[Interference' trait has been applied.]
[Possible fusion with existing 'dexterity' trait.]
[Integration of 'Interference' and 'Dexterity' traits. Evolved into 'Hijacking' trait!]
[Hijacking: Inherits the effect of the Interference trait. Can briefly control electronic devices within a 10-metre range. Limited to one device at a time and cannot be used on cyborgs.]
[Postscript: Humans unable to use machinery in the space age are akin to primitives.]
Upon applying the newly acquired fusion trait, a mutation occurred in the body or more precisely the back area of the body.
Previously Other than two arms adorned with bone blades and the wings, there was nothing else. New organs emerged from the spot which earlier was just tough skin.
Thin plates which were unstructured and rugged grew in two rows along the spine. These plates protruded from the back to just before the tail's spiky hair, the plates were deep black in color, in fact it was so black that it looked like refined obsidian shards had adorned the back, absorbing every spec of light reflection on it.
This was Originally a passive trait that Metallic Gremlins had, but when I absorbed it, it changed itself into an entirely different form. With just these plates, I could malfunction the machines nearby
'Let's try it out.'
In the gaming context, this ability had been used multiple times by the players, but this was the first time someone was going to use it in reality. Half-leaning forward, I focused on the sensation on my back. I applied force to the back, as if trying to move the spine, making the plates tremble.
"Zzzz…..Zzzz"
The plates made a peculiar noise as they trembled, sounding like a distant cicada's cry. A very faint sound, yet within it lay a fundamentally different and eerie dissonance than typical animal sounds. If an ordinary person heard this sound for long, it would surely lead to discomfort due to its dissonance.
However, the true value of the plates wasn't the unsettling noise it produced. I who was strengthened by the effects of the 'Symbol of Hunt' could sense it. Sonic Waves that were disrupting all the machines nearby emanated from the plates.
If someone here could read the flow or wavelengths of electricity, they might have seen what was happening on my plates. As the waves emitted by the plates spread, the lights in the refrigeration unit began to flicker, and eventually turned off.
"Ah!"
"Everyone, stay calm!"
"I can't see anything!"
The refrigeration unit plunged into darkness in an instant,causing the researchers to scream in panic.
'Next is hijacking.'
I checked the surroundings through my developed auxiliary organ, there was no movement from the male cultist. To finish the experiment before his arrival, I focused on the terminal next to the refrigeration unit. Collaborating my auxiliary organ and plates, I searched through the subtle electrical signals flowing into the terminal, seeking the control signal originating from somewhere above.
Finally, the frequency that pinpointed the target became sharp scissors, cutting off the control signal. Subsequently, the frequency mimicked the control signal, adjusting itself to a similar form. It aimed to replace the missing control signal.
As the frequency turned into a new control signal, information regarding terminal manipulation flowed into my auxiliary system.
'Open simsim.'
With my command, the door to the refrigeration unit swung open. The 'Hijacking' trait, as the name suggests, had an 'appropriation' effect on electronic devices. Normally, this door required ID card authentication, but not now. The control was in my hands.
With this trait, hijacking a spacecraft would be possible, theoretically. Of course, the limited time frame makes practical application challenging, despite the extended duration due to the effects of the 'Symbol of Hunt'. The actual control time for hijacking is three minutes.
Ironically, due to its brief control time, hijacking is often used for purposes other than seizing a spacecraft.
'Infiltration, perfect for espionage.'
[Note:- Espionage: the practice of spying or of using spies, typically by governments to obtain political and military information.]
Being able to counter electronic devices in this high-tech building filled with advanced gadgets would be incredibly advantageous. Originally, I planned a slow takeover as a parasite, but with hijacking, the scope of the operation widened significantly. Not having to worry about surveillance devices like cameras is a huge advantage.
'Okay. Hold off on the transcendence trait until it's safe.'
I made up my mind and then eased off the pressure on my back. As the frequencies emitted from the plates vanished, the trait effect dissipated, and everything returned to normal.
'Conditions for the transcendence system are met.'
However, I have no intention of creating it immediately. Two reasons hold me back.
'First, I don't know what unique trait will emerge.'
A unique trait created by the transcendental system is a completely new ability that didn't previously exist. While it might be immensely powerful, not knowing what trait will arise is a problem.
'Moreover, I have to consider the penalties.'
In my previous encounter with the transcendental system, my wings and tactile organs were restricted. While I could deal with the wings, the tactile organs were crucial for hunting in the city. Having them restricted forced a complete overhaul of my established city raiding methods.
'I have no idea what penalty this unique trait might bring with it'
If luck is against me, it might restrict the traits that I frequently use, like the parasitic colony or the neurotoxin glands. Hence, I need to decide carefully.
'On the other hand, the hijacking trait immediately aids in assaulting monuments and can be of big help.'
Having counter abilities against electronic devices in this high-rise building filled with advanced technology speaks for itself.
'I originally planned to slowly infiltrate as a parasite, but…'
With hijacking, the operation's scope has widened significantly. Not having to fear cameras and other surveillance devices is a big advantage.
"Alright. Let's Hold off on the transcendence trait until it's in a safe state."
Having made my decision, I rose to my feet. A sense of someone's presence was felt in the corridor outside the refrigeration unit.
'It's time to prepare to welcome our guest.'
I turned around and saw that the jittery researchers were still there. They still had work to do.
"Andre, along with his colleague Anna, belonged to the cultists that migrated to MegaCorp. Just as MegaCorp was the battleground of seven families, the cult too had been plagued by internal strife.
'Ugh, this is tiresome, everywhere.'
Wherever there are sentient beings, there will inevitably be conflicts. Despite being an outsider, Andre knew what was going on in the MegaCorp. They might call themselves a council or something grand, but in reality, it was nothing more than vile squabbles for selfish desires.
He had changed his name during childhood when they were immigrating, but now, he doubted if continuing to work in this city was the right choice.
"What trouble is this because of these barbaric primates? Tsk."
He clicked his tongue and stepped out of the elevator. The refrigeration unit was just down this corridor.
He waved at the cameras in the corridor as he passed by. Thinking of his fellow cultist Anna made Andre feel a bit better.
"Come to think of it, Jeanette used to talk a lot."
Thinking of his fellow, a former coworker who suddenly submitted resignation before the council meeting and vanished.
"She was a good friend… huh?"
Andre, walking down the corridor, felt an odd sensation. The orderly corridor with bright silver metal panels was the same as usual, yet he found the usual appearance of the corridor strangely unfamiliar. An unidentifiable unease filled the space.
"What's this?"
If he had continued to live within the cult's nature, he might have easily recognized the sensation he was experiencing. It was a warning.
"Why is it so cold?"
Andre, with his arms covered in goosebumps, walked slowly down the corridor. Arriving at the refrigeration unit at the end of the corridor, he pulled out the Mastercard for the third central control room. The door opened with a short mechanical sound, releasing a chilly air which was incomparable to before.
"Wow, it's freezing."
Despite the extreme cold, the cooling system itself seemed fine. Stepping inside the storage, he called out to the researchers.
"Hey!"
There was no response. Sensing the seriousness of the situation, he quickly picked up the communication device.
"Third Central Control, Andre here! Can anyone hear me?"
[Zzzzt Zzzzt]
"Third Central Control, André here. A strange anomaly has occurred. This…!"
Apart from the static sound, there was no response on the communication device. Andre intended to go outside to signal the cameras, but he heard a sound nearby.
"Who's there?"
"Uh, uh…"
"Is that a researcher?"
"Uh, uh!"
The source of the sound was the agonized groans of a human male. Andre followed the sound.
Under the bluish light reminiscent of ice, he saw a body hanging loosely on a metal ring from the ceiling, fragments of an organism scattered haphazardly on a metal table. Even for Andre, who wasn't human, it was a spine-chilling sight.
Finally passing a large creature lying on a stainless steel table, he saw two people.
One person collapsed in a bloody state, and beside them, another researcher was kneeling on the ground, appearing clueless and attempting to apply pressure to the fallen colleague.
"Yikes! Are you okay?"
The floor and the researcher's hands were completely drenched in blood.
Suppressing a gasp, Andre hurriedly picked up the communication device again to attempt communication. However, the device continued to emit static noise.
The kneeling researcher sought help from Andre.
"Please, help us!"
Responding to the urgent plea, Andre quickly approached the fallen researcher to assess their condition.
"There's too much bleeding! We need to get to the hospital upstairs immediately!"
In Andre's eyes, the fallen researcher was in a critical state, and the communication device was not functioning.
"The wounds are too severe to move him right away."
In an attempt to stop the bleeding, Andre pressed firmly on the researcher's wounds.
"I'll watch him. Quickly, go get someone for help…"
He shouted at the researcher to go call for medical assistance, but the researcher behind didn't move. The unexpected response shattered Andre's expectations.
"Uh, s-sorry…"
"What?"
The researcher's sudden apology puzzled Andre. At that moment, the large creature lying on the table behind him wriggled.
***
"He has been gone for a long time now, what's happening there?"
Anna, who was sitting in the control room, picked up the communication device. It had been a few minutes since Andre had left, and yet there was no response from the colleague she was trying to call.
It took a while for the signal noise to be picked up by the colleague.
"Why weren't you answering? What's happening downstairs?"
[Uh, no-thing, I-am, go-ing, up.]
"Really? But this communication device seems a bit off. Static sounds keeps interrupting. Get it checked when you come up."
[Yeah.]
The transmission ended, and Anna checked the cameras again. The corridor in front of the refrigeration unit—her colleague was waiting—suddenly distorted on the camera screen.
'What's this?'
She tapped the monitor slightly, and it returned to normal. However, the camera screens started flickering one by one.
'Why is this happening?'
Annoyed, Anna grabbed the communication device to contact the maintenance team. Just as she was about to press the call button, the camera screen blinked once and then returned to normal.
'Huh?'
The corridor in the screen appeared unchanged from before. But Anna was certain. Just before the screen restored, she saw something pass by—a black object.
'What was that?'
Anna put down the communication device and operated the computer. Eventually, holographic records of the errors and subsequent restorations appeared in the air.
Arranging the holograms in a row, Anna scrutinized them closely. Above the bright silver corridors captured by the cameras, there seemed to be nothing. Except for one spot.
'What's this?'
In the corner of the screen, there was something small. It resembled a long, pointed thorn-like object. Those thorns were slightly different in position but were present on all the screens.
As Anna leaned closer to examine it further on the camera, a beep sounded—the sound of the terminal checking the master card.
At this time, there was only one person expected to come to the Third Central Control—her colleague, André, who had gone downstairs to investigate.
"What's taken you so long?"
As Anna turned around to say a word, a sudden thought struck her.
'Come to think of it, why wasn't anything visible on the cameras?'
Even while she was reviewing the records, the cameras were continuously active. Yet, there was no footage of André coming here.
The door opened with the sound of air escaping.
-x-X-x-
The meeting room in the Skyscraper Monument.
It was the fifth day since the council meeting began. The team leaders in the room all had their heads down, lips tightly sealed. There have been several gatherings since the council meeting began, but the atmosphere today was particularly sombre, all due to the presence of Laila, the city's ruler,who was currently sitting at the main seat.
"The council meeting has been a complete failure for the past five days."
"…"
"There's no need to mention whose fault it is, right?"
Someone in the room audibly gulped at Laila's declaration. There were two people who played a pivotal role in this council meeting's impasse for the T&C.
One was Akira Yujin, the patriarch of the Yujin family and the ruler of MegaCorp, who was actively walking and lobbying outside the conference room.
"He's acting like a desperate beggar. It's an unspoken rule in the MegaCorp that the CEO doesn't attend the council meetings."
Electioneering for the CEO or CEO candidates in MegaCorp is illegal by law. Of course, just because it's defined by law doesn't mean everyone complied with it.
[PR/N- Electioneering(of a politician or political campaigner) means to take part actively and energetically in a campaign to be elected into a public office.]
Before the elections or even during them, all families lobby people covertly. Since everyone engages in it, it's more of a "hush-hush" thing, where all the families tend to hide it and feign ignorance despite knowing about it.
But Akira crossed the line, he openly met the elders from the other families to strike deals, promising what he'd give in exchange for their votes.
Though Laila protested against this blatant illegality, it was thwarted by the intervention of the pro-Akira faction which was led by Wei Zhao. If That was exhausting enough, a more serious problem loomed.
"Those damned Thompson zealots!"
Personnel from the Thompson family, one of the two families that constitute the T&C, were actively hindering her. They welcomed the idea of a CEO coming from the T&C but opposed it being Samdam Chambelin.
Presently, the Chambelins were leading with a 6 to 4 ratio in the hierarchy between the two families.
If Samdam became the CEO, the gap between both the families would significantly widen. Therefore, Thompson's people were engaging in all sorts of misconduct towards the people from Prime Capital in the city.
T&C was a union of two families, namely the Thompsons and the Chambelins. Despite Chambelin's claim that they were different from the Thompsons, to the outsiders, both were seen as one. Whenever the Thompsons made a mess, the image of the Chambelins got affected too.
Thompson's problem was a dilemma even for her father, who is called as the Snake in the political world. If he also was having a problem solving it, then naturally, it was a problem she couldn't solve either.
"If this continues, I'll be stripped of the position of the administrator of this city, and if a new administrator arrives, all of you who were appointed by me will also be expelled."
It was true. Apart from her current predicament, T&C expelled anyone deemed incompetent. If Laila were to be ousted, all of the personnel she appointed would either be banished to the fringes or would need to find different jobs.
"We believe there is no one who is looking forward to such a future, Administrator!"
All the team managers rose from their seats, and shouted fervently.
Laila nodded silently. She deliberately kept her demeanour firm during these challenging times. If she lost her dignity, those present here would undoubtedly consider other options.
"But the fundamental issue remains unresolved."
She needed a breakthrough. Her gaze fell on the Head of the Dissection department, who was present at this gathering for the first time.
"Dissection Department team manager."
"Yes, yes!"
His complexion had turned pale even before entering the meeting room, and as Laila called his name, he straightened his back and responded.
"Have you registered the genetic data extracted from the monster?"
"Ah, not yet."
As per the protocol, whenever a new organism is discovered, its genetic data should be registered in the MegaCorp Data Archive. However, some entities treated genetic information as corporate secrets, like the Yujin or the Eden family, and often refrained from registering them.
After a brief pause, Laila spoke again,
"Hold off on the registration, but continue on the research. I'll take the responsibility."
"Ah, understood."
"And can the current research progress, be presented immediately?"
"Yes? Uh, well, if I prepare, it shouldn't be too difficult, but…"
"Then have it ready by tomorrow afternoon and report it to me. If the results are satisfactory, we'll present it alongside introducing the new business segment during the council meeting."
Laila's bombshell declaration surprised all the team managers. As the city's administrator, Laila was known for her overly cautious nature, she always scrutinized all business endeavours before proceeding. Hence, everyone was astonished at her sudden decision to initiate a new project.
"I'm only going to give a general introduction, so there's no need to feel pressured. There are many things to review regarding the project, such as the budget and workforce, so we will review those aspects step by step after the presentation.
"Yes, understood!"
Envious gazes were cast upon the Head of the Dissection department by all team managers due to Laila's radical yet impeccable decision. Given that if the results were favourable, the Head of Dissection department's promotion was as good as guaranteed.
"Congratulations to you Dissection department team manager."
"T-Thank you."
The Biological Management team manager who was sitting beside the Head of Dissection department expressed envy through his facial expression, extending compliments to him. Despite the widespread envy, the Head of Dissection department appeared as though he were dying inside.
"What did I do to deserve this agony?"
He inwardly cursed at himself. Even now, the dreadful parasites nestled inside his head. But he couldn't speak it. He'd witnessed cultists being devoured by the monster, his only desire was to live a long, healthy life. Wealth and power could only go so far if one met a gruesome end.
"Let's proceed, then."
"Yes…"
Coughing slightly, Laila, feeling fatigued from the council meeting, coughed once and commenced the meeting.
***
'There was no Predation effect this time.'
Feeling regretful, I scratched my teeth with my elongated nails. It's been five days since I entered this building, and so far, I've devoured a total of seven cultists. On the first day, I hunted down a cultist from the Third Central Management. I slept the entire time on the second day due to the aftereffects of the 'Symbol of Hunt'.
From the third day onwards, I resumed my hunting, consuming two cultists each day until today. The targets were all cultists affiliated with the control rooms.
'Defeating cultists from the third to the sixth management rooms wasn't challenging'
The third room was an exception, where only two cultists worked. The rest, from the fourth to the sixth rooms, had three cultists each. I devoured all but left one in each room. And the reason for it was: to convert them into new minions.
'I'll need someone to handle the retirements.'
If it was any other time, the HR team might have suspected, but not this time. The workload from the council meeting resulted in voluntary retirements, and HR didn't question the numerous resignations from the control rooms.
'The council meeting is oddly working in my favor.'
Apparently, due to the increased workload from the council meeting, cultists were volunteering to retire. Consequently, HR didn't find the sudden rise in retirements suspicious.
I did a check on their working conditions last night, but by then, everything was already done. Cultists from the Third to the Fifth Central Management rooms and even the remaining ones in the Sixth Central Management rooms are all my slaves now.
Today, I consumed two cultists from the Sixth Central Management, turning one into a minion.
'Is it over?'
Ana, who had been waiting while I had my meal, asked me. Standing next to her was the cultist from the Sixth Central Management, who had recently been infected by the parasite, wearing a melancholic expression. He seemed quite uncomfortable with the fact that he had passed on his colleague.
'I was disappointed too.'
From the fourth day onwards, I hunted the cultists without using the bait effect since I ran out of prey once the bait effect wore off.
'I emptied the freezer on the third day, so there was no choice.'
Hence, I couldn't display as much predatory effect as I had hoped.
'But no, I gained new fusion traits and unlocked a new type, so it's still beneficial.'
Among the acquired samples, researchers, and cultists, there were quite a few traits obtained. Among those, two traits were usable: 'Ghost Claws,' a fusion trait of 'Predator Claws' which I already possessed, and a trait acquired by killing a cultist called 'Psychic Whips.'
The claws at the end of my combat arms had changed their appearance, becoming slender like scythes, emitting a bright purple glow.
'The Ghost Claws can easily penetrate even solid walls.'
I held a Mastercard that the cultist I just devoured had in his hand. When I exerted force, the card passed through my hand and fell to the ground. While it'd be perfect if the effect covered the entire body, unfortunately, it didn't.
The penetration was only possible up to the hand. However, it was advantageous when fighting heavily armored foes like the knights of Edgerton or Hulk mutants.
'Next is 'Pain Alleviation.'
Surprisingly, I acquired this trait on the first day from a researcher affected by the aftermath of the 'Symbol of hunt.'
'Wasn't it the researcher who advised against marriage?'
I didn't know much about his married life, but it didn't seem peaceful.
Pain Alleviation is a passive ability that works like a debuff to alleviate negative effects such as panic or seizures that players suffer from when they receive a fatal injury in the game." It means that even with a fatal injury, it helps maintain sanity.
'It's a necessary trait for me.'
During the battle with the knight last time, when I was slashed by his blade, I screamed. Thankfully, it was in my favor at the time, but had it been otherwise, I might have been in grave danger.
'Humans tend to panic when their bodies hurt severely, seeking escape. But my mind is human.'
'If I have Pain Alleviation, it would decrease the probability of making meaningless choices during combat.'
The benefits of the new traits weren't the only advantages. Since Pain Alleviation is a special form of defense, it's not in the categories of physical or psychic abilities but an entirely different one. Currently, I've unlocked information for four types: physical enhancement, psychic enhancement, infection, and special defense.
'I need to unlock one more type to progress to the Transcendence Stage 2.'
To evolve into an Quasi-saint, I need four fully acquired types, not just eating a specific species. The problem lies here. If I evolve to Transcendence Stage 2, I'll obtain new type information and traits related to that type, consuming the fusion traits as materials, which reduces the chance of evolving to an Quasi-saint.
'On the other hand, if I evolve to an Quasi-saint first, I'll still have to carry the burden from Transcendence Stage 1.'
I'll continue accumulating debts in the form of golden dust if I don't advance to Transcendence Stage 2.
'Transcendence Stage 2 or Quasi-saint?'
Contemplating this, I lowered my head.
'At this point, pondering doesn't hold much meaning.'
Neither of the options has fulfilled all conditions. Both are goals that should be attempted after sufficient preparation.
'It used to be a one-way street in the game.'
The situation unfolding here is entirely different from the game, which makes it more intriguing than frightening. After reaching the Quasi-saint, I wonder what else awaits. Feeling a slight excitement, I rose to my feet.
'Now, what's the plan ahead?'
Whether it's Transcendence Stage 2 or evolving into an Quasi-saint, gathering genetic essence remains a constant. And my primary purpose here is devouring cultists. Pondering over it, I fiddled with the Mastercard, contemplating my next steps.
There are two departments where cultists are mainly stationed.'
The Central Management offices house the most cultists in the monument. The places I haven't targeted yet are the First Central Management office, which manages the Monument's Central AI Computer, and the Second Central Management office, which manages the accommodation of all the guests.
'There are only three cultists in the First Central Management office, but all of them are formidable opponents, while the Second Central Management has 24 cultists.'
The former can be considered qualitatively superior, whereas the latter is quantitatively dominant. Especially, wiping out all cultists in the Second Central Management automatically fulfills the condition of eliminating 20 species using psychic powers.
'The problem is that it's not easy.'
Among the cultists in the First and Second Central Management, there are cultists with Soul Links. If someone in the same team gets attacked while they're working, the rest of the team gets affected immediately.
'The upper management needs preparation before tackling it.'
Besides the Central Management, there's another choice: the Security Team. The Monument Security Team comprises several Wolf agents and a few cultist leaders. It's a well-balanced division where keen-sensed cultists lead sensitive Wolves, who excel in sniffing out scents and adapting to environmental changes.
'However, I haven't fulfilled the conditions for the Wolf and cultist in the evolution yet.'
Initially, the plan was to hunt the Wolves while circling the apartment complexes in the residential zone. But due to unexpected deviations, I've only fulfilled the condition of killing 20 humanoid species.
'If I tackle the Security Team first, I can simultaneously fulfill the conditions for the shapeshifting species and those using psychic powers.'
Of course, the number of cultists in the Security Team might not be as many as in the Central Management. Maybe around five at most.
'But the Security Team can get me out of the Monument.'
Their role includes monitoring access to people and items in addition to guarding the building. If I take control of the Security Team, I can easily venture out to the administrative zone. In other words, I can target the cultists from the First and Second Central Management when they leave work.
'They might be tense at the workplace.'
But will they be as cautious at their homes? Even with keen senses, being ambushed in the most comfortable space is unthinkable. My gaze shifted to the numerous screens installed in the management room.
The Wolves and cultists from the Monument Security Team were patrolling the corridors captured by the cameras. Chatting casually during patrol, they seemed completely unaware of the danger they might be in.
'The next target is the Security Team.'
Those seemingly calm furry apes are my new prey.
-x-X-x-
"Hey. It's patrol time."
"Already? Alright."
"Take care."
Three Wolfs who were in the Monument 7th floor security team office stepped outside together.
"What was today's route again?"
"The usual, as always."
"Oh. I don't want to go near the guest rooms. I smelled something strange over there."
"What smell? I didn't smell anything."
One Wolf with a dog's head shook its head as if shivering.
"It's the smell of a person sickening and dying. You heard it too. The coughing every night."
"Ah, come on. People who eat all sorts of fancy food getting sick? Ridiculous."
"By the way, isn't something odd happening in the Defense Fleet?"
The Wolf with a cat's head dismissed the idea of that happening, clapping its hands.
"Defense Fleet? Why would that be?"
"Some soldiers suddenly got weak and went to the hospital. Most of the officers took leave due to illness."
"Even the officers? What did they eat?"
"A friend went to the hospital, and even there, they didn't know the reason. Anyway, it's causing a manpower crisis in the Defense Fleet."
"Damn manpower issues. It'd be nice if we had fewer overtime hours here."
"Exactly. I barely go to the entertainment zone; my balls are about to explode."
"You're insane."
They continued their patrol, thoroughly discussing the upper levels of the Monument.
They were deep into gossiping, realizing the patrol route was nearly done.
"We've got only the 3rd and 4th floors left, right?"
"Yeah."
The 3rd and 4th floors housed the food storage and equipment storage, respectively. Both areas occupied entire floors and were inaccessible to the general public.
"Hey, sorry, I need to use the restroom."
"Have your coffee quickly."
"Alright. I'll catch up while you're on your rounds."
While the dog Wolf dashed to the restroom, the cat and cheetah Wolfs took the elevator down to the 4th floor.
As they arrived at the equipment storage, they found a woman standing there.
She wore a Mastercard from the Third Central Management Office on her chest.
"Oh? You're Ana from the management office, right? What brings you here?"
"Hello. My flashlight broke, and I came to replace it, but I can't get in with my card…"
Ana spoke in a troubled tone.
"You need to contact the Supplies Management Team and submit a request for replacement."
"That's probably the way, right?"
Ana nodded in agreement but didn't show any intention of moving.
Before Cheetah Wolf, who sensed what she wanted to ask, could speak, Cat Wolf intervened.
"Hey, wait a moment. Ana, if you do that, you'll have to wait a long time and it's a hassle. Let me help you."
"How about your patrol?"
"We have to check inside anyway. I'll help Ana, then go straight there, and you stay on the 3rd floor."
"Ugh, you're unbelievable…"
Seeing her colleague's maneuver, Cheetah Wolf shook her head in exasperation.
Since there was no use stopping her, she remained silent, letting her do as she pleased.
Cat Wolf descended from the elevator with a bright smile.
"Thank you."
"Oh, no problem. Shall we go?"
Leaving her colleague behind, Cat Wolf walked with Ana down the corridor.
As the 3rd and 4th floors were occupied entirely by two facilities each, there were not many doors.
At most, there were entrances to the equipment storage and emergency stairwells.
"How's the management office over there these days?"
"It's the same as always."
"Is that so? The security team here is struggling because of the higher-ups. They're so edgy, thinking everyone is a cult member… Oh, Ana, I'm not saying anything about you."
"Oh. Yes."
Even while walking together, Cat Wolf didn't stop talking.
Ana's expression had been pale since they first met, but Cat Wolf only assumed it was because her flashlight was broken, making her feel upset.
"Okay, I'll open it for you."
Arriving at the storage, Wolf used the security team card to open the door.
As soon as the door opened, Cat Wolf didn't enter but stopped in place. His pointed ears perked toward the inside of the storage.
"Hmm?"
"Why are you doing that?"
"Oh, I think I hear something…"
There shouldn't be anyone in the storage, yet a sound echoes within. It's a faint, insect-like noise, easily missed without focus. But for Cat Wolf, it's a discordant sound that grates on his nerves. Unlike the Wolf with keen hearing, Ana seems oblivious to any abnormalities. She nonchalantly enters the storage.
"I don't hear anything."
"Really? Maybe it's my imagination."
Cat Wolf shrugged off the noise and followed Ana into the storage.
The storage room was vast, filled with metal shelves and drawers touching the ceiling.
"Why are the lights like this?"
Normally, small lights on the ceiling should be on automatically. But now, there are more off than on, some blinking erratically.
"Damn, this is eerie."
Is it the strange noise or the flickering lights? He felt the coarse fur on his body standing up.
"Ana?"
In the dimness, Ana, who entered first, wasn't visible. He switched on the flashlight.
The mixed scent of rusted metal and various items in the storage created a nauseating smell.
"Where are you, Ana?"
"Inside."
She claimed her flashlight was broken, yet she wasn't turning on the light.
"Even I can't see well, but she went in like this."
He followed the voice deeper into the darkness. With each step, the strange noise intensified.
"Where is it coming from?"
It echoed through the metal shelves, impossible to trace its origin. One thing was clear—it grew louder as he approached Ana.
Finally, he spotted her.
"Ana? You scared me. Why aren't you answering?"
She stood turned away, seemingly transfixed.
"Ana?"
"…"
Only then did he sense something off. Her delicate, cult-like figure trembled unmanagementlably.
As Cat Wolf approached, the flashlight abruptly flickered and died.
"What's happening now?"
He tapped the flashlight a few times in the pitch-black.
"Ah, there it goes."
Instantly, the light returned, and the unsettling noise ceased.
Now, Ana faced him, or rather, her gaze was beyond his shoulder.
He realized it too late.
As he turned, the "thing" hanging upside down from the ceiling attacked him.
"Why aren't they coming?"
"Are they stuck somewhere sleeping?"
"Ugh, seriously."
Kenneth, from the security office, frowned at his subordinates' delay.
"Whatever, I'm calling them."
He picked up the communication device to reach his subordinates.
"Hey, where are you? Still not here?"
[Ts, Ts, Big, Ts, Ts, Event, Ts.]
"What? I can't hear you properly."
[Wat, Ts, Er, Ts, In, Ts, Ts, Ts.]
Kenneth's face hardened.
The communication was unclear, but one word was unmistakable: assault.
"Where are you? I'm coming down!"
[Wat, Ts, Ts, Ts.]
"Hey! Damn it! Everyone, get your weapons!"
"Why, what's happening?"
"Intruder in the storage!"
Kenneth's shout sent the six Wolfs in the office into alert mode.
With many VIPs staying in the Monument due to an important event, an intruder now would mean a major incident.
As his subordinates geared up, Kenneth contacted the higher authorities, but the communication failed. He received a communication device from his subordinates.
As he tried to call again, the office's power suddenly went out, followed by emergency red lights.
"Seems like it's an emergency. Everyone, prepare yourselves."
The Wolfs nodded in agreement with Kenneth's words. Each of them had a plasma pistol at their waist and a bracelet with a small psychic shield embedded on their wrist.
Meanwhile, Kenneth activated his own psychic power skill – "Physical Enhancement." It significantly boosted the combat capabilities of allies.
After individually enhancing his team, Kenneth grabbed the motion detector available in the office.
Beep, beep, beep…
As he activated the detector, movements of the Wolfs in the office and the guests in the upper and lower-floor rooms were displayed. Adjusting the detector, Kenneth filtered out movements other than those of his colleagues.
"Let's go."
Kenneth rose, listening to faint signals with every movement of the guests. Exiting the office, they passed through the corridor and took the elevator. The central Wolf activated the psychic shield while the rest pressed themselves against the elevator door.
Upon arriving at the third floor and the door opening, the corridor appeared empty, engulfed in darkness due to a possible power outage. Kenneth and the Wolf activated small lanterns attached to their plasma pistols, casting numerous thin beams into the abyss-like corridor.
"Sniff, there's a faint smell of blood from the other side."
"…As expected. Everyone, be cautious."
They passed the emergency staircase door in the corridor and stood in front of the storage room.
Beep-beep-
As someone mentioned, movements were detected inside the storage room.
At Kenneth's signal, the Wolfs holding the psychic shields positioned themselves in front of the door, while others with plasma pistols prepared to fire at any moment. All were on edge as Kenneth used his security team card on the terminal next to the door.
As the door opened, a dark mass of fur sprung out from inside.
"S-Save me!"
"Hold your fire… Wait! Cease fire! He's an ally!"
It was a Wolf with a canine head. Upon confirming his identity, the Wolfs lowered their weapons as per Kenneth's command.
"H-Heek, w-we need to r-run away!"
The Wolf had narrowly escaped death but was oblivious to the situation. His shaggy fur was soaked in sweat, and terror filled his usually cheerful face.
Kenneth calmed the half-crazed Wolf. "Calm down. What happened?"
"I-I needed to use the restroom and went away for a moment, but when I came down, the storage was covered in blood. S-someone was eating our comrades."
"Eating them?"
Kenneth felt something was amiss. Before coming down here, he had spoken with the female Wolf with a cheetah head, the deceased Wolf's colleague.
According to the canine-headed Wolf, it meant he had conversed with his deceased subordinate.
"That can't be. We communicated before coming down."
Then, a "beep-" rang from the motion detector he was holding. Suddenly, the door behind them opened.
The emergency stairwell door.
The handle was gripped by violet-colored claws.
***
'That makes it nine Wolfs.'
I bit into the head of the dog I was holding. There was a faint odor, but it wasn't repulsive. It felt akin to tearing into ribs at a BBQ joint—smelly yet strangely addictive.
After neatly tucking away the remaining head and even licking my fingers, I looked down at the captured cultist.
"…."
He was paralyzed by thorn fur. Despite his handsome face, it was stained with tears and mucus.
'But still good-looking.'
Indeed, a race of only handsome men and beautiful women gathered together. It might be comforting for him, but in this place, the cult isn't just him alone.
Cultists who became my slaves after working in the Central management Room were also present. I summoned them all here.
"Gurgle, there are many in-number—"
"…The current count is highest in the 4th Central management Room, with three individuals."
"Huh? Wait… Keh!"
Other management rooms either have only one person left under my management, or at most two, including any new arrivals.
'If someone silently disappears from such places, they'll surely investigate immediately.'
As seen with Ana, except for the 1st and 2nd Central management Rooms, the others operate with a minimum of two to three individuals.
In that case, reducing the personnel in the 4th Central management Room to two shouldn't be a significant problem. They'll probably think it strange if someone leaves without a word, but relatively, they won't fuss much compared to elsewhere.
'Moreover, the areas managed by the 4th Central management Room won't require much attention going forward.'
Hence, the cultists from the 4th Central management Room were unnecessary for me. Without hesitation, I grabbed his neck and snapped it. A black centipede emerged from the dead cultist's nostrils.
'Know where to go, don't you?'
Without hesitation, the parasite crawled towards the security team cultist lying motionless. With pleading eyes, he looked at the other cultists, although there was nothing his kin could do for him.
While the cultists turned their heads, the parasite found a new host.
I approached the fallen security team cultist's face closely.
"Uh, uh!"
His eyes reflected my face. I explained to him what he needed to do next, such as dedicating more to the Wolfs and how to handle the aftermath.
By the time his paralysis wore off, his owner was no longer the overseer of this city. Now, he serves a new master, An Amorph.
-x-X-x-
"Ahem, that concludes the presentation. Any, um, questions?"
The dissection team manager carefully set down the trembling microphone.
Skyscraper Monument Conference Room.
Here, the pinnacle of power within MegaCorp had gathered—the elders and patriarchs of Prime Capital, including Akira Yujin, the current CEO, and the Thomson Family of T&C. Elders from other noble families of MegaCorp were also present.
The management of MegaCorp sat in shock and silence after the dissection team's presentation. Someone among them muttered,
"I never knew T&C was deeply involved in genetic engineering."
Even though this statement was made in the presence of Akira Yujin, no one pointed it out. Even he couldn't maintain his composure due to extreme astonishment.
'Four different gene types perfectly combined. Was that even possible?'
Akira Yujin was confident that even if he heard the news of Earth splitting, it wouldn't be as surprising as this moment. The information presented by the meagre-looking man exceeded the genetic technology of theYujin family by far.
'This is dangerous.'
As soon as he had that thought, someone in the conference room raised their hand. It was Wei Zhao, who had control over MegaCorp's media.
"Haha, looks like there'll be a generational shift in the Noble Capital."
Generational shift. It hinted at a possible reversal in the relationship betweenYujin and T&C after this presentation. Simultaneously, it implied that Wei himself would change his stance.
He was quicker at changing positions, like a bat, than anyone else. With Wei's words, the atmosphere in the conference room shifted dramatically, becoming more favorable towards T&C.
Seeing this, Laila smiled.
'Finally!'
Despite her recent health struggles, this moment was exhilarating enough for her to forget all the pain. At this moment, her appearance, due to illness, resembled a living corpse, with eyes gleaming wildly. Clearly abnormal, but no one pointed it out.
The dissection team's presentation was valuable enough to captivate everyone, including her father, Samdam.
Amidst the euphoria over the presentation, only one person was barely suppressing rising anger within.
"Damn thieves!"
Denver, head of the Eden Family, gritted his teeth.
Laila and the dissection team manager had packaged today's presentation as their achievement, but Denver knew better. He knew what led to the results announced today.
'That creature was originally mine!'
If his relationship with Laila hadn't soured, he might have had a say, a reward for assisting in monster suppression. But their relationship was shattered, and the Vice commander of the Silver lion knights, Vicus, who could have explained this, had yet to appear.
'Their funding from T&C might be cut off at this rate.'
Samdam was giving him money for one reason—to limit Akira Yujin's influence if a new Hulk mutant appeared. But now, there was no need. They could create their own by utilizing the monster's corpse.
'No, it's not over yet.'
Denver's eyes turned cold. The claimed achievement they boasted about was solely obtained from that monster's corpse. If that corpse disappeared, his feared future would never materialize.
'I must get hold of that corpse!'
Fortunately, his knights were detained in a room somewhere within Monument. If he ordered them to take 'appropriate' action, it wouldn't be impossible to get hold of the corpse in this building somewhere.
While Denver plotted a dangerous conspiracy, Akira summoned Code Black disguised as a security guard.
"Look into the dissection team manager."
"Yes, understood."
"If necessary, bring in Code Red."
"…I'll handle it immediately."
Code Black hurriedly left, but Akira's gaze remained fixed on the dissection team manager—the recipient of such intense interest from the MegaCorp management.
Normally, he would have been extremely pleased. If only 'that' hadn't made its nest in his house.
Four days ago, he escaped using the Monument Security Team's truck and took refuge in his house. Due to this, he had to sleep in the basement while sensing that 'it' was monitoring him.
But his cries for help never reached outside.
'Hmm?'
Somewhere, a familiar synapse flew in.
Among the five parasites, one settled on the dissection team manager.
'Sensed stress and shallow resentment from the dissection team manager?'
With that statement, it reported giving 'appropriate' pain to the arrogant host.
'Is it because of the house?'
Currently, I am temporarily using the dissection team manager's house as my hideout.
'Senior officials receive housing in the administrative zone.'
The special trading hub provides free housing and personal vehicles to cultists and high-ranking officials. William, whom I previously captured, also resided in the administrative zone. Currently, all my enslaved cultists live nearby.
'Besides, the dissection team manager is quite useful.'
He regularly reports information about me to the city's overseer. This is why the upper echelons of Monument have failed to associate sudden employee disappearances with me.
'Moreover, the feared leak of information isn't significant.'
According to the dissection team manager, my genetic information isn't registered in MegaCorp's data archive. It seemed to be due to orders from the city's overseer, but the reason remained speculative.
'Perhaps it's due to greed.'
Similar to the Eden Knights, who hid the dissection for monopolizing my rights in the city, mistakes were committed by entrusting the research solely to the dissection team and its 'subordinates.'
'They are ignorant.'
Their obsession with the illusion of 'achievements' blinded them to what was happening in reality.
'Calling it progress while the city is dying.'
A variant of space bacteria, known as the 'Death,' emerged from the sewers. Those who fought in the sewage are actively spreading an unidentified disease throughout the city.
The space bacteria itself isn't fatal enough to kill people. At best, it's as harmful as the common cold or flu virus. But due to its combination with various pollutants in the sewer, it mutated into an epidemic.
"If it weren't for the Eden Knights, it wouldn't have spread to Monument and the administrative zone."
If not for them, it would have ended with neutralizing the fleet. My intention was merely to infect those who posed the greatest obstacles to my escape.
However, due to the Knights participating in the suppression and subsequently being detained in Monument, the spread exceeded my intentions. By now, most inside the Monument would likely be infected.
'It might become uncontrollable in a few more days.'
There's no problem as grave as an epidemic spreading in a sealed structure floating in space. Moreover, if the managers of the structure become the first victims of the epidemic, this place would definitely fall into complete chaos.
'However, they are preoccupied with something else.'
Thanks to their foolish decisions, I could easily fulfill the conditions for evolution.
[Pre saint > Quasi Saint evolution condition: Transformable sentient beings 20/20 (achieved), Humanoid sentient beings 20/20 (achieved), Psychic power usage by sentient beings 12/20 (unachieved).]
'Now, there are only 8 cultists left.'
Before coming to this house, I devoured a Night Watchman Wolf from the security team and afterwards, the cultists in the administrative zone. Consequently, I'm close to fulfilling all the evolution conditions.
'When I finish consuming them all, the fleet will be completely neutralized due to the pandemic.'
Then, I can leave with number 26 and Adhai.
Even if they wanted to pursue me, there would be a shortage of soldiers and officers to board the ship. Of course, there's the option of transporting androids, but MegaCorp doesn't allow androids on ships after the StarUnion rebellion.
Therefore, unless I resolve the space bacteria variant that I spread, tracking me in this city won't be easy.
'Everything is proceeding as planned.'
I ended my rest and got up.
'But how are the kids doing?'
Conversing with them was challenging due to the distance between us.
The wavelengths I emitted reached, but they kept getting interrupted in the middle, making proper communication impossible. I could keep trying, but this place is inhabited by cultists. Beings sensitive to psychic powers like me and number 26th can intercept the wavelengths I emit.
'Maybe if it's the cult in Central Control Room 1.'
Those cultists there are entities traversing the same path as the cultists I've consumed so far. Fighting one-on-one was risky enough; being outnumbered spells defeat.
'The Yak Horn Cultists are incredibly powerful.'
Cultists specialize in psychic powers based on their horn appearance, with varying strengths. For instance, a goat horn is auxiliary, while a mountain goat horn is melee combat-focused. Their abilities amplify significantly when using powers aligned with their horn type.
'The Yak Horn excels in four psychic power types.'
Melee combat, ranged combat, buffs, crowd control—strong in these four types, receiving over three times synergy when using those abilities. Despite my enhanced defenses due to traits and types, the psychic powers used by Yak Horn cultists are formidable.
'That's why I'm targeting other cultists.'
I escaped from the Head Manager's house. Today, my targets are two cultists in Central Control Room 2. After tracking them for two days, I discovered they live together as a couple.
'Both Goat Horn Cultists. Not particularly powerful in combat.'
Thanks to my psychic immunity and complete organic nature, there's no cultist in this city, aside from Yak Horn cultists, capable of harming me. Moreover, I have no intention of confronting them directly.
'This is it.'
I succeeded in infiltrating their home. The structure matched the Head Manager's house, yet it felt entirely different. The Head Manager's house had a nerdy vibe, while this one seemed much more refined. The antique feel exuded from the aged leather-smelling chairs and the wooden table with clear Nyite markings.
'This place should work for hiding.'
I crawled into the basement.
"Oh, darling, not here, please…"
"Why not? It's good."
"We just got off work. Let's shower first."
"Together?"
"Seriously!"
"Alright, I've set it up; take your time."
The couple, kissing passionately since entering the house, reluctantly separated amidst disappointment. As the female cultist headed upstairs, her male partner unexpectedly called her back.
"Hey, wait a sec."
"Huh? What's up?"
Softly grabbing her face, he kissed her.
"Mm, oh, jeez, darling… Ugh!"
Mid-kiss, the male cultist skillfully used psychic powers to sweep down her back. Feeling a rush of electricity, the female cultist groaned from her lips.
"Ah… dar… please! Stop!"
Managing to gather herself, she pushed him away with both arms. Blushing intensely, she looked at her amused partner, unable to get angry. She sighed and went upstairs.
"Alright, let's get ready."
The male cultist retrieved a premium bottle of wine and two glasses hidden in the cabinet. Items specially acquired from Earth for today. Carrying the gifts, he headed upstairs. But a voice called from above.
"Darling, the hot water isn't running properly!"
"Again? Alright! I'll check it from downstairs!"
Yelling to his girlfriend, the male cultist, carrying the gifts, opened the basement door.
"Huh? Why now?"
Turning on the basement lights yielded no response. He contemplated bringing a flashlight.
"It's probably nothing."
Carrying the wine and glasses, he descended into the basement. Familiar with the layout from previous encounters, navigating the dim basement posed no challenge.
"Was it this?"
He adjusted the water temperature. The machine's light changed from red to green, and he heard his girlfriend's thankfulness from above.
"I'll go check…"
As he attempted to turn, he felt it. There was something behind him.
Thud!
The wine bottle in his hand shattered on the cold floor. The liquid flowing was too crimson to be wine.
"Heh, heh."
The female cultist hummed cheerfully under the warm water. Having recently worked overtime, she was delighted to come home on time for once.
'He said it was a surprise, what could it be?'
Before coming home, her boyfriend mentioned a surprise gift but didn't reveal what it was. He just asked her to anticipate it. As she wondered how surprising it could be, she heard the sound of the bathroom door opening behind her.
'Today was too easy.'
The cultist couple failed to acknowledge my presence at home, leading to their defeat without resistance.
'No matter the cultists in the city, they should never let their guard down this much.'
Even on a planet where cultists reside, I couldn't defeat goat horn cultists this easily. Anyhow, with one goal achieved, I left for the hideout. Given the evening hour, people were scarce on the streets, so I took a different route than when I arrived.
'Just six more to capture.'
The Head Manager's house wasn't far.
'Huh?'
Someone stood in front of his house. As soon as I recognized their existence, a brief scene appeared and vanished from my sight.
[Unavoidable encounter.]
[I died.]
'What?'
That was a danger prediction effect sent by my predator sense. In that moment of realization, my combat arm was severed.
'Argh?!'
[Pain nullification Activated!]
While almost losing consciousness due to excruciating pain, the pain mitigation swiftly alleviated it. I quickly threw myself backward. The sidewalk block I stood on was obliterated by an intangible object.
'Psychic Whip?'
The object that severed my arm and made the street rubble was a weapon created using abilities I know well. However, as far as I know, this ability shouldn't have this level of destructive power.
"Indeed. Was it such a thing?"
The woman standing in front of the Head Manager's house was the mastermind who materialised the impossible.
"If captured for research there, producing such research results wouldn't be difficult."
As she reached out, a vivid purple whip appeared in the air. She now bore Yak's horns on her temples.
"I dedicate you to Lord Akira."
A whip measuring tens of meters came hurtling toward me.
A semi-transparent purple whip sliced through the surface of the city which was made of marble blocks. I rolled my foot and leaped backward with force. The whip cut through the air, passing beneath my feet as I retreated, retaliating by flicking my tail.
Thorn-like spikes poured down like a rain of arrows. She manoeuvred the whip as if it had a mind of its own, sweeping away the spines effortlessly. Meanwhile, landing on the ground, I extracted the bloodsucking tentacle from my unharmed upper left arm.
The tentacle shot out like a spear, embedding itself under her foot. Before she could sever it with her whip, I swiftly retracted the tentacle.
'Strong.'
Though we exchanged multiple attacks in a short time, she was no easy opponent.
'She possesses more than just a couple of traits.'
Presently displayed were only two traits, but I knew there was more.
'I've seen the emergence of Yak horns before, it's not a cult.'
There's no way to hide Yak horns except by artificially removing them. Therefore, the enemy was a genetically modified human bearing Cult genes.
I knew of a similar existence to her—someone who raided the research ship with Space Dogs and attempted terrorism in this space city.
'Si-hyun Yujin.'
Although she perished, becoming part of my being, now the Yujin family was attacking me.
'Given we're in a council meeting, their presence isn't unexpected here.'
Certainly unexpected, however, to meet in a regular residential area, not within Monument.
'They're after me.'
Perhaps they came to gather information about me from the anatomy team leader's house.
'I Should have concealed myself better.'
I briefly regretted it but shook it off. It was time to focus on the battle.
'What's confirmed right now are her transformation ability, Psychic, and an additional ability unknown to me.'
I glanced at the cross-section of my severed arm. Thanks to regeneration, the section was healing, but it would take time for the arm to fully regrow.
'Psychic, exceptionally powerful.'
The ability utilised for my Ghost Claw materialisation usually functions as a medium-range deterrent. It's not meant to cut off my arm metres away and turn it into a pavement.
'There's a supplementary ability to enhance traits and techniques.'
And it's immensely powerful, surpassing my sole ability.
'This won't do.'
It seemed I needed to use
'Insight.'
Previously obtained from capturing William, 'Insight' randomly reveals some of the enemy's equipment, techniques, and abilities, limited to five uses per day. But facing such a formidable foe, I activated it.
Violet auras emanated from my eyes, and information from Code Black appeared in transparent text boxes before me.
[Name: Code Black (real name ■■ ■■)]
[Species: Human (genetically modified)]
[Status: Enhanced (Psychic Master, Dragonification, ■■ ■■)]
[Equipped Gear: ■■ ■■■■ (Unique Grade)]
[Skills: Psychic, Psychic Master, Physical Transformation, ■■■■, Dragon Heart, ■■ ■■■, among others…)]
As the information materialized, a purple whip flew towards me from Code Black. Dodging by laying flat on the ground, I activated the igniter inside my throat, unleashing a massive blaze.
'Fire. This won't harm me.'
Through the flames and smoke, her voice reached me from the burning road.
"I'm aware."
Fire and smoke were mere illusions. I shot spike bones from within the thick smoke and dashed forward without looking back.
As she deflected the spike bones with her whip, I needed to act swiftly.
'Code Black received Gallagon's genes just like Si-hyun Yujin.'
Moreover, it was the genetic code of Black Gallagon, a higher existence than White Gallagon. Among her skills, Dragon Heart was a unique ability exclusive to Gallagons above Black Gallagon. This skill, when possessed, allows for 'Dragonification,' a special state similar to my 'Symbol of Hunt'.
'The enhanced Psychic Power and Rapid Charge.'
Though her enhanced Psychic Power seemed less than my 'Symbol of Hunt', what mattered was the Rapid Charge part. With Dragon Heart, she could unleash extensive mental power and energy-consuming techniques like Psychic Breath.
'Psychic Master and Dragonification. No wonder it felt excessively potent.'
Psychic Master is a passive effect automatically granted to Cults with Yak horns. It enhances Psychic abilities in melee, ranged, buff, and crowd control categories.
'She's simultaneously using multiple abilities in Dragonification.'
During the fight with Si-hyun Yujin Yujin, I took advantage of her inability to use multiple abilities simultaneously. But applying that strategy against Black was impossible.
'Moreover, there was a unique-grade equipment in the enhanced state that wasn't visible through Insight. I might not know what the enhanced state means, but I can guess the unique-grade equipment. In a black upper garment, if it's unique grade, there's only one I know of. 'Black Shroud.'
It's one of the relic-grade enhanced suits only Cults can obtain, allowing the wearer to evade death once every three days. Even against attacks turning the entire body to dust, they'll survive as long as the cooldown isn't active. In other words, to defeat Black, I need to kill her twice.'
"Whether it's the possessed skills or the equipment, she's an opponent I can never face with this body. If only I had Psionium like when fighting Si-hyun Yujin, but here, that solution isn't available.'Symbol of Hunt' Is necessary.'
'Now's not the time to worry about the aftermath. Breaking into any nearby house, I swiftly activated the 'Symbol of Hunt'.
'Although I couldn't see it through Insight, there might be tracking abilities as well.'
Even while my body transformed into a combat-optimized form, I constantly surveilled the surroundings through auxiliary organs.'
'She's coming.'
I sensed Black getting closer beyond the wall. Her body emanated intense Psychic Power.
'Oh no!'
Her whip struck the wall, initiating the house's collapse. Not content with merely destroying the house, Psychic struck furniture, charging towards me.
'Urgh!'
The transformation was barely complete when her whip struck my head. It was a shock similar to being hit by a plasma launcher. The difference was, back then, I wasn't in the state of Symbolic Hunting. But not now.
'Just endure.'
The struck area's exterior peeled away, but it wasn't fatal. Such wounds would quickly heal due to enhanced regeneration.
I put strength into my legs and forcefully slammed the ground. Flying out through the collapsing house toward the enemy, I caught her off guard with my speed, causing a slight twitch in her eyebrows. Her right hand gracefully moved, aiming the whip at my side.
I defended using the shield-shaped exterior formed on my wrist by the 'Symbol of Hunt'. The sound of scraping metal and sparks emerged as her enhanced Psychic attacked. However, it couldn't pierce through my reinforced exterior, strengthened by three effects: Type, Trait, and Symbolic Hunting.
'…Impressive.'
Just before my horn would penetrate her abdomen, her left hand extended widely. Simultaneously, my body seemed suspended in thin air, then forcefully thrown backward.
Even while rebounding from an intangible force, I extended a tentacle towards her. Anticipating my counter, she swiftly dodged, narrowly avoiding my tentacle. The collision ended in my disadvantage.
I crashed into the ruins of a collapsing building. Wooden debris and concrete from the ceiling rained down on me.
"Tch."
I suspected she possessed Yak horns, but she also had a defensive superpower. The technique she just used was 'Reflection.' It's a Psychic power that deflects attacks coming from the direction one's facing. Not all attacks are deflected, but Psychic attacks can't be blocked.
'The odds aren't in my favor.'
To bypass Reflection, I'd need to directly target with a Psychic attack or aim indirectly. Among my psychic abilities, I only have one attack attribute: Psychic Breath.
'It won't be easy, but…'
It's not impossible. I rose from the rubble. At that moment, Black aimed her whip precisely where I was and swung it. Confident in my tracking abilities, I evaded the whip and grabbed a broken wooden table from the debris, hurling it in her direction.
"Tricks won't work."
With a cold voice, the two clashed.
'Tricks, huh?'
All part of the plan. I fled the pile of ruins. From behind, she pursued with the summoned whip.
Perhaps due to the Black Shroud's enhancement effect or possessing a technique to enhance physical abilities, she effortlessly chased me. The long whip hissed like a serpent, striking my back. While running, I concentrated on my sensory organs, but completely dodging was impossible.
Despite the ruptured exterior and bleeding, I gritted through it.
'…Gotta endure.'
Appearing weaker is the most effective lure. As long as it's not a fatal blow or disadvantageous in combat, it's fine. Of course, enduring excruciating pain with a clear mind was challenging.
'Thankfully, there's pain reduction.'
If I hadn't had that ability, I would have screamed in agony.
"Is this not enough?"
Code Black said that, now wielding psychokinesis from her left hand as well. The snake with two heads hissed threateningly.
'This is unexpected.'
I hadn't anticipated this. Originally, I was planning to head to the subway station underground. But if I keep taking these attacks, before I initiate the lure, my body will be completely battered.
'Let's go to the basement.'
I changed direction and dashed towards a nearby house. Breaking through the wall and entering, cultists inside gaped at me. Ignoring them, I descended into the basement. Behind me, the cultist who had been screaming in terror was torn to shreds by Black's unleashed psychokinetic powers. Blood gushed up the stairs, followed by the sound of her footsteps.
"So even beasts act like beasts? Choosing a dead-end to flee."
Her voice echoed from the stairs. I readied myself in a corner of the dimly lit basement. I unleashed a psychokinetic breath that I had prepared in advance.
"?!"
A purple sun, made from the essence of pure psychokinetic power, flashed. The concentrated heat of the psychokinetic power, enough to destroy everything in its path.
'Krk!'
She dispelled her psychokinetic ability and hastily aimed her hands at the heat wave. From her hands emerged black orbs, transforming into heat waves similar to the psychokinetic breath I had unleashed. The clash between the purple and black psychokinetic forces echoed throughout the entire administrative district, shaking the foundations of the underground basement.
Just the shockwaves were peeling away my external layers, and the acidic blood, flowing out, evaporated due to the effects of the psychokinetic power. The tip of my monstrous tentacle, split by the collision, turned into dust and scattered.
'Kkkuh!'
Not just me, but she seemed to be in extreme pain. Her Black Shroud protected her body, but her hands, used for the breath, were covered in blood. The psychokinetic breath I unleashed and the one she fired annihilated each other.
However, to anyone witnessing us standing atop the ruins, she would clearly seem victorious. My entire outer layer was nearly torn away, except for my palms, while she remained unscathed. To any observer, she appeared far superior.
"It was unexpected, but it seems I've won."
She said that calmly. I spat out flames toward her. Using fire and smoke as a smokescreen, I escaped the basement through the broken ceiling.
The phenomenon that had just occurred with Black was due to the 'Physical Adjustment' ability. Physical Adjustment is an advanced support psychokinetic power that a psychic can bestow upon another psychic.
It allows the psychic to instantly teleport the recipient, making their body temporarily intangible due to the powerful abilities, nullifying the effects of any poison.
However, the range of teleportation is short, and while the adjustment is active, the psychic bestowing it becomes completely immobilized.
'There are two enemies!' I speculated that there might be a hidden psychic acting as her accomplice. The range of Physical Adjustment is a maximum radius of 1km.
While the recipient is under its effects, the psychic bestowing it is rendered completely powerless.
'They won't just let me be.'
They'd likely not leave me alone even if I continued to run.
'When the 'Symbol of the Hunt' status ends, it'll be over.'
Their objective is to capture me, not to kill.
If they wanted to kill, they could have showered me with psychokinetic breaths.
'They are also wary of me.'
Since I already received a blow, for a while, they will probably fight passively. Of course, that time won't be long. Once all my strengths are revealed, it will truly be over.
'How do I break through?'
As I pondered that, the part of the monstrous tentacle behind my head twitched.
"■■giya."
'How do I strategize?'
｢Big baby!｣
At the familiar vibration, I swiftly looked up.
The ground I stood on trembled. Concrete laid on the road cracked open, and from within, dozens of long, thick tentacles emerged.
｢We've arrived.｣
From the exploding concrete hole emerged a giant pink jellyfish, well over 5 metres tall.
'Number 26?'
The pink jellyfish that emerged through the asphalt on the road was number 26.
'How did it change so much while I was away?'
For a moment, its appearance was drastically different from before.
Firstly, the subtle, flowing hues on the pink body were something entirely new. A myriad of colors shimmered gently, which hadn't been present previously.
An aura of constantly shifting energies, radiating in all sorts of colors, seemed to survey its surroundings, resembling numerous eyes.
This effect was a result of one of Sea Demon's unique traits, 'Abyssal Dread.' Due to this trait, individuals lacking resistance to psychic attacks would either lose their minds or fall into a state of panic when approaching the Sea Demon.
'Plus, it can weaken the auxiliary psychic powers used by nearby adversaries.'
In the lore, Sea Demons possess immensely potent psychic energy, causing it to occasionally seep outwards. This released psychic energy negatively affects nearby organisms, a phenomenon specifically shaped into the Abyssal Dread trait.
Hence, when psychic power users attempt remote auxiliary techniques like Soul Link or Entity Harmonization near the Sea Demon, they fail to activate properly.
'Not to mention its eerie appearance that's well-known.'
Imagine a monster over 20 meters tall from the depths, being scrutinized by hundreds of eyes.
It's so terrifying that overseas communities used the activated Abyssal Dread Sea Demon's appearance as a meme-worthy horror.
Of course, number 26 didn't appear as menacing as the original due to the energies it exuded being less malevolent.
Perhaps it intentionally regulated them in front of me.
'Come to think of it, the exterior has changed a lot too.'
While the Abyssal Dread trait was notably impressive, other aspects had changed considerably too.
Below its body were 20 long, slender tentacle clusters, interspersed with thick fin-like appendages serving as legs.
The tentacle arrangement was reminiscent of the circular saw-like tentacles I used to have.
The tentacles, though thinner than mine, had sharp saw-like blades densely covering their entire length, making them quite threatening. The creature fully revealed itself on the road and emitted a ripple toward me.
｢Hey there, big baby!｣
Number 26 extended its tentacles toward me as if in greeting. Thanks to the effects of the 'Symbol of the Hunt,' I had grown in size, but number 26 was formidable as well.
If it straightened out, it would be around 7 to 8 meters tall, and its tentacles, each more than 10 meters long.
[Zzz (How?)]
'I did as you taught me! Ate a lot and grew diligently!'
Strange. I distinctly remember telling it to hide.
Could this be due to evolution? Number 26 seemed much more intelligent than I had anticipated.
｢It's not just me who's grown. The little one have grown a lot too.｣
[Zzz (What?)]
From behind number 26, a green object surged into the air from a pit. It gracefully navigated the atmosphere of the cosmic city and landed smoothly in front of me.
｢Master.｣ ｢Greetings.｣
Adhai greeted me, bowing its head.
'Has Green Gallagon grown up too?'
Number 26 had changed significantly, but Adhai's transformation was truly a radical change. Most of its scales had turned green, with occasional blue ones interspersed. Its body had grown well over 1 meter in length, and its wings were much larger than before.
Not just in color and body, but even in appearance, there had been significant changes. Previously resembling a stout-bodied creature with stubby legs akin to a skink, it had transformed into an entirely different form.
Its four elongated, sturdy legs evoked an image of a deer, exuding an elegant and graceful aura. However, its tail, unlike its slender body, felt relatively thick and plump.
Regarding its head, although it still had clusters of tentacles instead of a mouth, it had elongated compared to before. Additionally, the four horns on its head had increased in number.
'Compared to Green Gallagon, the resemblance in appearance is striking.'
Furthermore, considering the thickened tail due to growth, Adhai was undoubtedly a female. Gallagons, by design, exhibited sexual dimorphism; males and females looked different.
[Note:- Will be using the pronouns 'She/Her' for Adhai now that it has been revealed.]
Males had thicker, more flamboyant horns while females, though thick-tailed, had simpler horns.
'Males were deemed handsome with flamboyant horn patterns, while females were considered beautiful with plump tails.'
Observing her sturdy tail, Adhai was likely among the more attractive Gallagons in terms of physique.
'What did she eat to grow so quickly?'
There were some speculations. There were plenty of corpses of knights and soldiers I had slain in the sewers, along with deceased employees whose signal chips had stopped functioning, all left behind.
Moreover, when the commercial district collapsed, there would have been quite a few who fell into the sewers and died.
'But did she consume all of that?'
Moreover, without being caught by the soldiers patrolling the sewers.
'If so, that's tremendous growth.'
'If my expectations are correct, not only has the creature physically grown, but its combat abilities have also improved significantly.'
Number 26 seemed to gesture for praise. Urgent as the situation was, I couldn't help but stroke its body. It shivered, perhaps in contentment.
The energy flowing on its surface changed color, reflecting its emotions, appearing much more disturbed than imagined under the influence of the Abyssal Dread.
｢I｣ ｢Growth｣ ｢I｣ ｢Impressive｣ ｢Master｣ ｢Praise｣
Adhai also pushed forward for praise, so I indulged the creature with a petting. Observing Adhai's swaying tail, I thought,
'They've learned my hunting methods.'
Given the short time they'd been with me, number 26 must have taken the lead in hunting. It was quick in learning and might have adapted to my frequent hunting techniques of digging traps, hiding, and ambushing.
'Anyway, that's something to think about later. Code Black will be here soon.'
Normally, I'd have hidden the creatures somewhere and fought, but the circumstances had changed.
'I'll have to fight alongside them.'
[Zzz zzzz zzz zzz (I have something to say for a moment.)]
｢Hmm?｣
｢?｣
[Zzz zzzz zzz zzz zzz (We must fight a formidable enemy. Help me.)]
As I spoke, their gazes fixated on the scars on my missing arm and side. Despite number 26 lacking eyes, the emotional reflection on its surface allowed me to easily discern its focus.
｢The ones who hurt Big Baby? Unforgivable!｣
｢Master｣ ｢Attackers｣ ｢Enemies｣
Enraged, number 26 slammed its tentacles on the ground. The asphalt cracked, and the surrounding road split with a loud sound. Adhai, too, kicked the ground with its hind legs, displaying discomfort.
'Fighting won't be an issue.'
It seemed number 26 not only grew in size but also in strength. A Sea Demon was considered a formidable sub-boss. In terms of danger alone, it was well over half as threatening as a Black Gallagon.
'But it seems its growth isn't complete yet.'
However, it should suffice as support for me. Adhai still had some blue scales left, but with most of its body covered in green scales, it was safe to assume it had acquired the power of a Green Gallagon.
'If my assumptions are correct, with the power of a Green Gallagon, we can intercept the enemy.'
The Green Gallagon is merely at the fluid stage, thus doesn't display overwhelming destructive power like the White or Black Gallagons. Instead, its combat abilities have evolved differently.
'With number 26's ability to utilize Abyssal Dread, if I can effectively utilize both of them…'
'The Green Gallagon, the Sea Demon, and Amorph.'
All three present here are still inexperienced and not fully grown. However, if they collaborate, even formidable adversaries can be easily hunted.
'I pacified them and explained the plan.'
Code Black was a war orphan. In MegaCorp, orphans were the bottom of the unrescuable pit, representing the society's darkest side. Almost all orphans ended up as corporate employees, and the luckiest ones entered the Space Dogs.
'In that sense, Code Black was a unique case. She entered the Yujin family as an employee and became a material for their shadow.'
Like countless other test subjects, she was supposed to fade away. However, she survived. She possessed significantly higher psychic powers compared to ordinary humans. It made her the first successful experiment in the Yujin family's cult genetic transplantation.
'Prototypes usually fell short compared to mass-produced models, but she existed beyond the normal spectrum even among hybrids of the cult and humans.'
When the modification into the shadow ended, Akira Yujin bestowed a name upon her—Code Black. It was a title given to the most superior entity among the shadows.
[Code Red. Where is the target?]
'In Residential District 32. Please be cautious.'
[Cautious? Why?]
'The psychic power flow is unstable. An unknown entity has infiltrated the psychic control web independently.'
[Can the target use Psychic Breath? Is it responsible?]
'Unknown. The unknown entity constructed an autonomous psychic control web.'
[Understood for now. Keep monitoring.]
'Understood.'
Having finished her mental conversation with Code Red, she headed towards the designated location.
Most shadows were like dim machines, their consciousness shattered by horrifying experiments. Among the shadows, only Code Black and the deceased Code White could freely converse.
"Now, I'm the only one."
Code White met her demise during a mission, making her the most revered among the shadows. This fact exhilarated her.
In truth, she herself is unaware, but all the shadows possess some psychological instability. Code Black fixates on the idea of being the most superior and perfect existence.
Her tendency to speak a lot during battles isn't for conversation but to showcase her uniqueness.
'If I could obtain that monster's genes…!'
She believed that successfully transplanting its genes would elevate her to a higher dimensional existence than her current state. After a long time, she felt a sense of exhilaration.
In her eyes appeared the target—a sizable hole drilled right in the middle of the road. Despite the meticulously dug hole, the target didn't escape but lay prostrate on the ground, all four large arms attached.
"You're not trying to escape?"
"No, There's no need…"
"…You can speak?"
Code Black was surprised by the entity speaking. It sounded odd, almost as if a woman's voice was recorded and distorted through a machine, but it was undoubtedly human speech.
"Impressive."
She had assumed that a creature needing strict surveillance outside must possess intelligence high enough to evade monitoring. However, she hadn't expected it to communicate with humans.
Her mission was to capture the entity. If it could communicate, it would sufficiently understand the situation. She spoke,
"If you're intelligent, you'll understand. Surrender."
'Hmm, what will happen…'
Sensing nonchalance in its words, she frowned.
'So audacious.'
"I'll take only the head and torso."
She drew two psychic whips from her hand. As she swung them, the ground beneath her cracked open, and tentacles shot out.
'An ambush!'
Was that why it remained in contact with the ground?
She quickly elevated herself into the air.
The failed ambush made the tentacles retreat underground.
From the air, she swung the whip forcefully.
Her target was not the tentacle but the monster's main body. Since the tentacles were connected to its arms, it was currently immobilized. As expected, the creature couldn't move.
As a purple serpent lunged to bite into the monster's body, it twisted its head, blocking the whip's trajectory with its thick head armor.
The pure psychic-powered whip collided with the thick head armor, generating intense sparks.
'As expected.'
She realized that the armor-like shields on the head and wrists of the monster's body were the toughest parts.
'I need to aim elsewhere.'
Upon landing, the serpent in her left hand lunged, hissing, toward the monster.
However, the monster, having already retracted its tentacles, retreated considerably.
The whip she threw only scratched the asphalt of the road. But that wasn't the end. While retreating, the monster hurled sizable road fragments toward her.
"Reflection!"
An intangible barrier materialized in front of her, deflecting all the fragments. Yet, she couldn't relax. The fragments and fine timing allowed thorned barbs to fly in.
The attack took advantage of a moment when her Reflection, which could perfectly defend against all physical attacks, briefly deactivated. It was a cunning maneuver.
"Tch."
She hastily swung her whip, clearing the path of the barbs.
'Was it aiming for the moment when Reflection was disabled?'
While Reflection could perfectly defend against all physical attacks, it required concentrated focus and couldn't be constantly active.
Therefore, during movement or other actions, it had to be deactivated. There was a very short cooldown after deactivation before reusing it.
'It's familiar with fighting against the cult.'
She wasn't sure of its identity, but that monster precisely targeted Reflection's weakness.
'I need to change tactics.'
Originally planning to tidy up with Psychic Whips, it seemed challenging.
'I'll clean up with Psychic Breaths.'
Code Black raised both hands, palms facing forward, and opened them wide. A black sphere appeared in front of her, transforming into long, black threads that cut through the air.
Judging it impossible to defend against, the monster crouched its body. The black threads, resembling a crown, scorched its head armor and the arms on its back, shattering distant buildings into pieces.
While the monster moved with three arms and legs affixed to the ground, it swiftly dodged the threads. The threads burnt the roads and houses, sending debris flying from the ground to the air.
Amidst its movements, the monster stepped on the debris, shooting thorned barbs in between. While firing Psychic Breaths, she simultaneously cast Reflection, blocking the barbs.
"Stop! Enough of this!"
While firing a Psychic Breath with her right hand, she pulled out a Psychic Whip with her left hand.
The whip soared, coiling around the monster's legs in mid-air, followed by the black threads scorching its tail.
"Aargh!"
The monster screamed in agony. One of its primary weapons, the tail, was now incapacitated.
With a smirk, Code Black forcefully pulled the monster down to the ground. Intent on finishing it off with the threads, the monster, despite its incapacitated state, lunged towards her.
However, she had already cast Reflection. Its elongated arms moved backward, and she struck the disoriented monster's neck with a Psychic Whip.
"It's over. Surrender…"
While she spoke, the monster's mouth opened wide, releasing scorching flames towards her face.
"Aargh!"
Although Reflection prevented injury, the intense heat couldn't be stopped. The tremendous heat burned her face, causing significant damage to her eyes.
"That cursed monster…!"
Even in her disoriented state, she fired a Psychic Breath. The threads severed one of the monster's arms, yet it remained intact.
The arm resembling a sickle, located on the monster's back.
A vicious biological weapon struck her shoulder.
'This can't go on!'
She urgently signaled Code Red. Violet light emitted from her now disheveled body, rapidly disintegrating.
The monster's swinging arm grazed her body, then stuck into the ground. As she phased out, she quickly reassembled behind the monster, unscathed.
Re-materializing, she immediately struck the monster with a Psychic Whip. Unable to evade her attack, the monster staggered helplessly.
"You're the first to cause such significant damage to me."
Her tone remained calm, but she was partly losing her composure. Fighting against something weaker and nearly losing her life once had rattled her.
'Just extracting the brain should suffice for Akira to understand.'
As she extended both hands, the black spheres reappeared. At that moment of intending to finish off the struggling monster…
"Cough?!"
She spat out blood as intense pain surged from her abdomen. Unknowingly, she knelt down, feeling something rigid inside her despite the unscathed exterior.
"In…corporeal…ization, there's a vulnerability."
Above her bewildered head, a voice echoed. It was the murmuring of the monster that had suddenly approached her.
"H-How…?"
"If there's an object during re-materialization, it's detrimental."
When returning from a phased state to a solid form, no objects should be present in that space, or they would embed into her body, much like what she experienced.
Of course, she was well aware of the limitations of phase manipulation technology.
What she couldn't comprehend was how the metal shard had suddenly appeared, evading her and Code Red's detection.
"No. Right now, I need to phase…"
She quickly signaled Code Red again, requesting to re-phase and create distance from the monster. However, the response deviated from her expectations.
[Under attack by an unknown enemy. Currently focusing on defense. Unable to phase.]
"What?"
An unknown enemy? Her gaze darted back to the hole that had been dug on the road earlier.
A few strands of violet-glowing tentacles extended from the hole, gently swaying outside.
'Psychic powers!'
It dawned on her. Code Red had mentioned someone infiltrating their surveillance network using psychic powers. They had constructed an independent psychic control web, making it impossible to determine their precise state.
Back then, she thought the target used psychic powers to evade surveillance. But it wasn't just one adversary.
"We…are…not…alone…"
Before she could fully process, the monster's arm swung, targeting her neck.