is it?"
"Please authorize the use of the plasma launcher in the armory."
"What?!"
I had my doubts, but it seemed they actually had a plasma launcher.
It didn't seem like it had been supplied to the entire unit judging by the nuance, but still.
The plasma launcher was like a magical wand that could solve most problems, but the officers didn't seem to approve.
"Are you insane? Weren't we supposed to use that weapon for fighting pirates?"
"This is a spaceship! Even if it's been modified into a research vessel, using a plasma launcher on board? If you want to commit suicide, go outside into space by yourself!"
"Enough!"
As the Navigation officer and the Technology officer continued to squabble, Arnold shouted at them. They hesitated for a moment and then confronted Arnold again.
"Are you raising your voice at us?"
"We cannot approve of using a plasma launcher on board!"
Arnold had excelled in everything he had done until now, but this operation had been a huge failure. As a result, his charisma had fallen irrecoverably. It was a reaction befitting a MegaCorp member who always placed results above all else.
'It's about time to leave.'
The superiors were in a state of turmoil, and the subordinates were in a quandary about whether to stop them or let them go. This was the perfect moment for the prey to be choked in the enemy's confusion.
Amorph's delicate auxiliary organs began their search. The target was any movement within the command center.
The tentacles at the tip of my chin twitched and felt the air. Then, a wave of information, like a swirling galaxy, poured in.
The electromagnetic waves and heat emitted by computers and electronic devices, the faint mechanical noises made as precision components moved every time the ship's AI operated, human breath, the sound of clothes brushing against each other, the scent of sweat, the tremors of muscles, the beating of hearts, the sound of blood flowing through veins.
It was a world that humans could never perceive. I glimpsed into the dimension of super-sense perception and searched for my target.
Arnold was the top priority target, but he was too far from my location. He had deliberately chosen a distant position because he knew I would be using the ventilation ducts.
'The one closest to me is…'
The information detected was that of a familiar individual I had seen several times before.
A man with a somewhat timid appearance, with half of his head exposed, named Wei.
He had become the temporary research officer in place of Keisaragi Yujin and still tortured Experiment Subject 26 everyday.
'I'll go for him.'
I had always planned to kill him someday. Fortunately, a good opportunity had presented itself, so there was no need to hesitate.
I smashed the iron grille of the ventilation duct with my combat arm. The thin alloy grille shattered into pieces by my reinforced arm, which had become fluid.
The AI would send a warning signal, but humans had to respond. Everything would be over before they saw the AI report.
I gave strength to my legs, enhanced by the 'Enhanced Reflexes' trait.
[TL/N: 'Enhanced Reflexes' was previously translated as 'Enhanced Angular Momentum'. Will be using 'Enhanced Reflexes' moving forward.]
My body leaped high as if stepping on a spring. While my body remained suspended in the air, Arnold was the first to react to the sound of the broken grille. His gaze turned towards the damaged ventilation duct.
His eyes widened. He had recognized the attack. Soon, he would let out a scream of alarm, but by then, one person would already be dead because I was already above Wei's head.
It was only after my body covered him that Wei reacted. He struggled as I perched on his shoulders, and I bit into his face.
In an instant, his face was covered in blood due to my razor-sharp teeth. His facial skin tore apart, and his eyes and nose were damaged to the point of dysfunction.
"Kaaah!"
Wei, who had his face ripped apart by my sharp teeth, let out a scream of pain. Seeing his pitiful state, the other officers who had been watching in a daze turned pale.
"Ugh, ugh, it's a monster!"
Wei, who collapsed to the floor, covered in blood, and I moved to another officer who was nearby.
The vivid MegaCorp uniform was stained with blood and flesh.
"Aaaah!"
"Please, spare me!"
"Com…Communications Officer! Inform the ship!"
I couldn't leave them like that. I stopped attacking the officer and turned to the Communications Officer.
"Eek?!"
Unlike the soldiers who had entered through the ventilation duct, he seemed to lack much combat experience. Seeing my bloodied appearance, he froze and couldn't move. I had no intention of showing mercy, so I lunged at him.
"Uuaaaah…argh!"
I used my strength to topple him, and then I finished him off with my tail. Now, my tail, which had grown to the size of a dagger, pierced his eyes and penetrated his brain. As I retrieved my tail, which had created holes in his head, an energy projectile came flying from somewhere and struck my back.
When I turned around, it was Arnold. He held a small laser pistol in his hand.
'A officer's pistol, I see.'
I thought he would run away, but it was unexpected. I shook my tail vigorously to flick off the splattered blood. Maybe he was just putting up a facade of trust, but he didn't back down and fired his pistol again. I lightly twisted my body to avoid it and approached him.
'He's not even wearing enhanced armor?'
Like the other officers, his attire was a uniform. Perhaps because he was a soldier, the color was red instead of white, but there was no defensive functionality. In other words, if I swung my arm, his upper and lower body would separate, and he would sprawl on the floor.
"G-gra…"
Having finished off Wei, who was groaning next to him with my tail, I prepared to leap at Arnold. As I prepared to kick off with my legs, the auxiliary organ vibrated heavily.
[My body floated in the air.]
[Arnold fired his pistol belatedly, but all the shots missed.]
[My tail pierced Arnold's abdomen.]
[He took out a plasma pistol from his holster.]
[I tried to dodge, but my tail was stuck in his body, so I couldn't avoid it.]
[The plasma round destroyed my head.]
[I died.]
'This is…'
It was like scenes passing by at an incredible speed, as if I had sped up the video dozens of times. It was an effect of precognition through the predator sense.
'A plasma pistol!'
Arnold had an unexpected weapon in his possession.
The plasma pistol was one of the few plasma weapons that had successfully been lightweighted. It had excellent killing power and was as lightweight as a handgun, making it an excellent weapon. However, it had one downside.
Its price was astronomically high. One of those pistols cost as much as three of these ships. Unless you had the wealth of a Noble Capital or a Prime Capital, you wouldn't even dream of owning such equipment.
'Darn it, it seems like he's connected to the Yujin family.'
That money-eating glutton, the plasma pistol, could kill me. A shot to the head or chest would result in instant death, and even a graze would be at least a severe injury. So, I had to move cautiously.
As my movements became more cautious, Arnold frowned.
"As expected, you've figured it out."
From his pocket, he pulled out a silver, thin, gun-shaped plasma pistol. Samuel, who had been hiding in the corner, along with the other officers, let out gasps of amazement.
"A plasma pistol?!"
"That expensive weapon!"
Arnold's tense expression from earlier turned into a relaxed smile, as if the tension had all been an act.
"You, I don't know your identity, but I have a feeling."
"Grrr…"
"A monster with various abilities. You resemble my master, Si-hyun Yujin."
As he spoke, his gun was aimed at me. With my auxiliary organ extremely activated, I had read his body in advance, and I quickly leaped away.
In my previous position, a green energy projectile exploded. The alloy plates, which were tough enough to withstand space debris, were shattered in a single shot.
"I will eliminate variables before my master arrives."
Dodging his weapon, I took cover behind a computer.
Our location was the bridge. It was an important facility, so he probably couldn't fire indiscriminately, but I couldn't be sure how long we could hold out. Time was not on my side. Since everyone on board the ship was my enemy, the longer I delayed, the more disadvantageous it became for me.
'The situation isn't good.'
This was the biggest crisis I had faced since my birth in the cargo container. There were various factors threatening my survival, but there had never been a time when death was so close.
No.
To be more precise, it was from the moment I possessed Amorph's body.
'I've faced greater dangers than this.'
In space survival, I had experienced the worst situations as if they were nothing.
Did I give up? Did I lose?
Not at all. The one who always stood at the end was me, The Amorph.
'You think you can kill me?'
Arnold was mistaken.
Regardless of whether it was his master or anyone else, the one who would greet them would not be someone like Arnold but rather me.
-x-X-x-
Bears, lions, wolves.
These are carnivorous animals we easily encounter through the media. In the media, they are often portrayed as killing machines or as incarnations of unrelenting violence.
In reality, predators are not ruthless terminators but rather closer to cowards. This isn't meant as an insult; their cautiousness, bordering on timidity, is what makes them true hunters.
As someone who enjoyed playing as Amorph, I had deeply ingrained the lessons that nature had taught me. No matter how powerful my abilities were. Even if I had more information at my disposal than anyone else.
'Without caution, you're useless.'
I remembered this fact as I scouted the enemies. Arnold's heartbeat was steady. His earlier tension had clearly been an act. People would have likely analyzed me and taken action while others were dying.
While they might not know that I possessed enhanced abilities like a biometric radar, they did know that I had some kind of heightened sensory perception.
'Quite impressive.'
I had deliberately killed the soldiers brutally to intimidate them, but it had no effect on Arnold. He emitted the scent of a seasoned hunter, unlike me, who had learned from nature. Who could be his mentor?
The plasma pistol fired again. The high-energy blob incinerated the spot where I had been just moments ago. I raced across the bridge with sturdy legs like a wild horse, contemplating how to attack the enemy.
'First and foremost, the enemy's biggest weakness is the location.'
This was the bridge command center, filled with sensitive electronic equipment. Although the plasma pistol might be considered a relatively weak plasma weapon, it was still a powerful weapon that could penetrate even thick alloy plating. One wrong shot, and it could trigger a catastrophe.
'I didn't originally plan to use this, but…'
Even in the future shown by the predator sense, Arnold pulled out the pistol just before he was about to die. He was aware that using the pistol inside the ship was not appropriate.
"Crisis Management officer! Remember that we're in the command center!"
"Be careful not to hit any machinery!"
"…Understood."
Captain Samuel and the other officers offered their advice, but Arnold seemed uninterested in holstering the pistol.
'Fine. I guess it's me before the ship, then?'
It seemed that, in his eyes, I had a higher priority than the safety of the ship. It was understandable. I was the only obstacle in his plan. Even if the ship was damaged, capturing me here would be more favorable.
However, despite having a powerful weapon, Arnold had disadvantages. At this point, his main duty was to protect the captain and the officers. He couldn't go to C-08 alone, so some of them were essential for navigation.
'He has many weaknesses, but…'
My situation wasn't ideal either. This open space provided a good firing angle, and if it weren't for computer-like cover, I might have been hit by the pistol earlier. Even now, whenever I tried to approach an officer or the captain, Arnold would restrain me with his pistol.
When I hid behind the computer, he stopped shooting.
"You little rat."
Arnold cursed from a distance. It seemed like he was irritated or annoyed, but I could understand.
'That's a ruse.'
Arnold was hoping for a prolonged standoff. While he was keeping me in check, he used the communicator to call for the ship's personnel.
"This is the bridge command center. The creature has attacked this location. All available personnel, gather here."
'I wonder if that's how it will play out?'
The bear-like fox over there was using his formidable weapon to buy time. He wanted to capture me in this spot, but he definitely intended to leave the task of harming me to his soldiers.
Certainly, my movements had become passive due to that pistol of his, so his plan seemed to be working quite well.
'Well, it's amusing to be deceived like this.'
With this level of judgment, he would rank above average among Space Survival players. Those who only hunted gentle prey and suddenly encountered a wolf among them would undoubtedly be tense.
Since becoming a metamorph entity, this was the first crisis I had faced, and it was against a formidable adversary.
After a long time, I felt my fighting spirit rising.
'I have to finish this before the reinforcements arrive…'
I moved away from the energy blob that had left the barrel and hid behind a machine. While pondering my escape plan, I noticed a fire extinguisher. Its appearance was different from Earth's, but it emitted white smoke-like extinguishing agent, which was the same.
'It might come in handy.'
I quickly retrieved the fire extinguisher and pulled out the safety pin with my small hand on my chest. At that moment, Arnold, holding the plasma pistol, appeared behind me. Before the pistol could fire, I activated the fire extinguisher first.
White extinguishing agent sprayed out from the hose, obscuring his vision.
"Ugh?! What a trick!"
Beyond the white mist, a green energy blob flew towards me. I dodged it by lying flat on the ground and, with my four combat arms and legs, began hexapodal locomotion.
Meanwhile, my small arm on my chest continued to disperse the contents of the fire extinguisher in all directions.
"Cough! Cough!"
"I can't see anything!"
The command center, sealed off from the outside, was filled with extinguishing agent. Coughs from survivors could be heard here and there.
"You scum! Are your weapons just for show?"
"Sorry, I apologize!"
The soldiers who remained in the command center hastily drew laser pistols. However, given the limited visibility due to the extinguishing agent, their lasers posed no threat to me.
"Where is he?"
"Could it be? Darn it! Everyone, take the captain outside!"
Arnold shouted as if he had somewhat figured out my intentions. He probably thought I was targeting Captain Samuel. He was somewhat perceptive, but he chose the wrong answer. My target wasn't the captain. In front of me was the head chef, who had fallen.
As my tail retracted the stinger stuck in his body, I silently withdrew. Just as a predator targets the throat of a herbivore, my teeth were embedded near his carotid artery. Human blood and flesh flowed into me, and the small organ in my throat reacted to it. Now I could mimic the head chef's voice.
"He's not over there! The captain is over here!"
"Huh?"
The enemies who couldn't see ahead were bewildered by my voice. It was clear that the captain was nearby, but suddenly hearing someone else say otherwise would naturally cause confusion.
"Don't be fooled! He's employing disruptive tactics!"
"Yes, y-yes!"
Arnold urged the soldiers, but the chaos didn't subside easily. They had also heard through the communication that Teams A and B were wiped out, but they probably didn't expect themselves to be next.
While the enemies were in disarray, my hands were stained with the blood of another victim. His luxurious attire indicated that he was not an ordinary person. I shouted in his voice, "Don't be fooled! He killed the officer!"
"What, the navigation officer?"
The voice belonged to the navigation officer, who ranked just below the captain in terms of hierarchy.
"He's impersonating the officer's voice!"
"This damned son of a bitch! Don't believe him!"
"I'm the navigation officer! Trust me!"
"Darn it! You idiots! He's the monster! Shoot him now!"
Arnold may not have realized it, but I could sense it. The hesitant soldiers' muzzles were shifting back and forth between Arnold's location and mine in the fog of uncertainty. In a space where you couldn't see an inch ahead as if shrouded in mist, the soldiers were being tested for their trust.
On one side, they had their heavenly officer, on the other, a creature from the depths of space. What choice would they make?
"Ugh, aaargh! Damn it!"
One of the soldiers finally made up their mind. The muzzle of their laser pistol, held in suspicion, was aimed at the figure in the mist. A crimson flash cut through the extinguishing agent.
After a trajectory of light that human eyes couldn't follow, the smell of burning flesh permeated the air.
"Aagh!"
Arnold let out a groan mixed with agony. The right shoulder area of his body had been charred by the laser. His hand holding the plasma pistol was limp, but it was enough damage without losing his entire arm.
'It's my chance.'
Targeting the soldier instead of him was a success in the jamming operation. In combat, having more personnel doesn't necessarily mean an advantage. Out-of-sync allies are worse than enemies.
Instead of attacking me, he should have chosen to leave the situation room with the others.
His biggest mistake was starting the fight with the intention of killing me directly.
"Y-you bastard!"
He didn't give up; instead, he clumsily gripped the pistol with his left hand.
It seemed like he was determined to resist until the end, even with his limbs damaged. His unwavering spirit was a true testament to a soldier, but unfortunately for him, he had chosen the wrong opponent.
Thanks to the ship's ventilation system, the extinguishing agent gradually dispersed. I hid myself within the remaining white cover and made my move.
"Grr! Where are you?"
Perhaps because of his severe shoulder injury, he couldn't aim properly, and the plasma round passed just by my side. It was a close call, but the intense heat left a long burn mark on my combat arm.
For a moment, the pain filled my mind to the point where I could scream, but I managed to hold it in.
There's no time to hesitate. The enemy isn't going to wait for me.
The vibration from the energy charging of Arnold's plasma pistol, held in his hand, is detected.
Only a few seconds remained before that small harbinger would pronounce my death sentence.
Meanwhile, there was still some distance left for my tail to reach his body. That's why I decided to play my final card.
Muscles in my back, where equivalent to a human's trapezius would be, moved. A split opened up in that area, revealing a dark, massive something slowly emerging from within.
This was something I hadn't summoned since becoming Amorph – my first acquired attribute since becoming a metamorph.
Two enormous wings unfurled, and in an instant, my body closed the remaining distance to him.
His face rapidly enlarged, and in his dilated pupils, he saw the image of Amorph with its wings spread, teeth bared.
In his reddish-brown irises, Emoph is reflected, showing its teeth.
With all my might, I thrust my tail, which had been hiding behind me, towards him.
The deadly plasma round in his hand roars, but it will never reach its target.
From behind, the plasma round loses its target and impacts against the alloy wall. It sounded like a salute to my victory.
With Arnold's head firmly clamped in my mouth, I've got my meal for the day.
"Officer!"
One of the communication soldiers finally regained his senses and aimed a laser gun at me. I looked at him with Arnold's head still in my mouth.
"…Grrr!"
I wish I could savor the meat, but I don't have time. The auxiliary devices are warning me that the soldiers are closing in, so I'd better hurry.
It looks like I'll have to postpone dinner for later.
I passed by the soldier. He stood there frozen like a deer in the headlights. Until I crawled into the ventilation duct, he couldn't move at all.