Ch.201Flying Object (1)

In the world of Space Survival, the ability to travel through space is extremely important. That’s obvious for a game set in space.

However, the point at which space travel becomes feasible differs for each species.

Space Dogs who survive by raiding other ships and Megacorps who start as patrol ship captains can travel through space from very early on. These factions are encouraged to play by using their owned ships for smuggling or recruiting mercenaries.

On the other hand, there are species that specialize in space activities but venture into space at later timing due to various restrictions.

For example, Metallic Gremlins can travel through space from birth, but their means of leaving the atmosphere are limited. Outspacers can go straight to space as soon as they start, but they need to arrange separate defensive measures.

Simply put, you need to establish a foundation on your starting planet and then venture into space to progress smoothly in the game.

AMorph belongs to the latter type.

Though capable of surviving in space without major issues, they lack space flight ability, making early expansion difficult. To reach other planets, they must infiltrate player or NPC ships.

After gradually growing and gaining space flight ability, the gameplay style changes significantly. The field of activity shifts from a small spaceship or at most a continent on a planet to the entire universe.

‘Space flight ability also comes with FTL travel capability.’

But it can’t be used carelessly anytime. FTL navigation consumes enormous energy. Therefore, it requires as much preparation as infiltrating other ships.

‘If I use it thoughtlessly, I’m likely to run out of energy and starve to death midway.’

Before departing, I need to eat as much food as possible and check if there are any supply sources during transit.

Another disadvantage is that it can’t be used during combat. There’s a waiting period before FTL travel, so using it in combat means getting hit by enemy cannons and dying.

‘In the game, I had to use it carefully due to these risks, but…’

In this world, it’s different. Because I have another interstellar travel ability.

My unique trait “Nightmare Horizon.” A trait that allows me to assimilate with a spaceship and turn it into a kind of bio-ship.

‘Each one alone has many limitations and is complicated, but having both changes everything.’

Nightmare Horizon and Enhanced Beast Wings. Traits with stark contrasts in strengths and weaknesses.

Nightmare Horizon has lower utility but can store much more energy. It’s suitable for ultra-long-distance travel across multiple star systems at once. However, it can only be used once every 7 days, and only on one spaceship at a time.

Conversely, Enhanced Beast Wings are effective for planetary travel or movement between nearby star systems. For longer distances, the food supply issue must be resolved.

In other words, using these two traits properly can compensate for each other’s weaknesses.

‘I can use wing arms on planets or within star systems, and when I want to travel far, I can take over a ship and use Nightmare Horizon.’

There are many other uses, but let’s figure those out gradually.

I looked down at my arm with “Enhanced Beast Wings” applied.

“Wings” was the first trait I gained after coming to this world. At that time, they were like beetle wings, normally folded against my body like a carapace and unfolding when needed.

However, the wings I’ve gained this time are quite different in form. The uppermost pair of my six combat arms has transformed into wings.

Originally, all my combat arms were identical in length and form. They only changed when using special transformation modes.

But now the winged arms are much longer and larger than the other arms. Almost between 2 and 3 times longer. They’re so long that the fingertips touch the ground when I stretch the wing arms out without bending my upper body.

The arm carapaces have small holes covered with thin membranes arranged in a row, which are for ejecting propellant needed for FTL travel or flight in space.

And except for one of the four fingers, the rest have become very long and sturdy. A broad membrane has grown between the transformed fingers and across the entire arm. It’s similar to a bat’s wing.

The outer surface is covered with scales, giving it a rough, coarse feel, but the inner surface has grown small down feathers, making it very soft to touch.

The outer surface of the wings is fairly sturdy and has resistance to energy weapons. Its defensive capability can block at least one plasma cannon shot mounted on a ship, so it can be used defensively in emergencies.

‘Though it’s not a good choice if hit frequently, as it will tear.’

The membrane is almost as large as my body length, but since it’s currently folded, it’s not quite that big. When I bend my winged arms with the folded membrane, the draping membrane makes me look like I’m wearing an enormous cloak.

‘An AMorph with a cloak.’

If I evolve into an adult in this state, I’ll look quite impressive. I’ll take a form similar to the three-headed dragon from classic Japanese monster movies.

‘Adult.’

Having gained the ability to freely roam space, I can now fulfill evolution conditions faster than before. With an excellent means of transportation, the entire planet is now my hunting ground.

Though I’m still far from becoming an adult, I can fulfill the conditions much faster than before.

“Do you like them that much?”

As I was admiring my wings with satisfaction, Sky Mother approached me.

After the Hunt Manifestation effect ended, everyone had stepped back in case I might attack. 26 and PS-111 followed behind her.

[Sorry for making you worry]

“It’s fine. I already knew about it.”

“Big baby, are you full now?”

[Sorry I ate so much]

“Babies are always hungry soon, so it’s okay!”

When I regained my senses after the manifestation’s side effects ended, only half of the female Crystal Wing’s body remained as food. The male’s corpse had completely entered my stomach.

“Based on preliminary simulations of energy consumption in enhanced form, it is estimated that sufficient energy has not yet been supplied.”

[Now that my sanity has returned, I’m fine]

“I’ve heard that ‘AMorph’ can remove disadvantages through genetic modification. I recommend eliminating this disadvantage by consuming other organic matter.”

I was planning to do that anyway. Now that I’ve gained the desired flight ability, the next step is to hunt a Shark Bear for a new trait.

[When we finish eating, let’s look for new prey]

“Good!”

“Affirmative.”

No. 26 and PS-111, who had been focused on eating Crystal Wing meat, answered energetically.

“Oh, by the way, I have something to show you.”

Instead of answering, Sky Mother showed me a small metal fragment. The object she showed was half-melted ivory-colored metal, Moon Silver.

[Moon Silver? Where did you find this?]

“I found it being digested in the female’s intestines.”

While I was eating the male’s head to gain a trait, she was examining the female. She needed to consume the heart and organs to raise her Incarnate level. She must have discovered the Moon Silver fragment during that process.

‘But why would a Crystal Wing have Moon Silver?’

I examined the Moon Silver fragment carefully.

[It’s not in mineral state]

“Yes. It’s refined Moon Silver alloy.”

Hearing that, I had a suspicion. She seemed to have the same thought, nodding silently.

Moon Silver is a mineral primarily used by Cult. It has the effect of amplifying psychic power, so Moon Silver alloy is widely used in weapons, enhancement suits, and even ships.

If so, there’s only one answer.

‘Jason.’

This must be a trace of the spaceship he and his subordinates arrived in. Judging by the degree of melting, it seemed to have been digested for quite some time.

‘It looks like it’s been at least a day.’

[Anything else besides this?]

“I couldn’t find any other traces.”

If the male’s corpse had remained, I could have examined it more, but unfortunately, I ate it all.

‘A spaceship, huh.’

When interrogating Jason who had become a human-faced beast, I had already learned that he brought several subordinates. And that those subordinates had set up camp at Black Gallergorn’s nest.

It would have been impossible normally, but it was a miracle made possible because Black Gallergorn had a close relationship with his fellow player.

‘He said they absolutely wouldn’t leave until he returned.’

But from the current situation, it seems likely that his subordinates met with misfortune while trying to leave the planet. The Crystal Wing wouldn’t have entered Black Gallergorn’s territory to attack the Cult.

‘Or is it a completely different faction?’

Perhaps pirate groups composed of Cult have set foot here. Like Muriel’s cartel.

‘No need to overthink it.’

If necessary, I can find out directly.

After organizing my thoughts, I looked at the kids. No. 26 and PS-111 had already finished their short meal.

[Did you eat well?]

“Yes.”

“It was satisfactory, but more energy is needed.”

[Oh? That’s good]

We’ve eaten, and I’ve gained wing arms.

It’s the perfect time to hunt while flying.

–

“All repairs have been completed.”

“Phew, thank goodness.”

While the ship was being repaired, the captain who had been anxious finally sighed in relief. All sorts of terrifying monsters were swarming on this dreadful planet.

‘Damn, six attacks in less than a day!’

The Cult cruiser had crash-landed near the middle of a massive mountain. Though quite distant from the Gallergorn’s nest, it wasn’t a safe place.

Being away from the Gallergorn’s nest meant that many other wild animals lived there. So while attacks were expected, they never imagined they would be attacked this frequently.

Without the Temple Guardians, experts in monster hunting, the ship’s crew would have long since become food for beasts.

‘At least it’s fortunate the Garan Manos haven’t returned.’

Garan Manos have special skin that doesn’t register on detection equipment. Without seeing them directly with your own eyes or using special psychic power techniques, it’s not easy to avoid their attacks.

It was because of the Garan Manos’ cursed characteristics that they met with misfortune while trying to leave the planet.

The Temple Guardians kept vigilant watch in case they attacked again, but fortunately, no such misfortune occurred.

“Providence is helping us. Everyone, prepare for takeoff!”

“Yes, sir!”

At the captain’s command, the crew began to move busily. The engine that had been shut down roared to life, and heat returned to the hull that had cooled in the outside chill.

The Cult in the situation room used psychic power to synchronize with the cruiser that had just awakened. Information stored at the time of the crash was transmitted to the synchronized Cult’s minds. Important information was displayed as translucent energy images in the center of the situation room.

“Engine activation 70%. Still rising to 100%.”

“Energy remaining 67%. Good condition.”

“Damaged area closure operation complete.”

“Takeoff preparation complete.”

“Good. Prepare the engine to jump as soon as we leave the planet.”

“Yes, sir!”

“Watchers, report immediately if Gallergorn or other threats appear.”

“Understood.”

After all preparations were complete, the ship slowly began to rise into the air. The ivory-colored, elongated diamond-shaped cruiser wobbled slightly when first lifting off, but soon flew up into the sky without issue.

‘Please don’t encounter any threats…’

“Bio-signal approaching rapidly! It’s a Gallergorn!”

“Damn it!”

The Cult in charge of external surveillance reported urgently. Simultaneously, a tactical map far more sophisticated than holograms produced by Megacorp or Star Union was displayed above the situation room.

A triangular marker was approaching the diamond shape in the center of the tactical map.

“Can you confirm the Gallergorn’s color?”

“Judging by its size, estimated to be green. Collision with target expected in 5 minutes on current trajectory.”

“…Tsk, switch to evasive maneuvers but maintain current speed as much as possible. Escape at maximum speed without counterattacking.”

“Understood.”

Judging by the speed at which it was flying, it didn’t seem to be approaching with friendly intentions. For whatever reason, it was clearly targeting this cruiser.

Just as all crew members were tense about the suddenly appearing enemy.

The crewman in charge of surveillance and reconnaissance turned deathly pale.

“E-emergency report! Another unidentified target approaching!”

“What?”

“J-judging by its size, at least white or above! Its speed is incredible! One minute until collision!”

Everyone in the situation room was shocked by this unexpected bad news. The captain, barely maintaining composure, urgently ordered:

“Prepare FTL engine activation! Watchers, share the image captured by external cameras!”

“We can’t make it in time for engine activation!”

“Damn it all! Make it happen somehow!”

While the atmosphere grew tense, the footage captured by external cameras was displayed in the center of the situation room.

‘Th-this is?’

The captain was startled at what the camera captured.

It was like a black meteor in the dark sky. An ominous sign that appears whenever great calamity befalls the Empire, as Providence says.

A black demon was approaching them, flapping its massive wings.

“Huh? What’s that?”

While everyone was frozen in fear at the terrifying being, someone’s foolish voice echoed in the situation room. Hearing those words, the captain’s gaze shifted to the reinforced glass at the front of the situation room.

In that place filled with black clouds. In that place where snow and hail storms raged, there was something.

A black shadow flashing with each lightning strike.

The terrifying being captured on camera rushed toward them with its maw wide open.

“E-everyone, prepare for coll-!”

Just as the captain shouted at the top of his lungs, the cruiser shook violently.