After departing from AG-01, I came straight to Gallagon's nest without going any other way.
But when I got there, the nest was not in good condition. It seems that Aadhai absorbed more and faster energy than expected.
"What about your sister?" "I have a new ship. "I'm trying to find a place to put it with my heavenly mother." "…Nothing happened, right?"
Isabel asks cautiously. I guess I'm worried about my sister PS-111 who is not here.
Well, the appearance has changed a lot, but there are no injuries in particular.
"I came back safely, so you don't have to worry." "Phew, I see." "Anyway, I couldn't see any Gallagons?" "All the gallagons that can hunt have gone out to find food."
On the way here, I didn't see anyone else except the White Gallagon guarding the valley.
Gallagons value their young and eggs. Even if there are number 26, it is absolutely unusual for such a small number to be left in the nest.
'It probably means that the situation is that desperate.'
I'm glad I came early. If I had been even a little late, it would have been dangerous.
"Eat this, big baby!"
Number 26, who was happy to see me, handed me a mushroom.
[Zuzuzu (thank you)] 'It looks like you worked hard.'
Even without looking closely, it was clearly visible that he was noticeably thinner. The skin, which had been a captivating pink color until I left, turned white, and the movement of the tentacles became limp. It must have literally supplied energy to its limit.
｢Big baby, what is that?｣ [Zuzu (this?)]
Number 26 pointed at the Arcane Orca I was holding with its tentacle. I answered while chewing a mushroom that released sweet juice.
[Zuuuu zu (Aadhai rice)] ｢Rice?｣ [Zu zuzu zuzuzu zuzuzu zuzuzu (Yes. If you eat this, you will be fine)] ｢Really? really?"
It is food filled with the energy of a star. This should be enough to wake Aadhai.
"I'm going to go feed him right now. "Please see if there are any problems while absorbing energy." "okay."
Thanks to Isabel's special privilege, she can read the other person's information. If you have her, you can handle any unexpected situation.
At that time, No. 26 stretched out its tentacles like hands and waved them.
"Are you giving me food? I want to watch it too!" [Zuzuz, zuzu, zuzuzu, zuzuzu (stay here because it might be dangerous)] "I want to watch the little baby eat, too!"
It is big and runs wild and throws a tantrum. The walls and ceiling are vibrating, and the Blue Gallagons in my arms are tilting their heads as if wondering what's going on.
'Do you want to see it that much?'
This is my first time seeing No. 26 like this.
Even if you tell them not to come, they seem to be chasing you. In that case, it would be better to take him with you.
[Zuzuz, zuzu, zuzu (Then let's go together)] ｢Yes!｣
I took No. 26 and Isabelle and went to where Adhai was.
There was little change in the leader's throne, which I had not seen in a long time. A lot of jewels piled up in the cavity, a huge ruby crystal towering in the middle, and a feeling of helplessness that gets worse the closer you get to the crystal. It was just like what I had seen and felt before.
I walked up to the crystal and put down Arcane Orca's body.
The moment it touched the corpse, the red color of the crystal became even clearer. The crystal, stained bright red as if it was bleeding, began to engulf the Arcane Orca.
The golden bones shrivel and crumble in real time. The energy contained within flowed into the being sleeping within the crystal. At the same time, a red air current caused by the absorption of enormous energy shook the inside of the cavity.
I felt like if things continued like this, my energy would be taken away, so I quickly retreated out of the cave.
The bones of the Arcane Orca quickly disappeared. Not only that, the jewels on the floor were swept away by the air current and crumbled.
There is something unusual about the atmosphere. Isabelle, who was glaring at the decision, opened her mouth.
"There's a problem." "what? Could it be that Arcane Orca is not enough?" "No, it's the opposite. "I have too much energy." "A lot? "Isn't that a good thing?"
She shook her head at my question.
"It's proof that we can't estimate how much energy we need. "If you leave it like this, you won't be able to wake up and will just repeat the absorption."
It's just as she said. The crystal that ate the entire Arcane Orca also covets the energy of me and the entire nest.
"What should I do to make it stop?" "…I have already gathered all the energy needed for growth. If you destroy the crystal, Aadhai will also wake up."
In some cases, animal eggs fail to hatch even after the time has passed for them to be born. I heard that in such cases, the shell is stimulated to induce hatching.
The current situation is similar to that case. If you break the crystal, Aadhai, who is sleeping inside, will come to his senses.
I took a step towards the crystal in the red storm. As soon as the wing arm touches the blood-red cloud, the energy is drained away.
The second heart in the chest, the 'Dragon Heart', quickly fills up with energy. However, the energy was used up faster than that.
At that time, when I stumbled without realizing it due to a strong sense of helplessness, the air current dispersed for a moment. The clouds that attacked me gathered behind me, not me.
"Big baby! cheer up!"
No. 26 has entered battle mode and is controlling the air currents with thousands of tentacles.
Of course, even if he were a guy, it would be impossible to stop the energy-absorbing storm. You can see its tentacles shrinking quickly. The time you can endure is at most ten seconds.
Still, thanks to that, I was able to reach a decision safely.
'You have to destroy it with one blow.'
If we delay even a little bit, it will be over for all of us.
I swung my right tail with all my might. The pincers at the end of the tail collide with hard crystals.
｢Pain reduction activated!｣
The tail evaporated as soon as it touched it. At the same time, small scratches appeared on the crystal surface, which was uniform without any gaps.
A crack that gradually expands, like when a spider builds a nest. The moment the cracks spread across the surface, the red prison finally collapsed. At the same time, a large amount of energy condensed in crystals and air currents is dispersed.
Most of it seeped into the ceiling, walls, and floor, but some of it flowed to unexpected entities. No. 26, which controlled the airflow.
When I turned around, the body that had been bleached white had turned pink again. The dried skin came back to life, and the injured tentacles were also restored.
'Have the stolen energy been returned?' "I'm full."
No. 26 is full of energy and looks like a puffed bun. I turned off the battle mode and just sat there. It looked as relaxed as if it had eaten a lot of delicious food.
'What about Aadhai?'
First of all, No. 26 is fine. When I looked back again, I saw something I had never seen lying in the place where the crystal had been.
Is the length between 5m and 7m? Because it covers part of its body with its large wings, it is difficult to gauge its exact length.
The surface of the wing was red, just like the crystal, and its soft glow resembled the Rose Nebula. Inside the beautiful wings, a long, thin body was coiled.
It has scales that are a darker red than the wings, four thin but sturdy legs, a long, thin neck, and a moderately fleshy, plump tail.
The being that looked like a combination of an Eastern dragon and a Western dragon slowly raised its head.
The moment I saw the two shining eyes under the six bright horns, I realized who the being in front of me was.
[Zuuuu (adhai?)] ｢Big adult?｣
Red Gallagon, or rather Aadhai, responds to my wavelength. The guy's head gets closer.
｢Size｣｢Small｣｢Body｣｢Are you hurt?｣ [Z(Huh?)]
Is it because of the narrow eyes? Purple eyes, which give me a more mature feel than before, examine my body thoroughly. The guy is worried now.
'Why are you doing this?'
It is true that my body has changed into a 'ghastly impersonator', but it is not enough to worry me.
'Don't you remember what went into the decision?'
If so, this reaction is understandable. In just a few hours, you will see that I have completely changed.
[Zuzuzu Zuzuzu Zuzuzu (Don't worry. We won)] ｢Really?｣ [Zuzuzu Zuzuzu (Yes. Are you okay?)] ｢Me?｣｢I'm okay｣｢?｣
It was only then that Aadhai realized the change in himself and hurriedly confirmed it.
｢?｣｢?｣
The amethyst-like eyes started from the neck and continued along the smooth body to the tip of the tail.
｢A big adult!｣｢I｣｢da｣｢I've grown up!｣ [Zuz zuzu zuzu zuzu zuzu zuzu (Are you hurting somewhere?)] ｢No problem｣｢No!｣｢Look!｣
The guy jumped up and spun around in place. At the same time, the tips of its wings and tail touched under my chin.
It felt hard to believe that it was covered in scales. I was surprised at how soft and good it felt, as if I had touched silk.
Next, it swept my wing arm with its long tail as if tickling it.
｢Tail｣｢Scales｣｢More｣｢It has become prettier｣ [Zuzuzu (so)]
It's true.
She was beautiful enough during the White Gallagon era, but the cuteness was stronger back then.
But now, I feel the strange charm of both frailty and maturity coexisting. It may be thanks to these two factors: a slender body reminiscent of a dragon and attractive red scales.
'It looks a lot different than what I saw in the game.'
In the game, Red Gallagon is much larger and looks fierce and majestic. What's more, is Red Gallagon's nickname the Red Tyrant?
On the other hand, Aadhai's image was far from that of a tyrant. Maybe this difference occurred because they were female.
｢Big Adult｣｢Me｣｢Now｣
Just as he was about to say something, a pink tentacle appeared behind me and wrapped around him.
｢?｣
Number 26 grabbed Adhai and pulled him towards him.
"Little baby! Are you okay?" "I'm frustrated. " "Are you okay, little baby?" "It's frustrating." "On purpose." "Like that?" "I'm glad you're okay!"
The guy hugged the struggling Adhai tightly and did not let go.
"It looks like you were very worried, as expected." "…Are you really worried?" "Originally, the two of you get along well. No. 26 taught us a lot. "You probably spent the longest time together after me?" "…."
Isabel seemed to understand my explanation and kept her mouth shut.
Anyway, with this, Aadhai's growth has ended safely.
'There's still a lot of work left to do…'
It would be okay to postpone it for a while.
With that in mind, I watched No. 26 and Aadhai fooling around.
-x-X-x-
It smells familiar.
It's the strong disinfectant smell I used to smell when I was young.
When I open my eyes, I see a familiar sight.
Nurses rushing back and forth between thin white curtains, IV lines connected to arms. It is a hospital, as expected.
At that time, the curtain was pulled back and a nurse approached. She makes eye contact with me and shouts something.
I wanted to ask what was going on, but my voice wouldn't come out. There is no sound, so it feels like watching a silent movie.
Other people who came after hearing the silent cry diligently checked my body.
It's definitely a familiar sight, but it feels strange.
It feels instinctive.
Something is wrong with this situation. We need to get out of here right away.
At that time, someone held my hand.
The faces of the person holding my hand and the person next to him are both blurry and unrecognizable.
However, as soon as I saw them, the wariness within me completely disappeared. As if someone had forcibly turned off my instincts. And what filled the empty space was a feeling of longing.
The moment I realized who the other person was, I woke up.
–
｢Really?｣
When I opened my eyes, the strong smell of disinfectant that I had just smelled disappeared in an instant.
Warm heat rising from the floor, Aadhai and No. 26 sleeping with their bodies pressed against mine. Seeing that reminds me of where I am. This is Gallagon's nest, not a hospital.
'What just happened?'
I think I definitely saw something important in my dream, but I can't remember. Even if I try to remember, my head feels hazy, like there's fog.
Moreover, I felt an unpleasant feeling whose cause was unknown. How can I express it? It is similar to the instinctive hostility felt when encountering an enemy that is difficult to handle.
'Did you have a nightmare?' ｢Big baby?｣
At that time, number 26, who was sleeping next to me, woke up.
｢Why aren't you sleeping?｣ [zuzuzu zuzu zuzu (I think I'm having a nightmare)] ｢What is a nightmare?｣ [Zuzzu zuzuzu zuzuzu zuzuzu (having bad thoughts while you're sleeping)]
Number 26, who came into contact with my wavelength, brightened as if he understood what I meant.
"You're thinking of a bad person. I hate it when I think of bad people, too." [Zuzuzu (that's right)] "I'll get rid of your thoughts about bad people!"
The guy who said that pulled out one of his tentacles and gently stroked my head.
So, strangely enough, I felt at ease. I still couldn't remember what I was dreaming about, but all the discomfort was gone.
'I feel like my digestion is finished. Should I just get up?'
I woke up anyway. The ranker I captured earlier is in Jax Beta, so I have to go there.
The moment I lifted my head to get up, I made eye contact with Adhai.
[Zuzuzu(Are you awake?)] ｢Two｣｢What are you doing?｣
Is it because he became Red Gallagon? A strange sense of intimidation is felt from the purple eyes that glow in the dark.
[Zuzzuzu Zuzu Zuzuzu Zuzu (I had a nightmare so you comforted me)] "Me too" "Comfort" "It's possible" [Zuzuz Zuzuzuzuzu (It's okay now)]
I got up and patted No. 26 and Aadhai with my wing arms.
[Zuzu zu zuzuzu zuzuzu (Thank you for always caring about us both)] ｢Yes!｣
Number 26 brightened its body and released its tentacles. Adhai also bowed his head calmly when I started stroking him.
'It looks like the kids are awake too, should I take them with me?'
I left Adhai's throne room with the children.
On the way out of the nest, I encountered several gallagons. To be precise, the Gallagons are fast asleep.
Not long after Aadhai woke up, all the gallagons that had gone hunting returned.
It seemed like they had already sensed the birth of Red Gallagon even before they arrived. Maybe that's why I wasn't particularly surprised when I saw Aadhai.
Instead, attitudes have changed a lot. Every Gallagon encountered Adhai, he lowered his body and spread his wings. They offered the food they brought in a polite manner, as if they were treating the absolute.
'Actually, Aadhai felt awkward.'
Anyway, the amount of food was enormous, so Aadhai distributed it to everyone. Thanks to this, the Gallagons who had been struggling were able to eat well and rest. Even now, when I see them lying down and sleeping, their bellies are swollen.
After leaving the nest, I headed straight to where Jax Beta was.
｢Big adult｣｢Look｣｢Isn't it pretty?｣ [Z(Yes)]
Aadhai, who was flying together, turned his body in the air and showed his wings.
Compared to before, the number has decreased from 4 to 2, but the size has increased several times. In addition, the wings themselves emit light like the Arcane Orca's energy skin, making it look even bigger. The sight of wings flapping like red nebulae in the frozen basement was truly overwhelming.
[Zuzuzuzu Zuzuzuzu Zuzuzu Zuzuzu (To say it's pretty is not enough)] ｢Really?｣｢Really?｣
At my sincere admiration, he flapped his wings in joy and hovered in front of me.
At that time, pink suddenly filled my eyes. Number 26, who was riding on top of his head, inflated his body.
"I want to fly too."
Number 26 flew close to the tip of my snout. The view was completely obscured by the guy's voluptuous body.
'It was very frustrating.'
Isabel said she took care of the cubs without moving a single step until we arrived. It must have been quite a painful time.
'For now, let's just let it fly as it pleases.'
I can't see what's in front of me because of him, but it's not particularly uncomfortable.
At that time, Aadhai's head was slightly visible between No. 26's fins. The guy was looking at number 26.
'huh?'
I thought it was similar to the eyes I saw in the cave, but when I looked again, it wasn't. The guy was focused on flying as usual.
'Did I see it wrong?'
So we arrived at the passage connected to the surface. Beneath the hole in the giant ice sheet, a support line can be seen tilted like the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
PS-111 and Isabelle seemed to be hard at work as the lights were twinkling inside. There's a lot to research, including Pyrrha Eleven's data and the new drone brought by Ranker, so you'll be very busy.
I continued on without being stopped by the support ship. After passing through the passageway and through the frozen land completely devoid of life, we left the planet.
In the distance, you can see the gigantic spaceship Gigacracker, which looks like the moon, and the battleship Zax Beta, which resembles a stick.
It was originally a battleship that resembled a trident thanks to the three main guns mounted on the front, but the main guns were damaged during the battle with Arcane Orca. All the broken main guns were removed, so it looks as funny as it does now.
Of course, there is still no problem with moving.
As we approached, the ship's hangar door opened. My kids and I boarded the Jax Beta safely.
"I thought you would sleep better, but you came early."
Heavenly Mother opened the door and welcomed us from the inside.
[Zuz, zuzuzu, zuzu, zuzu, zuzu (I woke up early. You woke up early too, right?)] ｢I have something to do.｣
She pointed to a corner of the hangar.
There were crude metal pipes neatly placed there. As I approached the auxiliary organ under the chin, a subtle odor of blood was detected in the tube.
"It's a coffin containing the dead Wolfs who were kidnapped by pirates. "I want to bury them on this planet." [Zu (Really?)] "Because those children have to live here too. "It would be better to have my family's grave next to me."
The 10 young Wolfs rescued by Heavenly Mother were eventually decided to join us.
It's not specifically for humanitarian reasons. Because they knew more about me, I couldn't send them back like this.
"They are smart and kind kids. If you take good care of it, it will be of great help to you as well." [Zuzuz zuzuzu (I hope so)]
Although I didn't say it out loud, I think it's better to kill it and dispose of it. She probably knows that too, which is why she says that.
Gallagon, Coldblood, and now Wolff. The number of people joining me is increasing.
'I was always alone in the game.'
Looking at things like that, I feel like I've changed a lot too. Just as Amorph evolves according to its environment, I may be like that too.
"By the way, I heard from Isabelle, has Adhai changed his appearance nicely?"
The Mother of Heaven was amazed when she saw Adhai's changed appearance for the first time.
｢Me｣｢Cool?｣ "Yes. The hard work was worth it." "No. 26 worked hard too." "Yes!"
Aadhai spread her wings wide and showed off her beauty. Number 26, who heard the praise, also expressed his joy by shining brightly.
｢Anyway, the reason you came here early is because of that bastard, right?｣ [Zuzuzu zuzuzuzuzu (Okay, I'm going to interrogate you now)] ｢Okay. "I'm in jail now, so I'll bring you."
Then about 10 minutes later.
Sky Mother left the hangar and returned with Shinobu, the 25th ranker.
"Mr. Amov. "Did you call me?"
The one controlled by the parasite bowed with a servile smile.
"I have something to ask you." "Please feel free to ask anything. Amov, what you want is to answer as sincerely as possible…" "Stop saying things you don't mean. "You made a deal with Akira Eugene, right?" "yes. That's right." "A way to contact it or bring it out of the solar system. "If you know anything, tell me everything."
The guy who heard my question rolled his eyes nervously and answered.
"Well, the elder, or rather Akira, does not leave the solar system except in extremely exceptional cases. "Usually we send agents or shadows to handle it." "Let's talk about that exceptional case first." "Uh, as far as I know, the last time I went out to command the combined fleet to capture Aimov was the last time." "Anything else?" "Before that, I had only been to the A-11 star system once to attend the Megacorp Dispute Resolution Conference." "I went there to deal with the civil war that broke out earlier."
A-11 The star system is a place that both I and Heavenly Mother know.
When a civil war breaks out or a dispute arises between families, the seven families of Megacorp gather in that star system. There, people from each family discuss how to solve the problem.
What if another civil war breaks out? Otherwise, Akira would never go there.
"What else is there besides a dispute resolution meeting?" "That's all I know… Ah! Now that I think about it, there is one thing that comes to mind. I wonder if this will help…" "Tell me." "Yes, yes. "There is information I heard from a shadow that received support from Akira in the past." "shadow?" "yes. "My name is Sihyeon Eugene, and I am a strange bitch who has become a shadow despite being Noble Capital."
A familiar name appeared out of nowhere. I couldn't help but be surprised when I heard it.
-x-X-x-
I Became An Evolving Space Monster Chapter 436
"If you are Sihyeon Eugene, is this the shadow you met last time in Berzan 02?"
"That's right."
"Do you know that woman?"
"We ran into each other several times."
I have seen and fought in person twice. I fought in the spaceship where I first opened my eyes, and in the underground crypt of Berzan 02. Besides that, I have fought with her subordinates several times.
"Is she also a member of the Shino Group?"
"no. "In the early days of the group, we only worked together for about half a year, and later moved to another cartel due to Akira's orders."
When first encountered, she belonged to a pirate cartel. I think he probably moved with Shinobu before that.
"So what did you hear from her?"
"Well, I don't know if you know, but that bitch isn't on good terms with Akira, even though she's a shadow. "He thought he had been robbed of his position as the head of the Eugene family."
When I heard it, I remembered it.
Her subordinate whom she encountered in Adhaj's former hometown. He definitely said that.
The purpose of the vision is to regain the position of head of the family that Akira usurped.
"They say there is a place that Akira secretly visits on a regular basis."
"A place you secretly visit?"
"yes. "I heard that he goes alone, without an attendant or a private boat."
"Why did I tell you that?"
"She invited me to fight Akira with her. "I also heard this information at that time."
From the looks of it, Sihyeon thought of Shinobu as a regular space dog and tried to recruit her. Of course, he knew Akira's power well, so he would have rejected it right away.
"good. So where is it?"
"Actually, I didn't hear that part properly because I declined it while receiving the offer. So I did some research separately, and let's take a moment…"
Shinobu took the terminal from Heavenly Mother and entered something.
Those were the coordinates of a place.
"It's Megacorp's dump."
"Do you know?"
"I've been there before in the game."
Megacorp has a star system that collects waste generated in the solar system. All kinds of waste, including the remains of a space city discarded during construction, scrap metal ships, and dangerous industrial waste, are sent away at faster than light speeds.
Megacorp's junkyard is an artificial planet created by accidental amalgamation of these things.
"I went into the Megacorp dump?"
"I went there to build a secret nest."
"…This is why no one could find it."
The Heavenly Mother shook her head.
Even in the game, entering the garbage dump was a very difficult task. A lot of garbage gathers like a cloud and surrounds the garbage dump, so access itself is quite difficult. What's worse, even the metallic gremlins who are crazy about metal won't want to go there.
I was successful in making the nest itself, but it was too cumbersome to get in and out, so I eventually gave up.
Visit such a place regularly, and without an attendant? It's definitely not common.
There is something there that makes the cautious third place take on the hassle and risk. If you use this, it will be a great help in catching Akira.
However, there is still one question.
"Didn't you tell Akira that you knew about the secret location?"
"yes."
"Why? "It's the same ruling faction."
"You might get stabbed from over there later, right? "I also have to prepare at least one hidden move."
In response to my question, the guy looked like he was asking something like that. It seemed like he wasn't forcing himself to tell the truth because of parasites, but that he truly thought that way.
'Well, he was originally like this.'
Even in games, he was notorious for only following the strong men who were supposed to protect him and betraying them from time to time. Even here, his personality seemed to have not changed.
"Then you also know the other members' weaknesses, right?"
"Uh, it's not enough to be considered a weakness, but there are a few things…"
Of course, I should say it was a benefit because I was able to find a useful source of information.
Anyway, I heard enough about what I needed to say. Now it's time to think specifically about how to catch Akira.
'Ah, before that…'
Suddenly, something occurred to me that I wanted to ask.
"You came to the Zer-11 conflict zone to capture Arcane Orca, right?"
"yes. That's right."
"What were you planning to do if the hunt failed?"
Arcane Orca is not something that can be easily hunted. There are perks, so the probability of success increases, but it is not perfect.
He has hunted powerful Apex creatures several times. Of course, preparations were made in case the hunt failed. For example, I collected information about a new Arcane Orca other than the one I hunted.
He rolled his eyes and opened his mouth as if he was troubled by what I said.
"Well, do you want to know the location of the other Arcane Orca?"
"okay."
"Yes, actually, while collecting information, I obtained information about the second Arcane Orca. "There were some problems in the information acquisition process."
"problem?"
"Chief Wolff, who knew about Arcane Orca, suddenly died…"
It seems that he killed Wolff, who knew the information, while torturing him.
｢….｣
The Mother of Heaven, who was listening to the story, clicked her beak hard. It was clear that he wanted to rip the guy's mouth off right away.
"Who knows other than Chief Wolf? "Records or something."
"Because they were such a stupid, primitive tribe, they only recorded their history through oral tradition or engravings. "After filming, we burned all the prints and killed all the remaining useless ones."
"Where is the print data?"
"It was decided that Fiskes, that is, the Supreme Council, would manage it. "You would know because Mr. Amov would have won the Supreme Council as well."
What he said is only half true.
It's true that they won, but that's because most of Fiskes' data was erased before his death.
PS-111, who opened the Supreme Council member's head, also did not know about the Wolf tribe's engravings.
'No, wait.'
Although the print was lost, there is a survivor that Shinobu doesn't know about. 10 young Wolfs saved by Heavenly Mother.
The moment I turned my head, I made eye contact with the Mother of Heaven.
"I'll ask the kids."
She had the same thought as me and sent a message to the Wolfs through the communicator.
A few minutes later, the communication device started flashing. Her eyes lit up as she checked the reply.
"Do you know who 'Tane' is?"
"Wolf with the jackal head?"
"huh. That child is the next tribal leader, and they say he knows all the engravings by heart. "If you give me the tools, I will draw it right away."
The moment I heard her words, what I had to do next was confirmed.
"Tane and PS-111, please join us to find where Arcane Orca can be."
"Okay."
"And you."
"yes?"
I stretched out my wing arms and picked up Shinobu.
"You said you know the other members' weaknesses, right? From now on, tell me everything, one by one."
"…yes."
The guy's complexion turned pale. It's probably because he knows that his lifespan is fixed.
However, it is impossible to resist as long as there are parasites. All you have to do is smile and obey.
'I unexpectedly got a second chance.'
Catching Akira will be after acquiring a new unique trait.
I smiled at Shinobu.
–
A drawing room full of static beauty.
A young woman and a black-haired man were sitting facing each other and drinking wine.
"Whoa."
"How is it? "What does the vintage wine made to commemorate the coronation of the head of the family taste like?"
Chloe Carmelda, who was savoring the taste of wine with her eyes closed, nodded.
"Wei, that person, I really don't like his personality, but his wine is excellent."
"I'm glad you like it."
"how is it? If you want, Lee can help you take the position of head of the family."
"Thank you for your consideration, but I will only accept your feelings."
"Well, I'm doing something more important, but would the position of head of the family be something that caught my eye?"
Li Zhao's attitude of lowering his head instead of answering made Chloe chuckle and put down her glass.
"Well, okay. How is the project progressing recently?"
"Thanks to the data obtained two months ago, we are progressing smoothly. "It has a psychic power adaptability higher than that of a cult, and is showing meaningful results in environmental simulations."
"no. Not that one. "A different project."
Lee paused after hearing those words. He looked around the living room where there were only the two of them and cautiously opened his mouth.
"Can I speak here?"
"are you okay. Because there is no one eavesdropping now.
"…The 'Dream' hosted by the Grand Leader is also going smoothly. In addition, great progress has been made in stabilizing the 'World Engine' not long ago."
"okay? "For some reason, he kept not answering my calls, saying he was busy."
The official name is 'Jacob's dream', and this so-called 'dream' project is currently being handled by Chloe and Zubacca together. Even Akira, the head of the ruling faction and CEO of Megacorp, does not know about this.
No, to be precise, the 'dream' is disguised as a supplementary project to a plan Akira had prepared for a long time. Additionally, to prevent Akira from finding out, this is being carried out within the territory of Star Union, not Megacorp.
"Once the world engine is completed, the project will be completed quickly. "How much longer will it take?"
"Currently, researchers predict at least one year."
"It's been a year. Is it because you got to that point? The progress has definitely sped up."
Chloe was satisfied and drank the wine again.
Lee asked, pouring wine into Chloe's empty glass.
"CEO, are you feeling better yet?"
"I checked yesterday and it's still the same."
"Is it 'a coma of unknown cause'? With the Eugene family's technology, they can't even identify the cause, let alone treat it. "It's a strange thing."
Two months ago now.
He was defeated by Akira, who led the Megacorp/Star Union mixed fleet to subdue Amorph. Fortunately, he wasn't eaten by Eimoff, but another problem arose instead.
While returning, Akira was suddenly attacked and fell into a coma. Although the identity of the culprit was revealed through the video stored on the ship, it was never possible to determine by what means he attacked Akira.
Of course, no ordinary assassin could make Akira like that. Both of us here know that very well.
"Could it be the work of 'Aimov'?"
"no. "That won't be it."
Chloe shook her head and denied Lee's words.
If it was that crazy monster, it would have been better to have eaten it on the spot and not let it live. Akira is nothing short of a treasure trove of genetic essence. The culprit is not Amorph but someone else.
'…There is one person who can guess.'
Beom-ho, ranked 7th in strength and the leader of the returning faction.
His special privilege is the ability to control the minds of others. The possibility that he manipulated the assassin to target Akira cannot be ruled out.
Of course, this is just speculation. There is no need to say it.
And it didn't matter to her who the culprit was.
"But thanks to you, I have an advantage in the next election. If things continue like this, T&C will get the CEO position."
"If that happens, we can accelerate the progress of the project."
The two smiled silently and raised their glasses.
Just as the glasses were about to hit each other, the light came on in the levitating chair Chloe was sitting on.
"huh?"
"Why are you doing that?"
A subordinate of the Carmelda family sent a message. Since there was an important meeting, he ordered the message to be sent later, but he violated this order.
'Who dares….'
Just as she was frowning, someone knocked on the living room door.
"who is this?"
"This is Senior Researcher Li Zhao's assistant! "I knocked on the door because I have something urgent to tell you!"
"come in."
She pressed the button on the chair and the door opened automatically.
A yellow man covered in sweat hurriedly ran in and whispered to Li Zhao. Meanwhile, Chloe checked the message from her family.
'what is this?'
"Wow, Chloe!"
Li Zhao jumped up from his seat with an embarrassed face. Chloe was also very surprised and did not blame him for his rudeness.
"Are outspacers occurring simultaneously within the Megacorp area?"
"Well, that's not all! They say the Cult Empire is also being attacked by Outspacers!"
An outspacer that arose simultaneously from Megacorp and the Cult Empire.
She knows what this means.
'…Empress, you crazy bastard!'
A major incident often mentioned in the history of both powers.
The Outspacer raid has just begun.
-x-X-x-
I Became an Evolving Space Monster Chapter 437
VA-04 star system.
This star system, located relatively close to the Cult Empire in Megacorp's sphere of influence, is one of the important locations for Megacorp. This is because the star system contains many planets with valuable and high-grade minerals.
The Prime Capital Edgerton family, the current owners of the star system, build high-performance ships using minerals mined there. So, I was quite concerned about the defense of the star system.
After the death of matriarch Denver Edgerton, the entire family fell into chaos, but VA-04 remained stable.
Until exactly one month ago.
"Temporary food management team leader. "What is the situation there?"
A conference room where the lights flicker imperfectly.
People with emaciated looks are sitting in front of a long table.
A woman with a haggard complexion slowly opened her mouth in response to a question from the man sitting at the head of the table.
"Based on the current trend, there are 15 days left until all the food is consumed."
"…There are only two weeks left. "Why not reduce the rations?"
"Even if that were the case, I think it would be difficult to extend the time. Because someone sitting over there will continue to receive refugees."
Then, the man sitting opposite the temporary food management team leader hit the desk hard.
"hey! Be careful what you say! There are hundreds of thousands of refugees from the mineral planet! "Let's abandon them all?"
"Ha, when did you have such a keen sense of ethics? "You all know that I got into trouble while trying to secretly receive servants from the family, right?"
"Keu, keuhm!"
"Hey, 'temporary' team leader. "Why don't you say that right now in front of the refugees?"
"what? temporary?! you! "You are disparaging a position recognized by Prime Capital!"
As if they had been waiting, people divided into right and left groups and started fighting. The quiet conference room suddenly became noisy with shouting and swearing.
The man at the head of the table, Xavier, the temporary general manager of Edgerton Resource Center, vigorously rubbed his face with one hand.
A month ago, a huge number of Outspacers suddenly appeared and swept the entire star system.
As a result, all space fortresses and ground settlements in the star system were destroyed, and only 20% of the National Guard remained.
The only remaining place is the center of the star system, Edgerton Resource Management Center.
Edgerton Resource Center was designed to supply and accommodate large fleets, benchmarking cult-style space fortresses. Although the residential area is small, it can accommodate a lot more defensive facilities. Otherwise, it would have been hit by an outspacer like in other places.
However, the resource management center has also reached its limits.
Due to the constant influx of outspacers, the number of defensive facilities has been greatly reduced.
Xavier was originally the head of the crisis management team at Resource Management Center. He took over temporarily due to the death of the previous general manager. Since there was a shortage of not only weapons but also people to fight, middle capitals were forcibly conscripted.
Moreover, as mentioned earlier, the food stored in the city has also run out.
If reinforcements do not arrive within two weeks, they will all starve to death or be eaten by outspacers.
The good news is that there have been no attacks over the past two days. Thanks to this, we were able to gather managers to discuss the matter.
'And yet those idiots are splitting sides and fighting!'
Xavier glared at the fighting people.
The reason why they fight and make pointless arguments is simple. This is because they each belong to different factions.
Due to the sudden death of Denver Edgerton, the position of current head of the family is vacant. Although the family is led by a temporarily appointed deputy head of the family due to the civil war with the T&C, there are quite a few people who oppose this.
Those in the conference room are also divided into those who support the provisional state and the old faction that supports Denver. That's why they disparage each other whenever they get the chance.
Of course, if you die here, you are of no use to the faction or anything. Xavier, unable to bear it any longer, hit the desk hard.
"Everyone be quiet!"
"!"
"We only have two weeks' worth of food left, so we have to find a way to live, isn't this a useless fight?"
"Hmm."
"For those who cannot fight, reduce rations to 20% regardless of capital. Then I might be able to hold out a little longer."
"yes?"
"If you do that, there will be quite a bit of backlash!"
"What is the backlash! Everyone wants to starve to death here…!"
Before the words were finished, the entire conference room trembled slightly. Xavier, who knew what that trembling meant, jumped up from his seat.
"It's them! Everyone to location!"
"Yes, yep!"
The invaders who devastated the star system have returned.
–
As everyone in the know knows, Outspacer is not just a monster. Despite their barbaric appearance, they operate according to a very sophisticated ruling system.
Simply put, you can think of the organs in your body as moving as independent entities.
Some individuals become brains and control other individuals, while others digest collected food and use it as an energy source for the colony. In this way, one body, one group is formed.
It doesn't end there.
Stronger groups absorb weaker groups to form larger colonies. At this time, of course, detailed division of roles takes place for each group within the colony.
And the person who runs the largest colony in this universe is the queen called 'Empress'.
Because the scale of the Empress's colony is so large, there are many subordinate queens and entities that act as middle managers.
'Auge', who appeared in the VA-04 star system, is one of those low-ranking queens.
This being, with numerous visual organs, moves around and collects information needed for the colony.
Currently, she is working as the eye of the 'Great Queen' who invaded Megacorp under the Empress' orders.
"The food's resistance is weak. It's not dangerous."
｢It won't disturb the 'Great Queen.'｣
｢Need to clean up the remaining food.｣
｢It won't take long.｣
The queen species, Auge, designed with special care by the Empress, has a special consciousness transmission system. Thanks to this, long-distance contact with other higher-level entities is possible.
VA-04's Augedo ability was being used to exchange information.
｢Nest's offensive has weakened.｣
｢Auplado. Destroys the shell."
Auflado, a higher-level entity created by modifying the Queen's Guard, approached the target.
Attacks pour in from targets and resource management centers. However, none of them hit him.
Auflado has a stealth ability that confuses detection systems. It is not easy to hit unless a person directly controls the fort's battery and fires it.
He skillfully avoided the attack using the abilities he received from the Empress and landed on the outer wall of his target. Then it struck the outer wall with its four arms equipped with white blades.
Auflado's blade emits high-temperature plasma from holes on both sides. Even the strongest defenses can be easily neutralized.
In fact, the outer wall, which other entities found difficult to destroy, was damaged very easily. Every time the blade moved, the solid alloy wall fell off in chunks.
When Auflado succeeded in making a hole in the wall, the lower-level entities in the rear moved.
Many individuals were burned to death by the heavy fire, but the army did not stop. When they reached their target, they crawled into the hole made by Auflado.
Similar structures have already been breached several times. It knows exactly where to break to get the food hidden inside the metal shell.
An entity with a biological pipe on its frontal carapace stepped forward. They can squirt strongly acidic digestive juices outward. The alloy here is less strong than the outer wall, so it can be pierced with fire extinguishing fluid.
Acidic solutions shot from thousands of pipes hit the walls. The second barrier collapsed easily.
The outspacers move inward with fearsome momentum. Soon, an open space welcomed them. It is a waiting area for ships entering and leaving the city.
"Break through the outer wall of the first quarantine line! Everyone protect the first quarantine line!"
"Bah, repeat! Number one…!"
A sound that the outspacer cannot understand echoes from all directions. Anchored aircraft carriers and ships move quickly.
The entities with thorns on their backs fired their thorns at the ship that was just starting to float. You're right, it's the size of a child, so it's practically a spear. Many spaceships crashed after being hit by a rain of thorns.
Small lizard-like entities swarmed around and attacked the survivors.
"Fuck! "Enemies everywhere!"
"We need support now! "Quarantine 1… ugh!"
Resistance was meaningless in the face of intruders climbing the walls and ceilings and raiding. The humans guarding the city were eaten before they could even fire a few shots.
The army destroyed the defense line, devouring humans and ships.
Soon they reached the city's settlement.
Just as the yolk hidden inside the hard shell was soft, so were the humans there. Nutrients that were good to eat were spread out in a non-resistant state.
｢A large number of prey were identified.｣
｢Is it worth collecting?｣
Auflado, who came in with the army, looked down at the human trembling at his feet.
"Boo, I heard that if you use this device, you can control the outspacer…?"
Unpleasant waves were detected from the small tool held by the human. Of course, it only made me feel a slight sense of crisis.
Auflado stepped on him without hesitation.
｢There is no value other than nourishment.｣
｢Exterminate.｣
"Aaagh!"
"Please help me!"
The hordes that received instructions rushed towards their prey. Auflado, who was not particularly hungry, came out, leaving the crying victims behind.
"The last nest has been destroyed."
"Return to the Great Queen."
While flying towards Auge, who would transport him, Auflado suddenly felt a strange feeling.
A feeling I felt for the first time in my life. The sensation that instantly engulfed my entire head was on a different level from the discomfort that a certain human had given me earlier.
And he wasn't the only one who felt that unfamiliar sensation.
｢Something unknown approaches.｣
｢Check who it is.｣
｢The 'queen' observed has died.｣
｢Cannot confirm when she died.｣
｢The queen is important to the colony. "Go away."
"It's impossible." "You can't back down."
"The queen is important to the colony. "Go away now."
This is an unusual situation.
Auplado again demanded that he step down, but there was no response. Not only that, the consciousness transmission system that had been connected up until now was disconnected.
"All individuals, stop predating and come here."
Auflado summoned all entities mobilized to infiltrate the city. At the same time, he focused all his sense organs on the space where Auge was.
A black universe where nothing can be seen. Something darker than the universe is stirring.
The moment he saw what looked like a dark cloud, Auflado realized the identity of this unpleasant feeling ringing in his mind.
It was a warning.
The instinctive sense of crisis felt when a prey encounters a predator.
The death that swallowed Auge approaches them.
-x-X-x-
"…Why did it suddenly become quiet?"
Inside a bunker surrounded by thick metal walls.
Six men and women were looking up at the flickering light with anxious expressions. Their identities are temporary managers of Edgerton Resource Management Center.
No, to be exact, he is a former manager. Because the city they were supposed to protect collapsed.
It didn't take long for the defense line, which had barely held up, to collapse. As soon as the defense line was breached, they gave up command and immediately retreated to the bunker.
In fact, bunkers are not a very good evacuation facility in a space city, but it was unavoidable. If you try to run away in a spaceship, you will be quickly caught by the Outspacer. Hiding in a bunker located deep underground has a higher chance of survival.
"Maybe he left?"
"Could it be that the quarantine management team leader was successful? "He said he can control the outspacer."
"under. If that were possible, the airstrike itself would not have occurred in the first place. "Would you like to think about it before speaking?"
"what? "Did you say everything you said?"
"quietly!"
Xavier quieted the crowd and put his ear to the wall. The slight vibration that I had been feeling until just now completely stopped.
'What happened?'
The endings of all cities that fell to Outspacer were the same. Going around inside and eating all the survivors.
The search time was too short to say that the bunker was not caught by luck. It is normal for it to be noisy for at least a few more hours.
"…That's strange."
After checking for nearly 5 minutes, Xavier pulled away from the wall.
"You left as expected, right?"
"We need to send a rescue signal right now…."
This bunker is equipped with various devices necessary to sustain the lives of evacuees in case of emergency. Among them, there is a signal that sends a rescue request to the outside.
The material management team leader suggested turning on the signal, but Xavier shook his head.
Outspacers react sensitively to various signals. If you turn on the signal now, you will most likely get caught.
"By any chance, if they remain in the city, they might be able to detect the signal. "Let's wait until we're sure it's safe."
Since it was a valid statement, everyone decided to follow his opinion.
And that decision was wise. This is because soon after we started waiting, the bunker shook significantly.
The tremor was so strong that everyone inside was knocked over. It was clear that not only the bunker but the entire city was shaking.
The vibration continued several times and then stopped. About an hour later passed, but nothing more happened.
"Wouldn't it be okay to activate the signal soon?"
"You can't just wait forever."
"…."
Everyone except Xavier nodded at the words of the food management team leader.
Is it because of the fear of not knowing when I will die? Everyone's expressions were not good. It was clear that he wanted to escape reality somehow.
Additionally, the shock from earlier caused a problem with the bunker's oxygen supply system. Right now, it's okay because there's oxygen left in the city and oxygen capsules stored in bunkers, but in the long run, it's not good at all.
However, there are no tools for repairs here. You have to go out and get the necessary tools.
"…You will activate the signal after I return."
"You're leaving here? "What does that mean?"
"I'm going to check the state of the city. "I have to go out anyway to fix the oxygen supply system."
Xavier continued speaking as he put on the reinforced suit in the bunker.
"There will be no volunteers…I will appoint them arbitrarily. "Materials management team leader and medical team leader, please follow me."
"yes?! "Why should I…?"
"Now, just wait a moment! "On what basis are you taking us away!"
"The material management team leader is the only person who knows the location of the tool, and the medical team leader is accompanying us to prepare for any emergency."
"Wait! It is difficult for the medical team leader to be absent. "There could be trouble in the bunker."
"Then, food management team leader, will you go? "Otherwise, shut up."
Of course, she had no desire to go out on a limb, so she kept her mouth shut. The others also avoided eye contact with each other.
After a while, the three left the bunker fully armed.
"Oh my…. It's a complete mess?"
The underground train used to get to the bunker had derailed and collapsed. A quick look at the rail showed many damaged parts.
"I'm wearing a reinforced suit, so I'll go on foot."
The three ran along the spot where the rail was.
Traces of the outspacer were discovered little by little along the way. Fortunately, they were not visible.
'Did he really leave?'
If we've learned anything while fighting the Outspacer invasion, it's that they aren't just beasts. Even those scary monsters have systems and strategies. The possibility that they temporarily retreated to achieve a more important goal than becoming a resource center cannot be ruled out.
"I don't know when they will come back. Let's hurry."
Xavier, confident that he was safe for now, quickened his pace. The sound of the footsteps of three people wearing reinforced clothing echoed softly in the underground passage.
Although some collapsed debris blocked their path, they were wearing reinforced clothing. There were no difficulties except that it took some time to pass.
After moving for a while, we finally came to the ground. And I couldn't help but be surprised by the sight that unfolded before my eyes.
"Oh my god."
"What on earth happened?"
The ground was a mess, even worse than the underground.
The command tower stood precariously with half of its structure blown away, and the upper portions of other high-rise buildings were all blown away.
In addition, problems arose with the dome-shaped wall that covered the city. A new crack has appeared that is large enough for a battleship to easily pass through. Oxygen and various debris could be seen being sucked out through the gap.
Because the inner wall of the dome was severely damaged, the devices that created the artificial sky were also ruined. In particular, the atmosphere was very gloomy because the atmospheric lighting board was constantly blinking.
｢I think I know why the vibration occurred earlier.｣
｢Could it be the outspacer's doing?｣
｢….｣
By the time they evacuated, the city had already fallen. The fight has stopped, but there is no way there will be any traces like that.
Moreover, Xavier has never seen an outspacer that can inflict as much damage as me.
What that means is that something unidentified has appeared here.
'…not good.'
There is a low probability that the newly appeared being will be friendly to Xavier and the others. You must hurry as much as possible.
｢Where should I go to get repair tools?｣
｢Hmm, well, I belong to the 1st Command Tower, and the building is that big, so….｣
｢There is a temporary distribution material management center nearby. "It would be a good idea to go there."
Xavier nodded at the words of the medical team leader.
They walked down the ruined street in a more nervous state than before.
The gravity maintenance device is still in operation. Thanks to this, the remains of the collapsed building were piled up on the road.
But there was no sign of any survivors anywhere.
"It's strange that I haven't seen any survivors yet."
"There are bunkers elsewhere, so they might be hiding there."
"Of course, right?"
Unlike the two who were skeptical about not seeing a single person, Xavier had other thoughts.
'Why is there no body?'
After the city's defenses collapsed, an enormous number of people died. However, there was not a single body to be seen on the street.
'There's not even an out-spacer?'
Although an overwhelming number of humans died, that did not mean that even Outspacers did not die. It's normal to see one or two corpses, but I can't see them either.
'It's as if the body was removed on purpose…'
｢Administrator. "It's that building."
The voice of the medical team leader woke Xavier from his thoughts.
There was a low building in the direction he pointed with his gun. Seeing that it was in relatively good condition, it seemed like it suffered less damage due to its low height. The three carefully entered the building.
The interior was also in good condition, like the exterior. Glass and light fixtures were broken and piled materials were scattered, but the interior walls were not cracked or the ceiling collapsed.
｢Plasma cutter, metal injector, and simple tool maker: three things take priority. If I can afford it, I also bring medical supplies."
"The tools are stored on the third floor. Let's go up."
Three managers wearing reinforced suits moved while stepping on broken glass.
Could it be because of the sound of glass being crushed or the light sparking irregularly? The atmosphere was quite eerie.
Fortunately, nothing worth worrying about happened regardless of the atmosphere. The three safely arrived on the third floor and began searching the rooms in the hallway.
"It looks like there is no plasma cutter here."
"Wait. It would be a good idea to take this with you. There are some side effects, but it is effective in reducing pain."
"Good." Then let's go to the next room."
"Huh?!"
After finishing the search and opening the door to the next room, the material management team leader screamed.
Because the room with the window was full of corpses.
｢Hey, is this really them?｣
｢We have to get out of here quickly!｣
｢Wait!｣
Xavier, who stopped the two from running away, entered the room and examined the bodies.
｢…It's strange as expected.｣
｢Yes?｣
｢The body is so fine.｣
Outspacer's claws pierce even the ship's armor. It's easy to make a person's meat into meat pieces.
But the corpses in this room were so neat. There were no visible injuries except that his head was covered in blood.
'Furthermore, the posture and arrangement of the body….'
All the bodies in the room were lying face down with their heads facing the window. The sight of him bowing out the window was very strange.
Xavier walked to the window and looked out. There was nothing special about it except that the cracks in the dome were clearly visible.
｢S-Could it be a human act?｣
"I don't know."
"No matter what, it's not safe here. "I have to get out quickly…"
At that time, the body near the door moved. The survivor, who was thought to be dead, slowly got up.
"crazy! "He put his own eyes out!"
The opponent had no eyeballs. There was a raw fingernail stuck in the corner of the eye. Not only his face but his entire body was covered in blood. Xavier also held his breath at the cruel sight.
"Who, who is it? "Well, who is there?"
An eyeless survivor approached them, waving his arms.
"Calm down!"
"Oh, I can't see anything! "Please, please, help me!"
"I'll help you, so stop there!"
"Well, it's here! Sis, I hate it! "I don't want to see you!"
The staggering survivor suddenly ran towards those at the door. The two, startled, fired their laser rifles.
"Kuok!"
A red light flashed, and an acrid smell spread throughout the room. A survivor with a hole in his abdomen collapsed to the ground.
"Cough, ha, sky, sky…."
The survivor uttered incomprehensible words and lost his breath.
"You're shooting someone who knows about this situation!" What on earth are you thinking?」
｢Suddenly, he goes on a rampage….｣
｢Hmm, looking at it, he doesn't seem to belong to a faction, so don't worry….｣
｢Damn!」
It is impossible for an ordinary person to damage a reinforced suit with bare hands. Because of their foolish actions, the survivors who knew about this situation were lost.
"Uh, general manager? It's dangerous here. "I have to quickly pack my things and go back."
"…Tsk."
It was just as the medical team leader said. They still have work to do.
The three left the room full of corpses and resumed their search.
Luckily, I quickly found the tools to repair the bunker. Together they grabbed their tools and left the building.
The way back was the same as before. No survivors or outspacers were found. They arrived safely at the entrance to the underground.
"Whew, I was worried I'd run into them, but I'm glad."
"That's right."
The material management team leader and the medical team leader breathed a sigh of relief. Xavier, who had been feeling somewhat ominous since leaving the distribution center, was finally able to feel at ease.
"Let's rest for a while and then go down."
"Yep."
Even if you wear a reinforced suit, it is quite difficult to carry a bulky and heavy object such as a plasma cutter.
"Oh my gosh, I feel like I'm dying to move without using reinforcements."
The material management team leader put down the items and straightened his back.
｢Huh, how bad are the side effects of reinforcers for you to say that?｣
｢AC, I was just saying…huh?｣
The material management team leader, who was looking up and stretching, and the medical team leader, who followed him and raised his head, stopped.
｢Slowly going down.｣
｢What is that?｣
｢Was that thing over there before?｣
｢What?｣
The two people who were dazed pointed upward with their fingers. Xavier's gaze also slowly rose.
Light boards flickering uneasily, giant cracks sucking out broken materials and oxygen. There was something white above the dome in the same scenery as before.
'cloud?'
The edges were fluttering like a haze, so it looked like a cloud or a halo formed by the refraction of light.
Whatever it is, it doesn't matter to them.
Even though he knew that fact, Xavier couldn't take his eyes off it. So did the other two. The three were frozen in place with their eyes wide open and their heads raised.
An unidentified phenomenon moves towards the three fixed figures like a stone statue.
The closer I got to the 'phenomenon', the more my eyes began to feel like they were burning. Tears flowed freely between my quivering eyelids.
Suddenly, Xavier remembered the survivor's last words.
Now I realize what that means.
"Ahhh. Ah ah ah
ah ah. ah. Ah.｣
｢….｣
'S-Stop! 'I don't want to see you!'
A 'phenomenon' that has arrived right in front of you.
Now it wasn't just my eyes that hurt. All organs that recognized the 'phenomenon' were melting. Even amidst the pain, the only thing he could clearly feel was that a 'phenomenon' was watching him.
'Don't look! 'Don't look!'
The voices of the two people with him cannot be heard. I don't know if it's because I'm deaf or because I'm already dead.
The 'phenomenon' bows down to him.
'ah.'
The moment the halo of light made eye contact, a feeling as if a fuse had gone off hit Xavier.
He couldn't feel anything anymore.
–
｢Dwarf｣｢Dead｣
[Zuzu (Really?)]
｢Yes｣｢Head｣｢Food｣｢
It's flowing out｣ Adhai landed lightly and hit the fallen human with his front paw, but the opponent didn't even move.
I picked up the human with arms that were much shorter than before. Molten brains and blood poured out of the human helmet hanging upside down.
[Zuzu (this)]
｢Big baby, don't do it too hard. Then people say 'ouch'."
[Zuzuzu (yes)]
"It's okay! If you study a lot, you can do well!"
"You're a big adult," "You've got talent," "Cheer up!"
[Zuzzuzu (Thank you both)]
I poured the corpse into my mouth while listening to them cheering. The food that entered the mouth was instantly digested and disappeared without even being able to taste it.
'Study.'
A month ago now, I finished hunting Arcane Orca and created a new unique trait.
As a result, my body underwent tremendous changes. This is a bigger change than when you jump through the growth stage.
The power of the newly acquired characteristics was as powerful as the changes in the body. It's one of the only characteristics I've ever experienced.
However, in return, several new unresolved problems arose. One of the side effects is people whose brains melt as soon as they see me.
'…Tsk. I don't know if this will be solved if I try hard.'
I held back a sigh and opened the newly transformed text box.
-x-X-x-
"Twisted Abomination: Your body is familiar with things beyond the universe. The effects of some of the unique talents have been reorganized. Some of the body, special defense, and internal organ characteristics cannot be used. Bioplasma and psychic power are added to attacks using energy.
* Transcendent cognitive ability: You can sense the reactions and emotions of living things through intangible energy fields emitted outside the body.
* Asymmetrical Beings: Instead of their physical abilities deteriorating, their energy manipulation abilities increase.
* PS: With this, we are one step closer to the borderline."
'Twisted Abomination' is the only characteristic created from the characteristics of Apex or similar creatures.
This trait was very different in nature from the ones I had previously obtained. This is because it is the only characteristic that changes the effects of other characteristics.
'Characteristic reconstruction.'
In the game, there was no way to change the effect of one characteristic other than fusion.
This is also the case here. Fortunately, the previously acquired 'Nightmare Horizon' was the only case where the attribute effect changed. Of course, even that hasn't changed as much as this time. To the point where a text box was created containing only the changed parts.
"Would you like to check what has changed due to 'Twisted Abomination'?"
'check.'
When I selected OK, a lot of text appeared.
｢* Features with limited use
① Flesh series: claws, reinforced hind legs, heated spine armor, fins, webbed feet, bone beast, monster's reinforced wings, insomnia host
④ Special defense series: Stealthy maneuver, refractive shell
⑥ Internal organ series: strengthening endoskeleton, bioelectric discharge tube, Berserker synapse
* Characteristics with reorganized effects
Organic evolution: The 'clever underdog' is replaced by the 'unknown usurper'.
* Unknown Stealth: Transforms you into a small creature specialized in body modification and camouflage. The collapsed state does not exceed a maximum of 2m. In this state, only some characteristics can be used, but unique perks are provided instead. The maximum duration is 7 days and the cooldown is 30 days.
-Skinwalker: Transforms into an intelligent body by consuming genetic information and specific organic substances stored in the body. Exhausted genes cannot be restored.
-Leather House: While in the Skinwalker state, you can prolong the duration by securing new specific organic materials. However, from then on, the status can only be maintained if certain requirements are met.
-Unusable characteristics: Nest, environmental adaptation, multidimensional organism series characteristics, unique characteristics, strong enemy's mark characteristics
Great Infectious Agent: The existing enhancement target categories of Infection and Nest are replaced with 'Mental Contamination'. You can select up to 3 of the infection and nest-type characteristics to apply special effects.
Herald of Havoc: The effect of the talent is now reflected in the user's energy field. Hallucinations now apply more strongly to affected targets. 'Insanity Bomb' can be designated arbitrarily.
Complex Spectral Body: The shape of the spectral body changes into an octahedron that surrounds the entire body, absorbing some of the energy that could not be reflected.
Dragon's Heart: The heart can consume all the energy it generates to create a large-scale psychic storm. "After an explosion, it goes into a dormant state for a certain period of time."
'It's still a lot to see again.'
If we look at them in order, many of the physical characteristics are banned. The special defense and internal agency categories also no longer have the ability to use the feature.
If we look at the characteristics that are subject to restrictions, they are all closely related to activities using the body.
What this means is that hand-to-hand combat capabilities have been greatly reduced.
'It's definitely going to be difficult to fight in close combat with a body like this.'
I looked down at the wing arms, which had significantly shrunk in size. The arm where the huge skin had disappeared could no longer be seen before.
It's not just the wing arms. All arms, including the fighting arms that serve as legs and the small arms on the chest that are used for detailed work, have rapidly degenerated.
With this, it is difficult not only to support your body, but also to scratch your back or the top of your head.
As the size of the arms became smaller, the wide armor became narrower. The body changed from a body reminiscent of a crab or a spider to a long, thin body like a snake.
However, the way it moves is completely different from that of a snake.
Now, instead of lying on my stomach like a snake, I am floating in the air. The long, bifurcated tail hangs downward, with half of it touching the ground.
An invisible, intangible energy is supporting me. Using this, I can float and move my body. Like No. 26, who flies with psychic power.
'Or I have to use the erosion tentacles with my feet…'
As the size of the carapace decreased, the tentacles also protruded outward. The six tentacles, like the tail, are hanging out on the floor.
'It's not easy.'
How can I explain it? It's quite awkward because it feels like you're using your wing bones to walk. It is much easier to control your energy and float.
'I'm glad I got used to this quickly.'
The sensation itself is similar to when linked to the nest. The difference is that this side requires controlling the body and energy field simultaneously.
Still, it wasn't that difficult in reality, thanks to the body's new transformation.
Unlike the torso, which has degenerated to the point where walking is difficult, the auxiliary organs under the head and chin are more developed than before.
If you look at the head in the center, its size has become very enlarged. If you include the head and carapace, I think it would be approximately 6 or 7 meters long.
Currently, my body, including the tail, is approximately 30 meters long. Proportionally, it can be said that the head has grown significantly.
Inside the enlarged head shell are new organs that support the brain.
'It's a bit hard to call it an auxiliary brain, it's difficult to explain.'
There is no exact name, but I call it the 'manipulation organ.'
In fact, the role of this organ is to control the energy field that protects me, and to understand and manipulate the flow of various waves.
The manipulators are also connected to biological pipes carried into the head carapace. The pipes, which rise in a short, blunt shape, continuously emit energy fields under commands from the operating organ.
Six horns, manipulation organs, biological pipes. With so many things going into my head, it is bound to become heavy.
In order to support the weight, the snake-like long neck changed into a short and thick form.
'Instead, the left and right heads didn't change much.'
Unlike the head in the center that went through an upheaval, the heads on both sides were not much different from before.
The only thing that has changed is the position of the neck.
If you look at the back of the head in the enlarged center, there is an empty space. This was originally where the monster's tentacles should have been, but the left and right heads moved there.
The monster's tentacles then moved under the jaw and between the joints, taking up residence with the auxiliary organs. Even now, if you look at it, you can see a bunch of abundant tentacles hanging down like a beard from under the chin.
Both the auxiliary organs and the monster's tentacles have moved in place, but their appearance has not changed. However, thanks to the newly created operating organ, its function has been greatly improved.
From daotranslate dot com
'The psychic breath has also become very powerful.'
I looked up at the large scar left on the ceiling. This is the trace left by the psychic breath fired targeting a group of outspacers.
Even though it was not aimed directly and only slightly grazed, it has tremendous power. I think this would be comparable to the cult's orbital weapon 'Rainshin'.
'It would be perfect if the power could be reduced.'
It is easy to increase energy output, but the opposite is the problem. It is quite difficult to lower the power or manipulate the flow in detail. A month had passed since I obtained the twisted abomination, but it was still difficult to manipulate.
And in this regard, an unexpected side effect arose.
The people who died after seeing me were all affected by the energy field and died. No, to be precise, the cause is the unique characteristic 'Messenger of Chaos' reflected in the energy field.
Due to the effect of Twisted Abomination, Herald of Chaos has been changed to a permanent attribute. In addition, its power became so powerful that the brains of beings with no tolerance to psychic power would instantly melt.
The problem is that this energy field does not distinguish between friends and enemies. Anyone who touches the energy field receives the Herald of Chaos effect.
This is the reason why we could not bring our heavenly mother.
Because she has reached the level of deification, she is resistant to psychic powers. Still, she was unable to completely avoid the effects of the energy field.
It wasn't like I was hallucinating or anything, but instead I had a nightmare during my sleep. She said it reminded her of the moment her husband, Father Daeji, died.
As each day passed, it was clear that she was becoming more exhausted, so I had no choice but to move separately from her.
The good news is that other children, except Heavenly Mother, do not suffer from illusions.
I looked at No. 26 and Aadhai, who were playing around by destroying a building.
From daotranslate dot com
Sea Demon and Red Gallagon are immune to mental attacks based on psychic powers. Sea Demon had the ability to hallucinate himself, and Red Gallagon had an invincible defense characteristic.
Rather, No. 26 liked me wearing an energy field. He says he likes it because it resembles him. It seems plausible because both their appearance and the way they move are similar.
On the other hand, Aadhai did not seem to like my change.
From Gallagon's perspective, it's an understandable reaction because it's hard to see my appearance as handsome right now. Still, he left a comment that it was good because the energy field had the feel of a strong person.
PS-111 and Isabelle were also unaffected by the energy field thanks to special methods. When her PS-111 created her and her brother's bodies, it did something to her brain.
'Isabel wasn't very happy, though.'
When she found out about this later, she got angry and the two of them didn't talk for several days. Of course, we have reconciled and are getting along well now.
"Supply has been completed. Please tell 'her brother' to prepare for departure."
"… Tell her sister that I haven't found anything useful yet so she should wait longer."
｢For reference, it is understood that information can be secured more efficiently when using MPS. ｣
"Oh, is that so? If you're going to do that, you can do it yourself. Why do you make it to us? "What do you think, Aimov?"
"I want to get the most efficient results possible…"
I put the communicator down on the floor without answering.
｢Grrr?｣
｢Grrr｣
It's true that there's still a little bit of sediment left, but it'll get better soon.
Anyway, the most noticeable things after obtaining the Twisted Abomination are two things: the creation of an energy field with unique characteristic effects, weakened physical abilities, and enhanced mental abilities.
To briefly summarize, it can be seen as a high-risk, high-return change.
'There are other impressive changes…'
I'll have to look at that later. There is something I must do first now.
I released the text box and looked around.
The reason we came here is because of two main goals.
One is to recharge PS-111's energy. Perhaps due to the fusion of the brains of the enhanced Prometheus and the Supreme Council member, energy consumption increased dramatically.
Moreover, there are more things to expend energy on these days. This is because I can no longer travel faster than the speed of light.
Since the 'Monster's Reinforced Wings' trait has been banned, he is using Prometheus' function to transport me. It is difficult to cope with this by consuming only small amounts of organic matter and minerals.
In the end, we had to find a separate way to obtain large amounts of energy.
'For example, attacking a space city like now.'
The VA-04 star system where we are is well-known in the game as a resource supply base. I chose this place as my target because it was a place where I could obtain the necessary energy and resources.
'But I didn't know there were outspacers.'
Due to the outspacer appearing out of nowhere, this is the only place left in the star system to obtain energy.
The new goal is to find out why they are here.
'There's no way you would come here for no reason.'
I understand that the group of outspacers is dominated by the 4th ranked returner group. Megacorp is tightly controlled by the ruling faction.
It is necessary to find out whether the 4th place declared war on the ruling faction, or whether they attacked VA-04 for some other reason.
If the former situation is the case, you will frequently encounter outspacers while roaming Megacorp territory.
'Then the chances of meeting the queen will increase.'
For Outspacer, the queen is the core of production and at the same time a field commander. Due to the nature of Outspacer, which commands a huge number of soldiers, a queen, a middle commander, is absolutely necessary.
And if the ruling faction or the returning faction are at war, the number of queens deployed on the battlefield will be very large. If we do well, we will be able to secure one more of her unique characteristics before catching Akira.
In order to understand the movements of the Outspacers, Isabelle and I were walking around the ruined city collecting information.
'Anyway, it will be difficult to get information like this.'
None of the city's survivors survived the effects of the energy field. As time passed, she either went crazy and committed suicide, or her brain melted and she died.
The organ of mimicry is valid because it is not banned, but this makes it meaningless to disguise yourself as a human.
'or not….'
I thought back to the information I had seen and heard so far.
The status of this space base, the characteristics and behavior of the owner, the Edgerton family, the variable called an outspacer, and…
'Newly acquired abilities.'
What if you put all of these together? I can continue the investigation in the best way I can.
After thinking about it, I sent a wave to Isabel and PS-111.
"From long ago, whenever something important happened, you didn't say anything and handled it alone?"
"I can't respond even if you criticize me based on information I don't remember."
"And you say you don't remember if you're at a disadvantage like this every time. "Why on earth are you doing that…"
[Zuz zuzuzu zuzuzu zuzuzu zuzu zuzu zuzu (Wait a minute, both of you. I think I should use 'Unknown Stealer' as well.)]
"Aimov spoke well too. Unknown…what?"
The waves sent by the strengthened tentacles of the monster reached the two in the distance. The two immediately stopped fighting after seeing the wavelength.
"Are you planning on using your transformation abilities?"
[Z(Yes)]
"Every time you use that, it consumes genetic information. "Didn't you only want to use it when it was really important?"
That said, there is no better situation than now to use that ability. I explained to them both what to do next.
"It is analyzed that if you choose that method, you can save up to 40% of energy consumption."
"It's not a bad idea, but wouldn't it be dangerous?"
[Zuzzu zuzuzu zuzuzu zuzuzu zuzu (I've tried similar operations several times. It'll be okay)]
"Ah… I see."
There was no opposition.
'Unknown Stealer', a new transformation form that replaced 'Clever Weak', which was one of the perks of 'Organic Evolution'.
Now is the time to use that card.
–
"Approaching Edgerton Resource Management Hub."
"What is the rescue signal?"
"It's still detectable."
A gorgeous situation room that looks like it was carved out of marble.
The leader of the special rescue team dispatched from the Edgerton family nodded his head while sitting in the captain's seat.
Now, a month after the major air raid, battles are taking place throughout Megacorp's territory. Edgerton is also undergoing a large-scale invasion by Outspacers.
Each ship is in a disappointing situation, but the reason for sending a rescue team is simple. This is to understand the enemy's specifications and size through survivors.
Edgerton is a family that focuses on building spaceships. They are great at studying the enemy's weaknesses and improving their ships. By gathering as much information as possible, the development time for warships for anti-outspacers can be shortened.
"It has been confirmed that the outspacer has withdrawn, but we cannot be reassured. "If VA-04 displays any uncertain biological reaction, report it immediately."
"yep!"
High-tech warships produced during the civil war carefully narrowed the distance to their targets.
And soon, an external camera captured the space city in ruins.
"Tsk. "It's miserable."
The special rescue team leader clicked his tongue when he saw the huge crack in the outer wall surrounding the city. Just by looking at that, it was easy to guess how fiercely the managers of the Resource Management Center fought.
However, the future of the people rescued by this ship has already been decided.
Regardless of the fierce defense, it is clear that they were defeated. They will soon be billed for giving up all the information they know. A claim for damages sent from the city's owners, the Egerton family.
If you think about what happens after you get the bill, you might be better off dead.
"There are no abnormal signals in the star system."
"good. "Send a rescue boat."
Of course, what happens to the rescue target is none of his concern. At the command of the team leader, the rescue boats loaded on the warship moved.
｢Rescue Team 1. Landing completed near the first command tower."
｢Rescue Team 2. Entry into the dome completed. "Approaching the 4th Command Tower."
"The gravity maintenance system is working. Residual oxygen in the area was confirmed to be 25%."
｢Rescue Team 1. Zone map synchronization complete. "Start moving to the bunker."
｢Rescue Team 2. Landing completed near the 4th command tower."
A rescue team consisting of combatants wearing reinforced suits, Hulk mutants equipped with plasma launchers, and combat androids moved to the bunker.
In the warship's situation room, everyone watched the hologram map sent by the rescue team with tense eyes.
｢Rescue Team 1. There are 3 minutes and 11 seconds left to arrive at the bunker. "No other survivors were found."
｢Rescue Team 2. Moving to destination. As expected, no survivors were found… Wait a minute!"
While the operation was proceeding smoothly, a soldier who was moving to the 4th Command Tower bunker suddenly shouted.
"Rescue Team 2! Survivors found! "Survivors found!"
"what?"
The rescue team leader was surprised to hear that survivors were found outside the bunker.
In a space city, the circular dome plays a role in protecting the city and stabilizing the internal environment. If there is a problem with the facility, the survival rate of residents drops sharply.
So no one here expected to find survivors on the streets.
"Wait a moment. Where exactly did you find it?"
"This is the legal team office in the building annexed to the command tower. They claim that they came out after hiding in a shelter."
"Legal office."
Because the Legal Team Office is one of the important facilities, there is a shelter inside. It was clear that they had survived by consuming the oxygen capsules in the shelter.
"How many people are there, and what about the capital?"
"There are a total of 10 survivors. Of these, nine are middle capitals who were conscripted as soldiers, and one is a third capital with experience working in the legal department."
｢Rescue Team 1. "We rescued three people who sent a signal from the bunker."
"Have you verified your identity?"
"There are three of us: the temporary food management team leader, the 1st Fortress Artillery management team leader, and the mineral research team leader. The general manager is presumed to have died while out on reconnaissance."
｢Rescue Team 2. How do I do this?"
In response to his subordinate's question, the rescue team leader said indifferently.
"First, secure all identified survivors. "A detailed examination can be done on the ship."
"All right."
About 30 minutes after the rescue operation began.
A rescue ship carrying a total of 17 survivors returned to the warship.
A word from the author (author review) This is the changed text box content.
｢Race: Unidentified hostile space creature
Status: Eucharist (Transcendence Level 2)
Goal: Survive (successfully evolve 4 times).
Characteristics (15 body series/7 psychic series/7 infection series/12 special defense series/13 nest series/5 internal organ series/3 environmental adaptation series/3 multidimensional organisms/10 space monster series) dog)
① Body-related (type in effect): Claws (restricted), Reinforced Hind Legs (restricted), Heated Spiny Carapace (restricted), Grip Strength, Enhanced Vision, Insulated Skin, Fins (restricted), Flippers (restricted)
-Body-related Fusion Talents: Regeneration, Mimicry, Bone Beast (Limited), Beast's Reinforced Wings (Limited), Insomnia Host (Limited), Reaper's Maw, Hijacking
② Superpower-related (types being applied): Humanity, Dragon's Heart (only), Clairvoyance, Ultra Control
-Superpower-related fusion traits: Predator Sense, Monster Tentacles, Dark Shroud
③ Infection-related (type in effect): Contaminated blood, auditory hallucination bugs, enhanced contagion
-Infection-related fusion traits: Parasitic Colony, Gremlin Moss, Acidic Fungal Glands, Rot Fungal Organs
④ Special defense-related: Pain reduction, resistance, disease resistance, perfect immunity, mental defense, stealth maneuver (limited), gamma ray resistance, illusion of hell, aquatic adaptation (limited)
-Special Defense Fusion Talents: Protective Color, Deflective Carapace (Limited), Fortification
⑤ Nest-related (type in effect): Expansion Enhancement, Smog Tower, Ruler of the Environment, Swamp Creation, Unclean Mixture, Miasma Enhancement, Living Garden, Human Sacrifice, Clown Weed, Water Demon Pustules
-Nest-related fusion traits: Symbiote Spore, Ghost Nest, Demon Tree
⑥ Related to internal organs (type in application): Strengthening the endoskeleton (limited), strengthening the toxic secretion glands, superior homeostasis, bioelectric emission tube (limited)
-Fusing traits related to internal organs: Berserker Synapse (limited), Ultra Jelly
⑦ Environmental adaptation-related (types being applied): Inorganic digestion, Medusa organ (only), warp organism
⑧ Multidimensional organism: bio-plasma synthesis, colony consciousness terminal
-Multidimensional organism-related fusion characteristics: Deep space plague
⑨ Space Monster (Unique): Complete Organic, Nightmare Horizon, Organic Evolution, Great Infector, Herald of Chaos, Complex Spectral Body, Variable Bioweapon, Black Devourer Cannon, Eldritch Mimic, Twisted Abomination
Mark of a Strong Enemy: Marauder's Unshaped Polyhedron (Dice of the Void), Colors of the Abyss, Shape Ruler, Starlight Coordinates, Hydra Split
Holding type (6)
-Physical enhancement type, superpower enhancement type, infection enhancement type, nest enhancement type, internal organ enhancement type, environmental adaptation enhancement type.
Characterization possible type (2)
-Special defense enhancement type (12/16), multidimensional creature enhancement type (3/4)
Space Monster (Unique) Type Level: Level 2 (Number of attributes required to achieve Level 3: 9/12) (Reward: Essence Rearrangement, Double Helix Monolith)
*Incomplete characteristics (7)
Gills, giant creature, natural healing, saw blade tentacles, mimicry, catfish house
**Token of Incomplete Strong Enemy (0)
-What to obtain: None
Available systems: Unique attribute synthesis, attribute enhancement"
Evolution conditions
｢'Holy Eucharist'->'Ascension'
Essence of Flesh: Choose 1 of Megacorp CEO/Wolf incarnation (not achieved)
Essence of Spirit: Vortex One (0.5) (not achieved)
Essence of Wildness: Choose 1 of Aimorph Adult/Outspacer High King (not achieved)
Test of Ascension (not achieved)
Unique attribute 12/15 (not achieved)
Type 6/9 (not achieved) ｣Watch next episode"