'Of course.'
Though it is always friendly and with a childish tone, I sometimes forget, Number 26 is a Sea Demon.
Sea Demons possess not only a strong sense of kinship but also a strong territorial instinct. Since the enemy entered what it considers its territory, it's only natural.
'But still, it seems like it's gotten stronger?'
'Maybe it's because of the Green Gallagon from yesterday.'
Previously, after absorbing the psychic power of a dead Sea Demon, it grew rapidly. It might be another growth spurt thanks to devouring the Green Gallagon's corpse, or more precisely, the psychic power contained within it.
'Both Gallagons and Sea Demons are powerful psychic beings.'
[ZZZZ ZZZ (Well done)]
｢Am I amazing?｣
[ZZ (Yes)]
As I send a wave of affirmation, it lights up with joy. Seeing it shine so brightly in the dark cave, it seems receiving praise is quite pleasing.
[If I recover, I can do a lot too.]
[ZZZZ ZZ ZZZ ZZ (That's why I brought this for you.)]
I set down the Snow Banshee in front of PS-111.
[ZZZ ZZ ZZZ ZZ (Eat with the Sharkbear)]
[The head of the creature you're carrying contains a considerable amount of energy.]
｢Friend, no.｣
It seemed eager for the Glacier Find's head I was carrying. I was about to refuse outright, but Number 26 intervened first.
｢To grow big, big ones need to eat a lot, a lot.｣
[If we consume and analyze that creature, I can also acquire new abilities.]
｢No, you can't.｣
[Sorry.]
When scolded by Number 26, it lowered its head with a sullen attitude.
[ZZZZ ZZ ZZZ ZZZ ZZ (Let's do this, after eating, I'll go out and fetch a new prey for you)]
[Thank you for your consideration.]
After petting PS-111, I started preparing the meal.
Transformation mode that increases the chance of prey effect activation, the embodiment of hunting. The cooldown has just ended.
'What kind of traits will come out this time?'
I have a few traits in mind, but who knows what will actually come out.
With expectations for new traits, I activated the 'Symbol of Hunt'
***.
Adhai, the exiled daughter of Odd Grad, woke up feeling an unfamiliar chill.
It wasn't actually cold.
In fact, the place she was in was warm enough to fit within the top ten warmest places on this planet.
Gallagons, typically dominating the upper echelons in any ecosystem, don't nest just anywhere. Gallagons instinctively seek out places where psychic power is concentrated.
Psychic power is a force that distorts reality and transcends physical laws. Places where this power is concentrated tend to be abnormal.
In a cold place, warmth is comforting, while in a hot place, coolness is the nest's comfort.
This cave was no exception. Warm geothermal heat rose from the ground, and nearby, there was even a spring with fresh water flowing.
But that's not all. There were vines on the cave walls bearing sweet fruits. These fruits, filled with sweet juice, were a favorite delicacy among the young of her kin.
Despite being an abnormally comfortable place, she felt uneasy. Because she knew where this was.
This was the place most cherished by her kin, where the Hatchlings dwelled.
It was clear how they viewed her. Despite her scales tinged with vine-like hues, they refused to acknowledge her.
To them, she was always just a weakling with a disability.
If they were her "true family," they wouldn't treat her like this. They had acknowledged her as a hunter.
She thought of them.
The ones who cared for her weakness, nurtured her as a hunter.
Ugly but a gentle adult and friend in their own way.
Gentle, but sometimes showing a frightening side, the little adult.
The weak child brought by the little adult.
And the adult she liked. Strangely, he frequently changed his appearance.
The little adult said it was about growing, but it looked very different to her. Her "previous" kin didn't grow like that. They didn't grow bigger, only to shrink again.
Still, she liked the big adult. No matter how his appearance changed, he was still the big adult.
Of course, she didn't like his recent smaller form.
But right now, she wanted to see that ugly appearance.
She gently got up and concentrated "strength" as the little adult used to do.
The little adult was very skilled with strength. Any creature she had seen, even the big adult, couldn't do what it casually did.
She spread her strength wide and thin. It was so thin that other kin besides her wouldn't even recognize it properly.
The thin thread-like strength spread beyond the cave to the outside. As she exerted her strength beyond its limits, her legs wobbled, but she managed somehow.
They saw her as weak and incompetent.
She was weak, that was true, but not incompetent. So, she decided to exploit their arrogance.
If I'm weak, I must seize the opportunity when the opponent lets their guard down. It was a method the big adult often used in battle.
Through the widely spread strength, she could confirm that the watchers were dozing off.
Now that she had obtained the desired information, it was time to act. She cautiously stepped out of the cave.
Outside, kin with vine-like hues like her were nodding off just like her.
As she had sensed when she first arrived, her kin didn't seem to be in good shape. Most looked emaciated, and the Hatchlings were so thin from not eating properly.
But she had no reason to care about that, nor time. She needed to flee quickly while the guards were still drowsy.
｢Where are you going?｣
Just as she was about to take flight, a Gallagon flew over.
A kin with white gems resembling snow in the forest in front of the cave had appeared.
Even to Adhai, born with mutations, the impressive figure with white scales and black spots was so beautiful that admiration came naturally. Surely, the influence of her mother played a significant role in her ability to boast exceptional beauty.
But the true strength of that female wasn't her beauty alone.
In a planet dominated by Odd Grad, to raise a new flock was very difficult; But she was strong enough to establish a new flock. In fact, in this flock, there were a few more individuals besides her. Nevertheless, Ham Ort maintained her position as the leader.
Seeing that, her strength certainly surpassed normal white gallagons. Perhaps she positioned somewhere between white and black.
In other words, a presence one would absolutely not want to encounter. Adhai, upon seeing the white female, tensed up.
｢Interesting｣ ｢This method.｣
Ham Ort touched with her forepaw the thread of power Adhai had spread. In an instant, the wide-spreading net vanished. It seemed she had snatched away and released Adhai's control.
Despite being overwhelmed by the opponent's power, Adhai didn't retreat. Witnessing her determination, Ham Ort nodded slightly.
｢Meaningless resistance｣ ｢It's pointless｣ ｢The difference in power｣ ｢Don't you understand?｣
｢I do.｣
｢Then surrender.｣
｢Refusal!｣
Purple flames flickered in Ham Ort's eyes, and Adhai felt her body trembling. The immense pressure, reminiscent of facing Odd Grad, overwhelmed her.
But she didn't give up. Because the adult she respected never gave up, no matter how tough the situation.
Adhai put strength into her four legs and glared at Ham Ort. The tentacles on her mouth were tightly tensed, ready to unleash purple lightning at any moment.
How much time had passed?
Surprisingly, it was Ham Ort who retreated. Stepping back, she sent a short gesture.
｢Daughter of the Meteor｣ ｢Stubbornness｣ ｢I like it.｣
The slightly tilted crescent-shaped figure of the opponent seemed to mock and admire at the same time. However, it was a fleeting sight, and she immediately raised her forepaw to crush Adhai.
｢Daughter of the Meteor｣ ｢Weak｣ ｢Ham Ort｣ ｢Strong daughter｣ ｢Necessary.｣
Adhai and Ham Ort had a more than tenfold difference in physique alone. There was an incomparable gap in strength.
Despite knowing this fact, Adhai didn't give up. She clawed with her claws and sent purple lightning, but everything was in vain. Yet she kept resisting.
Even though that interior might be comfortable, she didn't want to go back. If she followed the orders of a powerful opponent, it wouldn't be much different from being chased away from her previous flock.
As she struggled, Ham Ort unexpectedly brought up something entirely unexpected.
｢Ham Ort｣ ｢Prepared｣ ｢Weak daughter｣ ｢Power to make strong.｣
｢Strength?｣ ｢Understand｣ ｢Impossible!｣
｢Resistance｣ ｢I'll explain if you give up.｣
Upon hearing those words, Adhai stopped moving. Now that she thought about it, Ham Ort could have broken her wing bones but didn't.
Clearly, there was something they wanted from her.
Once, the adult said,
'When facing a formidable enemy, utilize everything at your disposal. Even if it's the enemy's strength.'
｢Explanation｣ ｢Request.｣
｢Fine｣ ｢Go back to the nest｣ ｢I'll explain.｣
***
'I don't know what Ham Ort wants, what she's thinking'
'For now, I need to find out that part first.'
'This should be sufficient.'
In the dead of night when everyone was asleep, I was adjusting the new nest. This ancient underground cave had been transformed into Amorph's nest for a long time, fueled by the energy acquired during the day.
On the floor lay marshes aiding in the Amorph's recovery, while black mucus dripped from the ceiling and walls.
The heat rising from the nest was being sucked in by the "smog towers," releasing it underground instead of on the surface to prevent the steam from escaping through the cave entrance.
Of course, with time, the land around here would dry up completely, but I don't plan on staying that long.
'The symbiotes are functioning well.'
Despite sustaining significant injuries, Number 26, with a broken beak, had "symbiote spores" I implanted attached to the body of the injured Sky Mother. Through the spores connected to the nest, healing fluid and energy were continuously supplied, so her wounds would significantly improve by tomorrow morning.
By the way, I couldn't attach them to PS-111. Being a hybrid of machine and organism, a mutant screamer, he couldn't benefit from the symbiotic effect.
'A machine needing the most care, of all things.'
Perhaps I should take comfort in the fact that he's the most efficient means of recovery among us.
I looked at the dormant PS-111. Traces of the food I had eaten during the day floated around beside him, as he lay in the warm marsh.
Half-dissolved bones, the skull of a Glacier Fiend.
'Ha, just looking at that annoys me again.'
The "Symbol of Hunt", an evolved mode of the "Perfect Organism," greatly increases the chance of acquiring genetic essence.
Amorph's success rate in predation is low. Typically, one would need to prey on dozens of individuals to barely obtain the desired genetic essence.
However, with the Symbol of Hunt just preying on a single individual would suffice to exhibit the predatory effect. This effect also applies to genetic samples or organisms I haven't killed.
However, in this case, the acquired trait is obtained not in a normal state but as an "imperfect trait." Nevertheless, imperfect traits can be used as materials for the Transcendence System, and if the same trait is acquired twice, it can be restored as a perfect trait, so they're not entirely useless.
Due to this, whenever I ate prey with strategically important value, I used the Symbol of Hunt.
The problem is that it doesn't increase the predation success rate to 100%.
The skull resembling an ugly deer beetle gave me no reward.
'I knew the predation effect wouldn't always activate, but…'
Of all things, it had to be that the predatory effect wouldn't work on Glacier Fiend.
Even after eating everything and not seeing any messages popping up, I thought I might have missed something.
Only after licking up even the blood droplets on the floor did I realize. The predatory effect hadn't been triggered at all.
'Tch.'
Among the traits that can be obtained from Glacier Fiend is a trait that generates narcotic substances. When combined with my 'Smog Tower' trait, it becomes a very formidable ability. It's regrettable that the predatory effect didn't trigger; it could have been used as a fusion material.
'…Ah, nothing can be done about what's already failed.'
To distract myself from Glacier Fiend, I checked the text box. Unfortunately, I didn't acquire any traits from the creature, but I could exhibit predatory effects from other prey like Snow Banshees and Shark Bears.
The trait from the Snow Banshee's genetic essence is 'Stealth Movement.' It drastically reduces sound and traces when moving, a special defense trait. It's inferior compared to the 'Unknown Creature's Fur' from the 'Intelligent Weakling' mode, but it's not without its advantages.
'It significantly reduces body weight as a side effect.'
With Stealth Movement, the bone structure becomes extremely robust but is replaced by lightweight synthetic materials. When I applied the trait during the day, I felt tingling all over my body, reminiscent of adolescence.
Nevertheless, this trait is incredibly helpful for evading enemy tracking or concealing oneself even after releasing the Intelligent Weakling. I used Stealth Movement effectively in the game to lure enemies or set traps.
'Now, onto…'
From the Shark Bear I didn't kill, I obtained 'Enhanced Endocrine Gland' as an imperfect trait. When fused with the internal organ trait 'Muscle Reinforcement,' it yields the trait 'Berserk Synapse.'
Berserk Synapse secretes special chemicals to significantly enhance physical abilities. With this trait, one becomes faster, stronger, and gains more vitality than before. While it doesn't offer anything special in the game, it's praised for its versatility.
"It's one of the essential traits I need right now."
Berserk Synapse helps in utilizing stored energy more efficiently. With this trait alone, I can reduce the energy consumption of the Symbol of Hunt or 'Divine Halberd.'
'After this, I should look for more Shark Bears.'
To use imperfect traits as fusion materials, I need two of the same traits. To fuse Berserk Synapse, I need to obtain Enhanced Endocrine Glands again.
With that, I dismissed the text box.
With all adjustments to the nest completed, I quietly nestled into the marsh. Wrapped in the warmth enveloping my body, I pondered the tasks ahead.
'Now, it's a long-term plan.'
The experiments with the newly acquired traits are over, and the new nest is secured. The kids are recovering quickly, so it's time to prepare to bring in the Adhai.
The White Gallagon that took away Adhai seemed quite intelligent, so the fight won't be easy.
'I need to prepare as much as possible.'
To fully demonstrate good strategy and excellent skills, one must establish a solid foundation. And for Amorph, that foundation is none other than traits.
It's essential to possess a variety of traits so that I can proactively deal with any enemy.
'With Glacier Fiend, Ice Horror, and Gallagon, there are bound to be others.'
I'm well aware of which creatures predominantly inhabit the area around the Gallagon's nest.
Until I fell asleep, I contemplated what to target first.
-x-X-x-
C196
-x-X-x-
｢Being together is nice.｣
[ZZZ ZZZ ZZ (Is that so?)]
｢I wish we had the little one with us.｣
[ZZZZ ZZ ZZZ ZZZZ (Don't worry. We'll bring her back for sure.)]
｢Okay!｣
I gently stroked Number 26's head as it nestled on top of mine. In response, it softly caressed my horn with its tentacles.
'…It's cute just to see it like that.'
[Unidentifiable physiological responses detected from the main controller.]
｢I think I have a rough idea of what that means.｣
[The middle one's statement is quite intriguing. Requesting information sharing.]
｢W-why are you asking me that?｣
After recovering from my injuries with a good rest, I set out with the kids. It was to hunt for new prey together.
'This opponent is tough to hunt alone.'
This enemy isn't like Ice Horrors, who are strong on their own, or like Glacier Fiend, who command numerous minions. They are bothersome in a different sense. Even the Mother of the Sky seemed shaken when I brought this up.
I glanced briefly at the Mother of the Sky, PS-111, chattering away.
'Is that a new form she's taken?'
Thanks to the hearts of both the Ice Horror and the Snowwalker that I bought, she gained the power of the Wendigo.
The Wendigo of Space Survival looks quite different from the legendary depiction. It resembles a black, skeletal deer walking on two legs.
The Wendigo's power is divided into two main categories: temperature control, such as generating cold, and mental manipulation of other beings.
Unlike Griffins, which excel in short-range flight and ground combat, the Wendigo is specialized in combat support and crowd control.
'These abilities are more advantageous in group battles than in solo ones.'
Perhaps that's why the Wendigo is beloved by colleagues it operates with.
Paradoxically, Wendigos are unpopular with most Wolf players. Their appearance is so unattractive, earning them a notorious reputation.
'It was definitely like that…'
Currently, the Mother of the Sky's appearance reflected some of the Wendigo's traits, but it wasn't bad at all.
She had the head of a bald eagle, magnificent tusks, and a body covered in golden fur, all similar to a lioness, but with a few additions. Two black horns sprouted from her head, and black wavy patterns adorned her body.
All these changes were thanks to her special skill.
'The camouflage of the Huntress.'
Normally, when a Wolf reaches the level of divine transformation, they choose which phantom beast they will transform into. According to the setting, once this choice is made, it cannot be changed.
However, the special skill possessed by the Mother of the Sky, the "camouflage of the Huntress," does not adhere to this restriction.
As she explained it, she could transform into one of four additional phantom beasts besides the Griffin she initially chose.
If the conditions necessary for transformation are unlocked, one can transform into a phantom beast unlocked once a month. For example, if she were to transform into a Wendigo here, she wouldn't be able to change into a different animal until a month has passed.
The duration one can maintain the transformation varies depending on the phantom beast. It's said that a Wendigo's transformation can last up to five days.
So she's refraining from transforming into a Wendigo for now.
'Since some traits of the unlocked phantom beast are reflected even in Griffin form.'
Like how she now has antlers on her head. Also, she doesn't feel any cold at all now, thanks to Wendigo's cold immunity.
'Since she has unlocked two additional phantom beasts, only two remain.'
The materials needed to unlock transformable phantom beasts are generally of a difficulty similar to that of the Wendigo. In other words, one must hunt Apex-level monsters.
It might be good to look for monsters that could help her along with Number 26's growth in the future.
'Come to think of it, she unlocked another phantom beast before the Wendigo. How did she obtain that?'
While pondering this sudden question, the Mother of the Sky called out to me.
｢Where do you intend to start from? It'll take a while if you start searching randomly.｣
[ZZZ ZZ ZZZ (Let's head north.)]
｢North?｣
Our nest is in the middle of a forest near the beginning of the mountain range. If we go north, we'll encounter the mountains forming the range.
Today, we plan to investigate one of those many mountains.
[ZZZ ZZ ZZZ ZZZ (Didn't you see them from the twin peaks?)]
[According to the report received before losing terminal functionality, yes.]
As soon as I woke up in the morning, I asked PS-111 if it had seen the creatures I was looking for.
The mutant screamers, acting as intermediate terminals, remembered the information relayed by lower-level screamers. It seems that PS-111 remembers what the lower-level creatures had encountered.
'If sighted from the twin peaks…'
The target this time has a very extensive hunting ground. If sighted from the forest near the beginning of the mountain range at the twin peaks, then we should consider everything in this vicinity to be the enemy's activity range.
'Since the enemy nests only in very high places, there might be nests up above.'
The twin peaks are so high that they can be seen from the ice plains. We'll have to go there and check it out, but it's not unlikely that the enemy might inhabit such places.
'Anyway, to rescue Adhai, we must capture the enemy.'
Fighting against a Gallagon requires a skill that is absolutely necessary.
That is, the ability to fly.
Not just any flight, but a level of ability that allows for high-speed movement and space navigation.
Gallagons start from hatchlings and the entire species can fly. As seen with Adhai, flight abilities are actively used in combat by Gallagons.
Moreover, White Gallagons have aerial combat utility in addition to the 'hyperspeed' ability possessed by Green Gallagons.
To stand against such creatures, I too must possess powerful flight abilities.
'If it's about flight abilities, Skywhales also have them, but…'
Skywhales are beings that live by absorbing intangible energy naturally present. Since this planet has a nest of dragons where psychic powers are highly concentrated, it's possible to encounter Skywhales here.
The problem is, those creatures never come down to the ground until they die. Without the ability to fly, even meeting them isn't easy.
Capturing a Gallagon would grant flight-related traits, but the issue is that they live in groups.
Ultimately, the only option left is the entity we're trying to find at the Twin Peaks, the 'Crystalwing.'
[Today's goal is to find the Crystalwing nest.]
｢To think I have to do that tedious task even here.｣
The Mother of the Sky shook her head as if she were annoyed. At that moment, Number 26 lightly jabbed my head with his tentacles.
｢Big guy, what's a Crystalwing?｣
[ZZZ ZZ ZZZ ZZ (A creature with shimmering wings.)]
｢Wings?｣
It seemed like a foreign concept to him, as it signaled that it didn't know.
[ZZZ ZZ ZZZ (It's attached to Adhai.)]
I wanted to spread out my wingsuit to show it, but in the state of being temporarily disabled, the wingsuit couldn't be used. Nevertheless, as an intelligent being, Number 26 quickly understood what I was trying to convey.
｢It flaps its wings! Flap, flap!｣
[ZZZ ZZZZ ZZ (That's right.)]
Number 26 extended two tentacles and waved them around.
In reality, Adhai's flight was more akin to graceful floating in the air. Although different from what it described, the meaning was conveyed, so it didn't matter much.
So we continued northward towards the Twin Peaks.
As we approached the mountains, the surrounding scenery gradually changed. Instead of trees diminishing, the terrain became rugged.
There were ice chunks sticking out of the ground for tens of meters, and bottomless crevasses whose depth couldn't be fathomed. It was pure nature itself. If I were human, I would never want to come here.
'Of course, it doesn't apply to us.'
I firmly planted my foot on the ground. My body soared through the air, leaping over crevasses spanning tens of meters wide.
｢It's fun!｣
Every time, Number 26, who was on my head, seemed to enjoy it. The Mother of the Sky and PS-111, who were behind me, also leaped lightly and followed suit.
Everyone had exceptional physical abilities, so the rugged terrain was no problem at all.
After reaching the mountains, cliffs, or rather, steep slopes greeted us. Again, it was no problem. Our pace remained steady without any decrease in speed.
When hunger struck, we hunted the wildlife roaming the mountains. Snow Banshees cautiously moving along the cliffs became the main prey.
｢There's one more over there.｣
[I'll attack.]
When the Mother of the Sky spots prey with her keen eyesight, PS-111 attacks it with the demolisher attached to her tail.
Crunch!
A Snow Banshee struck by the energy projectile disintegrated. Its body, falling towards the cliff below, stopped in mid-air as if suspended.
｢Got it!｣
When Number 26 waved its tentacles, the creature's body trembled before bursting with a popping sound, splitting into four pieces. The shattered body parts transformed into chunks of meat, resembling meatballs. The spilling blood defied the laws of physics, being sucked into the meaty chunks.
'Impressive.'
As befitting a Sea Demon, it adeptly controlled the psychic power. Jason, who we fought a few days ago, probably wouldn't have shown such skill.
Number 26 handed us the chunks of meat that were once Snow Banshees, hanging on the cliff.
｢Big baby, have this.｣
[ZZZ ZZ ZZZ (Thank you)]
Despite not needing to, it directly fed the meat chunks into my mouth.
The slightly chewy texture, infused with a hint of soy sauce, filled my mouth. Like yesterday, the meat of the Snow Banshee tasted like jerky and dried squid.
'It looks like a tadpole, but it's fascinating.'
Having filled our bellies intermittently during the journey, we finally arrived near the Twin Peaks after quite some time.
Above, the sky was filled with ash-colored clouds, while ahead, another peak was visible, aligning with this one. Behind that peak, a vast ridge stretched out, parallel to the Twin Peaks.
Looking down from the peak, the frozen ground below was stunningly picturesque. I hadn't seen such a magnificent landscape since meeting the Bubble Amoebas with Number 26.
'If I hadn't come to this world, I would never have seen anything like this in my life.'
Admiring the grand sculpture crafted by nature wasn't just me. The Mother of the Sky beside me was also lost in contemplation of the scenery.
｢Friend, aren't you cold?｣
[I am designed to function normally even at temperatures below negative 150 degrees Celsius.]
｢I don't understand what you're saying, but that's amazing!｣
[Thank you for the main controller's praise.]
Despite the emotional response being quite different from ours, Number 26 and PS-111 were unaffected.
Anyway, since we had reached our destination, we explored the area near the peak together. It didn't take long after we started wandering before we found the desired traces.
｢As you said. There's a Crystalwing nest nearby.｣
She placed the branch she had been pecking with her beak on the ground. They were branches from the trees that made up the forest around the mountain. However, there was a difference; jewels were embedded in the branches.
'These are branches brought to build the nest.'
The jewel-like substances were material formed when the saliva of Crystalwings dried up.
Over time, Crystalwing bodily fluids transformed into substances resembling jewels. While they looked like gems, they weren't actually minerals.
'In fact, it would be an insult to compare them to gems.'
Since the creature's bodily fluids were overwhelmingly expensive, the fluid crystals were used as materials for advanced alloys or spaceship computers. If I weren't Amorph, just discovering this nest alone would earn me enough money to buy a battleship.
With meaningless thoughts in mind, I followed the glittering branches. The sporadic gem branches became more numerous, and before long, a shining jewel nest appeared before us.
In the case of Gallagons, they also lay gems in their nests, but they don't make them in that form. That's definitely a Crystalwing nest.
[ZZZ ZZZ ZZ ZZZ (Alright. We found the nest.)]
I briefly set down Number 26 and, along with the Mother of the Sky, examined the nest. Seeing frozen, mirage-like corpses in the nest indicated that it had been empty for quite some time.
｢How many do you think there are?｣
[ZZZ ZZ ZZZ ZZ (From what I see, at least two.)]
｢Two? But there's no trace of eggs being laid?｣
[ZZZ ZZ ZZZZ ZZ ZZZ ZZZ ZZZZ ZZ (This part indicates reinforced traces. The male built the nest.)]
｢They must be a young couple.｣
The minimum number is two. It's a newly formed pair, just meeting each other.
After mating, Crystalwings have the male build the nest while the female prepares to lay eggs. If eggs are produced, the female cares for them while the male goes out to hunt for food.
As I mentioned, there are clear signs of the male reinforcing this nest. However, seeing no signs of either male or female suggests they went out together to hunt for food.
'It didn't seem like food was that scarce.'
Now that the nest is built, one of them should stay to guard it, which is unexpected.
'Maybe because of the Gallagons, the hunting range has narrowed for them.'
Gallagons and Crystalwings vie for the top predator position in the wild. They immediately attack upon seeing each other since they are competitors for food.
However, Crystalwings are stronger than Green Gallagons but weaker than White Gallagons, so when they clash, usually the Gallagons, known for forming packs, emerge victorious. Knowing they are at a disadvantage, Crystalwings are cautious even though they are the top predator.
The problem is that there are at least two Gallagon packs on this planet. Considering that each Gallagon occupies twice the territory, it's not easy for Crystalwings to find food.
｢Even if they settle down, it's still a problem. If they've gone hunting, we don't know when they'll return.｣
[ZZZ ZZ (That's true.)]
Once Crystalwings go out for a hunt, they don't return to the nest for a long time. They roam outside for a week at the shortest, up to six months, searching for food. If they were in the egg-laying phase, this period would be significantly shorter, but we can't count on that stroke of luck now.
｢What should we do? Wait? Or try to find another nest?｣
The Mother of the Sky asked, but I didn't answer immediately.
'Which option is more advantageous?'
If Adhai hadn't been kidnapped, I might consider waiting for a long period, but in the current situation, that's not possible. I have limited time.
'But finding another nest isn't easy either.'
There are over hundreds of peaks in these mountain ranges. Including other suitable habitats for Crystalwings, there are easily over thousands of places to search. It's impossible to check all of them one by one.
'Once the nest is found, there's only one option left.'
[ZZZ ZZ ZZZZ ZZ (Let's wait for two days.)]
The Mother of the Sky nodded, indicating her respect for my opinion.
If Crystalwings don't come back even after waiting, there's no choice. We'll have to risk it and aim for the Gallagons, or perhaps catch other winged creatures.
With the nest made, the issue of homelessness was solved within less than a day.
-x-X-x-
Adhai stood before the Queen of Pure White, Ham Ort.
She lay on the ground, basking in the warm heat emanating from the depths of the cave. It was clear she felt no threat from Adhai.
Adhai felt a slight annoyance at her complacency.
｢Lie down｣
Ham Ort commanded, her words tinged with a hint of irritation.
Reluctantly, Adhai complied and lay on the ground. Just as Ham Ort had said, the floor was very warm, enough to make her forget the winter chill outside the cave.
Seeing Adhai obey quietly, Ham Ort closed her eyes in satisfaction.
｢Follow my words｣
She began.
｢Do you know your father, the Great Odd Grad, the Black Gallagon?｣
｢Yes｣
Adhai replied. Ham Ort and Odd Grad, the mighty black Gallagon, were her parents.
On the day Adhai was born, a brilliant meteor shower filled the sky, leading Ham Ort to name her 'Daughter of Meteor' Adhai, with her exceptional memory, vividly recalled the joy on her mother's face as she looked at her. But now, those memories were irrelevant, as her parents had banished her for being a mutant.
Just as Adhai was about to ask why she was bringing up the past, she was startled by a sudden wave of intense anger from Ham Ort.
｢Odd Grad deceived us for decades, maybe centuries.｣
Adhai couldn't understand. Among her kind, the concept of deception was almost non-existent. They communicated through thoughts, with emotions blending seamlessly into their telepathic exchanges. Deceiving a telepathically sensitive being was nearly impossible.
｢Odd Grad possessed a special stone that blocks emotional leakage.｣
｢A stone?｣
｢Yes, a special stone that hides the owner's emotions. With it, I and the other gallagons couldn't read Odd Grad's mind.｣
Adhai started to grasp the situation. During her travels with her elder, she had seen ugly creatures carrying strange metal objects, some of which held great power. These creatures used the metal for various miraculous feats, sometimes to torment her and her elder, and other times to mimic the powers used by her kind.
Perhaps Odd Grad also had such a peculiar metal object, one that enabled him to hide his emotions.
｢Why did he do that?｣
Adhai inquired, curious.
｢Odd Grad is old. There should be a new successor, a new black Gallagon.｣
｢I agree.｣
｢But｣
Ham Ort continued,
｢In Odd Grad's brood, there is no successor, no black kin.｣
Her words were true. Adhai couldn't recall seeing any black kin other than Odd Grad. In hindsight, it was strange. In Ham Ort's brood, there were many white kin. Given how much longer Odd Grad's brood had existed, it would make sense for there to be black kin as well, but there were none.
｢For decades, the flow of the stars has changed, and yet no black gallagon has emerged｣
Ham Ort explained.
Adhai, though not very old, understood that what Ham Ort was saying was not normal. She herself had transformed from a light green to a full green within a short time by consuming a variety of prey. In a nest where all the conditions for growth were met, the absence of black Gallagon was unheard of.
｢Odd Grad does not want a successor｣
Ham Ort said.
｢He abandons any gallagon with the potential to grow.｣
｢?｣
｢I have seen it.｣
Ham Ort continued.
｢Odd Grad secretly eliminates his own kin.｣
｢!｣
She didn't need to say more for Adhai to understand. The old leader had crushed young sprouts to maintain his position, not just through banishment but by hunting down and killing abandoned kin. But Ham Ort wasn't finished yet.
｢Odd Grad knows｣
she said,
｢That the Daughter of the Meteor has potential.｣
｢Potential?｣
｢I have researched our kin's legends｣
Ham Ort said.
｢An elder spoke of a need for a savior.｣
Ham Ort pointed her paw at Adhai.
｢You, Daughter of the Meteor, have the qualities. You could be the true savior.｣
This was something Adhai had never imagined.
***
Like all apex creatures, the Crystalwing possesses unique characteristics that set it apart. It has undergone distinctive evolution to survive in harsh environments and among stronger competitors.
One of its most notable features is its sensory organs, especially its eyes. As a creature that flies at high altitudes, the Crystalwing has exceptionally sharp vision, capable of spotting small creatures over 10 kilometers away. Unlike the desert-dwelling Terradevil, which has a "x-ray vision" ability, the Crystalwing simply has superior eyesight.
However, its true strength isn't in its vision.
'It's like a flying radar.'
Every time the Crystalwing breathes, it emits unique electromagnetic waves from its body. These waves, similar to radar, reflect off the surroundings, allowing the Crystalwing to locate other creatures.
This extraordinary ability is due to a substance secreted by the Crystalwing. Before it reaches full maturity, it instinctively coats its body with this secretion. Over time, the secretion hardens and transforms into a unique metallic substance that generates the electromagnetic waves.
These waves are not only useful for hunting prey but also serve as a defense mechanism. They create a semi-permanent stealth effect, making the Crystalwing undetectable to other radar equipment.
'That's why Crystalwing secretion is so valuable.'
Considering the Crystalwing's ecological characteristics, hiding under a tree or rock is pointless. Unless you bury yourself deep underground, there's no escaping its detection.
"The usual strategy is to use signal jamming or hijacking, but…"
Signal jamming and hijacking are traits that generate waves to disrupt electronic equipment. Although Crystalwings are living creatures, they use electromagnetic waves, making them vulnerable to these traits. The main tactic is to nullify or disturb their wave abilities before launching a surprise attack.
I don't have either of these traits currently, but I have something that can substitute for them.
'Unknown Creature Fur.'
This trait, granted by the 'Intelligent Weakling' perk, nullifies various detection devices, traits, and technologies. With this, I should be able to avoid their detection.
'Hiding won't be a big issue.'
The crucial part is how to ambush them.
With my thoughts organized, I called the team together.
[ZZZZ ZZZ ZZ ZZZ ZZ (We need bait to lure them when they come)]
｢Right. They're sensitive and easily scared.｣
[ZZZ ZZ ZZZZ (So, I was thinking.)]
I looked at Number 26.
[ZZZ ZZ ZZZ ZZ ZZZ (Can you adjust your energy so it's not visible?)]
｢Yes, I can.｣
Upon my request, Number 26 manipulated the psychic power flowing through its body. The energy that had been distorting the surrounding air was absorbed entirely into its body. The purple glow that had faintly flowed over its pink body also vanished.
'Perfect.'
The being before me was no longer a terrifying sea monster but the popular Space Survival pet, the Bubble Amoeba.
｢Is this good?｣
[ZZZZ ZZ ZZZ (Very well done)]
｢Thanks!｣
[ZZZ ZZZ ZZ ZZZ ZZ (When the winged ones come, lure them in)]
｢Leave it to me, big baby.｣
Such a reliable creature.
There are two reasons I chose it as bait. First, apart from myself, Number 26 is the best at concealing its power. Its ability to handle psychic power surpasses mine, so pretending to be weak is no issue. A creature with hidden power will look exactly like a harmless Bubble Amoeba—a pink, innocuous balloon.
"This should deceive even the wary Crystalwing."
Second, its body color. A bright pink creature atop a snow-covered peak is sure to catch the eye of the visually sharp Crystalwing.
I picked it up and placed it near the nest. It wiggled its tendrils, signaling me to trust it.
I gently patted it with the back of my hand, conveying my gratitude, and then, leaving the quivering creature behind, I retreated from the nest with Mother Sky and PS-111.
[ZZZ ZZ ZZZ ZZ (How about digging a pit behind that rock?)]
｢Rather than that, it might be better to ambush them near that cluster of trees.｣
[ZZZZ ZZ ZZZ (Not a bad idea. Let's do that.)]
｢Let me help.｣
PS-111 and I dug into the ground near the trees surrounding the peak. Before long, we had completed a large pit about 2 meters deep and 3 meters wide.
[ZZZ ZZ ZZZ ZZZ (Get in first and wait.)]
｢To avoid detection? Got it.｣
The creature was a mutant Screamer, with half of its body being mechanical. Since it emitted faint electromagnetic waves, the Crystalwings would spot it instantly. That's why I planned to hide it at the very bottom. Once I confirmed it was lying at the bottom of the pit, I called Mother of the Sky.
[ZZZ ZZ ZZZ ZZ (Are you ready?)]
｢Yes.｣
She had transformed from her Griffin form into a humanoid one. Having embraced the power of the Wendigo, her appearance had slightly changed. While she still had the head of a white eagle and golden fur covering a muscular body, there were new additions. Two small horns had sprouted from her head, black bone-shaped tattoos adorned her body, and her once bulky muscles had slimmed down, highlighting her feminine curves.
If her previous look was that of a fierce warrior, now she resembled a shaman from a primal tribe.
With nimble movements, she lay on top of PS-111, who was already lying in the pit. In her current form, she was much smaller than her Griffin form, making it easier for her to conceal herself.
'Perfect.'
I then lay my body over them, covering them like a blanket. My full length, including my tail, was about 5 meters, making it easy to completely cover the entrance of the pit.
'This should keep us hidden from their detection.'
I knew it wasn't a flawless plan, which is why I had set up Number 26 as a decoy to divert their attention.
Now, all we could do was wait.
[ZZZZ ZZ ZZZ (Aren't you hungry?)]
｢I'm fine!｣
[I need an energy supply. Requesting small parasites generated from Amorph's body.]
"You just ate earlier, and now again?"
[I require a continuous energy supply to withstand the ongoing load.]
｢…Do you want to die? I'm not that heavy, you know?｣
We passed the time with idle chatter.
｢I think I can handle one of the two Crystalwings.｣
[ZZZ ZZ ZZZZ ZZ (Using the power of the Wendigo?)]
"Yes. but if it's an adult, I won't be able to hold it for long."
[ZZZ ZZZZZ ZZ ZZZ ZZ ZZZ (Target the female then; the male has stronger resistance.)]
Or discussed our battle strategy.
｢Amorph's features seem quite similar to my model.｣
[ZZZ ZZZZZ ZZ ZZZ (Maybe those who created you were inspired by me.)]
｢Have you met my developers?｣
[ZZZZ ZZZ ZZ ZZ (Well, let's say we've crossed paths.)]
｢If the developers see 'Amorph' they would never just stand by.｣
[ZZZ ZZZ ZZZ ZZ (Neither would I.)]
We passed the time discussing matters we hadn't talked about before. None of us were creatures with physical limitations, so being immobilized for a long time wasn't a life-threatening issue. However, the boredom was unbearable.
For the first day, we had various conversations, but by the second day, everyone had fallen silent. PS-111 went into sleep mode to conserve energy, and Mother of the Sky also dozed off. Number 26, our decoy, was playing with gem fragments it found in the nest.
I had taught it a game of air juggling to keep it entertained, knowing it would get bored without any sleep. At first, it seemed awkward, but once it got the hang of it, it became completely engrossed. Even now, it was tirelessly tossing and catching dozens of gems with a single tentacle.
'A Sea Demon playing air juggling, huh.'
In the game, it used to juggle people instead of gems.
'Well, it's good that it's having fun.'
With Number 26 happily occupied, I focused back on my task. I had been monitoring continuously since yesterday, waiting for the Crystalwings to return. The auxiliary organ under my chin had been tirelessly detecting any changes in the black sky above the peak for two days.
'This brings back memories.'
In the game, I used to wait for long periods to capture a Crystalwing, setting up camp near its nest just as I was doing now. It was less boring back then, though. The fluid crystals produced by Crystalwings were extremely valuable, attracting many competitors. For them, keeping the Crystalwings alive and harvesting their fluids was more profitable. Their approach was entirely different from mine, as I aimed for their lives.
'Thanks to them, I was never bored, constantly fighting off others.'
For me, the more I fought with players, the more genetic essence I gained.
'…Though there were some odd ones too.'
I recalled a Megacorp ranker who, having lost to me, decided that if he couldn't have something, no one could. He brought a spaceship and initiated an orbital bombardment, costing me a unique trait when I was hit and killed.
As I reminisced about the past, the designated time was drawing to a close.
'Just one hour left.'
I looked up at the dark sky. Besides the white snowflakes and black clouds, there was nothing to see.
'Should I find another way?'
I had come to capture a Crystalwing aiming for its apex predator and spaceflight traits. However, if all I wanted was the wings, there were other ways. While there weren't many winged creatures on this icy planet, there were some.
'Maybe I should go down, get some wings first, and then come back for the Crystalwing…'
As I was contemplating waking the others, my auxiliary organ detected something. It was a faint sensation, different from the strong winds blowing over the peak, like a gentle breath from someone nearby. It was faint, but I didn't miss it.
It was the same feeling I got near the engine room or the central computer of a spaceship.
Something you wouldn't expect to feel on this desolate, white peak, devoid of machines or people.
It was unmistakably an electromagnetic wave.
'They're here!'
The entity we had been waiting for—the Crystalwing—was finally returning to its nest.
-x-X-x-
｢Are they here?｣
It wasn't long after I sensed the Crystalwing that the Sky Mother awoke. Although I didn't see them directly, I sensed them through my auxiliary organs.
[ZZZZZ ZZ ZZZZ ZZZ (They are not visible, but I can feel it.)]
｢They came sooner than I expected.｣
[ZZZZ ZZZ ZZ ZZ ZZZ ZZZ (Wake up PS-111 and have it on standby.)]
｢Got it.｣
The one whispering softly beneath me fell silent again. I sent a signal to Number 26.
[ZZZ ZZZ ZZZ (The flying one has arrived.)]
"Yeah."
Number 26, which had been playing with the air, extended its tentacles from its body and began to wave them vigorously, attempting to attract attention from a distance.
During this, my auxiliary organs picked up on the electromagnetic waves flowing through space. This creature hunted by sensing electromagnetic waves, similar to radar. The detection of these waves indicated that it was getting closer.
Fixing my gaze on the sky, I waited. Something started to appear among the dark clouds. Two glowing orbs, faintly visible, looked like UFOs flying through the air.
'There it is.'
The Crystalwing was close. They were hovering around, not descending to their nest.
'They're cautious.'
Considering they are apex predators, this cautious behavior made sense. Competing for food with Gallagons, they needed this level of vigilance to survive in the harsh natural environment.
As the creatures didn't come down, Number 26 waved its tentacles even more energetically. Whether it was due to this effort or not, the glowing orbs in the clouds began to approach the peak slowly.
Through the swirling snowstorm, their forms became visible.
They were giant pterosaurs covered in metallic material. The Crystalwing's appearance was reminiscent of the large pterosaur known as Quetzalcoatlus: elongated snouts, unusually long necks for pterosaurs, and wings so large they resembled those of an airplane.
'Although their bodies are much larger.'
Their wingspans were at least 30 meters. Their wings were even larger than those of their rival, the White Gallagon.
Aside from their wings, another notable feature was their gleaming exteriors. Not only their wings but their entire bodies appeared to be made of diamonds. This was due to a bodily fluid that hardened into a gemstone-like form.
Having coated themselves in this fluid since they were young, their bodies shone like jewels in every corner.
The metal-like exteriors reflecting the dark clouds and snow made them look like gigantic mirrors flying through the sky.
"Kuuaaak."
"Kuek."
Two Crystalwings flapped their wings and approached the nest. Their gaze was fixed on Number 26, which was loitering around the nest.
'Perfect.'
Focused on Number 26, they hadn't noticed us hidden near the trees. I remained still, observing them closely.
Among the two Crystalwings, one had a distinctive crest on its head. Additionally, its wings were about 1.5 times larger than the other's.
'That one is the male.'
Male Crystalwings are responsible for providing for their families, making them much stronger in combat.
'The female is being marked by the Sky Mother.'
The female would be taken on by PS-111 and the Sky Mother, while I, together with Number 26, would focus on the male.
"Over here! Come this way!"
As the Crystalwings approached, Number 26 prepared to move. Pink fins, which acted as legs, emerged from under its body. Using these fins, it quickly moved away from the nest.
"Kuuaaak!"
"Kueeer!"
The sight seemed to trigger the hunting instincts of the Crystalwings, causing them to let out a loud screech. Their voices were so powerful that the echoes reached the twin peaks on the other side.
After a mighty roar, the creatures dived toward Number 26, aiming to catch it atop the nest. The pressure from their wings, spanning dozens of meters, swept across the summit, causing the snow piled around the nest to scatter into the air.
'They're flapping in anger!'
Number 26, nearly blown away along with the snow, managed to hold on by anchoring its tentacles to the ground, preventing such a mishap. Safely landing, it quickly scurried towards our hiding spot, moving its fins rapidly.
Chasing closely behind was a Crystalwing. The leading male opened its mouth wide, clearly preparing to unleash its most powerful weapon.
[ZZZ (Now)]
"Alright!"
Brushing off the snow, I rose to my feet. As the creature, covered in dark brown fur, emerged from the snow, the Crystalwings widened their eyes.
From the pit below, PS-111, carrying the Sky Mother, leaped out.
Partially crouched on PS-111, the Sky Mother's eyes emitted a blue glow. This was the effect of using one of the Wendigo's unique abilities, the "Spirit of Ice."
A blue flame shot out from her amber eyes, flying towards the creatures. The male, sensing the psychic power, quickly spread its wings, lifting itself swiftly into the air.
But her target was never the male. Her aim was at the one following behind. The female, trailing behind, noticed the incoming attack too late.
"Kuek?!"
The female, struck by the blue flames, froze in mid-air like a puppet with its strings cut. Unable to move, it plummeted to the ground.
"Kwaaaak!"
[ZZZZ ZZ ZZZZ ZZ (Your opponent is me.)]
I charged at the male, who was trying to help the female. Despite being much smaller in my "Intelligent Weakling" mode, my strength wasn't lacking.
"Kuak!"
As I collided with it, the horns on my head pierced through its wings. I tried to rip the wing apart by shaking my head, but I couldn't.
A turquoise beam from its mouth struck my body.
[Pain Nullification Activated!]
'Ugh!'
The Crystalwing, capable of manipulating electromagnetic forces due to its biological traits, could unleash a powerful particle beam with this energy. Its power easily surpassed that of a plasma weapon.
'I can't hold out any longer!'
My smaller size meant reduced defense, making prolonged exposure dangerous. At that moment, as if reading my mind, Number 26 came to my aid.
｢Stop bullying the big baby!｣
Swooosh!
Hundreds of purple threads shot out from the small body of Number 26, wrapping around the Crystalwing. Entangled by the threads of the Sea Demon, the Crystalwing twisted in an unnatural direction.
With the particle beam halted, I distanced myself from the Crystalwing.
[ZZZ ZZ (Follow me.)]
｢But I just punished the bad guy?｣
[ZZZZ ZZZ ZZ (It's not dead yet.)]
"Kwaaaak!"
Landing lightly on the ground, I grabbed Number 26 and retreated into the forest. Almost simultaneously, the creature let out a howl with its broken neck. In a fleeting moment, the creature's broken neck and torn wings had healed, and it was chasing us closely.
'The Crystalwing's healing speed is incredible.'
It lacks the hard shell of the Ice Horror, the variety of minions like the Glacier Fiend, and the powerful psychic abilities of the Gallagon. However, it has all the tools necessary for survival.
It has particle beams for hunting enemies, rapid regenerative abilities for healing large and small wounds, and excellent detection capabilities. Additionally, it can fly for long periods without rest.
These factors make the Crystalwing classified as an apex predator.
'But I have no intention of losing.'
In the near distance, the creature's particle beam was smashing trees. The dense forest was slowing down the creature with its large wings.
Once I had put some distance between us, I set down Number 26. As soon as it touched the ground, it expanded back to its original size. Numerous fins sprouted from its lower body, and hundreds of tentacles bristling with sharp, saw-like edges grew from its upper body.
Entering combat mode, countless eyes appeared all over its body. These eyes all turned toward me in unison. Without saying a word, I nodded.
We have been through numerous battles together. Even without communicating through wavelengths, we can understand each other's intentions.
The eyes that were looking at me curved into crescent shapes. Reading my intent, Number 26 charged at the Crystalwing.
"Kwaaak!"
｢You bad creature! Get ready for punishment!｣
The hundreds of eyes that had smiled at me now glared menacingly. The Sea Demon's unique ability, "Abyssal Terror," unfolded before the Crystalwing.
"Ku, Ku-aa…"
The creature, which had been incinerating the forest with its particle beam, halted its attack. The eyes of the Crystalwing, which had been glaring at Number 26, began to tremble.
Although the male Crystalwing has a stronger resistance to psychic powers than the female, it is not strong enough to completely overcome the power of the Sea Demon.
However, things in this world never go that smoothly.
The creature, trembling as it looked at Number 26, turned its head to look behind it. There, the Sky Mother and PS-111 were fighting against the female.
"Ku, Kuak! Kwaaak!"
Perhaps it was the desire to protect its loved one. The creature let out a powerful roar and began preparing to fire its particle beam again.
｢You can't!｣
"Kuak!"
Before it could shoot the particle beam, Number 26 launched a Demon Crash by gathering wood fragments and hurling them at the creature. Annoyed, the creature shook its head.
Meanwhile, the saw-like tentacles of Number 26 flew toward the Crystalwing, attempting to entangle it. However, the creature had already regained its composure. The particle beam incinerated the tentacles and the surrounding trees.
Despite the pain of losing its tentacles, Number 26 immediately counterattacked with its binding ability. The tips of the Crystalwing's wings crumpled like paper, but it was equally tenacious. It sacrificed its wings to dive in and pecked at Number 26 with its beak.
As these apex predators fought fiercely, I examined the area where the turquoise beam had struck me. The fur had long since evaporated, and the carapace had fallen off entirely.
'I need a body strong enough to overwhelm it.'
The "Intelligent Weakling" mode has served me well so far. But now, it was time to return to the quasi-saint form of the Amorph.
'And activate the Symbol of Hunt.'
Initially, I had planned to incapacitate the enemy with Number 26's Abyssal Terror before attacking, but things had deviated slightly from my expectations. I had no choice but to proceed as is.
As I deactivated the Intelligent Weakling mode, I activated the "Symbol of Hunt."
My body, which had been only 5 meters tall, began to grow rapidly. As my body expanded at an astonishing speed, the internal skeletal structure also changed. The centaur-like form transformed into a shape resembling a snake, and the four combat arms, which had served as legs, returned to their original function.
The countless hairs that covered my body fell away, revealing the carapace and synthetic scales underneath. The human-faced spiders hidden within the fur, as well as the corrosive tentacles within the swirling membranes, also became visible.
With six mighty horns, an elongated head reminiscent of a large theropod dinosaur, a massive body resembling a mythical serpent, and six arms covered in a tough carapace, complete with a heavy pincer at the end of my tail.
Although it had only been a few days since my transformation, it felt like I was returning after a long absence.
But my body was not yet in a state to rest. To align with the transformation mode of the "Perfect Organism," the Symbol of Hunt, I had to reconfigure my body.
My head carapace, which was already large, became even more massive in this state. The thick carapace covered my eyes, and my split lower jaws became even more extreme.
The four auxiliary organs located beneath my well-developed jaws were now encased in bone carapace, just like my eyes.
The carapace covering the auxiliary organs was thin and sharp like blades. These organs, which had previously only functioned as sensory tools, had now become weapons capable of slicing through flesh.
The human-faced spider that had been on my back had moved to my head. Two additional arms equipped with bio-scythes had sprouted, and the blunt claws attached to my lower body and tail had extended like the legs of a centipede or spider.
Optimized for hunting and slaughter, every part of my body now looked menacing.
Among these familiar changes, there was one new aspect.
'What is this?'
Thanks to the effects of the Abyssal Hue, the monster's tentacles had become even more impressive. Previously, the bundle of tentacles had covered only the back of my head and the entire neck area. Now, they extended down to my lower jaw. I looked as though I had a beard and hair made of tentacles.
It was almost like the depiction of an evil god from an out-of-print horror anthology.
'…I'll worry about the appearance later.'
Having completed all my evolutions, I slowly stood up. The treetops, which had been towering high above my head just moments ago, were now right in front of me.
"Kuak?"
｢Big Baby is back!｣
The Crystalwing was astonished to see me emerging, pushing through the trees.
'Your essence will be mine.'
With a powerful roar, I declared my intent to the enemy before me, or rather, to my prey.
-x-X-x-
｢Me｣ ｢Savior?｣ ｢Impossible｣ ｢Understand｣
It was hard for Adhai to believe the facts that Ham Ort conveyed.
｢Me｣ ｢Small body｣ ｢Weak｣ ｢Savior｣ ｢Impossible｣
Since birth, she has had a small and frail body. It was only by good fortune and meeting kind people that she had grown at all, but her body remained diminutive. While her strength might be debatable, her body was so small it was almost laughable, even smaller than a hatchling's.
For someone like her to be the savior? It was unthinkable.
｢You｣ ｢Small, true｣ ｢But｣ ｢First consort｣ ｢Taught｣ ｢Savior｣ ｢Star power｣ ｢Connection｣
｢First consort?｣
Just as Ham Ort was the third consort, there had been females bonded with the black Gallagon before her. The first among them was an ancient Gallagon of the fifth rank.
[TL/N- It is talking about a red gallagon.]
｢Where is the first consort?｣
｢Dead.｣
｢!｣
｢Odd Grad｣ ｢Feared｣ ｢Truth｣ ｢So｣ ｢Killed｣
Hearing this, Adhai was taken aback.
Even though the first consort's rank had fallen considerably due to aging, she was the oldest among their kin. In terms of respect, she was honored nearly as much as the great Odd Grad.
Yet, she had been killed? It was hard to believe Ham Ort wasn't lying.
Adhai scrutinized the white female with her heightened senses. Her psychic powers reached out and touched Ham Ort's body. Although Ham Ort was aware that her daughter was watching her, she remained still.
After a series of assessments, Adhai confirmed that at least Ham Ort truly believed what she was saying.
The death of the first consort was also a sorrowful event for Adhai. She had been the only one in the group who treated Adhai well.
Even more so than Ham Ort, Adhai's biological mother.
However, what the first consort had said and whether she was truly a special being were separate matters.
Ham Ort insisted that Adhai possessed the power of the stars, but it didn't resonate with her. If she had such power, she wouldn't have been captured here in the first place.
｢Daughter of the meteor｣ ｢Savior｣ ｢Evidence｣ ｢There is more｣
｢?｣
Ham Ort pointed with her forepaw at Adhai's green scales.
｢Growth｣ ｢Faster than kin｣
｢I｣ ｢Hunt｣ ｢Directly｣ ｢Food｣ ｢Much｣ ｢Predation｣
Adhai tried to refute, but Ham Ort shook her head.
｢Not wrong｣ ｢But｣ ｢Too｣ ｢Fast｣ ｢Kin｣ ｢Growth｣ ｢Strength｣ ｢Food｣ ｢Much｣ ｢Much｣ ｢Needed｣
Though Adhai was too young and inexperienced to know, Ham Ort understood.
When she found the traces of her daughter, who had left this world and returned, she realized that the daughter of the meteor had grown at an abnormal pace.
Among the kin born with her, many had their scale colors change from pale to green. They were all larger and stronger than she was.
However, Ham Ort felt it. The day when this small daughter would shed her green scales for the same pure white ones that adorned her own body was not far off.
The daughter of the meteor had grown so much without any of the benefits provided by the nest that bore the Gallagon's power. What does it mean that an exiled being grew faster than those who received all the benefits?
The answer was simple.
Before the first consort died, she said that the savior, though seemingly insignificant, had enormous potential. If the right conditions to unlock that potential were met, the daughter of the meteor could blossom into the legendary being of the tales.
｢Daughter of the meteor｣ ｢Needs special food｣
｢Special food?｣
｢The flesh of kings｣ ｢Is needed｣ ｢Follow me｣
Once she had sufficiently shaken herself, Ham Ort stood up. As she exited the cave, Adhai quickly followed her outside.
Since the day Ham Ort brought back the Daughter of the Meteor, she has relentlessly gone on hunts. It was to find food for the Daughter of the Meteor.
And today, during the day, she succeeded in hunting a monster that existed far away. Despite not being fully grown, the monster was enormous. It was so large that she couldn't carry it alone and needed the help of her kin to move it.
｢What is that?｣
Adhai, who had entered the forest with her, sent a telepathic wave. In front of them lay the massive carcass of a beast. The creature was torn into several pieces, each of which was larger than her white-scaled kin.
Seeing Adhai tilting her head in confusion in front of the beast's corpse, Ham Ort proudly explained.
｢King of Serpents｣ ｢Immature｣ ｢Specimen｣ ｢Ham Ort｣ ｢Hunted｣ ｢Daughter of the｣ ｢Meteor｣ ｢Growth｣ ｢Catalyst｣
She expected her daughter to be surprised, but Adhai's reaction was completely unexpected.
｢I｣ ｢Tasted it before｣
｢?｣
｢It was delicious｣
｢?｣
Ham Ort was bewildered.
Ignoring her mother's reaction, Adhai licked her lips while looking at the carcass of the Ice Horror.
***
Seeing my transformed state, the Crystal Wing hesitated. A creature that was once less than half its size had now appeared much larger, causing it to be understandably bewildered.
After a single roar, I charged at it. Thanks to the "Stealth Maneuver" effect, my footsteps made almost no sound. The only noise was from the trees shattering as my body crashed through them.
Then, I collided with the Crystal Wing.
Kuaargh…!
Unable to avoid properly due to its confusion, it screamed. Even when I was smaller, my horns had torn its wings. Colliding with a body larger than its wingspan left it in no better condition.
Its wing, now shredded from my charge, left it open-mouthed. Just before it could fire its particle beam, Number 26's support arrived.
Kuuek?!
A tree, uprooted entirely, flew into its mouth, causing it to choke. While it gagged, the parasitic tentacles on my back sprang forth, wrapping around its wings.
Like a snake hunting a bird, the tentacles tightened swiftly. The broad wings tore apart, and fragments of bone splintered outward.
To finish it off, I opened my lower jaw wide. My jaw split into two, ready to swallow its head whole, but it retaliated.
Having chewed and swallowed the tree in its mouth, it fired the particle beam.
The immense heat scorched my upper palate, forcing me to close my mouth quickly. While my exterior was tougher than a ship's hull, the inside of my body wasn't as durable.
Escaping this crisis, it aimed its particle beam at the tentacle-bound wings.
Ku-aaaargh!
Incredibly, it fired at its own wings to tear them apart. Destroying its wings allowed it to escape the tentacles and retreat rapidly.
'Regenerative ability, huh.'
I thought it had just reached adulthood, but it's quite formidable. It clearly understood its own powers well.
As it retreated, new wings grew swiftly from its wounds. With the freshly regenerated wings fully spread, it took off into the air.
It must have realized its disadvantage in close combat. Switching its strategy to aerial bombardment, where the Crystal Wing excelled.
'But you're not the only one good at bombardment.'
I had already anticipated this move. I was prepared for a bombardment battle too.
As it hovered above the forest, preparing to fire its particle beam, my tentacles extending from my neck and jaw moved.
The black gloss of my carapace turned purple. The latent energy in my body converted into psychic power, concentrating at the tips of the tentacles.
The power of the Gallagon, Psychic Breath. This was it in its pure form, without the 'Abyssal Hue' enhancement.
At the moment the male Crystal Wing fired its particle beam, the tentacles attached to my jaw and neck unleashed their force.
On a snow-covered peak shrouded in dark clouds, teal and purple lights clashed violently. The booming sound, like thunder in a storm, reverberated, causing the entire mountain summit to tremble. Even before the echo of the crash died down, the sound of an avalanche could be heard from below the peak. The collision between the creature and me was shaking the entire mountain. Then Number 26 joined our struggle.
Trees, rocks, ice, and soil all floated into the air, spinning like a massive drill. It was the same technique that had previously inflicted a critical wound on the Ice Horror. Seeing this, the Crystal Wing quickly stopped its beam and dodged. My Psychic Breath grazed its crest.
As the clash between us paused, Number 26's Psychic Drill shot towards the creature. The mass of intangible energy tore through the air, severing one of its wings.
Kuu, Kuaaaah!
The term "severed" is no metaphor. The creature, split in half in an instant, plummeted to the ground.
Meanwhile, I activated the Colors of the Abyss. The tentacles that had glowed a vivid purple now donned a myriad of colors. Green, purple, and other indescribable hues swirled around the tentacles.
With the colors ready, I activated the "Watcher of Terror." Energy streamed from my tentacles and coalesced in the air. The liquid-like energy bubbled incessantly, as if it were boiling.
The amorphous mass, writhing as if it had a mind of its own, transformed into a gigantic bubble.
'It's bigger than I thought.'
The ominously shimmering bubble appeared to be about five meters in diameter. Whether it was enhanced by the Hunting Icon effect or because my body had returned to its original state, I couldn't be sure at that moment.
Soon, the massive bubble began moving toward its target.
The target was the creature's body. The bubble, which inflicted nightmarish pain on all living beings, flew through the air.
Kuu, Kuaaak! Kuaaak!
Seeing the approaching Watcher of Terror, the Crystal Wing let out a cry mixed with fear. Its primal instincts must have recognized the extreme danger of the bubble.
Instead of counterattacking, it tried to dodge the bubble. Had it fired a particle beam from that spot, the bubble would have burst and engulfed it.
'I anticipated that. The next move is…'
This attack was merely a feint. As I prepared to unleash my next move, something astonishing happened.
The massive bubble shattered into dozens of smaller ones, which flew at the creature at much greater speed.
'Number 26?'
Each of these bubbles was connected by a thin purple thread. The source of these threads was Number 26, standing behind me.
Thanks to its assistance, the swiftly flying bubbles exploded in front of the Crystal Wing's chest. As the bubbles burst, their contents splattered over its head.
The colors spread like ink in water. As soon as they touched, the creature froze in place. The excruciating pain rendered it unable to think.
With the creature immobilized, this was my chance. I deactivated the Colors of the Abyss and fired a second Psychic Breath. The purple beam sliced through the falling snow and pierced the creature's heart.
…Ku.
In excruciating pain and now heartless, the Crystal Wing staggered before collapsing onto the snow. It let out a long, regretful sigh and moved no more.
The hunt had gone much more smoothly than expected, but the most important part was what had just happened. Something entirely unexpected had occurred.
'I didn't expect it to end so easily.'
I had planned to subdue it using a distraction strategy with the Colors of the Abyss. However, thanks to Number 26 revealing a new power, I didn't need to employ my planned move.
'I knew Number 26 could handle psychic power well, but…'
I hadn't anticipated it could intervene in my psychic abilities.
'It seems like it can only interfere with techniques that use the Colors of the Abyss.'
Otherwise, it would have assisted from the moment I fired the first Psychic Breath.
'Or maybe it's related to the form of the attack?'
It could be that concentrated energy beams like the Psychic Breath are hard to control, but slower, smaller attacks like the bubbles are within its capability.
'…Whatever the case, it's a remarkable achievement.'
Even if it couldn't intervene in all my psychic attacks, it didn't matter. If it could control the enhanced Watcher of Terror alone, I could apply it in far more diverse ways.
I unconsciously turned to it. Facing me, it playfully waved one of its tentacles.
｢I thought it would work!｣
Confidence overflowed in its words. The only response I could give was:
[ZZZ ZZZZZ (Well done)]
｢Yeah!｣
While this Crystal Wing strategy was primarily to enhance my manoeuvrability, I unexpectedly gained a substantial reward.
I wanted to praise it right away, but there were still enemies left. I decided to discuss the celebration of Number 26's accomplishment after we finished off the female.
[ZZZ ZZZZZ (Shall we go then?)]
｢Yeah. Let's help out the middle ones and their friends.｣
I carried Number 26 and rushed towards the fights happening on the peak.
Approximately five minutes after the male was defeated.
Two pairs of splendid jewel wings fell side by side on the unnamed peak.
After two days of waiting, I successfully hunted down two Crystal Wings.
-x-X-x-
'I got four Apexes with this.'
Thanks to combining forces with the kids, we easily took down even the female Crystalwing. The speed was much faster than when playing the game itself.
'Back then, I moved alone.'
If I had faced two Crystalwings alone, it wouldn't have been easy. That's it. Other player competitors aiming for them should also be cautious.
'It would have taken weeks to catch both.'
But today, the situation was good. I had helpers, and there were no other competitors.
Meeting them in two days was also lucky.
'And confirming Number 26's potential was an achievement.'
As expected, it could only adjust attacks made up of 'projectile forms'.
'Abyssal Hue', 'Watcher of Terror', a trait that launches fungal masses melting objects, 'Acid Fungal Pods'. Number 26 could easily control these two traits. Like bursting flying spheres midway to create a spreading explosion or adjusting their flight speed, etc.
However, the basic Psychic Breath fired in a linear form couldn't be adjusted. A similar attack style, 'Divine Spectre', would probably be equally uncontrollable.
'I haven't experimented with the enhanced Psychic Breath yet.'
In this situation, I intentionally didn't use it, as I would need to leave corpses. Given its attack method similar to the Watcher of Terror, I think it would be feasible.
Apart from Number 26, Mother of the Sky and PS-111 fought as well as expected.
Mother of the Sky, who unlocked the Wendigo transformation ability, could use some of Wendigo's traits. One of them is the ability 'Spirit of Ice', which, like Wendigo's legacy that drove humans insane, Space Survival's Wendigo can also interfere with other creatures' minds.
Creatures affected by Spirit of Ice lose reason and become fixated solely on devouring other creatures. Techniques requiring concentration or traits activated consciously by the owner cannot be used.
For example, if I were affected by Spirit of Ice, I would become a cannibalistic monster fixated only on genetic essence, with all abilities sealed.
It is a very powerful personal debuff ability, but with equally great limitations. Depending on the opponent, its duration can fluctuate wildly. Moreover, while Spirit of Ice is active, the user cannot use other techniques or abilities, making it disadvantageous if physical capabilities are weaker than the opponent's.
Simply put, it can be described as an ability that forcibly drags opponents into melee combat. Thanks to this effect, the female Crystalwing couldn't mount a proper counterattack and lost without even trying.
"It would pair well with the High priest's golden spear."
Today, I left my equipment all in the nest, but it might be better to bring it along for the next hunt.
｢I thought I'd gotten stronger, but you're amazing. I never knew the Sea Demon had such abilities.｣
｢Am I amazing? Amazing?｣
[Your Psychic Power Mastery has increased by 42% compared to before. Congratulations.]
｢I don't know what that means, but thanks!｣
The creatures were pleased before the Crystalwing carcasses. I approached them with the male's body in tow.
[ZZZZ (Well done)]
[Always interesting changes to see. Requesting samples for genetic analysis.]
[ZZZ (No)]
｢Can I eat some of the female's heart and organs?｣
[ZZZZZ ZZZ (Because of the unlock conditions?)]
｢No. I need it to advance Griffin's Divine Transformation stage.｣
Listening and seeing, memories returned. Just like Aemoph's growth, there are stages to Wolf's Divine Transformation. According to the setting, the higher the Divine Transformation stage, the closer they are to the gods of wolves.
The griffin is a hybrid creature combining an eagle and a lion. Specialized for land combat, it also has a brief flight ability. Therefore, powerful flight creatures are needed to raise the Divine Transformation stage.
Her growth is advantageous for my survival. I nodded.
[ZZ (Okay)]
｢Thank you.｣
'Where should we start eating then?'
While Mother of the Sky was dismantling, I decided to start with the male's carcass.
Its head was so huge that measuring it in meters seemed faster. I started by tearing off the beak and crest attached to its head. Then, I put the crest, still stuck with tendons and skin tissue, into my mouth.
"…"
Its jaws, which split into two branches, chewed diligently on the crest. The unique texture, seemingly located somewhere between bone and cartilage, pleasantly filled my mouth with each chew. The slimy juices that flowed out with every bite made me unexpectedly satisfied.
'It's like a stewed gizzard.'
The broth of the gizzard bones had permeated well into the cartilage. It felt similar to dipping it in tangy soy sauce, though a more accurate comparison would emphasize its rich taste and flavor.
The intense spiciness that impressed me with the Ice Horror gave way to a more earthy sensation.
After quickly finishing the crest, I also chewed on the beak. Perhaps the earlier meal was too strong in flavor. There wasn't anything particularly distinctive about the taste of the beak.
'The texture gives a refreshing feeling, though.'
Chewing the beak felt crisp, like chewing on well-cooked cucumber. I tore off the entire head, chewing through the beak. After chewing up all the beak and swallowing it down my throat, I immediately started eating the male's head, which made my tongue roll around.
'Mmm, good'
When I saw the textures of the crest and beak, I expected them to be quite chewy, but they weren't.
'This feels like boiled pork.'
Unlike the strong taste and flavor of the crest, the overall head was mild yet had a smooth sensation. It would have been much better to eat them together without separating them.
'But the tongue is the highlight.'
I've heard that the taste of a pig's or cow's tongue is unique. Since I haven't tried it myself, the taste of the Crystalwing's tongue was quite distinctive. Its moderately chewy and oily taste was truly an appetizing flavor.
Having eaten through the entire head, I waited for the predation effect to take place.
'Huh?'
Even after waiting, the semi-transparent textbox showed no response. Could it be that I missed it when the effect appeared? I opened the textbox to check, but everything remained the same.
'No way?'
I thought I was lucky, but it turned out otherwise. The Goddess of Luck once again abandoned me at a crucial moment. The joy I felt from a delicious meal quickly turned into despair.
I turned my gaze to the female's carcass.
'Now, I only have one chance left.'
The trait I was aiming for the most was the 'Spaceflight' trait. Next in line were abilities to handle stealth and detection waves, or perhaps the ability of rapid regeneration. However, among its other traits were some duds, like 'Robust Vitality' or 'Enhanced Vision'.
'… I didn't consider this.'
Even though it was smooth sailing fighting against them, unforeseen difficulties awaited me.
At that moment, Mother of the Sky approached me holding something covered in blood.
｢What did you find… huh? Why?｣
[ZZZZ ZZ ZZZ ZZ (Another failure this time too)]
｢What?｣
She widened her eyes upon hearing that I hadn't acquired the trait.
｢… Shouldn't you try eating the entire carcass?｣
[ZZZ ZZ ZZZZ ZZ ZZZ (That's unrelated to it)]
｢Still, since you failed once, the predation effect will surely kick in the second time.｣
When I heard that, I recalled the gambler's fallacy, but I didn't bother pointing it out. Perhaps she meant it as words of comfort for me.
'Sigh. I guess there's nothing I can do about what hasn't appeared.'
I've done everything I could. There's no point in being disappointed here; nothing will change. It would be more efficient to prepare for what comes after, anticipating the possibility of failure.
'If I can't get it this time, let's prepare for other abilities.'
Targeting Sharkbear's 'Enhanced Endocrine Glands' wouldn't be a bad idea either.
I tore off the head of the Crystalwing female. Without separating and eating the beak, I chewed through it whole.
Just like with the male, it still tasted good, but the tension was greater this time. The hard beak cracked under my strong jaws, breaking through the skull that encased the brain. Its contents swiftly passed down my throat into my stomach.
'Please!'
Now, all that remained was the part connected to the male's neck. I swallowed it without chewing.
The moment I completely digested the male's head.
[Predation effect activated! Successfully acquired 'Spaceflight' gene essence.]
[Extracted the 'Spaceflight' feature from the biological traits of 'Crystalwing'.]
[Would you like to apply 'Spaceflight'?]
Grrrr!
'Great!'
As soon as the textbox appeared before my eyes, I roared with excitement. Holding my arms up, I startled Number 26, who was beside me.
｢Why are you acting like that, big baby? Are you hurt? Where?｣
｢It's not because I'm hurt, but because I'm happy.｣
｢Is it that delicious?｣
｢Wouldn't everything taste delicious to you right now?｣
Mother of the Sky's laughter tinged with sarcasm echoed in my mind, but I had no room to care about such things right now.
'Why does this make people so difficult? Accept!'
Seeing the trait I had longed for, I accepted its application.
[Spaceflight trait applied.]
[Can be fused with existing 'Aerial Membrane'. Fusion of 'Spaceflight' and 'Aerial Membrane' traits. Evolving into 'Enhanced Wings of the Monstrosity'!]
[Enhanced Wings of the Monstrosity: Inherits the 'Spaceflight' trait, reinforced.]
[*Note: Countless prey await you in space.]
Born in the cargo hold of a spaceship, I walked on alloy plates for the first time.
I swam with fins beneath the deep sea of Cult's sacred planet.
Land, sea, and sky.
On this frozen star, I gained new strength.
The power to traverse the dark, infinite world filled with darkness.
***
"Ugh… Is everyone okay?"
"We're, we're fine!"
"Captain! Are you okay?"
"Damn it! Report to the administrator!"
"Major damage to the cannon! Damage also on the outer wall of the ship! Fortunately, the engine section has minor damage!"
"Casualties?"
"…Five missing among the fighter pilots, seven among the gunners."
Cult's captain, relieved that the engine damage was minimal, immediately regained his composure.
"This cursed planet is just like that!"
It had already been five days since the disappearance of the young priest Jason, whom they served. And now, the recent attack. With so many complex issues at hand, the captain felt his head might explode.
While they had recently faced a major failure, having a highly regarded talent sober up and then disappear on a suspicious planet not even registered on the routes was unprecedented in the Empire.
Normally, they would have continued waiting for contact from the priest, but this time, that wasn't an option.
This was due to the entity that had allowed them to establish a camp issuing a prohibition.
The determined Black Gallagon didn't wait long before driving them out when Jason didn't return after several days. He claimed he had work to do and had no time to deal with trivial matters.
While others might have different thoughts, the captain personally thanked the Black Gallagon. As the days passed, the attitude of the Gallagons noticeably changed.
If they had stayed even one more day, they would surely have become prey for the hungry Gallagons.
Leaving the nest was fine, but the real problem arose afterwards.
As they prepared to leave aboard the ship left outside the nest, they were attacked by some creature.
"…Just answer me this. Do you think the Gallagons will leave us alone?"
"Considering the cowardly nature of those creatures, now that they've gotten what they wanted, they won't target us."
Even without stating it directly, it was clear that what they wanted were the 12 missing crew members.
"Why did it have to be the Garan Minos who…?"
Garan Minos, a giant dragon with the meaning of 'shining wings', is an extremely rare creature. Unless you're a specialized monster-hunting Templar or a Cult smuggler, it's not easy to encounter one in a lifetime.
When two creatures with such a name crashed into the ship just as it was taking off, the captain thought he must be dreaming. He came to his senses when the ship's outer walls were breached and the crew sacrificed.
Thanks to the efforts of the 12 Templars who remained on board, they barely managed to drive away the Garan Minos.
"Captain, as much as it may seem unnecessary, we need to inform the Council as soon as possible."
"I understand."
The Templar urging for the protection of the crew annoyed the captain, but he managed to respond calmly. If it weren't for that Templar, everyone on this ship would have been a meal for those violent dragons.
"How long will it take to repair the engines?"
"We won't know until we start, but it seems like it will take quite some time."
"We'll spare no support, so repair the engines quickly. Close off the area near the outer walls and relocate the important materials to another section."
"Understood."
A stroke of luck was that the engines weren't damaged. This planet is a remote place not even recorded on the routes. If they were to be stranded, it would be difficult to rely on rescue teams.
"They'll probably all die before the rescue team even arrives!"
Surviving even one day on this planet, where Gallagons, Garan Minos, and all sorts of monsters lurk, is difficult. And that's not all. The climate is also horrific; without reinforced suits, one wouldn't last more than a few minutes.
"We'll take care of external monitoring. Please repair as quickly as possible."
"…We ask for your cooperation."
All the Templars wear a special reinforced suit called Gallagon Scale Armors. Thanks to these ivory-colored reinforced suits, they can endure even the harsh cold.
If it were the captain or ordinary Cult crew members going out, they would likely freeze to death.
"May Providence! Please let nothing happen!"
The captain prayed silently as he watched the crew rushing around the situation room.