Chapter 98: 098
Ep. 98
'The horizon of nightmares.'
I double-checked the text box.
It is a typical high-risk, high-return personality trait, but what I have more doubts about is something else.
'The ability to control a spaceship.'
I know of similar characteristics.
This is 'Ship Control', one of Outspacer's unlocked privilege functions.
Just as Amorph grows and becomes stronger step by step, Outspacer also unlocks various functions as the colony grows.
One of them is ship control, which involves stealing ships from other races and turning them into mobile colonies.
From the moment this function is acquired, the Queen of Outspacer can move to other planets.
'Taking over a ship is possible for other races, but…'
Outspacers are the only race that has the ability to control a ship by turning it into a new creature.
Just as killing, eating, and evolving other living things are unique characteristics of Aimorphs.
'You can never obtain characteristics similar to the unique characteristics of your race.'
However, the transcendental system broke that principle.
The first complete organism I got.
When I first transformed into the symbol of hunting through this trait, I thought it was similar to Wolff.
Wolf, a beastman race, has a unique skill that transforms into a beast form optimized for battle when certain conditions are met.
Thanks to this characteristic, even though I was still in my sub-adult form, I was not pushed back much even when engaged in close combat with other powerful enemies.
'The horizon of Wolff's transformation nightmare, which is a complete organism, is similar to Outspacer's takeover of the ship.'
There are only two unique characteristics obtained through the transcendence system.
It's too early to say for sure, but I kind of felt that way.
'Is the transcendent system trying to transcend Aimorph's limitations?'
If so, what is the end of transcendence? For what purpose is transcendence done?
Currently, I am stuck at stage 1 of transcendence.
Although I have acquired two unique characteristics using the transcendence system, I have not yet entered the second stage of transcendence.
I posted a message I received a while back when I got a complete organism.
｢'Transcendence (Stage 2)': Combine 5 fusion characteristics to unlock new type-related characteristics. Any properties used as materials must be properties related to other types. Information on new types is unlocked.
List of available traits: Regenerative Power (fusion) Predator Senses (fusion) Parasitic Colony (fusion) ?(fusion) ?(fusion)
Additional Reward: The prohibition incurred in Transcendence Level 1 is lifted.
*PS: The material properties used for breakthrough can be replaced with other properties. Please refer to it. ｣
When you enter the second stage of transcendence, you may receive a clue as to why the transcendental system exists.
'If you think about it, there is some overlap between the evolution conditions and the transcendental system.'
To evolve into a subadult, you need to acquire 4 types in addition to eating an sapient, and to enter the second stage of transcendence, you need fusion characteristics related to 5 types.
In order to prioritize evolution, you need to collect the characteristics, making it difficult to enter the second stage of transcendence. Conversely, if you enter the second stage of transcendence first, you will consume the number of characteristics, which will hinder your ability to reach evolution.
In other words, if one of the two takes precedence, the other is delayed.
'Before, I thought it just meant expanding your options.'
There may be more to it than I think.
'There's no point in worrying about it now.'
I have no intention of holding on to a problem that has no answer for a long time.
I decided to shake my head and experiment with the new unique trait Nightmare Horizon.
'Erosion tentacles. 'How do you control a spaceship?'
Nightmare Horizon appeared to be a physical trait when looking at only the physical changes, but it was not.
｢⑤ Nest-related: Nightmare Horizon (only)｣
Surprisingly, it belonged to the nest reinforcement series. Thanks to this, I had unlocked a total of five type conditions.
'So does that mean we can turn the spaceship into a mobile nest?'
It would be quicker to see it in person than to worry about it needlessly.
I stretched out my fighting arms to pluck out the erosion tentacles.
I concentrated, but what stuck out was the original vampire tentacle.
'Isn't this it?'
I tried all four combat arms, but the only thing that came out was a vampire tentacle.
I experimented to see if it would come out of the small arms of my chest, but there was nothing I could see other than cute fingers.
I checked the arms, legs, tail, and even the inside of the mouth, but everything was not there.
'A place where tentacles can come out…'
The place where my concerns reached was the stomach armor that had changed the most.
Eight holes blocked by a swirling cortex. This may be the hole where the tentacle comes out.
I tried straining my lower back and lower back as if I were doing sit-ups.
Then the skin peeled off and six tentacles popped out from inside.
'done.'
The tentacles soaked in sticky mucus were black, like petroleum, unlike the red vampire tentacles.
The shape was also different from the vampire tentacle.
While the blood-sucking tentacles resembled octopus legs with serrated claws instead of suckers, the eroding tentacles had a smooth surface like the body of a snake.
Also, unlike vampire tentacles that were almost bare skin, they were covered with small but hard scales, making them seem much more durable.
Instead, it had a mouth with sharp teeth at the end and six appendages that resembled starfish legs.
It was much thicker than the vampire tentacle and was almost as thick as the tail.
'This is a really unfamiliar feeling.'
The sensation of moving the six tentacles on its back was truly mysterious.
Would you say that the thrill you feel when looking down from an observation deck with a glass floor is a feeling that continues.
The difference is that it feels as natural as just moving your arms rather than feeling unpleasant or creepy.
I clenched my fist and tried to move the appendage at the end of the tentacle, feeling it bleed.
I felt a strong force coming from my appendages, and it seemed like my grip strength was stronger than that of my fighting arms.
'Let me see.'
When I picked up one of the seats with the appendage of the erosion tentacle, the hard alloy chair was crushed like an aluminum can.
'At this level, it can be used as a weapon rather than for piloting a spaceship.'
New arms and weapons are always welcome.
Additionally, they can consume food through the mouth at the end of their tentacles. In effect, there are seven mouths.
'This part must have synergy with the symbol of hunting.'
Coincidentally, the hunting representation time also increased to 20 minutes due to the Nightmare Horizon effect. Since the intake speed has also increased, much more genetic essence can be consumed than before.
'But why are there only 6?'
Since there are 8 holes, shouldn't 8 tentacles come out?
All protruding tentacles emerged only from holes in the middle and bottom of the carapace.
No tentacles came out of the hole near the shoulder, and it was still covered in a swirl-shaped film.
'ah. Somehow I understand.'
When you use the symbol of hunting, two arms with bone blades will appear, so this hole should be where the arms come out.
We'll stop here to look at the newly acquired body organs.
Next, we will look at the characteristic effects.
'How can I use it?'
As I was waving the tentacle around, I tried to get its mouth close to the inner wall.
Then a new text box appeared in front of me.
｢Check that it is a suitable size for erosion. Erosion is expected to take 1 hour to complete. The controllable time after erosion is currently 30 days. ｣
｢* The erosion completion time is proportional to the size of the erosion target. ｣ ｢
* The controllable time is proportional to the energy the user has stored up. When the control time runs out, the control target is automatically discarded."
"Do you want to start erosion?"
Indeed.
Looking at the message that came out, it seems that not just any spacecraft can erode, but that it is determined by size.
'This part will probably vary depending on type acquisition or evolution stage.'
It is not yet known whether the escape line is at the maximum size that its erosion tentacles can dominate. I think we can find out about this only when we secure another ship.
'It takes quite some time to erode.'
It seems difficult to use the tactic of secretly infiltrating an enemy battleship and taking control of it. Of course, this part can also be reduced by obtaining a type or using other methods.
'But the good news is that the control time is quite long.'
It is said to be proportional to the energy the user has, so if I consume a lot of nutrients, the control time will increase.
'This is enough. Now, all you have to do is go to Space Dog's area using faster-than-light navigation.'
Having almost figured out the effects of my newly acquired talent, I attempted to collect the erosion tentacles.
At that time, number 26, who was eating leftover food in the dining car, saw me.
[Zuzu (Hello)]
"Huh?"
Nightmare Horizon only limited the hunting symbol and did not prohibit the characteristics possessed, so what I was worried about did not happen.
Even though I said hello, number 26 didn't respond. The guy's body blinked, perhaps surprised by the change in appearance.
Adhai, who was coming out from behind, saw me and flapped his wings as if he was surprised.
｢Adult｣｢Growth｣｢The End?｣
[Z(Yes)]
｢Me｣｢Impressed｣｢Adult｣｢Awesome｣｢Awesome!｣
Aadhai ran and circled around me. Perhaps amazed by my transformation, it spun around and tapped my erosion tentacle with its front paw.
｢Adult｣｢Mouth｣｢Plenty｣
[Zuzuz (increased)]
｢Excellent｣
Adhai bobbed his head as if impressed.
Number 26 also approached me and stretched out its tentacles to caress my erosion tentacles.
"Big baby, you're really cool."
[Zuzu (thank you)]
The body of the guy who was touching me glowed strongly red. As a Sea Demon, he must have particularly liked the fact that my body had multiple tentacles.
'I'm glad you like it.'
Since they looked at me favorably, I didn't feel too bad.
'If it had looked like this in the game, it would have been labeled as an abomination.'
If they were players, they would be shocked to see me, but since they are animals, their emotions were special.
Anyway, since they seemed to have fully confirmed the new appearance, I retrieved the erosion tentacles into their shells.
"Ah."
No. 26's body sank as if he was quite satisfied with the erosion tentacle. I patted his head once and headed to the cockpit.
Thanks to the larger body, the originally spacious cockpit felt quite cramped.
In particular, the body structure changed to a semi-hunched position, making it quite difficult to control the spacecraft with small arms.
'After the erosion is complete, we need to check whether faster-than-light navigation is possible.'
I controlled the terminal and activated faster-than-light navigation.
The small nuclear reactor, the heart of the escape ship, moved furiously, delivering enormous energy to the speed-of-light engine located at the rear of the ship.
Soon the plane we were on went beyond the realm of light and leaped somewhere beyond the universe.
A baptism of light fell on the darkness beyond the tempered glass installed in the front part of the cockpit.
Five-colored particles printed on black drawing paper changed positions and danced as they became entangled.
At the end of the ball of stars that exist beyond human time, we were in Space Dog's territory.
'arrived.'
After leaving the cockpit, I explained the plan to the kids.
They plan to erode the boat and then go out in search of a new boat and food.
"huh. Then, in the meantime, I will sleep."
"Agree."
After making them understand, I went to the cargo hold to replenish my energy.
I started forgetting the calorie bars instead of the stored ingredients.
'Because it requires a lot of energy in quantitative terms.'
Honestly, I don't want to eat it because it doesn't taste good, but I can't help it.
After forcing myself to eat about half of the calorie bars in the cargo hold, I activated my erosion tentacles.
Compared to before, the control time has increased to 50 days.
'This is enough.'
After leaving the cargo hold, I headed to the engine room.
In the middle of the engine room, a spherical engine shining silver was seen.
That is the light speed engine that allows the ship to travel at faster than light speeds.
In front of him, I activated the erosion tentacle.
'Erosion begins.'
My six tentacles stretched out and clung to the engine room wall.
Then, black slime spurted out from the mouth of the tentacle and began to seep into the inner wall of the alloy.
The mucus was similar to the fluid my body sheds when I build the nest.
The difference is that it spreads much faster.
The slime spit out by the erosion tentacles quickly covered the engine room. The engine, which was shining as if it did not want to die, could not hold out for long and was submerged in the black waves.
The moment the slime engulfed the engine, I felt a completely different sensation than before.
A process in which a symbol of cutting-edge science and one of the essences of Megacorp's space technology is reborn into a new being under the will of the eroding tentacles.
The process feels vivid as if it were working within my body.
｢Thump｣｢Thump｣
The black engine pulsates.
It looked like the heart of a living creature.
–
Sector I-97.
A surplus space in space where there are no planets rich in resources, nor does it occupy a strategically important location.
It was a place that escaped the attention of prominent forces in the universe such as Megacorp and the cult Star Union.
They say that if there is no tiger, the fox reigns as king, and the I-97 sector was dominated by the space hyena, Space Dog.
The Loosrock Cartel was one of the pirate factions that used the I-97 sector as a hideout.
Their main source of income was smuggling rare animals and plundering other ships.
So the cartel members were all excellent hunters and professional smugglers.
Milo Rusrak, the infamous leader of the Rusrak Cartel and the great Wolf warrior, was in a good mood.
"Things went very well this time."
Thanks to concluding big deals with Megacorp's high-ranking capital, Milo earned quite a bit of credit.
The amount was large enough to buy all the prostitutes in the hideout and have fun with them all year long.
Rusrak grinned, remembering the cool tongue play of a female Coldblood with the warm, fluffy fur scales of a Wolf Whore.
As he was lying on the bed in the captain's cabin and quietly taking off his pants, the communicator next to the bed suddenly rang.
It was a communication from Vice Captain Stax.
"Captain Milo."
"I'm busy."
｢A signal is picked up on the road to the I-97 sector.｣
"Well, let's see who they are on the other side. Never mind."
Milo thought it was no big deal and tried to ignore it, but the vice-captain didn't let him have his fun.
"Captain."
"You really are a fucking bitch. why?"
"Biological signals are detected, and the signal shape seems to be similar to that of Sky Whale."
"What?"
After hearing those words, Milo came to his senses and jumped out of bed.
"Skywale is here?"
"I'm not sure."
"We have to catch this shit first!"
Skywhale is a very popular but extremely rare animal.
Even he, a smuggling expert, had seen Sky Whale a handful of times in his life.
"Set the course in the direction where the signal comes from. "I'll be there soon."
"Yes."
He quickly rolled up his pants and left the captain's cabin.
'Kkekekekekekekekekekekekekekekekeuk it seems the wolf god is helping me. You even gave me Sky Whale.'
If you capture Skywale alive, he will become so rich that you won't even have to worry about the credits he earned from this transaction.
Arriving at the situation room, he checked the signal shown by the vice captain.
"How is it?"
"Hmm…"
Milo sighed as he looked at the signal.
'It's similar to Skywhale, though.'
Although I have only seen him a few times, he never forgets the signal and remembers it.
The signal detected by the monitor was slightly different from the signal emitted by a typical Sky Whale.
'Well, I haven't seen much either.'
Not all SkyWhales emit the same signal. This is because each individual has a different personality, and those differences are reflected in the signal.
"Well, since it's on the way, you can check it yourself."
He thought nothing of it and ordered to head to where the signal was.
'What if it's Sky Whale? What should I do?'
A black universe spread out in front of the situation room.
The twinkling stars seemed to be whispering good luck to Milo and his crew.
.
.
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