264
-x-X-x-
Kadun instantly closed the distance to the female Wolf with just one foot roll. His fist, which was bigger than an adult male head, flew towards the female Wolff's head.
A strengthening effect was even applied to the body that was born strong. His fists are truly powerful. If you just brush against it, the opponent's head will explode.
He expected the attractive female's head to fly off, but the results were different.
The female Wolf easily dodged the fist by twisting her waist to the side. Kadun's fist hit the air instead of the target.
The opponent took advantage of the recoil from rotating his body and hurled the golden javelin he was holding in his right hand.
"!"
Kadun was taken aback because he didn't expect the enemy to dodge and attack at the same time.
But he is also a skilled fighter. He quickly raised his wrist and struck the javelin at an angle.
The moment his wrist guard, made of very hard metal, collided with the opponent's short spear, sparks flew out with an explosion. Even though fireworks were flying right in front of them, the two didn't even blink at each other.
Kadun, who succeeded in deflecting the spear, took advantage of the opponent's hesitation to throw a kick. The target is the opponent's thigh. Like lightning cutting through dark clouds, his legs rush towards his goal.
In response, the female Wolf jumped up with the force of the spear being thrown out. It was a reversal of the opponent's power.
Kadun's toes barely passed under the opponent's feet. The enemy who dodged the attack retreated far back and widened the distance.
"Tch."
Kadun took a quick look at his wrist guards. Even though it bounced off perfectly, there was a big scratch on the protector.
'It's a protector made of megachrome alloy, but it's scratched.'
Megachrome is a special metal used to make the outer walls of very large space structures such as space cities. It is known to be very hard and heavy, so it is rarely used in reinforced clothing.
Even though he boasts excellent physical abilities, pure Megachrome was a burden, so he made a protector out of alloy. Of course, it was hard enough at that level, so there was no need to worry about it being destroyed when fighting the enemy.
'I need to be careful with that javelin.'
I don't know what it's made of, but its sharpness is unusual.
'But…'
I knew the opponent was quite strong, but Kadun thought it was still worth a try. His eyes focused on the opponent's short spear and ankles.
There was a lot of frost on the area where I collided with him.
Kadun is nicknamed 'Snowclaw' by other cartels. As his nickname suggests, he has the ability to radiate cold from his body. It was one of the powers I gained when I gained the power to transform into a beast.
One of the reasons why he did not bring any other ranged weapons even though he wore a high-grade reinforced suit was because of this cold release ability. Enemies who engage in close combat with him are quickly frozen by the endless cold. Even the largest animals will freeze to death in an instant if they do not have a means to preserve their body temperature.
And the other person was not dressed like Wolff of a primitive tribe. The only thing she was wearing was a sapphire necklace around her neck. Instead, black wave patterns were drawn along the exposed body.
'Savage bitch.'
Kadun hated Wolff for maintaining a primitive civilization. It was true that the opponent was a female with a very beautiful body, but his resolve did not waver.
If we fight at close range a few more times, that bitch will freeze to death.
The female Wolf lightly shook off her frosty ankles and took her stance again. She pulled back the window and lowered her posture. And blue flames began to bloom in his smooth amber eyes.
'what?'
When he met her eyes filled with blue fire, he felt as if he had taken a sip of a strong drug. His sense of reality faded away, and he heard whispers of unknown beings in his ears.
"I'm hungry!" "Kill me!" "Take out my intestines!"
'Mental attack!'
Recognizing the situation he was in, he immediately used his second ability, following the cold release.
"Khuuuuuuuuuuuuuck!"
The powerful roar he let out shook his brain. The unidentified whisper that had been encroaching on my mind disappeared in an instant.
But I still couldn't feel at ease. The female Wolf who had mentally attacked him was already right in front of him.
The javelin she was holding flew into his neck. He hurriedly leaned back to avoid it, but it wasn't perfect.
White fur and red blood drops decorate the air. If I hadn't dodged properly just now, my neck would have been punctured.
The problem is that the opponent's attack is not over yet. Sharp spear blades rained down like bullets from a storm gun.
He quickly crossed his arms. Regardless of other parts, it is dangerous if important organs, including the heart, are injured. And a golden javelin was stuck on top of his wrist guard.
"Ugh!"
The protector was quickly shattered and three or four large holes were made in his wrist. Instead of blocking, he fell backwards and lay down. A spear grazed his protruding snout. He lay down on the metal floor and vigorously kicked his legs into the air.
The left leg hit the back of the opponent's right hand hard. The opponent did not miss the single spear, but his upper body shook greatly. Before adjusting his stance on the other side, his right leg exploded into the enemy's abdomen.
With a loud bang, the female Wolff was pushed back loudly. The enemy flew for almost ten meters and landed safely.
Kadun was greatly surprised when he saw that.
'I was definitely hit by a cold discharge?'
It hit my wrist and stomach properly. It is normal for the cold to have already penetrated into the bones. Nevertheless, the opponent didn't seem much different from when they first exchanged offense and defense.
Kadun slowly stood up with his eyes fixed on the female Wolf.
"Do you think you have special abilities?"
Despite his questions, the female Wolf said nothing. She was just glaring at him with amber eyes that contained no emotion.
"…I guess it doesn't matter."
If the cold release ability doesn't work, you shouldn't fight like you are now. He decided to pull out the last card.
He clicked a few buttons on his chest. Then, the advanced reinforced suit he was wearing separated, spouting out compressed air.
In an instant, his naked body began to mutate. My muscles swelled and my bones twisted. The white hair covering the skin also became longer and thicker. The body type that was advantageous for walking on two feet suddenly changed into that of an animal.
Kadoon suddenly transformed into a ferocious beast with silver fur and leaped forward. He quickly approached the female Wolf and struck her with his front paw.
The female Wolff flew away with an explosion similar to when a patrol ship exploded. She was thrown into a building across the street. Due to the impact, the building could not survive and collapsed.
"You chose the wrong path."
Kadun growled as he looked at the remains of the collapsed building.
As if in response, something came out of the collapsed building.
As he had guessed, his opponent also had the ability to transform.
A beast with golden fur, in contrast to its almost white, silver fur. However, the specific appearance was very different from what he had imagined.
Its face resembled that of a similar cat or a wild beast, but it had horns on its head. Two curved horns, resembling those of a cult, rose above the corners of the eyes.
The body was that of an animal that walked on all fours like a cardoon, but unlike its upper body, which was covered in shaggy fur, its lower body and tail were covered in scales.
The other person's transformed form was not a single animal, but a mixture of the characteristics of several types of creatures.
'Was it not Wolff but the Hulk mutant?'
The monster that came out of the ruins largely shook off the mane surrounding its neck. And he spoke with his amber eyes shining.
｢3 minutes.｣
｢What?｣
｢I can't keep this up for long, so I'll end it in 3 minutes.｣
｢You bitch….｣
The moment he heard the other person's provocation and was about to attack.
She opened her mouth wide.
'What?!'
A huge amount of flames poured out from within and swept over Kadun.
–
"Uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu!"
As I was about to pick up the pirate with my wing arms and put it in my mouth, I saw a huge pillar of flame in the distance.
'What about that?'
Among us, there are only three who can cause a fire of that magnitude without any special conditions. Me and Adhai, who can use psychic breath, and…
'Mother of Heaven.'
He transformed into a phantom beast other than a griffon and started the fire.
The effect of her special 'Hunting God's Transformation Shell' is that she can transform into one of the four phantom beasts excluding Griffon. And she has currently unlocked a total of three phantom beasts.
'The second phantom beast unlocked is the Wendigo, unlocked in the Dragon's Nest.'
The third phantom beast unlocked was unlocked after fighting the Gorgon Swarm, so it is not a phantom beast that can be used here.
Therefore, the phantom beast she transformed this time is the first phantom beast she unlocked before meeting me.
'chimera.'
Among the three phantom beasts she has unlocked, she is the one with the most powerful force.
Not only that, but when it comes to close combat, it is so powerful that it ranks among the top five phantom beasts that Wolff can choose from in the world of space survival.
'It was chosen by many players who pursue efficiency.'
Unlike the balance-type phantom beast, the Gryphon, which specializes in crowd control, and the Wendigo, which specializes in long-distance movement, the third phantom beast, the Chimera, specializes in power struggles.
Extremely hard leather, forepaws with tremendous destructive power, ability to spray ultra-high heat flames, high speed, etc. It is a specialist in close and mid-range combat.
'The opponent was a white tiger wolf, so he took it out as a counter.'
Before coming here, I received information about the Marcio Cartel's vice leader, so I guessed that he could transform into a white tiger.
White tigers are also a type that specializes in power struggles, but their tendencies are slightly different from chimeras. It has the characteristic of weakening the opponent and neutralizing the opponent's crowd control or psychic power skills. Simply put, it is a type that weakens and overwhelms the enemy.
However, the specs of the White Tiger itself are by no means inferior, so it can be said to be burdensome to deal with with a Gryphon or Wendigo.
'Originally, I thought I would help you, but…'
Since you've been transformed into a chimera, there's no need to do that.
'Because the chimera's combat power is as strong as when I used the symbol of the hunt.'
It is difficult to make a simple comparison with me, who has a more detailed growth stage, but it is true if limited to close combat. If it is a symbol of hunting written in the sub-adult stage, she wins. If it is the current one, I win.
Of course, although it is strong, it has a fatal flaw. Just the duration and cooldown.
'The duration is 30 minutes. I said the cooldown is one month.'
Before meeting me, she said that she transformed into a chimera when fighting another player, Muriel, but lost when the duration ran out.
It may be that the opponent is a player, but if not, it will be over in 5 minutes. The Mother of Heaven is a ranker after all, and she is also a Wolf ranker.
'Should we clean up the rest?'
"Now wait, wait, wait, wait…!"
I swallowed the pirate I was holding in one gulp.
This is the end for the pirates who jumped from the patrol ship I attacked. Perhaps the other kids' side was also gradually sorted out.
As I walked away from the burning wreckage, I saw PS-111 and No. 26. The two were close to each other, talking intently about something.
'What are you doing?'
"Are you here?"
"I scolded the bad kids!"
When I got closer, they greeted me. There were items from the bodies of dead pirates scattered around Room 26.
It was not disassembled to be eaten. In the first place, No. 26 can digest a body just by growing its body and inserting a corpse.
'I heard you study with PS-111.'
After leaving the dragon's nest, he became very interested in other creatures. Before, he was a guy who worked in sync with me or imitated me, but recently he's delving into more in-depth areas.
The ecology and habits of living things, the structure of the body, etc.
[Zuzuzuz (Did you study?)]
｢Yes! "I study!"
"The main controller is very interested in the habits and reproductive activities of living things."
When I asked, No. 26 fired a powerful wave.
To be a good hunter, you must know a lot about your prey. I also became the best Amorph thanks to my vast knowledge.
'The more you know, the better.'
Is this what it feels like to see a child with a passion for learning? I stroked him with my wing arms. It climbed onto my wing arm, its body shining brightly.
[Zuuuu zzzzzzzzz (let's go find Adhai too)]
｢Yes.｣
"I understand."
"I" "It's over."
The tiger said he would come if I told him to, and a mixed white and red meteor fell from the sky. It was Aadhay who activated Red Gallagon's power 'Red Armor'.
The reason its body was red wasn't just because of the red armor. The smell of blood was strong from the pure white scales, like a pure white dress.
｢I｣｢I'm having a hard time｣｢Please give me a ride｣
｢You ate the little baby's food. " It's not hard."
"It's hard." "
Please ride me." "You can ride me, little baby."
"I don't like it." "It's uncomfortable."
He got on my back, leaving PS-111 looking frustrated. Then he folded his wings and laid down leisurely.
'Sometimes it can't be so bad.'
There is no threat to us in this area anyway. Minions implanted with parasites are also sending signals that the organization members have been wiped out.
'It looks like the fight over there is over.'
After the pillar of fire disappeared, several loud noises were heard, but it has now become quiet. I picked up No. 26 and Adhai and moved with PS-111 in the direction of the Heavenly Mother.
In the center of the street, blazing with fire, there was a beast with the horns of a goat, the head of a lion, the upper body of a dragon, and the lower body and tail of a dragon.
It was the mother of heaven who transformed into a chimera. She stepped on a large lump of charcoal with her front paws and turned her head towards us.
"it's over. Although it took 10 seconds longer than expected.」
[Zuzuzu Zuzuzuzu (My skills are rusty)]
「…Is it because it's been a while since I transformed?」
She slightly squinted her amber eyes and put her foot away. Then the lump of charcoal coughed loudly and wriggled.
That being, whose entire body is blackened and who has lost all four legs, is the sacrifice that will raise her level of deification.
The assistant leader of the Marcio Cartel barely opened his eyes and glared at us.
"You guys…cough!" "What the hell!"
Instead of answering, I looked at Heavenly Mother.
"All I have to do is take out the heart and kill it. Before that, it doesn't matter what I do."
[Zuzuzuzu (Thank goodness)]
I approached the half-dead white tiger.
｢What?!｣
[Zuzuzu zuzuzu zuzu zuzu (I have a lot to ask you)]
He widens his eyes when he sees the black parasite protruding from his fighting arm.
If he hadn't come here, or if he hadn't been in this fortress, he wouldn't have ended up like this today.
He took the wrong path.
-x-X-x-
As expected, Marcio Cartel's deputy leader Kadun knew a lot.
The defense facilities inside the fortress, the number of pirates, their level of armament, and the specifications of the ships brought by the guests. Controlled by the parasite, he spewed out information that would be helpful in conquering the fortress.
'I guess it's worth doing more than I thought?'
The defense facilities to watch out for were no different from what I remembered, but there was a severe shortage of people who could utilize them.
Kesha Arma is a space fortress built by a cult. Facilities to repel enemies that invade the interior are designed to be easily used by the cult.
'But the mainstay of the Marcio Cartel is human.'
There is not even a single member of the organization who is a cult member. Because of this, the fortress's weapons cannot be used and are being neglected. It is said that the very large turrets mounted on the headquarters buildings are the only facilities that operate properly.
'They say there are a lot of pirates, but they are all ragtag.'
Ordinary pirates cannot defeat us. The larger the number, the more food you can eat.
'But…'
There was one thing that bothered me.
A cult guest staying on the 100th floor of the 2nd Command Center. He is an important customer invited by Marcio Kartel six months ago, and is said to be quite capable. It is said that Kadun, who did not retreat even after fighting the Mother of Heaven, was so strong that he lost his will to fight.
'From what I heard, it seems like the Temple Guardians or the Eye of Revelation Priests.'
Probably not an 'Eye of Revelation' priest. Because they ride 'special beasts' that they tamed with great difficulty. Kadun said that instead of coming with animals, she brought only a few attendants.
However, it is difficult to consider him a member of the temple guardians. They are hunters who hunt evil monsters for the security of the empire. They are not people worthy of staying in a pirate lair for half a year.
'You have to be careful.'
Although we don't know who he is, he is definitely a powerful enemy.
With the mysterious cult deeply etched in my mind, I stood up.
I have already heard where the items that will be auctioned are located. Other than that, I took out all the useful information that Kadoon knew.
'Now all that's left is….'
I looked at Heavenly Mother.
If it were any other time, I would have caught it, but not like today. Kadun's heart will be the sacrifice needed for her growth.
However, the heart cannot be taken out right away. This is because Wolff's advancement to the level of deification takes time, similar to Aimorph's growth. As the level of deification increases, you become very vulnerable to external attacks.
[Zuzuzuzu zuzuzu (Isn't this in trouble here?)]
｢Yes. Even when I was raising the level of apotheosis before, I couldn't move for 2 hours."
[Zuzuz zuzu zuzuzu zuzuzuzu (2 hours? Wasn't it originally 30 minutes?)]
｢It seemed different from the game.｣
[Zuzuzzu zuzuzuzu Zuzu (I have to go back to the ship)]
It will be safe there even after a few hours. As soon as we arrived at Kesha Arma, we had guards controlled by parasites falsify the documents, so there was no need to worry about being searched.
'The problem is the thieves.'
Since we arrived, we have been robbed a total of three times. At that time, it was good because the slaves who could be parasites came on their own, but now things are a little different.
'We need someone to protect our heavenly mother.'
I can't protect her because from now on I'm going to rob the smuggled creatures. PS-111, who is good at operating machines, must also come with me.
One of 26 and Aadhay must guard her on the ship.
At that time, Aadhai tapped my back.
｢Ugly friend｣｢Does it hurt?｣
[Zuzu zuzu zuzu zuzu (No. I'm trying to grow)]
｢Grow?｣｢Like an adult?｣
[Zu (yes)]
Then the guy thought for a while and sent out a thought wave again.
｢I｣｢Ugly friend｣｢I will help you｣
[Zuzu (you?)]
｢Friend｣｢I｣｢Many times｣｢I helped you｣｢Favor｣｢I will repay you｣ Unexpectedly,
Aadhai is in the role of protecting the Mother of Heaven. I volunteered. As the guy said, it seemed like it was intentional because the two of them had been hanging out together a lot.
'It'll be okay.'
In battles inside the ship, No. 26 has the advantage, but he is Gallagon. Gallagon possesses the power of Red Gallagon. The possibility of a single thief threatening him is close to zero.
"What's going on? "He said he would help me."
"Ugly friend." "For helping me." "To repay him."
"If that's the case, wouldn't it be better to change your title first? Follow me. 'Pretty friend'.｣
｢Lies｣｢Friend｣｢I like it｣｢What happened｣｢Not that good｣ ｢
…Ha, I really want to hit you.｣
｢Violence｣｢It doesn't hurt｣｢Me｣｢The power of the stars｣ ｢Use｣｢Can be blocked｣
｢Would you like to test whether it really hurts or not?｣
While the two of us were playing happily together, I picked up the reinforced suit Kadun had taken off and disconnected the communicator. He then handed the communicator to Kadun. There's one last thing I need to do before I rip his heart out.
"One patrol ship. "I request support."
"I understand!"
This means preparing a ship to carry the Heavenly Mother and Adhai.
"We also need troops."
"yes? Ah, yep!"
Of course, we've used up a lot of minions, so it would be good to replenish them.
30 minutes have passed since he used Kadun to lure a new victim. A new patrol ship flew in our direction.
It wasn't that difficult to organize those who came here without knowing anything and following the orders of the vice-minister.
"Then I'll go."
Heavenly Mother and Adhai boarded the patrol ship. And my new minions loaded the battered Kadoon onto the ship.
'For now, the issue of deification is over.'
Now it's time to get some food for me.
'You said it was an underground storage area near the military port, right?'
Kesha Arma is a space fortress built for the purpose of protecting mining and trading ships. Therefore, facilities to store extracted resources are placed inside the fortress. An underground storage room is one of these facilities.
'In the game, it was like an underground bunker.'
Kadun said that the place is currently heavily guarded by mercenaries hired by many pirates and goods owners. The pirates' armament is no different from the ones we captured earlier, and he doesn't know what the mercenaries are armed with.
'It's better than pirates, but it won't be enough to threaten us.'
Unless you are a Megacorp elite defense team on Earth or a cult temple guardian, there is no need to worry.
'Originally, I was going to get the list first and then go…'
Ironically, the place where the list is stored is more secure than the underground storage. This is because the list is kept at the 3rd Command. Since the headquarters is guarded by defense facilities, it is easier to penetrate where the pirates are.
'Shall we go and check for myself to see what's there?'
I carried No. 26 overhead and moved toward the location of the cellar. PS-111 also followed by my side.
｢Where are we going?｣
"Sub-controller 'Aimorph' is going to get the nutrients needed for growth."
｢Is the big baby growing up?｣
[Zu (yes)]
｢I hope. "I also want to grow up,"
said No. 26 as if he were jealous. It seemed like he didn't like the fact that he was the same, unlike those around him.
'Not necessarily.'
No. 26 remains the same only in terms of appearance, and continues to grow.
His true strength is intelligence rather than combat power.
Whenever I see something new and useful, I apply it and use it in my own way. Applying 'binding' technology to create a super-powered drill, spreading psychic power to machines to create an EMP-like effect, etc. It would be safe to say that the applicability itself goes beyond the players.
'Thanks to you, I received a lot of help.'
If it weren't for him, I never would have gotten to this point.
"I also want to grow bigger like a big baby."
"That's right. That way, it will be more balanced than it is now."
[Zuzu (Balance?)]
I didn't understand so I asked back, but PS-111 didn't answer. Even though No. 26 was no longer making waves, it was easy to see that he was upset.
I thought he didn't care because we haven't talked to him for a while, but I guess I was mistaken.
'Should I find more ways to help him grow?'
Even after feeding Black Gallagon, there was no significant change. Except for the memory that was connected between Aadhai and his mother, Ham Ort.
Afterwards, it consumed Gorgon Swarm's flesh, but since it was not a creature that uses psychic power, it had no particular effect on No. 26. To be precise, its tentacles and fins have become stronger than before, but it is difficult to say that its combat power has increased significantly.
'I guess I'll have to find something for him to eat in the cellar.'
The rare animal auction held in Kesha Arma is so large that even pirates in distant star systems are aware of it. There is a good chance that there is a creature that can help him. That's why I came to this place in the first place.
If you feed No. 26 various things, you will definitely get results that will satisfy him.
[Zuz zuzuzu zuzu zuzuzu (If we eat together, we will grow together)]
｢Really? Am I going to grow up like other babies?"
[Zuzuzu (Yes, probably)]
I couldn't be sure, so I gave a lukewarm answer, but that alone seemed to make No. 26 feel better. Because it pulled out its tentacle and tapped my head.
"exciting! Let's go quickly!」
[Zuzu (Okay)]
I activated my mimicry engine and walked towards my destination located around the military port.
Behind us, the abandoned city continued to burn.
–
"Haaam tsk. "It's so boring."
"Is there anything strange?"
"at all."
Security room A inside the underground storage room.
In the security room connected to dozens of cameras, five pirates yawned.
"So I told you to take some medicine."
"What if I get caught by Kadoon?"
"All the other kids are doing it too."
"Those 'other bastards' will all die together, you idiot."
The skinny pirate grunted at his colleague's face and picked up the radio.
"This is the fucking security office. "Is there anything wrong anywhere else?"
｢Security room B. No problem."
"C security room. Up… stop the action. Are you removing the hem? Where can I sell medicine…"
"D security room. clear. Call records will be recorded, so refrain from doing so. "A little."
"E security room. There is nothing wrong here. "Is everything going on outside?"
The cellar is divided into a total of five areas, and there is a security office in each middle. Security offices located in each zone are responsible for monitoring within the zone and shielding the zone when abnormalities occur. In addition, androids deployed in each area continuously patrol the interior, and the security office is also responsible for their management.
Among the five security offices, Security Office A oversees the surveillance posts located at the entrance to Area A and the underground storage room.
"There's nothing particularly strange… huh?"
The skinny pirate, who was about to answer the radio with a bored expression, looked at the camera and stopped talking. The pirate next to him also tilted his head to look at the surveillance camera.
"Fog?"
"hey. "Call the surveillance post."
"uh. This is security room A. Fog is observed on the camera. Please check."
"This is the surveillance station. It's crackling. It doesn't seem particularly strange. Huh?" "Chijijik people are so supportive"
"Surveillance post? Respond. Surveillance post. "This is security room A."
Another pirate tried to contact them by radio, but all that came back was an unpleasant noise. The pirates' attention was focused on the screen filming the inside of the surveillance post.
A security guard at the guard post was seen tapping the communication device he was holding. The other guards stood all at once as if they had discovered something.
And suddenly the monitors connected to the entrance turned off all at once.
"what?"
"Hey, contact the other district right away."
"This is security room A. "There was a problem with the entrance camera among the cameras in the jurisdiction."
｢Chijijijijijik｣
"This is security room A. This place…why is this like this again?"
"uh?"
"It doesn't work for me either."
"what? "Everyone else, take out your radios."
"hang on."
"Hey hey."
The four pirates took out their walkie-talkies and began checking the status of communication. At that time, the pirate, who was alone and staring at the monitor with a mesmerized face, shouted.
"Hey, everyone, look at that!"
"Now is the time…huh?"
The four looked at the monitor again and fell silent.
The monitors connected to the camera were turning off one by one in real time.
-x-X-x-
The pirates in security room A looked at the monitors with puzzled faces.
The screen showing the video captured by the camera was turning off at a rapid rate. First a guard post, then an entrance and an underground passage. Looking at the sequence of malfunctioning cameras, they were getting closer and closer to the security room.
Everyone here knows that the camera didn't break down for no reason. This is because the walls of the security room are still slightly trembling. The space vibrates intermittently, as if something huge is moving.
The problem is that the vibration is getting bigger. An unknown entity is coming here, breaking through the cameras and shielded doors in the passage.
"What are the aisle closure procedures?"
"The surveillance post camera was already operational when it was taken down."
"…Damn it. Even if you use a plasma cutter, you can't get there that fast."
"I can't do it. Everyone get your equipment. You skinny guy. "Go to Area B."
"I'll talk to the mercenaries on the way."
"…shit. okay."
The pirates hastily packed up the equipment provided in the security room. While his comrades prepared to fight, the skinny pirate ran out of the security room with only a psychic rifle.
The electric light embedded in the ceiling of the passage gave off a bright light and illuminated his head. The passageway had a simple cylindrical design without any decoration and was the same as usual.
Unless there is a vibration that shakes the light of the lamp.
The skinny pirate ran to the shielded door across the short passage and operated the terminal next to the door. Meanwhile, the period of vibration was getting shorter.
"Open it quickly!"
The pirate stamped his feet in front of the slowly opening door. At that time, the light above his head began to shake uneasily.
Startled, he turned around and saw that the light in the security room was blinking and then turned off. The only remaining fire is the light flowing from inside the security room.
Even that went out with a puff, like a candle going out.
"…gulp."
While the pirate who witnessed the scene was swallowing his saliva, the shield door opened. He entered, almost half-crawling, and closed the door.
These shielded doors installed between passages are over 1m thick and have a double structure, making them difficult to break through even with a plasma cutter. Since the shielded doors between passages are stronger than the entrance doors, even a mysterious intruder will not be able to easily enter.
Nothing came out of the darkness until the door was completely closed. There was only unnatural silence in the black passage.
"Phew."
He heaved a sigh of relief and fell from the door.
We must go to Area B and report this before he comes.
The space he was currently standing in was so wide that he had to crane his neck to its limit to look at the ceiling. However, it was not empty; there were several layers of refrigerated containers piled up everywhere.
This is the area A storage area.
All of those containers were items brought by customers who visited this city to be put up for auction. You can't see it from here, but if you go inside, there will be mercenaries and androids guarding the container.
The skinny pirate connected the battery to the psychic rifle and went inside. The temperature in the space was low, perhaps due to the cold air flowing from the container. If it weren't for the android standing in front of the container, I would have walked trembling from cold and fear.
"It will be fine. There must have been some mistake. "Of course."
After walking for a few minutes while talking to myself, I heard a voice coming from behind a large container. When I returned to the container, I saw five mercenaries chatting.
"huh? "Aren't you the pirate in the security room?"
"What's going on here?"
The skinny pirate who encountered the mercenaries shouted urgently.
"This is not the time to be like this! "It's all chaos outside right now!"
"outside?"
"What kind of bullshit is that?"
"I haven't heard anything from my team."
"Of course, since everything has happened, there is no contact! We need to inform the outside world as soon as possible…."
"What? Wow. "What nonsense."
"You think we are who and say such bullshit?"
The skinny pirate was frustrated as the mercenaries showed no sign of listening. Perhaps because they heard his cries, the mercenaries guarding other containers also approached where they were.
"What is so loud?"
"I heard the kids on our team guarding the outside got hit?"
"Please! "If you don't believe me, please check with someone!"
The pirates attacked the mercenaries who had gathered in an instant, about 20 in number.
"The world has become better. "The pirate bastard is yelling at us."
"You guys deserve it. Because it's a piece of shit."
"What are you doing?"
Among the Space Dogs, there were many who worked as mercenaries, and among the mercenaries, there were quite a few who engaged in piracy. The same goes for the people here, so it's hard to say that the quality is that good.
Even skinny pirates know this. But shouldn't we at least know how things work? It was pitiful that they had no idea what was going on outside or what was happening to their colleagues.
"Hey, the security guard is making a request. "Please call someone."
"Know that if you make a mistake, you will get behind me."
While most of the mercenaries were laughing with their arms crossed, one of the mercenaries picked up the radio.
"What are they saying outside?"
"…."
"Why? "Don't be a slut?"
"I can't contact you?"
The other mercenaries stopped at the words of the mercenary holding the walkie-talkie.
"Oh no."
"No, it's true. "You guys also try contacting me."
The expression on the mercenary's hand holding a walkie-talkie was too unusual to be considered a joke. The other mercenaries called their team members outside with smiles on their lips.
And after a few minutes, the smiles disappeared from their faces.
"Why can't I contact you?"
"What happened?"
While they were panicking, the lights on the ceiling suddenly turned off. In a place that quickly became a place of darkness, the only source of light was the cigarettes lit by some of the mercenaries.
"Everyone prepare for battle!"
The light disappeared, but the mercenaries did not panic. They prepared for battle in the dark by wearing goggles with a see-through function or, in the case of cyborgs, activating the lenses on their eyes.
"Hey, security guard. "You don't know what's going on inside, right?"
"You might know that, but it's not accurate."
"Put this on and go. "Go and call some reinforcements."
"Ah yep."
Realizing that the pirates were not wrong, the mercenaries sent him to Area B. His colleagues were inside, so he sent them to go directly and ask for support.
The pirate, wearing the goggles given by the mercenary, ran in the direction of the passage leading to Area B. While running, many androids passed him by. They are aware of the abnormal situation and are trying to join the mercenaries on the other side.
A loud gunshot was heard immediately after the android disappeared into the darkness. The crackling noises, as if an automated factory machine was running, were reflected off the containers and grew louder.
Fully armed mercenaries and expensive androids. Although the situation was objectively safe, his heart did not calm down.
It was ominous. It felt like the entire cellar was submerged in a bottomless mire. Even though the vibrations stopped after entering the storage area in Area A, where does this feeling of anxiety come from? Even though he thought hard, he couldn't come up with an answer.
"Huh huh huh huh…"
It was the sound of breathing coming from his mouth that broke the silence that filled the cavity.
There was no other sound other than that. No gunshots, no human screams, no mechanical sounds when the android is destroyed, nothing.
Did the mercenaries win? That would be fortunate, but if not….
"…."
The skinny pirate barely activated the terminal with trembling hands. The large screened door slowly opened. As soon as the door started to open, he crawled in and closed the shield door before it was even fully open.
What's so relaxing about the door that slowly closes? As he was biting his lip nervously, he saw something across from him.
"!"
"wait!"
One of the mercenaries I had encountered earlier was running towards the shielded door.
"…Fuck!"
The pirate thought about just closing it, but changed his mind. Two people are better than one to escape the mysterious intruder. He controlled the terminal and stopped the door that was just beginning to close.
The moment the mercenary was about to cross the shielded door, there was a loud noise and the door shook violently.
"What?!"
"You bastard! "A monster is chasing me!"
"Holy shit!"
The pirate, who heard the mercenary's shout, quickly closed the door. A door that closes slowly. Beyond it, as the mercenary said, something was seen writhing.
'!'
It was only visible for a brief moment, but it seemed like the pirate would never forget that sight for the rest of his life. It was a pink snake with many eyes. The snake wriggled towards them as if to greet them and then disappeared.
"What is that? "I have never seen such a hideous thing in my life."
"…I don't know."
"shit! "I need to talk to Area B quickly…what about the weapons?"
"I threw it away because I was running away from that guy."
The skinny pirate frowned at the mercenary's words. Without weapons, there would be no way to stop the monster if it came after them.
'No, I guess I can use it as bait.'
The only one holding a gun here is the skinny pirate. In the unlikely event that a monster breaks through the shield door before they go to Area B, they can just throw the mercenary as food.
"Let's start from the security office in Area B."
"Sure."
The mercenary seemed to have no idea what the skinny pirate was thinking. The two walked on the passageway connected to the Area B security office.
'First of all, the camera is in good health.'
The skinny pirate walked and looked at the cameras installed in the passage. Fortunately, the cameras installed on the ceiling did not lose power. The Area B security office must have known they were here, so they must be taking action somehow.
'no. Let's get in touch here.'
Even if your wireless communicator doesn't work, there's only one way to contact you.
In this underground storage room, a wired communication device operating as a closed circuit is placed between each area. It was installed by the Marcio Cartel to prepare for cases where the communication device does not work or is attacked by another race's EMP, as it is now.
I wanted to contact them before coming over here, but I had no choice because the wired communication device in Area A is located near the entrance to the underground storage room. The skinny pirate signaled to the camera in the passageway that he would use the wired communication device.
"What are you doing?"
"I don't know anything."
There is no need to be polite to mercenaries who will be used as bait anyway. He answered briefly and approached the wall of the passage. Only one part of the unadorned wall had a small switch. When I pressed the switch, an ivory colored stick connected to the inside of the wall and a string popped out.
"What is that?"
"It's a cult-style wired communication device."
"Hmm? Was there anything like that here?"
The mercenary said he was interested, but the skinny pirate did not respond.
He disconnected the charger from the psychic rifle and connected it to the port on the stick. Because it was a communication device made by a cult, it needed psychic power.
After a while, the communicator light came on.
"it's okay! This is the Area A security office. Can you hear me?"
｢Chijijijijik, chijijijijik, chijijijijik, chijijijijik｣
The skinny pirate briefly cheered and shouted into the communicator. Then, someone's voice was heard along with static from the communicator.
"Can not hear clearly. This is the Area A security office. Can you hear me?"
｢Chijijik after chijijik after chijijijik｣
"What?"
"back! back! Look behind you!"
As soon as communication was stabilized, what was heard was an urgent cry.
"back? Why is it in the back…?"
The skinny pirate, not understanding, looked back. And he was able to understand what was being said in the area B security office.
"There's a monster behind you!"
There wasn't a single person on this passage who could answer the shaking communication device hanging on the wall.
-x-X-x-
"Yes. She hasn't come yet. Hmm. I will prepare. then."
The light went out on the diamond-shaped tombstone that was floating in the air, and it slowly fell to the ground. After confirming that it had stopped working, Cynthia disconnected the wires connected to the tombstone.
"Phew."
She sighed briefly and picked up an apple on the luxurious table.
apologize. The fruit, which is native to Earth, is currently grown only in biodomes on Mars. It was a common fruit in the distant past, but now it is a fruit that cannot be easily tasted unless you are rich.
Cynthia casually took a bite of such a precious fruit. The sweetness that fills your mouth, the sourness and freshness that makes your tongue tingle slightly. If you have never eaten an apple before, you might be quite impressed.
But what she felt was different.
Cynthia comes from a world where it is common to see red fruits held in one's hands. When she was in her hometown, unable to return, she enjoyed eating this fruit.
This sweetness I am tasting now was the taste of longing.
'…It's not far.'
There are people in this world who share the same experience as her. It is said that there were once dozens of strangers, but now there are only a few strangers left. As a result, most of the factions that existed have disappeared, and currently only three factions remain.
She belongs to the 'dominant faction', a faction of foreigners who remain here and seek to rule over inferior beings. It is a faction centered on intelligent beings with advanced civilization, such as the Megacorp Star Union Cult.
However, Cynthia harbors a secret that not even her comrades in the same faction know about.
'Once the person he has arranged comes here, this role will end.'
Since coming to this world, she has never once thought about wanting to remain. I could do anything as long as I could return to my hometown.
Even if it means killing other strangers, or 'human' players, or deceiving them.
Holding the apple, she went out onto the richly decorated terrace. A panoramic view of the space fortress unfolded beneath her feet.
On one side, the artificial light created by numerous stores was almost blinding, and on the other side, it was covered in black without a single ray of light. Above her, a fallen mining planet looked down upon the fortress, reflecting its light.
Cynthia could not feel any emotion even after seeing Kesha Arma's scenery, which seemed to be better described as amazing rather than beautiful.
'Piece of data…'
The name of the real faction that Cynthia belongs to is the 'Return Faction'. This is a force whose goal is to clear the game and return to their hometown.
After looking at the city for a moment, she clicked her tongue and went inside.
If she had stayed there a little longer, she would have definitely noticed.
Black smoke is rising from a dark area with no light.
–
'It's over.'
I picked up the anklet left by someone I didn't know and put it in my mouth.
'I didn't know there was a means of communication that operates in a closed circuit.'
Due to the psychic power laid down by No. 26, all means of wireless communication in this underground cellar were completely blocked. So I was relieved, but I didn't know that pirates had installed a wired communication network to prevent EMP.
'It would have been bothersome if there had been contact from the outside.'
Fortunately, it was installed so that communication could only be done between the five areas inside the cellar. It seemed that communication lines were not connected to the outside due to cost issues.
'I don't think they would have thought that this place would be robbed.'
This is a space protected by over 100 mercenaries, hundreds of androids, and double shielded doors over 1 meter thick. Unless a war breaks out, no pirate would think that this place would be breached.
'Unless it's a monster that easily exceeds 20 meters in length.'
Who would have imagined that a giant monster would break through the 1m thick doors one by one to rob the storage room?
In fact, I personally broke down the storage entrance and the shielding doors in Area A before coming here. Currently, I have the ability to easily break through even the thickest doors.
'Strengthened acidic fungal glands.'
The infection-type fusion characteristic I currently possess, 'Acidic Fungal Gland', is the third characteristic to receive the strengthening effect of 'Great Infection', following 'Gremlin Moss' and 'Parasite Colony'.
As you can see from the parasitic colony that increases the number of gremlin moss parasites sprayed in the form of a mist to 20, the strengthening effect of the great infection is relatively intuitive. Similarly, acidic fungal glands have also been transformed into simple, strong properties.
'Because it has been changed to go out in breath form.'
Originally, it was a form that spewed fungal lumps from the body in the form of projectiles, but now it has changed into a form that liquefies the acidic fungus and shoots it like a water cannon. It goes without saying, but firepower has also increased incomparably compared to before.
'It was a very useful trait when fighting the Gorgon Swarm, but I didn't know it would be used again here.'
However, it has not improved all that much, and new unexpected drawbacks have emerged.
Since the fungal glands located inside the throat vomit out the fungal fluid produced, the acidic breath can only be fired for a few seconds at most. If you run out of fungal fluid, you will need to rest for a few minutes to recharge.
'You can use it again now, but…'
There is no need to do so since you have taken control of all the storage.
I leaned inside the security room where the ceiling had been blown out. And with his small arm near his chest, he operated the computer in front of the blood-covered monitor.
'Open sesame.'
The sound of a beast growling is heard from afar. It is the sound of the shielded doors between areas and passageways being opened.
At that time, a familiar voice came from the speaker hanging on the wall of the broken security office.
"Seeing as the door was open, I guess everything was taken care of."
"huh. "I'll go to area B."
"yes. "The firewall in the cellar has been breached, so you can check the archived list right away when you come."
I brought PS-111 with me because I thought it would be helpful in this matter, and it was definitely the answer. I told him I knew and moved to Area B.
After passing through a large storage room and several passages so narrow that my head touched the ceiling when I stretched out my legs, I arrived at Area B and saw them.
Unit 26 and PS-111 were in front of a management computer in front of a container.
"Hello big baby."
"Are you here?"
Number 26, who was disassembling an android using his tentacles, saw me and waved his tentacles in greeting. Beside him, PS-111 was lying face down, connected to a computer port with a cable hanging under his chin.
[Zuzuzu Zuzuzu Zuzuzu Zuzuzu (Wasn't it difficult to break through the firewall?)]
"For me, who also hacked Pyrrha Eleven's ship, it's a very easy task."
"that's right! "Your friend is amazing!"
No. 26 praised, and PS-111 raised its clawed legs and made a V sign. The man's hands were covered in mangled human blood.
I stuck out my tongue, licked his hand, and asked.
[Zuzuz zuzuzu (pop up the list)]
"Yep. "I will bring up the screen."
The guy lowered his arm with an expression that said nothing was wrong and started operating the computer. As the cable under his chin twitched, a list of numerous names appeared on the computer monitor.
With the guy's help, I briefly skimmed through the list.
'hmm.'
There are two areas where the smuggled creatures are stored: BC. The remaining areas have nothing to do with me because they store luxury items, drugs, confidential documents, etc.
'It may not be as many as you think, but it will be enough to collect the ingredients to create unique characteristics.'
From the looks of it, if you clear all of this, you will be able to obtain enough material properties to create at least one unique property.
If you're lucky, you might be able to obtain two unique characteristics and satisfy all evolution conditions.
I opened the unique attribute synthesis formula I had opened before coming to the fortress.
｢'Transcendence' Material List: Reinforced Skull Gallagon's Horn Thorn Hair Projection Tail Protein Assimilation Cluster Skin Tissue (Not Obtained)｣ ｢'
Transcendence' Material List: Mineral Digestion Harvester's Maw Bone Beast Vision of Hell (Not Obtained)) Ultra Control (not obtained) ｣
'I think you can get the first fusion formula here.'
There is no big problem if the first fusion formula is made a unique characteristic, but the problem is with the second fusion formula. Since it requires characteristics that are difficult to obtain as materials, it seems difficult to use it carelessly in the transcendence system.
'That reaper's maw is especially problematic.'
Thanks to the 'Harvester's Maw', I can obtain genetic essence just by eating the head. In such a situation, if that characteristic is lost, it becomes quite difficult to obtain the genetic essence.
You can try to get it again, but that isn't easy either. This is because 'Essence Reaper's Jaw', the material for the Harvester's Maw, can only be obtained by eating a semi-adult Aimorph or Outspacer.
Aside from that, 'mineral digestion' and 'bone beast' are also ingredients that are difficult to obtain. Looking at this alone, it seems like it will be an extremely powerful unique characteristic when combined, but since materials are materials, they cannot be combined carelessly.
'Well, it's not something to think about now.'
There is no need to worry because you can just collect the ingredients and synthesize unique characteristics later. I had a similar experience before.
Moreover, now the genetic essence contained in numerous containers is waiting for me. Who knows, maybe a new fusion food will pop out while eating them?
'Now that I think about it, I should also take care of number 26.'
I have already checked all the things I will eat, so now I have food left to give to No. 26. In fact, the number of creatures stored here was considerable, but the number of creatures that could strengthen the Sea Demon was not large.
Still, I'm glad to see a few things that seem to have the potential to make meaningful changes.
'There's marine life too?'
I don't know how they caught it, but I also saw several creatures that live in the deep sea. Of course, there were no large monsters like Pale Mask, but small and medium-sized rare creatures less than 10 meters stood out.
Until now, I have never fed No. 26 any deep-sea creatures other than Pale Mask. It wouldn't be a bad idea to try it once at this opportunity.
'I'll have to try this and this and this too.'
After carefully checking the list more than 10 times, I decided what to feast on and what to give to No. 26.
'Then let's start from Area B…'
"I believe you haven't forgotten mine either."
"that's right. My friend is hungry too!」
'Ah.'
I was about to get up, but when I heard that, I fell down again.
After 10 minutes, I decided on all the creatures I wanted to give to the two guys.
[Zuzu zuzuzu zuzu (Then let's go eat)]
｢Okay!｣
"I will save the selected list in my data."
[Zuzuzu zuzuzuzu (Start from Area B)]
With those words, I began the ritual I always do before harvesting delicious food.
It is now a natural trait, as if it had been there from the beginning.
A trait that made me grow up so quickly that it's impossible in games.
It is a 'symbol of hunting'.
-x-X-x-
Kesha Arma's first command center.
This is where the city's ruler, Montana Marcio, resides. Unlike its rough, cylindrical exterior, the interior was very ornate.
In the heart of the steel fortress, which is adorned with the dual elements of extravagant decorations and tight security, is a very large bathhouse.
Montana Marcio was starting his morning in a marble-covered bath. Dozens of concubines were waiting around him as he soaked in hot water.
Montana's concubines are all like biological dolls that have been genetically modified to suit their master's tastes. If you do not receive care even for a day, you will suffer from extreme pain. Therefore, they desperately fawned over their husbands to avoid being ignored.
The spontaneous love and devotion of beautiful females. That was what made Montana the most enjoyable.
While he was leisurely receiving service and thinking about who he would enjoy this morning with, an android outside the bathhouse approached him.
"What?"
"master. "This is an urgent report."
"Emergency report?"
"Guests staying at the 2nd Command Center said they tried to contact the mercenaries guarding the goods, but they did not respond."
"Management of auction items was entrusted to the deputy head. Go ask Kadun."
"I haven't been able to contact you since yesterday."
"You can't contact me?"
Until now, there has never been a time when Kadoon did not receive a call. The assistant chaplain is someone who is always focused on training in the training room of the 3rd Headquarters when not working. Even if by some chance you can't get in touch with the phone, you can just go there in person.
But what does it mean that the android comes to him and says this? There was a problem with Kadun.
'for a moment. That's not important now.'
Before talking about Kadoon, Android mentioned an important issue. Montana asked the android after pushing away the concubines serving him.
"You said the mercenary guarding the product couldn't be contacted, right?"
"yes."
"Have you tried contacting the security guards at the storage area?" "No one is responding."
"…."
When Montana heard those words, he felt himself waking up from his sleep.
He quickly got up from his seat. The concubines who were watching the master quickly brought towels and gowns.
"Tell them to contact the military port immediately and check if there are any problems with the underground storage."
"All right."
"And if anything goes wrong, be ready to move right away."
"I will forward it to each command."
The concubines' gentle touches penetrated every inch of his body, but Montana had no time to feel the pleasure.
There were no problems until yesterday. The items to be auctioned were transported safely and the customers are satisfied with the service he provided.
But as soon as the night passes and morning comes, things suddenly turn strange.
As if the calm until yesterday was a lie.
'…No, it won't be a big deal.'
The Marcio Cartel is such a powerful force that few even within Space Dog dare to challenge it. In the first place, there are only a few cartels like them that manage space fortresses and operate hundreds of ships.
That's not all. Montana is protected by Megacorp's Noble Capital and the nobles of the Cult Empire. In fact, he is no different from a warlord recognized by the great powers.
It is impossible for someone to carry out a terrorist attack on the fortress that he rules.
'Maybe it's a problem with the communication facilities.'
After trying so hard to reassure himself, he left the bathhouse.
–
'Is this the end?'
I placed the empty freezer container on the floor. Broken containers were lying around inside the large underground structure.
These are all remnants left after me and No. 26 PS-111 ate the contents.
'Because there are so many creatures stored, I gained quite a few characteristics.'
Even after the symbol of hunting ended, there were many characteristics gained from eating tens or hundreds of creatures.
'Thanks to you, two more synthetic formulas were opened.'
One was a unique trait that required a number of physical-related traits, and the other required nest-related traits and psychic-related traits. Currently, I can only make the former, and the latter cannot be synthesized because I cannot collect all the ingredients.
'Because I have to catch Redmist.'
Redmist is an apex predator living on a jungle planet. This Apex creature is as tricky as Ice Horror. If you go to catch him with great determination, you will end up facing the consequences.
'I'll aim for this later.'
First of all, thanks to securing a large number of characteristics, we were able to create two unique characteristics.
I floated fusion formulas that could be produced immediately here.
｢'Transcendence' material list: Reinforced skull Gallagon's horn Thorn hair Launch tail Protein assimilation Cluster skin tissue｣ ｢
'Transcendence' material list (new!): Reinforced large tail Bioelectric discharge tube Explosive bodily fluid launcher Destruction sonic spore cannon｣
'I don't know what the former will be, but I feel like I know the latter.'
All of the characteristics created through the transcendence system are ones that did not exist in the game. That's why I often worry every time I get a new unique characteristic or a sign of a strong enemy.
However, after seeing the newly unlocked fusion ceremony in the underground storage, the result was somewhat predictable. Looking at the materials, it was clear that they had unique properties related to long-distance attack methods.
In fact, a new organ was created in my body. Reflecting the characteristics of 'explosive body fluid launcher' and 'spore cannon', two elongated cannon-like barrels were added to the armor covering the back.
When I craned my neck and lowered my head, I felt my back being stretched and the gun barrel popped out, aiming forward. If you apply this force, spores filled with dangerous substances will be launched.
'It goes well with acidic fungal glands.'
In the game, a combo of throwing fungi and spraying explosive bodily fluids on them was often used. It is similar to shooting white phosphorus, so it is effective against both machines and ordinary creatures.
Moreover, since the acidic fungus has now changed into a breath form, it will show much more powerful performance.
In addition to that, the 'destructive sound wave' characteristic is also quite useful.
Unlike the Inmyeonchung's paralyzing sound waves, this is an aggressive characteristic that destroys the opponent purely with sound waves. Although it has weaknesses such as low destructive power and difficult usage conditions, it can be said to be a general-purpose attack weapon that is equally effective against various types of enemies.
'For now, this is done. If you just complete these, you can immediately evolve into an adult, so what should you do?'
The remaining condition until adulthood is to obtain two more unique characteristics. If you utilize the system here, you can evolve right away.
'The problem is time…'
While opening the container, the communicator dropped by the mercenaries rang several times. It was a confirmation call from customers who had entrusted them with the task of protecting their items. The owners of the communicators all came out and went into No. 26's stomach, so they'll come check for themselves.
In other words, there was not much time left before an all-out war against the pirates of the fortress.
Until now, whenever I used the transcendence system to create unique characteristics, my body always went into a cocoon. There is a very high possibility that this will happen again, so I think we will have to postpone obtaining unique characteristics.
'I'll open the loot box later.'
After checking the text box, I turned my attention to No. 26 and PS-111. No. 26 read my gaze and came bouncing towards me.
"Big baby! Look!"
As he concentrated, the pink light covering his body became even darker. The tentacles coming out of the pink body began to wriggle and slowly change shape.
After a while, one of the tentacles mutated into a completely different shape than before. All of the existing tentacles had sharp saw blades on the inside.
On the other hand, the tentacle he had mutated now had six appendages that looked like mouths at the end. It looked very similar to the erosion tentacle I had.
"I'm just like the eldest baby! Right? Right?」
[Zuzuzu (Yes)]
I answered in a casual manner, but in truth, my heart was not like that. Even though I had already seen it once before, I was surprised to see it again.
'Physical mutation.'
The food in the storage facility promoted significant growth for No. 26.
First, body size actually increased dramatically. This is because the limit on the body size that can be grown has increased to a maximum of 25m.
The skin also became significantly thicker, and the fins and tentacles became stronger than before. The body has been reduced to a small size now, but when it is increased to its maximum size, the appearance of a semi-raid level boss is clearly revealed.
'Tsk. Personally, I didn't think it was bad.'
However, No. 26 was dissatisfied. To borrow a phrase from this guy, there is 'nothing that sparkles like a little baby.'
I comforted him by saying that it was still enough, but he seemed quite disappointed. He was depressed, crouching next to the container while I ate other food.
'I've never been so depressed before.'
If I were to be specific, it was similar to when I was first in the research vessel's test tube. So much so that I can't imagine showing off my new abilities in front of me like I am now.
Seeing him depressed made me feel uncomfortable too. So, after much deliberation, I handed over the food I had originally planned to eat to him.
The name of the food given to No. 26 is Faceless.
It is a carnivorous snail with hundreds of teeth, and is a rare creature with a characteristic called a 'mimic organ'. As the name of the trait suggests, it can disguise its body as an object. It usually camouflages itself with geographical features such as trees or rocks, but when its prey approaches, it changes its body back to its original state and attacks.
Before coming to this fortress, I was able to feast on the Faceless captured by pirates on the slave market planet, and thanks to that, I was able to complete the 'Herald of Chaos' trait.
Since the Mimic Engine itself is a useful trait, I was thinking that it would be nice to get it at least once in the future.
'Tsk. I liked it because it was on the archive list.'
Originally, I was going to eat Faceless right away regardless of No. 26's sadness. If it weren't for a sudden thought.
'The Sea Demon had a camouflage-related trait.'
Sea demons have the ability to change their skin into a coral-like shape. It is so subtle that it is impossible to see with the naked eye and can only be seen using special detection equipment. It was often used during battle, making it difficult to attack.
Anyway, with that thought in mind, I handed Faceless over to No. 26 as a consolation and experiment. This is because, unlike the game, I was hoping that I would gain new abilities.
And my prediction was correct. No, I gained much more strength than I expected.
As you can see, he was able to freely change the appearance of one tentacle. It was possible to not only change the size but also the internal structure. In fact, it was a change that could easily be called a 'mutation'.
'For now, he can only change one tentacle…'
If the hundreds of tentacles he possesses change into different weapons or body organs, his combat power will skyrocket.
'If No. 26 becomes stronger, it will also benefit me.'
I patted him to show that he had done well. Then it bounced in place and its body sparkled. He seemed quite happy to have gained a new ability after a long time.
"I hope you like it."
PS-111 approached Number 26, who was happy.
[Zuzu zuzuzu zuzuzu zuzu (Your change isn't bad either)]
"'That's a valid point, but it didn't meet my expectations.'
As was the case before, PS-111 was surprisingly immature in applying the characteristics of living creatures.
'To be precise, the results of application are unpredictable.'
Significant results were obtained in cases of absorbing genetic samples or predating equipment. On the other hand, when eating a living creature, the body structure did not change completely as intended. Either there is a defect somewhere or it has changed to a form that falls far short of PS-111's expectations.
'It's still a success this time.'
There is one positive change that occurred in PS-111's body. Spines containing neurotoxin appeared on the carapace of all legs. If he wants, he can even fire poisonous thorns. It could be considered a useful body organ when subduing an enemy alive.
'Still, it seems unsatisfactory.'
Faceless was handed over to No. 26, so there was nothing else I could give him. PS-111 knew that too, so he didn't ask for any other food from me.
'Still, I am encouraged by the evolution condition achieved No. 26 and the growth of Heavenly Mother.'
I think this is the first time since I captured the Gorgon Swarm that I have achieved this much success. It was worth coming to Kesha Arma on purpose.
'Anyway, Heavenly Mother is taking longer than I thought.'
After completing my elevation to the level of deification, I decided to come here with Adhai. Several hours had already passed and it seemed like it was taking longer than I thought as he didn't come.
'Let's wait one more hour and go… okay?'
While I was thinking that, my auxiliary organ sensed a change in the air. Somewhere far away from Area C, where we are, there is someone loitering near the entrance to the underground storage facility.
Before entering the entrance, all the guards and mercenaries were eaten. So the owner of those footsteps is an outsider.
'You got caught.'
Since we couldn't contact the mercenary guards, it was clear that they were going to check on us. Soon the sound of small footsteps increased to dozens or hundreds.
[Zuzu zuzuzu (Are you all full?)]
｢Yes. "I'm full."
"The energy in my body is overcharged."
[Zuzuzu (Good)]
My stomach was fully filled.
Now is the time to get some moderate exercise.
–
"No biological activity detected nearby."
"It's okay to rush in."
"…good. "Let's go in."
The pirates entered the underground storage facility, led by androids equipped with thick armor and heavy frontal shields. Dozens of pirates were also heavily armed, but their faces showed signs of tension.
"Hey, is it true that the Vice Minister is screwed?"
"AC, don't be such a dick."
"I came here because I heard Marcio Cartel was good, and what the hell is this?"
"My younger brother went to the hospital and I can't contact him. "Is this related to this?"
"Am I God? "Do you know everything?"
"Everyone shut up and stay alert."
Despite the orders of the newly appointed executives, the morale of the pirates hardly improved. In particular, as soon as they entered the passage leading to Area A, their mood became much worse.
"Ssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss*sssssswass always:
"Sssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss*sssssswass!
Outsiders were greeted by a 1m thick double shielded door that was so damaged that its original shape was no longer visible. The shape of the shield door looked like a torn wad of paper.
Even the druggies commonly found in Kesha Arma would never imagine that the door to an underground storage room could look like that.
What's more problematic is that there is a strong possibility that the person who made the shield door that way is inside the storage unit.
The desire to escape crept into the hearts of all the pirates here, including the executives, but no one escaped. If you show any signs of running away from this place, the androids will turn you into a hive.
The pirates swallowed their saliva and entered the passageway leading to the Area A security office through the broken shield door.
"Vibration occurring in front."
"It is assumed to be enemy movement."
"Prepare to respond. Prepare to respond."
As they were getting closer to the security office, the androids in the lead all made warning sounds.
Blinking lights, metal passages with traces of destruction left here and there, and even loud mechanical sounds. All factors added to the pirates' anxiety.
The pirates held their weapons tightly with trembling hands. Their arms were equipped with the cult's famously expensive psychic shields, but they were of no comfort.
When the pirates and androids were ready for battle.
A pounding sound was heard from across the passage.
At first, it was just a slight vibration felt at the tip of my toes. It grew louder and louder, and now it not only resonated throughout the passage, but even made the fine hairs exposed to the outside tremble.
But the period of tension was not very long. Because the entity causing this vibration soon appeared in front of them.
"Hee hee hee!"
"It's a monster!"
"Start shooting!" I didn't know exactly who gave the order, but it didn't really matter. Even if there was no order, the scared pirates would have started shooting on their own.
｢Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
The passage was so wide that five or six adult men had to line up in order to reach the ceiling, and it was filled with monsters. That scary being rushes forward, paying no heed to the barrage of fire.
And a thick snake protruded from its back and burrowed its way among the leading androids. And then it shook violently and hit the androids.
The shield carrying the android was durable enough to withstand plasma bullets, but it was of little significance as long as the body was hit directly. Expensive robots were pinned against the wall holding strong shields.
"Run away too! "We have to run away!"
"Don't run away! "You bastards!"
The executives tried to stop the pirates from leaving, but it was no use.
The pirates turn their backs and start running away.
The monster that was dealing with the androids using the tentacles protruding from its back opened its mouth wide at the fleeing pirates.
"He's trying to do something!"
"Everyone be careful…!"
Pirates with good sense saw this and shouted.
Before their cries ended, something incredibly powerful burst out of the monster's mouth.
｢■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■!｣
The sound wave that turned the android in front of the monster into a lump of scrap metal spread through the walls of the passage.
The pirates who were running away and the pirates standing in front of the monster were also swept away by the overwhelming sound and instantly turned to blood.
"what's the matter?"
"I can't hear anything!"
The pirates who were lucky enough to escape the range of the sound waves stumbled and muttered. They had completely lost their hearing and were bleeding not only from their ears, but also from their eyes, nose, and mouth.
Pirates who lost their major sense organs in an instant. Fortunately for them, the time of pain was not long.
"I can't run away…."
"Heeeeeek?!"
The pirate who was staggering in front of him was instantly covered in blood. The blood and flesh splashed onto his comrades who were standing behind him.
The monster that had trampled the pirate with its thick feet that made the word ferocious stick out its snout towards him.
The monster's mouth opens wide.
The blood-covered pirate screamed, but no sound was heard.
And his eyes could no longer see anything.