Chapter 2350 - ESM 19

'The Horizon of Nightmares.'

I double-checked the text box.

It's a characteristic of a typical high-risk, high-return personality, but what raises my doubts is a different aspect.

'The ability to pilot a spaceship.'

I know about similar traits.

It's one of the special abilities unlocked by the Outspacer's reward feature, called 'Ship Seizure.

Just as an Amorph grows and strengthens progressively, the Outspacer also unlocks various functions as the cluster grows.

One of them is ship seizure, turning the stolen ships into mobile clusters.

From the moment this feature is obtained, the Outspacer's queen can move to other planets.

'Stealing ships is possible for other species too, but…'

The race with the ability to turn a ship into a new organism and dominate it is unique to the Outspacer.

It's similar to Amorph's intrinsic nature of killing, devouring, and evolving other beings.

'You can never acquire a trait similar to a race's unique trait.'

However, the Transcendence System broke that principle.

The first complete organism obtained was my organic form.

When I first transformed into the symbol of hunting through this trait, I thought I resembled a wolf.

The wolf-like race, called Wolph, has a unique ability to transform into an optimized beast form for battle under certain conditions.

Thanks to this trait, even though I am still in my early stages, I could hold my ground in close combat against other formidable opponents.

'A complete organism, like Wolf's transformation, is similar to Outspacer's ship seizure and the Horizon of Nightmares.'

I only obtained two unique traits through the Transcendence System.

It's too early to conclude, but somehow that thought crossed my mind.

'Is the Transcendence System trying to surpass Amorph's limits?'

If so, what is the end of transcendence?

What is the purpose of transcending?

Currently, I am at Transcendence Level 1.

Although I acquired two unique traits using the Transcendence System, I have not yet entered Transcendence Level 2.

I recalled the message I received when I obtained the first complete organism.

[Transcendence (Level 2)': Combine five fused traits to unlock a new type-related trait.]

The traits used as materials must all be related to different types.

Information about the new type will be unlocked.

[Available traits: Regeneration (Fused), Predator Sense (Fused), Parasitic Colony (Fused),?]

[Fused,?]

[Fused]

[Additional reward: The golden restriction imposed at Transcendence Level 1 will be lifted.]

[*Note: You can replace the material traits used for breakthrough with other traits.]

'I have to keep that in mind.'

As I approach Transcendence Level 2, clues about why the Transcendence System exists may emerge.

'Come to think of it, there are similarities between evolution conditions and the Transcendence System.'

To evolve into a Quasi-saint, you need to acquire four types in addition to devouring sentient beings.

To enter Transcendence Level 2, you need fused traits related to five types.

Focusing on evolution requires collecting traits, making it difficult to enter Transcendence Level 2.

On the contrary, entering Transcendence Level 2 first consumes traits, creating obstacles to reaching evolution.

In other words, prioritizing one will delay the other.

'I used to think it simply expanded choices.'

There might be something more than what I'm thinking.

'I guess pondering over it now won't make much sense.'

I don't plan to dwell on a problem without a solution.

I nodded and decided to experiment with my new unique trait, the Horizon of Nightmares.

'Tentacles of corrosion.How does it control a spaceship?'

The Horizon of Nightmares appeared to be a physical trait, but it was not when considering the changes in the body.

[⑤ Nest-related: Horizon of Nightmares (Unique)]

Surprisingly, it belonged to the nest enhancement category.

Thanks to it, I had unlocked a total of five type conditions.

'Does that mean turning the spaceship into a mobile nest?'

It would be faster to see it directly than to unnecessarily ponder about it.

I extended my combat arm to extract the corrosive tentacles for experimentation.

Despite my concentration, what emerged was the original blood-sucking tentacle.

'Is this not it?'

I experimented with all four of my combat arms, but only the blood-sucking tentacles appeared.

I even tried experimenting with the small arms on my chest, but there was nothing visible other than cute fingers.

'Where could tentacles emerge from.?'

The focal point of my contemplation was the greatly changed backplate.

Eight holes covered it with whirlpool-patterned epidermis.

This might be where the tentacles emerge from.

I exerted force on my waist and back, similar to doing a sit-up.

As a result, the epidermis peeled away, revealing six tentacles protruding from within.

'Got it.'

The tentacles, covered in sticky mucus, were black like petroleum, unlike the red blood-sucking tentacles.

Their form was also different from blood-sucking tentacles.

While the latter had saw-toothed claws instead of an octopus's suckers, the corrosive tentacles were smooth, like the surface of a snake's body.

Moreover, unlike the blood-sucking tentacles that resembled bare flesh, these were covered in small yet durable scales, giving them a much sturdier appearance.

However, at their tips, they had sharp teeth and six appendages resembling the legs of a brittle star.

'It's truly a novel sensation.'

The sensation of moving the six tentacles attached to my back was truly mysterious.

It was like the spine-tingling feeling when looking down from a glass-floored observation deck.

The difference was that, rather than feeling uncomfortable or creepy, it was more natural, like moving an arm.

I clenched my fist and, guided by the sensation of blood, moved the appendages at the ends of the tentacles.

The strength felt from the appendages seemed to be stronger than the combat arms, suggesting greater gripping power.

'Let's see.'

When I grabbed a seat with the corrosive tentacles, the sturdy alloy chair crumpled like an aluminum can.

'At this rate, it can be used as a weapon, not just for piloting a spaceship.'

New arms and weapons are always welcome.

Moreover, with the mouth at the end of the corrosive tentacles, I could consume prey.

In essence, I now had seven mouths.

'This part seems to synergize with the Symbol of Hunting.'

Coincidentally, the Symbol of Hunt duration increased to 20 minutes due to the Horizon of Nightmares effect.

With the increased consumption speed, I could now assimilate much more genetic essence than before.

'But why only six?'

There are eight holes, so shouldn't there be eight tentacles?

All the emerging corrosive tentacles came out only from the holes in the middle and lower part of the backplate.

No tentacles emerged from the holes around the shoulders, which were still covered by the whirlpool-shaped epidermis.

'Oh, I think I understand.'

Using the Symbol of Hunt creates two arms with bone blades, so these holes might be the spots where those arms emerge.

I decided to stop examining the newly acquired organ here.

Next, I needed to investigate the effects of this trait.

'How do I use this?'

As I shook the tentacles around, I brought the tentacle's mouth close to my inner wall.

Then, a new text box appeared in front of me.

[Confirming the appropriate size for corrosion.

Estimated time for complete corrosion: 1 hour.]

[After corrosion, the controllable time is currently 30 days.]

[*Corrosion completion time is proportional to the size of the target.]

[*Controllable time is proportional to the energy stored by the user.]

[When the controllable time is exhausted, the controlled target will be automatically discarded.]

[Do you want to apply corrosion?]

'Indeed.'

Looking at the message, it seems that not just any spaceship can be corroded; it depends on the size.

'This part probably changes according to the type acquisition or evolutionary stage.'

Whether the Escape Line can dominate the maximum size with corrosive tentacles is still unknown.

This part may require securing a different ship to find out.

'The corrosion time is quite long.'

It seems challenging to use the tactic of infiltrating an enemy battleship and seizing control secretly.

Of course, this aspect could be reduced by acquiring types or other means.

'But the fortunate thing is that the controllable time is quite substantial.'

Since it is proportional to the energy I possess, if I consume a lot of nutrients, the controllable time should increase.

'This should be enough.'

Now, I just need to head to the Space Poison's territory for hyper-speed navigation.

Having almost grasped the effects of the newly acquired trait, I attempted to collect the corrosive tentacles.

At that moment, Number 26, who was eating the remaining food in the dining compartment, looked at me.

[ZZZ ZZZ (Hello)]

'Huh?'

The Horizon of Nightmares only imposed restrictions on the 'Symbol of Hunt', so my concerns did not materialize since there were no restrictions on possessed traits.

Even though I greeted Number 26 it did not respond.

It seemed either surprised by the changed appearance or its body flickered.

Adhai, who came out from behind, also looked at me, flapping her wings in surprise.

｢Adult｣ ｢Growth｣ ｢Ended?｣

[ZZZ ZZ (Yes)]

｢You｣ ｢Moved｣ ｢Adult｣ ｢Impressive｣ ｢Impressive!｣

Adhai ran to me and circled around me.

Whether it found my transformation fascinating or not, it circled around and tapped my corrosive tentacles with her front paws.

｢Adult｣ ｢Mouth｣ ｢Many｣

[ZZZZ (Grown)]

｢Great｣

Adhai seemed to be expressing admiration, nodding her head.

Number 26 also approached me and extended its tentacles, touching my corrosive tentacles.

｢Big baby is really cool.｣

[ZZZ ZZ(Thanks)]

The creature that touched me shone brightly in red.

Perhaps, like a sea demon, it seemed to particularly like that several tentacles had appeared on my body.

'I'm glad they like it.'

Since the children were treating me with friendliness, I didn't feel bad either.

'If this were in a game, it would probably be labeled as grotesque.'

If they were players, seeing my current appearance might scare them, but the children are animals, so their sensibilities are different.

Anyway, since they seemed to have sufficiently confirmed my new form, I collected the corrosive tentacles into the backplate.

'Oh.'

Number 26's body seemed to react positively to the corrosive tentacles.

I gave its head a pat, then headed to the control room.

Due to my enlarged body, the originally spacious control room now felt quite cramped.

Especially with the altered body structure, controlling the spaceship with the small arms became rather inconvenient.

-x-X-x-

99

-x-X-x-

The Loose Rock Cartel has some aspects that set it apart from typical space gangs. Usually, cartel ships make a living by raiding the spacecraft of other species. If they succeed in plundering a superior ship, they often discard their old vessel and switch to the new one.

As a result, most cartels focus only on the armament of the ships they operate, neglecting other aspects. However, the Loose Rock Cartel is an exception to this norm.

Their primary source of income is the capture and smuggling of rare animals. Plundering is merely a supplementary source of revenue for them. Consequently, they have many considerations beyond the armament of their ships.

This includes facilities for safely storing captured animals, storage for feeding the animals, as well as facilities for loading reconnaissance vehicles used to capture creatures that inhabit space.

With many requirements to fulfill, Loose Rock Cartel ships are relatively large compared to the scale of other cartels. With a length of 300m and a height of 70m, their space vessels are substantial, almost rivaling the small frigates of the Megacorp in size.

The name of the Loose Rock Cartel's ship is the Colossal raider. The name was given by Millo after he plundered a StarUnion trading vessel a long time ago.

The colossal raider was approaching a new prey.

"We have 10 minutes until we reach the signal."

"We're here, so why isn't it visible?"

The gigantic display in the control room showed nothing but endless darkness.

Skywhales are creatures that emit light from their bodies, similar to creatures living in the depths of the sea. Their light is beautiful and sharp, making them easily visible from a great distance in the vast emptiness of space.

Milho commanded his subordinates,

"Double-check the signal."

"It should be visible by now…"

At that moment, an emergency signal sounded in the control room. It was a signal sent by Calvin, the central AI computer controlling the ship.

[Collision alert! Collision alert!]

In an instant, a black ship appeared on the display. The distance between their ship and the incoming vessel was extremely close. Millo shouted in shock,

"Damn it! Initiate emergency evasive maneuvers now!"

"Everyone, be careful!"

The evasive maneuver caused the ship's hull to sway significantly. The black ship they saw on the display passed them and disappeared beyond the screen.

The pirates in the control room screamed and tumbled to the floor. Millo, being a skilled warrior of the Wolfen race, did not lose his composure when he fell. He urgently shouted,

"You lazy kids! Check the cargo instead of lying around! Is everything intact?"

"Yes, yes!" In response to the captain's frustrated command, the crew quickly checked the computer to ensure there was no damage inside the ship.

"Why wasn't the ship detected right in front of us?"

"Um, I'll check it."

Vice-captain Starks manipulated the terminal in the control room, patting his numb buttocks. Then his expression became strange.

"Captain."

"What?"

"Do you know that StarUnion ships can detect the electric signals?"

"Of course, I do."

"Well, the electric signal from that ship is not being detected."

"What?"

The Vice-captain displayed the information he had checked on the terminal.

Millo was perplexed because what he said was true.

"What? So, the ship we almost collided with is already a dead ship?"

"Not only that. The life signal we detected is coming from that ship."

"…?"

In other words, the ship they just passed was a contradictory existence that emitted life signals continuously even though the machinery was not functioning at all.

"What kind of mess is this?"

While Millo and Starks were contemplating, someone in the control room muttered.

"I-it's a ghost ship…."

Millo frowned at the statement.

"Who said that? Where in the universe are ghosts?"

"W…well, Captain, you know! D…Dbara Cartel got into trouble with a ghost ship, and it got completely wrecked…."

A few months ago, the Dbara Cartel, losers in the C-08 sector, completely collapsed due to a mysterious incident.

According to rumors, the captain and Vice-captain of the Dbara Cartel went raiding as usual and encountered a ghost ship, leading to their disappearance.

"We're pirates, but we can't beat ghosts!"

"We need to run away immediately!"

Millo slammed the control room floor with force. When his footprints remained on the solid metal panel, all the pirates fell silent.

"Shut up, all of you. There's no ghost ship."

"But…Captain! But…!"

"Think logically. If it's C-08, it's hundreds of light-years away from here. Would a ghost ship travel this far at faster-than-light speed?"

"W…well, it's a ghost ship, so maybe it's possible?"

"For fuck's sake, it shoots plasma cannons and penetrates shields as a ghost. What nonsense."

Seeing the pirates regain composure in Captain Millo's calm attitude, he gave an order.

"We need to confirm what that ship is. Starks, you go in with the kids."

"Me?"

"Sending scared idiots alone is more dangerous, so you take command yourself."

"…"

"Stark, don't worry. I'll be watching, so you'll be fine."

"Sigh. Yes, Captain."

Starks nodded with a resigned expression.

Regardless, capturing a ship was more profitable than a loss. All the cargo inside became theirs.

'I wonder what's inside.'

After sending the Vice-captain, Millo observed the mysterious ship displayed on the screen.

***

'Here it comes.'

I opened my eyes, sensing the approaching ship. It had been a week since I arrived in the I-97 sector. During this time, I had been relentlessly checking the functions of the corroded ship.

'The ability for faster-than-light travel is reassuring.'

The biggest advantage when corroding a ship is that I can utilize most of its functions, similar to my own body. In addition to basic navigation functions, faster-than-light travel using the warp engine was easily achievable. In this case, I could consume the residual energy in the ship instead of my own.

'If not for this, maintaining the ship for a long time would have been difficult.'

Moreover, although it couldn't be confirmed without a turret, this ship likely had the capability for cannon fire.

'Since I can draw and use plasma energy, it should be possible.'

Another advantage was that I could change the structure of the ship into the form I desired.

'It's like a nest where my traits can be utilized.'

From the moment corrosion was complete, this ship became a living entity, almost like a nest. Additionally, the ability to change the ship's structure allowed me to create traps using my characteristics.

'I've made good use of the monster's tentacles.'

The ship that came to me was here because I created a giant monster tentacle inside the ship, causing a disturbance. They probably mistook it for a Skywhale or a Gallagon. At first glance, it seemed only advantageous, but as in life, there were undoubtedly disadvantages.

'It's a shame I can't move when controlling the ship.'

The tentacle from my dorsal armor that came out during corrosion is connected to the ship, rendering movement impossible. While I could call the kids or make slight movements, actual locomotion was out of the question. Additionally, I couldn't use physical traits due to the golden restriction.

'If it were possible, I could have used them freely while dominating the ship.'

If I could use physical traits while dominating the ship, the possibilities would be endless. I could attach wings to the outer wall of the ship for planetary atmosphere travel, or combine biting power with metal absorption traits to chew up other ships and reinforce the main body.

'At least, the fortunate thing is that I can create a new corrosion tentacle even in a connected state.'

The corrosion tentacles in my body must remain connected to the ship, making them unusable. However, I can create new corrosion tentacles near my inner or outer walls.

'But that doesn't necessarily mean I can control a new ship while controlling another one.'

Once corrosion is complete, my mind becomes connected to the ship. While I would need to confirm when the ship gets closer, it's likely impossible to corrode a new ship while in control of another one.

'Well, it's a shame, but the specs of the corrosion tentacles themselves aren't bad.'

Even without special functions, I can use these tentacles for hunting or preying on enemies.

'Since the corrosion tentacles have mouths, I might be able to acquire genetic material.'

Although I haven't tried it due to a lack of experimental subjects, it seems quite feasible.

'By the way, the ship is larger than I thought.'

As the ship approached, its size became more apparent. It was almost three times larger than the ship I dominate. Among space gangs, it's uncommon for a ship of this size to be operated, usually reserved for top cartels or those focusing on smuggling.

'It doesn't seem like a top cartel, judging by the detected personnel. The numbers are too low.'

My guess is that they are smugglers, and not just ordinary ones, but at a considerable level.

'The smuggling facilities are well-equipped. Additionally, there aren't many, but they have recon ships.'

In appearance, it resembled a StarUnion trading ship or a Megacorp raiding frigate, but it's not certain.

'I'll need to go inside that ship to confirm the details.'

If my assumptions about the ship are correct, it wouldn't be a bad vessel to switch to.

'If it's a smuggling ship, there should be plenty to plunder.'

Moreover, targeting a smuggling ship would provide access to information about smuggled animals stored in the ship's computer. This includes details about what lives on each planet and safe routes for planetary infiltration.

'Considering the Transcendence Stage 2, I need to capture not only sentient beings but also wild creatures.'

In fact, aside from the Transcendence Stage 2, various types of genes are needed during the evolution from Pre-Saint to Quasi-Saint Stage.

'It seems like the next destination is roughly determined.'

Of course, securing control of that ship comes first.

'It's a bit larger than expected.'

Coincidentally, the ship is attempting to dock toward our direction.

Before welcoming the guests, I need to check if domination is possible.

I concentrated my mind and created corrosion tentacles on the outer wall of the ship I control.

A slender docking port emerged from the enemy ship, attaching itself to the ship I dominate.

During this time, the corrosion tentacles secretly attached to the lower part of the docking port.

The translucent text box that appears when selecting a corrosion target guided me.

'As expected. I can't dominate it immediately.'

Since I was already in control of a ship, I couldn't corrode a new one. Still, I could check whether it was a suitable target or not.

'Let's see.'

The corrosion tentacles, having completed the check, reported the results to me.

'It's fortunate that domination is possible.'

While it's rare news that even a pirate ship over three times larger is a corrosion target, it comes with some accompanying issues.

'First, the time it takes for corrosion is longer than when dominating this ship.'

'It takes five hours to complete the corrosion.'

Moreover, the duration for maintaining control is only ten days.

'As the size of the domination target increases, the energy required to maintain it also increases.'

In other words, after absorbing as much energy as possible, it's necessary to corrode the pirate ship for an extended period of control.

'I need to move carefully.'

I retrieved the corrosion tentacles protruding from the outer wall.

'Since it's been a week, there's no problem moving the ship itself.'

However, since I don't have much energy, I need to prepare once I switch to that ship.

'I should hunt reasonably and gather energy.'

Consuming smugglers and smuggled animals inside that ship should provide enough energy to dominate the ship for an extended period.

After that, when the opportunity arises to complete the corrosion, the ship will be mine.

'Rather than that, should I deal with those who boarded this ship first?'

Exploration teams or some group started crossing over to this side through the docking port. I weakened the door connected to the port, making it easier for them to enter the ship.

"What? Why is it so weak?"

"Because it saves time, isn't it?"

"Stop the nonsense and let's get in."

The voices of the pirates entering the ship were transmitted into my mind.

As this ship is my nest and an extension of my body, I can know everything about their words, actions, and even physical conditions.

'They're wearing spacesuits.'

The pirates were aware in advance that this ship was a dead ship and wore spacesuits. Also, each of them carried various types of weapons to respond to potential crisis situations.

Even bombs were brought in case they deemed this spacecraft problematic.

'Well, it's meaningless anyway.'

The weapons they were carrying might be useful when dealing with dangerous wild animals, but the entity awaiting them now is not a mere creature.

Who could have imagined that the ship they're disembarking from would target them?

[Let's split up and search.]

[Yeah.]

[Oh, Justin. Go to the engine room and check the status. Engines are expensive, you know.]

[Understood.]

The incoming group of pirates began to split up to quickly search the inside of the ship.

'Good.'

Before their arrival, I radically changed the internal structure of the ship. It's almost like a maze.

'Moreover, there are many traps.'

I closed my eyes again. One of the labyrinth passages inside the ship connected to the engine room where I was located.

***

"Damn, it's so eerie."

In an instant, the one referred to as Justin, walked unknowingly toward the engine room through the newly altered passage.

"Oh? This should definitely be the engine room."

Working as an engineer for the Loose Rock Cartel, Justin was knowledgeable about the structure of ships, be it of Megacorp or of Star Union. The current passenger ship they entered had a three-story structure, with the engine room located on the bottom floor. Normally, he should be seeing stairs leading down by now, but in front of him was an endlessly long corridor.

"What's this?"

This ship is not as massive as the Loose Rock Cartel's ship, the Kelvinho. By now, he should have reached the opposite side since he walked continuously without stopping.

"Something's strange."

In the ominous atmosphere, Justin activated the communicator inside his spacesuit.

"Vice-captain Starks, sir?"

[Bzzt…what…bzzt…is this…bzzt]

"Vice-captain?"

｢Bzzt…monster…bzzt…retreat…bzzt｣

The communication device emitted only unintelligible words and an unpleasant noise.

"…Well it's nothing serious, right?"

The Colossal raider is waiting outside. If something had happened on this ship, they would have taken action sooner. So, he forced himself to ease his anxiety and continued forward.

'Now what should I do? motion sensor! If I activate that…!'

He hurriedly pulled out a small device from his tool pack attached to his waist. It was a motion sensor that detects the movement of living organisms, displaying signals on the machine's radar when there is movement nearby. As he activated the motion sensor, a green light emanated from the machine.

"Alright… huh?"

Looking at the results on the radar, he doubted his own eyes. Signals were being displayed from the entire surrounding area.

"Wh-what is this?"

A signal was displayed right in front of him. Astonished, he lifted his head and faced "them."

Eyes were appearing all over the corridor where he stood, glaring at him.

Eyes shining in purple on the black walls.

Facing the eyes, Justin found himself screaming in terror.

Avoiding those frightening gazes as if mad, he ran frantically.

In front of him as he fled, there was a door.

A door leading to the engine room, which had been completely invisible until now, was waiting for him.

"Come… this… way…"

Was it an auditory hallucination caused by extreme fear? Or was it the ship's heart calling him?

Justin couldn't determine who the caller was.

To him, desperately longing for someone's guidance, the identity of the caller didn't matter.

In response to the call, Justin opened the door to the engine room.

-x-X-x-

"Starks? No signal from this side."

[zzzz…help…zzzz｣

"What? I can't hear you! Say it again!"

｢zzz..zzzz….this place….zzzz…is…zzzz…here｣

"Damn it!"

As the communication ended, Milo cursed loudly.

"Hey! Is the communication not restored yet?"

"I'll check."

Until they passed the docking port, everything seemed fine. Thanks to the signal chip attached to the spacesuit, the signal was displayed well, and communication proceeded smoothly, except for some minor noise.

However, after they entered the ship, one by one, they disappeared from the detector, and communication became silent.

"The signal is fine, but there seems to be something interfering in the middle."

"How can we resolve it?"

"Well, it seems we'll have to go in and handle it ourselves."

Knowing the kind of situations people entering might face, should they send someone else.

'Just abandon them?'

Milo, like any typical space smuggler, wasn't one to cherish the lives of his subordinates.

'But Starks and Justin are a bit valuable.'

The chief engineer had been working with Milo for a long time, and Justin was a somewhat valuable engineer within the space smuggling community.

While he was contemplating whether to abandon them or not, a subordinate from the situation room called him.

"Captain, there's a signal appearing."

"Yeah? Who is it?"

"It's Justin."

When Justin mentioned the cult of the Wolf God, his movements appeared on the detection system, and the illuminated indicator on the detector was getting closer to the connected docking port.

"Did he go to the engine room? Why is he coming back?"

"I don't know."

"Turn the docking port camera."

The camera screen appeared at the bottom of the situation room's large display.

After a while, Justin walked into the docking port.

He had apparently discarded the transparent helmet somewhere, and he was not wearing it. Thanks to that, his pale face was clearly captured by the camera.

"Huh? Why is he not wearing the helmet?"

"Oh, damn! He's carrying a bomb!"

Justin was carrying the bomb that he had given to the chief engineer with the instruction to detonate it if there was nothing valuable on the ship.

"If it explodes inside the docking port, the damage will be severe!"

"I know, damn it! Hey, turn on the speaker!"

Milo quickly picked up the microphone and called Justin.

"Justin! What are you doing right now?"

[Captain.]

Justin, carrying the bomb absentmindedly, stopped in his tracks.

"Where's Starks, and why are you carrying that bomb?"

[Captain, I…]

When Milo looked at him, Justin didn't seem to be in his right mind. It was suspicious that he had the bomb given to the chief engineer in the first place, and it was strange that he was walking around without a helmet inside the spaceship when they didn't know what might be inside it.

But if that guy detonates the bomb at the docking port, the Colossal Raider will undoubtedly suffer significant damage.

[I'm scared.]

"Hey, what's so scary? Where is there anything a pirate like you should be afraid of?"

While Milo was talking to Justin, he signaled to his subordinates.

It was to block all the surrounding areas connected to the docking port on the Colossal Raider.

"Enough. Put down the bomb and come in to talk. Okay?"

[Captain, you don't know anything. I'm trying to protect the Colossal Raider.]

"What? Suddenly talking nonsense,"

Justin, who was staring at the camera, laughed strangely.

[Keuk…no…it's already too late. Darkness, darkness will devour this ship.]

"What?"

[Kugh…kugh…kugh…kugh]

"Wait…!"

Smiling as if his mouth had split open, Justin pressed the switch of the bomb.

Before Milo could stop him, the bomb exploded, shaking the hull significantly.

'It's done.'

As soon as I felt the vibrations on the ship, I prepared to leave the ship.

'First, the rescue.'

I changed the structure of the ship to connect the area where the explosion occurred, the engine room, and the place where the kids were.

The black walls squirmed and changed shape, and the space where Number 26 and Adhai were connected to the engine room as one.

Number 26, pushing dozens of tentacles into the helmet, and Adhai, sucking blood after removing the helmet, looked at me and shouted.

｢Big baby!｣

｢I｣｢Hunt｣｢Success｣

[ZZZZ ZZZ ZZZZ(Well done, everyone)]

About half of the intruders into the ship fell into the trap I set.

There were some who resisted trying to escape, but Number 26 and Adhai took care of them.

'It's fortunate that the corrosive tentacles also have a predation effect.'

Amorph's predation effect doesn't appear by eating dead bodies.

Precisely, it only counts when I consume a creature that 'I killed.' Similarly, for the evolutionary condition of capturing an intelligent species, only the creatures I killed are counted.

We have to cross over before the protective door surrounding this area closes. Almost simultaneously with me, Number 26 and Adhai landed without hesitation and followed behind me. In the distance, at the end of the corridor, an as-yet-unsealed protective door is visible.

'Camera.'

Through the auxiliary organs, I sensed the movement of surveillance cameras beyond the protective door. While running, I extended the corrosive tentacles and destroyed the surveillance cameras. Anyway, if I want to control this ship, I'll have to face the pirates directly, but there's no need to get caught unnecessarily.

After destroying the surveillance cameras, we were able to barely cross the protective door.

'Infiltration was successful without any issues.'

Repair personnel will come soon. Before that, we need to leave this place.

[ZZZ ZZZZ(over there)]

While controlling Justin, I heard that there might be a hiding place on the pirate ship. According to Justin, this ship is a modification based on the Star Union's cargo ship, where the first and second floors are entirely used as cargo holds.

Usually, live animals or cargo for sale are stored in the cargo holds, but currently, the ship is returning after completing a trade, so some of the cargo holds are empty.

'The goods are stored only on the second floor, and the first floor is empty.'

Since there's nothing to guard, and the surveillance personnel patrol roughly, it's a perfect place for me to hide.

'Our location is on the third floor.'

If we go straight, we'll definitely be caught on camera. The rear is closed by the protective door, and the only available path is on the opposite side. If we go that way, there's a high chance of encountering pirates coming to repair the area.

'Let's go through the floor.'

Once I go down to the second floor, I'll have to find another way or something. I inflicted a wound on my arm, letting acidic blood fall to the floor. As the sturdy metal plate corroded, a pungent smoke rose.

'It's not good that I've grown in size.'

Number 26, who can shrink its body, and Adhai, can easily escape through the hole that has just been created. However, I can't. Shedding more blood to quickly enlarge the hole, I grabbed the edge of the corroded floor with my combat arm and widened it significantly.

'The hole is large, but…'

That side is probably due to the explosion in the isolated area. Of course, during repairs, they will realize that it was not caused by an explosion, but it doesn't matter. By then, the situation will be chaotic enough that it won't matter who created these traces.

[ZZZ ZZZZ ZZZ(go down first)]

｢Yes.｣

I sent Number 26 and Adhai down first, and not far away, I detected movements of people. Pirates wearing space suits were coming here to repair the damaged area.

'Should I use the newly acquired trait?'

I briefly considered it but gave up.

'No, there are many other ways.'

Providing crucial information to the enemies early on is not desirable. Instead of using the newly acquired ability, I used the Dreadful Overseer on one of the pirates beyond the corridor. At the moment they were about to pass the corner, a pirate in the middle began to glow in terror.

"Ah, aaah!"

"Why is this guy acting like this?"

"Darkness! Darkness is swallowing us! Aaah!"

While other pirates were trying to calm their terrified comrade, I melted the floor and leaped downward. Various facilities related to animals, such as numerous containers, large cryogenic capsules, and rectangular prisons with alloy iron bars, came into view.

[ZZZZ ZZZ(this way)]

Using the auxiliary organ to detect the area, I sensed that there seemed to be stairs in that direction. We ran towards the direction of the stairs. The camera installed on the stairs shot quills to neutralize it. After hiding in a corner of the first-floor cargo hold, we could finally catch our breath.

'Okay. Now that we're here, what's next…'

While contemplating what to do next, a deafening noise came from above. It was the sound of the plasma turrets mounted on the pirate ship firing. The target was probably the abandoned ship that I had dominated and discarded. The pirate reconnaissance team is all dead, and the ship is damaged, so the captain of this ship must have received quite a blow.

'Now enjoy the captain's seat to your heart's content.'

That position will soon be mine.

"They've really messed things up."

"How do we fix this?"

Engineers from the Ruslak Cartel sighed while wearing space suits.

"Since the captain is furious, we have to handle it somehow. Huri and I will take care of the outer wall, so Cooper, you handle the inside."

"Understood."

Cooper, holding a metal injector, headed inside alone to repair the damage that occurred inside the ship. The metal injector, shaped like a welding machine but the size of a human, is a tool commonly used for repairing giant artificial structures like ships.

By connecting several alloy plates to the device and activating it, liquid alloy comes out from the tip of the injector to weld the damaged area. While repairing with the metal injector for a while, he noticed something strange.

"This wasn't caused by an explosion, was it?"

The hole in front of the protective door had edges that seemed to be melted, as if acidic liquid had been poured. To check the lower part, he lifted his head.

At that moment, a hand reached out from the hole and grabbed his helmet.

"!"

Without being able to scream, he was dragged into the hole. All that remained where Cooper was standing was the lonely metal injector.

A few minutes later, Huri, who was repairing the outer wall, came in for a break.

"What's up? Where did Cooper go?"

Seeing only the metal injector in front of a sizable hole, he shook his head.

"Cooper! Where are you?"

"He's…downstairs."

"Why did he go down there?"

There was no reply. Hui waited for Cooper to come up, but he was nowhere in sight. Helplessly, he jumped down into the hole.

"Hey! What are you doing from the cargo hold?"

"It's…here."

The cargo hold had minimal light to avoid stimulating the smuggled animals. Hui knew that fact, but even considering it, the place was much darker than usual.

"Did the lights go out?"

Still not sensing anything strange, Hui followed the voice.

'Did it come from the stairs?'

Hui knew that currently, there were no stored creatures or cargo on the first floor. Thinking of it as a joke, he descended the stairs.

"Cooper?"

Earlier, he thought the second floor was quite dark, but compared to that, the first floor was incomparable.

"Cooper! It's too dark; I can't see anything!"

As he shouted, a white light turned on in the distance. Hui, not realizing it was a helmet-mounted flashlight, followed the light with relief.

"What on earth are you doing here…"

Following the light, Hui met Cooper, whom he had been looking forward to seeing. However, Cooper looked very different from what he had expected.

He wasn't wearing a helmet.

To be precise, Cooper didn't have a head to wear a helmet.

Then where is the light that illuminates them coming from?

Hui's gaze followed the light upward.

About 5 meters high, four long fingers held Cooper's helmet.

"Why…are you here now?"

With those words, the light on Cooper's helmet went out.

What remained afterward was nothing but the profound darkness that seemed to swallow even the terminal despair.

-x-X-x-

"What time do you think the repairs will be finished?"

"It'll take some time."

"Sigh, it's taking quite long. Oh, and it seems like the camera is also malfunctioning, repair that as well."

I told Justin and ended the communication.

'Let's reorganize.'

As I gnawed at the engineer's arm, I pondered.

Before seizing control of the ship, what should I prioritize? Originally, the plan was to secure the energy necessary to maintain dominance after invading the pirate vessel. I thought that if there was a shortage of energy after corrosion was complete, we'd swiftly lose control of the ship.

'But the situation has slightly changed.'

When I previously dominated the ship of the MegaCorp, I devoured the pirates. Not by directly tearing them apart and consuming them, but by creating corrosive tentacles inside the ship.

'The duration of maintaining control after consuming them increased.'

After dominating the ship, I speculated that it might be impossible to obtain additional energy. However, my assumption was wrong. Even by devouring enemies with the corrosive tentacles, my stored energy increased.

'Eating them with the corrosive tentacles is akin to consuming food orally.'

Seeing the predatory effect displayed on one of the pirates, it is nearly confirmed. It means there's no need to aim for energy acquisition through corrosion.

'Still, I can't recklessly use corrosion.'

During corrosion, I have to remain motionless for 5 hours without the ability to cancel it. Being immobile makes it challenging to flexibly respond to enemy attacks.

"It's better to use corrosion safely a little later."

Approximately 300m long, this massive ship contains a total of 85 pirates. The fewer their numbers, the more advantageous for me.

'At least I need to lessen their numbers.'

What should I aim for first? According to Justin, this ship carries numerous powerful bombs used to destroy evidence after raiding another vessel.

'To be honest, it doesn't seem like they'll self-destruct because of just me.'

But it wasn't certain too as if cornered, one cannot predict their actions and can do anything for their own survival. Perhaps the captain might secretly install bombs among the crew and escape alone via a jet.

'Let's prevent the escape first.'

If I destroy the jet within the ship, they won't dare to use bombs rashly. Then, by clearing out the bombs, their means to threaten me significantly decrease.

'The jet is in the hangar.'

Because I used the hijacking trait as a material for the nightmare's horizon, currently, I can't neutralize the surveillance cameras. Though who knows, maybe if I reintegrate the hijacking, it won't be easy to navigate to the hangar, dodging the enemies' attention with this physique.

However, nothing in this world is impossible.

'Let's start by making the nest.'

I crouched down after stuffing the engineer's corpse into my mouth. Similar black viscous fluid, akin to what emerged while corroding the ship, oozed from various holes in my body.

'Since it's just temporary, there's no need to make it perfect.'

If I can thoroughly monitor enemies within a radius of 100 meters from where I stand, that's sufficient. The semi-hardened mucous substances were gradually forming spores and tendrils, slowly expanding the area.

'When the nest size roughly surpasses the area I'm lying in, I affixed the auxiliary organ on top of it. I felt a sensation akin to when I first used the corrosion tentacles, with my body being pulled into the metal panels of the ship.'

Having confirmed the successful link with the nest, I checked the area detectable by the nest.

'Alright. This should suffice.'

I created a small but operable nest, so it's time to move on to the next step. I have traits obtained from killing pirates on the escape line.

'I've had a few chances to use it but refrained, now it's time to utilize it.'

[Tooth Fairy Nest: A mechanism that generates a pack of voracious fleas with sharp teeth called 'Tooth Fairy Swarm.' It can be generated up to 3 times a day, with a controllable radius of a hundred meters.]

[TL/N: Who on earth came up with such a name?]

Since boarding the pirate ship, aside from the holes where the corrosion tentacles emerge, my outer reinforced skin was adorned with pouches in other areas.

These pouches house the combat-oriented parasites known as the 'Tooth Fairy Swarm.' It's a trait created by merging physical traits like biting force and infection-related traits like fleas.

'It was unexpected that I would obtain fleas trait could mainly be obtained from wild animals here in this ship.'

It's a trait commonly obtained with a high probability when consuming animals covered in fur. I didn't expect to acquire it here.

'Perhaps smugglers were involved?'

One of the pirates who boarded from the escape line was already infected with fleas. When I devoured him along with the fleas attached to his body, I gained a new trait.

'The flea itself isn't particularly useful.'

It's a trait with a negative effect similar to itching. Holding the trait permanently causes a condition called chronic itchiness.

'But it changes entirely when merged with the physical type trait biting force.'

When combined with the biting force trait, it transforms into a usable infection-related trait.

'Come forth, my darlings.'

Upon activating the Tooth Fairy Nest, the egg chambers on their backs burst open, releasing black insects. They had large teeth and mouths instead of eyes on their heads, resembling ordinary fleas except for being the size of a child's palm.

Unlike original fleas that suck blood, these Tooth Fairies tear and devour anything with their sharp teeth. These loyal soldiers don't discriminate between flesh or metal; they simply tear apart whatever I command them to.

'Line up, all of you.'

Dozens of Tooth Fairies obediently gathered in front of me. Number 26, who was devouring an engineer in a spacesuit nearby, approached upon witnessing this scene.

｢Wow? Who are they?｣

Number 26 sparkled with fascination as the Tooth Fairy Swarm gathered together.

[ZZZ ZZZZ ZZZ (They are the creatures that I made)]

｢You made them? Are these the offsprings of the big baby?｣

"[ZZZ ZZZ ZZZZ (Similar, but a bit different)]"

｢They're not your offsprings?｣

Similar to the domination limit displayed in the tooltip, the Tooth Fairies are a kind of summon created through me.

'They're consumables meant to divert enemies' attention or ambush them from unexpected places.'

'I've used them effectively in games as well.'

Unlike parasitic entities in games functioning as a kind of debuff skill, the Tooth Fairies are implemented as combat-oriented summons. They prove quite helpful for Amorph, who can only play solo.

'To be honest, their specifications aren't particularly great.'

These fearsome fleas have swift movements and high attack power, but their limitations are distinct. Due to their swarm-like nature, they have almost no defense. Even a laser rifle shot would kill them. Against creatures with strong strength like Hulk mutants, they could be easily squashed.

'Hence, I need to use them effectively to get my money's worth.'

Although it's unfortunate news for the pirates, I excel in making good use of the Tooth Fairies.

'Take your positions.'

Upon hearing my command, the Tooth Fairy Swarm bounced away, disappearing up the cargo bay's stairs. Their appearances weren't visible, but the distinct signals they emitted were continuously being transmitted to my auxiliary organ.

The destination of the Tooth Fairy Swarm was the hangar containing the escape jets.

'The hangar is located near the forward section of the third-floor hull.'

Using their sturdy hind legs to spring around, they swiftly ascended to the third floor and turned into the corridor leading to the hangar.

'Pirates in the middle.'

Having anticipated the pirates' movements through the nest, I signaled the Tooth Fairies.

The voracious fleas chewed up nearby air vents and slipped inside to hide.

"Motion sensors detected something here."

"I don't see anything."

"Damn, is it a ghost haunting the ship or what?"

The pirates, carrying motion-detecting devices, wandered around the corridor, which was displaying warning signals, but eventually left for elsewhere as they weren't able to see anyone.

As I couldn't sense the pirates' movements, I commanded again.

' Go forward.'

The Tooth Fairy Swarm, bounding down the corridor, suddenly spotted the entrance to the hangar. In front of the door stood two guards smaller than me but significantly larger than regular humans.

One resembled a gorilla-like monster, and the other had a head akin to a rhinoceros. Despite their different appearances, there was one striking similarity: metal plates were implanted all over their bodies.

'Hulk mutants?'

Their gruesome appearance, a mishmash of various genes, revealed their identity as Hulk mutants. Yawning with boredom, they stood guarding.

'There are two Hulk mutants ahead.'

I ordered the Tooth Fairy Swarm to retreat. Confronting the Hulk mutants with them would be impossible. With every Tooth Fairy striking the mutants, they'd perish one by one. Even if the Tooth Fairies could potentially kill the Hulk mutants, I wouldn't allow it.

'They're a precious collection of genes that I can't afford to lose.'

I decided to deal with those two mutants later and directed the Tooth Fairy Swarm to enter through the vents. It might take a detour, but infiltrating through the vents into the hangar's was preferable.

The voracious fleas stood in rows of two, walking within the ventilation ducts. It would be a truly transcendental sight if someone else, other than me, witnessed it.

'These are vents.'

Controlling the Tooth Fairy Swarm, I suddenly remembered the time I first became an Amorph, starting life in the cargo bay of the MegaCorp research vessel. I roamed the vents, hunting while evading people's gazes.

Now, I was trying to reverse-hunt numerous pirates within a much larger ship than the research vessel.

'We're in.'

It took some time, but the Tooth Fairy Swarm safely arrived in front of the vent attached to the ceiling of the hangar. As fate would have it, the vent in the hangar ceiling was of the same rotating style as in the cargo bay of the former research vessel.

'Attack and destroy everything.'

Back then, I risked my life to avoid the vent's blades, but not anymore. Dozens of Tooth Fairies bit and chewed the machine devices near the vent's edge. Sparks flew, and the vent slowly decelerated before finally stopping.

The Tooth Fairies demolished the blades and jumped down into the hangar. Inside, the old-style Star Union fighter jets were parked.

'Destroy them all.'

The Tooth Fairies, baring their sharp teeth, adhered to the undersides of the fighter jets. Although there were cameras inside, unless someone paid close attention, it'd be challenging to notice the Tooth Fairies' movements. Their bodies were the same pitch-black as the floor, and they were only the size of a child's palm.

Given that such creatures were only roaming beneath the jets, if seen through the camera, it'd likely be mistaken for mice scurrying about.

How much time had passed?

The thick door of the hangar opened, and a series of armed groups entered the hangar.

"Anomalies detected inside the hangar!"

"What are you idiots doing outside when there's trouble inside?"

"Hey…we…uh…did our best! Cryin' out loud!"

"You damn useless idiots!"

The pirates quickly realized the anomaly inside the hangar, faster than I anticipated. They started searching under the jets using flashlights.

Argh!

'These crazy bug!'

As the fleas attacked the pirates, the pirates panicked and started shooting. Within the dimly lit hangar, every flash of red laser signaled the eruption of Tooth Fairies.

"Aah! Get this thing off me!"

"Argh! My face!"

Some surviving Tooth Fairies clung to the pirates' bodies, gnawing on their flesh with razor-like teeth, eliciting screams of agony as their skin was torn.

"Help! Someone help!"

"You damn insect! Get it off me, now!"

Though the Tooth Fairies were more formidable than expected, unfortunately, there were no fatalities on the pirates' side. The Hulk mutant guards were pulling off the Tooth Fairies attached to the pirates using their bare hands.

Consequently, the Tooth Fairy Swarm that entered the hangar was wiped out in an instant. However, it wasn't a massive disappointment.

"Damn it! The fighter jets are all wrecked, aren't they?"

They had adequately served my purpose.

'The escape route is blocked.'

And though they might not realize it, it wasn't over yet. Suddenly, egg sacs grew on the armor and burst, encircling me with a new swarm of Tooth Fairies.

'The fighter jets are dealt with.'

The next targets were the explosives stored in the armory. Hunting wasn't merely about chasing prey. It involved preparation before the hunt, understanding the prey in advance, positioning it as desired—essential factors for a successful hunt.

They didn't know me, where I was, or my condition. There were only three differences between them and me: the prey and the hunter.

"Once all the bombs are cleared…"

This desolate space was the only survival spot in the harsh universe. It would turn into darkness, swallowing the foolish prey.

-x-X-x-

It had been a day since the Colossal Raider entered Sector I-97. During that day, there were many events within the Loose Rock Cartel, to be more precise, many "unfortunate" events.

"Hurry up! We need to build a defense line before that creature crosses the zone!"

At the rear of the Colossal Raider, the remaining pirates were busy barricading. This place was the last stronghold because the mysterious monster that attacked their ship had taken control of the entire front area.

One of Milo's subordinates captured the identity of the monster on camera just before falling victim to it.

When Milo saw the creature's appearance, he couldn't believe his eyes. The entity slaughtering pirates as it roamed the ship looked like a pink balloon, resembling a bubble amoeba, except for the fact that it had enormous tentacles exceeding its body.

"Can a bubble amoeba really kill people?"

Milo knew that bubble amoebas were harmless herbivores living on plankton in the ocean. However, this one was different. It tore its victims apart with bizarre strength and, contrary to its whimsical appearance, moved quite swiftly.

It mocked the fleeing pirates with its tentacles, capturing them effortlessly and tearing their limbs apart.

In different circumstances, Milo might have found this peculiar bubble amoeba intriguing. Bubble amoebas are not known for killing people by engulfing them with tentacles or disintegrating them with psychic powers.

The problem was that half of the pirates who boarded because of this bubble amoeba had fallen victim to it. They were not only captured but also devoured by the creature.

"Damn, it's all screwed up. We can't withstand this."

Milo's subordinates in front of him were working frantically to install what looked like adult-sized turrets – officially called APDT (Automatic Point Defense Turret). These were primarily used by the StarUnion for security and self defense.

Other species often nicknamed them as "storm guns" because of their storm-like saturation of firepower.

These turrets use depleted uranium rounds as their default ammunition, with a maximum capacity of a thousand rounds. Unless manually controlled by the user through a terminal, a built-in small AI automatically fires based on motion detection sensors.

Depleted uranium rounds were more affordable than the tungsten rounds of a mega-cannon, but that didn't mean they were cheap.

The large ammunition capacity meant significant credits were consumed with each use. Moreover, obtaining them was challenging if not affiliated with the Star Union.

"The crazy robot bastards don't even spare ammunition for other species."

Thanks to capturing and looting StarUnion trade ships, the Loose Rock Cartel had access to the storm guns and a massive supply of ammunition. However, due to restricted ammunition, they only used them when dealing with tough-skinned creatures, akin to mountain crawlers.

"At least they keep the second arsenal in reserve."

The first arsenal located at the ship's front had been devastated by the monster's attack, resulting in the loss of all the bombs and weapons inside.

If Milo hadn't built the second arsenal in anticipation of such events, they would have all become prey for the monster long ago.

"Captain! Storm guns installation completed!"

"Good. How about the Beta team?"

"Storm guns installed! Returning to the situation room!"

Having activated the storm guns, Milo retreated to the rear area with his subordinates. While engineers closed bulkheads and welded during the retreat, others repeated the tasks they had been doing.

"Captain?"

"What?"

"The ship's AI has something to report. It's about changes in the surrounding environment."

"I'll check it later since I'm busy."

Milo ended the communication from the situation room and, with his subordinates, carried the storm guns.

"Damn, as the captain, I never thought I'd be dealing with this."

The ship was a mess due to the mysterious monster, and the storm guns had wiped out a considerable amount of credits. On top of that, Milo had to endure such hardships for the sake of his captain's dignity. Milo, with a complicated mind, quickly forgot about the communication from the situation room.

***

Having successfully cleared the bombs without significant issues, I immediately initiated corrosion. During the corrosion process, to defend against pirate attacks, I entrusted tasks to Number 26 and Adhai.

Firstly, I assigned Number 26 the role of diverting the pirates' attention. Being with me for a long time, it had become a skilled hunter and should easily be able to suppress the pirates. Of course, since Number 26 could be in danger, I also sent a group of Tooth Fairies with it. The Tooth Fairies were connected to me mentally. If any unforeseen danger occurred for Number 26, they would warn me in advance.

It seemed to like the idea of helping me, but it also enjoyed moving with its beloved group of Tooth Fairy Swarm.

And to Adhai, I assigned the role of protecting me during the corrosion process.

'It's disadvantageous for her to fight indoors.'

While Adhai would be overwhelmingly advantageous in free flight in space, her body was not suitable for fighting inside the ship. Unless it was a spacious area like a cargo hold. Although she seemed displeased that she couldn't go hunting, after a few requests to stay vigilant, she seemed to have eased up.

Even now, she flew slowly around the cargo hold, monitoring who was coming and who wasn't.

'Smooth.'

It had been four hours since I initiated corrosion. If I could endure for just one more hour, the ship would be mine. I had already secured not only the cargo holds on the first and second floors but also the entire third floor. As for the fourth floor, the ship's front was under my control, with only the central and rear areas remaining.

'Seems like they're staging a protest from over there in the situation room.'

They had sealed off the area around the situation room on the aft 4th floor of the ship. Coincidentally, Number 26 was climbing the stairs to the 4th floor using multiple fins.

'Hmm.'

Having cleared all the bombs and turned the armory into a mess, I thought there wouldn't be a significant threat. Nevertheless, just in case:

'I can handle the remaining ones myself.'

There was no need to actively engage those who were passively approaching from over there. After all, once corrosion was complete, they would all be in my hands.

I signaled Number 26.

[ZZZ ZZZ ZZ(Hold on)]

[ ZZZZ ZZZZ ZZZ(Come back now)]

｢Are you okay?｣

[ZZZZ ZZ (Yes)]

Having recalled Number 26 and the Tooth Fairy swarm, I focused on corrosion again.

'It's been a while since things went smoothly like this.'

When I was in the space city, there was hardly any time to relax. Since the discovery of my attempt to leisurely fulfill evolutionary conditions in the apartment complex, new enemies had been constantly appearing.

'Thanks to that, I've accumulated quite a few traits.'

Although I gained some useful ones, it still felt imbalanced.

'I haven't fought much against wild creatures.'

Currently, my abilities were combat-oriented, leaning towards close combat. While I did have ranged attack capabilities, they were limited, and there were many utility-oriented traits missing.

'After taking over the ship, I can go hunt some wild creatures.'

This was based on the smuggling planet information stored in the ship's computer. I would aim for a more diverse range of gene essences there.

While I was organizing my thoughts on what to do next, a message I had been waiting for appeared.

[Corrosion has been completed.]

As soon as the message appeared, my consciousness permeated the entire 300m-wide massive structure on the battlefield.

The feeling was somewhat different from when I dominated the escape pods, perhaps because the ship was so large.

To define this feeling briefly: "Heaviness." It was as if I had become one with a giant creature, like a humpback whale, rather than entering the body of Aymoph.

'It's much larger than a whale, though.'

As I concentrated my mind, I heard the sound of a beating heart in the center.

Originally developed by the Star Union, the reactor now served as the heart of the integrated composite organism.

I drew energy from the reactor and sent it to the cannons mounted on the ship's exterior.

Plasma energy concentrated forcefully on the cannons at my will.

A powerful projectile with destructive energy, surpassing the impact of my psychic breath, was launched.

Feeling the heat of the incandescent projectile rising sharply, I smiled.

'Good. Let's get started.'

This ship was now mine. I'm not merciful enough to leave unauthorized guests alone.

***

"..."

The situation room was bustling with more people than usual, but not a single sound could be heard. The 40 pirates were on high alert, ready to fight the monster that could attack them at any moment. The monster, as if deliberately planning to kill the pirates by surrounding them, had been motionless until now.

"Something's wrong."

Suddenly, Milo thought. Could it be that the monster's true target was not the pirates but rather the siege in the situation room?

"No way!"

He bit down on the thought to shake off the ominous imagination. As much as he wanted to shout, everyone was too tense to allow for any distractions.

Milo deliberately looked at the wall, attempting to divert his thoughts. The black wall, absorbing all light like a black hole, caught his eyes.

"Was it always like this?"

StarUnion ships preferred black over white, opposite to MegaCorp's preference, so the floors, walls, and ceilings were all in shades of black. However, even considering this fact, the color of the inner walls of the situation room felt darker than usual.

"Why did it suddenly change…"

Just as he questioned it, the entire power in the situation room went out.

"Ugh, agh! It's him!"

"Calm down! Emergency lights will come on soon!"

As the situation room was a crucial facility, it had a backup power supply separate from the reactor. Just as Milo said, soon emergency lights bathed the entire situation room in red.

Under the red light, the expressions of the pirates looked almost half like corpses. Milo himself, not sure about others, also looked miserable, with his fur soaked in sweat, typical of the Wolf species.

Milo reluctantly called the ship's AI computer.

"Calvin! Turn on the situation room computer too!"

[Impossible. Power has been cut off from the reactor.]

"Damn it, sync it with the backup power!"

[Understood.]

Soon, lights came on inside the situation room computers, but Milo and the pirates couldn't feel completely relieved. It was because they could hear a thumping sound from outside.

They knew what that sound meant.

"Ca…Captain!"

"…Damn it."

It was the sound of Storm Guns being fired. The monster was approaching through the corridor.

"Don't worry. A weapon that even Mountain Crawlers can't withstand, that's what Storm Guns are. The creature won't last."

"W…Will it, sir?"

The subordinates forced hopeful expressions, but it didn't take long for hope to disappear from their faces.

"Why isn't the gunfire stopping?"

Milo urgently checked the terminal connected to the Storm Guns. In the small screen, the ammunition was rapidly decreasing.

The ammunition of the Storm Gun installed in the farthest area ran out, and communication was cut off. In just a few seconds, the ammunition of the Storm Gun in the next area started to rapidly decrease.

"Ca…Captain!"

"What the hell is this?!"

At this point, Milo also found it difficult to keep his composure. Before the pirates entered the situation room, they had installed Storm Guns in each area and sealed all bulkheads. No matter how powerful the creature might be, it couldn't move this quickly, especially while consuming all the Storm Gun's depleted uranium rounds.

"I need to check this!"

He called the ship's AI, Calvin, again.

"Calvin! Connect to the area cameras!"

"It's impossible."

"I command you again! Calvin! Connect the cameras and display them on the monitor!"

Squealing noise

Despite Milo's repeated commands, there was no response from Calvin. Instead, an annoying noise echoed through the room.

"Calvin! The camera…"

Squealing noise, Calvin is…

Just as he was about to speak again, the speakers in the situation room were reactivated. The voice that followed was completely different from Calvin's, which was based on a female voice AI.

"Calvin… is dead."

"What?"

"You all will die too."

A splitting male voice declared, and all lights in the situation room went out.

"Aaaah! Gahhh…"

"Uwaaaah! Save me!"

"Grrrr!"

In the complete darkness of the locked situation room, screams and the sounds of mutants pounding fists could be heard. It was a sign that everyone in the situation room was still alive, but that didn't last long.

Utter silence engulfed Milo.

As a species sensitive to smell, Milo, despite disliking it, could smell it.

All of his subordinates had died.

In the stifling atmosphere that felt like suffocation, he tremblingly turned on the terminal.

A small light illuminated "it" in front of him.

Six appendages resembling jellyfish and snakes with mouths were rising from the floor, devouring the corpses.

"Sigh…"

The entity that boarded the ship surpassed his understanding far beyond reason and common sense.

Having given up everything, Milo turned off the light on the terminal.

'I ate well.'

I patted my stomach with a pleasant sense of fullness. Although Amorph doesn't get full easily, it somehow felt right to do so.

'This plan went smoothly from start to finish.'

After clearing all the pirates, including those on the pirate ship Calvin, the time I could maintain the ship increased significantly to 50 days.

'Eating the Hulk Mutant really paid off.'

I was pleasantly surprised that every time I ate one, it extended my time by 10 days. Moreover, after devouring both, I gained three new traits.

｢Big Baby｣ ｢Food.｣ ｢A lot.｣

Since I could sustain for 50 days, I handed the remaining food to Number 26 and Adhai. Thanks to that, they could enjoy a feast after a long time.

"Now, shall I check the ship's computer?"

I accessed the ship's database. A vast amount of information flowed into my head through the tentacles of corrosion.

Among them, the first thing delivered to me was information about cosmic phenomena that occurred in the vicinity before I corroded the ship.

'Is there a rocky area nearby?'

I focused my senses on the outer hull, but I couldn't feel anything in particular.

'It's probably nothing… Huh?'

I tried to brush it off, but suddenly, a bad feeling crept in.

'Wait.'

I carefully read the detailed report on cosmic phenomena stored in the AI database.

In summary, the report mentioned an abnormal group of meteoroids moving in an erratic orbit, concentrated by a special magnetic field.

Moreover, this group of meteoroids was expected to enter this vicinity within the next two hours.

'No way.'

I know very well what this means.

I urgently focused all my senses on the outer hull. My consciousness didn't stay only on the hull but spread to the surroundings.

The time reported by the ship AI was two hours ago.

Despite my highly developed senses, there was nothing visible or perceptible in the vastness of space. However, I detected something.

At first, it looked like a shining star.

No, it wasn't a star but white clouds.

White clouds rapidly approaching.

'Oh, damn!'

The identity of those clouds was a swarm of metallic gremlins.

The ship's natural enemy and cosmic marauders were now targeting us.

-x-X-x-

Space Survival is a game set against the backdrop of the universe, there are various races that exist in it and each have its own unique characteristics. There are intelligent species that build civilizations and social communities like that of the humans, while there are also predatory races like the Amorph that view all living beings as prey.

However, the charm of Space Survival lies in the fact that players can enjoy a completely different gameplay depending on the race they choose. However, as mentioned earlier, Space Survival is a game set in space. Regardless of the chosen race, players must venture into space to progress in the game.

So, what is the most threatening thing when first venturing into space? The community has identified two main threats. One is the space pirates generated as NPCs. They are set as hostile NPCs that relentlessly target the player's spaceship. Moreover, being NPCs means they regenerate infinitely no matter how many times they are killed. Therefore, for players newly venturing into space, figuring out how to protect their ships from space pirates became a crucial task.

Fortunately, the good news is that unless the space pirates belong to a higher-level cartel, they were not too difficult to defeat with a properly equipped and armed warship.

The biggest threat to the players navigating through space was not the space pirates. It's the 'Metallic Gremlin Swarm.' This is a negative event that can only be faced with a fleet rather than a single ship.

Unlike space pirates, metallic gremlins are also a playable race for the player. However, the metallic gremlin swarm appearing in this event consists entirely of NPCs. The fact that a metallic gremlin swarm appears with a very low probability in sector I-97 was known. I didn't worry too much about it, considering the probability was as low as winning the lottery.

'Sector I-97 has an incredibly low probability for a metallic gremlin swarm to appear.'

It was so unlikely that I didn't worry about it too much, but now it has happened.

'This is bad.'

A white cloud, no, the metallic gremlin swarm was quickly approaching. It may look like a cloud, but those are metallic gremlins with silver skin gathered together, creating that appearance. In terms of scale, it's at least a medium-sized or a large swarm. It's impossible for a single ship to deal with it.

'Should I just stay still?'

Currently, I am in control of the pirate ship Colossal Raider that I conquered. Fortunately, metallic gremlins only target metal, so if I'm lucky, they might just pass me by.

'No.'

The risk of doing so is too great. Allowing them to approach me is too risky, if they suddenly attack me, it's over. Of course, I have superior defense capabilities compared to a regular ship, but there are too many of them on the other side. Their numbers exceed thousands, and there's a limit to what I can defend against.

'I have to fight here.'

There's no other way than to fight and take the opportunity to escape with warp speed navigation. Although one might think it's better to just flee, it's not easy. It's because of the higher-level species mixed within that group.

'Warp Boy.'

Among the metallic gremlin higher-level species, there's a creature called 'Warp Boy.' Warp Boy has no abilities other than a unique special trait called 'Warp Guide,' but its effect is very powerful.

'It's a massive teleportation.'

In this game, all abilities related to massive teleportation, such as a spaceship's warp navigation or the entity tuning used by Code Black, are restricted. Entity tuning, in particular, cannot be used alone, and warp navigation consumes a massive amount of energy, among other limitations. However, only two creatures have the ability to teleport a large number of individuals without any restrictions, and one of them is Warp Boy.

'There's even a large-scale instantaneous teleportation.'

Among the Vortex Ones, there's another with unrestricted teleportation, but encountering that entity was only possible in the late stages of the game. Paradoxically, Warp Boy, which can be encountered early in the game, is much more threatening.

'At least it's of intermediate size, that's a relief.'

In a large or greater Herd, as they were called by the players, there may be multiple Warp Boys. However, in a medium-sized herd, there's only one Warp Boy.

If I just take down that guy, I can safely evade the swarm.

[ZZZ ZZZZZ(Help, everyone!)]

｢What happened?｣

[ZZZZ ZZZ ZZ(Enemy approaching.)]

There's roughly less than 5 minutes left until the swarm reaches this place.

During that time, we need to prepare to fight them.

First, I briefly explained to Adhai and Number 26 how to deal with the enemies.

[ZZZZ ZZZZZ ZZ(Adhai, restrain them.)]

｢Understood.｣

[ZZZZ ZZZZZZ ZZZ ZZZ(Quickly fly away when in danger.)]

I assigned Adhai, the only one among us capable of aerial combat in space, to directly engage the enemies.

[ZZZ ZZZZ(And Number 26, Scare them.)]

｢Scare them?｣

Number 26's role was to halt or disrupt the movements of the enemies. Although metallic gremlins have extremely sturdy bodies, they are almost immune to psychic powers. While there were species among them that defend against psychic powers in, they are not present in this particular group.

[ZZZZ ZZZ ZZZZ ZZZZ ZZZ(If both of you are in danger, hide here.)]

I modified the ship's structure to create a cover and an entrance that Adhai and Number 26 can use to hide or escape into the ship if needed. After sending them off, I moved all the storm guns previously used by pirates outside the hull.

'It should work well with motion detection sensors.'

I replaced depleted ammunition and low battery levels using corroding tentacles. Creating a new turret, incorporating my traits, I utilized the contamination organ to make a biological weapon that fires fungus spores.

'Since the range is short, this is for medium and close-range.'

After completing the inspection of the turrets, I checked the metallic gremlin swarm.

They are about to enter the range of the plasma turrets.

[ZZZZ ZZ ZZ ZZ(Everyone, get ready.)]

｢Yes!｣

｢I am ready.｣

I channelled energy to all plasma turrets installed on the hull. Destructive energy, capable of tearing through the void of space, surged into the alloy turrets, enabling the ship to operate smoothly even in the harsh cosmic environment.

'Fire.'

Numerous green beams shot towards the gremlins. It resembled a comet with a green tail piercing through the white clouds in the night sky. Although many metallic gremlins were hit by the plasma energy and oxidized, many more filled the places of their fallen comrades.

"■■■!"

The enraged gremlin swarm swiftly approached me. I quickly scanned the swarm to locate where the Warp Boy was hiding.

'It's usually in the heart of the swarm.'

As if proving that my thoughts were wrong, a small blue light appeared near the extreme side of the swarm, however the creature quickly vanished inside.

'It's over there.'

The Warp Boy is smaller than a regular metallic gremlin, measuring only 50 cm, but it has blue stripes on its body, making it noticeable even from a distance.

'Catching it with a plasma turret will be difficult.'

Just now, judging by its movements, the Warp Boy's agility is much faster than I thought. Unless someone is tightly holding it back, capturing the Warp Boy doesn't seem easy.

'I have to wait until Number 26 can invoke the terror of the Abyss.'

Of course, I won't leave it and give it a chance and allow it to escape. I recharged the plasma turrets once again. As the energy was building up, the metallic gremlin swarm suddenly began to glow blue.

'Warp Guide!'

I quickly focused on the thrusters at the rear of the hull. The energy intended for the turrets diverted to the thrusters, causing the entire ship to jolt forward.

'Reload the turrets while moving forward!'

From the darkness at the rear of our ship, the metallic gremlin swarm emerged, splashing blue light. Anticipating their pursuit, my cannons aimed at the spot where they appeared and spewed out fire.

On the black canvas that absorbed all light, green and blue paints intertwined. Although the two lights clashed, the advantage went to the blue cloud, the side of the metallic gremlins. They had achieved their goal.

"■■!"

"■■■■!"

The metallic gremlins relentlessly pursued my tail. As they got closer, their grotesque appearance became vivid.

Creatures with smooth silver skin, devoid of fur, with only a circular mouth for a face, bared their teeth as they rushed towards me. It wasn't particularly pleasant to witness.

As they approached within effective range, the storm guns attached to the outer hull activated. Uranium hexafluoride stormed down upon them like a tempest.

While their skin was resistant enough to withstand laser weapons, it was a different story in front of the storm guns. It was impossible to endure hundreds of rounds the size of an adult male's palm exploding simultaneously. The metallic gremlins targeting me burst one by one upon contact with the projectiles. Their unique silver blood adorned the darkness like the Milky Way.

"■■! ■■!"

Some metallic gremlins seemed determined not to give up. Fueled by the blood of their kind, they pursued me with even more ferocity.

'Next is the plasma turret.'

The cannons mounted on the ship fired first. Those hit twice scattered instantly as if they wouldn't be hit a third time. Only a few sluggish ones became ashes within the plasma beams.

While the overheated turrets took a break, the metallic gremlins rushed in again.

"It's not over yet."

Judging that they were close enough, I prepared the next weapon. Fungus spores shot out from the elongated turret holes on the upper part of the hull.

"■■■?"

The metallic gremlins seemed unsure if the unfamiliar fungus spores were an attack. The spores entered the gremlin swarm without any resistance.

Like balloons filled with flour exploding, the spores burst, and the contaminated fungi clung to the gremlins. The ugly faces of the metallic gremlins infected with black fungus twisted in pain. Some couldn't withstand the pain and attached themselves to their kin, allowing the fungus to spread.

'Good. If it continues like this… Oh no!'

I was enjoying the success more than I expected when the Warp Boy responded. The bodies of the infected gremlins shone blue, and soon they fell into the vastness of space far away.

Even those not infected were ignored by the Warp Boy and were thrown away.

"■■! ■■■■!"

I fired the spores again, but this time the gremlins, warned by the Warp Boy, didn't approach the trajectory of the spores at all.

'…Smarter than in the game.'

The Warp Boy's intelligence surpasses my expectations. Its adaptability to the situation and commanding ability to control the swarm are commendable.

'Annoying, but…'

I still have some secret cards left. During the firing of the storm guns and plasma beams, a green entity shot out from my ship.

｢Hunting｣ ｢Commence.｣

She was Green Gallagon Adhai. She swiftly flew towards the enemies, tearing through them with purple lightning faster than the bullets fired by the storm guns. Metallic gremlins, not immune to psychic powers, trembled as they were struck by the supernatural lightning. Dealing with those unable to move was left to the uranium hexafluoride rounds and plasma beams.

"■■!"

Warp Boy attempted to move some of the swarm near my ship. At the moment when several gremlins among them began to shine blue, what I had been waiting for arrived.

'Here it comes.'

A fear crawled up from the depths. Hundreds of tentacles, surpassing the size of planets, emerged from the space below the hull. The overwhelmed metallic gremlins, in unison, ceased their movements.

And beyond the tentacles, a giant eye appeared in the midst of the abyss of that galaxy, beginning to observe them.

"■■!"

"■■■!"

Panic erupted among the confused entities. Since they had no eyes, they would feel differently from what I was seeing. However, the fear from the depths directly affected their minds. They would feel the overwhelming size of those tentacles throughout their entire bodies.

'It must be much scarier than seeing it directly.'

"■■■…."

As I expected, several dozen of the frozen gremlins broke away from the swarm. Having encountered the awe-inspiring fear, their hearts had stopped beating.

It's not that they are cowards. Even though I knew their true identity, I felt a chilling sensation in my abdomen when the tentacles rose from below my body.

Soon, the appearance of the tentacles disappeared in an instant.

Number 26 adjusted to ensure that the 'Abyssal Fear' did not affect me and Adhai. However, due to its still-inexperienced use of abilities, some metallic gremlins awoke from the illusion. Among them was the Warp Boy.

"■■■■!"

Warp Boy seemed to think I would fire the beams and tried to move its body inside the swarm.

'There's no more time to hesitate.'

I quickly fired the cannons.

Green, elongated beams pierced through the swarm. Although Warp Boy's arm was turned to ashes by the passing beams, it was not dead yet.

"■■!"

Warp Boy's body glowed with a blue light. It probably intended to escape.

'It's not over yet!'

The hull changed its appearance instantly according to my will. Large and thick tentacle clusters emerged from the corroded front of the ship.

The newly formed tentacles glowed purple simultaneously.

The monstrous tentacles that protruded from the ship consumed not only my mental power but also drew energy stored inside the ship.

As an immense amount of energy concentrated on the ship's front, a purple sphere took shape. Its size was different from when I used the psychic power in its original state.

The essence of the shining psychic power was in my hands.

Adhai, who had escaped the range of the psychic breath, hastily returned to the hull.

"■?!"

Smart Warp Boy detected what I was planning and prepared for FTL travel.

Instead of its body shining, the bodies of the surrounding gremlins glowed blue at the same time.

At the same time, the purple sphere turned into a single line, cutting through space at faster-than-light speed.

Half of the white cloud that was in front of me disappeared without a trace, as if it had never existed.

However, I had no time to rejoice.

'Oh no!'

Before Warp Boy died, it initiated faster-than-light travel for its kind.

Although it turned to dust due to the psychic breath, its brethren succeeded in making a spatial leap.

"■■■!"

However, half of the metallic gremlins clung to the hull.

The battle was not over yet.