I Became A Collaborative Character In The Game

Chapter 39 – Asain Gorge 3

—–CROW—–

[Master, I think it would be best to hurry.]

Integra, having pinpointed the fragment’s location based on the fairies’ information and completed her drone reconnaissance, spoke to Luther.

[The anomalous phenomena caused by the fragment seem to be more severe than anticipated.]

[The Fairy Queen may also be affected, so we must retrieve the fragment quickly.]

Luther closed his eyes for a moment and checked the situation through shared vision with the drone.

A twisted, pure white structure stood in the center of the crater, much closer to the impact point than where Luther had first awakened.  At a glance, it resembled a tree rooted to the ground.

“It’s small in size, right?”

[It’s about 1 meter tall, like a small sapling.]

[A faint life sign, presumed to be the Fairy Queen, is detected inside.]

[But the bigger problem lies in the surroundings.]

[These are the results of detecting life signs in the surrounding area.]

As Integra spoke, the display turned dark green, revealing monsters and dragons hidden within the foliage and rocks.

[At least several dozen monsters and dragons are gathered around the fragment.]

[Many exhibit abnormal life signs due to ongoing mutations.]

[I suspect they are currently refraining from approaching the fragment due to mutual vigilance.]

While there were differences depending on the species and individual, most dragons possessed a certain level of intelligence.

Moreover, even among monsters like Kobolds, Lyka, and Goblins, some individuals possessed intelligence comparable to humans, making them formidable opponents.

“So, are they wary of each other because they recognize the mutations caused by the fragment? To prevent any one of them from monopolizing it?”

[It appears so.]

It was both good news and bad news.  It prevented any single monster from absorbing the fragment and becoming overwhelmingly powerful, but it also increased the difficulty of retrieving the fragment.

Dozens of evenly matched opponents instead of one powerful foe.

Retrieving the fragment through direct confrontation seemed impossible.

“But… is the Fairy Queen, trapped inside the fragment, alright?”

[I can’t be 100% certain based on external observation, but judging by the life signs, she is being adversely affected.]

[It seems the effects of the fragment vary depending on the species.]

[I can’t make a definitive judgment on this until more data is collected.]

Luther slowly nodded at Integra’s explanation.

He had almost forgotten amidst her recent displays of affection and whining, but Integra truly was a capable support AI.

[Master?]

“No, it’s nothing. In any case, let’s move closer and figure out a way.”

Opening his eyes, Luther briefly explained the situation to Karen and Max and started walking forward.

Three fairies, led by Bidel, had joined the group, but considering their previous flight from the giant salamander-like dragon, the Tanus, they didn’t seem likely to be much help.

[Master, your heart rate is higher than usual.]

[Are you nervous?]

Luther hesitated momentarily at Integra’s gentle question, then confessed his true feelings.

‘A little.’

This was different from the fight at Count Glasstone’s mansion.

The battle for the fragment wasn’t a foreseen event, and since the opponent wasn’t Hecatonchires, he couldn’t be sure what kind of enemies he would face.

Fear of the unknown.

Of course, it wasn’t enough fear to make him give up on finding the fragment.

But as Integra pointed out, he couldn’t help but feel a little more tense than usual.

Integra seemed to consider Luther’s response for a moment, then spoke in her usual gentle voice.

[Master, you know…]

‘What?’

[When have you ever fought a battle that was in the game?]

‘Huh?’

[Think about it.  Even the battle at Count Glasstone’s mansion…]

In the original story, it was a battle against Balboa.

But in reality, the opponent was Astra, not Balboa.

[Even before that, if you consider each instance, you’ve never actually fought a battle exactly as it appeared in the original story.]

The fight against Zogress, the fight against Kapu, and even the fight against Balboa.

Luther had never encountered and fought an enemy exactly as the original story dictated.

‘That’s true.’

Integra was right.

This battle involved the second fragment, a crucial matter, but in essence, it wasn’t much different from his previous battles.

[Your heart rate is stabilizing.]

[It seems my advice was quite effective.]

Integra said smugly, and Luther couldn’t help but laugh.

She had probably anticipated this reaction.

‘Thanks, Integra.’

[You’re welcome.  It is my mission and my joy to assist you to the best of my ability, anytime, anywhere.]

[By the way, Master, I think we’re almost there.]

While they were having a heartwarming conversation, they arrived at their destination.

A location about a hundred meters away from the crater where the second fragment was located.

Karen and Max crouched down, gazing at the white structure within the crater.  Luther spoke to Integra again.

‘Integra, can the drone make contact with the structure?’

[Simple contact is possible- Ah, are you asking if it can alter the structure’s form?]

‘Exactly.’

Its form had changed, but the fragment was originally part of a spaceship composed of nanomachines, as seen in Star Savior.

If Integra could change the shape of the second fragment like she did with the first, they could alter the current situation.

‘What if we retract the roots embedded in the ground, then snatch it with the drone and carry it away in the air? If we use invisibility mode and ascend vertically, wouldn’t that be possible?’

[An intriguing plan.]

[It seems worth attempting.]

Thanks to the somewhat embarrassing incident in the valley, Luther had learned to think of the drone and Integra separately.

This allowed him to conceive of such a risky plan as sending the drone into the midst of the monsters.

[The fragment is large, so it will require merging with the backpack.]

‘Okay, let’s merge.’

[I detect a strange excitement in your voice, Master.]

[Are you thrilled by the word “merge”?]

[How cute.]

And she giggled again.

Instead of responding, Luther extended his right arm as if urging her to start quickly.

As if understanding, Integra immediately merged the backpack and the drone and launched it into the sky.

‘Alright, now to explain it to Karen and Max…’

As Luther turned to face them, Integra spoke.

[They both seem quite preoccupied with the fairies.]

Integra was right.

While keeping watch, both Karen and Max would occasionally glance at the fairies, their lips curving into smiles each time.

‘Well… it’s understandable, I suppose.’

Real fairies, like something out of a fairy tale, were right in front of them.

It was natural for them to be fascinated, as it was probably their first time seeing fairies.

[But while it’s understandable for Karen, it’s a bit… concerning that Max is reacting the same way.]

‘Why? Men can like cute things too.’

[Oh? What about you, Master?]

[Do you prefer cute over alluring?]

‘No comment.’

Cutting off the impending banter, Luther briefly relayed the plan to Karen and Max.

“Even if the plan works, we won’t be able to avoid a clash with the monsters. Be prepared.”

“Understood.”

Max nodded gravely, placing the javelins he carried on his back on the ground.  Karen closed her eyes and took a deep breath.

[Master, we’ve arrived.]

[Commencing operation.]

Luther closed his eyes and shared vision with the drone.

Because it had flown as quietly as possible, he sensed gazes but detected no particular movements.

10 meters vertically above the tree-shaped fragment.

The drone began its descent slowly, stopping 1 meter above the fragment.  It extended a thin metal tentacle towards the fragment.

[Making contact with the fragment.]

[Insufficient data.]

[Data corrupted.]

[■■■ Code invalid.]

[■■■■ Code invalid.]

[■■■■■■■■■■■-■■■■■■■■■]

[Attempting simple electrical circuit.]

[Response detected.]

[Altering the fragment’s form.]

[Initiating additional contact.]

Three more metal tentacles extended from the drone’s body, making contact with the fragment.

The fragment wobbled slightly.

The metallic roots that had penetrated the ground retracted into the main body of the fragment.

[The Fairy Queen’s life signs are weak.]

[The surrounding monsters and dragons are watching us.]

[Master, awaiting your command.]

Luther exhaled slowly.

The drone was a machine.

It couldn’t sense hostility or killing intent.

But Luther clearly felt the gazes.

Dozens of eyes were on him, making his hair stand on end.

But none had moved yet.

Over a hundred meters separated Luther and the fragment.

‘Begin, Integra.’

[Activating invisibility mode!]

[Initiating vertical ascent!]

The fragment vanished.

At the same time, he sensed a stir in the surroundings.

The air changed.

The monsters and dragons were reacting all at once.

‘Ascend!’

[9]

[8]

[7!]

The drone began its rapid ascent.

Monsters and dragons poked their heads or bodies out from their hiding places.

They couldn’t see it.

Or rather, a subtle sense of something being amiss was definitely there.

Moreover, that wasn’t the only problem.

Smell and hearing.

Some creatures relied on scent.

Others listened for the faint engine noise of the drone.

[6]

[5]

[4]

The drone soared to about 30 meters.

Ascending higher was difficult due to the weight of the fragment, so it began to move forward at full speed.

Naturally, the engine noise increased, and the air vibrated in response to the drone’s movement.

[3]

At that moment, the monsters’ and dragons’ wandering gazes focused on the same spot.

One of them raised its voice.

“Krrr!”

[2]

[1!]

[Deactivating invisibility mode! Becoming visible!]

-Bang!

The moment the drone became visible.

With a tremendous roar, something leaped from the ground.

A giant Lyka with white fur.

At least twice the size of the one he had encountered in the Primordial Forest.

Its leaping ability was transcendental.

Jumping nearly 20 meters vertically, it lunged towards the drone.

Thanks to the 10-meter height difference, the drone wasn’t hit, but the Lyka’s momentum was terrifying.

[Master! At this rate, approaching the ground will be impossible-]

“Evade! Integra!”

Luther shouted and manually controlled the drone, making it ascend vertically.  But it was too late.  A rock thrown by the giant Lyka was already hurtling through the air.

“Release!”

Luther immediately severed the connection with the fragment. The drone, suddenly lighter, shot upwards, dodging the rock.

But the fragment began to fall.

And Lyka moved again.

Surprisingly agile for its size, it leaped from the ground once more, catching the fragment with its massive hand.

The dragons watched the Lyka.

Luther watched through the drone’s camera.

The Lyka met all their gazes with its yellow eyes, then suddenly opened its mouth wide.

Landing on the ground, it swallowed the fragment whole.

Lyka’s throat bulged grotesquely, and blue light erupted from its eyes, ears, and every orifice on its body.

[Master, the giant Lyka’s life signs are surging!]

[Mutation is beginning-]

“Krrrrr!”

Lyka roared.

It’s already massive muscles bulged further, and horns sprouted from its shoulders and back.

Its single tail split into five, and its hands grew even larger to match its abnormally swollen upper body.

But the most frightening thing was that the transformation wasn’t over.

The giant Lyka’s eyes continued to emit a blue light, and its life signs continued to increase.

“Grrrr!”

“Woof!”

Just then, two dragons charged towards the Lyka.

Carnotaurus, enlarged by the fragment’s influence.

They clearly intended to kill the giant Lyka and seize the fragment.

But the giant Lyka was much faster.

Spinning around like lightning, it clapped its hands together, crushing a Carnotaurus’s head.

Its strength was so immense that the sound of the skull shattering wasn’t even audible.

“Keeek!”

Startled by the death of its companion, the other Carnotaurus tried to retreat, but it was too late.

The giant Lyka swiftly extended its hand, grabbed the Carnotaurus’s upper and lower jaws, and ripped them apart.

“Khaa.”

The Carnotaurus’s blood and entrails rained down.

The giant Lyka tossed aside the Carnotaurus’s corpse and roared at the monsters and dragons that had revealed themselves, as if in warning.

The dragons cowered.

The monsters dared not approach the giant Lyka.

But the cunning giant Lyka, far from being reassured, backed away and then leaped repeatedly, putting distance between itself and the dragons.

It clearly wanted to complete its transformation in a safer location.

[The fragment’s reaction is unusual.]

[Life force is overflowing from the giant Lyka.]

[Signs of a new mutation are detected!]

Luther knew it too.

And he had a premonition.

If he left it alone, it would be the end.

He couldn’t accurately measure the extent of the fragment’s influence, but it was clear that it would be a disaster if left unchecked.

“Karen! Max! Let’s go!”

Shouting, Luther equipped his face mask and began running in the same direction as the giant Lyka.

‘Integra! Attack!’

They were already over 200 meters away from the dragons.

At Luther’s command, Integra immediately fired a missile at the giant Lyka.

-Boom!

The missile, containing three Fire Arrow scrolls, exploded upon impact, creating a red inferno.

But the giant Lyka’s transformation was already well underway.

Scales, which hadn’t been there before, now covered its back, protecting it from the flames.

“Khaa!”

The giant Lyka roared at the drone.

At the same time, Luther fired his energy gun at the giant Lyka.

-Pew pew pew pew pew!

Firing with both hands, Luther assessed the giant Lyka’s information.

About 6 meters tall.

Weighing at least 7 tons.

An enormous difference in size and weight, making any comparison with himself impossible.

But he had to take it down.

[The giant Lyka’s defense exceeds the energy gun’s power.]

[The energy gun cannot inflict damage!]

Luther knew that.

So, he drew the two swords from his waist.

Bang!

It wasn’t Luther. It was the giant Lyka.

The moment it kicked the ground, spacetime seemed to distort.

Like a speeding truck, it closed the distance to Luther in an instant.

Clap!

It clapped its hands together, just as it had when crushing the Carnotaurus’s head.

Its abnormally large hands could easily envelop Luther’s entire body.

But the attack missed.

Luther had leaped backward in perfect synchronization with Lyka’s charge.

However, that didn’t mean he was unscathed.

The vibrations and roar generated by the Lyka’s clapping hands became ferocious fangs, assaulting Luther.

[Initiating self-healing.]

[Enhancing face mask functions.]

[Activating noise cancellation!]

The sound was cut off.

His momentarily lost balance was instantly restored, and Luther anticipated the giant Lyka’s attempt to impale him with its clasped hands.

-Crack!

It was like a siege ram.

Luther spun his body sideways, dodging the giant Lyka’s thrust, then lowered himself and dashed towards its ankles.

-Slash!

The blades, propelled by the thrusters, sliced across the giant Lyka’s ankle.

But its skin was too thick.

Dark red blood flowed, but the wound wasn’t deep enough to bring it down.

“Krrr!”

Lyka roared, turning towards Luther.

It was practically a sonic attack, but Luther, protected by his face mask, minimized the damage and retreated, catching his breath.

What should he do?

How could he defeat the Lyka before him?

-Thud! Thud!

Just then, javelins flew through the air with terrifying force, striking the giant Lyka.

It had to be Karen and Max.

Max threw, and Karen amplified the power with her telekinesis.

Because the target was so large, Karen focused solely on enhancing power, turning Max’s javelins into siege weapons.

-Thud! Thud! Thud!

Struck by the consecutive javelins, the Lyka stumbled backward.

It was good that Karen and Max’s attacks were effective, but unfortunately, the number of javelins was limited.

Five shots left.

Moreover, a fatal blow was impossible.

They could only buy him time, as they were doing now.

[Master!]

At that moment, lightning struck.

No, it was the giant Lyka’s fist slamming into the ground.

He wasn’t hit.

But this time, he couldn’t escape the aftershock.

The ground shook like an earthquake from the giant Lyka’s monstrous strength, throwing Luther off balance.

Just one second.

No, not even that long.

But this time, that brief moment worked against him.

-Boom!

The back of the giant Lyka’s right hand slammed into Luther.

It was a sweeping blow across the ground, but its power was beyond imagination.

It wouldn’t have been surprising if Luther’s body had been shattered, or even exploded, from a single blow.

Luther momentarily lost consciousness.

His vision turned white, and he couldn’t think.

And then, another second.

No, a fraction of a second.

Luther gasped.

He felt as if his upper body had vanished, but it was an illusion.

He was alive.

His upper body was still attached.

At the moment of impact, he had used his energy guns to propel himself downwards.

Had he been even 0.1 seconds late, the giant Lyka’s hand would have crushed him.

[Master!]

He heard Integra’s voice.

At the same time, everything came back into focus.

The giant Lyka’s right hand, tearing through the air.

Its left fist, still embedded in the ground.

Its front was open.

He held his breath.

He fired his energy guns again, propelling himself upwards explosively, and shouted.

“Invisibility Mode!”

[5!]

Luther vanished.

He had only recently used Invisibility Mode, so it lasted only 5 seconds, but it was enough.

He only needed one second to reach the giant Lyka.

The giant Lyka sensed him.

Still in its extended right-arm posture, it lowered its head and saw the dust Luther kicked up.

And Luther swung his sword.

He aimed for the Lyka’s weak point, one that couldn’t be hidden or strengthened despite the mutation.

-Slash!

Luther’s sword cleanly severed the giant Lyka’s genitals.

Blood gushed from the wound, and the giant Lyka collapsed in pain.

But Luther wasn’t finished.

He stabbed his sword into the wound again, then kicked off the screaming Lyka’s body, launching himself into the air.

[2!]

[1!]

Invisibility Mode ended.

Kicking off the giant Lyka’s shoulder, Luther soared high into the sky.

He thrust his right fist upwards as if striking the heavens.

“Integra!”

[Combine sequence!]

[System all green!]

The drone combined with Luther’s right arm.

And it took on a different form.

A new form designed based on information obtained from absorbing Astra’s Dragon Heart.

Instead of a long barrel, thick armor formed around Luther’s right arm.  A large, sharp spike protruded from the end.

It was a pile bunker, a weapon that fired a massive spike using the explosive power of gunpowder.

“Krrr!”

The giant Lyka raised its hand in desperation.

But Luther wasn’t alone.

-Thud! Thud! Thud!

Karen and Max’s javelins struck the giant Lyka’s shoulder repeatedly.

Its balance faltered again, and Luther landed on its head, delivering the first blow.

[Firing!]

-Boom!

Gunpowder exploded inside the armor, propelling the spike with tremendous force.

The pile bunker’s massive spike pierced the giant Lyka’s head, creating a large hole.

“Keeeaagh!”

The giant Lyka screamed and thrashed, but Luther held on to its head.

He retracted the spike and delivered a second blow.

-Boom!

The giant Lyka’s head exploded again. Blood and brain matter gushed from the hole like a geyser.

But Luther didn’t stop.

He continued his relentless assault.

The third strike, the fourth, and finally, the fifth!

-Boom!

With the safety disengaged, the pile bunker’s spike fired completely through the Lyka’s head.

Unable to withstand the impact, the back of the Lyka’s head exploded.

“Graaa…”

The giant Lyka collapsed with a groan.

The ground trembled as its 7-ton body hit the earth, sending up a cloud of dust.

“Gasp… Gasp… Huff…”

Luther breathed heavily inside his face mask.

His right arm, burdened by the pile bunker, felt like it would fall off.

But it wasn’t over yet.

He couldn’t relax yet.

[The giant Lyka’s life signs haven’t completely ceased.]

[There is a possibility of further mutation due to the fragment.]

[We must retrieve the fragment quickly.]

And that wasn’t all.

The dragons and monsters had witnessed the giant Lyka’s demise.

Though none rushed forward, perhaps lacking conviction, he could feel their gazes fixed on him.

He had to hurry.

He was also worried about the Fairy Queen inside the fragment.

“Luther!”

Karen and Max ran towards him.

Luther detached the drone, retrieved his sword from the giant Lyka’s lower body, and sliced open its belly.

-Thump!

The exposed innards of the giant Lyka pulsed.

At the same time, the dragons began to move.

The air vibrated.

The ground shook as dozens of dragons and monsters charged.

“Your Majesty!”

With the fairies’ anxious cries, Luther’s sword sliced into the giant Lyka’s innards.

—–CROW—–