Ch.361Burning Star (5)

“Predation Effect activated! Successfully acquired ‘Hell’s Illusion’ gene essence.”

“Stole ‘Hell’s Illusion’ from Dreadsong’s biological traits.”

“Would you like to apply ‘Hell’s Illusion’?”

‘That was close.’

Shortly after the text box appeared, strength drained from my body. The ‘Symbol of Hunt’ had ended. My enlarged body shrank to half its size, and all the transformed parts returned to their original form.

“How was it? Did you succeed this time?”

“Shall we move to the next specimen?”

[Zzzzz zzzzz zzzzz (It’s fine. This is enough)]

I secured the trait and gathered the materials needed for Sky Mother. There was no need to hunt more.

‘And I got a good trait too.’

The text box was waiting for my choice. After selecting to accept the trait, the text box disappeared, and the digested gene essence spread throughout my body.

The flow of essence that would fundamentally change my body reached my biological pipes.

When an AMorph grows into an adult, long and short pipes form all over its body. These biological pipes are used to secrete special chemicals, like with the psionic fusion trait “Dark Veil.”

As Dreadsong’s gene essence was applied, the pipes began to change. The black color turned dark red, and their distinctive bio-mechanical form became rough, as if covered with solidified lava.

Not only that, but dark red vein-like patterns appeared on my outer skin where the pipes protruded. They looked like lava that had flowed from a volcano and begun to harden.

Until now, except for my wings and head carapace, the rest of my body had been entirely black, which was somewhat plain. But with these accents added throughout my body, I definitely looked more impressive.

“Great One” “Star color” “Similar” “Looks strong”

Adhigh Orr tapped my ankle with his front paw. Then he pointed to his own red wings with the tentacle bundle on his snout. He seemed to like that I now resembled him.

‘Should I show what effect it has?’

Now that the biological pipe mutation was complete, it was time to experiment.

This trait operates through two main mechanisms.

‘First, the first one.’

I released chemicals produced inside my body through the biological pipes.

All the pipes sprayed gray liquid into the air. Like water from a spray bottle, the liquid that covered the ground and my outer skin evaporated quickly. Soon, ashen gas reminiscent of the sulfuric fog in Dreadsong’s habitat enveloped my body.

Since the gas consists of highly acidic substances, my mere approach could damage other equipment or buildings. It’s like spraying the “Acid Blood” or “Acidic Fungal Gland” traits in gas form.

But if it ended here, it wouldn’t deserve the name “Hell’s Illusion.”

[Zzzz zzzzz (Everyone back away)]

That was stage 1. I created distance between myself and the little ones. From this point on, even they could get hurt.

‘Now for stage 2.’

With gas surrounding my body, I opened my mouth and lightly clicked my teeth together. Sparks flew and ignited the gas. Instantly, my entire body was engulfed in massive flames, and my internal temperature rose dramatically.

This acidic substance that forms the ashen gas also has a very low flash point, making it highly flammable. The flame temperature rises extremely high, enough to disintegrate small bullets before they even touch my body.

True to the name Hell’s Illusion, I become a monster burning in endless flames.

‘This trait is quite different from the original power.’

In Dreadsong’s case, it inhales naturally formed gas and explosive materials to cause powerful explosions. Hell’s Illusion, on the other hand, produces toxic gas on its own, though with reduced destructive power and aggression.

‘Though this current state isn’t bad either.’

Since this is a trait that surrounds my body with fire, it’s useful when fighting enemies specialized in close combat.

It’s effective not only against small, weak enemies but also against those with heavy armor or high defense. Like the saying “clothes get wet in drizzle without noticing,” it can continuously damage enemies in close proximity.

No matter how strong an enemy’s defense is, continued exposure to acidic gas and high-temperature flames will inevitably cause significant damage.

‘And the enhanced heat dissipation effect is a bonus.’

With Hell’s Illusion applied, the heat dissipation effect of my outer skin greatly increased. This helps when fighting monsters like Magmasaur that inhabit volcanic planets.

“Big baby fiery hot.”

“Big star” “Power” “Slightly” “Feel it”

“Analysis of the gas composition confirms a mixture of acidic and flammable substances. Caution advised as contact with materials may cause ignition.”

The little ones showed interest in my flaming body.

“This reminds me of something that happened before.”

“Something that happened before? Ah, aah!”

“Sister Seoa seems to know too. The ‘Space Bomber.'”

“It’s so famous that everyone knows about it. That’s why these days, anyone who has an AMorph trembles at the sight of one.”

Sky Mother and Isabelle whispered to each other, apparently reminded of something from the past when they saw me.

‘Space Bomber, huh.’

I was briefly called that when I was deeply into the game.

Here I obtained this trait after becoming an adult, but in the game, I got it during my subadult stage. Back then, whenever I managed to infiltrate a space fortress, I would immediately rush to the oxygen supply facility.

‘And then I became light.’

A confined space, abundant oxygen, and gas composed of flammable materials—perfect conditions for self-destruction. Blowing up the fortress meant I couldn’t obtain gene essence, but I was so obsessed with instilling fear in my enemies that I didn’t care much.

‘Looking back, I might have gone too far.’

I lost good gene essence more than once because I got addicted to bomb terrorism. After obtaining unique traits, I refrained from self-destructing, but before that, many players quit the game after losing their fortresses because of me.

‘Come to think of it, I had unlocked a unique trait synthesis formula before, right?’

Besides the synthesis formula unlocked after killing Voltex One, there’s exactly one more that I unlocked a long time ago. Hell’s Illusion, which I just obtained, is one of the ingredients for that formula.

‘I should move to a different location first and check it out.’

As I decided to deactivate the trait, the pipes on my body closed. The fiercely burning flames gradually subsided.

[Zzzzz zzzzz zzzz (Let’s go somewhere safe)]

“Where are you planning to go?”

“I discovered a massive pit on our way here. Based on the entrance structure, it likely leads underground.”

I carried the little ones and followed PS-111’s guidance toward the pit.

Flying back over the barren black land, we spotted a very large pit. It was wide enough to easily accommodate a destroyer-class ship. Even looking down while flying, I couldn’t see the bottom, suggesting it was quite deep.

‘There’s no lava inside.’

No steam or gas was rising, only the sound of strong winds could be heard.

I descended and entered the pit.

When I first saw the entrance, I thought it was wide, and I was right. Inside, there were small tunnel-like openings scattered around, and the structure was quite complex.

Seeing this, it seemed like a natural space formed by lava and gas. Over time, as the contents moved elsewhere or erupted outward, they left behind this massive geological feature.

Upon reaching the bottom, I saw a passage where lava had drained out. The entrance was large enough for me to hide inside.

‘I’ll hide there.’

I crawled into the natural tunnel formed by flowing lava. Inside were the corpses of various animals that had died after failing to find a way out.

‘Perfect, there’s suitable food too.’

The little ones who dismounted from my back knew to gather food without being told.

“This help friend get better?”

“This organic material appears useful for tail repairs.”

“I’ll help too. What do you need?”

“Food” “Tough”

“Should I cook it for you?”

“Refuse” “That method” “Meal” “Uncomfortable”

After telling the little ones I had something to check, I went deeper inside and settled down.

‘Well then…’

I checked the translucent text box while lying comfortably.

“‘Transcendence’ Material List: Inorganic Digestion, Reaper’s Maw, Bone Beast, Hell’s Illusion, Ultra Control (Not Acquired)”

“‘Transcendence’ Material List (NEW!): Demon Machine, Tyrantroid, Unidentified, Unidentified, Unidentified”

‘Originally I came here for the second fusion formula.’

After consuming “Ring of Agony,” the incomplete trait “Demon Machine” appeared, and I judged that hunting Apex creatures would provide clues, so I came here.

‘Originally I was planning to target Magmasaur and other high-level Apex creatures.’

Until coming here, I hadn’t thought about hunting Dreadsong, but the situation has changed slightly. Now that I’ve obtained Hell’s Illusion, all that remains is “Ultra Control,” a trait obtainable from the Antler Cult.

‘However, there’s a problem.’

I unlocked the first fusion formula quite a long time ago. “Inorganic Digestion,” which I obtained while hunting the powerful Apex creature “Gorgon Swarm,” was the key trait.

So why had I been ignoring it until now? The reason was that one of the materials, “Reaper’s Maw,” would be extremely difficult to obtain again.

The physical fusion trait Reaper’s Maw is created by synthesizing “Essence Reaper’s Jaw,” which only AMorph subadults or special Outspacers possess. If I use Reaper’s Maw as a material, I’ll lose the ability to obtain gene essence by consuming only the head.

‘When I first unlocked the fusion formula, I was still a subadult, so there was no point in considering it.’

The other materials, “Inorganic Digestion” and “Bone Beast,” aren’t easy traits to obtain either. Even when collecting large amounts of gene essence at the space fortress “Kesha Arma,” I had the same dilemma and gave up.

‘But now the circumstances are different.’

As an adult, my body has grown so massive that it’s difficult to specifically target only the heads of other creatures. There aren’t many creatures larger than me now. I can swallow most creatures in one bite or devour them in a short time.

Therefore, the risk of having to eat enemies whole has decreased.

‘Thinking about it this way, it might not seem that important, but…’

If I change my perspective slightly, it’s not that simple.

‘When fighting creatures like Voltex One, it would be troublesome if I had to devour their entire body.’

Without Reaper’s Maw, acquiring traits through predation during combat becomes more difficult. Unless the enemy can be swallowed in one bite, I would have to consume all the flesh of even slightly larger creatures.

‘Plus, it would make experimenting on other creatures more difficult.’

I looked at No. 26 and Adhigh Orr sharing food peacefully. They had consumed food that they would never eat if this were a game. Thanks to that, both gained new powers.

The twin sisters, Sky Mother, are the same. They also need the flesh of Apex creatures to grow stronger.

If I eat everything, I’m taking away everyone’s opportunities.

‘In the past, I wouldn’t have thought like this at all.’

Whether in the game or in reality outside the game, I lived thinking only about myself.

In Space Survival, I saw every being as prey. In reality, I never deeply connected with anyone.

Seeing myself feeling attached to those small monsters and thinking about making sacrifices for them, I must have changed a lot.

‘…Well, this approach is more advantageous for survival.’

For now, I should seal the first fusion formula as before. It won’t be easy to obtain Ultra Control on this planet anyway.

Let’s focus on the second fusion formula, just as I had decided when coming to Askha44.

‘There have never been duplicate materials in fusion formulas before.’

I should exclude Hell’s Illusion from the unidentified materials in the second fusion formula. Finding Magmasaur will take more time as the parasite-infected researchers are diligently searching for them.

‘The next target worth considering…’

Several types of creatures worth eating come to mind.

I closed my eyes and continued thinking about what to do next.

–

“What? Dreadsong’s habitat was destroyed by an earthquake?”

Salman tilted his head at the communication from the expedition team.

On Askha44, where volcanic activity is vigorous, earthquakes aren’t particularly special natural phenomena. The gravity control device installed in the palace where he stays is meant to minimize earthquake damage.

Salman knows this fact, but there was something he couldn’t comprehend.

‘The cunning Dreadsong making its habitat in an earthquake-prone area? That’s impossible.’

Even if it had lost a territorial battle and was forced to live in an earthquake-prone area, there would still be a problem. These creatures live underground and can predict earthquakes faster than anyone. When they anticipate an earthquake, they evacuate to safer areas in advance.

‘But there were no such signs.’

If Dreadsong had moved its territory, his eyes spread throughout the planet would have noticed.

‘…Vulcarox mentioned it. There was an unknown massive creature near Dreadsong’s territory.’

With that thought, something came to mind.

A being that devours all kinds of vicious beasts and takes their power. If “that one” had come here, it would surely be looking for Dreadsong first.

‘Could it be?’

Salman suppressed his ominous thoughts and gave an order.

“Check all confirmed Dreadsong territories. If you encounter any suspicious creatures, report immediately.”

“Understood.”

After ending the communication, he immediately opened a drawer.

‘If that one is here…’

Although it hadn’t been confirmed whether that creature was really here, it was better to be safe than sorry. Considering its notoriety, it would be impossible for Salman to handle it alone. He had no intention of dying here.

Inside the open drawer was a diamond-shaped monolith.