Chapter 279: 279
Episode 279 – Collapse (4)
"…Did you reject me because I was a spy? "If so, I can explain in more detail."
These were the words she managed to get out as she was taken aback by the unexpected answer.
I still seem to misunderstand, but I didn't reject her because she was a spy for another faction.
Space Survival is a cruel dystopian world. No matter how good the conditions and perks are, it is not easy to survive. If you think about it as a game, it's like running to the ending with just one life.
You've survived so far in these harsh conditions without such deception? That is a lie.
The reason I refused was for a very simple reason.
Her faction is a gathering of those who aim for the ending. And the ending conditions for the cult include hunting down Eimoff.
The final quest that the cult must accomplish before seeing the ending is 'killing the monster that threatens the universe.' You must catch one of the Outspacers who command the 10 queens of the highest level Aimorph Adult Metallic Gremlin.
Conversely, similar to cults, Aimorphs can only ascend to heaven by preying on the leaders of races that fall into 'three major categories'. For example, a high priest who is considered a potential emperor in a cult society.
I don't know how powerful and powerful the faction Cynthia belongs to is. However, it may not be great enough to solve these difficult conditions.
'If that were the case, I would have seen the ending a long time ago.'
If not, are you recruiting me as a colleague? I can't help but think they're looking at me like a pig to be slaughtered.
It's not that I don't understand. Because I did something similar to them.
When I decided to save Heavenly Mother, I thought of her as insurance. This is because Wolff also falls into one of the 'three categories' that Aimov must hunt.
Of course, my thoughts have changed a lot now. By finding another way instead of using her as a sacrifice for ascension. So the parasites were also removed.
But I changed my mind because I continued to interact with her. If my heart hadn't changed, her ending wouldn't have changed.
So what about them and me?
At this point, there is no mental interaction between them and I. The power they have is superior to mine.
Cooperation is something that is done on an equal footing with each other. If you join this faction, there is a high possibility that you will end up as a slave.
In fact, it is the same when you look at Cynthia.
It seemed clear that she wasn't happy about killing other players. However, he is acting as a spy among the player hunters. Looking at that, you can get an idea of what the atmosphere is like in that faction.
"Do you think you can see the ending on your own? Even number one in the rankings failed…."
"You won't know unless you try it yourself."
"Are you crazy because you became Amorph?"
"I'm sorry, but I'm being perfectly rational right now."
"Sane? Hey, the opposite sex. "You don't know anything."
"okay. that's right. I don't know anything. Not yet."
From now on, you can find out. Because there is a good source of information.
Cynthia's expression became extremely cold as she understood what I meant.
"That's disgusting. You are no different from Jason. "Murderers who are so immersed in this game world that they have forgotten reality."
I didn't reply.
Me, who took countless lives for survival, and Jason and Muriel, who killed others for their personal desires. Even if the motivation is different, the result is the same. If I were to see 'me now' in real life, I would think I was a crazy, murderous monster.
However, at least I don't treat the guys who are with me like objects.
No. 26 Aadhai Mother of Heaven and PS-111, who joined relatively later.
Regardless of whether this world is a real game or reality, they are precious to me and something I must protect.
'Negotiations are broken.'
I checked Cynthia's condition with an auxiliary organ.
Her breathing is becoming increasingly unstable due to lack of oxygen.
Cults' physical abilities are lower than those of humans. Judging by her failed attempt to attack me, her perception is already messed up.
There is no way she can escape me.
"…I admit it. I can't beat you. "I have no means or strategy to kill you."
Cynthia glares at me with red eyes.
"But it could get you into trouble." 'Huh?'
With those words, she withdrew her arms from the chest of her clothes. In his hand was a small silver orb.
'what?'
As soon as I saw something I had never seen before, I spread my wings and arms and jumped back.
It's unlikely she'll pull out a lethal weapon now. If I had it, I would have used it a long time ago. But just in case, I kept my distance from Cynthia.
"It wasn't originally something I would use, but…"
Her voice and the silver orb matched. A small sphere the size of three fingers briefly glowed, but soon turned dull black.
It was clear that something had been done, but no change occurred. The moment I thought that, an alarm rang throughout the fortress.
'Alarm sound? no way?'
There are two cases where that sound can be heard from the space fortress.
A group of outspacers attacked, or…
"In the next five minutes, a group of metallic gremlins will arrive here."
"what?"
You can hear that alarm sound when a large group of metallic gremlins appears.
The orb she is holding. That item seems to be the culprit that brought about the metallic gremlin.
'Are you planning to blow yourself up with me?'
When the Metallic Gremlin attacks Kesha Arma, it's Cynthia who becomes more dangerous than me. I can survive without dying if I fall into outer space, but not over there.
But her face did not belong to someone who had given up. When I saw that, I realized.
'You're targeting the kids I have with me!'
"You probably don't have time for that. "If you don't want to see the 'pet' you care so much about die, hurry up."
She is laughing at me as she dies in real time from lack of oxygen.
Unfortunately, for now she is right.
No. 26 or PS-111 are not suitable for fighting Metallic Gremlins with their bare bodies, even if they are on board a ship.
Moreover, the Heavenly Mother has not yet completed her ascension to the level of deification. If you are attacked before growth is complete, you will 100% die.
In the end, I had no choice but to postpone catching Cynthia.
But that doesn't mean I have any intention of just suffering like this.
I poured out my psychic breath towards the floor that was not protected by the shield. Due to the continued battle, the floor that was barely holding on eventually collapsed.
"!"
As the floor collapsed, the transporter and she began to fall downstairs.
Since there is a shield, neither the transport ship nor she will take any damage. However, it is impossible to escape using the silo. If we want to leave this fortress, we have no choice but to find another means.
"You'll have to hope I don't come back."
I warned her, whose expression was completely distorted, and spread my wings. My body quickly ascended and flew up the long silo above the command center.
As soon as the cold steel track ends, a sea of stars welcomes me. Below my feet, I see a panoramic view of Kesha Armah, a huge space building built by a cult.
Originally, the city should be clearly visible thanks to the tempered glass. But now the entire fortress was covered with a shield wall in preparation for battle. The huge turrets at the bottom and top of the fortress were also moving diligently to prepare for the imminent enemy.
One of the turrets, as big as my body, was aimed at me and moved up and down. Looking at the turret moving as if it was nodding, I could see who was in control.
'It's PS-111.'
The 2nd Command was destroyed by my hands, so there is no command authority. The 1st Command is going to be busy because of No. 26, which I sent away earlier.
'Because I asked you to go with Aadhai and occupy it.'
Mutants and madmen wandering everywhere, including Sea Demon and Gallagon. The 1st Command Center will have a hard time stopping them. PS-111 may have taken advantage of this time to take control of the entire fortress' defense facilities.
I left the rear to him and kept my eyes on the dark front.
A black space where you don't know what will be at the end. A blue flame ignited there.
It started as a small flame and grew so large that it spread over entire mountains and engulfed entire cities.
After the wildly burning blue fire died down, what remained was not ash but countless particles.
That thing that looked like raw rice scattered on black paper was a group of metallic gremlins.
A large flock, probably numbering thousands or at least 10,000, is flying towards Kesha Arma.
–
'Damn it…'
Cynthia cursed inwardly.
The plan was completely ruined because of Eimoff, who was screwed until the end.
The name of the Orb used as a last resort is 'Orb of Savagery.' It is an item that allows you to give orders to a 'specific monster' when the conditions are met.
This item, created by a space survival powerhouse in the past, was owned by Cynthia. It was to achieve the conditions of use of the product.
'I barely succeeded in taking control of a group of metallic gremlins!'
Because of that, she was willing to kill the player. But to be consumed like this. The relics that were supposed to be used for the great succession of the 'returned faction' were wasted in vain.
Originally, the Savage Orb was an object to be used by 'those who received guidance from the Returned Sect'.
While Cynthia waited at Kesha Arma, her colleagues were trying to get the rightful users of this item to come here.
If he had waited a few more days, he or she would have followed the return party's lead and participated in the auction held at the fortress. At that time, Cynthia was scheduled to hand 'her' the Savage Orb and take on the role of guiding her to find new artifacts.
That was the scenario of the returning group, but it was ruined when they encountered an unexpected scalper. To reactivate the orb that has turned black, you must get your hands dirty again.
'…Right now, the priority is to get out of here.'
The good news is that he chose to attack the Metallic Gremlin rather than her.
It seemed like he cherished the Sea Demon he had with him. This is because when a tentacle is injured by her shield, it immediately retreats.
Moreover, even when the word 'pet' came out of her mouth, it was visible that she got upset.
'Dirty pervert.'
Anyway, thanks to him leaving, her life was extended a little longer.
However, we cannot be completely reassured yet.
He is the most infamous being in space survival. The number of metallic gremlins here is not small, but you never know. If he returns after slaughtering everyone, she will definitely be dead.
If you want to survive, you must somehow escape this fortress.
"Si Cynthia. "Has he gone?"
Then a familiar voice called to her from behind. When I turned around, Montana and his bodyguard were getting off the transport ship.
"I'm not completely gone."
"Then what should I do?"
Who would have thought that this panicky, trembling man was the one who ruled the space fortress just a few tens of minutes ago?
Cynthia said to the half-disappeared Montana.
"We'd better go to First Command. "The transport ship there will be fine."
"okay! "A great choice!"
Cynthia used a psychic skill that allowed Montana and the bodyguard to float in the air, then jumped down into the hole made by Aimorph.
She came down to the first floor at once and searched for the reinforced clothing submerged in the sea of blood. She took out oxygen capsules and put one in her mouth.
"Phew."
This slightly delayed the time before I died. Cynthia gave a capsule to Montana and the bodyguards and came out of the command center.
There was deep darkness inside the fortress due to the shielding walls covered to combat the metallic gremlins. The only light was the flames rising from everywhere.
Literally the end of the century. Kesha Arma, the symbol of glory, is no more. There are only fallen and collapsed ruins.
"I can't believe it…"
Montana, who lost everything in an instant, let out a deep sigh.
"I don't have time to stay like this. "You have to live now to get revenge later."
"Okay, that's right."
Cynthia gritted her teeth and boarded a nearby hover bus with Montana. The inside of the bus was a complete mess. All the glass was broken and the floor was full of corpses with their limbs torn off. And the engine's energy was all gone.
If she were human, she wouldn't have been able to do anything, but she is a cult. It is also a deer antler cult with great power.
She put her hand on the engine and the hover bus rose into the air.
"It's dangerous because there are enemies on the road, so I'll take this and go."
"Can't we just protect it with that special membrane or something?"
"If you use that ability, you will not be able to move."
After briefly answering Montana's question, she piloted the hover bus and began flying to First Command Center. Because the speed was deliberately slowed down, the sound was barely audible. Instead, I could faintly hear something exploding below and the sound of people screaming.
Look at what this guy who said he was immersed in this world did. Isn't this no different from a mass murderer?
What's scarier is that a guy with this kind of mentality also has good skills. Cynthia, who had fought in person, felt that fact keenly. If there wasn't an orb and the guy didn't have a pet, she would definitely have died.
'…we need to change our plan.'
The members of the Returning Sect seemed to be considering the 5th place as part of their plan, but that was too reckless. It would never be easy to control a being as dangerous as Akira, the leader of the ruling faction.
As Cynthia's mind became more and more complicated, the First Command Center was visible through the broken window. When seen from a distance, the cylindrical shield wall was still intact.
"Can it be disarmed from outside the shielding wall at the entrance?"
"of course. "I've made it so that I can pass through major facilities in this city using eye recognition."
"We will arrive soon. "When you get off, everyone be ready to run."
At that time, everyone who heard those words became nervous.
The hover bus collided with something and was destroyed. The body of the bus was torn in two, and the three people inside the bus were thrown out.
'this!'
She fell sharply to the floor and quickly used the levitation technique. Her body stopped in midair just before colliding with the floor.
Unlike her, the other two had no abilities. They fell from dozens of meters in the air and their bodies were shattered.
In particular, in the case of Montana, who boasted a body that was larger than that of the average person, her appearance became indescribably hideous. The end of the powerful leader of the Space Dog cartel was truly miserable.
"…."
There are more important issues right now than Montana's death.
The entity that attacked the bus is nearby. She quickly deployed the 'mantra of phase protection'. A purple mandala spread out in a dome shape covered the metal floor she was standing on.
'Who is it? 'Who did this?'
Her eyes wandered frantically around.
The floor around it was a mess, as if there had been an earthquake. All the buildings had collapsed to the ground and the roads were all overturned.
The corpses of human monsters were strewn across the messed up area.
I felt an eerie feeling when flying on the hover bus, but when I stepped foot on it, the feeling was completely different. She had seen people die many times before, but this was the first time she felt as horrified as this.
'Okay, it's still a game. 'There's nothing to be afraid of.'
While Cynthia was comforting herself, a red light passed quickly over her head. It was so fast that I couldn't see it clearly.
She hastily prepared color balm. In the meantime, something flies in again. The sound of wings flapping reached her ears.
'Aimorph?'
A thought like that suddenly occurred to her, but she quickly denied it. The sound it made when it flew around was louder than this. What flies is something smaller than that.
And the sound of wings flapping rapidly grew louder. The red light got closer to her at incredible speed. The colored bomb in her left hand was launched towards the enemy, but it was too late.
It had red horns and wings and struck the shield she had spread with its horns.
Originally, not only the opponent's horns but also the head itself should have disappeared, but surprisingly, the guy was fine.
"Gallagon?"
The four-winged snake-like monster tilted its head and disappeared before my eyes. The moment she realized the identity of the monster that had ambushed her, she felt a strong pain in her right hand.
"uh?"
A thin pink vine sprouted from the floor and pierced her right hand.
She habitually used her right hand when unfolding the mantra of phase protection.
So, due to the fact that my right hand was hit, the adjustment of the shield became slower than usual. Yes, it only takes a moment to see. The error was enough to make you blink once.
But was that error enough time for someone? The pink vine that pierced her right hand pierced her eye with lightning speed.
"!"
She tried to scream as the pain felt like a needle pricking the center of her eye. But the pain didn't last long.
Cynthia thought that the world she was seeing was rapidly becoming darker.
It wasn't the light going out in the fortress, it was a sign that a life was going out, but she never realized it.
–
While taking the younger child to fulfill the request of the older child, she saw a bad guy in her eyes.
The bad guy who was tormenting the older baby was wearing a strange shell and was heading towards a large lump of rock.
When I told him that there was a bad guy inside that shell who was mistreating the older one, the younger one got angry and hit the ground with his chubby appendage.
Anyone who harasses an older child should be scolded.
Anyone.
So I scolded him.
She transformed the tentacle into a very thin one and hid it in the ground, then pulled the tentacle out of the bad guy's body. The bad guy with a hole in his body didn't move with his appendages hanging out.
"Thanks to me" "I won"
The little baby landed next to the bad guy.
Because he's young, he often says things wrong, but this time he was right. If it weren't for the little baby, I wouldn't have been able to scold the bad guy so easily.
So she decided to give it up to the little one this time. She wrapped her tentacles around the bad guy and handed him to the little one.
"It's a little baby. This time, you eat it.'
'Really?'
'Yes.'
The little baby bobbed the part with many tentacles. After a while, the little baby said.
"Enemy" "Strong" "I" "Alone" "It's hard" "So" "Let's eat together" "It's
okay."
"Little adult" "Strength" "Thanks to you," "I won" "Big adult" Meal 」「 "I like doing it together" and "I like it",
the little baby said and gently pushed her tentacles away with the area where there were many tentacles.
Even though she was young, seeing her proudly giving in made her feel good. So, I gently stroked the little baby with my tentacles, just like a big baby would.
「Good job!」
「I don't like it」「Don't do it」
I liked it when my older child did it.
She almost felt a little offended, but she held back. She's more of an adult than a little baby, so it's right to be patient at times like this.
So the two started eating the food they hunted together.
「Delicious!」
「It's okay」
「I feel good when I eat it.」
「Agree」「Star power」「I've become stronger.」
The bad guy's meat was pretty good even by her standards. Every time she ate, her body felt full of strength. The little baby also seemed to like it and shook it vigorously.
While eating, something round and hard entered her body, but she didn't pay much attention to it. O