'What now?'
The intruder seemed confused by the sudden intrusion. He must have been puzzled as to why he had missed this.
The reason was simple.
'I've distracted him.'
Since he realized that I was not an easy opponent, he poured all his senses into me. If I had hesitated or fought him from a distance, he would have had room to maneuver. In that case, he would have quickly noticed the kids coming.
Ice Horrors possess extraordinary physical abilities, but their essence lies in being ambush predators. If they judge it difficult to control the environmental conditions, they will retreat immediately.
'But we can't let that happen.'
We need him. I need his mind, the Mother of the Sky needs his heart, and even his flesh for the others.
'We'll catch him here.'
As I growled, he alternated his gaze between me and Number 26.
Among the enemies present here, I am the most threatening to him. After all, I shattered his armor with my bare hands.
But his instincts suggest another answer. He sensed the presence of a superior predator, a Sea Demon, higher than the Ice Horror.
Number 26 tends to suppress psychic powers emanating from its body to accommodate the sensitive Adhai. If I hadn't been injured, it would still be hiding.
'Are you properly angry?'
Numerous eyes flowed like water over Number 26's body. The pupils, imbued with the 'Abyssal Terror' characteristic, glared at the Ice Horror.
A powerful psychic power emanated from its body, dyed a shade close to purple-pink, filling the space with intensity.
Fortunately, the psychic power doesn't flow outward beyond space. I suppose it's controlling it to avoid Gallagon's notice.
In summary, Number 26 is currently in a state of cold fury.
'But that's even scarier.'
The Ice Horror seemed confused about where to focus due to the psychic power. It stumbled about aimlessly, as if representing its master's consciousness.
It would be troublesome if his attention shifted elsewhere. I rose to my feet with unbroken combat arms and let out a thunderous roar.
Roar
My roar echoed far beyond the chamber. Ice shards and stone fragments around me flew into the air from the shockwave. Startled by the power contained in my roar, the Ice Horror twitched its tentacles.
Ssaaaa!
Roar
The Ice Horror roared loudly, just like me. Ignoring Number 26, it rushed towards me. I, too, charged towards it, pounding the ground with each stride.
Leaving traces on the shattered ice floor, we charged towards each other. As we clashed again, the chamber trembled once more.
Crack!
Both my combat arms and dorsal arms are broken, and my head armor is shattered. Energy is being consumed to heal the broken bones, so I don't feel as powerful as before.
Meanwhile, he shows no sign of fatigue and continues to demonstrate his strength. Should I call him an Apex Monster just based on his sheer specs?
'Well, that's preferable.'
He's a cunning predator. He wouldn't consider fleeing when faced with an opponent he can handle comfortably. While the enemy is off guard, we can diligently entangle him.
While I'm holding onto him, the kids moved.
Transformed into her griffin form, the Mother of the Sky ascended onto Adhai's back, holding the 'Divine Spectre'. Despite the dense darkness, Adhai carried her swiftly and soared over the Ice Horror's back in the blink of an eye.
As Adhai flew, almost touching the Ice Horror's carapace, the Mother of the Sky extended her spear to strike his back. Perhaps due to the added thrust from the high-speed flight, thin wounds were left on his carapace.
Sss…
As we struggled in combat, the annoyed Ice Horror hissed as it suffered an attack. Its tail moved to get rid of the annoying intruder.
Despite being in an underground space devoid of any light, the incredibly developed auxiliary organs revealed its presence. The tail, rising to strike Adhai, looked like a massive barrier.
Riding Adhai like a mythical hero fighting mythical beasts, the Mother of the Sky and Adhai skillfully evaded the Ice Horror's tail. Thanks to Adhai's improved flying abilities, they effortlessly maneuvered even in the relatively narrow underground space.
The Mother of the Sky focused solely on thrusting her spear, while Adhai evaded the flying tail and body.
While the two were coordinating their attacks, Number 26 also prepared its assault.
It waved the tentacles protruding from her body like a conductor's baton. Immediately, debris scattered across the chamber floor.
The Sea Demon's unique technique, 'Demon Crash,' had been activated. The shards permeated with psychic power now became projectiles for her psychic cannon.
Some of the debris floating in the air shot out like bullets, hitting the Ice Horror's torso.
Sss!
The Ice Horror seemed unsure where to focus. As his attention dispersed, the force behind his jaw, pressing against me, slightly diminished.
'Good!'
Seizing the opportunity, I exerted force on the tentacles ensnaring his jaw and head. For the first time since the fight began, he staggered backward.
Ss?!
He seemed taken aback and failed to respond properly. I pushed harder, forcing him back. Due to the uneven floor from the collapsing ground, his body tilted significantly.
As a result, the broken carapace I had exposed was prominently exposed.
As the startled Ice Horror tried to regain his footing, his body froze in place. Unbeknownst to him, a mesh of psychic power spanning hundreds of meters entangled his frame.
The one who cast the net was Number 26. Once again, it had cast 'Restraint.'
[ZZZ (Now!)]
Hearing my shout, Adhai swooped in at terrifying speed. The Mother of the Sky, atop him, thrust her spear forcefully.
The sharp tip of the spear pierced deep into the broken carapace's interior. Without any resistance, the spear plunged deep inside his body.
Saaaa!
The Ice Horror, impaled by the Divine Spectre, screamed in agony, thrashing wildly. With a massive body easily surpassing 100 meters, his rampage shook not only the chamber but the entire underground space.
[ZZZ ZZ (Watch out!)]
｢Got it.｣
The Ice Horror's body and tail bounced through the air like a roller coaster track, while Adhai performed aerial acrobatics, navigating between them.
'Not enough yet.'
Due to his immense size, even driving the Divine Spectre all the way to the hilt didn't inflict fatal wounds.
I climbed atop him, causing havoc on the collapsed floor. Then, I widen my jaws into a split to bite into the broken carapace.
Sss!
The creature, writhing in pain as if being salted, quickly sensed my intent and swiftly flipped its body. As a result, my attack missed. Instead of soft flesh, I bit into the very tough flank carapace.
'Tch.'
The teeth that could chew through battleship hulls merely collided helplessly with the Ice Horror's carapace. Experiencing my teeth break for the first time since arriving in this world, I inwardly cursed.
Sss.
Furthermore, the creature now realized what I was aiming for with this attack. To conceal its weakness, it twisted its body to continuously target the wounded area.
Despite Adhai flying around and unleashing Purple Lightning, the fastest among us, it was futile.
He's the kind who barely scratches, even after taking my Psychic Breath head-on. With lesser power than that, Purple Lightning couldn't harm him.
｢Tough!｣
｢Watch out, little one! Move aside!｣
Seeing this, Number 26 exerted itself again. The psychic power emanating from its body materialized and glowed.
Then, debris floating in the air gathered in front of Number 26, slowly rotating.
Understanding what he was up to, I firmly restrained the Ice Horror with all my corroding tentacles and combat arms.
Sssss!
Grrrr!
It seemed that he, too, thought he needed to quickly deal with me and leave this place. His thick, elongated body wrapped around me. The collision between his carapace and my composite scales sparked flames.
He's much stronger than me. If he decided to crush me, I wouldn't last long.
As evidence, the message 'Pain Nullification' repeatedly appeared before my eyes.
Enduring the pain with the characteristic effect, I seized one broken dorsal arm with a corroding tentacle. Then, I tore it off.
'Ugh!'
The pain, incomparable to when it broke, pierced the inside of my head.
I hadn't gone mad and torn off my own arm. The dorsal arm, resembling a crow's foreleg, had the sharpest bone blade from my body attached to it.
With all the bones broken, the dorsal arm couldn't move. But I intended to use it as a weapon.
'This should do.'
I received the broken dorsal arm torn off by the corroding tentacle with my combat arm. Then, I swung it like an axe, striking down on the Ice Horror's weakness.
Sssss!
The Ice Horror screamed as my bone blades sank into it, even though the Divine Spectre had already pierced it. Strong predators, accustomed to trampling over others, often couldn't bear their own pain. The Ice Horror was no exception.
Its grip on me weakened. Trying to distance itself from me to hide its weakness, the Ice Horror, now struggling, faced another weapon I had concealed.
The five faces on my head carapace opened their mouths simultaneously. Ultrasonic waves capable of paralyzing any foe poured forth from the mouths of the anthropomorphic entities, aimed at the Ice Horror.
Sss?!
The creature, properly struck by the paralysis waves on its head, ceased its movements. Almost simultaneously, Number 26's weapon completed its firing sequence.
[ZZZ (now!)]
｢Got it!｣
A psychic drill made by mixing psychic power and large chunks of ice tore through the air, heading towards the broken carapace of the Ice Horror, our carefully crafted weakness.
Pure psychic power and ice fragments began tearing the creature's flesh apart.
Ssssss!
The destructive power of the psychic drill, made by Number 26, or rather, the Sea Demon, was remarkable. It shredded the internal bones and flesh within the carapace, and the organs were spun out and pulled out almost to the point of extraction.
The creature screamed in agony as its organs were shredded.
But that was the limit.
Although the psychic drill rotated with enough force to tear the creature apart, destroying its carapace was beyond it. After greatly expanding the wounded area, the psychic power that formed the drill scattered into the air.
｢I'm drained…｣
｢Little adult｣ ｢Danger.｣
Number 26's body, having consumed excessive psychic power, shrunk to a size of 50 cm, as it did when resting on my head, and Adhai placed her on his back.
Sss…
The Ice Horror's antennae trembled uneasily. How many predators like it had suffered such fatal injuries? Probably none since infancy.
Realizing it couldn't go on any longer, the creature tried to burrow into the ground.
'Where do you think you're going?'
While coming was at its whim, leaving wasn't. I grabbed and dragged the creature from behind as it attempted to flee.
Grrrrr…
Sss?!
Then, I pressed my head against its wound. The warm blood seeped into my closed mouth.
Using my combat arms and corroding tentacles, I widened the creature's wound, then pushed my head even deeper. With the horns on my head and the bone blades under my jaw, I rummaged through the creature's insides.
In an attempt to get rid of me, the creature bit my tail with its jaws. The more it struggled, the tighter I held onto its gaping wound.
The pincers at the end of my tail, the carapace and legs attached to it, were being torn off by the creature's jaws, but I didn't give up.
How long has it been? As I pushed through what felt like a solid wall, the cold air enveloped my head.
The moment I realized I had completely pierced through the creature's body, its death roars echoed in my ears.
Sss… sss… s…
The Ice Horror, who might have lived for hundreds, if not thousands of years, let out a subdued cry as if feeling unjust, and then collapsed.
-x-X-x-
[Conditions for evolution from 'Quasi-saint' to 'Ascendant' have been partially met. Apex monsters hunted (APEX) 1/30 (incomplete).]
'Sigh.'
I sighed as I looked at the fallen Ice Horror on the ground. While I succeeded in capturing one Apex, my heart wasn't at ease.
'It's definitely tough.'
Even in the game, hunting Apex creatures wasn't easy. From Gallagons to Sea Demons, there were only formidable beings classified as Apex.
But that was just a game after all. While the death penalty in space survival games was significant, it didn't compare to real-life death. Engaging in a struggle for life wasn't as easy as one might think.
'It would've been tough without them.'
Adhai, who had helped me in this fight, sat down beside me. Number 26, whom I rode, and the Mother of the Sky descended beside me as well. All three of them had been a great help in capturing the Ice Horror.
[ZZZZ ZZZ ZZ ZZZ I'll be fine in a bit)]
As always, Number 26, who had returned to its small size, was more concerned about me.
<...We managed to capture this.>
Adhai jumped around on the corpse, seemingly excited. The Mother of the Sky looked at the corpse as if she couldn't believe it.
[ZZZ ZZZZ ZZ ZZZZ ZZZZ ZZZ (Let's eat quickly. We don't have much time)]
The underground shelter we were in was barely holding up. With the Ice Horror and me having clashed, it could collapse at any moment.
'If this collapses, it'll affect the outside too.'
If this collapsed, it was evident that the ice plains above would collapse, creating a massive sinkhole. Given that the solid ice had sunk, the Gallagons would also find it suspicious.
Moreover, I didn't have much time left.
The duration of the hunt's manifestation was 20 minutes. Since I had spent most of the time fighting the creature, there was only about 5 minutes left.
The Mother of the Sky, hearing my words, looked at the wall of gold and nodded.
[ZZZZ ZZZ ZZZ ZZ (Take out its heart)]
I picked up the Divine Ppecterate from the blood and threw it to her. She effortlessly caught it and walked into the wound I had prepared.
'Mid baby, I'll help you.'
'…Thank you.'
While Number 26 and the Mother of the Sky were inside the creature's belly, I prepared to eat the head of the Ice Horror.
'The exoskeleton is too tough to eat as is'
I opened its jaw and crawled inside. Passing through sharp teeth and hard spikes, I entered its throat, where soft flesh awaited me.
The flesh surrounding my body, they're all edible parts. I started tearing into the meat spread around me while lying on my stomach.
"Hmm."
I thought the meat would be tough due to the creature's exoskeleton, but surprisingly, it wasn't. Even though half of its teeth were broken, the flesh went down the throat without much resistance.
"Spicy."
The Ice Horror's meat boasted the spiciest taste among all the prey I had ever eaten. It was to the point where tears would well up if Amorph had tear ducts.
'"Is it because of the venom?"
The venom spat out by the Ice Horror was much stronger than the neurotoxin I possessed. Curious if other parts also contained it, I tasted the flesh deep inside.
'This part is a bit milder.'
It seemed like only the throat and esophagus area where the venom sacs were located were affected. Among the creatures here, none were immune to venom.
So, I thought it would be okay, but just in case, I should warn the others.
ZZZZZ ZZZ ZZZ ZZ ZZZ (Be careful because the meat is poisoned)]
"Why is it so spicy? It must be because of the venom after all."
The Mother of the Sky was eating the heart of the Ice Horror she had harvested. Through the auxiliary organ, her appearance was that of a Gryphon. She had detected the venom while tasting in humanoid mode and transformed into a Gryphon with immunity.
Currently, none of us had immunity to the venom. While I and Number 26 had the highest resistance, the others could eat the Ice Horror's meat as long as they avoided the risky parts.
However, waves of pain and exhilaration poured out from Number 26 and Adhai despite the spiciness.
"It's spicy! It hurts! But it's delicious!"
"Thrilling," "Novelty."
Number 26 seemed to continue eating despite the pain, while Adhai seemed to enjoy the new sensation.
"It's good to see everyone enjoying themselves."
Seeing Number 26 eating something spicy, I honestly wanted to watch, but I still had things to do.
Before the manifestation of the hunt ended, I had to eat all of the head.
"I wonder what will come out this time."
Since the creature was several hundred meters long, its head size easily exceeded 20 meters. I swiftly ate the meat covering half of my body from the neck onwards.
While I was eating my way up to where the brain should be, the Mother of the Sky called out to me.
"Come out for a moment after you're done eating everything."
[ZZZZ ZZ (Why?)]
"I found a Screamer in its entrails."
[ZZZ (What?)]
I was taken aback by her words.
"Don't worry. Only the remains of a deactivated Screamer are left."
Although I felt slightly relieved at her subsequent words, I wasn't completely relaxed yet.
[ZZZ ZZZZ ZZ ZZZZ ZZC (Are there any nearby?)]
"That's unlikely. Judging from the corroded state, it's been quite some time. Almost three weeks."
[Buzz buzz buzz buzz buzz (It was inside for three weeks?)]
"Looking at the remaining metal skeleton, it seems similar to the one we saw earlier."
Listening to the conversation, it seemed that modified new-model Screamers had also entered this underground. They met the Ice Horror and were all wiped out.
"Could the one we saw in the forest above have been the one fleeing here?"
Come to think of it, it didn't look so good when we met. At the time, I thought it was because of the battle with the Winter Walker, but perhaps it was chased by this creature.
"But for now…"
For now, eating takes priority. I responded to her and resumed my predatory activity.
By speeding up, I was able to completely devour the creature's head with exactly 10 seconds remaining.
And then.
[Predation effect activated! Successfully obtained the 'Giant Creature' gene essence from the 'Ice Horror'.]
[Seizing the 'Giant Creature' characteristic from the 'Ice Horror' biological traits.]
["The 'Bone Axe' previously held can be integrated.]
"The characteristics of 'Giant Creature' and 'Bone Axe' are merged. Evolving into the 'Bone Beast' characteristic!"
"Bone Beast: Inherits and strengthens the existing characteristics of the giant creature. Once a week, can transform into a very powerful 'Bone Beast' for 60 minutes.
*Caution: Cannot be used with 'Manifestation of the Hunt'.
*Addendum: The exoskeleton is not exclusive to certain species."
"A new message has arrived."
With the announcement of a new message, the famous trait 'Bone Beast,' beloved by all Amorph players, came into my hands.
Jason, the Insufficient.
He was a cultist with many nicknames.
Respected as the 'High Priest' of the Empire, the 'Leader of Sublime's Guardian' upholding tradition, the 'Hero of the Rebellion' who defended the capital from the onslaught of Outspheres.
It was a fitting title for him, ranked 10th.
But recently, his compatriots added a letter to the front of his title.
That letter was 'Former.'
Due to a recent mistake, he fell from the object of admiration to a villain who shook the security of the Empire.
In fact, he could endure that much. His body may be a cultist, but his mind is human. And humans make mistakes as they live.
But what truly drove him insane was the presence itself that greatly contributed to his downfall.
Ranked 5th, Amorph.
Whether in reality or in this world, Amorph was the being Jason hated the most.
The feud between Jason and Amorph had been quite long. In reality, he had created characters several times because of him.
The reason he actively hunted Amorph's seeds in this world was because he had suffered a lot from Amorph. Even though he knew his actions would hinder quest completion.
Yet, the guy survived. No, he didn't just survive, he thoroughly humiliated Jason.
The day he heard the news of the destruction of the Imperial flagship and the fleet, he realized.
Unless Amorph's head is stuffed and hung in the bedroom, he won't be able to sleep comfortably.
So, unlike his colleagues, he decided to take matters into his own hands.
High-tier equipment that could only be obtained by clearing late-game quests, loyal subordinates following him, and even a dedicated warship. He thoroughly prepared to the extent that even a mature Apex wouldn't pose much of a challenge.
But that's not all. Akira Yujin also provided support with a sub-boss-level creature, the Black Gallagon. At this point, unless one deliberately ignores it, it would be strange to lose to Amorph.
Until he first set foot on the frigid star of ice, he was full of confidence that he would finally be able to kill Amorph.
However, that confidence shattered after encountering the Black Gallagon introduced by Akira Yujin, 'Great Old Grahd'.
"Damn it! When the hell is he going to show up? He's not someone an ordinary Gallagon can defeat!"
Wearing dragon armor made from Gallagon, Jason screamed inside the vast cave.
He wasn't suddenly losing his mind and screaming alone. In front of him lay an enormous creature.
A black Gallagon lying on various sparkling minerals. He was the emperor of the dragons that inhabited this planet, the Great Old Grahd.
"The Great Old Grahd has spoken of an important endeavor."
Old Grahd lazily replied as he ate the prey brought by young Gallagons. Despite his calm and lazy demeanor, Jason was burning with rage but managed to suppress it.
"You stupid lizard kid! That White Gallagon isn't an opponent that ordinary Gallagons can defeat!"
Jason was shouting inside the cave, wearing dragon armor made from Gallagons.
When he arrived, the herd of Old Grahd was in a state of division.
When Gallagons mature and become adults, or Black Gallagons, they gain the right to challenge the leader of the herd.
For a long time, he had been the only Black Gallagon in the Old Grahd herd, but there was a problem.
The second-ranked White Gallagon female began to aim for his position. It was unusual for such a thing to happen after becoming a Black Gallagon, as it was common for a new Black Gallagon to emerge after Old Grahd became the leader.
"Why are you hesitating when everything will be sorted out once you step forward?"
"Old Grahd speaks. Traitors gather. Waiting."
There were beings among the herd who questioned why adult Gallagons weren't appearing. They thought that Old Grahd, the only Black Gallagon, had done something crafty and were rebelling.
Old Grahd planned to eliminate the Gallagons who rebelled against his rule during this opportunity. Pretending to take refuge in the cave was also an intention to deceive his enemies.
But that's the Gallagons' business.
To Jason, who knew that an unprecedented danger as a 5th-ranked Amorph Ranker was approaching, it looked like pathetic politics.
"When Amorph grows up, you're all done! You damn skink!"
As Jason cursed Old Grahd silently, a Gallagon flew into the cave from outside.
The Gallagon with white scales folded its wings and bowed its head in front of Old Grahd.
"I, the Great Old Grahd, have been informed."
"What does that mean?"
Old Grahd speaks Insignificant beings desired young ones found.
"What? Is that true?"
Though he was called an insignificant being, Jason paid it no mind. Right now, catching an Amorph was more important.
"Old Grahd has an important endeavor. Prepare. Follow."
"…He's not going to show up until the end, is he?"
With those words, Old Grahd raised his front paw, indicating that there was nothing more to say, so leave.
It felt like a king gesturing to his subjects, and Jason gritted his teeth. He didn't like how arrogantly Akira Yujin's pet came out on the topic, but there was nothing he could do about it.
If Jason wanted to, he could kill Old Grahd, but then he would have to fight all the Gallagons here. If they fought, Jason's group would suffer immense losses.
"Next, Amorph will tear us apart!"
Thanks to his reckless behavior in the game, clan alliances were often destroyed. He had no intention of reenacting what happened in the game in real life, so he said no more and left the cave.
Once the rebels were expelled, even that unfortunate Black Gallagon would have no choice but to help him. Since it was Akira's command, he also had an obligation to help Jason.
But waiting for Old Grahd's help was running out of time. If Amorph was indeed here on this planet, then they were in a very dangerous situation right now.
"Hey, tell me the place you mentioned to that damn lizard."
"Understood."
So, for now, he had to act alone.
Jason headed to the camp with the White Gallagon and his subordinates.
I woke up lying in the nest, focusing on recovery.
"I haven't been sleeping well lately."
It wasn't because of nightmares or unresolved worries like last time. It was because of the message I received after devouring the Ice Horror during the day.
After unlocking Transcendence Level 2, a new system called 'Trait Enhancement' was unlocked. At that time, even though it was unlocked, it wasn't activated, so I forgot about it, but it was activated today.
"I didn't think there would be such a system… huh?"
As I tried to examine the Trait Enhancement system, movement was detected in my auxiliary organ.
There were no other creatures in the nest besides us. I quickly linked to the nest to see what was moving.
Number 26?"
It's the one who said It'd go to bed early he consumed a lot of energy during the day.
Thinking that his disrupted sleep pattern was because of going to bed early, his behavior was strange.
Number 26 came out of the nest and disappeared beyond the passage.
"What's going on?"
He rarely acts alone. Unless it's an urgent combat situation, he always tells me what he's going to do or what he wants to do.
But now, he sneaked out in the middle of the night, which was clearly suspicious behavior.
I got up and cautiously followed him. He seemed completely unaware that I was following him.
After he moved quite far from the nest, he suddenly stopped and began to take something out of his body.
"Eat this."
'PS-111. I deeply appreciate the dedication of the newly registered main controller.'
I couldn't stay hidden any longer at the sound of the voice in front of Number 26. I hurriedly approached him.
[ZZZZ ZZ ZZZZ ZZ (What's that?)]
"Well, um, this is, uh…"
Number 26 hesitated uncommonly, I couldn't pay attention to that fact. The small object in front of him. It was strikingly similar to what I had seen not long ago.
"PS-111. Unknown lifeform detected.]
[t was that of a human woman, with machine parts and tubes attached.
It was a new type of Screamer, with only the head remaining.
—————
I quickly grabbed the Screamer's head with my combat-ready hand. Then, I hugged Number 26 tightly and crouched down.
｢Big guy?｣
Even though Number 26 seemed puzzled by the English, I didn't respond.
It was already too late to escape the blast radius. This was the only way to save Number 26 from the explosion.
'Darn it!'
Thanks to my 'Bone Beast' trait, my body's defense had increased dramatically, but not Number 26's. Being a Sea Demon, it wouldn't die from the Screamer's self-destruction, but fatal injuries were inevitable.
'Please, endure.'
I closed my eyes, bracing for the imminent baptism of flames.
But minutes passed.
'Huh?'
｢Big guy, what's wrong? Are you mad?｣
No agonizing pain engulfed my body, just the cold air within the ice corridor.
I opened my eyes and checked the Screamer.
[PS-111. Additional damage occurred due to external impact. Current damage report: 87%.]
Embedded in the ice wall, the Screamer mechanically murmured, blood seeping white, showing no response.
'What happened?'
Only then did I realize something was off about this Screamer.
While under the control of machines, Screamers operated based on biological principles. Only androids could survive with just their heads intact.
'It doesn't seem like an android.'
I focused on the auxiliary organs to examine its appearance closely. It seemed much more lifelike than an android.
Androids conducting espionage mimic humans well, but it was unlikely for a Screamer to have such capabilities.
'I'm frustrated.'
As I silently observed, Number 26 slipped out of my embrace and darted outside. Then, upon seeing the Screamer pinned to the wall, it emitted a bright glow.
｢Ahh! My friend's hurt!｣
[PS-111. Advising the main controller. Hostile organism detected. Please retreat.]
Number 26's body color, which had darkened with each distressing event, indicated his discomfort. I knew this well, having seen it turn closer to purple-pink every time I was severely injured.
As Number 26, with slightly darkened body color, pulled out tentacles and retrieved the pinned Screamer from the wall.
｢Are you okay, friend?｣
[Reporting to the main controller. Current recovery progress: 0.5%.]
As Number 26 set the Screamer down, six metallic legs resembling spider legs protruded from its neck area. At that sight, I couldn't help but think of extraterrestrial creatures from classic SF horror films set in Antarctic research bases.
The eerie Screamer head, with its metallic legs moving diligently, stood before Number 26. Its appearance seemed as if it were protecting Number 26.
｢Friend!｣
[There is a 95% chance that hostile organisms pose a threat to the main controller. Disregard.]
Number 26 seemed confused about what to do between me and the Screamer.
｢How could this happen?｣
Given the extraordinary circumstances, it was hard for me to understand too.
｢Big guy, it looks like our friend is hurt.｣
[ZZZ (Silence)]
｢Yeah.｣
Perhaps my emotions seeped into the waves, as I unintentionally spoke coldly. Number 26 curled up like a child who had secretly brought home a puppy.
'…Let's examine this carefully.'
Fortunately, the Screamer didn't self-destruct, but that didn't mean the situation was okay. This was the first time Number 26 had acted independently since meeting me, and it wasn't just play or feeding—it led to a major incident.
'I hid a danger from it.'
If the Screamer had harmed Number 26, it might not have been here. No, it might not have escaped serious injury, even to the point of death.
Of course, I needed to reprimand it, but there were things to consider first.
I looked at Number 26 emitting a pink light in the darkness. Though he seemed to shrink at my apparent anger, he didn't immediately discard the Screamer.
In other words, it might have developed mercy.
As an Amorph, I inevitably had to take the lives of other creatures. It was the only way for me to evolve, the only way for me to survive. None of my colleagues were unaware of this point.
Except for the Mother of the Sky, who had her goals. That is, to kill enemies and comfort the souls of her family.
Anyway, since everyone understood my nature, I could come here, to the Gallagon's Nest, with them.
Originally, I would have spent a long time gathering the traits necessary for Apex hunting. But since my weaknesses were complemented by them, there was no need for that.
But if Number 26 started to value life here, it would greatly hinder my hunting activities. Especially if the one among us who handled psychic powers the best was absent, Gallagon hunting would become extremely difficult.
"Moreover…"
The problem doesn't end here.
Number 26's sudden actions might be evidence of its growth.
In other words, this might happen again in the future. As it gets smarter, it'll inevitably clash with me more often.
Not just Number 26. Even Adhai might become similar as she grows. Adhai is younger than Number 26, after all.
'I won't solve the problem by coming out oppressively from this position.'
I need collaborators to complement my weaknesses, not slaves. If I want to maintain a positive relationship with them in the future, I need to pay even more attention to it.
'You have to start things right.'
As a child's ego grows, they naturally want to break away from their parents' gaze. At such times, I know better than anyone that if there is a conflict with the parents, it will last a lifetime.
Regardless of the circumstances, reprimanding Number 26 is a given, but I need to choose my words carefully so that he can understand.
After gathering my thoughts, I spoke to Number 26.
[ZZZZ ZZ ZZZZ ZZZ ZZZZ ZZZ ZZ(Do you know how dangerous that is?)]
｢Is our friend in danger?｣
[ZZZ ZZZZ ZZ ZZZZ ZZZ (If it explodes, we'll all get hurt.)]
｢Really? More dangerous than a bang-bang?｣
[ZZZ (Yes.)]
Upon hearing that the Screamer was more dangerous than a plasma launcher, Number 26's body turned pale.
It wasn't a lie. The self-destruct I witnessed seemed over 20 times more dangerous than a plasma launcher. Of course, I wouldn't die, but there was no need to mention that.
｢I don't want the big guy to get hurt!｣
[ZZZ ZZZZ ZZ ZZZZ ZZ ZZ ZZZ (Me neither. So please, trust me and help.)]
｢Yeah…｣
Seeing it trembling like it did when it was experimented on by MegaCorp researchers, I felt a sudden pang of guilt. But I steeled my heart.
[ZZZ ZZZ ZZ ZZZ (Where did you get it from?)]
｢I saw it when I was eating a big bad one. It hurt a lot, so…｣
Come to think of it, we talked about the Mother of the Sky and the Screamer during the day.
While rummaging through bodies to eat their hearts, she found scraps of Screamers in her organs. Based on the debris collected, Ice Horrors had consumed at least ten Screamers.
According to the Mother of the Sky, judging by the broken traces, it seemed like they were eaten or ambushed by Ice Horrors before they could self-destruct.
'It had the same composition as the Screamers that were hunting Winter Walkers.'
That's why we concluded that StarUnion was conducting secret Screamer development experiments on this planet. They were probably pitted against powerful predators like Ice Horrors or Winter Walkers to test their combat effectiveness.
[ZZZZ ZZ ZZZ (One more thing.)]
｢Yeah?｣
[ZZZZ ZZ ZZZ (Why did you save it?)]
｢That's…｣
It hesitated without answering my question.
It would be very difficult if it said it did it out of pity.
'Let's not be anxious.'
Coming out oppressively would only backfire. I waited patiently.
After a moment of silence, it sent me cautious waves.
｢I've smelled kinship since the first time I saw it.｣
[ZZZZ (Kinship?)]
｢Yeah. I brought it to prevent it from hurting, because my friend said it hurt.｣
Come to think of it, when I was hiding, Number 26 had handed something to the Screamer, instructing it to eat.
[ZZZ ZZZZ ZZ ZZZ (Shall we try again?)]
Upon hearing my waves, Number 26 pulled out its tentacles. Violet threads like those used in its 'restraint' technique emerged from the tentacles, piercing the metal holes on the Screamer's back of the head.
At that moment, the Screamer's eyes rolled back, and mechanical sounds emanated from its mouth.
[PS-111. Confirming an increase in power recharge rate from 5% to 6%.]
'Feeding the sick makes them feel better.'
Seeing that, I roughly understood the situation.
'Bubble amoeba or Sea Demon genes must have been incorporated.'
With that in mind, I could understand the Screamer's characteristic of being able to survive even with just its head.
The two organisms resembling slimes can manipulate and shrink important organs like the brain as they please. Thanks to this feature, Sea Demons can survive even with just one-thousandth of their body.
'Only the necessary organs were shrunk and placed inside the face.'
If this Screamer had genes from a bubble amoeba or Sea Demon, it wouldn't be impossible.
This also explains why Number 26, with a completely different communication system, can communicate with the Screamer.
[Power recharge rate at 10%. Will be utilized for biological function enhancement.]
When he spoke, I felt a very faint flow of waves. Perhaps to Number 26, it sounded much more indistinct than what Adhai would say.
Considering that Number 26, a fellow who was in a lot of pain and couldn't speak properly, would have felt much more pity for the screamer.
'It's deeply empathetic.'
It's a much better situation than I feared, but there are still problems.
'The same thing might happen again when encountering new Screamer types with bubble amoeba or Sea Demon genes.'
Number 26, understanding the meaning of my words, puffed up in surprise. Looking at his white body, it seemed unlikely that it would make another impromptu move.
[ZZZZ ZZZ ZZ (That should be fine.)]
As a finishing touch, I sent a warning wave.
[ZZZZZ ZZZ ZZZ ZZZ ZZ ZZZZ ZZ (I have a responsibility to protect my family. You'll understand my intentions too.)]
｢Yeah, I understand.｣
[ZZZ ZZZZ ZZ ZZZZ ZZZ ZZ (When you see a new friend, let me know. Got it?)]
｢I got it…｣
Seeing the dejected Number 26, I felt uneasy, but it couldn't be helped. It's never good to have such surprises while fighting dozens or hundreds of Screamers.
Having concluded my warning to Number 26, I turned to the Screamer glaring at me.
'Now, how do we deal with this next?'
I picked up the Screamer's head with my fingers.
Moments ago, it had metal legs attached to its face, but now its appearance had changed. Tentacles and protrusions that hadn't been visible before were now sticking out around its cheeks and jaw. Furthermore, the broken tubes had flesh protruding from them, transforming into a semi-organic form.
'Is it a self-recovery function?'
The one who just absorbed the psychic power from Number 26 was likely using the energy to regenerate his body.
[Threat detected from hostile organism. Initiating counterattack.]
｢Hey! Big guy! He's one of my kind! Don't hurt him!｣
As the entity transformed into an even more grotesque form and resisted by poking my fingers with its metallic legs, Number 26 intervened.
"Main controller's command confirmed. Ceasing counterattack."
The Screamer immediately halted its resistance upon Number 26's words. It seemed to recognize Number 26 as its superior, possibly due to shared genetic material.
｢Hey, buddy. You should listen to the big guy. Got it?｣
[Reclassifying hostile organism. Reclassification to sub-controller status complete. Access to the internal database granted.]
With the adjustments made, the Screamer folded its metallic legs and calmly looked up at me.
[Pleased to meet you, sub-controller. How may I assist you?]
Originally, my plan was to scold Number 26 and then devour the Screamer. However, witnessing the creature obediently pleading to Number 26 altered my thoughts slightly.
'I could extract some information.'
I activated one of the functions of my mimicry organ, the voice imitation feature.
"Who are you?"
[My code name is PS-111. I am a PS-grade intermediate terminal model commanding lower-grade Screamers on behalf of the main controller.]
The head-only Screamer, PS-111, served as a sort of field commander.
"Surprising. Screamers usually don't have commanders, right?"
[That was the case until the old model. The previous main controller, 'Pira Eleven,' identified the limitations of that model and, under the approval of the Supreme Controller, began development of a new model called the 'Mutant Screamer.']
"Limitations, you say?"
[The vulnerable durability of organic entities synchronized with Screamer machines, low resistance to psychic power, and lack of tactical thinking.]
The three points he mentioned were persistent weaknesses of Screamers.
'It was a system-constrained issue, but this is reality.'
Using Hulk mutants as material could drastically enhance the performance of non-mechanical components. Additionally, bestowing psychic power abilities was a bonus.
The issue lies in tactical thinking, but it's not incomprehensible.
Freethinking and action are not permitted for Screamer units resembling punitive units. Therefore, the approach of selectively integrating higher-grade entities to assist was chosen.
"Indeed. So, you're a commander-grade Mutant Screamer."
[That's correct.]
"Pira Eleven, you said? Why was the main controller changed?"
[Internal data damage caused by an attack from the 7th-grade hazard creature 'Ice Horror' led to system initialization. The new main controller registered at that time is the 8th-grade 'Sea Demon.']
Hearing that, I had a hunch.
'The psychic drill fired by Number 26.'
When that immensely powerful psychic attack tore apart the internals of the Ice Horror, he likely received the aftermath.
I asked again.
'Let's move on to the next question. Explain the genes in your body. What organisms do they belong to, and who manipulated them?'
[The genes applied to my body…]
PS-111 listed the biological information contained within his body meticulously. As expected, there was a small amount of Sea Demon genes included.
'Cold-blooded genes are unexpected.'
The Screamer I met last time and this one both had a significant proportion of cold-blooded genes. While it's true that beneficial traits can be obtained from cold-blooded organisms, they aren't overwhelmingly powerful. There's no need to include them in Hulk mutant materials for Screamers.
'Is there something I don't know?'
While pondering internally, the Screamer's speech continued.
[Five types of genes have been injected into my body. Genetic manipulation was handled by research supervisor Cloe Garamelda and senior researcher Lee Zhao.]
"Wait. Garamelda and Zhao? Are they from the MegaCorp families?"
[Yes. Both researchers are affiliated with Noble Capital and Prime Capital within MegaCorp.]
Upon hearing his words, I realized that my conjecture was correct.
The overlords of StarUnion, Garamelda of MegaCorp's Noble Capital, and Zhao of Prime Capital. They are individuals who could be considered the leaders of MegaCorp and StarUnion, respectively. It's a situation where the leaders of warring factions are colluding.
'Most likely a player.'
I looked down at PS-111 lying in my palm.
I've obtained almost all the information I can from him, and only the most important question remains. Depending on his answer, I'll decide his fate.
"Is there a possibility that the main controller, Pira Eleven, could seize control?"
[It's impossible until the system is reset to unlock the firewall.]
"Can other intermediate terminals change the main controller like you?"
If this is possible, I can leverage Screamers made by enemies. It would be helpful in hunting Gallagons and would provide significant power when fighting players in the future.
However, PS-111's response dashed my expectations.
[Control changes due to damage are no longer possible.]
"Why is that?"
[Before I broke free from Pira Eleven's control, I reported the possibility of this error. By now, the vulnerable part of the control should have been fixed.]
This means that it's impossible for Number 26 to take control of another Screamer like PS-111.
'In that case, is it advantageous to devour him?'
As if sensing my thoughts, the entity on my palm added further remarks.
[However, I can access the circuits used by lower-grade entities, S models.]
"Does that mean you can spy on other Screamers' operations?"
[Not only spying, but limited control over S models is also possible.]
"Limited control?"
[You can physically contact the Screamer machine to seize control.]
The Screamer machine refers to the scorpion or spider-shaped mechanical device that encases the biological material used to create Screamers. True to their nickname as StarUnion's punitive force, all bodily activities of Screamers are controlled by the Screamer machine.
-x-X-x-
Awakened Adhai and the Mother of the Sky, with only their heads remaining, stared blankly at the Screamer, PS-111.
｢Look, everyone! My new friend!｣
[Pleased to meet you, wild creatures. I am PS-111. I serve as the main controller, 'Sea Demon,' and the sub-controller, 'Unidentified Hostile Organism.' Please take care of me.]
"Don't call me 'Unidentified Hostile Organism,' just call me Aimo for short."
[Confirmed. Changing the code name of the sub-controller.]
Perched atop Number 26, the Mother of the Sky, seeing the human woman introducing herself, opened her mouth in astonishment. Her gaze wavered and then turned toward me. It was a look asking if what she thought was correct.
'Yes, what you're thinking is correct.'
While the eagle-faced Mother of the Sky was surprised, Adhai kept nodding as if something was odd.
｢Adult｣ ｢Me｣ ｢Question｣
[ZZZ ZZZZ (What happened?)]
｢That｣ ｢Speech｣ ｢Strange｣
Adhai immediately noticed that the wavelengths emitted by PS-111 were awkward.
[ZZZZ ZZ ZZZZ ZZZ (Because it is injured.)]
｢Injured.｣
[ZZZ (Probably.)]
I don't know what PS-111 originally looked like. The Screamer I hunted was a lower model, the S model, so it probably looked different from its original form.
'Whatever it was, if only the head remains, it should be considered fatal.'
Of course, PS-111 is unlikely to feel pain due to injuries. Thanks to its Sea Demon genes, it can relocate vital organs. From the outside, it may seem like only the head remains, but inside, there are the brain and basic digestive organs.
However, explaining this to Adhai would be too complicated, so I decided to skip it.
｢That｣ ｢Injury｣ ｢Serious｣ ｢Pity｣
[Since you're older, please help it more.]
｢Me｣ ｢Older｣
Though I didn't ask directly, it's highly probable. In the game setting, Screamers don't live more than a year.
PS-111 is a new model Screamer, but even so, the likelihood of a long lifespan is low. At best, it wouldn't have lasted more than a few years.
Anyway, having heard my words, Adhai, whether it was fascinating to see a younger organism than herself or not, ran eagerly toward Number 26 and PS-111.
[Based on the external analysis of the wildlife, 'Green Gallagon' matches 78%.]
｢Little one, befriend your friend.｣
｢Sick child｣ ｢Pity｣ ｢Help｣
"Friends should also get along with little ones. Got it?"
[In accordance with the main controller's command, reclassify the grade of 'Green Gallagon (78%)' to sub-controller 2 'Little One.' Please take care of me. Little One.]
｢Sick child｣ ｢Speech｣ ｢Strange｣ ｢Me｣ ｢Education｣ ｢Possible｣
｢Yeah! Little One is nice!｣
｢Thank you for Little One's support.｣
The sight of three monsters brimming with personality chatting amicably with each other was quite intriguing. Especially Adhai, who seemed quite different from her usual self when with the Mother of the Sky. She was showing a warm attitude towards PS-111.
｢Is she feeling a sense of responsibility for seeing a younger creature than herself?｣
Or perhaps she's judging based on similar physical defects to hers.
As I watched the creatures getting along well, the Mother of the Sky called me over.
｢What's going on? Taming a Screamer, was that even possible?｣
[ZZZ ZZZZ ZZ (I didn't do it.)]
She seemed puzzled by the existence of friendly Screamers. It wasn't unreasonable for her reaction since they always appeared as enemies in the game. I would have likely thought similarly if I hadn't seen it myself.
I summarized the recent events for her.
"Did Number 26 say that it's a new mutant Screamer, and it took over its control?"
[ZZZ (Yes.)]
[ZZZ ZZZ ZZZZ ZZ ZZZZ ZZZ ZZZZ ZZZ (A Screamer using psychic powers. Just as you said. Someone seems to be compensating for the Screamers' weaknesses.)]
Agreeing with my inference, she sighed.
｢Cloé Garamelda, perhaps. I have a rough idea who it might be.｣
｢Probably 12th. Among the Mega Corp rankers, there's a player who focuses on weapon development. They used to supply weapons to players hostile to us as a specialist in rare equipment crafting.｣
｢Last time, Murial mentioned two sponsors. One named Jason, a cult player, and the other was unknown, right?｣
[ZZZZ ZZZ ZZ (That's right.)]
"You speculated that the unknown might be from the Garamelda faction."
[ZZZ ZZZZ ZZ ZZZZ ZZZ (Are you saying they're the same person?)]
She nodded.
｢If it's a ranker with expertise in equipment crafting, there are only two. Since the 1st has already died, the remaining one is only 12th.｣
[ZZZZ ZZ ZZZ ZZZZ ZZ (I heard the 12th is a man, though?)]
｢In the game, you can choose your gender. We can't be sure if it's true.｣
[True.]
It's a valid point. Just because it's like that in the game doesn't mean it's the same here.
'I need to be careful.' It's been over six months since I arrived in this world, but sometimes I still rely on game logic.
'Keep all possibilities open. Stay vigilant.'
With that resolve, I continued my conversation with the Mother of the Sky.
[ZZZZ ZZ ZZZZ ZZZ ZZZ ZZ ZZZZ ZZZ ZZ (If there's a connection between the one helping Murial and the Screamer developer, that one becomes even more important.)]
｢We'll have to investigate further to see if that's really the case.｣
[ZZZZ ZZ ZZZZ ZZZ ZZ ZZZZZ ZZ ZZZZ (If it was the former main controller of PS-111, 'Pyra Eleven,' they might know something more.)]
Capturing Pyra Eleven, the former main controller of PS-111, might yield more information.
'If it's just the timing that's the issue.'
Whether to capture and tame the Black Gallagon, or to do it beforehand, is a dilemma. If the new model Screamers have a connection with players, then their commander, Pyra Eleven, would likely be the same. He could observe our fight with the Black Gallagon and transmit that information to the players.
'But it's not easy to go after the Screamers first either.'
Normally, launching a preemptive strike on Pyra Eleven would have been advantageous, but the situation isn't good.
We've already confirmed that the Gallagons are acting abnormally. If we rashly go after the Screamers and get caught by the Gallagon herd, there's a risk of forming a double front. Based on the combat capabilities of the Screamers we've encountered so far and the information provided by PS-111, it's evident that they are formidable foes. They may be weaker than the Black Gallagon, but they're still not easy opponents.
Fighting both of those enemies simultaneously would be suicide.
'Should I go for the fishing village? No, there's still too little information.'
This part, I think I should decide after extracting more information about Pyra Eleven from PS-111.
'Let's finish preparing for the Apex hunt until we're certain.'
Capturing predators on this planet and obtaining useful traits from them will ensure smooth combat against whoever we face.
'Additionally, unlocking the Mother of the Sky's Wendigo transformation ability.'
As I organized my thoughts internally, Number 26 and PS-111 approached us.
[Main controller, I have a question. What species are the wild animals next to you?]
｢Wild animals…｣
[Gallagon-like psychic powers detected. Presumed to be highly intelligent beings.]
｢Friend. This one's a middle baby.｣
[Information uncertain. No results found for the creature named Middle baby.]
While the Mother of the Sky, treated like a wild animal, looked bewildered, I briefly explained her to PS-111.
"She's a Wolf elevated to divine status, so she has transformation abilities."
[Is this a mutant Wolf with manifesting deviant traits? Updating internal database.]
｢The Middle One is a great one who handles bad guys well. Get along.｣
[Reclassifying to Sub-controller 3 'Middle One.' Nice to meet you, Middle One.]
｢…Y-yeah.｣
The surreal situation of the monsters and synthetics conversing, facilitated by C Demon, seemed bewildering to the Mother of the Sky. Ignoring her attitude, the one creature and one synthetic who had finished their casual introductions headed towards Adhai.
[A special metal device has been detected from the little one.]
｢Don't touch that. It's brought by the big one.｣
｢Adult｣ ｢Friend｣ ｢Both｣ ｢Available｣ ｢Sick child｣ ｢Confirmed｣ ｢Desire?｣
[ZZZZ ZZ ZZZZ ZZZ ZZ ZZZ (Absorbing that device will help with quick recovery…)]
The three monsters, huddled together, started chattering with signals and mental waves. Seeing them seemingly getting along caught the Mother of the Sky off guard.
｢…You, surprisingly, are good at collecting monsters.｣
[ZZZ (Yeah.)]
｢I thought I was used to this kind of thing.｣
If another player saw this combination, they'd go crazy. She murmured softly, but I didn't bother replying.
The three of us who had been talking for about an hour fell asleep again. The Mother of the Sky, perhaps exhausted from consecutive battles since morning, quickly dozed off too.
The only beings awake in the nest were me and the headless Screamer, PS-111. It swam through the swamp that surrounded the nest and approached me.
[Amorph. Aren't you going to sleep?]
"I have things to think about."
Earlier, I had tried to look into the newly opened 'Trait Enhancement' system before bed. Since Number 26 had slipped out of the nest without my knowledge, I decided to check it out now.
After sending PS-111 away, as I tried to display a translucent textbox, it floated in front of me.
"Do you have something to say?"
[Yes. According to the information obtained from the Middle One, this 70L-grade Tactical Backpack belongs to Amorph. Is that correct?]
It pointed with its small metal leg to the backpack containing the equipment I secured from Muriel. Inside the bag that Adhai usually carries on his back are the 'Divine Spectre' and eight 'Blood Rivers,' the only-grade weapons of the Star Union.
The 'Devourer's Amorphous Polyhedron' obtained by killing players and devouring unique-grade equipment has the effect of converting them into unique traits. Thanks to this, I currently possess the trait 'Scepter of the Gods' after absorbing the cult's orbital weapon, the 'Brain God.'
Since the Divine Spectre and Blood Rivers could also be used for consumption, I carry them around.
"That's mine indeed. Why do you ask?"
[I need three 'Blood Rivers' metal mechanical devices inside. If you absorb those devices, you can expect a significant increase in combat power.]
"Absorb?"
[Entities above mid-terminals are granted extensive self-recovery authorization to respond to concentrated attacks from enemies. Therefore, when the necessary materials are secured, they can be used for recovery.]
Listening to its words, I remembered the Screamer that killed the Winter Walker on the ground. It tried to replenish its needed energy by eating the corpse.
'Is it possible to consume equipment, not just meat or psychic powers?'
PS-111 seemed to be able to consume metal, weapons, equipment, and so on, similar to me. Perhaps its superior, Pyra Eleven, also possesses the same ability.
"Why bring up such important information now?"
[According to the information obtained from the main controller 'Sea Demon' and the Middle One, this location is not safe. To protect the main controller, combat functions need to be restored as soon as possible.]
I glanced sharply at PS-111. It didn't seem like it intentionally omitted important information when I looked at it.
'Even if it wanted to hide it, it wouldn't have brought it up now.'
It didn't seem like it was lying, but I couldn't just hand over the Blood Rivers. With no idea how powerful it would become after absorbing the powerful unique-grade equipment, and with only eight Blood Rivers in my possession…
'Three of them would be practically half.'
Since I have to use them in the fight against the Black Gallagon, I need to make a careful decision.
As I pondered what to do, I felt a very faint vibration from the auxiliary organ under my chin.
'What was that just now?'
A vibration coming from a place quite far from here. It felt different from an earthquake.
With a bad feeling, I flipped over and linked the auxiliary device to the nest.
My senses spread from the surface of the swamp under the nest to the entire underground space. Cold walls of ice, chilly air flowing through the passages, and pits formed by the clash between me and the Ice Horror.
As my senses, monitoring the vast underground space beneath the ice plains, licked it like a tongue, I caught another vibration.
With a thud, the ice and rock piles blocking the passage disappeared in an instant. And there, followed by the flow of psychic powers and the lingering scent of metal weapons.
Realizing what this meant, I sprang to my feet.
'Enemies!'
Multiple psychic power users had entered this underground space.
-x-X-x-
'Could it be Gallagon?'
I sensed a faint psychic power emanating from the intruder. However, if it was Gallagon, they wouldn't move this quietly. To investigate further, I lay back down on the nest.
Confirming that the sub-device under my chin was linked to the nest, I focused my senses on a specific point. Leveraging all my physical senses, I poured them into the source of the vibration.
Sound, smell, the flow of special energy. Thanks to the nest and its various features, my enhanced sub-device absorbed these three elements. The refined information sent by the sub-device was quickly interpreted by my brain.
'A refined footprint. Military. Metallic scent. Slightly different. Tools made of some special alloy mixed with metals. And concealed psychic power.'
Putting it all together, there was only one answer.
'Cult regular army, Vanguard Division.'
Though the distance made it uncertain, they seemed to be skilled individuals. Judging from their equipment and movements alone, they surpassed the Mock Combat Unit we encountered at the Cult sanctuary last time.
'Guardians of the Temple, or perhaps the Eye of Providence Priests. Moreover, the one leading them…'
The one who extracts psychic power when destroying obstacles blocking the passage. An extraordinary individual.
Initially, I thought they were using psychic power tools to clear the blocked passage, but upon closer inspection, that wasn't the case. They were concealing their psychic power, only exerting it briefly when necessary.
'The most proficient in psychic power among those I've seen.'
Among the beings I've encountered so far, there are only two who handle psychic power the best: Number 26 and Code Black, the shadow of Yujin who fought in the TNC Special Trade Hub.
But that being alone surpasses both of them easily.
'At that level, they're almost Black Gallagon tier.'
Cult elite troops that include formidable individuals enough to raise my vigilance. As they gathered and split into three groups at the crossroads, there was no room for relief. All three groups were heading towards the nest.
'They're looking for us.'
Otherwise, they wouldn't bother breaking through blocked ice passages to move.
｢What is happening?｣
PS-111 asked me, perhaps sensing my changed demeanor.
"There are Cult intruders. They seem to be coming this way based on the direction."
"I don't detect anything, but if what you're saying is true, they're probably a Cult group entrenched in Black Gallagon's territory.Eugene
'What?'
"That Cult group arrived on this planet 29 days ago. Currently, their camp is within Gallagon's territory."
Hearing that, I felt my heart sink.
To a Gallagon, their territory is a kind of hunting ground. It's not only about hunting prey but also where adults provide hunting education to hatchlings, so it's crucial.
Allowing Cultists entry into such an important place implies collusion between Gallagon and that Cult group.
An unidentified Cult powerhouse, and a Black Gallagon, who holds a high position even among the Apex. Fighting against both simultaneously would result in defeat given my current condition.
"Could it be that Black Gallagon sent the Cultists here?"
[It could be, or it might not be.]
"What does that mean?"
Upon my inquiry about the vague response, the individual began to explain in detail.
[According to reports from other intermediary terminals, the Gallagon group is currently in a state of division.]
"Division? Wait, could it be a leadership succession?"
[Yes. The second-ranked White Gallagon is challenging the Black Gallagon.]
"The White Gallagon is challenging? That's odd. Unless it has evolved into a Black Gallagon, it could never win."
The power difference between White and Black Gallagons is like heaven and earth. The Black Gallagon is so powerful that it can easily kill five White Gallagons rushing at it simultaneously. Other Gallagons also know this gap, so until the White Gallagon evolves into a Black Gallagon, they would never follow it.
[That would be the case normally, but the White Gallagon is leading multiple Gallagon groups and continuing the challenge.]
"Let's skip over that for now. What's the connection between the succession battle and the Cult group?"
[The second-ranked group is hostile towards the Cult group. Gallagons supporting the challenger have also been observed attacking the Cult.]
"I see."
Listening to their words, I think I understand the situation. Although it's a confusing situation, it seems the intruders and the Black Gallagon have an ambiguous relationship.
"So the Black Gallagon isn't aiding the Cult. They're just together for some reason, not as closely connected as one might think."
[That's correct. The Cult groups also haven't taken actions supporting the Black Gallagon.]
However, even with that said, we cannot be certain. Now that we're exposed, the fact that we're in a dangerous situation doesn't change.
After disconnecting from the nest link, I woke everyone who was sleeping. I explained the situation to them, looking tired.
'Cult warriors? Why are they here?'
[Reason unknown]
'…If a Black Gallagon-tier adversary is involved, it won't be easy to handle. We need to get out of here.'
The Mother of the Sky, after hearing the situation, suggested leaving the nest.
Her words, indicating caution, suggested that the Cult was more than just priests, and the exceptional Cult warriors who accompanied them numbered in the tens. So, they likely meant to retreat first and assess the situation before fighting.
｢Fellow｣ ｢smell｣ ｢similar｣ ｢danger｣ ｢very｣ ｢danger.｣
Adhai, sensing the gradually approaching psychic powers, agreed with The Mother of the Sky's suggestion. The sight of his four-horned head twitching looked quite anxious.
"PS-111, do you have any information about the Cult group's capabilities?"
"It was handled by other intermediary terminals, so I have limited information. Based on the insufficient data, it's presumed to be a psychic power user surpassing the Cult Empire's priests. Therefore, I recommend fleeing."
PS-111, floating head and all, also opted for escape.
"We have to teach those bastards who endanger families a lesson!"
Only Number 26 had a different opinion, suggesting not to flee but to stand and fight.
He's someone with a strong sense of responsibility to protect his family. He'll likely sacrifice himself to protect those here.
Each of them looked at me after expressing their opinions. It implied a silent agreement to follow the decision I made.
'What should we do?'
Even though there are many suggestions for fleeing, I can't make a rash decision.
'They're tracking our position from a long distance away, even underground. Seeing that, it's clear they have some means of tracking us.'
"Even if we flee to a different location, it won't help."
It's not safe to run away until we remove their tracking means or hinder their movement. What if they plan to drive us into a trap? Then we'd be walking right into the enemy's trap.
"Besides that, there's another issue."
Adhai and The Mother of the Sky are vulnerable to the cold. If they go out on the surface and get caught in another snowstorm, their combat abilities will undoubtedly decrease.
"On the other hand, fighting them here has its pros and cons."
The advantage is that since I've built the nest, I can fully utilize its characteristics in battle. Just like when I fought with Muriel, I can fight with the support of the nest.
Furthermore, the others are familiar with the geography around here, so they won't be greatly hindered in combat. Plus, the pitch-black darkness down here is a bonus.
"But there are disadvantages too."
Firstly, it's difficult for me to use my 'Bone Beast' and 'King of Monsters' transformation abilities in underground spaces. Unless it's a very spacious cavern like where I fought the Ice Horror, my movements will be significantly restricted.
"And because of the confrontation with them, the ice ceiling is in an unstable state."
If we receive more shocks here, this frozen plain above could collapse entirely. In my transformed state, I could withstand a collapse of an ice ceiling several hundred meters thick, but the others couldn't.
"No, wait."
Suddenly, a good idea came to mind.
After quickly brainstorming and planning, I finally made a decision.
[ZZZZ ZZZ ZZ ZZZZ (Let's capture them here.)]
"Are you sure about this?"
The Mother of the Sky's telepathic message was filled with deep concern. She also knows that this situation is dire, so it's natural for her to worry.
After meeting everyone's gaze once, I quickly explained the plan I had just formulated.
"Wow! Hunting with the big guy after a long time! It's gonna be fun!"
｢Agreed." "Exciting.｣
"…That devilish personality of yours hasn't changed."
"It's an interesting plan, but it's not without significant risks. We need ways to increase the chances of success."
[ZZZ ZZZZ ZZZ ZZZZ ZZ (I have something to say about that. Follow me).]
I grabbed PS-111 by the finger. Then, after picking up the backpack with weapons, I stepped out of the nest.
"You mentioned earlier that you want a Blood River Feeder, right?"
[Yes. With three, I can restore and enhance combat functions.]
I took out one inactive Blood River Feeder from the backpack.
[I find it hard to trust you completely. And this Blood River Feeder is something I need too.]
"But one is not enough. To create a body that reflects the characteristics of the Blood River Feeder, a large amount of organic resources is needed."
"Can't those resources be provided by living organisms?"
[I don't understand what you mean.]
Instead of answering, I activated the Tooth Fairy Nest. Small, carnivorous fleas crawled out from the holes around my waist and between the plates on my back.
"I'll provide the resources needed for bodily transformation."
[An incredibly efficient energy supply solution,]
PS-111 exclaimed in admiration.
I handed PS-111 the Blood River Feeder.
Its mouth widened like that of a jawless person. Thin tubes protruding from its mouth wrapped around the Blood River Feeder before pulling it inward.
[Chirp, Blood River, absorption complete, chirp, organic matter for body reconstruction, chirp, absorption initiated, chirp.]
The body of PS-111, which had preyed upon Blood River and Tooth Fairies, contorted.
Watching it transform into a much more grotesque form than before, I smiled.
A series of groups were moving within the icy structure filled with cold air.
Despite the extremely low temperature, they were only wearing bodysuits covered in scales. The reason they only wore lightweight armor in such a harsh environment was that they were psychokinesis power users of high caliber.
If there were anyone sensitive to psychokinetic powers around, they would notice a faint violet aura surrounding their entire bodies.
Ivory-colored bodysuits, various horns protruding from the temples.
The identities of those walking through the frozen underground passages were the Temple Guardians of the Cult Empire.
Even within the Cult Empire, only proven skilled warriors could join the Temple Guardians. Their role was to bolster the factors or eliminate threats to the Empire's security. Besides the Temple Guardians, the only group with military might surpassing them was the 'Eyes of Prophecy,' a subsidiary organization of the Prophet's Council.
They were formidable opponents, to say the least. Probably within the top five most dangerous adversaries the Temple Guardians had ever faced. But all the cultists present were prepared to fight to the death.
"Alia, does Jason distrust us?"
"Idle chatter during the mission is forbidden."
When the leader with yak horns, Alia, pointed this out in a cold voice, her subordinates fell silent. While it wasn't the attitude to adopt during a mission, Alia didn't bother to mention it.
She harbored considerable dissatisfaction with the situation herself.
'Knowing that the Three Devils are dangerous, but…'
Since arriving in the underground with guidance from Gallagon, Jason had been visibly tense to a degree she hadn't seen before. Even she, his exclusive bodyguard and lover, had never seen Jason like this before.
That demeanor didn't sit well with the Temple Guardians. It seemed as if they felt Jason was doubting their abilities.
The Temple Guardians were a group that hunted monsters that posed a threat to the Empire. Given the hundreds, even thousands, of monsters they've captured, they could be considered experts in monster hunting.
Of course, their foes were the toughest of the tough, having destroyed Empire Fortresses and Vanguard Detachments. They were probably among the top five most dangerous adversaries the Temple Guardians had ever faced.
But every cultist present was ready to fight to the death.
'Jason couldn't possibly be unaware of that fact.'
Not only that, but her lover had made an incomprehensible request to the Temple Guardians.
'Should he seem likely to lose the fight, commit suicide?'
He seemed to have no doubt whatsoever that the Temple Guardians would lose against the creature.
On top of that, he even instructed them on specific suicide methods. He insisted that if they were to die fighting the creature, they must never leave even a trace of their heads behind.
He even went as far as to tell them to concentrate their psychokinetic powers in their brains and detonate them if they felt like they were going to die.
"Why on earth?"
In cult society, suicide is generally taboo unless it's for a specific purpose of self-sacrifice. Taking one's life for trivial reasons is seen as a rebellion against the great 'principle.'
I asked separately via telepathy, but he didn't explain. He would simply tell them to commit suicide since they wouldn't understand anyway.
When the most honorable priest in the Empire behaves like that, it's only natural for the esteemed Temple Guardians to lose morale.
Even though they were divided into three groups of twelve each due to the fork in the road, the dissatisfaction among the members didn't easily dissipate. Though Alia warned briefly, the members still harbored animosity toward Jason's rude behavior.
[Alia! Movement detected ahead!]
At that moment, the scout shouted loudly. Upon this, Alia and the twelve guardians drew their weapons.
Silent but swift in their strides, they were conversing incessantly in the mental realm connected through telepathic links.
'Jaxtal, Nesien will take care of the ceiling. We might be ambushed from above.'
'Starbran, Bilone will cover the front, while I and Brentz will take the rear.'
'Theren, something is disrupting the telepathic link. Check it out.'
'Got it.'
While regular warriors could use telepathic links, they relied on helmets designed to amplify psychokinetic powers for this purpose.
However, the Temple Guardians were trained to communicate with each other without any special tools. This was to avoid exposing vulnerabilities during combat.
With flawless coordination, they entered a significantly large chamber. Apart from the fact that there were four paths leading out, there didn't seem to be anything special about it.
"Which way should we go?"
"We can't determine the shape of the underground chambers due to interference."
"Looks like the enemy is nearby. Everyone, stay alert."
With weapons at the ready, they proceeded cautiously, scanning their surroundings. As they crossed the chamber and approached the intersection of the four paths, Alia sensed something amiss.
"Hmm?"
It felt qualitatively different from before. She looked around, but besides the ice and rocks turned black by the darkness, there were no other notable features.
However, as a seasoned warrior, Alia pondered why she felt that way. And soon enough, she arrived at an answer.
"A smell!"
There was a different scent in this chamber compared to the ice corridors they had traversed thus far. It indicated that something unknown was mixed in the air.
Realizing this fact, Alia urgently sent a telepathic command.
"Activate Dragon Scale Armor…!"
Just as Alia was about to give the command, dozens of movements were detected around the ground where they stood. And from beneath the ground, creatures the size of cultists' faces suddenly emerged.
"It's an ambush!"
"Everyone, respond!"
The members immediately counterattacked towards the flying small creatures. Spears and longswords struck the creatures as arrows and bullets pierced through their heads. In the blink of an eye, dozens of creatures were swiftly dealt with by their lightning-fast response.
"What are these?"
"Jason said they're offspring of the three-headed demons."
Upon hearing this, one of the guardians picked up a creature's corpse. The creature resembled a cockroach with a black carapace, with human-like teeth protruding densely around its face.
"Utterly dreadful appearance…"
As he was about to curse, he stopped speaking. He had seen something behind him through the shared Soul Link vision.
Beside his shoulder.
"Kikik."
In the place where there should have been only deep darkness, there was a face as white as snow.
"Watch out!"
"Huh?"
Resembling a human woman's face, 'it' opened its mouth wide like a snake. Inside its bright red mouth were hundreds, if not thousands, of teeth densely packed.
Then, the sound of bones crunching in his ear. That was his final memory.
"Brentz is down!"
"Initiate counterattack!"
The creature, with a giant bug-like body attached to the head of a human woman, began biting Brentz's head and started to flee. With eerie movements, crawling on multiple legs, it disappeared into one of the four corridors.
"Kikik, kikik, kikik, kikik, kikik, kikik, kikik."
Beyond the dim corridor, only the mocking laughter of the creature echoed ominously.
"Damn it! We're going after it! Clear the area!"
"Uh, Alia? Bilone is nowhere to be seen."
"What?"
Upon hearing this, Alia hastily checked the Soul Link.
It was as the member said.
One of the remaining eleven Soul Links was moving abnormally fast.
While Brentz was under attack, Bilone, who was guarding the front, had been kidnapped.
"No way?"
The three-headed demon they were targeting.
One of the demon's associates was among them.
In this frozen labyrinth, they were not alone.