104
-x-X-x-
The metallic Gremlins cling to the hull.
They tore through the ship with their sharp fangs.
'It's too late to dodge.'
I quickly generated corrosion tentacles on the outer wall of the hull.
My tentacles rushed at them along with projectiles launched from the Storm gun.
"■!"
Numerous tentacles clung to the metallic gremlins, tearing off their limbs or swallowing them whole.
The already existing contaminated fungus turrets on the outer wall relentlessly spewed fungi spores.
Adhai, who had returned to the hull, and Number 26, wielding the "Terror of the Abyss," fought against them too.
Adhai transformed into a green lightning, disrupting the gremlins, while Number 26 bound the gremlins in the trajectory of Stormgun's shots.
The black hull shimmered with silver blood sprayed by the metallic gremlins.
That's how we defended against the metallic gremlin horde, but it wasn't going to be easy.
'There are too many.'
I dismissed the recurring text boxes.
Consuming a massive number of metallic gremlins kept triggering the predation effect.
Most were either the 'Metal Predation' which I already possessed or the 'Insufficient Digestion' trait that I didn't need.
Still, I managed to secure a few useful traits among them.
'It would have been great if they came at any other time…'
The situation isn't favorable now.
Despite reducing their numbers by half with Psychic Breath, the gremlins still numbered in hundreds.
Killing them seemed futile, as their numbers showed no sign of decreasing, and Storm gun's ammunition is depleted too.
'At this rate, we'll be annihilated.'
While we were killing hundreds, another batch was tearing the hull apart, rendering it in a shabby state.
[ZZZ ZZZZZ ZZ(Come back, everyone)]
There's no more time to delay.
If we wait any longer, using FTL (faster-than-light) travel will become difficult.
FTL travel can be risky if the hull is heavily damaged, as the ship may shatter into pieces during the journey due to the strain on the hull.
'There are still many of them, but…'
Over a hundred metallic gremlins were still clinging to the hull, but there's no other choice.
｢Big guy! There are too many of these bastards!｣
｢Enemy｣｢Infinite｣｢Us｣｢Blood｣
I checked if Number 26 and Adhai, who approached me, were okay.
They seemed tired from fighting non-stop with numerous enemies.
Fortunately, apart from minor injuries, they didn't seem heavily wounded.
'Now that the kids are here, let's get ready.'
I modified the ship's structure, thickening the walls of the section where we were, and the walls of important facilities like the reactor.
Then, I diverted the remaining energy in the reactor to start the FTL engine.
Even as the engine prepared to start, the metallic gremlins continued to assault relentlessly.
With Adhai and Number 26 absent on the hull, defending against the gremlins' attacks was becoming increasingly difficult.
I did my best to fend them off with the corrosive tentacles, but they sneakily crawled onto the ship.
They wreaked havoc on the internal facilities as if it were their own world.
If there were more of them, we might have lost the reactor before the FTL engine could start.
Just as they were gnawing at the reactor's outer wall, the ship's heart signaled that all preparations were complete.
'Alright!'
Finally, the FTL engine roared to life.
The destination was an area frequented by smugglers, and near our arrival point was a jungle-type planet inhabited by various rare creatures.
A blue light enveloped not only us but also the entire ship, and the starlight in the distance warped strangely.
Everyone inside and outside the ship jumped into space together.
'Ugh?!'
The moment I realized this, an immense pressure hit me from above.
It was due to the shock caused as the ship entered the realm of FTL beyond the speed of light.
Even the escape pods didn't experience this level of intensity, so was it because the ship was larger or damaged by metallic gremlins?
The ship, protected by sturdy alloys and special mucus created for corrosion, twisted like a pretzel.
Since my body was connected to control the ship, I could feel that the pressure on the hull was abnormal.
I spread my senses even more intimately into the slime covering the alloy walls to check the overall condition of the ship.
As a result, a pain akin to my entire body being twisted struck my brain.
[Pain nullification Activated!]
I wanted to immediately disconnect the sensory organs, but I had to monitor the ship's condition constantly so it was impossible for me to disconnect them.
'I'll barely hold on.'
If the ship had torn apart, it would have broken much earlier.
At this rate, I might be able to endure until we land on the planet.
However, enduring it and the pain were separate issues.
Even though pain reduction was activated, the agonizing pain that felt like my entire body was being squeezed continued, making it difficult to stay focused.
｢Big Baby! Hang in there!｣
｢Great adult!｣
I sensed waves of encouragement from No.26 and Adhai.
Encouraged by their cheers, I gritted my teeth once again.
'I've never died in the game like this.'
If news of me being defeated by metallic gremlins spread in the gaming community, no one would believe it.
Somehow regaining my composure amidst the pain, I created corrosive tentacles on the outer wall.
"■■?"
The gremlins were bewildered as tentacles protruded from the partially damaged ship.
I manipulated the tentacles to strike them.
'I need to tidy up as much as possible before we arrive.'
It's difficult to dislodge those inside the hull, but not those outside.
"■■■■!"
Gremlins hit by the tentacles while on the outer wall screamed pitifully as they were flung somewhere in the vastness of space.
Though they showed signs of wanting to retaliate, they couldn't move recklessly.
One wrong move, and I could end up like my fellow beings hit by the tentacles, falling from the ship.
The problem lies with those inside.
Slyly, they stopped infiltrating the reactor as soon as the ship entered FTL.
Probably because they knew it would be a big problem if the reactor exploded midway.
'But I won't leave them alone.'
There are many who are ready to attack as soon as we arrive.
It's tough, but I have to somehow reduce their numbers.
I created small turrets firing contaminated spores in various places inside the ship, following the tentacles.
"■■■!"
The ones gnawing at the walls inside turned their attention to the new threat.
I cleared the ones on the outer wall with corroding tentacles and countered those inside with spore bursts.
Checking the hull's condition, controlling the tentacles, and managing the decay fungus mechanisms—all of it demanded so much attention that my head felt like it would explode.
After a chaotic struggle, the seemingly never-ending FTL journey finally ended.
'We've arrived!'
Beyond the darkness enveloping us, a blue planet came into view.
It's the planet pirates infiltrate for capturing rare animals.
'Great! Just hold on a bit longer!'
Carrying metallic gremlins inside, I entered the planet's atmosphere.
The entire outer wall burned fiercely, and intense heat penetrated inward.
"Screech!"
Metallic gremlins screamed in the scorching heat.
It was not because of pain.
In outer space, metallic gremlins exhibit tremendous power, but once they enter a planet, they become extremely vulnerable.
Setting-wise, metallic gremlins have almost no eyes or sense of smell but use metal-detecting organs to find prey.
Therefore, when entering a planet with a large amount of mixed metal, their excellent metal-detecting ability becomes a disadvantage.
Confusion sets in due to the overwhelming detection of metal from the surroundings.
Moreover, they can only glide in the planet's atmosphere and lack the propulsion to return to space.
In other words, once they enter a planet, they cannot go back to space.
The remaining future for metallic gremlins trapped on a planet is aimlessly wandering and eventually being preyed upon by other predators.
They are aware of this fact, which is why they are rampaging.
"Keiiiiik!"
Making bizarre noises, they were trying to escape outside.
Utilizing their teeth and claws to scratch the walls closer to the exterior, attempting to get out somehow.
'That won't work.'
These guys have been bothering me so much until now.
Should I let them escape?
I can't.
I didn't let the ones trying to escape using corrosive tentacles, swallowing them while continuously changing their positions within the space they were in.
As their positions kept shifting, even if they broke through the wall, they could only struggle within the ship.
Thus, I ravaged the metallic gremlins and entered the planet's atmosphere.
The blue sea, islands dotted like points in between, and a land covered with dense jungle appeared in the distance.
If various environments are mixed, the types of organisms inhabiting them will also be diverse.
This means that the range of genetic essence I can acquire has widened.
I looked around to see where on the ground we would land, and an unpleasant scene flashed before me.
[The main gun of the Colossal Raider was intercepted.]
[The ship gets split in two which was an Irreparable damage.]
[The reactor exploded.]
[I died.]
'What?'
Realizing that what just passed was a future vision by the predator's sense, I quickly turned the ship to the right.
A massive energy beam flew from the land towards the rear of the ship, blowing away the propulsion and control room.
'Oh no!'
Although the ship was under my control, maintaining high-altitude flight was impossible with the propulsion gone.
The ship carrying me and the kids broke free from control and began a rapid descent.
I quickly checked what was at the point where we were crashing.
It was a shallow sea adjacent to the land.
'If it's the main gun of a cruiser, there's a delay. If we crash into the sea before that….'
But the mysterious enemy seemed to have no intention of letting me land safely.
Diamond-shaped fighter jets emerged from the jungle inside the land.
'What's going on?'
The information left on this ship indicated that no other faction besides pirates would come here. At least, there was no record of the pirates I devoured engaging with other factions on this planet.
'…Other pirates.'
Seeing them attacking without hesitation, it was clear they were higher-ups from a cartel rather than the owners of this merchant ship.
Of all days, other pirates show up when I'm here.
A new gang of pirates on top of the gremlin horde, consecutive misfortunes are hitting.
'Stay calm. Going on like this, we'll all die.'
I'll lament about the misfortune later; right now, I need to get through the immediate crisis.
'If we don't land before the main gun activates, it's over.'
However, the enemy fighter jets won't leave me alone to land safely.
With the current damage to the ship, they'll easily be destroyed by the plasma bullets fired by the fighter jets.
'At least I can withstand it.'
As long as the reactor doesn't explode in the air, I won't die.
However, the same cannot be said for the kids with me now.
'…I need to get the kids out first.'
The problem is whether those fighter jets will leave the kids alone.
If by any chance they aim and shoot at Adhai and Number 26, the kids will be in great danger.
Adhai can fly away, but Number 26 can't.
'Since there's a sea here, let's send the kids away first.'
The sea is Number 26's home ground.
If it goes into the water, it can escape with Adhai.
In my case, I could easily secure a new means of escape while devouring metallic gremlins earlier.
Therefore, even if I stay on the ship until the end after sending the kids away, I can still escape.
'How can I attract attention…'
While pondering if there was any solution, one idea came to mind.
The guys causing a commotion inside my ship, the metallic gremlins.
I had to use them.
I altered the structure of the ship, creating a large hole on one side of the wall.
Outside the hole, the blue sea was clearly visible, and the scent of the sea rushed in, filling the space.
[ZZZZ ZZZ (You guys go first)]
｢Big Baby?｣
｢Great Adult?｣
I transformed the shapes of the metal walls to encase Number 26 and Adhai.
Number 26, who quickly understood what I was trying to do, emitted a signal.
｢Let's go together!｣
[ZZZZ ZZZ ZZZZ ZZZZZ ZZ ZZ (I'll send you guys first and follow behind.)]
｢You can't stay here! It's dangerous!｣
Without answering, I focused on how the situation outside was changing.
The fighter jets were gradually getting closer to the ship.
'Okay.'
When the plasma launcher attached to the fighter jets aimed at the ship, I cleared away part of the wall inside the ship.
Then, the metallic gremlins inside rushed out.
They flew at the same speed they were running, sticking to the fighter jets.
'Now!'
To protect Number 26 and Adhai, I swung the metallic sphere I had created with tentacles.
Just before the sphere separated, a thin tentacle emerged from Number 26 and touched my auxiliary organ.
At that moment, I could feel his thoughts.
Fear of what would happen in the future, helplessness at not being able to do anything, and a desperate plea not to die.
To the message of these complex emotions, I replied like this: I will never die and we will meet again soon.
｢Promise!｣
At the moment it shouted, the sphere separated.
The sphere that surrounded Adhai and Number 26 was ejected out of the ship through the pre-made hole.
I concentrated my mind to ensure they safely landed in the sea.
The fighter jets did not react at all to the falling metal sphere, probably disoriented by the gremlins.
'Done.'
Everything I could do from the ship was over.
After releasing the corrosive tentacles, I headed towards the hole where the sphere had popped out.
And I jumped out of the ship.
In the distance, I could see the heat rays from the main gun coming in the jungle.
The heat rays mercilessly pierced the ship, and a tremendous explosion engulfed me.
[Pain nullification Activation!]
'Ugh!'
In the midst of the blazing flames, I spread out all my combat arms and tail.
I used one of the characteristics I gained by devouring the metallic gremlin earlier, the 'Wings,' to enable stable flight at high altitudes.
[Wings: Aids in stable flight at high altitudes.]
A slender membrane unfolded between my combat arms and extended to the middle of my tail, and my body floated upward, riding the airflow.
Although the Wings imitated the flight forms of wingsuits or flying squirrels, it wouldn't remind anyone of an Amorph with four arms and a long tail.
While reducing the descent speed, I soared through the sky, and the fighter jets followed closely behind. Plasma blasts they fired grazed over my head and back.
I quickly retracted the membrane attached to my arms. My body began to fall rapidly, and the fighter jets also accelerated to pursue me.
'Caught you.'
Expanding the Wings again, I closed the distance with the powerful fighter jets. Once again, I utilized a characteristic obtained from the metallic gremlin.
[Electromagnetic Interference: Emits waves causing temporary malfunctions in devices powered by electricity.]
That characteristic was none other than 'Electromagnetic Interference,' one of the ingredients for hijacking.
Waves disrupting machinery emanated from the double plates rising on my back, enveloping nearby fighter jets. Their power shut down instantly, and they began to free fall helplessly.
Just before they crashed, a scene of unexpected events unfolded behind the reinforced glass. The pilots seemed unsure of what to do before the crashing jets.
Having neutralized the fighter jets, I used the wings to swiftly fly into the jungle.
'The effect of Electromagnetic Interference won't last long.'
If they had a skilled pilot, they would regain control of the fighter jets quickly. One of the falling jets swiftly took off again, while the others crashed into the forest.
Although the pursuing fighter jet tried to follow me, I was already close to a dense grove full of tall trees. Folding the wings, I smashed through the trees and landed safely inside the jungle.
After toppling numerous trees, I could land safely. As soon as I landed, I hid my body under the fallen tree trunks.
When the following fighter jet mistook me for a rock and attempted to proceed, I used the Terror Gaze toward the pilots.
'Where are you going?'
The seemingly intact fighter jet abruptly changed direction, crashing into a tree. The half-damaged jet staggered in place for a moment before crashing to the ground.
Two pilots crawled out of the crashed jet. One had horns, probably a cultist, and the other was human.
Appearing disoriented from the impact of the crash, they began running as soon as they saw me reveal myself.
Both had no intention of escaping, so I released corrosive tentacles to restrain them.
"Wait! W…wait!"
"S…save us!"
The restrained pilots struggled. In normal circumstances, I might have used parasites or something for leverage and use them, but at the moment, I had no such intentions.
"I…I've told you everything I know! Please…spare me!"
A human pilot, dominated by the parasites, was currently pleading to me to leave him alive. Chewing on the arm of a cultist pilot, I sent a signal to a group of tooth fairies.
The carnivorous fleas surrounded the pilots joyfully and rushed towards them.
"D…Don't do this…no don't do this!"
The pilots of the crashed fighter jets are all taken care of.
I found myself on the planet PH-101, specifically in the Utopia-02 continent. Its ecosystem resembled that of the primitive Earth, providing favorable conditions for life.
However, the planet's beauty was only surface-deep.
'It's a blue hell.'
Creatures of this planet possess formidable strength, making it nearly impossible for average players to hunt or even survive here.
Around the regions rich in valuable resources, hostile wolf NPCs live, they also have their own name.
'They're on a whole different level than what I've encountered before.'
Named wolves are exceptionally powerful, posing a challenge for even someone as strong as me. Conquering this planet is difficult without the skills of a high-ranking player or a large clan.
On the flip side, even top-tier players or large clans can't monopolize this planet. PH-101 is protected by a cult for religious reasons, preventing any construction or serious development to be done here by the other factions. Even cult players can only stay here for a limited time.
'I chose this planet for a reason.'
PH-101 allows me to secure superior genetic essence without interference from other factions.
'Originally, that's how it should be.'
However, interrogating a pilot revealed that a deviation had occurred, which went against the game's norm.
Currently, a powerful cartel named 'Humanity' has occupied this planet among the space outlaws. It's unusual, considering that space outlaw cartels often have leaders with names representing their identity.
'And it's called Humanity.'
Before quitting space survival, there was a clan led by a ranker with a similar name. Strangely, the clan leader was a woman, and the members were exclusively male, leading to a lot of criticism in the community.
'…Not something I, the community's enemy, should comment on.'
Anyway, it seems Humanity cartel's ability to occupy this place can be speculated upon.
As seen with the cult pilot I just devoured, most of Humanity's members are cultists. This allows the Humanity cartel to move freely on this planet. In a game, this would be impossible, but in reality, it introduces a new variable.
'Furthermore, the leader has connections with the cult's ruling class.'
That means the leader of Humanity is at least a high-ranking cultist, surpassing the Yak Horn Cult. I don't need to know why someone like that would engage in piracy.
'Thanks to that, I can collect genetic essences, fulfill evolution conditions, and kill two birds with one stone.'
I finished consuming the remnants of the cultist and retrieved the tooth fairies.
According to the pilot's words, 'Humanity' periodically leaves this planet due to smuggling activities.
'If they have a ship, it would be easier for me to leave too.'
There are approximately 14 days until the pirates depart. I need to seize a ship before they leave.
'But before that.' I activated the semi-transparent text box.
[Species: Unidentified Aggressive Space Morph
Status: Pre-Saint (Transcendence Level 1)
Objective: Survive (2nd evolution successful)
Possessed Traits: (14 in Physical-related / 7 in Psychic-related / 5 in Infection-related / 3 in Special Defense-related / 1 in Nest-related)
① Physical-related traits (Type in use): Wings (Unavailable), Acidic Blood, Bite Force, Metal Absorption, Perfect Organism (Unique), Endurance, Pheromone Enhancement, Enhanced Reflexes.
-Physique-related Fusion Traits: Regeneration, Neurotoxin Glands, Mimicry Organ (Unavailable), Bloodsucking Tentacles, Spine Projectile Organ, High Hijacking.
②Psychic-related traits (Type in use): Human Nature, Psychic Resistance, Insight.
-Psychic-related Fusion Traits: Predator Senses, Ghost Claws, Observer of Fear
③ Infection-related: Space Bacteria, Infection Reinforcement
-Infection-related Fusion Traits: Parasitic Colony, Decaying Mold Organ, Tooth Fairy Nest
④ Special Defense-related: Pain Reduction, Resistance
-Special Defense-related Fusion Traits: Protective Coloration
⑤ Nest-related: Horizon of Nightmares (Unique)
Possessed Types(2): Physique Enhancement Type, Psychic Enhancement Type
Specialization Possible Types(3): Infection Enhancement Type (5/8), Special Defense Enhancement Type (3/4), Nest Enhancement Type (1/4)
Incomplete Traits (5): Energy Absorption, Robust Vitality, Miniaturization, Gills, Fins]
I acquired numerous useful traits while hunting the Hulk Mutants of the Colossal Raider and the Metallic Gremlins in Sector I-97. For instance, the 'Protective Coloration' trait, synthesized from traits obtained from the Rhino Hulk Mutant and the Metallic Gremlin.
Currently, my outer shell and exoskeleton are covered in small, almost invisible scales. If I crouch and stay still for 10 seconds, these scales automatically shift, changing the color of my body.
It transforms to resemble the surrounding environment. The reason the crashed fighter jet couldn't spot me when hiding under the wreckage was thanks to this protective coloration.
'Not a complete change, but it evades any detection equipment…'
I currently possess the Electromagnetic Interference trait. While enemies at a long distance outside the interference range may not detect me, those close by will find it challenging to locate me.
Apart from the bone knife and infection reinforcement trait obtained from the gorilla-like Hulk Mutant, and the reinforced absorption trait from the Metallic Gremlin, I applied strength to the upper right arm of my combat arm. Instead of the bloodsucking tentacle protruding from the palm, a peculiar-shaped razor-sharp bone emerged.
Similar in form to the arms used for symbols of hunting, there were some differences. The bone blade attached to the arms was thin and sharp, ideal for slashing and stabbing like glass. In contrast, the bone axe was thick and heavy, specialized for crushing enemies like a kukri knife.
'As always.'
New weapons are always welcome. After retrieving the bone axe, I climbed up the tree using my combat arm and leg.
Originally, an Amorph had mechanisms attached to the inside of his feet, similar to cushions used when insects stick to walls. However, due to the Horizon of Nightmares effect, my body became heavier, making it difficult to climb walls. Fortunately, a good trait emerged.
Tiny suction cups formed on my hands and feet, helping me easily crawl up trees. The tree I was climbing could withstand my weight well, as there are much larger trees in this continent than the Redwood trees which are considered the largest on Earth.
Reaching the top of the tree, an endless jungle unfolded. In the cloudless sky, dragon-like creatures flew, and from the jungle below, the cries of beasts echoed.
Seeing a deeply dug part where the blue sky and green jungle met, it was undoubtedly the location of a fired battleship. Turning my gaze in the opposite direction, I saw a horizon filled with blue.
'Number 26 and Adhai must be in that sea.'
'…Let's go pick them up after its safe here.'
There's a reason not to bring them along when facing formidable enemies.
In PH-101, there are many dangerous creatures, so bringing them with me would make them prone to injuries. Also it would be difficult for me to protect them when I am fighting pirates or any other dangerous creature.
'In the past, I might have used them as bait….'
Now, I also have a bond with them. If Number 26 and Adhai suffer severe injuries or die, I honestly can't guarantee that I'll be able to maintain my rationality.
'In the jungle, patience wins the battles.'
'Emotional fluctuation leads to defeat. '
The sea is Number 26's home ground, so it should be safer than here.'
Adhai, too, would find it more comfortable near clear beaches or islands with fewer obstacles for flying than in the dense jungle.
'…They both are smart beings.'
Once I take care of the pirates here, I'll go pick them up. With these thoughts, I jumped down from the top.
There's a small pirate camp nearby. Descending halfway down the tree, I extended the corrosion tentacle to move to another tree. From below, I felt the movements of creatures in the forest, ranging from insect-like beings to colossal dinosaur-like creatures exceeding tens of meters, all wandering through the woods.
The term "monster" is by no means an exaggeration. Here on PH-101, even small creatures like newborns can easily kill armed soldiers.
'Eating them should pose no problem until the next evolution.'
Of course, having roamed around here in the game, I know exactly what creatures inhabit this place and how to conquer them.
While moving between trees, a creature resembling a mix of a monkey and a bat attacked me from above. It was a creature called Wood Devil, hiding on the branches like this, waiting to ambush passing creatures and devour them.
Although positioned in the lower tier of the planetary food chain, Wood Devils earned the nickname "Newbie Slaughterer" due to their swift movements, strong muscles, and decent intelligence.
'The problem is that I'm not a newbie.'
I knew that the creature had its sights on me long before. Without even turning my head, I flicked my tail, sending out barbs.
"Kik?!"
The creature, frozen in the posture of leaping down, attempted to fall to the ground. The corrosion tentacle from my back shot out, catching the falling creature.
Next, I extracted the blood-sucking tentacle from my combat arm and swung it towards the tree on the opposite side.
"Kkiik!"
The Wood Devil, disguised with the help of leaves, struggled as it was caught by the blood-sucking tentacle. When I applied force to the tentacle, the creature's bones snapped, and its entire body contorted grotesquely.
One was leisurely swallowed by the corrosion tentacle, and the other, while feeding on blood with the blood-sucking tentacle, didn't make me lose my vigilance.
'There should be one more.'
Wood Devils always hunt in groups of three. As expected, I saw another Wood Devil that had been on a diagonal tree fleeing.
"Kkik!"
Holding two of them, I slammed the tree. My body soared through the gap between the trees, reaching the fleeing creature.
"Kkiik?!"
The Wood Devil looked up at me as it swiftly approached. An axe bone from my upper right hand struck its head, shattering it. As the creature tried to fall with its head severed, I quickly wrapped it with my tail.
'Easy.'
I opened my mouth wide and bit into the headless Wood Devil.
Though my jaw strength has decreased due to using the chewing power trait as material, I could still easily tear apart a Wood Devil.
'…It tastes healthy.'
The meat of the Wood Devil had a cheap soy-meat taste. Whether it was eating Plant Lizards in the space city or similar beings with plant or tree-related names, they all had this kind of taste.
'Wood Devils are carnivores, but why does it taste like soy meat?'
Soy meat is just a name; it probably doesn't contain any actual meat. While pondering about such trivial thoughts, I finished eating the remaining carcasses.
As I was about to eat the one hanging from the blood-sucking tentacle, another predator appeared, drawn by the scent of blood.
The creature, with a leopard's body and spider's legs, was called a Nightstalker, possessing the material trait of a tail with shooting thorns.
The creature, with eight legs, swiftly darted towards me.
'Its venom won't work on me.'
I had to fight it differently than I did with the Wood Devils, which I incapacitated with thorn bristles.
I remained still without resistance. The creature that rushed at me bared its thick fangs and attempted to bite my neck.
No, it tried to bite me.
If my exoskeleton wasn't tough, I would have been in trouble from its fangs.
The venom of the Nightstalker is more deadly than the neurotoxin I possess. Its rapid spread makes it difficult to use an antidote.
It might be difficult to escape death even with immunity to the venom.
'But such a potent venom must enter the opponent's body to be useful.'
The fangs of the Nightstalker aren't sharp enough to pierce through my robust exoskeleton, more durable than the outer wall of a spaceship.
"Kreung?"
Only then did the creature realize something was wrong and tried to retreat, but it was too late. With my four combat arms, I had a firm grip on its body.
Holding the creature, I exerted force through the four arms. Due to my powerful strength, the Nightstalker crumpled like an empty plastic bottle.
Although the creature's organs spilled out from its rear, I used the corrosion tentacle to suck them all up without leaving a trace.
[PR/N- Why am I getting a bad feeling here]
'Certainly, there's no time to rest in this place.'
While the corrosion tentacle was absorbing the organs, I chewed on the Nightstalker's main body.
Interestingly, this one tasted like a croissant.
Since the corrosion tentacle has no taste buds, I couldn't discern the flavor of the organs, but it probably wasn't croissant-like originally.
After thoroughly licking the blood that splattered on the tree, I continued my journey.
After breaking through a few more attacks, I suddenly found myself near the pirates' camp.
Conveniently, the sun was setting in the jungle.
-x-X-x-
'It's a small campsite.'
As the deceased pilot described, the scale of the campsite wasn't that large. When combining the roaming personnel and those detected by the auxiliary organ, there were only around 10 people. However, the issue wasn't the number of individuals.
'There's a walker.'
A bipedal, open-type weapon system, standing 6 meters tall, lay beside the tent at the campsite. The walker was a robot weapon used by the StarUnion. The model present at the campsite was a light walker, mainly used for reconnaissance and as infantry support. Despite its open design providing limited defense, it compensated with storm guns in both hands, making its firepower formidable.
'There are no cyborgs at the campsite.'
Walkers require a cyborg to operate, connecting with a special device called a brain connector to control the machine with their mind. Judging by the absence of the faint electronic waves typical of cyborgs in the vicinity, it seemed like someone had modified the walker for human use.
Moreover, the campsite's walker had a storm gun only in the left hand, with the right arm replaced by a crane-like mechanical device, likely modified for resource collection and item transport.
'After attacking so recklessly, they seem confident.'
Pirates operating even modified walkers on a cult cruiser – that was unexpected. If they had walkers at a small campsite, there likely were many more near the headquarters or leader's dock. Besides, the extent of their arsenal was still unknown.
'They're certainly overflowing with confidence.'
With this level of firepower, they would be classified as a top cartel even in the game. Although they are enemies, I acknowledged their strength.
'But that doesn't mean I can't defeat them.'
Summoning the tooth fairy swarm, I quietly descended from the tree. As I approached the campsite, pirates with lit torches stood guard, vigilant.
After sending the tooth fairy swarm to the opposite side of the pirates, I prompted them to make noise.
"Huh?"
The moment he turned his head upon hearing rustling sounds.
"Wha…?!"
I grabbed his head with corrosive tentacles and pulled him sharply, leaving only the gun he was holding in that spot.
"Where did this guy go?"
"Hey! Did he go to pee?"
A moment later, two other pirates approached. I aimed Spine Projectile Organ at the one behind them.
"Huh?"
I grabbed the collapsed pirate by his throat and approached the other one.
"Huh? What?"
When he turned at the sound of footsteps, a bone axe swung down on his shoulder. Struck by the bone axe, he collapsed on the ground.
Stepping inside from the warmth radiating from the spilled entrails on the ground, I entered the campsite. In the center of the camp, a pirate sat by the bonfire, grilling meat. He had plugs in his ears so he remained oblivious to what was happening behind him.
Approaching him quietly until I reached right behind him, I opened my mouth wide and engulfed his head entirely. The startled pirate struggled, but his resistance was short-lived. When I forcefully lifted his head with tension in his jaw, a cultist pirate walked out of another tent.
"Huh?"
Gurgle!
The cultist, adorned with goat horns, stood still as if unable to comprehend the situation. I swallowed the upper half of the pirate while swaying my tail.
"Grrrrr…."
With thorn spikes embedded in his neck, he collapsed, making a deflating sound.
"Uh…ah…ahhh!"
Then, with screams, another pirate emerged from a different tent, covered in blood.
While I was dealing with the pirates, the tooth fairy swarm had sneaked into another tent and attacked the pirates inside. The pirate, bleeding, tried to escape upon seeing me, but the tooth fairies didn't let him go. With carnivorous fleas leaping onto him, he couldn't bear the assault and collapsed on the ground.
"Ahhhh!"
"What the hell is that noise… Ugh?!"
Hearing the screams of their comrade, the other pirates peeked out from their tents and were astonished by the slaughterhouse I had created.
Swallowing the chef pirate and charging towards the pirate inside the tent, the force packed in the 5-meter structure was truly frightening. The tent shattered like bowling pins hit by a bowling ball, and the pirates inside crumpled instantly.
While their comrades were torn apart, a pirate who had been moving stealthily successfully boarded a walker.
"You bastard! You're gone now!"
The pirate on the walker wore a peculiar equipment. It resembled reinforced armor but covered only the head and chest, with multiple devices resembling plugs attached to the back of the neck.
'He's connecting with a brain connector using that.'
Such equipment didn't exist in the game. It was quite interesting, but that was something to check later.
As the 6-meter walker rose from the ground, aiming its storm gun at me, the pirate controlling it had a triumphant expression. He probably believed that the depleted uranium rounds loaded in that storm gun would tear me apart. However, his hopes would never come true.
The radio waves emanating from the panel on my back disrupted the walker's electrical signals, causing it to stop functioning.
"Huh? Wha…what's happening?"
As the once agile walker stopped working, the pirate shouted in a bewildered voice. The effects of the electromagnetic interference weren't long-lasting, so I extended my combat arm and pulled him out of the cockpit.
Thud!
Lifelessly sprawled on the ground by my hand, the pirate was bleeding profusely.
I paralyzed him with thorns because I wanted to leisurely examine the clothes he was wearing.
"…."
The remaining pirate, aiming at me, was shivering out of fear. The weapon he held, perhaps to impress as a wealthy pirate, was a Gauss rifle.
As I turned my head, he pulled the trigger. A tungsten bullet struck my exoskeleton fiercely, colliding with it. It was unfortunate for the pirate, but the bullet couldn't even leave a scratch on my exterior. As the deformed tungsten fell to the ground, the pirate's mouth gaped in shock.
As I approached him, he staggered backward, eventually sitting down with a thud. I raised the bone axe high.
"Wai…!"
It was rare for someone to be alive after their head was split. After dealing with the last pirate, I summoned the tooth fairy swarm.
'Three captured alive.'
The rest were all killed.
I gathered the captured and deceased pirates in the center of the camp.
Without anyone to contact at the base, they'll soon realize that their comrades over there have also met their fate. Before this night is over, they'll come looking.
'After making it this far through all the hardships, I guess I should give them a gift.'
A gift with the name of terror.
Originally, among the space cartels, there was no concept of ranks or a hierarchy. With various races gathered together, and most cartel leaders prioritizing their pride even if they die, the concept of serving one another didn't exist. However, there are undeniably powerful cartels that can be considered close to kings or nobility due to the strength among the space cartels.
On the Utopia-02 continent of the P-101 planet, 'Humanity' cartel was one of such powerful cartels. The Humanity Cartel, considered one of the five fingers among the space cartels, was unique not only in name.
"Boss."
"What is it?"
"We're unable to contact Camp 21 and Camp 17."
Dylan, the charismatic leader, lying halfway on a bed and eating skewered meat, furrowed his handsome brows at the words of his assistant.
"21 and 17?"
"Yes."
"What's that…that Electronic Ping Pong? Something like that. Is it because of that?"
"If you mean electromagnetic storms, then no, I don't think it is because of that…"
"You son of a b****, are you boasting about being smart in front of me?"
"Oh, no."
As a curse erupted from the mouth of Dylan, the slender and handsome cult leader, the assistant immediately bowed his head. Dylan, holding the skewer, contemplated whether to stab his subordinate with it and then spoke.
"21 and 17. Those are outlying camps, right?"
"Yes."
"There are no dangerous animals there. Could it be the remnants of the ones we downed earlier today?"
"I'm not sure about that…."
Dylan finished swallowing the skewered meat and then flicked his hand.
"Send some suitable guys to check it out."
"Yes, your wise judgment!"
"I know, buddy."
The assistant bowed his head and exited the tent.
The fiery glow from the massive blaze illuminated the surroundings of the tent where the cult leader resided.
The source of the fire was not a simple bonfire. One of the villages of the Wolves, which had existed for centuries on the Utopia-02 continent, was burning due to the pirates.
"Scream!"
"Ahhhh!"
Pirates, composed of cult members and humans, roamed around, setting fire to traditional houses or dragging out the Wolves inside. One peculiar point was that all the looting pirates were handsome men who did not fit the image of evildoers.
"Let the good-looking ones go to the leader alive!"
"Yes!"
"As for the women, do as you please!"
As someone shouted, the pirates, capturing handsome male Wolves and young children, filled their necks with electric necklaces and took them captive.
"Hehe, O guardian deity!"
"Ugh! Please listen to our prayers!"
The Wolves cried out desperately while enduring the pain from the electric necklaces. Originally, this village was not weak enough to suffer such a disaster. It was one of the villages blessed by two guardian deities known as the "Parents of All Things."
However, the "Parents of All Things" had not responded to their prayers for several days.
"Here they go again."
"Haha, idiots. Those b****es who claim to be gods already lost to the leader."
The pirates guarding the captives laughed at the Wolves. As they claimed, the guardian deities who protected the village had been defeated by the Humanity Cartel.
The male deity, known as the Father of the Earth, was beheaded by the pirate leader, while the female deity, known as the Mother of the Sky, was currently captured as a prisoner.
But the pirates didn't disclose these facts. It was more enjoyable for them to see the Wolves despairing in vain.
Leaving the camp and surveying the scene of looting, the assistant was approached by one pirate. The pirate was holding a female Wolf and a young Wolf.
"What should we do with this Wolf kid?"
"Please, spare this child!"
"Not the leader's taste. Deal with it."
"Wa…wait… Nooo!"
The pirate killed the young Wolf and dragged away its mother. Despite being the leader of the 'Humanity' Cartel, who is a woman herself, she has a strong aversion to other women and ugly men, so they are killed very cruelly.
Being humiliated by subordinate pirates here and burning to death seemed more merciful than what they were experiencing. In fact, the Mother of the Sky, captured as a prisoner, was undergoing such terrifying torture from the pirates.
Of course, trying to explain that fact to a Wolf who lost a child would lack credibility. Nevertheless, beside the assistant who considered it an act of mercy, another subordinate approached.
"What did the boss say?"
"He said to send some kids. Send the ones with nothing much to do."
"Got it."
After the subordinate left, the assistant returned to work. To find captives to be presented to the leader, they needed to diligently search around until the night ended.
An hour after the assistant met Dylan, ten heavily armed pirates boarded a transport ship heading towards Camp 17. Eight of them wore intermediate reinforced suits, while two were on walkers. The walkers were equipped with plasma launchers, and all eight pirates were armed with gauss rifles.
The level of armament was sufficient to handle a more formidable opponent than the pirates had anticipated around the camp.
"When they return, there won't be any decent ones left for us to eat, right?"
"That's right. Or we could share it with the others."
"Well, eating them afterward feels like eating corpses."
All ten of them were forcibly conscripted, so there was a lot of discontent, but there was nothing they could do. Their boss, the cult leader, had a very cruel disposition.
As the transport ship arrived in the airspace near Camp 17, which was prepared by the pirates in advance, the assistant spoke to Dylan an hour later.
"Check for life reactions in the vicinity."
"Nothing particularly unusual."
Their transport ship was equipped with a bioscanner suitable for use on warships. The Humanity Cartel possessed genetic information for almost all dangerous organisms on this planet. Therefore, the pirates could easily check whether there were dangerous animals in the vicinity.
After running the bioscanner once and determining that it was safe, they disembarked and headed for Camp 17.
Until that moment, they had no idea what had happened at the camp. At most, they thought it might be a communication failure due to a malfunction.
However, what awaited them was not something as simple as a communication failure.
Instead of the warm glow of a campfire and the noisy singing of pirates, cold darkness and silence filled Camp 17.
"Something's strange, isn't it?"
"Where did everyone go?"
Only then did the pirates realize that something was seriously wrong, and they began to be on guard around them.
One of the pirates, using the light on his helmet, discovered ominous traces.
"Look at this!"
"What…gasp?!"
It was a massive amount of bloodstains. The blood that had been scattered in the middle of the camp continued into the forest.
"Everyone, prepare for combat!"
The extremely tense pirates raised their weapons. They advanced into the forest with a walker at the forefront.
The seemingly endless bloodstains gradually diminished until they were cut off in front of a certain tree.
"Did they fly up into the sky?"
"Utterly nonsensical. No carnivorous animal comes down near this area."
"Well, that's true… huh?"
A drop of water fell onto the shoulder of one of the pirates. Thinking it was rain, he wiped it off, only to realize it wasn't water.
In the light of the helmet, his palm was covered in blood.
"…"
Everyone's gaze fixed on his bloody hand. Swallowing hard, he slowly raised his head.
And there, above him.
The 'companions' they were looking for were there.
"Get in touch with the boss immediately!"
"Rather than that, prepare the transport ship!"
"Transport ship! Respond! It's an emergency! Fly here right away!"
Even the ruthless pirates were horrified by the scene in front of them.
Skinless pirates were hanging from the trees.
-x-X-x-
"zzzz…Send…zzzz…Swiftly, urgent…zzzz….through…thud."
"Why is this happening again?"
The pirate helmsman at the control seat suddenly struck the malfunctioning communication device. He tried hitting it a few times, turned it on again, but the communication device seemed completely broken, refusing to function at all.
"Seems like something sent by the guys."
Although he didn't know what it was, it was clearly a communication from his colleagues who had visited Camp 17. The helmsman called out to a fellow pilot outside to move the transport ship.
"Hey, got a message from the guys. They're leaving, so hop on quickly."
"I'll just grab this and get in."
"Hurry up!"
"Sure thing."
Confirming that his colleague, who had gone out for a smoke, had boarded, the helmsman prepared for takeoff.
Just as the transport ship was about to take off, the vessel shook as if it had collided with something.
"What's going on?"
The helmsman quickly checked the warning lights on the dashboard and found that the cargo compartment door at the rear of the transport ship was not properly closed.
"I told that idiot to close the door and come in."
The helmsman turned on the communication device to call the colleague who had boarded.
"We're about to depart, so close the door properly and get in quickly."
"Zzz zzz."
"I said close the door!"
Instead of a response, a red light indicating the cargo compartment door setting on the instrument panel changed to green. The cargo door had closed.
"Should've closed it earlier. We're leaving, so hold on tight!"
As the helmsman pulled the control stick, the transport ship ascended into the sky.
***
"Yes…yes. It's true! Their skin was peeled off and hung on the tree… What? Oh, yes. I'll take a picture and send it right now."
Reporting to the higher-ups through the communication device, the pirate activated the small camera attached to his helmet.
The camera, mounted next to the lantern, moved and transmitted the image of the bodies lying on the ground to the headquarters.
Thanks to the wire rope connected to the structure, retrieving the bodies was not difficult.
"W…what kind of devil would do such a thing…?"
Like any space cartel, humanity's pirates had their share of brutality. Even before coming here, they had committed horrific acts against innocent Wolfen to the point where it was unspeakable.
However, even among them, the idea of hanging a fully skinned human on a tree was unprecedented.
While his colleague reported and recorded the video, a sharp-eyed pirate scavenged the blood-soaked corpse.
"…Seeing warm blood, it hasn't been long since they died."
That means the perpetrator who committed such a horrific act might be nearby.
"Shit, was there nothing caught on the bio-scanner?"
"If it's unregistered information, it won't be detected."
The genetic makeup of the creatures inhabiting the Utopia-02 continent has been mostly cataloged by the Humanity Cartel, but if there are beings from outside, they can't be avoided. The pirates involuntarily shivered at the thought of an unknown enemy, especially a monster preying on humans, being nearby.
"When is the transport ship coming?"
"I called them, and they told me that they would be here soon… Ah, there they are!"
The branches and leaves of the trees shook vigorously. Along with a deafening noise, the light from the transport ship illuminated the depths of the forest.
"Alright. Let's all move."
There's only one open space suitable for the transport ship to land around here, and that's outside Camp 17. The pirates naturally thought the transport ship would fly in that direction.
"Huh?"
"Why is it acting like that?"
The smoothly flying transport ship started to stagger and quickly descended in altitude, as if it were about to crash into the ground. And the direction the transport ship was heading was where the pirates were standing.
As the distance between the transport ship and the pirates rapidly decreased, the pirates' faces turned pale.
"Everyone, get out of the way!"
The pirates quickly hid behind nearby trees and rocks.
The walker also tried to evade belatedly, but it was too late. The descending transport ship crashed mercilessly onto the walker.
The transport ship, crushing one walker, exploded, and flames shot up above the trees. The roar echoed throughout the entire forest, startling the avian creatures that were peacefully sleeping, making them all take flight into the sky.
"W…what's happening!"
"Our transport ship!"
The pirates, who had taken cover behind trees or rocks, stared in dismay at the flaming wreckage of the transport ship.
As the transport ship carrying them was now in ruins, they cried out in despair.
However, their misfortune was not yet over.
A pitch-black creature emerged from the flames and attacked the walker.
Because it was much larger than the walker, it overwhelmed the walker without resistance, and the pirate sitting in the cockpit was pierced by the tail spikes. The spikes were so long that the pirate died instantly without even screaming.
Then the creature who incapacitated the walker then leaped into the forest.
The events happened so quickly that the pirates were just staring dumbfounded. It was only after the creature disappeared that the pirates, now regaining their senses, screamed in horror.
"Aaaah!"
"Sons of bitches!"
"What the hell was that just now!"
"I don't know!"
In an instant, losing two transport ships and a walker, the pirates were completely plunged into panic.
"This…this place is dangerous!"
"Everyone, head to Camp 17!"
Among the pirates present here, the ones with the most firepower were the two walkers equipped with plasma launchers. In this forest, numerous dangerous creatures roamed around fearlessly, challenging them without a walker was very difficult, hence they decided to retreat back into camp 17.
Now, besides the unknown creature, the inhabitants of the forest would also be targeting them. Moreover, the area reeked of the scent of blood from the skinned corpses, indicating that monsters would soon come here due to the smell of blood. Anticipating the imminent danger, the pirates sprinted.
Eight pirates dashed through the thickets. Numerous eyes watched them through the leaves above their heads.
"We're not far from the camp! Just a little more, and—!"
The leading pirate couldn't finish his sentence. A snake-like creature descended from the trees, grabbed his head, and dragged him away. The pirates behind could only watch helplessly as their comrade disappeared into the treetops.
"A…Ambush…!"
Just as they were about to react, another snake descended, snatching another pirate. Bone-chilling sounds of bones breaking echoed from above, accompanied by splatters of blood.
"Defend yourselves!"
"A..ahh!"
The remaining six pirates pulled out gauss rifles and began shooting into the treetops. Among the dark trees, the massive form of something moved unpredictably.
"Darn it! I Can't see a thing!"
The pirates continued firing at the perceived targets, but the creature continued moving unperturbed. Furthermore, the monsters on the trees were not the only concern.
"Aaah! Help!"
"W..what?!"
Dozens of bugs attached themselves to one pirate who had been focused on shooting upwards. Palm-sized insects, with sharp white teeth, chewed through the reinforced armor the pirate wore.
"E..eek!"
The reinforced armor worn by the pirates was a specially upgraded intermediate-level armor with high defense. Thanks to it, the armor wasn't pierced, but that didn't mean they could ignore the pain of having their flesh bitten.
"I'll help you!"
Another pirate stopped shooting and shouted toward his comrade. It turned out to be his final words.
"Be careful!"
"Huh?"
A bright red snake descended from the tree and dragged him away. Other pirates turned around and looked to the spot where the snake had appeared, but thorns flew from the darkness and impaled their throats.
"Ugh!"
"Gah!"
They staggered like intoxicated people before collapsing.
Now, only two pirates remained.
They lowered their guns without hesitation and ran straight toward the camp. In truth, there wasn't much they could do by going to the camp, but they didn't have the luxury for such rational judgments. As they fled, they heard heavy footsteps following them from behind.
Initially faint, the footsteps rapidly grew louder, now sounding right behind them. Perhaps due to the pressure, one pirate, running frantically, got entangled in branches and fell.
"Help!"
"…It's been nice working with you."
"This son of a b*tch… Aaah!"
Leaving behind the cries of his comrade, the pirate continued running.
"Damn…damn."
They ran for a while, but the camp was still out of sight. Above, the tree branches shook ominously, and all the visible trees looked the same. It felt as if the entire forest was mocking him, daring him to escape once.
However, they couldn't afford to stand still. The creature would catch up with him in no time. Just as he thought about it, something furry attacked him from behind. The pirate collapsed on the ground, and the creature that attacked him, with eight legs, pressed down on his back.
"Don't…please! S…spare me!"
Though the pirate pleaded with the unseen foe, the response that came back was sharp teeth. The creature's sharp teeth pierced the pirate's neck. The venom spread through his bloodstream, causing excruciating pain throughout his entire body.
"Nooo!"
In agony as his veins melted, the pirate screamed.
The monster that attacked the pirate, the Nightstalker, confirmed that the prey had been neutralized and felt satisfied.
In the next moment, as the creature was about to devour its prey, something grabbed its head.
"Huh?"
"What… is… this?"
With an unheard dissonance from the forest, the creature could no longer continue its thoughts.
'Why are you eating that?'
I looked at the pirate in front of me, holding the partially crushed Nightstalker corpse.
'He's dead.'
Unfortunately, the pirate fell victim to the Nightstalker's venom. Corpses not killed directly by me are treated the same as genetic samples. In other words, there's a very low chance of the predatory effect occurring on corpses I didn't personally kill. Even if I use the 'Symbol of hunt', I can only use it as a transcendent system material unless I gain the same effect twice, and I can't enjoy any benefits.
'The problem lies in this forest.'
Because there are many competitors other than me, if I don't move quickly, I'll lose prey like this.
I calmed my irritation by eating the Nightstalker's corpse.
'Meh, not bad.'
The taste of the Nightstalker's internal organs, which remained intact, could be succinctly described as a croissant with pepperoni. Its internal organs were firm yet had a unique flavor. Whether it was due to the venom glands or potent digestive enzymes in its body, it had a distinct taste.
'It's delicious, so I'll let it pass this time.'
Anyway, it's already dead. After consuming the Nightstalker's corpse, I collected the pirate corpses. Even though I couldn't eat them, I could use these pirate corpses to instill fear in my enemies.
'I wondered if the tactic of skinning before eating would work in reality.'
In a space survival game which gave its players extreme freedom, it wasn't impossible to skin corpses. Players with butchering skills could obtain leather from the carcasses of rare animals. This leather was often used as material for reinforced armor or to accomplish important missions.
'…Though there's no need to use it to instill fear in enemies.'
Amorph could also skin animals, but with the primary goal of acquiring genetic essence, there was no reason for it to bother with obtaining leather. However, I utilized this method for effective hunting. While the skinned corpse didn't directly debuff players, it was effective in delivering a psychological impact. Not many people would enjoy seeing a corpse with all its muscles exposed.
'Especially those who host internet broadcasts really hated it.'
Because of me, the broadcast levels were forcibly elevated. Anyway, I had fun with this tactic several times and used it effectively during the battles on four different planets in the past.
Since it became less effective as people stopped fearing it, I eventually stopped using it. In a game, it might not have worked, but this was reality. Enemies were greatly shaken by the exposed bones of the unfamiliar corpses, making it easy to annihilate them.
'There are still more enemies left… Hm?'
I slung the pirate corpse over my shoulder, and I noticed a faint light shining from the helmet. It was a small camera for recording footage.
"Better this way."
I grabbed the helmet with my combat hand and exerted force. The metal helmet crumpled, and blood flowed from the pirate's head inside.
'They must have seen me through the camera, so they'll come after me.'
In this forest, there are easily over a dozen pirate camps. Searching for each camp one by one would be cumbersome, and if they set traps with powerful weapons on the other side, there was a high chance I'd fall into them.
'It's not like other times when I'd go there directly.'
Not this time. Making them come to me, stepping into the traps I set— that's the essence of this fight. They must have been on high alert after seeing the corpses hung in the trees; the camera on the helmet would have caught it all. Somehow, they'd put in extra effort to capture me.
Certainly, if enemies from all directions press me with powerful weapons, it would be an unfavorable situation, but fortunately, that's impossible.
'It's difficult to move here with transport ships. The landing points are limited.'
Even the pirates who came to the camp with the lost contact landed in a distant clearing before proceeding. To capture me, they would ultimately have to land in predetermined locations and move on foot. In other words, predicting their movements is not challenging for me. Unless they decide to burn the entire forest with a battleship, everything is within my grasp.
'Well then, let's get ready.'
I moved while carrying the pirate and Nightstalker corpses. Behind me, a group of paralyzed pirates followed, pulled along.
"…"
The pirates, dragged with imprints on the ground, seemed eager to escape somehow. However, after witnessing me casually chewing on a colleague's head like eating a snack, they quieted down.
The night is not long. There are many traps I need to create using the Walkers, the remaining tools at the camp, and the pirates.
"…"
Temporary headquarters camp devised by Humanity's Cult division's leader Dylan. Inside the command tent, there was a static atmosphere. It was due to the video sent by the team that went to investigate Camp 17.
After rewatching the video multiple times with cold eyes, Dylan summoned his deputy.
"Gather my equipment and select 30 of our best fighters."
"Do I not need to inform the leader first?"
"Damn it, I'm in charge here. If I don't deal with this shit, do you think the leader will just leave me be?"
Although Dylan was a cult figure beloved by the Cartel leader, he wasn't showered with so much love that he could cover up every mistake. The leader of Humanity considered all her subordinates expendable. Dylan, too, was just a toy receiving affection from her. If the leader knew there was a problem with the camp, she would immediately strike him down.
"Anyway, I've already cleared all the Wolf villages around here. If I crush one damn bird before going, there won't be any issues."
"Understood, boss."
After receiving the orders, the subordinate left, and Dylan replayed the video. It was to grasp as much as possible about what type of creature it was, its attack methods, or habits.
"Daring to provoke me? Do they know who I am?"
Although treated as a toy by the leader of the Humanity cartel, Dylan, as the leader of all the cultists in the humanity, was a formidable figure in hunting dangerous creatures. While waiting for his subordinates to bring his exclusive equipment, he repeatedly reviewed the video. However, even with the preparations, a lingering unease remained in a corner of his mind.
A monster slaughtering pirates in the darkness. Somehow, he couldn't shake off the feeling that the creature smelled similar to the leader of Humanity.
-x-X-x-
"The preparation is complete."
"Copy that."
Upon the report of the deputy chief, Dylan stood up from his seat. Currently, he was wearing an upgraded high-grade reinforced suit on his body and a mask with a unique design on his face. The mask, resembling a death mask with a silver surface that looked like a human face, was named 'Indomitable Mask.' It was specially bestowed to him by the leader, providing the wearer with concealment against detection devices, and immunity to psychic powers affecting poison and the mind.
Moreover, the Indomitable Mask had the incredible advantage of being compatible with any equipment. For instance, the auto-plasma gun attached to his shoulder could automatically shoot at enemies and remain undetectable by conventional detection devices, thanks to its connection with the mask.
Among the gear he wore, nothing was cheap, but Dylan didn't mind. The opponent they were about to face was far from easy. When Dylan emerged from the tent, 30 heavily armed pirates were waiting for him in the open space of the campsite. All of them were clad in high-grade reinforced suits, each holding a Gauss rifle in their hands. Additionally, they carried portable plasma rocket launchers and purple spray guns as infantry support weapons.
"What about the Heavy Walker?"
"It's already on board."
Furthermore, there was a Heavy Walker clad in thick armor, armed with a storm gun and a plasma launcher. Cartels that could deploy such high-level equipment throughout the entire space dock were not very common.
"Alright. Let's proceed with the encircling tactic as usual."
"Understood."
Dylan always divided his team into three during hunts: a reconnaissance team to search for prey, a driving team to lead or lure the prey, and finally, a striking team to deliver the blows. The reconnaissance team consisted of six members, including the deputy chief; the driving team had 10 members, and the striking team, including Dylan and the walker, had 16 members. In total, 32 members executed the hunting operation together.
The pirates' reinforced suits and weapons were also tailored to their teams and roles. For example, the reconnaissance team wore lightweight reinforced suits with stealth capabilities, while the driving and striking teams were armed with armor that increased their defense.
"Let's go then."
"Alright. Everyone on board!"
Following Dylan, the pirates boarded the large transport ship one by one. The transport ship, carrying the walker and the pirates, soared through the morning mist. The damp air peculiar to the jungle quickly filled the transport ship. The pirates silently double-checked the equipment they brought, their faces frozen in tension, but there was no sign of fear.
For a long time, the pirates of the Humanity Cartel had fought against formidable enemies. They had experienced defeats at times, but they always emerged as the survivors.
"Unknown monster? Whether it's a monster or not, let's show it who the real monster is."
"Yes!"
The pirates responded enthusiastically to Dylan's words. The large transport ship, flying swiftly, soon reached the airspace above the landing point.
"Boss, we're almost there."
"Good. Once we're down, everyone will start their search from Camp 17's perimeter."
As the large transport ship prepared to land on the expansive clearing, the pirates finished their preparations by loading weapons or boarding the walker. And just as the landing gear of the transport ship touched the ground, Dylan heard something.
"Huh?"
He realized it was the sound of a mine detonating, but by then, it was already too late. A massive explosion engulfed those aboard the transport ship.
***
'It's begun.'
In the distance, pillars of fire shot up into the sky. The mines I had planted earlier had exploded. I had interrogated pirates captured before their arrival to learn the landing zones of the enemy's transport ships in advance. Then, I collected defensive mines stored at the camp and strategically placed them in the anticipated open spaces where the enemies would come.
'They'll likely be wearing high quality reinforced suits, so they won't die from that.'
Maybe there will be two to three casualties at most? I didn't expect too many pirates from that, but just blocking the enemy's retreat is a significant achievement. With the objective achieved, I leaped from the treetops.
'Next is…'
I sprinted through the misty forest, breaking small trees as I went, startling small creatures that scurried away. As the moisture in the air thickened, the trees suddenly cleared, revealing a wide riverbank.
There, hundreds of creatures resembling Stegosauruses had gathered. They were Plant Lizards, creatures I had once preyed upon in the space city. Though they resembled herbivorous dinosaurs, they were classified as plant-like organisms.
Their ecology matched their appearance; they obtained nutrients in well-lit areas during the day and came to the water's edge like this at night to consume moisture.
'Sorry to disturb your leisure, but…'
I needed the help of my forest friends now. I roared vigorously towards them.
Roar!
A tremendous roar echoed throughout the entire forest, emanating from a body that approached 12 meters in length, including the tail. Sleeping gallagon herds atop the trees were startled and leaped into the air, while roars of other predators guarding me from within the forest were heard.
Upon hearing my roar, the herd of Plant Lizards all woke from their slumber.
"Kiee?"
"Kiee! Kiee!"
The largest male, measuring 10 meters, looked at me and emitted a short roar. Upon hearing that sound, the entire herd began fleeing in the opposite direction.
'Good.'
I pursued them, brandishing my tail and roaring to instill fear. The male, in the middle of the herd, occasionally stood his ground, attempting to drive me away to protect the group.
During those moments, I pretended to attack the male without directly confronting him, targeting other Plant Lizards behind him. If the male tried to protect the family, I threatened another, and as he moved, I targeted yet another.
As this repeated, the Plant Lizard herd continued to run away desperately.
'Let's keep it this way.'
My intention was to make the herd overrun the pirates while fleeing. Plant Lizards didn't have any means of attack except for the spikes on their tails, but when gathered in a herd between 5 to 10 meters in size, they became formidable.
Even heavily armored walkers would stand no chance if they were overwhelmed by such a herd.
'And I'll target the enemies in the meantime.'
Although they would likely recover quickly due to their profiles, my strategy didn't end here. I still had over dozens of ways to deal with them.
'We're almost there.'
The auxiliary organ under my jaw whispered to me.
The ignorant fools were approaching.
***
"2 casualties in the reconnaissance team, 1 injured in the driving team, 1 walker immobilized."
"…Damn it, aren't you including the casualties on the transport ship and the pilot? Can't you do your job properly?"
"Sorry, sorry!"
The damages Dylan's party incurred before entering combat were significant. Particularly, their primary firepower holder, one of the five Heavy Walkers, was damaged and wasn't able to function properly. Now, only four Heavy Walkers remained.
"Damn it!"
Someone had made a makeshift scarecrow using a skinned corpse hanging from a tree. They should have anticipated our arrival and us utilizing bombs and weapons.
It was a mistake to think only about fighting dangerous beasts.
"Disband the reconnaissance team, and tell the remaining members to all join the driving team."
"Understood."
"Boss, what about the injured?"
Upon hearing another pirate's question, Dylan approached the injured member of the driving team. Given the twisted state of his legs, walking seemed impossible.
Without hesitation, Dylan shot him with the auto-plasma gun strapped to his shoulder.
"We don't need injured in our cartel."
No one among Dylan's subordinates protested against his actions. Being alone in this hellish forest in an injured state was essentially a death sentence.
The pirates gathered their tools, ammunition, and other essentials from the wreckage of the transport ship and headed towards Camp 17.
When they were close to the camp, the deputy chief at the forefront sent a signal.
"..."
At that signal, all the pirates came to a halt. While other pirates vigilantly scanned their surroundings with night vision goggles integrated into their reinforced helmets, Dylan activated the concealment detection function of the Indomitable Mask.
A violet flame flickered in the eyes of the mask, and the forms of creatures hidden in the forest were revealed completely within his field of vision.
"Check direction at 11 o'clock."
Upon hearing the deputy chief's words, the pirates' gun barrels all pointed in unison towards the 11 o'clock direction. Dylan's auto-plasma gun, attached to his shoulder, also moved in alignment with his sight.
"Krugh!"
Roar!
Beastly roars echoed from a distance. Everything seemed normal in the surroundings – the dense fog, the unknown animal sounds. However there was one exception.
In the extremely tense atmosphere, the pirates sweated coldly down the back of their necks.
As the roars grew louder, Dylan raised his finger on the trigger to intercept the approaching threat.
At that moment, he felt a subtle tremor in the ground.
"An earthquake?"
He placed his palm on the ground, feeling the vibrations rising through his knees. What initially started as a gentle shake escalated into a more pronounced tremor.
"No way? Damn it! Scatter!"
As Dylan shouted, massive reptilian creatures with a dark green glow emerged from the thick fog.
A herd of Plant Lizards, adorned with impressive dorsal plates, ambushed the pirates who were waiting.
"Aaargh!"
"These bastards! Everyone scatter behind trees! Don't engage in a direct fight!"
Reacting to Dylan's orders, the pirates quickly jumped behind trees or rocks. Surprisingly, the Plant Lizards passed them without attacking as if the pirates weren't even there.
"Huh?"
However, the heavily-armored Heavy Walkers, who due to their large size, couldn't move quickly. One out of the four was caught by the charging Plant Lizard herd while trying to shoot them with a plasma launcher, missing the timing to evade.
As a result, the Heavy Walker was overwhelmed by the rushing Plant Lizards.
Even with the thick armor, facing hundreds of creatures weighing over 10 tons each was an impossible feat.
It crumbled as the herd trampled over it, the protected control seats were destroyed, and the pilot inside was crushed without even putting up a fight.
"Damn it!"
Yet, their ordeal wasn't over. Something with a jet-black exterior burst out from among the Plant Lizard herd and charged towards one of the remaining walkers.
With momentum from the charge, it collided with the Heavy Walker, and two thick horns penetrated the reinforced glass of the walker's control seat.
"It's here!"
"Open fire!"
The pirates immediately started shooting at the monster who was attached to the walker. Piercing rounds formed a lattice from gauss rifles, and a purple flame erupted from the purple spray gun.
As soon as the creature withdrew its horns, it evaded the pirates' assault and vanished into the opposite side of the forest.
"Where's the Walker pilot? Confirm his condition quickly!"
While the assault and striking teams were firing at the monsters, one pirate from the reconnaissance team checked the interior of the Walker.
"What happened?"
"He accurately penetrated the pilot's chest."
Dylan's face twisted in a grimace upon hearing the report. The battle hadn't even started, yet they had already lost three valuable Heavy Walkers.
"Ugh…aaaargh!"
Dylan's scream echoed through the forest, a cry filled with frustration.
***
'At this point, they must be pretty pissed.'
Hearing the enemy leader's angry shouts, I couldn't help but feel strangely satisfied. The more they lose their composure, the more advantageous it is for me.
'I expected it, but they came with some good equipment.'
Although I suspected that the Humanity Cartel had a lot of money, their equipment exceeded the usual pirate category. With Heavy Walkers armed with plasma launchers on both arms, they could kill me, even when I was in the state of the 'Symbol of Hunt'.
Therefore, my top priority was to eliminate the Heavy Walkers. The unfortunate part was that I could only take out two of them.
Originally, I planned to take advantage of the chaos to ambush and clear the other Walkers, but unexpectedly, the enemy's onslaught was fierce.
'They brought the Purple Spray Gun.'
The Purple Spray Gun was a kind of a psychic flamethrower. It was just like my Psychic breath though its power was half of it, however it increases the range of the attack making the spray cover a wide distance. Although I had psychic resistance, it wasn't a weapon to be taken lightly if I were to get hit.
Currently, there were two Walkers left, and the pirates with the Purple Spray Guns were still intact.
I needed to somehow finish off the Walkers with the next trap. Only then could I focus on dealing with the pirates wielding the Purple Spray Guns.
'Alright. Let's go and check the… huh?'
As I tried to move to the next trap, the auxiliary organ warned me. It detected something in the vicinity.
'Is it invisible?'
Even with my exceptional vision, I was not able to see anyone. Since the auxiliary organ wouldn't lie to me, I concentrated for a moment.
The scent of soil on the ground, the smell of moss clinging to rocks, the moisture composing the fog, the sound of trees absorbing water and breathing, the scent of sweat…
'Wait, the scent of sweat?'
A strange scent mingled in the air. Extremely faint, almost impossible to detect without concentration, but it was undoubtedly the scent emitted when a human was tense and nervous.
I slightly flicked the end of my tail in the direction of the sweaty scent. The thorn hairs stuck to something transparent.
The thorns hit the target and rendered it immobile causing it to fall to the ground..
It was a man wearing a cloaking device similar to the invisibility-enhanced camouflage suit that a sniper had worn in a previous battle in the space city.
'A cloaking device?'
This was perfect. Originally, I had prepared another trap after this. However, obtaining such a valuable item fell into my hands unexpectedly, and it sparked an amusing thought.
'You'll be a valuable asset.'
I picked up the man in the invisibility-enhanced suit and moved on to the next location.
The pirates who entered this forest still had a lot to see.