Ch.51Harbor District (1)

Jade stepped out of his home and waited for his colleagues in front of the complex.

Just as he finished smoking his second cigarette, a black sedan appeared in the distance. When Jade waved his hand with the cigarette still in his mouth, the classic-looking mid-size sedan approached him.

The car stopped, and Jade opened the passenger door. Inside was a woman with goat horns on her head and white hair, holding the steering wheel.

“I told you to come discreetly.”

“What if we aroused suspicion by bringing an official vehicle?”

The woman’s name was Janet Russell. As evident from the horns on her head, she was a Cult.

“We need a car this size anyway if all five of us are going to fit.”

“…Tch, I can’t argue with that. Where are the others?”

Jade clicked his tongue and got into the passenger seat. As he entered the car, a man in the back seat deactivated his camouflage and appeared.

“Dwayne Russell. Reporting back as ordered.”

“It’s been a while.”

Dwayne Russell, a gloomy-looking skinny man, served as the sniper among Yugin’s infiltrated subordinates. That’s why he wore advanced enhancement armor with optical camouflage capabilities.

Normally, advanced enhancement armor would be closer to an armor suit, but Dwayne’s armor was extensively modified at enormous cost, making it incomparably lighter than the original. The trade-off was significantly reduced defense, down to mid-grade enhancement armor levels, but since Dwayne’s role was to support his teammates from the rear, it wasn’t a major issue.

“That leaves Frost and Hope.”

“Frost is in the entertainment district, and Hope… there he is.”

Hope Russell, a large man with a crew cut, was approaching them with a cello case slung over his shoulder. Hope went to the back of the car and knocked on the trunk.

“Open it.”

“This is an expensive car, you know.”

Janet grumbled but opened the trunk. After loading his cello case, Hope sat in the back seat.

“Long time no see, everyone.”

“No issues with the weapons?”

“Of course not. Though I wonder if we’ll even need them.”

“Don’t let your guard down. We never know what unexpected situations might arise.”

“Yeah, yeah. Mom. Hey Dwayne, how’ve you been?”

Hope barely acknowledged Jade’s advice and turned to speak to Dwayne beside him.

“God, this guy is such an ass every time I see him.”

“What’s your problem now, bitch?”

“…Janet. Stop the nonsense and get going.”

“Yes, sir.”

The Russell children who had infiltrated the T&C Special Trade Center always moved as a team. With dozens of joint operations under their belt, they were truly a veteran team.

“Mr. Jade is right. A soldier must always be prepared.”

Dwayne Russell, the most soldier-like personality on the team, was responsible for rear support and sniping.

“Weapons are nothing. They’re useless once you run out of ammo. Psychic powers are superior.”

Janet Russell, the only woman in the group, was not only a Cult but also possessed an extremely powerful and rare ability.

“Hardheaded bitch. You’ll only come to your senses when a grenade hits you below the belt.”

Hope Russell specialized in heavy weapons, though he was proficient with all kinds of armaments. Despite his violent temperament, he was the most reliable person in combat.

“…You two fight every time you meet.”

Jade Russell, the leader and demolition specialist. Thanks to receiving Metallic Gremlin genes from Siheyon Yugin, he could destroy almost any type of metal.

Finally, though not present, there was Frost Russell, who served as the team’s vanguard.

Each member had a specialized role, and their long history of working together had resulted in excellent teamwork.

However, that didn’t mean they got along well personally. Only Jade, as the leader, maintained friendly relationships with everyone; the rest were rather awkward with each other.

‘They work well together during operations, but they’re always like this when off duty.’

Still, they all kept their professional and personal lives separate, so Jade didn’t bother intervening.

The car driving through the night stopped near the border of the entertainment district. After waiting briefly, a cyborg came running from the distance.

“Looks like I’m the last one.”

“It’s been a while, Frost.”

“Good to see you too, Mr. Jade.”

The cyborg, Frost Russell, got into the back seat with a grin. As soon as he entered, the expressions of those sitting in the back soured.

“Damn, did you kill someone again?”

“Huh? Is it obvious?”

“Yeah, you asshole. The smell of blood is overwhelming.”

“Hehe.”

While everyone in this car had killed hundreds of people as professional killers, Frost was particularly notorious.

‘He kills people regularly even without missions.’

Frost, a cyborg with over 80% of his body modified to the point of being nearly an android, was the team’s close combat specialist and had the most vicious personality among the Russell family members.

Among cyborgs who had defected to Megacorps, cases like Frost were not uncommon. After unwillingly becoming machines, their minds broke, causing them to seek only the most extreme stimulations.

For example, torture, murder, and violence against others.

From a general perspective, their mentality was closer to that of Space Dogs, which is why 80% of defected cyborgs chose the path of space pirates. The remaining 20% came to places like the Special Trade Center, where “entertainment” was readily available. Frost belonged to the latter category.

‘At least it doesn’t interfere with mission performance.’

Since Frost only killed people he was allowed to kill when not on a mission, Jade wasn’t particularly worried. The persistent smell of blood was concerning, but manageable.

“We’ve arrived.”

Janet’s voice pulled Jade from his thoughts. Through the passenger window, he could see piles of containers stacked high.

“Everyone get out and prepare.”

While the others checked their equipment, Jade approached the wire fence surrounding the loading area. He grabbed the fence with his hand and stood still, and soon the thick wires began to tear with a snapping sound.

“Is this enough?”

The fence now had a hole large enough for three people to enter at once. Jade climbed through the fence into the loading area. The others, having finished their checks, followed him in.

“Where are we going?”

“This way. Dwayne, please secure the rear as usual.”

“Yes, sir.”

With that response, Dwayne’s body dissolved into the shadows.

The rest of the team followed Jade through the forest of containers. Thanks to his Metallic Gremlin genes, Jade could easily distinguish which container he was looking for by the metal scent, even though they all looked identical.

He guided the team without hesitation, as if following a map. Upon reaching the container, Jade placed his hand on the terminal.

As the mouth in his hand chewed on the terminal, sparks flew from the machine. Then, with a click from inside the solid iron door, it opened.

“Huh?”

Stepping inside the container, Jade sensed something was wrong. The cold air from the freezing tube containing the Gallergorn should have been noticeable. But the container was only warm.

‘What’s going on?’

With an ominous feeling, Jade rushed to the freezing tube and opened the lid.

“……”

“Huh? Is this the right place?”

Janet, who had followed him in, tilted her head in confusion. Jade couldn’t say anything to her.

The freezing tube was empty.

–

“This is the container with the creature you mentioned.”

William, who had been summoned by me twice, maintained his polite attitude. This was because the parasite embedded in his brain would cause pain if he resisted or harbored resentment toward me.

Despite his courteous demeanor, he must have held quite a grudge against me, as he was constantly taking painkillers.

‘It would be easier if he just gave up.’

I suddenly wondered what characteristics I would gain if I ate William’s flesh. There’s no guarantee I’d absorb 100% of his genetic essence, but if I did, what trait would I get?

‘Isn’t he the epitome of humanity?’

Considering that he still hasn’t abandoned thoughts of attacking me despite the considerable pain, it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say he possesses an immortal will. This trait seems more fitting for him than for the pirate vice-captain.

‘I should hope he becomes useless soon.’

Whether William knew I was planning to eat him or not, he simply kept his head bowed.

‘Well, never mind that. Let’s check this out.’

I turned my attention away from him and opened the container.

This container held 30 Walking Woods.

Walking Woods are plant-type creatures that live on jungle planets, similar to Plant Lizards.

The Walking Woods, which looked like adorable fairies about 30cm in size, were sleeping inside the freezing capsules. They had no idea what danger they were in.

‘They were popular in the game too.’

Just as Bubble Amoebas were popular due to their appearance, Walking Woods were also well-liked because of their small and cute form. There were even enthusiasts who specifically sought them out.

I also hunted Walking Woods frequently. In my case, it wasn’t because they were cute, but to obtain their trait.

The trait possessed by Walking Woods is “Natural Recovery.”

It was a fusion material for my “Regeneration” trait.

When an AMorph acquires two or more traits with similar effects, the one with the higher effect takes priority. For example, if both Natural Recovery and Regeneration are present, Regeneration is applied.

If an attack that nullifies trait effects prevents Regeneration from activating, Natural Recovery would kick in, but such cases are rare.

‘In other words, I don’t need it right now.’

Natural Recovery wouldn’t benefit me immediately if I acquired it. Of course, I could use it as material for the transcendence system, but other than that, it wouldn’t be particularly helpful.

So this time, I decided to give them to No. 26.

‘Food with recovery-related traits might help with growth.’

If the evolution result of a mutant Bubble Amoeba is a Sea Demon, it would evolve by eating creatures from the same planet and habitat. In that case, feeding it creatures that live on ocean planets would be ideal.

There were no aquatic creatures among the smuggled animals, but I wasn’t about to give up.

I formed another hypothesis.

Could it evolve by eating creatures with specific genes or traits, like an AMorph?

So far, No. 26 hadn’t shown any changes despite eating all kinds of creatures. That means it’s separate from obtaining nutrition.

Looking back at when its tentacles increased, it only happened after defeating Siheyon Yugin and eating the smuggled animals. Neither had much to do with marine creatures.

Hunting powerful enemies and eating special animals leads to growth. These are all conditions similar to an AMorph.

From an AMorph perspective, the evolution method to a Sea Demon likely involves obtaining specific traits for growth. That’s why I deliberately chose creatures with self-healing abilities similar to deep-sea creatures.

‘Let’s first verify the part about food with traits.’

I called for No. 26.

[Zzzz zzzz (Are you hungry? It’s food time)]

“Yes!”

No. 26 was apparently hungry, as it immediately rushed to the freezing capsule. It used its tentacles to naturally manipulate the terminal, just as I had done.

‘It seems to have learned.’

Perhaps it had grown smarter as it developed. It opened the freezing capsule without any difficulty.

As the cold air escaped and the lid opened, No. 26 immediately inserted its tentacles and pulled out a Walking Wood.

“Kek!”

The Walking Wood, pulled out while sleeping, died with a broken waist. No. 26 inflated its entire body and swallowed the Walking Wood’s corpse in one go.

After absorbing the corpse over about five minutes, No. 26 immediately targeted the next freezing capsule.

‘Its digestion speed has increased too.’

Whether it’s because the Walking Woods are small or because No. 26 has grown, its digestive acid seems to have become stronger. It’s almost on par with my acidic blood now.

As I watched closely, No. 26 ate 10 Walking Woods. It seemed full, as its movements had become much more sluggish than before.

“I’m full.”

[Zzzz zzzz (Eat just one more)]

“Okay.”

I hadn’t expected No. 26 to eat all of them anyway. There was someone waiting behind No. 26. Adhigh, perched on my head, was drooling while waiting for his turn.

[Zzzz zzzz (Just be patient a little longer)]

“I” “patience” “patience”

[Zzz (Good)]

I stroked him once to show my appreciation for his admirable behavior.

Meanwhile, No. 26 was digesting the 11th Walking Wood. Just as the remains of the Walking Wood were almost completely gone inside its pinkish, semi-transparent body, No. 26 suddenly trembled.

“!”

Its body began to expand. For a moment, I was startled, thinking something had gone wrong, but fortunately, it didn’t seem to be in pain.

No. 26’s body swelled up, changing its shape slightly from before. Previously, it had been round like a steamed bun, but now the upper part was much thicker, and small fin clusters serving as legs had formed at the bottom.

The original tentacles had also increased from 3 to 6, and its body size had grown much larger, appearing to be about 60cm. Originally smaller than Adhigh, No. 26 was now the opposite.

‘It looks similar to a Sea Demon.’

If you enlarged its body to about 20m and made the fins much longer and thicker, it would be identical to a Sea Demon’s combat form.

It seemed unfamiliar with the changes in its body, walking awkwardly with its fins. The sight of it waddling with fins that were much smaller than its body was quite cute, but I knew better. I knew that those fins would later transform into weapons far more vicious than serrated tentacles.

After wandering around the container interior, it looked at me and flashed its body as if confused.

“The big baby got smaller.”

[Zzzz zzzz zzz (No. You’ve grown bigger)]

“I’ve grown bigger?”

This seemed to be a first for it, as it didn’t understand well. To the confused creature, I explained my own transformation as an analogy.

[Zzz zzzz zzzzzz zz (You’ve grown like I did)]

“Me too?”

[Zz (Yes)]

“Wow!”

Happy about its growth, it jumped up and down in place. The container shook slightly, suggesting that not only had its volume increased, but its weight as well.

‘I’ll need to be careful when ambushing with this one.’

Before, I could carry it on my shoulder or head, but that seems impossible now.

After finishing its joy ceremony, No. 26 retracted its tentacles and legs into its body. Doing so made it look exactly like the original Bubble Amoeba, just larger.

“I’ll protect big baby!”

[Zzzzzz (Thank you)]

I stroked it to show my appreciation for its hard work. It definitely felt different than before due to its increased size. Previously, it felt like a water balloon, but now it had the texture of a soft pillow filled with cotton.

“…Another monster has appeared.”

William, who had been watching No. 26 from outside, muttered glumly.

Stimulated by No. 26’s transformation, Adhigh poked my head repeatedly with his hand.

“Adult” “I” “growth” “aspire”

[Zzzzzz zzzz zzzzzzzz (You’ll grow bigger too if you eat)]

“Good news”

Honestly, I don’t know how Gallergorn grows. Being an unusual creature, it likely needs to satisfy special conditions, but I can’t be sure right now.

‘Since it’s a Gallergorn, it’s probably related to creatures with psychic power.’

I should consider Gallergorn’s growth after obtaining a type.

The Gallergorn devoured all the remaining Walking Woods.

After the meal, we left the container.

Just as I was about to send William back and leave, several scenes flashed rapidly before my eyes.

“An enhanced alloy bullet pierced my head.”

“I died.”

‘What?’

With the sudden activation of my predator sense, I quickly turned my head. By a hair’s breadth, the bullet tore through a tentacle of the monster behind my head.

‘Someone is attacking.’

The sharp pain made me fully alert. I used the auxiliary organs, two tentacles extending from under my jaw, to determine where the attack came from.

All my bodily senses concentrated on the auxiliary organs, which read the air flow torn by the bullet.

I sensed something far away near the border of the port district. The distance was too great to pinpoint the exact location.

‘A sniper!’

I instructed the others and William to hide behind the container, then quickly moved positions. The attacks stopped, suggesting I had left the shooter’s range.

‘Why suddenly?’

Since William hadn’t said anything, it probably wasn’t the police. The journalist who had been chasing me died not long ago, so it couldn’t be someone related to her.

‘A bullet capable of piercing my head must be from no ordinary gun.’

If it’s a plasma weapon-grade sniper rifle using enhanced alloy bullets, there’s only one possibility.

A sniper coil gun.

‘There aren’t many people in this city who would have a sniper coil gun.’

If there were, the armed police would have brought it. If the board meeting was in progress, the newly arrived security forces might have them, but the meeting is still days away.

‘Someone who’s not police but trying to assassinate me with an expensive weapon.’

Thinking about it, one person came to mind.

Arnold Russell, who nearly killed me on Eusung’s research ship.

‘…He came for the Gallergorn.’

Of all days, it had to be today. And the opponent didn’t seem to be alone.

Four unfamiliar presences were entering the detection range of my auxiliary organs.