When I opened my eyes, I saw a metal floor tinged with pale light. The faint smell of chemicals and explosives lingered in the air.
I knew where this was. The ship's bomb storage.
I tried to move my head, and felt a familiar softness against my neck. No. 26, shrunk to human size, was clinging to me.
Normally, she would have greeted me immediately upon waking, but she was quiet. I lifted my head slightly to look down at her.
Her round body slowly repeated cycles of contraction and relaxation. She showed no reaction to my movement-she must be deeply asleep.
'She really did use a lot of power.'
She had expended tremendous force to protect the cultists. Power so strong that Adhigh Orr, who was outside the planet, could sense it.
On top of that, she had caught me as I fell unconscious and carried me here. I knew how difficult it was to manipulate Psychic Power with such precision. No wonder she was exhausted.
'I have many questions, but I'll ask later.'
I gently stroked No. 26 with the tip of my snout. Even in her sleep, she seemed pleased, her round body spreading out comfortably.
'Hm?'
For a moment, I saw something inside her body. Within her pink form, there was a fist-sized black mass. When I stopped stroking to get a better look, the black object vanished instantly.
'Did I see that wrong?'
I examined her several more times, but saw nothing except smooth pink skin. No. 26 was sleeping peacefully without any problems.
I relaxed my neck and lay back down beside her.
'Come to think of it, how long was I unconscious?'
I'd been feeling faint pain throughout my body since waking. Judging by the lingering aftereffects of the feedback, I hadn't been out for long.
Fortunately, there was a way to check the exact time. I brought up the text box.
「Secreting restraint digestive core. Time remaining until natural digestion complete: 5 minutes.」
'Perfect timing.'
It was the [Gluttonous Bag] that had swallowed the Vortex One [Masquerade]. It had said digestion would take 2 hours after predation, and now only 5 minutes remained.
'I wonder what trait will emerge.'
I'd used [Symbol of the Hunt] before eating it. Unless my luck was terrible, the chances of gaining a trait were high.
Like most Apex creatures, Masquerade possessed numerous powerful traits. Multi-attribute composite attacks, extensive environmental manipulation techniques, and so on.
Moreover, many of Masquerade's traits were unique-grade. With good luck, I might even fulfill evolution conditions.
'The only dud would be [Demon Machine], I suppose.'
[Demon Machine], the common trait obtainable from all Vortex Ones. You needed Demon Machine to use Vortex One abilities.
Though it was an important trait, Demon Machine alone had no effect. Until acquiring another Vortex One trait, it was essentially useless.
Of course, assuming I'd gain a new Vortex One trait, it wasn't a bad investment. The problem was that I already had the Space Morph trait [Twisted Abomination], which used Demon Machine as material.
Some traits inherited the effects of their materials. Twisted Abomination might have inherited Demon Machine's function.
'I'll be able to confirm that this time.'
While I was thinking about what might emerge, the 5 minutes passed. The moment the bag finished all digestion and returned to normal, a new text box appeared.
「Predation effect activated! Successfully acquired {Crimson Plague Garden} Gene Essence.」
「Plundered 'Crimson Plague Garden' from 'Masquerade's' biological traits.」
「Would you like to apply 'Crimson Plague Garden'?」
'Oh?'
The text box displayed a trait I knew well. I'd obtained it exactly once in the game.
'I didn't expect this to come up.'
As the name 'Plague' suggested, it belonged to the infection type. Grade: Unique. This was the third unique trait I'd acquired through predation in this world.
And it was among the most powerful of unique-grade traits.
'Beyond powerful, it was very dangerous.'
Infection traits typically had a supportive nature. But Crimson Plague Garden was different. Despite its seemingly peaceful-sounding name, it was extremely aggressive and difficult to control even for the user itself.
'Not that I'm thinking of giving it up.'
I applied the trait. My body, having gained new Gene Essence, initiated mutation.
The inside of my right tail tingled. A new organ had taken root. The pincer at the tail's end also grew larger and heavier. When closed, it looked like I was carrying a hammer or mace.
Short, thick bio-pipes grew inside the pincer. These were organs that would activate when using the trait.
It was itchy.
With that, the mutation ended. I kept the transformed pincer docilely closed.
This wasn't a good place to experiment with the trait as usual. Using it here would cause a catastrophe.
This trait was the result of transforming Masquerade's [Performance] into AMorph style. When activated, it released unknown bacteria called {Crimson Plague Bacteria} that devoured the surrounding environment.
The plague bacteria contaminated and consumed everything. It didn't distinguish between enemy or ally, living or not. Even things like nests or human-faced beasts were included as prey.
The only existence safe atop the Crimson Plague Garden was the one who spread the plague bacteria-the AMorph itself.
Energy gained as the plague bacteria fed was transmitted to the AMorph. While in contact with the garden, I could rapidly heal wounds or spam energy-intensive techniques.
Even if the AMorph left the garden, the plague bacteria continued accumulating energy without discarding it.
'And when it reaches its limit, it self-destructs.'
The power was similar to Star Union's gamma-grade antimatter bombs, but it also scattered lethal contaminants beyond the blast radius. Areas hit by the fallout became barren wastelands where life couldn't survive. Restoring them required considerable cost and time.
Thus, {Crimson Plague Garden} was an extremely exclusive trait. I couldn't use it unless I was alone and separated from others.
In the game it might be fine, but in this world where I operated with the others, it was a significant drawback.
Yet I had reasons for taking the trait anyway. I thought I could eliminate its restrictions.
Two methods came to mind immediately. One was using the Space Morph type trait [Great Infector].
「Great Infector: You are one yet many. You can select up to 3 traits from infection and nest enhancement types to grant special effects.
* Mental Contamination enhancement: Gremlin Moss, Unset, Unset. (omitted)」
'If I designate it with Great Infector, the trait effect changes, so the weakness might disappear.'
In the case of {Gremlin Moss} I'd set earlier, it was originally just a trait that broke machines on contact. It had become a trait that autonomously sought out important machinery and could collapse giant facilities.
'Crimson Plague Garden could be strengthened just as much.'
It could change to not attack allies, or become something I could directly control.
'Or...'
The second method was utilizing an ability I'd acquired relatively recently.
With [Faceless Apostle], the Space Morph type had advanced to the next stage. As with stages 1 and 2, new rewards appeared this time too.
「Stage 3 Reward—
Trinity Crucible: Combines 1 Formidable Enemy's Mark trait and 1 Unique trait to convert into a Space Morph trait.
* P.S.: You have taken the first step toward breaking the system.」
Space Morph type Stage 3 reward [Trinity Crucible].
A system that used unique traits and Formidable Enemy's Mark traits-which couldn't be synthesized or modified-as materials.
The {Boundary Dweller} I'd used on Jax-01 was also a product created by [Trinity Crucible]. I'd made it by combining the environmental adaptation unique trait {Medusa Organ} with the Formidable Enemy's Mark trait [Form Dominator].
'Both traits had become much less useful than before.'
I'd used them as materials partly to experiment with Trinity Crucible.
The resulting {Boundary Dweller} was similar to yet different from its materials. I turned my gaze to the beings visible beyond the text box.
Translucent creatures resembling eels and moray eels floated peacefully in the air. These were 'Boundary Beasts' generated by Boundary Dweller's effect.
Their appearance closely resembled the Gorgon Swarm, the former owner of Medusa Organ.
'The fact that their behavior changes according to other creatures' perception must be Form Dominator's influence.'
Thus, traits created by Trinity Crucible partially reflected the unique characteristics of their materials. If I used a [Formidable Enemy's Mark] trait with synergy with {Crimson Plague Garden}, I could offset its weaknesses.
'However, the remaining Formidable Enemy's Marks all have their uses.'
{Terramorph}, which turned completed nests into living celestial bodies, and {Hydra Division}, an ability that created clones based on my heads. I frequently used the former when moving as a group, the latter when fighting formidable enemies.
{Starlight Coordinates} and [Plunderer's Amorphous Polyhedron], which had performed brilliantly this time, I mainly used as trump cards.
'At least I haven't been using {Abyssal Hue} much lately...'
{Abyssal Hue} was a trait that granted 'color' to Psychic Power techniques, enhancing their power. If combined with the already sufficiently destructive {Crimson Plague Garden}, it would produce a trait extremely biased toward offense. It didn't seem like it would help eliminate weaknesses.
'In terms of compatibility, Terramorph is the best option.'
While I was pondering over the text box, the auxiliary organs under my jaw detected movement. The others must have noticed I'd awakened.
The storage door opened, and a four-legged beast resembling a lion mask and Adhigh Orr entered.
「Great Adult」 「Sleepyhead」 「I thought you'd be getting up soon.」
Following Adhigh Orr's teasing, the four-legged beast transmitted a familiar thought-wave. It was Sky Mother, transformed into the support-type phantom beast Barong.
'It's been a while since I've seen Barong.'
Though smaller than a griffin, the platinum fur covering its entire body made it appear larger. The long, fine fur hung down so much it dragged on the floor.
The only part not covered in fur was the head. The lion head, depicted in ritualistic form, was red like blazing flames.
From the large muzzle occupying half the head, fangs crafted from jewels protruded. The amber-colored eyes and star-like shining fangs illuminated the storage's darkness.
'She transformed to protect the cultists.'
Barong was completely immune to all attacks affecting the mind. In phantom beast form, she could share this ability with allies within a certain range.
Currently, there were other cultists on this ship besides me. To protect them from my energy field that induced madness, Barong's protection was necessary.
「We escaped from Jax-01 while you were unconscious. Everyone's safe, including you..」
[Zzzzz Zzzzzz (Good work. What about the Grand Leader?)]
「PS-111 adjusted her body so she can't move. Additionally, Angel Spiders have laid a surveillance network and are monitoring..」
[Zzz (I see)]
「None of the cultists were seriously injured, but everyone was quite exhausted. I had most of them rest, leaving only a few..」
「Herd」 「Resting」 「I」 「Alone」 「Enemy」 「Watched」
[Z (Really?)]
Adhigh Orr raised her neck high, looking proud.
「As you know, we're still in Star Union territory. Pursuit teams might follow, so Adhigh Orr and the White Gallagon are taking turns on patrol.」
With PS-111 at the controls, the chances of being caught by enemies were extremely low.
'Still, being careful can't hurt.'
[Zz Zz (I'll help too)] 「Great Adult」 「Digestion」「Finished?」
At my words about joining the patrol, Adhigh Orr approached me. She circled around, examining me thoroughly.
「This」 「Original」 「Form?」
[Z Zzzzzz Zzzzzz Zzzzzz (Yes. I'll be in this form for a while)]
「Body」 「Long」 「Slender」 「Scales」 「Hard」 「Balanced」 「Tail」 「Thick」 「Wings」 「Horns」 「Big」 「Proportions」 「Optimal」
'Hm?'
She suddenly poured out thought-waves like rapid fire.
「Appearance」 「Excellent!」
「You like that?」
「Male」 「Charm」 「Abundant」 「Physique」 「Preference」 「Very」 「Good!」
Adhigh Orr vigorously wagged her tail and hopped in place. Anyone could see she was pleased.
Γ...Sha Belmarg, who married Nel Germa, was also quite lean.」
[Zz Zz Zzzz Zz Zzzz Zzzz (So your ideal type is males with large but lean builds)]
「Interesting information.」
Just then, an unfamiliar voice flowed from the speaker installed in the storage.
「Gallagon reproductive culture has been barely researched. Please explain 'Little Adult's' preferences in detail.」
「Sister! Stop getting distracted and focus on ship control!」
'Is that PS-111?'
Perhaps because her body was remade, PS-111's voice sounded much younger than before. Her sister Isabelle's voice had also changed subtly.
Still, the sisters' bickering was exactly as I remembered.
"It's been a while. PS-111."
「Pleased to meet you. 'AMorph'. Your physical form differs from before. How many evolutions have you undergone?」
"Once while you were gone. No, should I say twice?"
「That is also interesting. I require advice regarding physical improvement.」
"Sure. Let's talk once we're outside Star Union."
「I request this.J
With that, the red light on the speaker went out.
[Zz Zzzzzz (Both still the same)]
「Right? It's amazing they get along so well after going through all that.J
[Zz Zz Zzzzzzz Zzzzzz Zzzz (Well, isn't it normal to grow closer instead?)]
「Hm?」
[Zzzzzzz Zz Zzzz Zzzzzz (Since the effort to resurrect her succeeded)]
「Ah, well, um. Right?」
Sky Mother stopped mid-sentence and rolled her eyes around.
「Come to think of it, you haven't seen what they look like yet.」
[Zz Zzzz (What do you mean?)]
「It's hard to explain in words. See for yourself.」
「Great Adult」 「Patrol」 「Together」 「Let's go」 「Quickly」
As I was about to ask why she was being evasive, Adhigh Orr climbed onto my head. She bounced around on my back, urging me to go out quickly.
'PS-111 also said she needed advice, so did she change similarly to me?'
That was possible. Sky Mother didn't particularly like AMorph's appearance.
I was curious about how she'd changed, but it wasn't urgent. I decided to check later and opened the storage door.
「After」 「Patrol」 「Only」 「I」 「Great Adult」 「Two」「Together」 [Zzzz (Shall we?)] 「Of course」 「Kin」 「Want to」 「Show off」
Even on the way out of the ship, Adhigh Orr remained excited. A world of difference from how she'd treated me when digestion wasn't finished.
'Well, her honesty is part of her charm.'
Her affectionate behavior was cute too.
Thus we spent time together, swimming through the space near the ship.
---
Something had changed after obtaining Faceless Apostle. I no longer dreamed when I slept.
Was it because Bumho had been expelled from me? Or because the 'Information Unit' that contacted me through visions had fallen silent? I didn't know the reason.
In any case, after dreams disappeared, I could no longer sleep as deeply as before. AMorph's characteristically developed senses interfered with sound sleep.
Unless in a safe place like a nest, I woke quickly at the slightest stimulus. Like now.
Detecting minute movement near my neck, I opened my eyes. I saw Adhigh Orr, curled up and sleeping by my head.
'Did the ship shake?'
I was about to close my eyes again when something felt off. No. 26, who had been sleeping pressed against my neck, had disappeared.
I raised my head and looked around.
[Zz (No. 26?)]
「Big Baby.」
"Gurgle."
She was huddled near a nearby wall. But her appearance was strange.
「My stomach feels bad...J
"Gurrgle."
The color of her skin, originally pink, changed chaotically. Her spherical body couldn't maintain its form and fluctuated unstably. As if something was trying to burst out from inside.
Before I could react, No. 26 exploded. No, she changed so rapidly it could be mistaken for an explosion.
'...This is?'
"Kugh."
「Phew. I feel better now!」
The transformation ended in an instant. The result completely exceeded my expectations.
She had gained a face. A woman's face formed from numerous intertwined tentacles.