Ch.330Contract (2)

“Has Siheyon Yujin departed?”

“Yes. He left in the morning.”

Kixos nodded.

He was conversing with Alshas, who appeared as a semi-transparent hologram in the study of his mansion.

“He was a useful human. It’s regrettable, but unavoidable.”

“I heard you provided substantial funding.”

At the mention of money, Kixos let out a small snort.

“It’s not a significant amount. If it replaces the emperor of Megacorp, it’s a profitable venture. Even if it fails, causing internal strife among the Empire’s competitors isn’t a bad outcome.”

“You’re right.”

“However, I regret losing a warrior skilled in fighting monsters. We’re in a situation where every fighter counts.”

“…You’re referring to the Temple Guardians.”

Clicking his tongue, Kixos brought the glass in his hand to his lips. Sweet fruit-scented liquor disguising its potency moistened his mouth and throat.

“When Jason of the Providences disappeared, numerous Temple Guardians vanished with him. To think such a thing would happen when imperial security is precarious. That’s why every warrior is precious now.”

“Indeed. Recently, more than a few warriors have reported sightings of Outspacer bio-ships near the borders.”

“This human, Siheyon Yujin—investigation showed he had quite a reputation for eliminating the Emperor’s political opponents and hunting monsters.”

“Is that so?”

Kixos’s connections extend beyond the Empire. He has informants in various places, including Megacorp’s Noble Capital and Space Dog.

It was easy to confirm how notorious Siheyon, Akira’s shadow, had been.

“You certainly have a good eye, Alshas.”

“Thank you. Actually, I learned about him through Senior Nern’s introduction.”

“Captain Nern, eh? I had hoped he would stay, but to think he would leave too.”

“He said he wanted to observe Siheyon Yujin’s journey a bit longer. He’ll return to the Empire when it’s over.”

“He’ll make a good informant, so keep in touch with him.”

After a few more brief exchanges with Alshas, Kixos ended the communication.

‘The universe will become chaotic again.’

The last major offensive by the Outspacers was just 30 years ago. Alshas and Nern, whom he just contacted, were ordinary warriors during that time.

Typically, Outspacer offensives occur after rest periods of over 200 years. The next offensive should happen only after 170 years.

‘This new queen is said to be an unusual specimen—this is serious.’

This is a point emphasized by both the Temple Guardians and the Priests of the Eye of Revelation. The new leader that appeared after the Great Queen’s death 30 years ago is reportedly a highly intelligent variant. The fact that it’s capable of high-level strategic thinking has already been reported to the council.

‘If another major offensive occurs, the Empire will suffer greatly.’

Given the Empire’s current strength, it would be difficult to withstand a large-scale war. They wouldn’t be defeated, but significant decline is inevitable.

‘At least until other powers serve as shields.’

This is why he’s supporting Siheyon’s effort to replace Megacorp’s Emperor, or CEO. The goal is to form alliances with Empire-friendly factions to reduce the burden of security crises.

‘I hope things work out well.’

In the now-quiet study, he finished the remaining liquor in his glass.

As the strong drink flowed into his characteristically fragile Cult body, he felt a rush of heat. Kixos stepped out onto the balcony outside his study to catch some air.

The nighttime cityscape under the sun came into view. Thanks to the dreamlike natural light, some call Beryan02 the red jewel.

A view truly worthy of being called a jewel. I will protect this at all costs. Kixos reaffirmed his determination as he gazed at the night view.

“Huh?”

While looking at the wine-red sky, something strange caught his eye.

There was a small dot like a star in what should be a flawless sky. At first, he thought it was an airship, but that wasn’t it. If it was visible from here, it meant the object was comparable in size to a medium destroyer.

The problem was that this place was the Fortress of Water.

It’s impossible for a destroyer to be moving inside the biodome.

“!”

At the sudden roar, Kixos instinctively ducked his head.

The defense cannons installed inside the dome all fired at once.

Thousands, tens of thousands of shooting stars across the red night sky.

They flew toward the suspicious flying object.

–

According to Isabelle’s records, Kixos was the leader of a powerful faction in the Imperial Council. There was a brief explanation about his faction, noting that it emphasized trade and diplomacy.

While the Cult is an exclusive race, there are factions with internationalist tendencies. Even in the game, a faction prioritizing diplomacy would randomly generate in the council.

These types of factions are extremely wealthy. As the head of such a faction, he would be even more so. He’s rich enough to invite the governor, the highest authority on the planet, to his banquet. Kixos would probably be considered the wealthiest person on Beryan02.

So where would the richest person live?

The Fortress of Water has a structure similar to an orbital structure, with the entire city covered by a hemispherical dome.

In the center stands the old command tower. Once serving as defense headquarters, it now functions as official residences for the governor and high-ranking officials.

An artificial waterfall flows along the sides of the tower, visible from anywhere in the city. Water drawn from deep underground flows along the exterior of the tower—a miracle made possible by gravity control devices.

Above the old command tower wrapped in streams of water floats a luxurious aerial mansion.

A structure overlooking the Fortress of Water from the highest point. That is Kixos’s residence.

Like a luxury hotel on a lake, Kixos’s mansion can only be accessed by airship.

Naturally, not just any airship can enter. Only invited dignitaries and their attendants are permitted.

At other times, I would have approached carefully using “mimicry organs” and “parasite colonies,” but that’s not possible now.

Without being able to use parasites, stealthy infiltration would require much more time. If caught midway, the same situation that happened with Alqadi would repeat.

So this time, I decided to strike first.

“Are we going to punish the bad humans?”

“Hunt” “together” “long time”

“We must rescue my sibling.”

After leaving the mansion with the kids, I immediately deactivated my “Clever Weakling” state. The energy densely stored within my body was released and spread outward.

My body, which had been just a few meters tall, reverted to a giant monster 40 meters high and 60 meters long. Returning from a centaur-like form to a bipedal body capable of walking on two legs, I stood firmly on the ground.

The mansion that had seemed endlessly vast now looks like a miniature. No building in this area reaches my eye level.

“Grrrr”

“Gruk”

The heads on both sides, now freed, shake their necks as they survey the cityscape. My right tail with pincers and left tail with a bio-cannon sweep over the mansion.

‘Nice.’

Due to the sealed parasite colony, my combat arms are in terrible shape, but fortunately, my wing arms are fine.

I lowered my head so No. 26 and PS-111 could climb aboard.

“Wow! So big! So high!”

“I will help with all my strength.”

After taking the kids aboard, I spread my wings wide. The air vibrated as if hundreds of thousands of beasts were roaring.

[Zzzzz (hold tight)]

With that, I flapped my wings and my body shot upward with tremendous momentum. The light-transmitting dome wall rapidly approached, becoming visible.

Looking down, I could see the completely destroyed mansion. Not only Robetz’s mansion but also surrounding houses were all destroyed by the backdraft from my wings.

“Flap flap amazing!”

No. 26’s excited wavelength tickled the monster’s tentacles. It spread its tentacles like a net, firmly gripping my horns.

Adhigh Orr and Sky Mother followed behind me in the air.

“Great One” “that form” “good”

The Gallergorn, with its harmonious blend of white and red, elegantly flies with four flapping wings. It seems quite happy to be flying freely in the open sky.

“Flying is a rare treat for both of us.”

Sky Mother, who returned to griffon mode after a long time, emitted thought waves. Her agate-colored wings, hidden until now, regained freedom and cut through the red darkness.

‘Everyone seems fine.’

After checking the kids’ condition once, I looked toward the center of the city. A small mansion floats above the waterfall flowing in reverse along the old command tower.

Having revealed my true form, I need to move as quickly as possible. I must inflict as much damage as possible while the enemies are still unaware of my survival.

I set my target and flapped my wings. With each powerful beat, my body shot forward like lightning. Black mist-like substance continuously spewed from the bio-pipes throughout my body.

If someone saw me wrapped in the ‘Dark Veil,’ it would look like a dark cloud moving.

As soon as my body was concealed by the black cloud, loud noises erupted from the ground. Sirens blared throughout the city, and simultaneously, I sensed tens of thousands of energy masses flying from a distance.

‘The defense system has activated.’

Exactly the response speed I expected. The Cults in charge of city defense discovered me and began counter-fire.

Heat rays made of psychic power tore through the dark cloud. Each one rivaled the psychic breath fired by Green Gallergorn, but they’re only useful if they actually hit the target. Thanks to the Dark Veil neutralizing detection systems, none of the heat rays reached me.

I, Adhigh, and Sky Mother skillfully navigated through the rain of psychic power.

“Flap flap fun!”

“This” “easy”

“Without the Dark Veil, this would have been troublesome.”

“Enemies are approaching. Everyone please be careful.”

As PS-111 warned, I could sense defense fighters and patrol ships approaching.

‘I could eliminate them by dispersing Gremlin Moss, but there’s no need for that.’

I extended corrosive tentacles toward the approaching patrol ships. Six tentacles, much longer than my body length, shot out like arrows leaving a bow.

The enemies flying through the dark cloud were startled by the suddenly emerging tentacles. They tried to change direction urgently, but it was too late. The appendages at the ends of the tentacles firmly grasped their targets.

After confirming the sensation at the tentacle ends, I threw those patrol ships downward. With damaged wings and engines, the ships fell onto the skyscrapers below without putting up any resistance.

Following distant explosions came the sound of something collapsing. The ground must be in absolute chaos by now.

The fighters, much more agile than patrol ships, dodged the tentacles. Some foolish ones were caught by my heads while trying to avoid the tentacles. My left and right heads mercilessly bit into the fighters.

“Aaaah…!”

Small screams were heard but quickly drowned out by explosions.

Seeing their comrades die miserably, the other vessels widened the distance and began forming formations. It was skilled movement for soldiers living in an era of peace, but they overlooked one thing.

That I wasn’t the only monster in the clouds.

Adhigh, faster than any of us, leaped among the enemies with “Red Armor,” an absolute defense technique, covering his body. Though not fully mastered—only protecting his wings, head, and upper body—it was sufficient to block enemy attacks.

He used the wings protruding from his back as shields to block incoming heat rays. Then, straightening his head and neck like a spear, he charged toward other vessels. Piercing holes in ships as he moved freely, he resembled an indestructible missile.

Sky Mother, now in griffon state, eliminated enemies more slowly but steadily than him. Her front paws, several times larger than an adult male’s head, were threatening enough on their own.

Moreover, she held a long spear in her beak. The “Golden Spear of Shaman,” which becomes sharper with each blood stain, rendered ship defense barriers meaningless. Fighter jets were smashed immediately upon engaging with Sky Mother, and patrol ships didn’t last long either.

No. 26 and PS-111 on my back also actively participated in the battle. No. 26 controlled incoming energy bullets and heat rays to make them miss, while PS-111 intercepted enemy ships with the Demolisher implanted in his body.

‘Good.’

Everyone is fighting excellently.

We advanced, tearing through mountains of enemies.

As my destination became clear, the enemy counterattack intensified. Ground-based anti-aircraft batteries activated and fired heat rays, but again to little effect.

Not much distance remained to the target. It was time to use the weapon I’d been saving.

The monster’s tentacles attached to three heads began drawing in power. Dragon power, no, something even greater, surged behind the heads. The tentacles, having absorbed immense power, moved to target their respective objectives.

When all preparations were complete, I released that power.

The psychic breath, fired in three streams, cut through the clouds. At its end was the gravity control device maintaining the massive waterfall.

As always, the psychic breath did not miss.

The explosion when the device was destroyed wasn’t very loud. It was swallowed by the sound that followed.

Even in an age where everyone ventures into space, natural phenomena cannot be surpassed. The water that had been flowing upward for kilometers now follows the laws of physics.

Like the Great Flood in the Bible, an enormous amount of water poured down on the Cult city. The waterfall that once inspired awe in visitors now became a massive disaster. Buildings, Cults, hover boats, and anti-aircraft guns—none could withstand the sudden flood.

Having neutralized the enemy defense system this way, I safely landed on the aerial mansion.

As soon as I landed, the defensive facilities in the mansion activated and poured out fire. I wrapped myself with my wings for protection, just as Adhigh had done.

In that state, my auxiliary organs busily checked for movement inside the mansion.

‘Still not moving.’

More precisely, there is movement, but different from what I expected. If the enemy were a ranker, they would have already come out to intercept me.

‘Are they preparing some weapon?’

If so, I absolutely cannot leave them be. I immediately prepared a psychic breath. And as soon as preparations were complete, I fired it toward the mansion.

The power of the breath fired simultaneously from three heads was truly remarkable. The mansion melted away without a trace, and the ground that had been floating in the air due to gravity control devices plummeted downward.

I landed above the point where the aerial mansion had crashed. As soon as I touched down, the water parted greatly from the pressure of my wings. The old command building barely holding up nearby also collapsed.

‘Still not coming out?’

I put my head into the water, but couldn’t sense any being presumed to be a ranker. The person with the strongest psychic power in the mansion had completely disappeared.

The meaning of this is clear.

‘It’s a bust.’

It seems Kixos is not a ranker after all.

[Zzzzz Zzzzz (This isn’t the place)]

“Then?”

[Zzz Zzz Zzzzz Zzzzz Zzzzz (Let’s go check out Alshas that you mentioned)]

Just as I was about to take flight again, numerous life form reactions were detected above.

Looking up, I saw small shining particles in my eyes.

‘Oh no.’

I know what those small particles—no, organisms—are. And I know what’s riding on them.

“King of Sky” “similar”

Adhigh, flying beside me, emitted thought waves.

‘They look similar but are quite different.’

“…Those are Star Sharks. A subspecies of Sky Whales.”

“What’s a subspecies?”

“Star Shark. Grows up to 5 meters maximum and can move quickly by absorbing energy. Presumed to follow Sky Whales and eat residual energy.”

“King of Sky” “subordinate” “dangerous”

“Bad flap flap!”

In the Cult Empire, there is only one legion that tames and rides Star Sharks.

[Zzzzz Zzzzz (The Priests of the Eye of Revelation)]

The “Slayer,” stronger in firepower than the Demolisher but very heavy, and the “Heretic Inquisition Robe,” also heavy but excellent in defense. For these to be effective, superior mobility is essential.

The means to effectively provide this is their mount, the “Star Shark,” a subspecies of Sky Whale.

“Priests!”

The one at their forefront shouts in a loud voice. The priest’s cry, amplified by mechanical devices, echoes over the flooded city.

Soon after, the cavalry riding space sharks began their descent.