Ch.139The Beast of Saigil 08 (2)

“I’ve spent some time on this, but now I’ve met all the conditions.”

After hunting two more Swamp Kings, I still didn’t get the traits I wanted. I had no choice but to wander around the swamp, hunting whatever I could find to gather materials for nest-related fusion traits.

“Thanks to that, it took me 14 hours.”

Still, I should take comfort in obtaining good traits like the pincers.

“Big one, can we really eat this?”

[I’ve eaten plenty, so it’s fine]

I nodded to No. 26 who asked cautiously.

Having finished all preparations to enter Transcendence Stage 2, I returned to the nest. Carrying three Swamp King corpses, that is.

‘It would be a waste to enjoy this delicious food alone.’

Even when I was separated from them, I wanted to make sure they could taste this Swamp King meat.

“Swamp King. It’s been a while since I’ve had this.”

“I” “curious” “this” “tasty?”

“It suited my taste.”

Surprisingly, the Sky Mother seems to have devoured Swamp Kings before. As far as I know, at her stage, there’s no way to defend against the swamp’s poison.

Not without someone’s help, that is.

‘There must be a story behind this.’

The Griffon looking at the corpse with bitter eyes.

Seeing her expression, I can roughly guess what happened. I suspect she shared prey hunted by her husband, the Father Land.

‘Unfortunately…’

She needs to eat this. The Swamp King’s flesh is necessary to raise the Volf’s Incarnate level.

Currently, the Sky Mother is cooperating with me, but fundamentally, our relationship is contractual. She promised to dedicate everything to me in exchange for revenge.

And I need a Volf whose Incarnate has reached the highest level. Not right now, but I might need to use it as insurance after reaching adulthood.

I pulled out a handful of meat from inside the hard carapace and handed it to her.

The Sky Mother looked at me once and took the meat I offered into her mouth.

‘That’s a relief.’

Previously, when I treated her, I implanted a parasite in her head. After killing Muriel, I judged that the possibility of the Sky Mother’s betrayal had become very low. So I lowered the parasite’s interference level to the minimum, allowing her to move autonomously.

Even so, the fact remains that there’s a parasite in her head. She has no choice but to obey me whenever I command.

However, doing so would completely ruin my relationship with her. She’s quite a capable combatant, so not utilizing her would be wasteful.

I need her cooperation until I become an adult, or at least until Adhigh Orr grows into a White Gallergorn.

“Tasty?”

“Well, it’s decent. Don’t just ask, try it yourself.”

“Affirmative”

She seemed to understand my intention and silently chewed and swallowed the meat.

Is she thinking of her deceased family? Her amber eyes were filled with unreadable emotions.

But I couldn’t see any resentment toward me in them.

Starting with the Sky Mother, Adhigh Orr and No. 26 also each grabbed a corpse and began eating.

“Delicious!”

“Yes!”

Adhigh Orr using tentacles like straws to suck blood, No. 26 tearing off flesh with tentacles and fins to put inside its body. Both seemed to enjoy the Swamp King meat, judging by their ferocious expressions.

‘I’m glad it suits their taste.’

I told them something important as they started their meal.

That I was about to enter Transcendence Stage 2. And asked them to protect me.

‘I don’t know if Transcendence Stage 2 will require me to enter a cocoon or not.’

Even when applying the unique traits “Perfect Organism” and “Horizon of Nightmare” obtained through the Transcendence system, it took almost as long as growing. Transcendence Stage 2 is likely to take just as long.

“Is big one growing again?”

“I” “envy” “adult” “growth” “fast”

[Adhigh will grow quickly too if you eat a lot]

“Affirmative” “I” “eat” “much” “eat” “eat”

No. 26 and Adhigh Orr, who already knew what happens when I use the Transcendence system, didn’t ask any further questions.

“You’re evolving already? You couldn’t have met all the adult conditions yet.”

On the other hand, the Sky Mother has never seen me use the Transcendence system.

‘Come to think of it, I never explained it to her.’

The Transcendence system didn’t exist in the game. Even for a ranker like her, it’s not strange that she doesn’t know about it.

I briefly explained the Transcendence system to her.

I told her it was a new ability that combines various traits to create a single trait.

After hearing my explanation, she nodded.

“I see. Actually, I often heard that AMorphs and Outspacers get headaches from having too many traits later on.”

[Yes]

“Perhaps that’s your perk.”

[Maybe]

Players who crossed over to this world each received something called a perk. I’ve already seized Muriel’s perk. The Sky Mother also possesses a perk, and I know what it is from what I’ve heard.

‘It would be quite useful for a Volf, but.’

Unfortunately, her perk doesn’t have good compatibility with me. If I had to say, it’s like a downgraded version of an AMorph’s.

Of course, as with Muriel’s case, there’s a possibility it would adapt to me if I consumed it. Honestly, I’m curious about what would happen if I ate it, but as I said earlier, keeping her alive is more beneficial for now.

Anyway, she seems to understand the Transcendence system as an AMorph-specific perk. I’m half convinced of that myself.

‘After all, I haven’t received anything else from the system.’

At most, “Predator Sense” and “Monster Tentacles” might be considered to have perk-level performance.

‘Though that’s unlikely.’

Despite their exceptional performance, they’re traits obtained through predation effects, so it’s ambiguous to consider them perks. Both Muriel and the Sky Mother said that perk-related information came in message form.

[When I use this system, I enter a cocoon]

“Like during evolution? Then the weaknesses must be similar.”

[Yes]

“…I wondered why you kept a Sea Demon and a Gallergorn around.”

The Griffon smiled wryly. As a ranker, she knew well when AMorphs are most vulnerable.

To be honest, I can’t say I had no such intention at all.

Saving No. 26 initially was out of goodwill, but as the possibility of it being a Sea Demon increased, my thoughts changed slightly. It’s undeniable that I thought about raising it to use for my survival.

In Adhigh Orr’s case, I clearly took it because I judged it would be beneficial.

‘Not anymore though.’

I’ve developed deep affection for them after going through life and death situations together. If asked whether I could sacrifice their lives to save mine, I would find it difficult to decide immediately.

But I didn’t tell her that.

It’s embarrassing to say it directly, and she seems to have figured out what I’m thinking anyway.

After stroking their heads once more, I entered the burrow I had dug in the middle of the nest.

The first thing I did after returning to the continent from the island was to create a safe haven.

I found suitable land for a nest and dug underneath to create a huge cavity. I dug it spacious enough for me to fit comfortably, creating a new earthen hill nearby with all the excavated soil.

After digging it all out, I laid down a nest to prevent collapse. Thanks to the hardened mucus, it can withstand all but the most severe impacts.

A nest made in preparation for Transcendence Stage 2.

I lay down on it and activated the semi-transparent text box.

“‘Transcendence (Stage 2)’: Unlock a new type-related trait by combining 5 fusion traits. The traits used as materials must all be related to different types. Information about the new type will be unlocked.

Available trait list: Vampiric Tentacles (Fusion), Ghost Claws (Fusion), Decay Fungal Organ (Fusion), Protective Coloration (Fusion), Mutant Promoting Virus (Fusion)

Additional reward: The taboo generated in Transcendence Stage 1 will be lifted.

*P.S.: The material traits used for breakthrough can be replaced with other traits. Please note.”

‘Good.’

As shown in the description, Transcendence Stage 2 requires fusion traits related to different types as materials. I can choose which traits to use as materials from those I possess.

‘From physical traits, I’ll use Vampiric Tentacles.’

After obtaining Horizon of Nightmare, the frequency of using Vampiric Tentacles has significantly decreased. For mid-range control weapons, Corrosive Tentacles are much longer and sturdier. So it’s perfect to use as material.

‘Ghost Claws are valuable, but the competition is too fierce, so I have no choice.’

Ghost Claws’ competitors are Predator Sense, Monster Tentacles, Watcher of Fear, and Psychic Reflective Armor. They’re all useful traits that have contributed greatly in battle, so sadly, I’ll have to use Ghost Claws as material.

Similarly, all infection-related traits were useful, but I chose Decay Fungal Organ, which has the least versatility.

‘Decay Fungus is only effective against biological enemies.’

I decided to use ‘Protective Coloration’, a special defense-related trait, as material because its use is limited to specific situations.

And the final material, ‘Mutant Promoting Virus’.

As the name suggests, Mutant Promoting Virus has the effect of forcibly promoting mutation in specific organisms.

If you stay in a nest where this fusion trait is activated for a long time, one of your traits will permanently change.

‘To be frank, it’s a random box for traits.’

It might sound good at first, but in reality, this trait has as negative an effect as Dwarfism.

That’s because the changing trait is completely random, and even I, the trait user, am affected. With bad luck, Predator Sense or Monster Tentacles could disappear and change into something like Strong Vitality or Dwarfism.

‘If only I could designate the mutation target.’

Unfortunately, it’s impossible to change the traits I want. In the past, I didn’t know this and had to raise a new character.

Because of this, in the game, I only used Mutant Promoting Virus when fighting players stronger than me, especially Outspacer rankers. Because I could completely seal one of the opponent’s main or useful traits.

In exchange, I had to be prepared to become complete enemies with the player hit by this trait.

‘I need to use it as material and get rid of it quickly.’

After checking the traits, I took one last look at the materials.

“Do you want to unlock Transcendence (Stage 2)?”

‘Confirm unlock.’

The moment I answered the text box’s question, I lost consciousness.

–

Two hours had passed since AMorph entered evolution. Unlike AMorphs who need to consume nutrients as quickly as possible, there was no such urgency for the creatures at this place.

So the three enjoyed their meal leisurely for a long time.

“Middle one, aren’t you going to eat more?”

“I’ve already gotten everything I can, so I’m fine.”

“?”

“It means I’m full.”

“Ugly friend” “eat less” “growth” “slow” “problem” “ugliness” “intensify” “regrettable”

“……”

The Sky Mother barely suppressed the urge to smack the lizard that had been snarky since earlier. It was because of No. 26 in front of her.

She didn’t know what happened in the deep sea, but the small Sea Demon in front of her had returned incredibly powerful. To the extent that if she fought it one-on-one, she would have to accept considerable bloodshed.

So she was staying quiet, but No. 26 pulled out a tentacle and hit Adhigh Orr’s head.

“Don’t tease middle one.”

“I” “speak” “truth” “ugliness” “fact”

When Adhigh Orr talked back after getting hit on the head, No. 26 swung its tentacle again.

This time the target wasn’t Adhigh Orr but a nearby redwood. The tree with a diameter of several meters split easily like tofu when hit by the tentacle.

The Sky Mother and Adhigh Orr were shocked to see a centuries-old giant tree fall after being hit by that small tentacle, and No. 26 said one thing.

“It’s noisy.”

“Acknowledge” “I” “wrong” “silence”

“……”

Adhigh Orr immediately became docile at No. 26’s terrifying power.

The Sky Mother mentally adjusted No. 26’s danger level upward again. Not considerable bloodshed, but a life-threatening injury would have to be risked against this opponent.

‘I thought it was quite docile for a Sea Demon.’

The reason Sea Demons are treated as sub-boss level creatures despite their high intelligence is their ferocity. They never stop until they kill every creature that enters their territory. If you’re marked by one, you have to worry about Sea Demon attacks every time you enter the water.

No. 26 has a much better personality compared to ordinary Sea Demons, almost like an angel, but it’s not completely gentle. At least regarding hierarchy issues, it seemed quite strict.

While the Sky Mother was lost in thought, No. 26 suddenly called her.

“Middle one. I have a question.”

“Yes?”

“Have you ever been a mother?”

The Griffon with a raptor’s head tilted her head at the Sea Demon’s question.

Her name was given to match her now-departed husband’s name.

The Volfs of this continent called the two of them, the Father Land and the Sky Mother, collectively the Parents of All Things.

‘But how should I answer this?’

They married and formed a family, but she has no experience of childbirth. For some unknown reason, they didn’t have children.

So the Sky Mother raised the native Volfs like her own children. They called her mother, and she called them her children in that context.

“…It’s embarrassing, but yes. I have played the role of a mother.”

“Wow! Middle one is amazing!”

No. 26’s body glowed brightly at her words. The Sky Mother awkwardly averted her gaze at the pure creature’s reaction.

And No. 26’s next question made her even more awkward.

“I’m curious about something!”

“What is it?”

“How do you make babies?”

“What?”

For a moment, the Sky Mother thought the pink slime in front of her was joking. But No. 26’s reaction seemed very serious.

She was so taken aback that she kept her mouth shut, and then Adhigh Orr joined in.

“I” “curious” “I” “want” “to know” “big adult” “egg”

Since Adhigh Orr communicates through thought waves, its thoughts are often directly transmitted.

From what she could feel, Adhigh Orr’s statement was 100% sincere.

No. 26, who was beside them, darkened its body when Adhigh Orr joined in.

“Little one says it needs eggs. That’s why I’m asking.”

It seemed displeased despite what it was saying, but the Sky Mother wasn’t knowledgeable enough about Sea Demon emotional expressions to notice in detail.

More than that, she was too flustered by these two small monsters’ questions to have the luxury of considering No. 26’s mood.

‘They want me to give sex education to a Sea Demon and a Gallergorn?’

As far as she knew, Sea Demons and Gallergorn are creatures whose reproduction methods are completely unknown in the game. She even learned about Sea Demons having Morphlets for the first time when she saw No. 26.

‘Adhigh Orr seems female… but wait. That aside, can Sea Demons also give birth?’

“W-well, that’s…”

“That’s?”

“I” “curious” “curious”

Seeing the two creatures who were serious about reproductive activities, the Sky Mother felt dizzy. Just as she was wondering what to explain, something caught her senses.

She peered through the dense forest with her remarkably keen eyes. Her ears and nose, as exceptional as her eyes, moved fiercely according to their owner’s will.

“Wait.”

“Wait?”

“Oh no! Enemies!”

No. 26 and Adhigh Orr, sensing her emotions, reacted immediately. They quickly scattered and hid behind nearby trees and rocks.

“Enemies? Bad guys came?”

“I” “can’t see” “enemy” “where?”

“…They’re quite far from here, but they might come this way.”

She, with the best detection abilities among the monsters present except for the AMorph underground, could tell.

Several kilometers away from here were fully armed Cult warriors. They seemed to be searching the forest thoroughly for something.

“You should be able to sense them too. Try to concentrate.”

“Okay. I’ll try.”

“Focus”

Cults naturally emit intense psychic power due to their racial characteristics. Sea Demons and Gallergorn are creatures most sensitive to psychic power. They can detect it sufficiently even from a distance.

As she expected, No. 26 and Adhigh Orr quickly detected the mysterious Cults.

“Morph bo… ahem, big one still can’t move. Because he’s in the middle of evolution.”

“Right. Big one said no one should disturb him when he’s growing.”

“Affirmative” “we” “defend” “against” “enemy” “invasion”

The Sky Mother looked at No. 26 and Adhigh Orr with serious eyes.

“That’s right. We need to stop them.”

Her words were brief, but the two small monsters immediately understood the meaning behind them.

That the being they love most was in danger.

Purple flames blazed in No. 26’s body and Adhigh Orr’s eyes.