Chapter 2349 - ESM 18

When the Monument was attacked by unidentified enemies, Denver Eden also evacuated with the dignitaries.

Amidst the general dismay, he saw this as a golden opportunity.

'Even if the monster's corpse is looted now, nobody would know.'

The Monument's leadership, including the overseer, would be too busy dealing with the enemy. By the time they realized, Eden's departure would have distanced him from the city.

With a resolved mind, Denver summoned the newly appointed deputy commander Jacob and a few members.

"Are you saying they want us to retrieve that body?"

"Yes, we must find it by any means necessary. Otherwise, it won't sit well with the balance."

With the council now in shambles, the chances of Samdam Chemblin becoming the CEO is far-fetched. Consequently, Denver's stance supporting T&C within the family has become awkward.

'With him alone, the project progress would increase several notches.'

If successful in developing the new Hulk Mutant, there would be no more dependence on T&C. That would solidify their position within the region.

Thus, after leaving Jacob and the team behind, Denver stepped onto the transport ship. Arriving at the port zone, the docks were filled with ships preparing to set sail.

Among those who came to greet the council were the Zhao family's spacecraft and several administrators from the administrative zone, trying to flee.

"Your majesty, the elders have decided to leave first."

"I have matters to attend to, so go ahead."

Soon after, the warship carrying the elders departed beyond the city's shielding gate.

Denver sat in the commander's chamber, awaiting news from Vice Commander Jacob. As he nearly finished the wine brought by his servant, the awaited communication arrived.

"Have you found it?"

"There is nobody in the monument, sir."

"What? Have you checked places other than the lab?"

"Yes."

Denver was astonished at the news of it not being in the lab.

'Have they removed the body?'

In his view, the city had collapsed into chaos. Would anyone bother about a monster's corpse when all the officials supposed to safeguard the city were fleeing?

Instead, Denver suddenly considered another possibility.

'The Monument's assault… could it be?'

The creature might still be alive. Just thinking about that possibility made him shiver.

'They didn't kill it; they captured it!'

Something seemed suspicious. Not only did they massacre the elite ground forces of Eden but also killed a veteran as seasoned as the former Vice commander, Vickus.

He knew well that the ground forces' armament within the defense fleet wasn't powerful enough. Their Gauss rifles wouldn't be sufficient to kill the creature. 'Especially if it can withstand plasma bolters.'

It's likely that the defense forces subdued the creature with launcher shots and then took it to the Monument's scientific research lab. There, scientists would have studied it and extracted enough findings to present during the council session.

"Then something went wrong, leading to this chaos."

"Since the creature isn't here, we now know who's responsible for this chaos."

"Yes, the instigator of this situation is probably…"

Having grasped the full extent of the situation, Denver asked the most crucial question,

"Have you found any trace of the creature?"

"Using the gene tracker, we confirmed the creature escaped the building. However, after that, any traces were eradicated, making it untraceable."

Even though Jacob mentioned it was impossible to pinpoint the whereabouts, Denver wasn't particularly concerned. The fact that the creature had escaped the Monument was evident.

"It could be a decoy. Continue tracking inside the building as far as possible."

"Understood."

"And immediately transmit the genetic data of the creature."

"Yes."

After ending the communication, Denver called a subordinate.

"The deputy commander will soon send the genetic data. Insert it into the bioscanner to survey the city."

"Your majesty, T&C will definitely protest if we do that."

"I don't care. Proceed immediately."

The bioscanner is a device that, upon inputting genetic data, identifies the whereabouts of a specific organism within a certain range. To use it in another family's territory, permission is strictly regulated by the MegaCorp law. Despite objections from the subordinate, Denver persisted.

"The monster in my hands would be T&C's regretful loss. If Eden gets hold of the creature, we'll be able to complete the new Hulk Mutant development within a month. Then T&C will desperately plead us to sell it to them, unlike before."

Soon after, the bioscanner, receiving genetic data sent by Jacob, began its operation. The results of scanning the entire city were displayed on a large holographic monitor placed in the command center.

"The target is approaching the port zone."

"As expected."

Denver nodded his head. He had anticipated this.

The creature possessed demonic intelligence—a terrifying monster that knew its own power and limitations well.

"It's likely it plans to escape aboard a spacecraft."

"Inform the knights onboard. Prepare for combat."

Rising from his seat, Denver commanded his subordinate

"Allow everyone to equip assault packs."

"Assault packs, sir?"

Currently, there are a total of 50 knights remaining aboard the flagship. Granting all of them permission to use the high-value equipment, the assault packs, left the subordinate astonished.

"The creature is no easy prey. This time, we won't capture it alive; be prepared with launchers."

"Understood, Your majesty."

"And this time, have my reinforced armor prepared as well."

Denver gazed at the signal of the creature moving on the monitor in the command center.

"The creature will be mine."

He firmly believed in his victory, never doubting it. He had always felt this way until now.

***

I hid within the sewage to evade the raining plasma shots. Upon a check with the auxiliary organ, the number of enemies targeting me increased dramatically in an instant.

'They were lying in an ambush.'

Fifty detected enemies alone. Sensing a powerful electric surge on their body surface, they were all wearing superior-grade reinforced armor and assault packs.

'They must have been waiting far away, hidden from my detection, using the jetpack feature in the assault packs to swiftly approach.'

'How did they know?'

It was unexpected that the Eden knights were lying in an ambush. They must have thought I was already dead. Considering the current situation, I could roughly guess how they found out.

For the past few days, the head of the dissection team presented my genetic data at the council. It's not hard to imagine how intrigued the Edens present there would have been.

Contrary to the game's settings, the Eden family in reality seemed very interested in genetic manipulation.

'Monument's chaos provided them with an opportunity to steal my body.'

All the families in the MegaCorp were greedy by nature, and it's highly probable they saw this as their chance and acted on it.

However, I had escaped from the Monument's research lab long ago. Hence, the lab was currently empty. Since my body had cleanly disappeared, they must have realized I was alive.

'Then perhaps they used the bioscanner next.'

MegaCorp warships are equipped with bioscanners that detect biological signals. Inputting genetic data helps locate the position of the organism within a certain range.

'Normally, using a bioscanner in another family's territory is forbidden.'

However, the bioscanner can read real-time signals of individuals if it has genetic data, making it useful for espionage activities.

Using such a tool in another family's territory openly implies monitoring their territory. Hence, the MegaCorp families have a pact not to use bioscanners in each other's territories.

Eden violated this crucial rule.

'They seem to be in a rush on their side as well.'

After the council presentation, it seems they are hurrying out for some reason.

'Did you think I would let you slip away?'

Outside, the cries of someone presumed to be the commander echoed in. The voice was modulated by the reinforced armor, sounding mechanical, yet the obsession and madness within were unmistakable.

'He's no pushover.'

To engage 50 knights, each equipped with assault packs, and engage in a pitched battle – a challenging situation indeed. The true potential of assault packs is realized in an open field. Last time, fighting in the narrow confines of the sewage meant the enemies couldn't fully showcase their skills, but not now.

'Without the 'Symbol of Hunt', my chances of winning are low.'

However, luring them into the sewers wasn't ideal either.

"Knights! Prepare the launchers!"

Five knights responded to the commander's order, wielding plasma launchers and advancing.

The knight commander seemed uninterested in capturing me alive. Given what they had faced in the sewers, this might be a prudent approach.

If it were just me, it would be one thing, but number 26 and Adhai are here too. While number 26 might fare better, Adhai is still recovering from injuries. If I don't intend to abandon them, I must protect them.

'What to do?'

The terrain I'm in isn't favorable for fighting enemies. Even if I attempt an ambush, it's pointless unless they come in from the other side.

'Moreover, going outside is also problematic. The exit is restricted.'

The enemies have set up a defensive formation concentrating firepower around the wrecked manhole. The moment I step out, I'll be trapped.

'Even if I attempt to take a different route, I'll be caught by the bioscanner in the warship.'

…There's only one way left.

"I might need to take a risk."

[ZZZ ZZZ ZZZZ (Everyone back off)]

｢Big baby?｣

｢Hm?｣

I signaled number 26 and Adhai to retreat before I lay flat on the ground, using my head carapace as a shield to minimize the target area.

Submerged in the flowing water of the passage, I concentrated all my senses through the auxiliary systems and waited.

What I was about to attempt, I've done a few times in the game. The issue is, even if it's me, it's not a 100% foolproof method.

In a game, if I fail and die, I respawn. But this is reality. Even the slightest mistake is unforgivable.

'Enough of useless thoughts. Let's focus.'

A knight carrying a launcher jumps into the sewage. The ripples they created propagated through the surface and were transmitted to my auxiliary systems. One by one, they entered this area.

The moment they entered, they prepared to attack.

"Launcher ready. Commence protective fire!"

"Charging 10…30%."

While the launcher user activated it, others fired volters at me.

Purified plasma energy poured onto my head carapace. Some parts of the thick carapace fell off upon being hit by plasma rounds, and my body was pushed back due to the impact.

'Pain mitigation activated!'

'Focus.'

I planted combat arms into the sewage floor, anchoring myself in place.

"Charging 60…80%."

｢Wait.｣

I sensed number 26's concern about me enduring the volter shots. I didn't respond and maintained my focus.

"Charging 90%…"

Just as the energy of the plasma launcher reached its peak…

The plates on my back moved.

The plates within me connected in two branches, generating ripples extending through the sewer's passage. The target: the foremost knight. Specifically, not the knight's body but the armor he was wearing.

The waves controlling advanced devices overlapped with the knight's reinforced suit. The armor, meant to protect the wearer, broke free from the owner's control and responded to my will. Although the suit's mechanisms were complex and difficult to fully control, I didn't require intricate movements at this moment.

All I demanded was a simple move: to turn the torso holding the gun backward.

"Huh!"

His body, aiming the launcher at me, swiftly turned backward. The launcher's muzzle now pointed towards the knight's comrades, not me.

"What?!"

Another knight behind attempted to stop the launcher's fire directed at his comrade, but my unseen assault wasn't over yet.

'The Dreadful Gazer.'

The eye-like patterns on my head carapace emitted a ghastly glow, focusing on the foremost knight.

Momentarily gripped by fear, the knight lowered his reaching hand and, just like the foremost knight, rotated his body. The direction of the launcher he held also shifted backward in sync with the owner's movement.

Of the five, two knights, holding the launchers, aimed them not at me but in the opposite direction toward their comrades.

"Everyone back…!"

"Charging 100%"

One knight from behind shouted upon witnessing this, but the launcher had already completed charging. Energy capable of toppling even a warship surged from the launchers held by the two knights who betrayed their comrades.

The plasma beams fired by the foremost pair were aimed at the launchers held by their fellow knights. The moment the green energy touched the still-charging launchers, a blinding flash covered my vision.

A massive vibration, unlike anything I'd ever felt before, shook my body. Yet, amidst it, there wasn't a considerable pain.

My plan to cause a chain reaction using the plasma launchers the enemies held had succeeded. The auxiliary organ informed me that the five knights targeting me no longer existed in this world.

Upon swiftly recovering my vision, I didn't behold the dark sewers but the panoramic view of the port city. There was no longer anything resembling a sewer passage before me, only a vast area of extensive destruction spreading out like a fan.

[ZZZ ZZZZZ ZZZ(Now's the time. Let's go, everyone.)]

｢Yeah!｣

｢Counterattack!｣

I rose above ground with the others. Not many knights were left standing on the collapsed concrete ground. A significant number had vanished without a trace due to the plasma chain explosion or were buried when the ground collapsed.

"This… this is impossible!"

A man among the silver knights, the sole one clad in black armor, shouted in disbelief.

Listening to the voice, it was undeniable that the author was the commander.

'Looks like he is the highest rank here.'

Seeing the man who was uniquely standing out in a black reinforced suit, one could assume he was an elder of the Eden family.

'I have to see him.'

[ZZZ ZZZ ZZZ (Take care of the others.)]

｢I'll take care of the one who tormented Big Baby!｣

｢Agreed.｣

Leaving the handling of the remaining knights to number 26 and Adhai, I dashed towards the knight in black armor.

"Protect His Majesty… Gasp!"

One of the knights tried to shout at me but was suddenly choked by something invisible.

From a distance, number 26 extended tentacles, casting 'restraint'. Above, Adhai soared through the air, shooting purple lightning at the knights.

It was a newly acquired skill she acquired upon transforming into a Green Gallagon: the Purple Lightning. Its penetrating and destructive power was devastating, but its forte lay in being an area attack and, most importantly, in causing electrical shock.

As most present were enveloped in alloy from head to toe, the damage could only be significant. Many knights fell victim to Adhai's purple lightning while those outside the range utilized jetpacks to ascend into the sky.

"I'll… deal with that monster first… Gasp!"

"Hic… h-help! It's a monster!"

Knights who attempted to strike Adhai from above began to scream in unison, starting to plummet.

The creepy sensation I felt indicated who was behind this.

Number 26, twisting the knights' necks with restraints, now had over half a dozen pupils visible on its body, observing the knights.

In this cosmic city devoid of even a lake, the terror of the abyss was consuming them.

｢Heh! hehe! Die! Die!｣

"Get a grip!"

"Aah!"

Amidst the confusion caused by the coordinated attack of number 26 and Adhai, I swiftly approached the black knight.

"Your Majesty! Requesting support from the flagship!"

"We'll handle it here!"

Two other knights stepped in to protect the black knight.

'Get out of the way, you're interfering.'

I lashed out with a tentacle at one and hijacked the other.

"Gah?! What is this?!"

I forcibly moved the arm holding the volter, striking the downed comrade's head with the tentacle. His head, struck by the plasma bolt, exploded like an egg in a microwave.

"Dammit!"

I manipulated the cursing knight's body again, directing it to aim at the black knight.

The knight tried to resist, but couldn't overcome the power of the reinforced suit. The fingers enclosed in the suit pulled the trigger of the volter as per my will.

The plasma bolt fired from the volter struck the black knight's back.

"Urgh!"

Perhaps due to his high rank, despite being hit by the volter, his armor wasn't significantly damaged. However, he collapsed from the impact that wasn't fully absorbed.

I brought him down and grabbed the head of the hijacked knight with my combat arm. Despite his attempts to resist, it was futile. The reinforced suit, always meant to protect its wearer, had become a prison working against him.

"You…Your Majesty, quickly escape… Aargh!"

Using the ghost claw, I rummaged through the knight's helmet, causing his body to tremble. Subsequently, blood trickled through the gaps in the reinforced suit.

As I released my grip, the knight's lifeless body fell.

"Grr, grrrr!"

The black knight struggled, unable to fully control his body after the impact from the volter. I approached him.

"Don't, don't come any closer!"

There was no one here to protect him.

I tore off his helmet. The person inside had dark skin. He looked up at me, fear filling his eyes. As my sharp teeth drew closer, he began to tremble.

"You… are… the… commander..?"

"You can speak?!"

His two pupils widened in shock at my unexpected speech.

He seemed quite taken aback that I, a non-human entity, could communicate in his language.

"Hulk mutant… hit… is this kind of tech possible?!"

I'm not such a vile being, but I don't need to explain that to my enemy.

As I revealed this, he urgently shouted,

"W-Wait! I am Denver Eden! If you spare me…"

Definitely a different reaction due to his high status. There haven't been many who have tried to negotiate with me.

'After so many battles, he still doesn't seem to know much about me.'

After tearing off his pauldron with my combat arm, I sank my sharp teeth into his shoulder.

"Argh!"

The neurotoxin from my bite spread through his veins, entering his bloodstream. At the same time, Denver's blood flowed into my throat.

"Not… needed…"

"!"

Due to the mimicry effect of my organic systems, a voice almost identical to his flowed out of my mouth, widening his pupils in surprise.

Since he seemed unaware, I think I should enlighten him:

'An Amorph doesn't negotiate.'

-x-X-x-

I managed to subdue the Commander, whose name was Denver.

'His surname was Eden, right?'

Despite the distinctive armor and bearing the surname Eden, this person's status didn't seem low.

'Shall I try an experiment?'

Just a moment ago, in order to immobilize Denver, I bit into his neck. Given that I've absorbed genetic information from his blood, I can mimic his voice.

'Although the mimicry organ is sealed, I can imitate his voice to some extent.'

After blocking Denver's powered suit, I took out the communication device from his waist.

"Com…e… here."

[Your majesty!]

As I imitated Denver's voice through the small arm communication device on my chest, the knights all stopped in their tracks.

[His majesty has been captured!]

[Damn monster!]

Through the communication device, I could hear the knights exploding in anger.

Even though they were speaking as if they would devour me, none of them dared to rush towards me recklessly.

'Oh?'

While holding Denver captive, I called out to the kids. As numbers 26 and Adhai approached me, the knights seemed uneasy.

Their reactions confirmed something to me.

This individual, Denver Eden, held quite a high position.

'Come to think of it, he did try to negotiate with me.'

Perhaps he holds a significant position even within his family.

No, perhaps…

'Could he be the patriarch?'

It seemed too easy to have captured him, but considering their hypersensitive reactions, it seemed likely that he was indeed the patriarch.

If Denver is the patriarch, my range of choices expands significantly.

'Shall I stir things up a bit more here?'

Even if we achieve victory against the knights in combat, escaping the city covertly is almost impossible now that we've been exposed.

'Despite winning battles, we are still at a disadvantage in this war.'

If they give up on my body and initiate artillery fire, both I and the kids will die here. Additionally, even if we somehow manage to escape and hide on a spaceship, if the warship pursues us, it's all over.

'But…'

That was the situation before I captured Denver.

Now that it's confirmed he's a valuable hostage, it seems alright to take the adventure a step further.

[…Is that monstrous fellow holding His majesty hostage right now?]

[I heard he's intelligent, but I didn't expect him to be at this level.]

[Since His majesty is being held hostage, let's not act rashly]

Through the communication device, snippets of conversations among the knights could be heard.

Of course, they are unaware that I understand human speech.

'Come to think of it, that's how Denver reacted.'

The moment he saw me, he deemed me as a Hulk mutant.

It's not entirely an incorrect judgment, as they still don't know about Amorphs.

While fighting, it's likely he already knew that my body contains genetic material from various creatures. Thus, assuming I'm similar to a creature like the Hulk mutant would be a natural deduction.

Of course, Hulk mutants, as well as Outspacers who evolve through genetic absorption, communicate in a unique wavelength shared only among their own kind, much like Number 26.

'Normally, Hulk mutants aren't as articulate as I am.'

That's also a story confined to games.

'Have you not encountered a Hulk mutant who effortlessly engaged in piracy, not just in words but also in actions?'

'If they deem me as a Hulk mutant over there…'

How can I deceive them?

'By design, a Hulk mutant requires advanced genetic manipulation technology to fuse genes without side effects.'

Naturally, this necessitates extensive capital and state-of-the-art equipment in laboratories dedicated to gene fusion.

'Incorporating that aspect might be useful.'

After a brief moment of contemplation, I manipulated the channel of the small arm communication device.

"I was able to communicate with the warship… Ah, here."

Switching to a public channel, I broke the right arm of Denver's combat suit. As his entire body was paralyzed, he wouldn't feel pain, but those knights wouldn't know that.

[Your majesty!]

[You scoundrel!]

"He's… pretending… to be… a Hulk… mutant…"

[Your majesty? Why on this channel…?]

[His majesty is being held hostage here!]

The communication device buzzed with the voices of the bewildered knights present and the subordinates awaiting on the warship. Despite their reactions, I continued speaking.

"He… is… not… a… Hulk… mutant…"

[Your majesty! Your injuries are severe! You need not speak further!]

"This… monster… from… T&C… attack!"

[No way!]

[This is absurd!]

The reactions from both the knights and the warship were fervent. Immediate responses about attacking T&C, Denver's injury-induced confusion, and more.

However, there was no one among them suspicious of me.

'Naturally, there'd be no reason for suspicion.'

Thanks to Denver's reinforced suit, he stands at around 2 meters 50 centimeters tall. Given that my standing posture exceeds 3 meters, unless they approach closely to confirm, it's difficult for them to know if I'm secretly communicating via the communication device.

Furthermore, who could dare imagine that an unknown monster flawlessly imitates the voice of the unharmed patriarch?

'The voice is a bit different, but I've accounted for that.'

Due to the constraints of the transcendence system, I cannot perfectly mimic voices. There's interference, like a malfunctioning radio, preventing me from producing a flawless voice.

Therefore, intentionally, in front of them, I caused injury to Denver. It was to stage the appearance of someone unable to speak due to pain.

'Moreover, T&C is a suitable distraction for the enemies.'

Hulk mutants demand highly advanced technology, even causing difficulty for Prime Capital's development.

Therefore, if they were to see someone like me, a Hulk mutant, there's only one who could develop such a being. That would be none other than T&C, who recently announced groundbreaking achievements in genetic manipulation technology.

'A wedge needs to be driven here.'

"The… device… that… terminates… the… system… of… Prime… Capital…"

[What are you saying?]

"Destroy… the… system… of… Prime… Capital…"

[Wait! If that happens, it'll lead to war with T&C!]

The statement from the warship side is correct. If someone decides to check about armed conflicts at the sewage and artillery attacks at the checkpoint, it'll only result in war.

Since the patriarch is in my grasp, they have no choice but to heed my words.

'Perhaps my persuasiveness is still lacking.'

Using the lower arm, I grabbed Denver's leg and twisted it. Even though his entire body was paralyzed, there was a muffled groan coming from inside the helmet—it seemed to be quite a shock.

If this bewilders me, how would they react on the other side?

A scream erupted explosively from the communication device. I didn't care and opened my mouth, sinking my teeth into Denver's shoulder. The thick shoulder plate shattered, and my teeth pierced the flesh underneath.

The enraged knights roared, but I couldn't pay attention to that fact. The spurting blood from Denver's shoulder felt warm in my throat.

'Tastes good.'

When I bit his neck, I sensed a hint of taste, but drinking this quantity of blood made it distinctly different. Was this the taste of a well-aged fine wine? It was slightly sweet and warm, yet had a clean aftertaste.

'It doesn't seem like he has been genetically modified separately.'

Could it be due to good living conditions and diet? It was a different flavor from the tastiest meals I've had so far, like the distinct taste of Si-hyun Yujin.

'Not yet.'

This action now was to shake them up, not to enjoy a meal.

With regret, I withdrew the teeth embedded in the shoulder.

'They should understand by now.'

Unless they abandon the patriarch, there's only one action they can take.

As I anticipated, in the distance, a large warship docked at the pier slowly began to rise.

'Phew.'

Finally, I could barely relax.

'Honestly, I thought the chances of failure were high.'

Holding a patriarch as a hostage was a risky move.

What if the person I captured wasn't the patriarch? Or if those aboard the warship chose to bombard me with reason?

That would seal the fate of me and the kids.

'Fortunately, they acted according to the mentality of the MegaCorp.'

MegaCorp is a place with a bizarre hierarchy structure, allowing infinite competition despite stark disparities between the two Capitals. Consequently, losing in competition sometimes causes the families that are a part of the two capitals to drop several levels.

This phenomenon isn't limited to lower Class but also applies to the top seven major families.

'If Denver dies, those subordinates will all be rebuked by the new patriarch.'

Not only the knights but also those aboard the warship need to somehow save Denver to protect their lives. Hence, they have to follow the nonsensical orders from their owner.

As the warship heads towards its target, I found a ship we could use with the auxiliary device.

The distance to the pier was considerable, so I couldn't inspect it closely, but I found several spaceships that felt promising.

'When the warship shells the checkpoint, that's when we'll move.'

If the defense fleet responds to Eden's warship, this place will turn into chaos in no time. At that moment, we'll dash to the pier and secretly board the spaceship.

[ZZZ ZZ ZZZZ (Run when the signal comes)]

｢Signal?｣

It wasn't me who responded to Number 26's inquiry. A massive explosion erupted from the Earth's boundaries, followed by a resounding roar throughout the harbor.

[ZZZ (Now)]

I ran while still holding onto Denver. Numbers 26 and Adhai followed behind me.

'Number 26 is faster than I thought.'

It swiftly moved, using its fin-like appendages for propulsion and pushing forward with tentacles. Despite being a deep-sea creature, I worried about its speed on land, but it didn't seem to slow down significantly.

As we swiftly distanced ourselves, the knights followed in confusion.

｢Troublesome people are chasing us.｣

[ZZZ ZZZZ ZZZ (We don't have to catch them)]

｢?｣

As soon as I finished speaking, the sky distorted ominously, and black lines appeared in various places.

The holographic sky maintained by artificial suns vanished, revealing a metallic dome enclosing the city. Subsequently, shuttered gates within the dome's inner wall opened, and steel vessels sprung out like a torrent.

[ZZZ ZZZZ ZZZ (They'll handle it)]

｢Wow!｣

Warships emerging from the shielded gates near the harbor fired plasma beams towards Eden's warship. The spectacle of numerous steel vessels shooting green beams within the colossal artificial structure was truly magnificent.

In response, a blue light burst forth from the front of Eden's warship. It was the activation of the plasma shield, exclusive to ships of the caliber of a warship or higher.

The green beams failed to penetrate the shield protecting the warship and dissipated.

'Normally, it wouldn't be at this level, but it seems like they used something good for the ship carrying the patriarch.'

Numerous turrets mounted on Eden's warship simultaneously unleashed fire. The thickness of the beams fired from the warship was more than twice that of those from T&Cs, maybe they didn't just use a good shield.

The warships also activated their shields, but they couldn't withstand the plasma beams from Eden. The struck warships plummeted like fireflies toward the city.

As a war erupted in the heart of the city, the atmosphere at the dock changed abruptly. Ships preparing to depart hastily made ready for departure, and screams of people reached us from afar.

"Oh my goodness!"

"How could this happen…?"

The knights chasing us seemed bewildered, witnessing Eden's warship engaging the fleet. They stood still, seemingly forgetting about chasing us, just staring at the spectacle.

Finally, they seemed to realize the gravity of their actions.

Listening to the conversations full of dismay through the communication device, something suddenly dawned on me. When I arrived in this city not long ago, I suspected Si-hyun Yujin's subordinates were planning a coup.

By sparing Adhai, who was at the core of the conspiracy back then, Yujin's plot was thwarted.

'It certainly seemed that way.'

Now, right in front of me, MegaCorp's greatest event, an internal conflict, erupted. And it was all because of my actions.

｢Wow! Amazing!｣

While the knights and I were lost in our thoughts, Number 26 laughed cheerfully, watching the intertwining spectacle of green and blue lights in the sky.

-x-X-x-

"How did this happen?"

Si-hyun, who had set up a bomb in the nuclear reactor, murmured as she watched the artillery battle unfold above the city.

There was no one present to answer her question. No one had anticipated that a war would break out in this space metropolis city.

"I found it odd that there were no reinforcements coming to the reactor."

Before coming here, Si-hyun obtained a makeshift map created before the completion of the T&C Special Trade Center in the shadow market.

The map, made by the construction workers, showed temporary pathways used by labourers during the city's construction. However, even if they were workers, few had reason to visit the nuclear reactor, so those secret passages weren't connected to the reactor directly. Instead, they were connected to some parts of the underground tunnel that led to the reactor

Her plan was to infiltrate by piercing through a metallic wall close to the underground tunnels of the nuclear reactor. And so, as planned, Si-hyun and her associates safely accessed the underground route leading to the reactor via the secret passages.

Everything had gone according to Si-hyun's expectations until this point. However, things started unfolding differently after reaching the reactor than what she had envisaged.

Normally, if there were issues with the nuclear reactor's defense forces, additional support should have come. Si-hyun had prepared for them, but the reinforcements she anticipated did not arrive until the bomb installation was completed.

"Now I understand why they didn't come."

To be precise, it wasn't that they didn't come; they couldn't come. Thanks to this, the terrorist plan using the bomb could be easily executed, but another problem arose.

"Akira might escape before the bomb detonates."

Regardless of others, Akira Yujin had to be eliminated. If she missed this opportunity, she wouldn't know when she could get rid of him.

"Akira Yujin?"

"Upon checking, Yujin's flagship is still here."

Long before the terrorist plan was devised, Si-hyun had planted a tracking device on Akira's flagship while performing covert operations. This was to know his whereabouts instantly, no matter where he moved.

"Why hasn't he left?"

Remembering the memories implanted in her mind about Akira, he was a very cautious individual. If there were looming troubles in the city, he would have left long ago, regardless of his dignity as the CEO of MegaCorp or anything else.

For reasons unknown, Akira Yujin was behaving differently from her memories.

He hadn't left and was still in this city. That meant there was still an opportunity for her.

"Escape first. I have things to do."

"Are you sure miss?"

"Akira Yujin must be eliminated from this place."

"Miss, we'll come with you."

At Minseok's words, Si-hyun nodded.

"Only I can face Code Black. You'll be killed if you come with me and I won't allow that, so hand over the detector to me."

"…Miss."

Minseok gazed at her with a strange look, as she vowed to eliminate Akira at the risk of her life. In Minseok's eyes, rather than joy, an emotion closer to suspicion swiftly flashed by. However, it was a fleeting moment, and his expression soon changed to one of admiration.

"Miss, I wish you luck."

Having received the detector from him, Si-hyun dashed toward where Akira was.

"Once I take care of him, next will be…"

Minseok seemed unaware, but Si-hyun knew he didn't dislike her. The original Si-hyun Yujin had placed some sort of control over her clone and the fact that Minseok held those reins.

"Someday, without fail…"

Her eyes grew cold. They bore no resemblance to Si-hyun Yujin's.

***

The corrupted city was being purified by fire. In mythology, gods sometimes unleash the fire of judgment upon humans. However, here, the fire created by human hands was destroying

everything.

'Indeed, Eden's speciality is their warships.'

Up till now, due to frequent clashes with the knightly order, it might be easy to assume their strength lay in ground forces. But the reality was different. The noble families excelling in land combat were the Yujin family, known for genetically modified soldiers, and the Garimelda family, famed for making the best reinforced suits in the MegaCorp. However, Eden's expertise primarily lay in ship development.

'Even in the game, Eden's knights were close to special forces.'

In reality, Eden's warship overwhelmed multiple T&C battleships alone. It wasn't just superior cannons and shields; their size was larger, with excellent manoeuvrability. This gave them the upper hand despite having far fewer ships than T&C.

'Reminds me of the old days.'

As an individual matures, they gain numerous traits and types, making them powerful enough to fight and win against fleets.

In my case, due to facing many enemies, I had to battle fleets since my early stages.

"But I'm still too weak for that. It's reckless at this stage to engage in those battles. I need to evolve more to face multiple battleships."

"Think about that later."

Neither family seems to have the capacity to pay attention to us. So, we should take advantage of this opening and escape.

[ZZZ ZZZZ ZZ (Everyone, run!)]

With Denver slung over my shoulder, I crouched halfway and ran. Using all three of my combat arms and legs to sprint, number 26 and Adhai followed closely.

"Huh?! He's escaping!"

The knights, who had been staring blankly at the fleet battle, finally regained their senses and started chasing us again.

While running to evade the knights, container stacks scattered around caught my eye. It was the container yard of the port district where I once fought against Si-hyun's underlings. The difference now was the numerous ships leaving through the shield doors on the dome's inner wall.

'We're nearing the docks.'

I signaled 26 amidst the run.

[ZZZ ZZ ZZZZ (Knock it down!)]

｢Ok!｣

Several tentacles shot up from number 26's body, aiming toward the containers. Violet strands extended from the ends, latching onto the containers.

"Ah!"

As the knights continued to run after us and exerted more force, the stacked containers began cascading down.

"Damn it! Take cover!"

"All activate jetpacks!"

Curses and screams of the knights chasing us from behind echoed. Most knights, equipped with assault packs, flew skyward to avoid the falling containers.

"Ack!"

"Ah!"

However, a few slow reactors were crushed under the falling containers.

While we delayed the knights' pursuit, a small reconnaissance ship circling the port district spotted us.

"A reconnaissance ship is approaching!"

"Everyone, be cautious!"

The knights' voices were heard through the comms. They seemed to have noticed the reconnaissance ship coming our way.

The fast-approaching reconnaissance ship initiated an attack on us.

Their targets were us and the knights chasing us.

Four gunports on both sides of the rectangular ship simultaneously spewed flames.

Amidst our sprint through the containers, plasma rounds rained down from above.

With each plasma round landing, nearby containers skyrocketed into the sky due to the explosions.

Number 26, with a relatively larger target area, was almost hit by the plasma rounds. However, Adhai's use of purple lightning every time deflected the bullets in mid-air, preventing significant damage.

"We'll be in trouble at this rate!"

"Urgh! Split up! Half, deal with the reconnaissance ship!"

Bothered by the reconnaissance ship, some of the knights pursuing us halted their pursuit and engaged the new threat.

Firing bolts while airborne, knights breached the reconnaissance ship's exterior. Eventually, one succeeded in destroying one of the ship's turrets.

After losing one turret, the reconnaissance ship turned its attention away from chasing us, instead actively defending against the airborne knights.

With three turrets remaining, it relentlessly fired green energy rounds at the knights.

'It's working out for us.'

Thanks to the intervention of the reconnaissance ship, the number of knights pursuing us halved.

'Now, we just need to deal with them.'

I'd love to take them all down and devour them, but time doesn't permit such indulgence. As we're also the target of the defense fleet, if we fight the knights and a battleship is summoned, it will become extremely dangerous for us.

'I need to drop them off at a suitable place."'

While fleeing, I focused on my auxiliary organ. A thin tendril at my chin diligently began scanning the vicinity for anything useful.

Luckily, there was a large warehouse nearby where containers were stacked.

'That should do.'

ZZZ ZZZZ ZZ (Head this way)

Taking the kids with me, I entered the warehouse near the docks. Inside were numerous containers stacked, and cranes set up for logistics transport were visible throughout.

'Great. Plenty of obstacles here.'

This place would suffice to mislead the enemies.

[ZZZZ ZZZZ ZZZ ZZZZ ZZ (Everyone, head to the opposite side)]

｢What about the big one?｣

[ZZZZ ZZZ ZZZZ ZZ (I have something to do)]

Having sent the kids ahead, I quickly started working from behind the containers.

The knights seemed hesitant to enter the large building where we had hidden.

'I must deactivate the reinforced suit now.'

Originally, in the game, reinforced suits were considered player equipment and couldn't be removed. But this was reality. Unless it was an artifact-level gear transcending physical laws, a mechanically reinforced suit could be removed using physical strength.

I tore off the exoskeleton armor protecting Denver's body with my combat arms. The gauntlets protecting the arms and legs weren't critical, so I dismantled them roughly.

'Just need to be careful with the power source and helmet.'

Activating my Ghost Claws, I carefully slid my fingers into the chest gauntlet of the reinforced suit. Avoiding the internal wires and mechanisms, I meticulously cut through the joints that secured the armor.

As I did so, the chest gauntlet cleanly separated, much like removing the shell of a crab's back.

I pulled Denver's body out from the detached armor. He was clad in a lightweight full-body suit of thin material.

Finally removing the helmet, I saw his eyes darting around. He seemed worried about what dreadful deed I'd do next. No need to worry; he'll soon find out.

'Now, with the smaller arms.'

I skillfully connected the power source and helmet of the efficient smaller arm gauntlets.

Thanks to the transcendental senses inherent to Amorph, coupled with my hijacking capabilities, understanding mechanical devices came easily.

As power flowed into the gauntlets' power sources, a red light illuminated the visor on the helmet.

Carefully holding the chest gauntlet with the power source and the helmet, I concealed them inside a nearby container.

Denver, finally realizing my intentions, trembled uncontrollably.

'There's a signal chip in the reinforced suit's helmet.'

When I first caught Denver, the signal chip I had turned off reactivated. Whether knights or warships, they'd have to focus on the signal from Denver's armor. As soon as I finished my work, a voice echoed near the warehouse entrance.

"Contact from the warship! The commander's camera has been activated!"

Without further hesitation, the knights rushed in. It was a close call. They'd surely rummage through the warehouse to find the armor themselves. Escaping with only the communication device from the broken gauntlet, I sneaked out through the opposite exit.

"Ugh!"

Denver struggled to communicate with his subordinates, but it was futile. To rid himself of the neurotoxin still in his system, he'd have to wait longer.

Exiting the warehouse, the kids hiding in a container welcomed me.

[ZZZZ ZZ (Let's go.)]

Most of the ships I initially deemed safe via the auxiliary organ had left the city. There were only a few remaining, at best.

'We need to hurry.'

Carrying Denver bare-handed, I moved with the kids toward the dock of the pier. Occasional snippets of the knights' conversations came through the communication device, but they seemed unable to locate the signal unit in the helmet.

They still assumed I held Denver, unaware that the helmet might be stored separately in a container.

"Just beyond this container…"

There was a boat waiting for us beyond the containers.

Lastly, I used the auxiliary organ to check the boat's status once more. It seemed they were hurriedly loading items. Nothing particularly alarming to worry about.

As I was about to pass by the container, my auxiliary organ alarm went off with a loud zing.

[Unknown danger lurks on the other side.]

[■■■■ targeting me ■■■■■■■]

Suddenly, my predator sense kicked in.

'What was that?'

I quickly stepped back behind the container. While scenes flashed through like scanning through a fast-forwarded film, there was an odd noise overlaying them, almost like a mosaic, making it impossible to discern the exact danger.

[ZZZ (Stop.)]

｢Why? What's wrong?｣

I called the kids. Something unusual seemed near the container, close to the boat. My predator sense had shown urgent threats up close before, but it had never presented such ambiguous images like just now.

That statement falls into one of two possibilities: either the opponent possesses a means to deceive the predator sense, or they are an enigmatic force beyond even the predator sense's grasp.

'…Either way, it's not an easy opponent.'

The deliberation was brief.

[ZZZZ ZZZZ ZZZ (Let's take a different path)]

I abandoned the idea of heading toward that boat. Regardless of the enemy's nature, engaging in a fight here would mean missing out on all the boats.

'There's still one boat left, though it is different from the one I initially chose, but it'll do the work.'

Smaller than the boat I'd picked, but not necessarily a bad choice either. I retraced our path with the kids and ran down a different route.

While running, I kept checking behind, half expecting a mysterious creature to be tailing us, but there was no one following us.

'It was an opponent that even the auxiliary organ could't discover.'

Fortunately, the dangerous monster didn't pursue us.

-x-X-x-

In the Earth Central Security Team, Samuel Jaesung, who served as the head of the armed police team, barely managed to board the escape ship. The space city had turned into a complete sea of flames, and security in each region had deteriorated, but he considered it irrelevant to himself.

"I'm just a public servant! What do they expect me to do?"

He muttered.

He contacted Monument, the superior organization, to figure out what to do. The response he received was simply an instruction to focus on stabilizing the security. Despite being the head of the armed police team, it was natural for him to protect the city's security, but he thought differently. He believed that the higher-ups had abandoned him.

'I'd rather leave here than be abandoned.'

Jaesung couldn't tolerate being abandoned by others, even if he abandons the others. Interestingly, it wasn't only Jaesung who felt that way. There were others on the escape ship with similar thoughts.

'They all look familiar.'

Whether it was the entertainment district's personnel manager or the medical team manager from Monument's Central Hospital, they were all familiar faces to Jaesung. When their eyes met, they exchanged subtle expressions and avoided direct eye contact. Fleeing a city in chaos wasn't something to be proud of, even for them.

"Hey, why aren't we departing yet?"

"I apologize. I will check immediately."

Unable to endure the awkward atmosphere, the medical team leader vented his frustration on a flight attendant. Since most passengers were from the upper-class capitals, the flight attendant just lowered her head.

"Tch, pathetic."

Jaesung clicked his tongue as he observed the scene. Despite being in the same situation, he believed he was different from them. He had a reason to leave the city.

A few days ago, news of the death of his younger brother, Samuel Yuseong, had arrived. Using the pretext of attending his brother's funeral in their hometown, Jaesung had a valid reason to leave the city.

'The useless guy is helpful at times like this.'

As a descendant of the Samuel family, a Third Capital on the satellite Titan, Jaesung didn't have a good relationship with Yuseong. It was natural as they were competing for the family's succession.

But that was a secret known only within the family. No one in the T&C Special Trade Center knew how he felt about his brother.

'Now that he's dead, the family inheritance will be mine.'

Feeling a sense of relief, Jaesung closed his eyes.

"The passengers are asking why we haven't departed yet."

"We are departing now. The announcement will be made shortly."

"Understood."

"Oh, it says the cargo bay is open. Please just check that for me."

"Sure."

The female flight attendant who emerged from the cockpit headed towards the cargo bay. The cargo bay was filled with valuable items brought by the passengers and small containers destined for transfer to other locations. A partially closed door could be seen behind the loaded cargo. She operated the terminal next to the door, closing it completely. As the red light on the terminal turned green, the announcement soon followed.

"Thank you to our customers for using T&C affiliated Trade Airline…."

Even during takeoff, designed as an escape ship for VIPs, there was almost no noticeable shaking inside.

"Huh?"

Upon hearing someone's voice for a moment, she turned her head. When she looked around, all she could see were containers and cargo that remained motionless in place.

"Did I hear wrong?"

Without feeling anything unusual, the flight attendant left the cargo bay.

"Deputy Chief Jacob!"

"What's going on here?"

"Well, um…."

Jacob, who arrived late at the warehouse in the harbor zone due to wearing reinforced armor, asked the knights how the situation was unfolding.

"Commander is being held hostage?"

"Yes. So we are searching this place…."

"Found it!"

At the sound of a distant voice, Jacob and his team entered the warehouse. However, what they found was not Denver but the wreckage of damaged reinforced armor.

"When you see no traces of blood, it means the commander is still alive."

"Then we need to find him immediately…."

"Quiet."

At Jacob's firm words, the members closed their mouths. He stared at the wreckage of the reinforced armor with cold eyes. Jacob, a veteran among the knights, was confident that there must be clues hidden in the chaotic debris. Carefully examining the traces of the armor, he quickly noticed something suspicious.

"He cut the reinforced armor precisely. He's highly knowledgeable about machinery. Moreover…."

The communication device was missing. What did this fact imply? Jacob couldn't help but conjure up a horrifying and ominous scenario.

"Hand over the communication device connected to the public channel."

"Here it is."

Taking the communication device from one of the members, he pressed the button. The voice of his master flowed from the connected communication device.

"He…has…cap…tured…me…and…gone…to…Ji…ha…ro…come…to…me."

Although it sounded strangely distorted, it was undoubtedly Denver's voice.

However, as soon as Jacob heard that voice, a chill ran down his spine. The ominous prediction he had made was becoming a reality.

"…Commander. Did he mention a Hulk Mutant created by T&C?"

"He…has…cap…tured…me…and…gone…to…Ji…ha…ro…come…to…me."

"The commander informed me. T&C plans to develop a Hulk Mutant based on him."

As Jacob continued speaking, the members felt their muscles tense. They understood the Deputy Commander's intention in conveying this information.

"In other words, it means he is not a monster created by T&C."

"..."

"Vice commander, are you sure the one receiving the transmission is truly the commander?"

"Zzzz zzz zz"

There was no answer from the communication device to Jacob's question. It only filled the silent warehouse with static noise.

Just as Jacob thought there was nothing more to hear and was about to turn off the communication device, a sound came through.

"He…has…died…that…hu…hu…hu…hu…thud."

The last thing heard was Denver's voice, or rather, the eerie sobbing sound emitted by "it."

***

'Well, this time it didn't work.'

I exerted force on my combat arm, breaking the communication device. It was brought for the purpose of buying time for our escape, so it was no longer useful.

'Maybe they can trace it from that side.'

I swiped my hand, reducing even the tiny chips to powder. Due to the mysterious enemy, we had to go far away, but luckily, I and the others were able to board the escape ship.

'I was about to close the door when someone came, it was close.'

The crew members of this ship were all destined to become our nourishment, but consuming them had to wait until we were far from the city. Attacking prematurely might cause the pilot to turn the ship back or do something unnecessary.

Me and the kids hid behind the containers, while the flight attendant, oblivious to everything, simply closed the door and left the cargo bay.

In the middle of it, Denver struggled in vain to convey something to her, but it was futile wriggling.

That's how we could leave T&C Special Trade Center, a culmination of human-made advanced technology. Beyond the small window in the cargo bay, a huge domed space city in the shape of a hemisphere covered with a metallic shell came into view.

Until receiving the knight's communication, the space city, which had initially seemed enormous, had now diminished to the point where its overall shape was visible.

'Been here for a while.'

Originally, I planned to fulfill all the evolutionary conditions in that city, but in the end, I couldn't achieve it. Three types were still needed for evolution, and the cult and wolf hunting conditions were also unfulfilled.

'Though I have no regrets. After this… Huh?'

As I was looking at the view of the space city from inside the window, the city suddenly shook violently. From the central part of the alloy plate serving as the city's foundation, a black dust cloud erupted with an explosion.

The black dust cloud shot into space, but midway, it seemed to have some consciousness as it started clinging to the city. As a result, holes, several hundred meters thick, appeared all over the alloy plate, and things within the city were ejected into outer space.

'That's a Gremlin Torpedo… but why is its range so wide?'

As the name suggests, a Gremlin Torpedo is a missile containing nanomachines that eat away at metal. It is a weapon created by StarUnion, mainly used to strike enemy capital ships. For a moment, it seemed like a threat mentioned by the predator's senses at the pier, but probably not. It seemed like an explosion from the city's reactor.

'If we were a bit late, it could have been a big problem.'

Various things were escaping through the gaps in the city that the Gremlin Torpedo had eaten. If we were delayed in our escape, we could have been thrown into the darkness of space.

'Perhaps it's for the best.'

I don't know who committed the terror, but I left many traces in that city. If the city becomes a tomb, the traces I left will naturally be erased. I continued to watch the crumbling space city.

Even though they couldn't be seen or heard from here, countless humans were sinking endlessly into the bottomless abyss.

'Perhaps it's the fitting end for the city of sin.'

For them, the only consolation might be that those who abandoned the city will also experience a terror beyond mortal comprehension.

After the distance became so far that the city was almost invisible, I finally looked away from the window.

I couldn't see Eden's warship.

Whether it was swept away by the Gremlin Torpedo or escaped in the opposite direction from us, it couldn't be determined at the moment.

'If Eden's warship isn't chasing us….'

I looked down at the paralyzed Denver.

'He is no longer needed.'

If they turn on a bioscanner using the Gaia gene over there, it'll become troublesome. I opened my mouth to devour Denver, but I felt a gaze from behind my head.

Turning around, I saw Number 26 and Adhai looking at me.

'Hmm.'

Come to think of it, both of them performed excellently until we left the city. I praised them with words, but I never gave them any gifts.

'Let's consider it an investment for the future.'

Through this incident, I confirmed that both Number 26 and Adhai have high potential. The stronger they become, the more they contribute to my survival.

Who knows what crises lie ahead.

'If they weren't with me during the battle with Code Black, it would have been difficult to win. Besides, I also encountered an unknown enemy before leaving.'

Until I evolve enough and acquire powerful traits, I need them to assist me.

'…Well, personal intimacy is also something to consider.'

Even in my human days, I had no friends, whether in reality or in games. Relationships with family were difficult to describe. And that's why.

I, too, couldn't deny that I had developed an attachment to the two. Anyway, for the future investment and personal emotions, I decided to compromise this time.

[ZZZ ZZ (Eat this)]

｢Big Baby, You are not eating?｣

｢Adult｣ ｢Meal｣ ｢Together｣

[ZZZ ZZZ ZZ (I'm fine)]

｢If the big baby isn't eating, I won't eat either.｣

｢Agreed.｣

Despite offering them delicious food with all my heart, they refused. Even when sharing Code Red's hand to eat, they suggested that they would share it with me, and it seems they have the same idea this time.

'Well, I guess I have no choice.'

[ZZZ ZZZZ ZZZ ZZ (Then let's eat together)]

｢Yeah!｣

｢Me｣ ｢Happy｣

After reaching an agreement, we looked at the paralyzed Denver together. Denver, who probably anticipated what we were going to do next, sent a pleading look as if to say,

'Please don't do this.'

"Mm-mmm!"

Due to paralysis, we couldn't understand what he was saying, but it probably wasn't anything important. Denver might know what we are about to do next. The only thing he can offer right now is fresh meat.

-x-X-x-

Before the T&C Special Trade Center turned into a city of death, Yujin's flagship barely escaped into space. Those familiar with Akira Yujin might find it hard to believe that he stayed in a dangerous place until late, but there was a reason for it. He needed to retrieve an important item from the Special Trade Center.

"Have we secured all the equipment of the Shadows?"

"Yes. Both the Black Shroud and the Red Queen have been collected. However, the damage is quite severe…"

"It doesn't matter. As long as the important parts are intact, we can find a way to recover."

As the conversation ended, Akira Yujin sat in his office, tapping his fingers on the desk. Behind him, Code Blue silently stood guard.

"I thought there would be a lot to gain, but this time my expectations were wrong. I lost a useful tool."

"…"

"Tools can be replenished, but this is intriguing. Who defeated Code Black?"

As he expressed his doubts, the sound of someone collapsing outside the office was heard. Soon after, the door opened, and a woman entered.

She had long horns on her left forehead and wore a white bodysuit. She was Si-hyun Yujin, once known as Code White.

Seeing Si-hyun, Akira smiled strangely.

"Haha, the prodigal daughter returns. Was it your doing?"

"…"

Si-hyun couldn't understand Akira's words, but she didn't pay much attention. After all, Akira Yujin would die for her on this spaceship today.

"Hmm, as soon as one mystery is solved, a new one arises. You were clearly dead, so how are you alive?"

Instead of answering, she drew a sword from the back of her hand. The white bodysuit she wore was named White Maiden. White Maiden could materialize various tools according to the user's imagination. If she imagined a sharp sword, it would emerge from the armor, and if she imagined flight, wings would appear on her back.

"Ho."

White Maiden was an item Akira personally bestowed upon Si-hyun when she received the code. When the equipment that was thought to be lost with her death reappeared, he faintly smiled.

"It was a useful item, and it happens that you brought it back. Good."

"You seem relaxed, old man."

"Haha, of course, I am."

As Akira flicked his fingers, Code Blue, who had been standing behind him, stepped forward. Code Blue drew two short swords from his waist.

"While you were wandering somewhere in space, the Shadows underwent certain improvements."

Despite Akira's nonchalant words, Si-hyun didn't even raise an eyebrow. Instead, her response was beyond Akira's expectations.

"Got it."

"What?"

When Si-hyun gestured, Blue turned around and slit Akira's throat.

"Gkk…gkrrk…."

With half his neck severed, Akira's head slumped onto his desk.

"…It's over."

Considering the death of the one who not only belonged to Si-hyun Yujin's bloodline but also completely ruined her life, it was surprisingly pathetic. Although she should have been pleased with her revenge, she couldn't feel any joy.

'If I were Si-hyun Yujin….'

Would she have laughed loudly over the enemy's corpse? Or would she have cried?

She couldn't know.

"I have completed the task as promised."

"Yeah."

"Please keep the promise to let me meet my family."

Si-hyun, who was about to nod in response to Blue's words, suddenly opened her eyes. Akira was getting up behind her.

"Be careful!"

"?"

Although Si-hyun shouted a warning, Akira was faster. Akira's hand transformed into large hooked claws and swiftly tore Blue apart.

"やあ,これはかなり驚いた.彼も包摂したとは知らなかった."

[TL/N:- The above text is in Japanese language, "Heh, this is quite surprising. I didn't know you had included him as well."]

Akira mumbled some incomprehensible words.

The wound on his neck had disappeared without a trace.

The hooked claws that killed Code Blue shrank and returned as the wrinkled hands of an old man.

"手前の復活も恐らくくそ虎の仕業だろ."

[TL/N:- "Most likely, your resurrection was also the work of that damn tiger."

"How…?"

Si-hyun also knew that Akira underwent genetic modification surgery. However, it was for life extension, not a procedure that could allow recovery from a state where the neck was almost severed.

Among the Shadows, the only existence capable of such wonders was Code Black, clad in the Black Shroud.

"Hmm? Ah, sorry. The language I used to use slipped out."

"…Are you really Akira Yujin?"

"Haha, of course. Well, to be precise, it's a mix of both."

Akira laughed like an ordinary village elder, but Si-hyun remained in an extreme state of tension. Before coming to the space city, she had undergone genetic modification surgery to the extent possible. It was partly due to the mission, but also because she could encounter the mysterious monster that killed her.

Thanks to that, although not as much as before, her current state could be considered close to perfect.

However, against Akira, who was smiling in front of her, she saw no chance of winning.

'I can't win.'

Instinctively, she knew. Even with dozens of clones, this monster couldn't be defeated.

"Hahaha, you're plotting for the future, aren't you?"

"!"

"Yeah. You never give up. That's why Kusotora, no, Beomho might have chosen you."

"…"

"I am merciful, so I'll allow three attacks in total. Do as you please."

Akira gave her three chances. Without hesitation, she drew the plasma pistol from her hip. The pistol spat fire, and a green energy mass brushed past Akira's ear.

"Haha, even the renowned Si-hyun Yujin is getting scared."

She didn't react and fired another shot. This time too, it narrowly missed Akira.

Akira frowned.

"Oh well. Suddenly, it's the last chance. I gave you three chances, and you're wasting them."

Watching her, Si-hyun smiled, despite sweating coldly.

"I learned something recently."

"What?"

A long, thick tentacle emerged from her left arm, then struck the wall behind Akira. At the same spot where the pistol hit, the already weakened wall crumbled as the tentacle struck, shattering into pieces.

"What…?!"

The air in the office rapidly flowed into the vacuum of space, and seizing that momentum, Si-hyun swiftly flew outside.

Even in her exit, she extended the tentacle to retrieve the dagger Blue had dropped.

"Oh, no!"

Akira, who did not anticipate Si-hyun's actions, turned his gaze to where she had flown.

Si-hyun, transformed into a space suit by White Maiden, flew beyond the dark expanse of space.

***

"Umm."

Jaeseong, who had dozed off as soon as he sat down, opened his eyes.

"Huh…huh?"

Stretching while reaching out his arms from the chair, he looked around.

Strangely, not a single passenger who was packed until he fell asleep was in sight.

"What's this? Did everyone go to eat?"

The spaceship he boarded was a luxury ship catering to VIPs, with a separate dining area serving gourmet courses.

Assuming everyone had gone there, he closed his eyes again to go back to sleep.

"No, wait a minute. Even the crew isn't visible?"

It was strange that there were no crew members around, even if the passengers had gone for a meal.

"What's going on for real?"

Awakening to an unknown sense of unease, Jaeseong got up.

Passing through the seats towards the dining area, he detected a peculiar yet familiar smell.

A sharp and pungent odor, like putting a piece of iron under his nose.

"Where did I smell this before?"

Thinking that he had a similar experience from his past work, he opened the door to the dining area. And immediately, he could recall where he had smelled that odor.

It was the smell of blood.

The dining area was filled with flesh, bones, and blood, rather than delicious food and quality alcohol. Monsters from the hell of interspecies warfare in the vastness of space were enjoying a feast.

In the center of the lounge, a monster with thick green scales and large wings was sucking the blood of a person. The person being drained of blood was someone he knew—the medical team manager who had quarreled with the crew before he fell asleep. With each sip of blood, the person's legs trembled.

At a bar table on one side of the dining area, a pink monster with numerous tentacles was slowly devouring the Human Resources Manager.

Her fate was even more miserable than the medical team leader's. Dozens of thin tentacles penetrated every hole in her face, extracting her brain.

"Our products…Always safe….Best for you all…..Thank you…. Thank you…."

She, who always showed a sophisticated demeanor, now uttered incomprehensible words with a face resembling madness.

"Hi..hieuk?!"

When he let out a short scream, the monsters turned to look at him.

Unable to withstand their gaze, Jaeseong closed the door and quickly fled.

'Pilot! I need to inform the pilot!'

He rushed through the seats at an unimaginable speed, never having been sucked so fast in his life.

Arriving at the cockpit, he pounded on the door frantically.

"Open up! Monsters appeared! Monsters appeared!"

How much he pounded.

"O…open the Door."

Along with human voices from inside, the sound of the lock being released echoed.

"Phew, thank goodness! The pilot is alive!"

Thinking that the lifeline had finally come down, Jaeseong opened the door wide.

There, however, was not the sight he had anticipated.

Because all he could see from Jaeseong's perspective were the ankles of a man.

The pilot he was hoping for was entirely swallowed by "it," which was swallowing the pilot whole, head to toe.

"I… had… been… waiting…"

"It" revealed its blood-stained teeth as it spoke, and Jaeseong chuckled.

'It's a dream.'

Hoping to wake up quickly from this nightmare, he closed his eyes.

***

'For now, the bait is accepted.'

All the living beings inside the escape pod have now entered the stomachs of the three of us.

After feasting on delicious prey for the first time in a while, Adhai and Number 26 clung to their bulging bellies and fell asleep. I spread the blankets in the passenger seats over them and returned to the cockpit.

'What should I do next?'

The cargo hold and dining area had various types of provisions and calorie bars stored, so I didn't have to worry about food during the journey. Steering the ship was not as challenging as the command cabin, so with the assistance of the navigation AI, I could easily navigate alone.

'But there's a problem.'

This ship had targeted the nearby MegaCorp space fortress as its destination from the beginning, so the stored fuel wasn't abundant. If we performed several warp-speed jumps, the fuel would run out quickly.

'This area is not suitable for us.'

The space fortress was out of the question, and there wasn't enough fuel to reach the planet I originally aimed for. However, stopping at other planets in the vicinity wasn't easy either. All nearby planets were heavily fortified compared to special trade hubs, making it difficult to infiltrate without detection.

'There is a solution, though.'

That is, hijacking another ship. It was a method frequently used in games.

'There's a suitable place for warp-speed travel around here.'

There was a sector managed by the pirate organisation SpaceDog. There were no good planets for resource collection or establishing human ranches, and it wasn't geographically important enough to build a space city like in the case of special trade hubs. Moreover, there was an extremely rare event where a swarm of metallic gremlins passed through that area. If caught by them, even a steel space fortress wouldn't last long.

It was truly an area with no apparent usefulness to MegaCorp and StarUnion, so they paid no attention to it. Thanks to this, SpaceDog was able to sneak in.

'If we go there, we'll rarely encounter MegaCorp or StarUnion.'

It wouldn't be a long stay, and if we targeted only one pirate ship, it wouldn't be a bad choice. However, this method also had its problems.

'SpaceDog might discover us at any time.'

The cartels of SpaceDog were constantly on the move to plunder, so unless we were unlucky, they might not return to that sector for several months. So, in the game as well, this method was mainly used after securing space flight characteristics.

'If I only had space flight, I could personally search for pirate ships.'

But doing that with this ship would quickly deplete the fuel.

'We need some breakthrough.'

Thinking about a breakthrough, I had a moment of realization.

'A new transcendence characteristic.'

I opened the semi-transparent text window.

[Transcendence Material List (New!): Wings, Endurance, Space Flight, Giant Creature, High Hijacking]

I had already collected all the materials for the new transcendence characteristic. Since space flight and giant creature characteristics were obtained as samples, they were only filled to 0.5, making direct use impossible but still useful as materials.

'Come to think of it, the previous unique characteristic was not entirely unrelated to the materials.'

-x-X-x-

'Let's use the transcendence system.'

Securing a new unique trait was the decision I made at the end of the adventure.

However, before using the transcendence system, there's something to do.

'We need to prepare for the new risks that may arise.'

While activating the superluminal navigation device, I brought up a semi-transparent text box in my mind.

[Race: Unidentified Aggressive Space Morph]

Status: Pre-Saint (Transcendence Level 1)

Objective: Survive (2nd evolution successful)

Possessed traits- (Physical-Related: 14 / Psychic-related: 7 / Infection-related: 3 / Special Defense-related: 2)

① Physical-related traits (Type in use): Wings (Unavailable), Acidic Blood, Bite Force, Metal Absorption, Perfect Organism (Unique), Endurance, Pheromone Enhancement, Enhanced Reflexes.

-Physical-related Fusion Attributes: Regeneration, Neurotoxin Gland (Unavailable),

Bloodsucking Tentacle, Spine Projectile Organ, High Hijacking.

②Psychic-related traits (Type in use): Human Nature, Psychic Resistance, Insight.]

-Psychic-related Fusion Attributes: Predator Sense, Monster's Tentacle, Ghostly Claws, Observer of fear.

③Infection-related traits: Space Bacteria

-Infection-related Fusion Attributes: Parasitic Colony, Decaying Mold Organ.

④Defense-related-related traits: Pain Reduction, Resistance.

Possessed Types (2) – Physical Enhancement Type, Psychic Enhancement Type

Incomplete Attributes (7)

-Spaceflight, Energy Absorption, Robust Vitality, Giant Creature, Miniaturization, Gills, Fins

The composition of the text box has changed as the number of attributes has increased. With the increase in fusion attributes, there were new subcategories for each category.]

'Among these, the trait which will affect me alot if it gets restricted is…'

At this point, without a doubt, it's the 'Monster's Tentacle'.

The Monster's Tentacle is a fusion attribute created using the supernatural ability organ obtained from the previous meteor research ship. If I lose the ability to use this attribute, I won't be able to communicate with Number 26 and Adhai.

'Of course, it could become ambiguous like the Neurotoxin Gland.'

The Neurotoxin Gland is a trait that uses pheromones to disrupt the nerves of people around, making them mistake me for a human. Additionally, the mimicking effect of imitating voices from the material of the Neurotoxin Gland has been inherited.

Although the use of this trait was restricted due to being a complete organism, the ability to imitate voices, albeit limited, was still possible. When the pores organ that released pheromones got blocked during the application of the complete organism, the organ for producing voices remained intact.

'Even if the unique attribute is applied, if the tentacles on my head remain, communication should still be possible.'

The bunches of tentacles near the back of my head are organs that allow me to communicate with beings through energy waves. Thanks to this, I could communicate with Number 26 and Adhai beyond the racial limitations of Amorph.

'Of course, even if the tentacles remain, I might not be able to use Psychic Breath.'

There is no guarantee that the Monster's Tentacle will be the one that gets restricted.

However, preparations must be made for that possibility.

I kept thinking about how to cope if each attribute were restricted until the kids woke up.

After a few hours, Number 26 and Adhai gradually woke up.

I briefly stopped the spaceship and explained the situation to them.

In the future, I won't be able to communicate with the kids. Instead, I have prepared another means of communication.

I planned to send signals with the small hands on my chest. Since both of them cannot understand human language, it was an unavoidable choice.

'Characters and numbers are, of course, unknown.'

I considered sending signals through sound, but since we were in battle, it was nearly impossible, so I ruled it out.

However, once I started teaching, it didn't seem very effective.

｢Raise the small tentacle upward and then strike?｣

[ZZZ ZZZZ ZZZZ ZZ (No that's first finger of the right hand.)]

｢Finger?｣

[ZZZ ZZZZZ (Small tentacle)]

｢Ah.｣

Number 26, who lacks the concept of fingers, considered the arms, hands, and fingers as a unified entity, making it difficult for it to understand my explanation.

[ZZZ ZZZZ ZZZ (Second finger of the left hand)]

"Retreat."

[ZZZZ ZZZ ZZZZ (Retreat is the third)]

｢?｣ ｢Cannot understand.｣

[ZZZZ ZZZ (This part)]

｢I｣ ｢Itchy!｣

When I poked Adhai's third toe on the left front paw, the creature shivered, apparently finding it ticklish.

Adhai, with both feet and toes, seemed to understand what I was trying to do. However, due to his body structure, closer to the front paws than hands, there was a limit to how well I could make him understand.

'This could be a problem.

From the beginning, I am a human in an Amorph's body. I have intelligence that fundamentally makes me different from these creatures that are closer to animals.

｢Don't worry, big baby!｣

｢I｣ ｢Effort.｣

The creatures consoled me, perhaps thinking I was disappointed.

'Yeah. There's nothing to be disappointed about yet.'

Both Number 26 and Adhai are smart. Especially Number 26, it has several times read my intentions and acted on its own without me saying anything.

'So, I just need to teach the essential parts.'

After that, for an hour, I repeatedly taught them the signals I had created. Despite it being boring, the children listened attentively and followed my instructions.

'That should be enough.'

It was still impractical to make them understand all the signals I had in mind. However, the creatures understood all the basic parts.

｢Then, is the big baby growing again?｣

[ZZZ (Yes)]

｢Adult｣ ｢Growth｣ ｢I｣ ｢Congatulate｣

Since they had entered the pod before due to the transcendence system, the creatures showed no signs of surprise.

Receiving their peculiar farewell, I summoned a semi-transparent text box.

['Transcendence' Material List (New!): Wings, Endurance, Spaceflight, Giant Creature, High Hijacking.]

[Do you want to use the transcendence system?]

'Accept.'

Having accepted, I awaited the mucous that would soon flow from my body. However, even after waiting, there was no reaction on the surface.

'Hmm?'

Different from before, a sudden sound came from my back. With a cracking sound like breaking ice, my back split open.

And from the split back, something halfway liquid emerged. It looked like the root of aged wood, or perhaps the web a spider had carefully woven over a long period.

I didn't know what it was, but the tendrils that came out of my body began corroding the surroundings.

[ZZZZ ZZ ZZZ (Everyone, retreat!)]

Judging it as suspicious, I took advantage of the moment when the Monster's Tentacle was still alive and shouted at the creatures.

While the creatures retreated, the tendrils emerging from my body covered me, swallowing the spectators.

｢Big Baby!｣

[ZZZ ZZZZ ZZZZ ZZ (Don't worry, just wait for me as usual)]

Seeing no signs of pain, the procedure for applying the new unique trait was undoubtedly correct.

The tendrils covered about a third of the passenger compartment before stopping their expansion. After that, like other times, they solidified into a giant pod.

'Why go to such lengths to show something?'

My guess is that it might be related to changes in my body size. It's likely to grow much larger or undergo a sudden transformation.

'Sigh. I should warn the children to be careful next time.'

Even though I reassured the children before the pod appeared, they might still be worried.

'If I take over a new ship, I should bring a gift or something for both of them.'

With that thought, I closed my eyes.

***

｢Adult｣ ｢Strange｣

｢Yeah.｣

She looked at the pod with the little one.

Covered in glossy black slime, it was leisurely pulsating. She hesitated for a moment, then pulled out a thin tentacle from her body.

It wasn't the tentacle she uses to catch prey with four appendages attached.

No one among her kind had taught her about this fact, but she somehow knew it naturally.

This thin and slender tentacle is used only when it performs a very special ritual.

｢I｣ ｢Curious｣

｢Quiet.｣

Having silenced the annoying little one, she gently touched the thin tentacle to the pod.

The initial sensation was dampness and warmth. However, this was only superficial. It delved deeper.

The thin tentacle glowed faintly. Then, sensations that were difficult for her to understand flowed into her from the pod.

It was extremely complex. Some sensations were something she had never felt in her lifetime.

But even in the unfamiliar whirlpool of chaos, there was something familiar. It was the same sensation she felt when she slept with her kind back in her homeland.

Comfort.

｢The big baby is now feeling comfort.｣

If the big baby were suffering again, she had intended to help, but this time, it wasn't necessary.

She felt fortunate, but at the same time, a bit disappointed.

Why would she be disappointed when she's not even hungry?

Unlike before, having grown several times, she now knew where this sensation similar to hunger originated.

The last time the big baby suffered, She used this thin tentacle to soothe him.

This tentacle had the effect of reading the sensations of another being and transmitting its thoughts.

Of course, the transmission of sensations was just one of the many abilities this tentacle had.

It is used for dense communication.

She still don't know what dense communication means.

Her intellectual level has not reached the point where she can clearly explain it.

However, every time she used this tentacle, she felt strangely excited and ticklish inside.

It felt like the excitement of anticipating prey, but also a bit different.

She wanted to continue feeling this addictive sensation somehow, but she forced herself to give it up.

This pod is important to the big baby.

Touching it could potentially have a negative impact on the growth of the big baby.

As she retracted her tentacles, the little one behind her sent ripples.

｢Adult｣ ｢Growth｣ ｢More｣ ｢Cool?｣

｢Yeah. When the big baby grows, he will become cooler.｣

｢I｣ ｢Satisfied｣ ｢Satisfied｣

The little one, pleased with her response, wagged its tail.

｢I｣ ｢Little adult｣ ｢Curious｣

｢What is it?｣

｢Adult｣ ｢Growth｣ ｢Complete｣ ｢Possible?｣

｢…Little one can't yet.｣

｢Incomprehensible｣ ｢I｣ ｢Growth｣ ｢Complete｣

Despite her saying it wasn't possible, the little one disagreed. In frustration, the disgruntled little one tapped the ground with its hind leg.

｢I｣ ｢Adult｣ ｢Know｣ ｢Possible｣ ｢Know｣ ｢Possible!｣

"…."

Ignoring the disobedient little one, she pulled out a thick tentacle and struck the ground. The cold floor immediately silenced the little one.

｢Noisy.｣

｢Understood.｣

To the now silent little one, she gently sent a ripple.

｢…When I grow bigger.｣

｢I｣ ｢Promise｣ ｢Remember｣

Speaking to the little one, she waited, until the big baby woke up looking more magnificent.

***

'Alright.'

After almost two hours, I began to feel sensation returning to my body.

From the head and torso to arms, legs, hands, feet, tail, and finally fingers and toes.

With all senses restored, I stood up. The semi-dried pod easily peeled off as I moved.

'Hmm.'

I guessed that due to the pod's size, my body would grow, and I was partially correct.

Since healing, I had been walking with digitigrade legs. The waist was in a pinned state like a human, and balance was maintained with the tail.

Thus, the size I stood now was roughly 3m. Adding the representation of prey, it would increase to a height of 5m.

However, my current body state was in between the hexapodal form I used with eight legs and the bipedal form after healing, using only two legs.

Walking with two feet was still the same, but the waist was partially bent, allowing the lower combat arms to touch the ground.

The body had changed significantly due to the difference in the exoskeleton covering my body and back.

Firstly, the exoskeleton covering my head and the horns had become much larger than before.

The eye-shaped pattern engraved on my head was much darker, making it appear as if there were multiple real eyes on my head now.

On the exoskeleton of the back, eight large holes appeared, covered with a cortex of swirling patterns.

The covering that used to wrap around the back had also changed into a wider shape, resembling an overturned turtle shell.

As the back exoskeleton became larger, the appearance of the exoskeleton on the back of the head changed from protruding spines to flowing down the shoulders.

The arms and legs also became thicker and longer in accordance with the enlargement of the exoskeleton, and the tail's appearance changed.

With armor-like scales, it seemed suitable for use as a long-range striking weapon.

In short, my changed appearance could be summarized as a heavily armored tank.

Previously, I was closer to a nimble bipedal carnivore, but now, it would be appropriate to say that I've become bulkier and larger compared to that.

'My body has become so heavy that it's difficult to compare with before.'

Although I'll need to experiment later to be precise, at first glance, it seemed that maneuverability had slightly decreased.

'On the other hand, I've become larger and tougher than before.'

Thanks to the exoskeleton, my body has grown overall, and even in a semi-bent posture, the height is almost reaching 5m. In terms of length, it might be around 10m to 12m.

If I use the representation of prey here, it will certainly be much larger.

'Now, let's see what the newly acquired traits are.'

After completing the examination of my body, I opened a translucent text box containing the details of the new characteristics.

[Horizon of Nightmare: Your hunting ground is not limited to a single planet. It enhances the effects of the unique characteristics you possess. You can use 'Erosion Tentacle' to corrode and control spaceships.]

[*Target of influence: Representation of Prey (duration extended to 20 minutes)]

[*'Erosion Tentacle': Corrodes a spaceship, turning it into a composite organism dominated by the user's consciousness. While in a connected state with the spaceship, the user cannot use physical traits. If the energy stored by the user is depleted, the characteristic effect is automatically canceled. 'Erosion Tentacle' can be used once every 7 days, limited to one spaceship.]

[*Caution: Erosion cannot be canceled until the spaceship's erosion is complete. The cooldown of the Representation of Prey changes to once every 7 days. Erosion Tentacle and cooldown are shared.]

[*Note: 'Nightmare' is just a word. In reality, it's much more terrifying.]

The unique trait 'Horizon of Nightmare' was an entirely new type of trait that I had never seen before.