Ep. 58
'Why is it so unusual…'
No other characteristic I know is accompanied by such a long and complex change.
'In times like this, we need to check things step by step.'
I carefully checked the changes in the text box as if I was checking a contract.
'It is as I expected that the transcendental system and evolution are related.'
In parentheses next to the subadult, it was written Transcendence Level 1. Details will be known after it evolves into a semi-adult, but it is assumed that the conditions for subsequent evolution are related to transcendence.
'The problem is…'
Two important characteristics were sealed.
I thought it would be difficult to use my wings in the future because of the heaviness I felt in my whole body right after the change, but it was like that. It was very disappointing that this trait, which was the first one I acquired and was very active in important battles, was sealed.
'Plus, it's painful that I can't use my mimicry organ.'
I activated my mimicry organ, but there was no response from the microscopic pores in my body. When I looked closely at the holes, I saw that most of them were blocked by the thick skin. Some holes remained, but the shape was slightly different than before.
'Now that I think about it, there is an expression that it feels intimidating when a complete organism is applied.'
The part that gives a feeling of intimidation among the effects of a complete organism. It may be that the intimidating pheromone acts as an overlay for the pheromone produced by the mimicry organ.
There are many different types of characteristics and equipment skills in Space Survival, but some of them can prohibit other abilities. As a game that emphasizes reality, it is not banned out of thin air, but rather, the ban works with realistically understandable logic.
For example, AP bullets contain a substance that blocks the flow of psychic power, preventing the opponent from using psychic power in a certain area for a certain period of time.
It should be seen in a similar context that while I acquired complete organic characteristics, some of the characteristics I already possessed were sealed away. The reason the wings became unusable was because the weight increased significantly, and the reason the mimicry organs became unusable was because the organs were changed to produce new pheromones.
'Then wouldn't it be okay to imitate voices?'
Just in case, I tried making a sound with my mouth.
"Ah, ah, yes, 'Grrrr', but… 'Grrrr',"
the voice came out, but it was not as perfect as before. It sounded strange, like a voice coming from a broken recorder, and there was also Aimov's characteristic growling and crying mixed in.
As if this kind of shortcut could not be tolerated, the complete organism was completely applied even to the inside of the body.
'It would be impossible to deceive others with a voice like this.'
It may be used for the purpose of instilling fear in the enemy, but it does not seem to be used for deception.
'Usually, when a restriction like this occurs, a separate method to solve the restriction is also presented.'
Then I saw a new message notification. I accepted to view the message.
「Information on the two 'Transcendence' systems has been unlocked.
Unlocks 'Unique Trait Synthesis'. 'Unique' characteristics can be fused at any time.
Information on 'Transcendence (Stage 2) Breakthrough' unlocked. Would you like to view the information?
'Breakthrough to transcendence.'
I confirmed transcendence (level 2) breakthrough.
「'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 take note.
'Hmm.'
There was a way to unlock it, but it wasn't easy. Creating fusion characteristics was not difficult, but the problem was that each fusion characteristic was related to a different type.
'Currently, the number of types I have unlocked is 3.'
There, you must additionally obtain two fusion characteristics related to the type you have not yet acquired. At this point, the level of difficulty is almost comparable to the evolution conditions.
The good news is that you can use any type-related fusion characteristic as a material. If only 'specific' characteristics were required like in stage 1, it would take a year to get to stage 2.
'It's not easy.'
It's a shame that a trait I often used has been sealed, but it's already happened so there's nothing I can do about it. When the environment changes, the strategy must change accordingly.
'It is now difficult to hide and attack people one by one.'
However, my strength is still insufficient to confront this city head-on. The number of characteristics is insufficient and there is only one type.
'The key is how strong this newly acquired trait will be.'
I walked up to the wall to try it out.
'Before, I weakened it with acid blood and then drilled a hole in it.'
Since it is a metal that forms the foundation of a city, it was natural for it to be strong. How strong would a body that has been strengthened to the point of evolution through a complete organic effect become?
I put a little pressure on my fighting arm and swung it towards the wall. A chilling sound cut through the air, followed by a roar that shook the entire passage.
'indeed.'
Four scars were left on the wall, which was dirty and dusty, but had no special scratches.
All depths are the same, 20cm or more. It exactly matched my larger nails.
Even though I cracked the solid metal wall, my fingernail was still intact.
'Next is my durability.'
I pierced the reinforced shell with my fingernails. I poked it gently and my fingernail didn't go in at all. I had to use a lot of force to scrape it, to the point where scratches appeared.
'Strength, speed, strength of the shell, and sharpness of the fingernails. 'Everyone has become much stronger.'
And with this level of defense, it can withstand some of the firepower of plasma weapons. In other words, armed police and androids without plasma weapons cannot kill me.
'Unless the defense fleet fires bombardment over my head, the chances of me dying are low.'
That's certainly good news, but the problem is a cult with psychic power capabilities.
My body has very high physical defense, but its resistance to psychic power is very low. Although it has psychic resistance characteristics, it does not receive type enhancement effects, so it is outside the scope of application to a complete organism.
'If you use the symbol of hunting, you will gain resistance to all attacks. If you use this, you can block psychic power to some extent… Wait?'
I read the symbolism of hunting section again.
'The symbol of hunting. 'Although it is limited to 10 minutes once a day, the probability of predation increases.'
Although the constraints are quite tight, the effects you get in return are usually not good.
'If you wear the symbol of hunting and kill cultists, you can easily obtain supernatural abilities.'
The number of characteristics remaining, including the superpower enhancement type, is 1. Once you obtain the type, it becomes subject to complete organism application, so your defense against superpowers also increases significantly.
Also, if you can quickly acquire a number of characteristics, it won't take long to break the prohibition caused by transcendence.
The important factor in breaking through the second stage of transcendence is the quantity rather than the quality of characteristics. You can quickly secure and fuse multiple characteristics and then use them as ingredients for breakthrough.
'No matter what, the key to the attack is the commercial district.'
There is not much time left until the board meeting is held.
When the board meeting is held, various alien races come for sightseeing. Since they come here for tourism, they have no choice but to flock to the center of consumption and entertainment.
'You have to aim for a time when it's crowded with new visitors.'
This is a situation where new genetic essences are concentrated in one place. If you target them at the right time, you can easily secure the genetic essence.
Also, if there are a lot of visitors, all kinds of criminals will come along. The surveillance network will be tightened accordingly, but let's think about it the other way around. Since the enemy has many targets to monitor, they cannot focus all their manpower on just me.
If I go around killing people, I'll have to be chased, but it's not easy to put all my effort into me. One day, I will recognize it as a serious threat to my existence, but then it will be after I have gathered enough characteristics to be able to break through to transcendence.
'I need to finish the nest work that I put off until the board meeting.'
Places in the entertainment and commercial districts. Let's build a new nest there.
While I was making plans about what to do next, No. 26 woke up and shot a wave.
「What did you just say?」
[Zuzu zuzuzu (nothing)]
「Huh?」
When I told him I was okay, he tried to fall asleep again, but when he saw me, he jumped up.
He seemed to think it was strange that the way I looked before he went to bed was different from the way I looked now. Light flickered on the guy's body.
"I have become small again."
My current size is more than 3 meters when I stand on my two legs. It can be seen that it has grown by about 1.5 to 2 times compared to before, when it was much less than 2m. Although its tail is slightly shorter than its height, it is still well over 4 meters.
Since I grew so much while I was sleeping, it wouldn't be unreasonable for him to be mistaken.
[Zuz, zuzuzu, zuzuzu (No, I've grown bigger)]
「Already? "I didn't eat much?"
asked No. 26, who had grown and become smarter. I answered him briefly.
[Zuzuzuzuzuzu (because it's still a baby)]
「Big babies grow up quickly. "It's amazing."
No. 26 asked no more whether he understood. While we were talking, Adhai also woke up.
When he saw me, he jumped up from his seat as if he was startled.
「Surprise」「Surprise!」
[Zuzuz (What's wrong?)]
「Adult」「Awesome!」
[Zuzuz (Thank you)]
Aadhai seems to really like the way I have changed. He looked at me like a puppy wanting to play, then turned around and looked at me again. At the same time, the wings on its back fluttered in the sky, making strange movements.
「Adult」「Al」「Unnecessary?」
'Huh?'
「I」「Adult」「Al」「Need」「Al」「Al」「Al」
Apparently, Aadhai seemed to like me very much.
As I remained silent, No. 26 next to me pulled out a tentacle and slapped Aadhai on the head.
「Pain!」
「Big babies cannot lay eggs.」
「I」「Growth」「Eggs」「Possibility」
「Small babies can't give birth either.」
「Pain!」
With those words, No. 26 said another adhai. I hit it. The guy must have finally come to his senses after getting hit twice and stopped circling around and became calm.
'…Nothing is known about Gallagon mating.'
The movements Aadhai showed just now seem to be gestures related to courtship. If Gallagon's fans were here, they wouldn't have fainted.
To be honest, I am also quite interested in Gallagon breeding. To evolve, you must kill a lot of Gallagons. Knowing how they reproduce and grow would be of great help in evolution.
'Well, that's something to think about later.'
Catching Gallagon was a story that came a long time later. Building a nest is the priority right now.
[Zuzuzuz (I'll go out and come back)]
「Are you making a nest?」
[Zu(Yes)]
「I'll go with you, too.」
[Zuzuzuz(I'm sure you're bored?)]
「It's okay.」
It looks like Aadhai wants to go with you, not just No. 26. .
'There's no need to leave anything behind, right?'
I took them to work on building a nest.
I had just completed my new nest in two entertainment districts when I felt a familiar wave.
The parasite planted in William sent waves from far away.
'what?'
There are still a few hours left until I change the parasite. There's no way he's already dead.
As I expected, the wave transmitted by the parasite was not about William's death.
'Suicide attempt?'
To be precise, he was not dead 'yet'. According to the parasite's wavelength, he was currently in a coma and moving at high speed towards some place in the commercial district.
'hospital? no way?'
Only then did I know what William was aiming for.
He is trying to reveal the presence of parasites through a thorough examination at the hospital.
Many of the police officers on the detective team know that Sander had parasites in his body. I instructed William to prevent the police from linking the parasites to Sander's death.
Thanks to this, the police stopped paying attention to the parasites and only kept them in storage.
But what would happen if the same parasite was found in William's body at this point?
'I will never stay still.'
Parasites have an organ that generates waves to send to me. If they know about that organization, they might try to track me down by mobilizing the district's cult.
'Because among the cult's psychic powers is tracking technology.'
William didn't attempt suicide after finding out about this, but it was clear that he did it to resist me in some way.
'I need to go to the hospital.'
I think the new plan to target the commercial district needs to be moved forward a bit.