Ch.445Battlefield (3)

# Space Survival

When playing Space Survival, situations rarely unfold according to plan. This is due to the countless variables: an enormous variety of species, and vastly different environments across planets and star systems.

This is especially true for AMorph, who spends most of playtime in a weakened state. I’ve had to modify my strategy due to unexpected variables more times than I can count.

‘It’s happening again.’

Originally, I hadn’t planned to stay long in Neo First Gateway City, the entrance to this star system. I intended to pass through quickly and establish a base elsewhere.

If not for this parasite in my palm—an Outspacer parasite—I would have left this place long ago.

During the inspection earlier, Isabelle, who was hiding, discovered a soldier infected with a parasite. She told me about it after the inspection ended.

I already knew the star system was exposed to the Outspacer threat. Finding a parasite itself isn’t unusual.

The problem is that the parasite in the soldier’s head was created using a Perk.

After hearing Isabelle’s information, I secretly followed the soldier. Thanks to that, I was able to ambush a gathering of infected individuals.

“I caught everyone who tried to escape.”

[Zzzz (Well done)]

No. 26, whom I brought along, spread its psychic power to capture all the fleeing infected.

I examined the parasite I had just extracted while stroking the creature cradled in my other arm.

‘A parasite made with a Perk, huh.’

Just as Isabelle said, the one I pulled from the soldier looked very different from what I knew.

Typical Outspacer parasites are much smaller than AMorph’s but similar in appearance.

This parasite, however, had a round body like a black Go stone. It’s small enough to easily enter through the mouth or nostrils. When I extracted it, I found it had settled deep in the nasal cavity, close to the brain.

Just then, No. 26 poked me repeatedly with its small tentacle.

“I know what this is. It’s chocolate.”

[Zzz (Chocolate?)]

“People love chocolate. I saw it in movies.”

The creature enthusiastically explained while pointing at the parasite in my palm.

‘Well, it does look similar.’

Though I’m sure it tastes nothing alike.

Anyway, it’s not just the appearance that’s different. Its abilities have changed significantly from the original.

‘It’s much more powerful.’

This tiny parasite, smaller than a Go stone, can control human bodies.

I gently pressed the parasite with my finger. A viscous liquid oozed out.

This narcotic fluid puts people into a hypnotic state. Humans who absorb it believe they’re dreaming. Because of this, they neither resist nor alert others when they lose control of their bodies.

‘They’ll just think it’s a dream anyway.’

Once the host is incapacitated, the parasite takes control. It’s more effective than AMorph’s method of controlling through pain.

‘It would be nice to make this ability mine, but…’

Unfortunately, that’s impossible right now.

I tossed the parasite into my mouth.

“Is it tasty?”

[Zzz (No)]

Contrary to No. 26’s expectations, the parasite tasted terrible.

The unpleasant food was quickly digested, but my body showed no changes.

To gain a trait, I need to eat the parasite’s parent, the queen larva—like when I acquired the “Parasitic Hive” trait.

‘Or I could capture the one who made this.’

The strongest force of the Returnees and the most skilled Outspacer, Rank 4. He used his Perk to create this new parasite.

If I steal that power, I could make such parasites too.

‘Chimera Engineering, was it?’

“Chimera Engineering” is a Perk that allows one to transplant genetic essences without being limited by individual constraints when designing a legion.

The queen capable of moving legions through FTL travel, parasites that hypnotize and control the infected—these are all results of the Perk. Just seeing these demonstrates its considerable potential.

‘But it has significant drawbacks too.’

Loading a legion with many good genetic essences is a double-edged sword. The loss becomes greater if enemies steal those genetic essences.

Rank 4 knows this and doesn’t abuse the Perk. In fact, despite fighting Outspacers multiple times, I’ve rarely encountered specimens reflecting this Perk.

I surveyed the infected individuals captured by No. 26’s psychic power. Since genetic essence doesn’t leak through parasites, he must have spread them widely.

‘Anyway, that aside…’

Rank 4 has implanted parasites even in this relatively less important gateway city. He must have placed parasites in other space cities and planets too.

‘Planning to cause internal division before a large-scale attack?’

Or perhaps he’s prioritizing neutralizing the gateway cities first.

Gateway cities monitor FTL travel within the star system, similar to the Cult’s surveillance office. If these fall, it becomes difficult to respond to surprise fleet jumps. By launching a surprise attack with large forces in that state, he could capture the star system with minimal losses.

‘Whatever the case, seeing parasites spread like this suggests preparations are nearly complete.’

An offensive will likely begin soon.

Actually, this isn’t necessarily bad for me. One of my purposes for coming here was to prey on large numbers of Outspacers.

But the timing is terrible. If war breaks out now, it will be difficult to obtain information from Megacorps and the ruling faction.

‘And I won’t be able to fulfill PS-111’s request either.’

If I were Rank 4, I’d also target the genetic research facility in the NEO-3 system. Genetic samples are attractive prey for Outspacers.

‘I can’t let that happen.’

I need to shake things up to prevent them from attacking immediately.

‘Rank 4 is very cautious.’

He’s the most careful ranker I know. He never overlooks even small variables. He doesn’t move rashly until he can perfectly control the situation.

If something unexpected happens now, he’ll postpone the attack and observe. He might reorganize his legion to address the issue.

During that time, PS-111 and Isabelle can find the research facility.

‘What could deliver a proper blow to him?’

The most effective approach would be for me to rampage here in my true form. He’s already suffered losses fighting me several times. This time, he’d likely spend a long time preparing to capture me.

‘No, that would take too long until the invasion.’

Besides, Rank 4 doesn’t know I’m here. It would be wasteful to squander that advantage.

‘Or maybe…’

While pondering, I suddenly remembered a method I’d used before.

‘Come to think of it, I haven’t used that trait in quite a while.’

I’ve rarely used it since gaining FTL travel ability. Instead, I’ve been favoring the additional body parts that came with the trait.

‘It might be good to use it again after so long.’

Conveniently, this space city serves as the gateway to the star system. There’s an abundance of materials I can use to activate the trait.

‘Time to head out then.’

I’m done here. All that’s left is cleanup.

I used my sharp claws to puncture holes in the heads of the infected captives bound by psychic power.

I deliberately spared some. When parasites die, they send signals to their master. Killing them all at once would raise suspicion, so it’s better to handle them moderately.

“I want to try chocolate too.”

No. 26, still in my arms watching me process the infected, emitted a wavelength.

[Zzzzzz zzzzzz (You want to eat something that tastes bad?)]

“I’m curious.”

It grabbed a dying parasite that had lost its host and swallowed it.

A moment later, the creature’s body color changed strangely.

“It tastes bad.”

[Zzzzzz (I told you)]

“Humans are weird. Why do they eat chocolate?”

[Zzzzz zzzzz zzzzz zzzzz zzzz (I’ll find you tasty chocolate later)]

“Tasty ones? Really?”

[Zz zzz zzz zzz (Yes. They’re elsewhere)]

“Wow!”

No. 26 glowed brightly, expressing joy.

According to the setting, chocolate in Megacorps is classified as a delicacy that was popular in the old Solar System. Now considered an outdated snack, it only appears in entertainment media like movies. To find it, one must visit colonies where old-fashioned entertainment is produced, or shops selling Solar System-related products.

‘Looks like I have one more task to do.’

[Zzzzzz zzzzz zzzzz zzzzz (Release those people when we leave)]

“Okay.”

The cleanup was quickly finished.

I put my half-removed skin back on and left the building with No. 26.

Even in a space fortress, the night scenery isn’t much different from any space city. Except for streetlights along the roads and large structures like the command tower in the distance, everything else was shrouded in darkness.

‘Was the port in that direction?’

It’s after public transportation hours. I climbed up the wall of the building across the street to reach the rooftop.

‘It would take about an hour to run from here.’

As I was about to leap between buildings, something unfamiliar caught my eye below. A transport truck carrying containers was parked beside the road.

“A truck?”

I jumped down from the building and approached the truck. There was nothing here just a while ago.

Then, something small emerged from the driver’s seat. It was the mini screamer that PS-111 had brought, moving with metallic sounds.

“MPS-05? What’s going on?”

“Main controller. AMorph. Support!”

It seems PS-111 hacked a truck from the port and sent it for us.

I appreciate it, but the truck is too large for just No. 26 and me.

‘Did he send it to transport the infected?’

Otherwise, there’s no reason to hack and send a vehicle with containers attached. I opened the container attached to the back of the truck.

As soon as I opened the door, a red glow burst out. A Red Gallergorn Adhigh with crimson scales was crouched inside the narrow container.

‘Why is this one here too?’

I partially removed my facial skin to extend the monster’s tentacles outside.

[Zeuuuu zzzzz (Adhigh? Why are you here?)]

“Great One” “This place” “Dwarves” “Many” “Dangerous”

[Zzz zzzzzz zzzzzz (Don’t tell me you came to help?)]

“Affirmative”

Adhigh said this while directing its amethyst-like purple eyes toward my face.

I can release the ‘Unknown Usurper’ state at will. There’s no need to worry about being weakened.

But it seems they think differently.

‘Tsk.’

It’s an action born from consideration for me. Though unnecessary, there’s no need to say anything about it.

[Zzzzz zzzzz zzzzzzzz zzzzzz zzzzz (Thank you. But you don’t need to help next time)]

I sent a wavelength of gratitude while stroking Adhigh’s neck.

‘Huh?’

While petting Adhigh, I felt a strange sensation on my shoulder. For a very brief moment, it felt like sparks flying.

I looked at No. 26 perched on my shoulder, but it appeared the same as always. Adhigh, who had been looking at my face, showed no particular reaction either.

‘Was I imagining it?’

Surely these two friendly creatures wouldn’t harbor hostility toward each other. I must have been mistaken.

I closed the container door where Adhigh was and sat in the driver’s seat.

“We’re going to the port.”

“Return! Return!”

MPS-05 began driving by controlling the truck’s terminal. The truck carrying three monsters and a mini screamer drove along the dark road.

This works out well. I should tell them what to do next.

Thirty minutes passed while discussing future plans. The truck racing through the night streets arrived at its destination.

“I’ll get off here. Move as I told you.”

“Confirm. Confirm.”

Getting off the truck, I could see ships docked in the open space. No. 26 and I entered the forest of spaceships.

‘Let’s see.’

Large and small ships stood like walls. Some ships had their lights off, perhaps because all crew members were out, while others had MCAEs (Multipurpose Construction Auxiliary Equipment) moving and transporting supplies.

‘I need something destroyer-sized, with no people aboard… Ah, found one.’

As we continued walking, I found a ship meeting my requirements. It was a cargo ship converted from a retired destroyer—completely unarmed but larger than the original.

‘Let’s go in.’

There was no one nearby, suggesting loading was already complete. I jumped into the air with force and clung to the back of the ship.

Next is No. 26’s turn, as we discussed earlier. Clinging to my back, it manipulated its psychic power to create a hole in the ship’s outer wall.

In an instant, a hole large enough for a child to enter appeared.

I contracted my body small and entered the ship. Some of my skin and clothes tore and fell outside, but it doesn’t matter. This skin I’m wearing has already served its purpose.

The interior of the cargo ship was quiet. The owner of this ship doesn’t yet know we’ve infiltrated.

No. 26 and I continued breaking through walls, moving deeper inside. After making several holes, we reached the cargo hold.

In the middle of the space filled with various loaded goods, I released ‘Unknown Usurper.’

My reduced body rapidly grew, filling the empty space. Body parts that had been reduced and atrophied regained their original form.

Restored to my original self, I placed my assimilation tentacles on the floor.

“Confirmed suitable size for assimilation.”

‘Good.’

A text box I hadn’t seen for a while greeted me.

[Zzzzzzzz zzz zzzzzz zzzz (From now on, you need to protect me. Understand?)]

“Yes! I’ll protect the big baby!”

The creature waved its tentacles, telling me to trust it.

Leaving my back to it, I pulled out the card I had prepared.

“Nightmare Horizon”—my second unique trait, which allows me to assimilate spaceships and turn them into AMorph’s body.

This time, I plan to use this trait to spread chaos.