I Became an Evolving Space Monster - Chapter 268

Episode 268 – Harvest (2)

–

Kesha Arma’s first command center.

This is where the city’s ruler, Montana Marcio, resides. Unlike its rough, cylindrical exterior, the interior was very ornate.

In the heart of the steel fortress, which is adorned with the dual elements of extravagant decorations and tight security, is a very large bathhouse.

Montana Marcio was starting his morning in a marble-covered bath. Dozens of concubines were waiting around him as he soaked in hot water.

Montana’s concubines are all like biological dolls that have been genetically modified to suit their master’s tastes. If you do not receive care even for a day, you will suffer from extreme pain. Therefore, they desperately fawned over their husbands to avoid being ignored.

The spontaneous love and devotion of beautiful females. That was what made Montana the most enjoyable.

While he was leisurely receiving service and thinking about who he would enjoy this morning with, an android outside the bathhouse approached him.

“What?”

“master. “This is an urgent report.”

“Emergency report?”

“Guests staying at the 2nd Command Center said they tried to contact the mercenaries guarding the goods, but they did not respond.”

“Management of auction items was entrusted to the deputy head. Go ask Kadun.”

“I haven’t been able to contact you since yesterday.”

“You can’t contact me?”

Until now, there has never been a time when Kadoon did not receive a call. The assistant chaplain is someone who is always focused on training in the training room of the 3rd Headquarters when not working. Even if by some chance you can’t get in touch with the phone, you can just go there in person.

But what does it mean that the android comes to him and says this? There was a problem with Kadun.

‘for a moment. That’s not important now.’

Before talking about Kadoon, Android mentioned an important issue. Montana asked the android after pushing away the concubines serving him.

“You said the mercenary guarding the product couldn’t be contacted, right?”

“yes.”

“Have you tried contacting the security guards at the storage area?” “No one is responding.”

“….”

When Montana heard those words, he felt himself waking up from his sleep.

He quickly got up from his seat. The concubines who were watching the master quickly brought towels and gowns.

“Tell them to contact the military port immediately and check if there are any problems with the underground storage.”

“All right.”

“And if anything goes wrong, be ready to move right away.”

“I will forward it to each command.”

The concubines’ gentle touches penetrated every inch of his body, but Montana had no time to feel the pleasure.

There were no problems until yesterday. The items to be auctioned were transported safely and the customers are satisfied with the service he provided.

But as soon as the night passes and morning comes, things suddenly turn strange.

As if the calm until yesterday was a lie.

‘…No, it won’t be a big deal.’

The Marcio Cartel is such a powerful force that few even within Space Dog dare to challenge it. In the first place, there are only a few cartels like them that manage space fortresses and operate hundreds of ships.

That’s not all. Montana is protected by Megacorp’s Noble Capital and the nobles of the Cult Empire. In fact, he is no different from a warlord recognized by the great powers.

It is impossible for someone to carry out a terrorist attack on the fortress that he rules.

‘Maybe it’s a problem with the communication facilities.’

After trying so hard to reassure himself, he left the bathhouse.

–

‘Is this the end?’

I placed the empty freezer container on the floor. Broken containers were lying around inside the large underground structure.

These are all remnants left after me and No. 26 PS-111 ate the contents.

‘Because there are so many creatures stored, I gained quite a few characteristics.’

Even after the symbol of hunting ended, there were many characteristics gained from eating tens or hundreds of creatures.

‘Thanks to you, two more synthetic formulas were opened.’

One was a unique trait that required a number of physical-related traits, and the other required nest-related traits and psychic-related traits. Currently, I can only make the former, and the latter cannot be synthesized because I cannot collect all the ingredients.

‘Because I have to catch Redmist.’

Redmist is an apex predator living on a jungle planet. This Apex creature is as tricky as Ice Horror. If you go to catch him with great determination, you will end up facing the consequences.

‘I’ll aim for this later.’

First of all, thanks to securing a large number of characteristics, we were able to create two unique characteristics.

I floated fusion formulas that could be produced immediately here.

｢’Transcendence’ material list: Reinforced skull Gallagon’s horn Thorn hair Launch tail Protein assimilation Cluster skin tissue｣ ｢

‘Transcendence’ material list (new!): Reinforced large tail Bioelectric discharge tube Explosive bodily fluid launcher Destruction sonic spore cannon｣

‘I don’t know what the former will be, but I feel like I know the latter.’

All of the characteristics created through the transcendence system are ones that did not exist in the game. That’s why I often worry every time I get a new unique characteristic or a sign of a strong enemy.

However, after seeing the newly unlocked fusion ceremony in the underground storage, the result was somewhat predictable. Looking at the materials, it was clear that they had unique properties related to long-distance attack methods.

In fact, a new organ was created in my body. Reflecting the characteristics of ‘explosive body fluid launcher’ and ‘spore cannon’, two elongated cannon-like barrels were added to the armor covering the back.

When I craned my neck and lowered my head, I felt my back being stretched and the gun barrel popped out, aiming forward. If you apply this force, spores filled with dangerous substances will be launched.

‘It goes well with acidic fungal glands.’

In the game, a combo of throwing fungi and spraying explosive bodily fluids on them was often used. It is similar to shooting white phosphorus, so it is effective against both machines and ordinary creatures.

Moreover, since the acidic fungus has now changed into a breath form, it will show much more powerful performance.

In addition to that, the ‘destructive sound wave’ characteristic is also quite useful.

Unlike the Inmyeonchung’s paralyzing sound waves, this is an aggressive characteristic that destroys the opponent purely with sound waves. Although it has weaknesses such as low destructive power and difficult usage conditions, it can be said to be a general-purpose attack weapon that is equally effective against various types of enemies.

‘For now, this is done. If you just complete these, you can immediately evolve into an adult, so what should you do?’

The remaining condition until adulthood is to obtain two more unique characteristics. If you utilize the system here, you can evolve right away.

‘The problem is time…’

While opening the container, the communicator dropped by the mercenaries rang several times. It was a confirmation call from customers who had entrusted them with the task of protecting their items. The owners of the communicators all came out and went into No. 26’s stomach, so they’ll come check for themselves.

In other words, there was not much time left before an all-out war against the pirates of the fortress.

Until now, whenever I used the transcendence system to create unique characteristics, my body always went into a cocoon. There is a very high possibility that this will happen again, so I think we will have to postpone obtaining unique characteristics.

‘I’ll open the loot box later.’

After checking the text box, I turned my attention to No. 26 and PS-111. No. 26 read my gaze and came bouncing towards me.

“Big baby! Look!”

As he concentrated, the pink light covering his body became even darker. The tentacles coming out of the pink body began to wriggle and slowly change shape.

After a while, one of the tentacles mutated into a completely different shape than before. All of the existing tentacles had sharp saw blades on the inside.

On the other hand, the tentacle he had mutated now had six appendages that looked like mouths at the end. It looked very similar to the erosion tentacle I had.

“I’m just like the eldest baby! Right? Right?」

[Zuzuzu (Yes)]

I answered in a casual manner, but in truth, my heart was not like that. Even though I had already seen it once before, I was surprised to see it again.

‘Physical mutation.’

The food in the storage facility promoted significant growth for No. 26.

First, body size actually increased dramatically. This is because the limit on the body size that can be grown has increased to a maximum of 25m.

The skin also became significantly thicker, and the fins and tentacles became stronger than before. The body has been reduced to a small size now, but when it is increased to its maximum size, the appearance of a semi-raid level boss is clearly revealed.

‘Tsk. Personally, I didn’t think it was bad.’

However, No. 26 was dissatisfied. To borrow a phrase from this guy, there is ‘nothing that sparkles like a little baby.’

I comforted him by saying that it was still enough, but he seemed quite disappointed. He was depressed, crouching next to the container while I ate other food.

‘I’ve never been so depressed before.’

If I were to be specific, it was similar to when I was first in the research vessel’s test tube. So much so that I can’t imagine showing off my new abilities in front of me like I am now.

Seeing him depressed made me feel uncomfortable too. So, after much deliberation, I handed over the food I had originally planned to eat to him.

The name of the food given to No. 26 is Faceless.

It is a carnivorous snail with hundreds of teeth, and is a rare creature with a characteristic called a ‘mimic organ’. As the name of the trait suggests, it can disguise its body as an object. It usually camouflages itself with geographical features such as trees or rocks, but when its prey approaches, it changes its body back to its original state and attacks.

Before coming to this fortress, I was able to feast on the Faceless captured by pirates on the slave market planet, and thanks to that, I was able to complete the ‘Herald of Chaos’ trait.

Since the Mimic Engine itself is a useful trait, I was thinking that it would be nice to get it at least once in the future.

‘Tsk. I liked it because it was on the archive list.’

Originally, I was going to eat Faceless right away regardless of No. 26’s sadness. If it weren’t for a sudden thought.

‘The Sea Demon had a camouflage-related trait.’

Sea demons have the ability to change their skin into a coral-like shape. It is so subtle that it is impossible to see with the naked eye and can only be seen using special detection equipment. It was often used during battle, making it difficult to attack.

Anyway, with that thought in mind, I handed Faceless over to No. 26 as a consolation and experiment. This is because, unlike the game, I was hoping that I would gain new abilities.

And my prediction was correct. No, I gained much more strength than I expected.

As you can see, he was able to freely change the appearance of one tentacle. It was possible to not only change the size but also the internal structure. In fact, it was a change that could easily be called a ‘mutation’.

‘For now, he can only change one tentacle…’

If the hundreds of tentacles he possesses change into different weapons or body organs, his combat power will skyrocket.

‘If No. 26 becomes stronger, it will also benefit me.’

I patted him to show that he had done well. Then it bounced in place and its body sparkled. He seemed quite happy to have gained a new ability after a long time.

“I hope you like it.”

PS-111 approached Number 26, who was happy.

[Zuzu zuzuzu zuzuzu zuzu (Your change isn’t bad either)]

“’That’s a valid point, but it didn’t meet my expectations.’

As was the case before, PS-111 was surprisingly immature in applying the characteristics of living creatures.

‘To be precise, the results of application are unpredictable.’

Significant results were obtained in cases of absorbing genetic samples or predating equipment. On the other hand, when eating a living creature, the body structure did not change completely as intended. Either there is a defect somewhere or it has changed to a form that falls far short of PS-111’s expectations.

‘It’s still a success this time.’

There is one positive change that occurred in PS-111’s body. Spines containing neurotoxin appeared on the carapace of all legs. If he wants, he can even fire poisonous thorns. It could be considered a useful body organ when subduing an enemy alive.

‘Still, it seems unsatisfactory.’

Faceless was handed over to No. 26, so there was nothing else I could give him. PS-111 knew that too, so he didn’t ask for any other food from me.

‘Still, I am encouraged by the evolution condition achieved No. 26 and the growth of Heavenly Mother.’

I think this is the first time since I captured the Gorgon Swarm that I have achieved this much success. It was worth coming to Kesha Arma on purpose.

‘Anyway, Heavenly Mother is taking longer than I thought.’

After completing my elevation to the level of deification, I decided to come here with Adhai. Several hours had already passed and it seemed like it was taking longer than I thought as he didn’t come.

‘Let’s wait one more hour and go… okay?’

While I was thinking that, my auxiliary organ sensed a change in the air. Somewhere far away from Area C, where we are, there is someone loitering near the entrance to the underground storage facility.

Before entering the entrance, all the guards and mercenaries were eaten. So the owner of those footsteps is an outsider.

‘You got caught.’

Since we couldn’t contact the mercenary guards, it was clear that they were going to check on us. Soon the sound of small footsteps increased to dozens or hundreds.

[Zuzu zuzuzu (Are you all full?)]

｢Yes. “I’m full.”

“The energy in my body is overcharged.”

[Zuzuzu (Good)]

My stomach was fully filled.

Now is the time to get some moderate exercise.

–

“No biological activity detected nearby.”

“It’s okay to rush in.”

“…good. “Let’s go in.”

The pirates entered the underground storage facility, led by androids equipped with thick armor and heavy frontal shields. Dozens of pirates were also heavily armed, but their faces showed signs of tension.

“Hey, is it true that the Vice Minister is screwed?”

“AC, don’t be such a dick.”

“I came here because I heard Marcio Cartel was good, and what the hell is this?”

“My younger brother went to the hospital and I can’t contact him. “Is this related to this?”

“Am I God? “Do you know everything?”

“Everyone shut up and stay alert.”

Despite the orders of the newly appointed executives, the morale of the pirates hardly improved. In particular, as soon as they entered the passage leading to Area A, their mood became much worse.

“Ssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss*sssssswass always:

“Sssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss*sssssswass!

Outsiders were greeted by a 1m thick double shielded door that was so damaged that its original shape was no longer visible. The shape of the shield door looked like a torn wad of paper.

Even the druggies commonly found in Kesha Arma would never imagine that the door to an underground storage room could look like that.

What’s more problematic is that there is a strong possibility that the person who made the shield door that way is inside the storage unit.

The desire to escape crept into the hearts of all the pirates here, including the executives, but no one escaped. If you show any signs of running away from this place, the androids will turn you into a hive.

The pirates swallowed their saliva and entered the passageway leading to the Area A security office through the broken shield door.

“Vibration occurring in front.”

“It is assumed to be enemy movement.”

“Prepare to respond. Prepare to respond.”

As they were getting closer to the security office, the androids in the lead all made warning sounds.

Blinking lights, metal passages with traces of destruction left here and there, and even loud mechanical sounds. All factors added to the pirates’ anxiety.

The pirates held their weapons tightly with trembling hands. Their arms were equipped with the cult’s famously expensive psychic shields, but they were of no comfort.

When the pirates and androids were ready for battle.

A pounding sound was heard from across the passage.

At first, it was just a slight vibration felt at the tip of my toes. It grew louder and louder, and now it not only resonated throughout the passage, but even made the fine hairs exposed to the outside tremble.

But the period of tension was not very long. Because the entity causing this vibration soon appeared in front of them.

“Hee hee hee!”

“It’s a monster!”

“Start shooting!” I didn’t know exactly who gave the order, but it didn’t really matter. Even if there was no order, the scared pirates would have started shooting on their own.

｢Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

The passage was so wide that five or six adult men had to line up in order to reach the ceiling, and it was filled with monsters. That scary being rushes forward, paying no heed to the barrage of fire.

And a thick snake protruded from its back and burrowed its way among the leading androids. And then it shook violently and hit the androids.

The shield carrying the android was durable enough to withstand plasma bullets, but it was of little significance as long as the body was hit directly. Expensive robots were pinned against the wall holding strong shields.

“Run away too! “We have to run away!”

“Don’t run away! “You bastards!”

The executives tried to stop the pirates from leaving, but it was no use.

The pirates turn their backs and start running away.

The monster that was dealing with the androids using the tentacles protruding from its back opened its mouth wide at the fleeing pirates.

“He’s trying to do something!”

“Everyone be careful…!”

Pirates with good sense saw this and shouted.

Before their cries ended, something incredibly powerful burst out of the monster’s mouth.

｢■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■!｣

The sound wave that turned the android in front of the monster into a lump of scrap metal spread through the walls of the passage.

The pirates who were running away and the pirates standing in front of the monster were also swept away by the overwhelming sound and instantly turned to blood.

“what’s the matter?”

“I can’t hear anything!”

The pirates who were lucky enough to escape the range of the sound waves stumbled and muttered. They had completely lost their hearing and were bleeding not only from their ears, but also from their eyes, nose, and mouth.

Pirates who lost their major sense organs in an instant. Fortunately for them, the time of pain was not long.

“I can’t run away….”

“Heeeeeek?!”

The pirate who was staggering in front of him was instantly covered in blood. The blood and flesh splashed onto his comrades who were standing behind him.

The monster that had trampled the pirate with its thick feet that made the word ferocious stick out its snout towards him.

The monster’s mouth opens wide.

The blood-covered pirate screamed, but no sound was heard.

And his eyes could no longer see anything.