224
-x-X-x-
Ham Ort was dreaming.
The Queen of Pure White, the mate of the Great Odd Grad, and the traitor.
She bore names of both praise and scorn, but it wasn't always like that.
Before her eyes, she saw a familiar face as she opened her eyes. It was the black-scaled male she had met when she had just shed her white scales.
His name was Odd Grad, the one with impressively curved horns and intelligent eyes.
When he first became the leader, he was a male beyond what one could imagine now. He cherished his kin and young hatchlings more than anyone, and when the group faced crises, he knew how to handle them wisely.
That was why she admired him—not because he was the leader, but because she loved his wisdom, his strength, and his kindness.
His pure face blurred for a moment, then became clear again.
Now, his face was very different from before. The horns on his head and the smooth scales were the same, but there was one crucial difference.
The eyes that were once full of intelligence were gone. Instead, there remained an inexplicable fury and infinite hatred.
For what reason did this once-kind being change so drastically? Was it the burden of leading the group, or was there another reason?
The reason is unknown, but that is not the important part.
What matters is that the 'Great' Odd Grad she once loved has completely vanished from this world.
The black-scaled leader commanded her.
He ordered her to kill her daughter.
As the group grew, more and more of their kind were unable to receive proper nutrition. Even the healthy hatchlings weakened with every change in the stars.
In such circumstances, her daughter, who was born small, was nothing but a drain on resources.
She knew that he wasn't wrong.
Yet, she still wished for her daughter to live as long as she could.
One day, her daughter might go out to hunt with her weak body and be hunted instead. Or she might lose in competition for food with others and starve to death.
The world they lived in was harsh and cruel. She knew she couldn't change the world.
But, she didn't want to kill her daughter just because she was deemed useless.
So, she made up her mind.
She would use the thieves who came to steal the eggs.
The image of Odd Grad in front of her faded away like mist. In its place, familiar darkness appeared.
She flapped her wings in the infinite dark space she had always looked up at from her nest or hunting grounds.
A small light appeared far off in the distance.
It looked like the starlight that blessed her daughter when she was born, but in reality, it was a much smaller light.
The light that carried the daughter of the meteor gradually shrank and soon disappeared.
As the world plunged into darkness, she opened her eyes above the swamp.
-
The Red Gallagon is one of the top ten most dangerous predators. Despite being called a Gallagon, it's so different that it could be considered another species entirely.
In addition to the psychic powers used by ordinary Gallagons, these creatures possess a unique power system known as 'Dragon Power.'
There are various types of Dragon Power techniques, but they share a common characteristic: when Dragon Power is activated, a red light emanates from the body.
This was true even for Adhai, a half-blooded Red Gallagon.
The red light spread from her wings and horns, dyeing her body as if soaked in red ink.
｢You're still immature.｣
The stream of energy burning within her like fire was undoubtedly from Dragon Power, but it was far from the image in my memory.
Unlike Adhai's fiery appearance, the red energy should have coated her scales and enveloped her entire body in a subtle, glowing aura.
Dragon Power techniques are all terrifying in their effects. That's why it must find a way to control that power, no matter what.
｢Too｣ ｢strong｣ ｢hard｣ ｢to control｣
[ZZZ ZZ (You can do it)]
｢Little one! Just do it like when you were flapping around!｣
｢I'll try｣
Hearing my and Number 26's words, Adhai began to focus. Most of the energy streaming from her horns and wings receded, returning to its original place.
The residual energy that couldn't be contained seeped into the red wave patterns along her body. Having successfully stabilized her power, a bright red glow flared up around her eyes.
It looked as though she were wearing makeup made of blood.
｢I did it｣
'Though it's still unstable.'
It was clear that she was putting on a brave front, but I didn't point it out. Just being able to control that immense power to this extent in such a short time was impressive enough.
[ZZZZ ZZ ZZ (Do you have any usable techniques?)]
｢One｣ ｢seems possible｣
[ZZZZ (Try using it)]
Without moving from her spot, she concentrated. Soon, a red light flowed from her four wings, dyeing her entire head and front legs a deep red.
｢Wow! Amazing! The little one's all toughened up!｣
Number 26, sensitive to energy and wavelengths, immediately recognized Adhai's state.
The name of this technique is 'Red Armor.'
According to the lore, Red Gallagons focus their Dragon Power on specific body parts to protect vital areas, drastically increasing their hardness. As Number 26 mentioned, it's a characteristic that makes the user tougher.
Though it may seem like a rather simple ability for a boss creature, this is precisely the trait that makes Red Gallagons so difficult to kill.
'It's one of the best defensive techniques in Space Survival.'
The core feature of Red Armor is its invulnerability—no attack can break through it.
Whether it's the Divine Spectre or the Cosmic Bolt from the Empire's Battleship, no matter how powerful the weapon, any part of the body covered by Red Armor is impervious to damage. Since it's a Dragon Power technique, not even my psychic-nullifying horn can bypass it.
Therefore, the weak point of a Red Gallagon isn't its head or heart. The only way to harm it is by targeting areas not covered by Red Armor.
'The problem is that a real Red Gallagon can cover most of its body with Red Armor.'
Moreover, Red Gallagons can shift the areas covered by Red Armor at will.
This means you're up against an enemy with incredible specs, and the only way to defeat it is by hitting its one weak spot, which constantly moves. It's a dizzyingly difficult task.
'It was really tough for me to take down a Red Gallagon too.'
I had to study other players' battles with it, analyze its behavior patterns, and figure out where it usually hid its weak spot before I could finally defeat it.
'The frustrating part was not getting the genetic essence even after all that trouble.'
I remember having to hunt it again after weeks of effort went down the drain.
Anyway, Adhai is still inexperienced, so she can only cover her head and front legs with Red Armor. As she gets more skilled, she'll be able to extend the range of the armor.
Once that happens, I won't have to worry about her safety anymore.
'I was concerned because of her small size, but thankfully, it's all working out.'
｢It feels｣ ｢strange｣
[ZZZ ZZZ ZZZZ (Try ramming your head into a tree)]
｢I don't like pain｣
[ZZ ZZZZ ZZ ZZZ (You won't feel a thing)]
After hearing my words, she hesitated but then walked over to a tree. She struck it hard with the horn on her head, and the tree toppled over effortlessly.
｢Amazing｣
[ZZZ ZZ ZZZ ZZ ZZZZ ZZZZZ (As long as you have that power, you'll never get hurt)]
With her front legs now as tough as her head, it tapped the fallen tree and looked back at me.
｢I｣ ｢don't know｣ ｢but how｣ ｢does Big One｣ ｢know?｣
[ZZZ ZZZ ZZZ (I've seen it before)]
｢Not me｣ ｢the power of the stars｣ ｢are there｣ ｢others｣ ｢like me?｣
[ZZZ ZZ (Not anymore)]
｢?｣
It tilted her head in confusion, but there was nothing more I could say. I couldn't exactly tell it I saw it in a game.
'Will I have to tell them someday?'
That I'm an outsider.
I need to leave this world and return to the place I originally lived. In fact, that's what I'm moving toward even now.
But as I get closer to that goal, the things that make me conflicted just keep increasing.
Number 26, Adhai, the Mother of the Sky, and even PS-111.
What will happen to them if I leave? Will they manage on their own, or will they miss me? And what about the Mother of the Sky, who, like me, is a player? If I reach the ending, will she return to reality with me?
Lost in thought, I was still when Number 26 sent a wavelength my way.
｢Big One knows everything, it's amazing.｣
｢Agree｣ ｢Big One｣ ｢is cool｣ ｢strong｣ ｢smart｣
｢Big One has many limbs and is really big.｣
｢Horns｣ ｢Wings｣ ｢All awesome｣
Starting with Number 26, they all poured out their pure emotions. Instead of replying, I extended my winged arm to gently stroke them.
'It's a problem I can't answer right now.'
There's no need to decide today.
But the time will inevitably come when I have to choose. To avoid regrets then, I'll need to keep thinking about it.
[ZZZZ ZZ ZZ ZZZ Z (You are all precious gifts to me)]
｢Gift? Big One hungry?｣
｢I｣ ｢understand｣ ｢Big One's words｣ ｢mean｣ ｢we're important｣
Number 26, always showing an innocent demeanor, and Adhai, flaunting her intelligence as she grows. Even in reality, I couldn't forge deep connections with others. As they said, for someone like me, sick in both body and heart, they are indeed precious.
'…Why am I suddenly thinking like this?'
Getting sentimental isn't necessarily bad, but there's still much to be done. I withdrew my hands from them and sent the next instruction through wavelengths.
[ZZ ZZZ ZZ ZZ ZZZ ZZZ (Adhai, you can release your power now)]
｢Acknowledged｣ ｢Power｣ ｢Released｣
When the Dragon Power dissipated, her body returned to its original state.
[Zzz zzzz zz zz zzz zz zzzz (Good. Now attack me with the power you normally use)]
｢Acknowledged｣ ｢Big One…?｣ ｢Are you itchy? Want me to scratch?｣
I'd spoken too vaguely, and they didn't understand. So I explained my intention carefully.
｢Big One｣ ｢Does your species grow stronger｣ ｢the more｣ ｢they're attacked?｣
[ZZ ZZZZ ZZ ZZ ZZZ (Yes. It's a power gained through growth.)]
｢Still can't understand｣
Since Adhai would be the one attacking me, she seemed to have a hard time grasping the concept.
Mimicry scales are an unfamiliar trait to Gallagons. Moreover, for someone like Adhai, who has spent her life avoiding attacks due to her fragile body, it must be even more baffling.
｢Big One's words｣ ｢always good｣ ｢so I'll follow them｣
[ZZZ (Thank you)]
After several more explanations, Adhai finally understood what I was saying.
She stepped back, increasing the distance between us. While Adhai was preparing to attack, I took the time to explain to Number 26.
｢So I should do it like when I punish a bad flapper?｣
[ZZZZ ZZ ZZZ ZZ (Just make sure the deflected energy doesn't hit Adhai)]
｢Okay. Big One and Little One can both count on me.｣
The reason I insisted on activating my Mimicry Scales in combat was because of a trait I possess, the "Psychic Power Reflection Armor."
This trait automatically reflects 30% of the damage I take from Psychic Power attacks. If Adhai were as big and sturdy as a normal Gallagon, she wouldn't be harmed by the reflected attack.
Unfortunately, she was born with a body weaker than other Gallagons. Her current defence is even lower than that of a typical Green Gallagon.
In other words, she's like a flying glass cannon. Just taking 30% of the damage from her own breath attack could be fatal.
'That's why I need Number 26.'
Number 26 is highly skilled at controlling Psychic Power. She can neutralize the reflected energy or redirect it elsewhere.
'Now that Adhai has Red Armor, she'll be able to manage on her own eventually…'
But for now, Adhai is still inexperienced in using Dragon Power, so she needs Number 26's help.
With that, we were all set. Adhai, who had put some distance between us, sent me a telepathic message.
｢I｣ ｢will attack now｣
[Z (Okay)]
｢Tell me｣ ｢if it hurts｣ ｢I'll stop｣
[ZZZZ ZZ ZZZZZ (Don't worry, just go all out)]
She nodded slightly.
Soon, a vivid purple light emanated from the bundle of tentacles hanging from her mouth. The Psychic Power became so dense it could be touched and then solidified into a small energy bullet.
The first shot was fired. The psychic breath flew through the air, followed by a second and third wave of energy bullets.
Adhai's unique Psychic Breath, not used by other Gallagons, was now coming at me.
The first hit landed on my head, spreading a strong shock across my entire exoskeleton. While I registered the pain, the subsequent Psychic Breaths continued to strike the same spot.
But my pain wasn't the main concern. What mattered was where the reflected attack would go.
Without my conscious control, the Psychic Power Reflection Armor activated, reflecting 30% of the energy from Adhai's attack. Some of it flew back toward Adhai, while other parts veered towards Number 26.
Number 26 caught every single bit of the energy without letting any escape.
It's tentacles moved like a conductor leading an orchestra. The energy, which had been suspended in the air, gathered in one spot and then shot up into the sky.
'Perfect.'
[ZZZZ ZZ (Just like that)]
Maybe because we've fought together many times, we all performed seamlessly, even on the first try.
We repeated the process several times.
At one point, when Adhai hesitated after seeing my battered exoskeleton, I reassured her, saying I would heal quickly and that this was good practice for fighting Odd Grad.
Whether my persuasion worked or she recognized the importance of training, Adhai didn't hesitate to attack after that.
After about 30 hits from her, I noticed changes in my exoskeleton and outer shell. The once rigid surface started to soften like jelly.
Within seconds, tiny scales emerged from beneath the surface, covering my entire body. At the same time, a translucent text box appeared.
[Mimicry Scales Activation Target: Psychic Power]
[Duration: 3 Days]
[Warning: Psychic Power Reflection Armor will be temporarily deactivated.]
As I read the text box, Adhai's Psychic Breath struck again.
The powerful energy shook my entire head, but all I felt was the sensation of being hit, with no accompanying pain.
'It worked.'
The Mimicry Scales were now fully activated.
'For the next 3 days.'
No Gallagon, not even the Black Gallagon Odd Grad, would be able to harm me.
——————
The effect of the 'Mimicry Scales' provides a high level of resistance against certain energies.
Now that I've secured resistance against psychic power, Odd Grad's breath attack shouldn't pose too much of a problem.
'It will be painful, but I can handle it.'
Odd Grad's breath is overwhelmingly stronger than that of other Gallagons. The chances of absorbing the shock completely are slim.
However, it's not enough to threaten my life. There's no longer any need to keep dodging and running from his breath.
'The problem is with his danger-sensing ability…'
I've prepared methods to disperse his forces and withstand his attacks, but one issue remains.
How do I outmanoeuvre an enemy that can foresee the future?
I kept thinking as I returned to the nest with Adhai and Number 26.
In Space Survival, there's no such thing as skills or traits that can read the future. It's an online VR game involving countless players, so that's only natural.
The so-called 'Future Sight' or 'Prophecy' only enhances evasion abilities or marks enemy movements on the minimap.
So it wouldn't be wrong to say that Odd Grad is the first incomprehensible enemy I've encountered in this world.
'No, wait. There is a clue.'
I have encountered a future-sensing ability before: my 'Predator's Senses'.
Thanks to this trait, which is close to precognition, I've escaped danger multiple times. Without this trait, I wouldn't have made it this far.
In my experience, the future range that the Predator's Sense shows me isn't very long. It's just a few minutes ahead, showing me events that are about to impact my body.
The only exception is when I use the 'Symbol of Hunt'.
'When in the Hunting Icon state, the scope of future sight expands.'
I first felt this when escaping from the hospital at T&C Special Trade Hub. The Eden Knights were moving to surround the hospital, but sensing it in advance allowed me to escape safely.
This is likely because the Symbol of Hunt amplifies the traits and effects of the abilities it holds.
'Considering that, Odd Grad's ability is peculiar.'
His ability certainly involves foreseeing dangerous futures. However, the range is quite ambiguous.
This is because it predicted that I would target the White Gallagon on my hunt and came to attack.
Yet, whenever I used the 'Abyssal Hue', he always sensed it and tried to evade it, even though he had never seen it before.
'That means it can see beyond immediate threats…'
In the long run, hunting White Gallagons could pose a threat to him. After all, my ultimate goal was to kill him.
This would explain why he didn't attack me immediately upon my arrival on this planet. Although I came here to hunt Gallagons and Apexes, my intent wasn't solely to kill Odd Grad.
"...Let's rethink this."
Odd Grad has already surpassed the boundaries of the game. I need to broaden my perspective.
"What if he can see multiple types of futures?"
For instance, like me, he might see specific futures only in certain states, while others are visible more generally.
In summary, there are two types of futures he can see.
'Immediate dangers and distant, threatening futures.'
Based on the information at hand, this assumption seems reasonable.
And here lies the crucial part.
Odd Grad set a trap to kill me because I posed a threat to his life. As I got entangled in his schemes, I had to fight in an imperfect state, revealing most of my trump cards.
However, he didn't foresee that he could die fighting me. In fact, he nearly died because of the Abyssal Hue and the Divine Spectre.
Taking this into account, a new hypothesis can be formed.
'The futures he sees have limits.'
First, let's consider the ability to detect long-term future threats.
He likely only sees these during specific cycles or situations, not frequently in everyday circumstances. That's why he couldn't account for changes in the future that occur mid-course.
'The second ability is to detect imminent, short-term dangers.'
Since this is similar to my Predator's Sense, he probably has similar limitations. While it helps in dealing with a specific threat when it arises, it doesn't allow one to avoid the dangerous situation itself.
Therefore, to kill him, I need to exploit the gap between these two types of future visions.
'If I act rashly, he will catch on.'
I have many cards to play: Ham Ort's escape, Adhai's growth, information about the ring he possesses, and the Mimicry Scales. But if I use them carelessly, he will detect my intentions in advance.
'If I make a mistake, he might escape.'
Odd Grad is the only Black Gallagon on this planet. If I lose him here, I'll also lose one of the unique traits.
'I need to create a future that isn't unfavorable for him.'
As I pondered how to strike him, we arrived at the nest.
At the entrance, I saw Mother of the Sky sitting, and beside her was a wounded White Gallagon lying down.
｢Ham Ort?｣
Adhai sent out a telepathic wave. Sensing her, Ham Ort lifted her head to look at her daughter.
The violet eyes of the mother, who had seen her daughter, were filled with confusion.
｢Daughter of the Meteor｣ ｢Savior｣ ｢Did you fail?｣ ｢Why?｣ ｢Why?｣
｢I｣ ｢Rejected the savior｣
Upon hearing Adhai's response, Ham Ort suddenly stood up. Mother of the Sky, who was beside her, also rose to her feet.
｢Be careful. Your wounds haven't healed yet.｣
｢Why?｣ ｢You｣ ｢Made the wrong choice!｣ ｢Odd Grad｣ ｢Can't be stopped!｣
Ham Ort seemed shocked that her daughter had refused to transform into a Red Gallagon. She, who had remained calm even in battle, now openly displayed her anger.
Responding to Ham Ort's passionate telepathic waves, Adhai didn't back down and sent her own in return.
｢I｣ ｢Chose new kin｣ ｢Past kin｣ ｢Important, but｣ ｢This side｣ ｢Is more｣ ｢Important!｣
｢Odd Grad｣ ｢Will kill｣ ｢All kin｣ ｢Young kin｣ ｢Adult kin｣
｢Worry｣ ｢Unnecessary｣ ｢Great Elder｣ ｢Small Elder｣ ｢Ugly Friend｣ ｢Sick Child｣ ｢All kin｣ ｢Will fight together｣
｢Odd Grad｣ ｢Strong｣ ｢Black kin｣ ｢Victory｣ ｢Impossible｣ ｢Odd Grad｣ ｢Will kill｣ ｢Black kin｣
｢Great Elder｣ ｢Is not weak｣ ｢Don't insult Ham Ort!｣
｢Ham Ort! Calm down!｣
Ham Ort seemed ready to leap at Adhai at any moment. If her wings and body were intact, and if Mother of the Sky hadn't restrained her, she probably would have.
｢Disappointment｣ ｢Disappointment｣ ｢I am disappointed!｣ ｢Daughter of the Meteor｣ ｢You abandoned the blessing!｣ ｢You abandoned our kin's expectations!｣
｢Disappointment?｣ ｢I'm more disappointed｣ ｢Ham Ort｣ ｢You abandoned me｣ ｢For being weak!｣
｢Denial!｣ ｢Never abandoned weak kin!｣
｢Liar!｣ ｢Ham Ort｣ ｢You're a liar｣ ｢You abandoned me｣ ｢For the savior｣ ｢You forced the salvation of our kin｣ ｢It's shameful!｣
｢!｣
As their emotions escalated, their telepathic waves became increasingly primal. The mixture of Ham Ort's disappointment and anger with Adhai's sorrow and resentment made my monster's tendrils tingle.
Number 26, who is sensitive to wave detection, also seemed affected, as its body color turned a dark pink.
｢I｣ ｢Will step out｣
In the end, Adhai was the first to retreat. She kicked the ground with her hind legs and flew into the forest.
"What happened?"
PS-111, who had been tending to a Blue Gallagon infected with symbiotic spores inside the nest, walked out.
｢The Little One fought with the Flappy Mom.｣
"After analyzing the surrounding environmental factors, I see no evidence of a battle between 'The Little One' and 'Ham Ort.'"
｢I don't understand what you're saying, friend. It's too complicated.｣
While PS-111 and Number 26 engaged in their unintentional banter, Ham Ort simply stared blankly in the direction where her daughter had disappeared. Her emotions, uncontrolled and raw, were spilling out.
｢This forest is safe, but just in case, bring Adhai back, both of you, Number 26 and PS-111.｣
｢Okay. I'll protect The Little One. Let's go, friend.｣
"Understood."
Number 26 shrunk itself down and climbed onto PS-111's back. The Sea Demon and the Mutant Screamer then vanished into the forest.
Only after they left did Ham Ort seem to regain her senses, dropping her head. The chaotic flood of emotions that had been emanating from her gradually subsided.
Finally calming down, Ham Ort lifted her head and looked at me.
｢You｣ ｢Black kin?｣
[ZZZ (Yes).]
｢Daughter of the Meteor｣ ｢Talked｣ ｢A lot about you｣ ｢Said you taught her｣
It was true, so I nodded, and Ham Ort slightly bowed her head, bending her front legs.
｢Ham Ort｣ ｢Thanks you｣ ｢For saving｣ ｢And looking after the Daughter of the Meteor｣
Expressing her brief gratitude, she then straightened up. Her amethyst eyes reflected a complex mixture of emotions.
｢But｣ ｢Because of you｣ ｢The Daughter of the Meteor｣ ｢Abandoned the savior｣ ｢Odd Grad｣ ｢Will kill｣ ｢All our kin｣
[ZZ ZZ ZZZZ ZZZZ (That won't happen)]
Because I will stop it before it comes to that.
Ham Ort shook her head, denying my words.
｢Odd Grad｣ ｢Lies｣ ｢Deceives our kin｣ ｢Deceived companions｣ ｢And young kin｣ ｢Our kin｣ ｢Follow Odd Grad's orders｣ ｢Ham Ort｣ ｢Black kin｣ ｢Not strong enough｣
[ZZZ (Is that so?)]
｢Black kin｣ ｢Is strong｣ ｢But｣ ｢Odd Grad｣ ｢Has more｣
Having fought me before, she knew how strong I was. She must be trying to point out the numerical superiority of the enemy forces.
And she wasn't wrong. If I had fought Odd Grad when I faced her, I would have lost.
'Not anymore, though.'
However, unaware of this, Ham Ort seemed desperate to persuade me to avoid the fight. Her telepathic waves were filled with urgency.
｢Odd Grad｣ ｢Is strong｣ ｢I believe｣ ｢You think｣ ｢The Daughter of the Meteor is precious｣ ｢If so｣ ｢Survival｣ ｢Is more important｣
[ZZZZ ZZZZ ZZZZZ ZZZZ (To save Adhai, I must kill Odd Grad)]
｢Black kin｣ ｢Won't you give up?｣
[ZZZ ZZZZZ ZZ ZZ (No, Odd Grad will die by my hands)]
｢…｣
Ham Ort no longer sent any telepathic waves and simply stared into my eyes.
I could sense her anxiety. However, my resolve was unshaken. I was determined to kill the black dragon that had wronged me, no matter the cost.
｢Understood｣ ｢Ham Ort｣ ｢Will trust the Black kin｣
[ZZ ZZ ZZZ ZZ ZZZ ZZ ZZZZ (Good. Tell me about the situation when you fought it)]
｢Ask whatever you want｣
After staring at me for a long time, Ham Ort finally gave up on convincing me otherwise. I began to ask the questions that had been on my mind, one by one.
---
Beyond the frozen plains lies a vast canyon.
As one approaches this deep canyon—so vast it is better measured in hundreds of meters, or even kilometers—a strange sound can be heard. It resembles the agonized screams of suffering animals, but in reality, it is the sound of the wind passing through the massive ice chasms.
Although a natural phenomenon, the eerie noise is so unsettling that most living creatures avoid the canyon altogether. The only entity that freely enters this territory is the Beast King, who rules the area.
However, even the Beast King has not been seen recently. Whether it is in seclusion or has left the canyon is unknown.
In its place, strange, alien entities have occasionally ventured into the canyon. These beings seem unaware that this territory belongs to the Beast King, indiscriminately slaughtering any nearby creatures. Whether plant or animal, anything that moved was killed. As a result, this canyon, already sparsely populated, has become a completely dead zone.
Today, once again, the grotesque entities entered the canyon, dragging along chunks of meat after their latest slaughter.
Deep within the canyon, where there should only be thick darkness, red lights began to flicker as they descended.
Finally, the creatures reached what could be considered the canyon floor. Hanging precariously, they threw the chunks of meat down.
In response, an enormous red light, far larger than before, opened its eyes and devoured the meat in an instant.
[Mission to scout the surrounding area and secure energy sources: completed.]
[Current inability to assess the threat within the supervolcano. Investigation ongoing.]
[Traces of humanoid activity detected on this planet. Believed to be humans affiliated with 'Megacorp,' who have come to investigate the supervolcano.]
[Unusual atmospheric phenomena occurred on this planet two days ago. Comparative analysis with accumulated meteorological data suggests this anomaly resulted from a battle between native lifeforms.]
[While monitoring the nests of native creatures, discovered…]
The beings—or rather, the Mutant Screamers—continued their mechanical reports. Normally, after their regular reports, they would exchange the information they had gathered amongst themselves, but today was different.
The red light that had consumed the chunks of meat flickered again.
[Pira Eleven. Orders.]
As the red light murmured quietly, all of them fell silent.
[The entity responsible for the meteorological anomaly matches 82% of the profile for Special Target A, according to the Starlink database.]
The red light—no, the android, which was undergoing repairs due to significant damage—was one of the top members of the Star Union Mechanical Council, known as Pira Eleven.
[Pira Eleven. Highest priority command issued. Eliminate Special Target A. All remaining 189 S-Model units and 20 PS-Model units in the canyon are to engage.]
[Order confirmed.]
[Order…]
At Pira Eleven's command, countless dormant red lights opened their eyes.
The chilling sound of the wind in the canyon was now accompanied by an even more ominous noise.
——————
The conversation with Ham Ort continued for quite a while.
It was because she knew more about Odd Grad than expected.
'It's natural since she was his mate for so long?'
Anyway, the information I got from her could be summarized into two key points.
'A ring that manipulates emotions and foresight.'
She mentioned that Odd Grad carries a mysterious ring with him. She couldn't recall exactly when he obtained it, but it was certain that he acquired it after becoming the leader.
It was also because of that ring that Ham Ort was slow to realize Odd Grad was changing in strange ways.
'Gallagons can't lie.'
Due to their nature of communicating through emotional waves, the concept of lying doesn't exist for them. While they can pass on incorrect information due to misunderstanding or ignorance, they cannot lie intentionally.
Therefore, Gallagons inherently trust their fellow clan members.
Ham Ort said she initially didn't notice anything strange about him. Even though he had become more violent, she thought it was due to the burden of leading the clan.
But that wasn't the case.
She accidentally witnessed Odd Grad killing a fellow Gallagon.
The victim was Odd Grad's first mate and the oldest female White Gallagon in the clan. Odd Grad mercilessly disposed of the one he had been with the longest.
Before dying, the old mate severed her tail, causing the ring she wore on it to fall off briefly. Ham Ort, who had been secretly observing, caught a glimpse of her emotions the moment the ring fell off.
He was not in his right mind, overwhelmed with unknown rage and desperation. The splendid black dragon she once knew was gone, leaving only a mad tyrant behind.
After having the ring placed on his front paw due to his tail being severed, he calmly lied to the clan the next day. He claimed that the old White Gallagon had been killed in a Skywhale attack.
'A ring that distorts emotions, huh?'
It's not an item that exists in the game. What would be the point of a ring that hides one's emotions?
Moreover, it's hardly useful for beings like Gallagons, for whom emotional expression is crucial. Such a tool would be unnecessary for Gallagons who deeply trust their kin.
'Except for those who can read the future.'
Based on Adhai's case, to grow beyond a White Gallagon, one must consume another White Gallagon.
Thus, the process of evolving from a White Gallagon to the next stage naturally leads to combat with the clan leader or war with another clan. A White Gallagon that survives the war becomes a Black Gallagon and competes for leadership or forms a new clan.
That's the life cycle of a Gallagon.
In fact, the growth process of Gallagons wasn't clearly explained in the game. It was only after coming to this planet and witnessing Adhai's transformation firsthand that I understood it for sure.
'Since he can see far into the future, he must have foreseen the leadership competition too.'
There were no other Gallagon clans on this planet besides Odd Grad's. The only way for a White Gallagon to grow was to kill the leader.
'It's impossible for a regular White Gallagon to defeat a Black Gallagon.'
Only those capable of becoming a Red Gallagon can defeat a Black Gallagon.
'He used his foresight to eliminate any threats to his position in advance.'
In reality, he has been periodically killing hatchlings and abandoning eggs outside the nest. He claims it's to reduce the number of weak individuals, citing the clan's hunger as the reason. This might also be why Adhai was cast out.
'Without the ring, he couldn't have done this much.'
What would happen if the other clan members found out that he killed his kin just to survive? What if it were a mother who lost her child because of him, like Ham Ort?
'She would never forgive him.'
At this point, the ring is the only thing that solidifies his control over the clan. If the ring disappears, the collapse of his clan is only a matter of time.
'That's enough about the ring.'
Next is foresight. During the conversation, I was able to gather some interesting information about his ability.
Odd Grad always sleeps before making any important decisions for the clan. When he wakes up, he immediately makes a decision, so none of his mates are unaware of this.
'Is sleep a catalyst that triggers the ability to foresee the distant future?'
It's unclear whether sleep is the exact means by which the ability is activated, but it can be generally assumed that foresight is only possible when the body is in a stable state.
'He can't see far into the future when he's not at rest.'
Even if he acts on a future he sees in a dream, he won't know how that future might change along the way. Naturally, he will try to move in a way that avoids the foreseen future, but to be certain, he would need to re-observe the future.
For instance, let's say I foresee a future where I die by being hit by a car.
I would move far away from the road to avoid the car, but if a building next to the sidewalk suddenly collapses, I wouldn't be able to avoid death. To prevent this, I would need to re-observe the future where I die under the building after avoiding the car.
'Simply put, I just need to succeed in luring him.'
This means he won't be able to see the future while fighting with me.
'To lure him in, I'd have to weaken myself.'
It's not impossible, but it's certainly not an easy task. There are plenty of dangerous variables as well.
'…I need to steel myself.'
With my thoughts quickly organized, I asked Ham Ort another question.
[ZZ ZZZ ZZZZ ZZZ (Was there anything strange when you fought him?)]
｢Didn't｣ ｢understand｣ ｢Explain｣ ｢In detail｣
[ZZ ZZZ ZZ ZZ ZZZZZ ZZZ (Like it dodging your attacks as if he knew what you were going to do in advance?)]
｢Completely｣ ｢Overpowered｣ ｢Impossible｣ ｢To threaten｣
[ZZZ (I see.)]
In fact, just blocking his ability to foresee the distant future is a significant gain. Just like with 'Predator's Sense,' while it helps in mitigating immediate dangers, it doesn't change the structure of the dangers themselves.
'I'll have to verify the rest by confronting it directly.'
[ZZZZ ZZZ (One last thing)]
｢Ask away｣
[ZZZZ ZZZ ZZZ (This isn't a question.)]
｢?｣
There's one last thing I need to confirm before I proceed with my plan.
[ZZZZ ZZZZ ZZZ ZZZ ZZZZ ZZZZ (I'll use any means necessary to kill Odd Grad.)]
｢Agreed｣
[ZZZ ZZZZ (Would you stake your life on it?)]
｢Daughter of the meteor｣ ｢For the sake of saving our kin｣ ｢Decided｣ ｢Life｣ ｢Doesn't matter｣
Her response was immediate. There wasn't the slightest hesitation in her emotional waves.
Given her answer now and our conversation so far, she seemed to possess a strong sense of camaraderie, even among the Gallagons.
'She's not the kind to easily abandon her offspring.'
Though I'm not a Gallagon, I could clearly understand the feelings she harboured toward Adhai. While her attitude towards her daughter might be ambiguous, she wasn't cold-blooded enough to kill her just because she was born with a weak body.
'It seems there's more to the story.'
That's something I don't need to delve into. It's a matter for Adhai and her to resolve between themselves.
'I've checked everything I needed to.'
[ZZZ ZZ ZZZ Z ZZZZ ZZZ (That's all I wanted to ask. Go in and rest.)]
Ham Ort nodded at me and turned away. Before entering the nest, she looked once more in the direction where Adhai had disappeared.
The others hadn't returned yet. She stood for a moment, gazing beyond the forest, before entering the nest.
[ZZ ZZZZ ZZZ (Could you pack me a few pieces of food?)]
｢Got it.｣
[ZZZ ZZZZ ZZ ZZ ZZ ZZZZ ZZZZ (And while you're at it, bring the equipment backpack from inside as well.)]
｢…Do I look like your mother?｣
Mother of the Sky grumbled but still complied with my request. After entering the cave, she came back out and handed me the backpack.
｢I think you've gathered enough information. So, what are you going to do now?｣
She must have been listening to my conversation with Ham Ort, as she seemed to have reached a conclusion similar to mine—that the next step is to fight Odd Grad.
'But it seems we have different ideas on how to fight.'
Normally, I would have explained, but not this time. It might influence the future that Odd Grad sees.
'The battle with him has already begun.'
[ZZ ZZZ ZZ ZZZ ZZZ ZZZZ (You won't be disappointed, I promise.)]
｢…Huh?｣
She tilted her head, puzzled by my words. When I remained silent, offering no further explanation, she didn't press me any further.
The Gallagons ate outside the nest, while Mother of the Sky busied herself going in and out of the cave to care for Ham Ort.
Everyone eventually retreated into the nest, but I stayed outside, waiting for them.
As I waited, my mind was filled with various plans and strategies, each one more complex than the last.
This is a plan I've never attempted, either in this world or in the real world. I need to proceed with the utmost caution.
Time passed, and they finally returned.
｢Great Elder｣ ｢I'm back｣
｢Why are you outside all alone, Big One?｣
[ZZZZ ZZZ ZZ ZZZ ZZ ZZZ (It's because we were waiting for you to return.)]
'Looks like they persuaded well.'
Adhai, who had been looking gloomy, now appeared much better, with more strength in her wings. I suppose it's thanks to Number 26's gentle coaxing.
'She's a thoughtful one.'
Despite her childish speech, her words and actions sometimes resonate deeply with me. Looking back, I'm grateful I didn't devour her when we first met on the research ship.
She's a good one, but from now on, I'm going to do something terrible to her. Not just her, but to Adhai, PS-111, Mother of the Sky, and everyone here.
[ZZZZ ZZZ (Ham Ort, come out.)]
｢Great Elder?｣
｢Is Big One trying to mediate?｣
Instead of answering their questions, I called for Ham Ort again. Shortly after, both Ham Ort and Mother of the Sky emerged from the nest.
[ZZZZ ZZ ZZZZ ZZZ ZZZZ (Ham Ort caused discord within my group.)]
｢What?｣
｢Great Elder, what are you saying?｣
｢Big One?｣
Everyone was shocked by my unexpected words. Ham Ort, however, remained unfazed.
She glanced briefly at Adhai. In that fleeting moment, her amethyst-like eyes captured the image of the little Gallagon born from the stars.
After taking one last look at her daughter, Ham Ort turned her gaze back to me, her eyes devoid of any emotion.
She had already steeled herself. I reached out with my winged arm and grabbed her by the throat.
｢Hey! Wait a minu…｣
[ZZZ ZZ ZZZ ZZZ ZZZ (Therefore, I will kill you and eat your flesh.)]
Realizing I was serious about devouring Ham Ort, Mother of the Sky reached out to stop me. But before she could, I opened my jaws wide.
Just as my jaws, split in two, were about to engulf Ham Ort's head—
｢Great Elder, stop!｣
I was thrown sideways by a powerful impact, the force reverberating through my entire body, causing me to lose my grip on Ham Ort.
｢Daughter of the Meteor?｣
｢Great Elder｣ ｢I have something｣ ｢to say｣ ｢please wait｣
The one who attacked me was Adhai.
The red markings on her head indicated she was using the Red Gallagon's ability, the "Red Armor."
'I was planning to teach her that later.'
I had intended to show her how to use the Red Armor effectively in both offense and defense, but she was smart enough to figure it out on her own.
While Adhai stood between Ham Ort and me, Mother of the Sky also jumped in front of me.
｢What do you think you're doing?!｣
[Z ZZZ ZZZZ ZZZZ ZZZZ (I'm only trying to protect my group. Don't interfere.)]
｢Are you serious?｣
[ZZ ZZZZ ZZZZ (If you get in my way, I'll remove you.)]
Without hesitation, I swung my tail with great force. Startled, she planted her feet firmly on the ground, just in time for my tail to slam into it, shattering the earth.
｢You insane! You moronic, crazy Amorph!｣
Since she couldn't use the "Ice Spirit," I retracted my tail and opened my jaws wide. From deep within my throat, a glob of acidic fungal mass shot out, aimed directly at her.
But then, the mass froze in mid-air.
｢Big One, what's wrong with you?｣
Number 26, who had used its binding ability on the fungal mass, asked with concern evident in its voice.
I didn't respond, instead turning to PS-111.
[ZZ ZZ ZZZZ ZZZZ (Assist me in attacking them.)]
"Attack command denied. Cannot harm the Main Controller."
[ZZZ ZZ ZZZZZ (Then start with the others.)]
PS-111, usually expressionless, looked uncharacteristically troubled. It shook its head slowly.
"Impossible. The current 'Amorph' is experiencing a clear state of mental derangement and impaired judgment. I advise you to stabilize."
Standing beside Number 26, PS-111 opened its mouth, ready to fire its demolisher if necessary.
'Stupid machines, always so literal.'
Despite its analysis, my mind was perfectly clear. I was deliberately choosing to turn against everyone.
This plan, executed based on my rational judgment, stems from my complete trust in those who've been with me until now.
'At least I made the right choice.'
I glanced around at everyone present. None of them sided with my sudden outburst.
It was only natural. My current actions were undeniably a betrayal of the group.
'Good.'
[ZZZ ZZZ ZZ ZZZZZ ZZ ZZZZ (Since everyone has betrayed me, I will leave.)]
｢Wait!｣
[ZZZ ZZZ ZZ ZZZZ ZZZZ (I'll also return the parasite in your head.)]
｢Wait… ah!｣
At my command, the parasite lodged in Mother of the Sky's head began to emerge through her eye socket. The Wendigo form it took had no nostrils, so it exited through another opening.
She staggered, recoiling from the unpleasant sensation of the parasite leaving her body. I retrieved the parasite and grabbed the bag containing my gear.
｢Big One, are you serious? Are you really leaving?｣
｢Great Elder｣ ｢This is a joke, right?｣
[ZZ ZZZ ZZZ ZZ ZZZZ ZZ ZZ ZZ ZZ ZZZ (I've never lied to you since we first met.)]
They should understand the gravity of my words.
'If they don't, that would be a problem.'
With everything in order, I spread my winged arms. The membrane, as vast as the night sky above, unfurled, lifting my body into the air.
As I soared into the distance, no one followed.
A small sense of relief mixed with bitterness welled up inside me.
'No, it has to be this way.'
I shook my head as I flew through the storm clouds.
The stage that Odd Grad wanted was now fully set.
Now, it's time to lure him into the trap.
——————
He had many names.
The One Blessed by the Stars, the Sage who Gained the Wisdom of the Stars, the Strongest Male, and so on.
But among all the names, the one he liked the most was this:
The Great Odd Grad.
No expression described him as well as the word "great."
There was no creature in the world as special as him, born with the blessings of the stars.
He could see the future.
Sometimes in dreams, sometimes in visions.
Thanks to this foresight he had from birth, he could avoid any danger that came his way.
He also used this ability actively to protect his pack.
Since the time of the Aquamarine Scales, he had gone out hunting with his kind, ensuring they never fell into danger. His kind trusted him, calling him a wise young being.
As time passed, he became the strongest leader of the pack. He earned the respect of many of his kind and had beautiful, strong females as his mates.
Everything was perfect.
Until he met 'that dwarf'.
Before the flow of stars changed dozens of times, someone infiltrated the nest and stole the eggs.
The thieves were dwarfs, the likes of which he had never seen before. They came in a flying vessel that smelled similar to minerals.
Enraged, he attempted to attack the vessel that the dwarfs were on. He would have done so if the future had not warned him.
He could never forget the future he saw then.
The moment he attacked, one of the strange dwarfs stepped forward. He killed him along with all of his kind. The dwarfs took all the eggs.
No matter how hard he tried to avoid destruction, the future he saw never changed.
The strange dwarf in the vessel was on a different level. No matter what he did, he couldn't win against him.
If he had been another of his kind, they would not have given up. But Odd Grad was different. He had always thought differently from his kind, thanks to his ability to see the future.
The fear of death, the anxiety over an uncontrollable future—emotions he had never felt in his life swelled up inside him. The very ability that made him great consumed him.
In the end, he succumbed to fear. He bowed his head before the dwarf and begged, promising to do anything if he would spare his life.
Perhaps the dwarf—no, the "Transcendent One"—was surprised by his actions. The Transcendent One seemed pleased with his behavior.
The Transcendent One did not kill him. Instead, he bestowed grace upon Odd Grad.
He revealed to his secrets even Odd Grad didn't know, things happening among the stars, and the truth of this world.
The moment he started listening to the Transcendent One's words, the world he knew shattered completely.
His beloved mates, the young ones he sometimes played with, the strong white-scaled kin he went hunting with.
All of them were worthless. They were no different from the lumps of metal scattered outside.
The Transcendent One spoke.
Only Odd Grad was a 'unique' being. He was the only one worthy of becoming an avatar of the stars, and it would be a waste to kill him now.
He didn't understand exactly what that meant, but it didn't matter. What mattered more was that the Transcendent One assured him of his life.
After the deal with the Transcendent One, he survived.
As a token of their newfound friendship, the Transcendent One even gave him a precious gift.
But the young leader who loved his kind was no longer there. Only "the Great Odd Grad" remained.
That Great Odd Grad had now awakened from a long sleep.
The fight with the cunning "Black-scaled Kin" ended unpleasantly. He had to rush back because the kin of that wretch attacked the nest.
Losing the traitor was no small loss, but there was a bigger problem: the future in which the black-scaled kin would kill him had not changed.
Only then did he recall the Transcendent One's warning.
The stele bestowed upon him by the Transcendent One had spoken to him, saying that a being who might be able to kill him would appear.
But Odd Grad couldn't heed that warning. Dealing with the defectors within his pack was more urgent.
Even the dreams hadn't warned him of an ominous future. Because of that, he acted carelessly.
In hindsight, he might have been inevitable. He had spent his entire life choosing only futures that his abilities could control.
This time too, he decided to rely on his abilities. After all, wasn't it the ability to see the future that had allowed him to survive without clashing with the Transcendent One? The power to see the future was surely going to guide him on the right path.
Odd Grad, having awakened from his dream, emitted a telepathic wave.
｢Finally｣ ｢Victory｣ ｢I have seen it｣
After wandering through his dreams for several days in search of an answer, he had found a way to change the future.
｢Odd Grad｣ ｢Commands｣ ｢All kin｣ ｢Prepare｣ ｢Hunt｣ ｢Join me｣
｢All kin?｣
｢Nest｣ ｢Defense｣ ｢Impossible｣
｢I command again｣ ｢All kin who can fight｣ ｢Every one of you｣ ｢Follow me｣ ｢Refusal｣ ｢Will not be forgiven｣
His mates cautiously voiced their dissent, but Odd Grad did not listen.
In his dream, he had seen:
He was standing on top of a peculiar mountain peak. Beneath his feet lay the battered black-scaled kin. He saw himself cutting the kin's throat with sharp claws, drinking his blood.
The Great Odd Grad had claimed victory once again.
---
Having flown a considerable distance from the nest, I landed on one of the peaks of the vast mountain range.
There was a nest made of broken tree debris mixed with glittering gem shards. This was the twin peaks I had visited not long ago to capture a Crystalwing.
I lay down on the nest that had lost its owner.
'By now, he must have seen.'
Since I had defected from the pack, Odd Grad's vision of the future would have changed. He would try to strike me as soon as possible, knowing that such an opportunity might not come again.
There aren't many twin peaks in this area. And there are even fewer places where a Crystalwing's nest can be found, like the one I'm lying in.
'If he saw me in his dream, it wouldn't be hard to find.'
There was still time before they arrived.
I unpacked the equipment I had brought.
'Blood Reaver, Demolisher, the Harmonizer…'
These were all spoils I had collected from enemies I had fought so far. Besides what I had taken out, there were more bags of spoils in the nest.
The Priest's Golden Spear wasn't in this bag. Originally, it was, but I had intentionally removed it and thrown it into a pit.
'Mother of the Sky would know what I mean.'
I trust that they will soon realize my intention, but just in case, I prepared a backup plan.
She knows how useful the Priest's Golden Spear is. Once she checks the spear hidden in the pit, she'll understand my intent.
'I doubt they'll feast on it immediately after I left. They'll probably find it by tomorrow morning.'
This is the first time I've ever executed a plan with so many variables. Still, this was the best way to keep Odd Grad in the dark.
I replayed the fight with him in my mind.
There were two major instances when I could be sure that his danger-sensing ability activated: when I used the Divine Spectre and when I activated the 'Abyssal Hue'.
'It wasn't as clear when the cruiser exploded, though…'
Given that he didn't suffer a fatal injury, it's highly likely he foresaw the future and evaded it.
In short, the attacks he avoided by seeing the future were all ones that could have inflicted serious injuries on him.
'The enhanced Watcher of Fear is slightly different, but it's still directly tied to death.'
The 'Watcher of Fear' imbued with the Abyssal Hues causes its target to continuously experience the most horrific pain. In that state, combat, let alone flight, would be impossible, so it's certainly related to death.
'But he didn't show that reaction to other attacks.'
Even though the Black Gallagon's hide is tough, it's not invincible as long as it's a living creature. Repeated hits from a regular psychic breath or other attacks would cause injuries. In fact, he bled when hit by the cruiser's main cannon.
'It didn't seem like he predicted the future at that time.'
The Cult's cruiser's main cannon can injure the Black Gallagon. However, killing it in one blow is impossible.
Therefore, it's highly likely that his danger-sensing ability only activates in response to 'single attacks that can kill him or inflict fatal wounds leading to death'." Both the Divine Spectre and the Abyssal Hue fall into this category.
'As for the psychic-reflective armor, it's still unclear.'
I looked down at the equipment I had laid out.
'It doesn't align well with its ability and the Divine Spectre.'
The Divine Spectre is extremely powerful, but because of its overwhelming strength, it's not ideal in this situation. His predictive ability would likely detect it.
'In that case, I need to change tactics.'
I activated a translucent text box.
"Plunderer's Amorphous Polyhedron: Devour a piece of equipment to specialize in the unique ability of that equipment. Can only be used once per equipment, and the previous equipment's special effects are lost when devouring new equipment."
A few months ago, I obtained the ability 'Plunderer's Amorphous Polyhedron' after killing the cyborg player Muriel. By devouring the Cult's orbital weapon 'Brain God', I acquired the characteristic of using the Brain God's power through the Divine Spectre.
And here, I'm planning to devour new equipment.
Among the equipment in front of me, there are three items worth devouring:
The Blood Reaver and the Harmonizer obtained from Muriel, and the Demolisher acquired from the temple guards and cruiser.
'The Demolisher.'
I picked up the rectangular gun that resembled a pencil case.
The characteristic created by the Plunderer's Amorphous Polyhedron follows the traits of the devoured equipment. Devour a plasma launcher, and you gain plasma beams. Devour the Brain God, and you gain the Brain God's power. If I devour the Demolisher, I'd be able to shoot beams with matter manipulation effects.
'But this won't work, will it?'
The Demolisher's bullets can disintegrate even the hardest substances. Since its effects are similar to the psychic breath enhanced by the Abyssal Hue, it would likely trigger Odd Grad's danger-sensing ability.
'Next is the Harmonizer.'
The Harmonizer, a cross-shaped halo headband, is a trophy I gained after killing Muriel.
Originally, Jason also had the Harmonizer, but when he teleported, his equipment disappeared along with him, so I couldn't obtain it.
'The Harmonizer's ability isn't bad either.'
The Harmonizer is a reward for clearing the Cult's unique system quest at stage 9.
While wearing this headband, you automatically teleport to a nearby location whenever you sustain a fatal injury. The concept is that it atomizes your body and moves it, and as a result, your injuries are completely healed after teleportation—a terrifying effect.
You can teleport up to five times. In other words, it's like having five lives.
'Teleportation is great, but it's not useful here.'
What I need is a means of attack that can inflict moderate damage without triggering his ability. Having a defence mechanism is nice, but at this moment, it's hard to say it would be useful.
'The last one is the Blood Reaver.'
I looked down at the small spider-shaped machine, no bigger than a finger joint.
It may look small and cute, but it's actually a very dangerous device.
'After all, it's a unique war machine of the Star Union.'
In terms of rank, it's on par with the Brain God. In fact, their production costs are almost identical.
In the game, the Blood Reaver is frequently used in various situations, including player-versus-player combat, capturing rare creatures, and weakening powerful raid boss-level entities.
When the Blood Reaver is activated, it attaches itself to a specific target and begins draining their life force. The absorption speed is so rapid that even the strongest enemies experience a significant reduction in combat power.
One might think that it could be detected and avoided beforehand, but that's impossible. The metals and paints that make up the Blood Reaver have effects that nullify detection. Even my auxiliary organs can't pick it up.
'This nearly got me killed when I fought Muriel.'
Back then, I had preemptively activated the 'Gremlin Moss' characteristic, which renders machines useless, allowing me to neutralize the Blood Reaver.
Considering the effects of the Blood Reaver, it's well-suited for this situation. It provides me with a means to steadily accumulate damage on it without delivering a single fatal blow.
As I examined the equipment laid out before me, I lifted my head to look at the sky. With the thick clouds still blanketing the area, it was difficult to gauge the time, but I could roughly tell that it was night.
'I still have some time left, so I'll think it over slowly.'
Besides the three main pieces of equipment, there are other items in my bag.
I began pulling them out one by one, contemplating how best to use them.
Truth be told, I've already decided what I'm going to use, but I'm doing this out of anxiety.
Can I really defeat an enemy that can read the future?
What if he changes his target?
What if he attacks Adhai or the others first instead of me?
I arrive back at the nest too late, only to find their corpses strewn about. Number 26 curses me as it dies from its wounds, accusing me of abandoning them to save myself...
'Stop.'
I slammed my head hard against the ground.
Maybe it's because of the cold snow, but the ominous thoughts vanished in an instant, and my mind felt clearer.
'I don't lose.'
Almost nothing has gone perfectly according to my plans up to this point. There have always been unexpected variables and unforeseen crisis.
But I've survived. No adversity, no formidable enemy has been able to overcome me.
Odd Grad will be no different.
It will come here, and I will devour every last drop of his genetic essence.
With that thought, I waited.
Time passed, and the clouds shifted. The storm intensified, with snow, lightning, and gales whipping together.
The weather had become so extreme that it was beyond mere bad weather—an outright severe storm.
In the midst of this relentless onslaught of harsh conditions, my auxiliary organs detected something.
A large number of massive objects were rapidly approaching this location.
'They're here.'
I pulled out the equipment from my bag and swallowed it. The Plunderer's Amorphous Polyhedron activated, and the structure within my body began to change.
As I felt the departure of the Divine Spectre, which had been with me for so long, I looked up at the sky.
Behind the veil of the storm, I saw black wings.
The long wait was over.
The time for the hunt had come.
—————
As the Gallagons flying toward me suddenly stopped and changed formation, they encircled the peak where I stood, maintaining a careful distance.
Soon, purple lights flashed from beyond the clouds, surrounding me in a ring before launching a synchronized barrage.
'As expected.'
A torrent of Psychic Breaths filled the vast sky, making it nearly impossible to evade, even for Adhai, the fastest Gallagon I had encountered.
'Not that I intend to dodge.'
I spread my winged arms and combat tentacles wide, ready to embrace the oncoming wave of violet energy.
The Breath unleashed by these cosmic dragons crashed down upon the mountain peak.
The nest of the jewel, now devoid of its master, shattered into pieces, while the trees that formed a small forest were swept away in the tidal wave of energy. The ground beneath my feet crumbled, sending the peak itself flying away.
The Psychic Breath barrage triggered a massive avalanche halfway up the mountain. The sheer scale of it was such that it seemed to cleanse the entire mountain in snow and ice. The thunderous roar of the avalanche drowned out the deafening noise of the Breath.
｢Cease your fire.｣
Odd Grad commanded, and the Gallagon swarm halted. The coordinated Breath attack was as formidable as the fleet of the Cult Empire. Thanks to them, this place was now so devastated that it could no longer be called the Twin Peaks.
One of the Gallagons approached through the bliZZard to confirm the result.
At that moment, I fiercely shook the newly formed wings with red stripes. The snow and ice that had covered me fell away, and my body soared upward.
My wings whipped up a storm, dispelling the bliZZard. The green Gallagon was startled by the sight of me unscathed. It was only natural, given that not a single wound marred my form despite the barrage.
I charged at the Green Gallagon, who was unable to react properly. My horn, now far more savage than when we last met, pierced through its abdomen.
The creature thrashed in agony. To end its suffering quickly, I gripped its body with my tentacles.
And then, with a surge of power, I tore its body apart. The Gallagon's blood drenched my cold scales. Among the scattered fragments, I didn't miss its head, which I caught with the pincers of my tail.
The Gallagons were visibly shaken, perhaps intimidated by my brutal display.
Only Odd Grad, soaring regally behind the Gallagons, maintained his composure.
｢The Black Butcher.｣
Though he had launched the first attack as a precaution, it seemed he had expected that I wouldn't die from it. However, he probably hadn't anticipated that I would be completely unscathed.
｢You｣｢have changed.｣
[ZZ ZZZZ ZZ ZZZZ (We have prepared to hunt you.)]
｢Foolishness.｣｢The great Odd Grad｣｢will not be defeated.｣
At his nod, the Gallagons that had encircled me began to close in. Having confirmed that their Breath attacks were ineffective, they seemed intent on engaging in close combat.
I flicked my tail, tossing the Green Gallagon's head into my mouth. As I drank its sweet blood, I unleashed my most powerful weapon.
The black scales covering my body shimmered with eerie hues of green, purple, and an unknown color. The rainbow-colored tar from the Abyss flowed through the monster's tentacles, which extended from the back of my head, down my neck, and to my jaw.
Then, the essence of the Abyss formed at the tips of the tentacles. A bubble-shaped Psychic Breath moved to engulf the enemies.
Upon seeing the bubble, the Gallagons scattered swiftly. As they did, they tossed something into the air with their front claws.
What they threw was a chunk of flesh from an unknown creature. Despite my intent, the Psychic Breath was drawn to the meat first.
The chunk of flesh, melting under the Psychic Breath, plummeted to the invisible ground below.
Though distant, I could see that the others also held several pieces of flesh with their front claws, hind legs, and tails.
'...Clever?'
Just as I had analyzed him, Odd Grad had clearly studied my abilities as well.
The Psychic Breath infused with the Abyssal Hue is incredibly powerful, with a chain explosion effect, making it highly effective in brawls against groups. When it consumes an organism, it automatically targets the nearest new enemy.
The downside is that the Psychic Breath doesn't distinguish between friend and foe, and its projection speed is slow. Odd Grad had figured out these weaknesses in that short time and prepared a countermeasure.
'If only Number 26 were here, this wouldn't be a big problem...'
It must have known that I was alone, which is why it chose this method.
The Gallagons that had neutralized my enhanced Psychic Breath closed in on me. With them this close, I could no longer use the Abyssal Hue.
A Gallagon with white scales swung its front claw at me, its sharp talons grazing the carapace on my head.
Feeling the sparks fly above my head, I opened my lower jaw and bit down on its arm. Before it could pull away, I grasped its body tightly with my combat tentacles.
Another green Gallagon lunged at me from behind. I swung my tail, which was hanging limply toward the ground, with all my might. I felt the satisfying impact through the pincers at the end of my tail.
I ignored the Green Gallagon as it plummeted with a broken neck and pulled back the head of the White Gallagon I had bitten. The arm in my mouth was torn off along with it, and its mental waves of pain echoed through the air.
｢All at once, surround it!｣
At Odd Grad's command, the Gallagons charged at me in unison.
I bit down harder on the head of the White Gallagon, swinging my tail. The Gallagon that had been flying at me saw my tail and ducked in surprise. In that moment, I threw the headless corpse and leaped into the midst of the oncoming swarm.
Green and white scales flashed chaotically, and their claws raked against my carapace and scales. One of the white Gallagons stabbed its horn into my side. Its sharp horn pierced through my scales and dug into my flesh.
[Pain Nullification activated!]
The text box warned me, but I ignored it. I had deliberately acted this way to wipe them out all at once.
Sharp claws and deadly horns rained down on me, intent on killing me. I paid them no mind and extended all four combat tentacles, grabbing the Gallagons.
With four long tentacles, I firmly grasped their body parts and activated the trait I had gained by devouring the Blood Reaver.
[PR/N- In many previous chapters the blood reaver is named as blood raver which is wrong. Blood reaver sounds much more convincing so we will follow this word from now. Sorry for the inconvenience.]
'Leeching Hand.'
Immediately, the condition of the Gallagons I held changed drastically.
Their once smooth scales shrivelled rapidly, and their skin and muscles began to soften and sag. The sturdy horns atop their heads crumbled, and their once-moist tentacles withered and dried out.
In less than a few seconds, the four Gallagons had become shrivelled mummies. Simultaneously, the wound on my side healed at a rapid pace.
While I do have regenerative abilities, this was on another level entirely. By the time I had drained the life from the one that had pierced me, even my scales had fully regenerated.
The effect of the Leeching Hand was simple.
It absorbed the enemy's energy to heal my body. The difference was just how absurdly effective it was.
｢Fall back!｣｢Beware｣｢of its｣｢grasp!｣
The astute Odd Grad quickly realized the effect of my actions. The Gallagons that had been clawing at me swiftly retreated.
'Where do you think you're going?'
Just as I reached out to grab the tail of a fleeing White Gallagon, a powerful Breath struck me.
'Odd Grad.'
Finally, it had decided to intervene directly.
I examined the area where the Breath had hit. The spot that took the direct hit had its scales and skin peeled away, exposing the muscles beneath, and the surrounding area was searing hot.
'Even with the Mimic Scales active, it inflicted this much damage... Definitely a being beyond normal standards.'
However, thanks to the energy absorbed through the Leeching Hand, the wound healed almost instantly.
'Huh?'
For a moment, a familiar hue flashed across the searing carapace and then vanished. A strange light, a mix of green and purple, much like the Abyssal Hue when activated...
[Pain Nullification Activated]
'Ugh!'
My thoughts were cut short as Odd Grad suddenly rammed into me.
Perhaps due to the added momentum, his horn easily tore through my combat tentacles and wing membrane. I tried to grab him, but he had already retreated at high speed.
'...Is this what it means to be a being beyond normal standards?'
This is a tactic that Adhai often uses, but the result was on a different level. Due to the difference in size and power output, the destructive force was incomparable.
As I plummeted due to the hole in my wing, Odd Grad circled around and flew towards me. I activated 'Observer of Terror', enhanced with the Abyssal Hue.
A sinister light emanated from my head carapace, and multicolored bubbles began to form.
The moment I used the ability, another Gallagon shot a Psychic Breath at the bubbles. The bubbles exploded mid-air, failing to advance any further and falling to the ground.
Using the absorbed energy, I regenerated the membrane of my wings and tried to gain altitude, but Odd Grad blocked my path.
His speed was astonishing, like a bolt of black lightning. He charged at my abdomen, aiming to impale me with his horn.
However, this time I was prepared. I narrowly avoided a direct hit, the horn grazing my side, and I lashed out with my corrosive tentacles to ensnare him. One of the tentacles nearly caught his hind leg, but he kicked hard, breaking free.
As I exchanged blows with Odd Grad, other Gallagons targeted my back. Like Odd Grad, they utilized their hyper-acceleration ability, slashing at me with their claws before quickly retreating.
'So they're trying to wear me down like this?'
Their numbers were in the dozens. Even if each one succeeded in attacking just once, it would inflict significant damage on me.
As expected of a clever opponent, he had chosen a crafty tactic, despite his usual arrogance.
But I was no stranger to close-quarters combat.
I endured their attacks, waiting for an opportunity.
A green Gallagon flew toward me, attacking prematurely compared to the others—it must have been a less experienced one.
'It's hard to change course while in hyper-acceleration.'
I predicted its trajectory in advance and dodged while extending my corrosive tentacles. Its attack missed, and my tentacle snagged its wing.
The Green Gallagon panicked. I extended my combat tentacles, ready to drain all of its energy.
｢You cannot use that ability.｣
But Odd Grad wasn't about to let me heal. A breath attack from the Black Dragon incinerated not me, but the Green Gallagon entirely.
True to his nature as an unusually savage Gallagon, he had chosen to sacrifice his kin.
'Fine. Keep doing that.'
But I wasn't discouraged. This, too, would ultimately work to my advantage.
This scenario repeated several times. Each time I tried to use the Leeching Hand, Odd Grad would blast away my potential healing source—his own kind.
I tried to counterattack and close in on them, but chasing down hyper-accelerating enemies was no easy task. And whenever I managed to grab one to heal, Odd Grad's attack would quickly follow.
I had slain fewer Gallagons than Odd Grad had, yet they continued to follow him. Despite the undercurrent of defiance, they showed no signs of betrayal or allegiance to a new leader.
The battle was slowly tipping in their favor. The energy I had absorbed with the Leeching Hand had long been depleted, and my injuries were mounting.
[Pain Nullification Activated]
Just now, Odd Grad had torn off one of my combat tentacles. It even drank the blood from the severed limb, a blatant provocation.
In response, I unleashed a Psychic Breath. Without the Abyssal Hue enhancing it, Odd Grad didn't bother dodging and countered with his own psychic fire.
The sky above the dark ocean turned a deep purple, as if the sun were rising.
It was a magnificent sight created by the combined powers of the Black Gallagon and an Amorph with Gallagon genes.
But from my perspective, it wasn't a favorable one. I was giving it my all, but Odd Grad clearly wasn't.
As we clashed in a power struggle, Odd Grad suddenly increased the output of his breath, as if deciding to end this game. The tug-of-war had been evenly matched, but then, as if I had lost strength, the psychic power surged violently toward me.
The Psychic Breath he fired, combined with the rebound of my own power, slammed into my entire body. The Mimicry Scales prevented my body from disintegrating in an instant, but the pain and injuries were unavoidable.
Part of my wing membrane burned away, causing me to plummet onto a peak below.
As I fell, a strange light briefly flashed across my reddened carapace before vanishing again.
Before I could figure out why this kept happening, a massive shock overwhelmed my mind. My body crashed into the mangled peak.
[Pain Nullification Activated]
Instead of pain, I felt a deep sense of weariness. Ignoring the text box, I gazed up at the sky.
'How much time has passed?'
It had been quite a while since I started fighting these creatures. The sky was still filled with dark clouds, making it impossibly gloomy.
Except for one spot.
The clash with Odd Grad had created a white line among the clouds. Through the crack, a sliver of white light could be seen.
Then, black wings blocked the light. Odd Grad landed in front of me.
I swiftly extended the combat tentacles that had been buried in the ground, but he evaded easily, as if anticipating my move. Using his future-seeing ability, he avoided my surprise attack and struck my arm with his tail.
The creature broke my arm and easily deflected the incoming corrosive tentacle with his front paw. As I prepared to unleash a Psychic Breath, enhanced with the Abyssal Hue, he sneered.
｢It's useless.｣
Predicting my move, he sliced off my monstrous tentacle with a swipe of his paw.
｢Grrr!｣
My mind went blank, and I let out an involuntary scream. Messages about pain suppression flashed repeatedly, but I couldn't register any of them.
Such excruciating pain hadn't hit me since being struck by the Abyss-colored Observer of Terror. I was paralyzed, unable to think or act.
｢The Black Butcher's weakness has been exposed.｣
｢Grrrr….｣
｢Did you not know of the great Odd Grad's power, you fool?｣
He dragged me out of the ground. I should've grabbed him with my combat tentacles, but I lacked the strength.
Crushing me underfoot and with his tail, he taunted.
｢Once again, the great Odd Grad is victorious.｣
He raised his ring-bearing paw high, and sunlight streamed through the fractured sky, illuminating his back.
It was the first time in ages I had seen such light. And as I noticed small specks moving within that radiance, I played my final card.
｢Die.｣
Odd Grad tore a chunk of flesh from my neck with a swipe of his paw. Blood spurted out, and my consciousness began to fade.
Gazing at me, mortally wounded, he drank the blood from my wounds with arrogant confidence, certain of his victory.
His attitude revealed only one truth.
[ZZZZZ (So this is the end.)]
｢?｣
[ZZZ ZZZ (The future you saw.)]
Odd Grad recoiled, startled that I wasn't dead. In that moment of surprise, I used the 'Bone Scythe Arm' that had sprouted from my back and struck him down.
Specifically, I severed the paw bearing the ring.
｢You wretch!｣
He quickly retreated, his front paw now severed. I picked up the fallen limb and absorbed it.
｢Why won't you die?!｣
Seeing my neck wound healing, Odd Grad shouted in fury.
There was one thing his future vision had missed: the true weakness of an Amorph.
To kill an Amorph instantly, both the head and heart must be destroyed—not the neck or any other part.
｢Brethren! Kill the Black Butcher!｣
Odd Grad spread his wings and soared into the air, sending out a mental wave commanding them to attack me, whether by charging or firing Psychic Breaths.
But the Gallagons didn't move.
｢Odd Grad commands you! Kill the Black Butcher!｣
He issued the order again, but they didn't even glance at Him. Every Gallagon, except the Black Dragon, had their gaze fixed on one point.
[ZZZZZ (Odd Grad.)]
｢You wretch!｣
Instead of responding, I pointed a finger at the sky.
For the first time since arriving on this planet, I saw a bright light. Six Gallagons stood silhouetted against it.
Odd Grad recoiled in shock as he recognized them.
I sent out a wave, gazing at the red dragon among them.
[ZZ ZZZ (Serve the Queen.)]
The abandoned and the traitors.
The remnants of the past had come to slay the black tyrant.
——————