NOVEL WEB
Chapter 105
Chapter 105
“I…I’ve told you everything I know! Please…spare me!”
A human pilot, dominated by the parasites, was currently pleading to me to leave him alive. Chewing on the arm of a cultist pilot, I sent a signal to a group of tooth fairies.
The carnivorous fleas surrounded the pilots joyfully and rushed towards them.
“D…Don’t do this…no don’t do this!”
The pilots of the crashed fighter jets are all taken care of.
I found myself on the planet PH-101, specifically in the Utopia-02 continent. Its ecosystem resembled that of the primitive Earth, providing favorable conditions for life.
However, the planet’s beauty was only surface-deep.
‘It’s a blue hell.’
Creatures of this planet possess formidable strength, making it nearly impossible for average players to hunt or even survive here.
Around the regions rich in valuable resources, hostile wolf NPCs live, they also have their own name.
‘They’re on a whole different level than what I’ve encountered before.’
Named wolves are exceptionally powerful, posing a challenge for even someone as strong as me. Conquering this planet is difficult without the skills of a high-ranking player or a large clan.
On the flip side, even top-tier players or large clans can’t monopolize this planet. PH-101 is protected by a cult for religious reasons, preventing any construction or serious development to be done here by the other factions. Even cult players can only stay here for a limited time.
‘I chose this planet for a reason.’
PH-101 allows me to secure superior genetic essence without interference from other factions.
‘Originally, that’s how it should be.’
However, interrogating a pilot revealed that a deviation had occurred, which went against the game’s norm.
Currently, a powerful cartel named ‘Humanity’ has occupied this planet among the space outlaws. It’s unusual, considering that space outlaw cartels often have leaders with names representing their identity.
‘And it’s called Humanity.’
Before quitting space survival, there was a clan led by a ranker with a similar name. Strangely, the clan leader was a woman, and the members were exclusively male, leading to a lot of criticism in the community.
‘…Not something I, the community’s enemy, should comment on.’
Anyway, it seems Humanity cartel’s ability to occupy this place can be speculated upon.
As seen with the cult pilot I just devoured, most of Humanity’s members are cultists. This allows the Humanity cartel to move freely on this planet. In a game, this would be impossible, but in reality, it introduces a new variable.
‘Furthermore, the leader has connections with the cult’s ruling class.’
That means the leader of Humanity is at least a high-ranking cultist, surpassing the Yak Horn Cult. I don’t need to know why someone like that would engage in piracy.
‘Thanks to that, I can collect genetic essences, fulfill evolution conditions, and kill two birds with one stone.’
I finished consuming the remnants of the cultist and retrieved the tooth fairies.
According to the pilot’s words, ‘Humanity’ periodically leaves this planet due to smuggling activities.
‘If they have a ship, it would be easier for me to leave too.’
There are approximately 14 days until the pirates depart. I need to seize a ship before they leave.
‘But before that.’ I activated the semi-transparent text box.
[Species: Unidentified Aggressive Space Morph
Status: Pre-Saint (Transcendence Level 1)
Objective: Survive (2nd evolution successful)
Possessed Traits: (14 in Physical-related / 7 in Psychic-related / 5 in Infection-related / 3 in Special Defense-related / 1 in Nest-related)
① Physical-related traits (Type in use): Wings (Unavailable), Acidic Blood, Bite Force, Metal Absorption, Perfect Organism (Unique), Endurance, Pheromone Enhancement, Enhanced Reflexes.
-Physique-related Fusion Traits: Regeneration, Neurotoxin Glands, Mimicry Organ (Unavailable), Bloodsucking Tentacles, Spine Projectile Organ, High Hijacking.
②Psychic-related traits (Type in use): Human Nature, Psychic Resistance, Insight.
-Psychic-related Fusion Traits: Predator Senses, Ghost Claws, Observer of Fear
③ Infection-related: Space Bacteria, Infection Reinforcement
-Infection-related Fusion Traits: Parasitic Colony, Decaying Mold Organ, Tooth Fairy Nest
④ Special Defense-related: Pain Reduction, Resistance
-Special Defense-related Fusion Traits: Protective Coloration
⑤ Nest-related: Horizon of Nightmares (Unique)
Possessed Types(2): Physique Enhancement Type, Psychic Enhancement Type
Specialization Possible Types(3): Infection Enhancement Type (5/8), Special Defense Enhancement Type (3/4), Nest Enhancement Type (1/4)
Incomplete Traits (5): Energy Absorption, Robust Vitality, Miniaturization, Gills, Fins]
I acquired numerous useful traits while hunting the Hulk Mutants of the Colossal Raider and the Metallic Gremlins in Sector I-97. For instance, the ‘Protective Coloration’ trait, synthesized from traits obtained from the Rhino Hulk Mutant and the Metallic Gremlin.
Currently, my outer shell and exoskeleton are covered in small, almost invisible scales. If I crouch and stay still for 10 seconds, these scales automatically shift, changing the color of my body.
It transforms to resemble the surrounding environment. The reason the crashed fighter jet couldn’t spot me when hiding under the wreckage was thanks to this protective coloration.
‘Not a complete change, but it evades any detection equipment…’
I currently possess the Electromagnetic Interference trait. While enemies at a long distance outside the interference range may not detect me, those close by will find it challenging to locate me.
Apart from the bone knife and infection reinforcement trait obtained from the gorilla-like Hulk Mutant, and the reinforced absorption trait from the Metallic Gremlin, I applied strength to the upper right arm of my combat arm. Instead of the bloodsucking tentacle protruding from the palm, a peculiar-shaped razor-sharp bone emerged.
Similar in form to the arms used for symbols of hunting, there were some differences. The bone blade attached to the arms was thin and sharp, ideal for slashing and stabbing like glass. In contrast, the bone axe was thick and heavy, specialized for crushing enemies like a kukri knife.
‘As always.’
New weapons are always welcome. After retrieving the bone axe, I climbed up the tree using my combat arm and leg.
Originally, an Amorph had mechanisms attached to the inside of his feet, similar to cushions used when insects stick to walls. However, due to the Horizon of Nightmares effect, my body became heavier, making it difficult to climb walls. Fortunately, a good trait emerged.
Tiny suction cups formed on my hands and feet, helping me easily crawl up trees. The tree I was climbing could withstand my weight well, as there are much larger trees in this continent than the Redwood trees which are considered the largest on Earth.
Reaching the top of the tree, an endless jungle unfolded. In the cloudless sky, dragon-like creatures flew, and from the jungle below, the cries of beasts echoed.
Seeing a deeply dug part where the blue sky and green jungle met, it was undoubtedly the location of a fired battleship. Turning my gaze in the opposite direction, I saw a horizon filled with blue.
‘Number 26 and Adhai must be in that sea.’
‘…Let’s go pick them up after its safe here.’
There’s a reason not to bring them along when facing formidable enemies.
In PH-101, there are many dangerous creatures, so bringing them with me would make them prone to injuries. Also it would be difficult for me to protect them when I am fighting pirates or any other dangerous creature.
‘In the past, I might have used them as bait….’
Now, I also have a bond with them. If Number 26 and Adhai suffer severe injuries or die, I honestly can’t guarantee that I’ll be able to maintain my rationality.
‘In the jungle, patience wins the battles.’
‘Emotional fluctuation leads to defeat. ‘
The sea is Number 26’s home ground, so it should be safer than here.’
Adhai, too, would find it more comfortable near clear beaches or islands with fewer obstacles for flying than in the dense jungle.
‘…They both are smart beings.’
Once I take care of the pirates here, I’ll go pick them up. With these thoughts, I jumped down from the top.
There’s a small pirate camp nearby. Descending halfway down the tree, I extended the corrosion tentacle to move to another tree. From below, I felt the movements of creatures in the forest, ranging from insect-like beings to colossal dinosaur-like creatures exceeding tens of meters, all wandering through the woods.
The term “monster” is by no means an exaggeration. Here on PH-101, even small creatures like newborns can easily kill armed soldiers.
‘Eating them should pose no problem until the next evolution.’
Of course, having roamed around here in the game, I know exactly what creatures inhabit this place and how to conquer them.
While moving between trees, a creature resembling a mix of a monkey and a bat attacked me from above. It was a creature called Wood Devil, hiding on the branches like this, waiting to ambush passing creatures and devour them.
Although positioned in the lower tier of the planetary food chain, Wood Devils earned the nickname “Newbie Slaughterer” due to their swift movements, strong muscles, and decent intelligence.
‘The problem is that I’m not a newbie.’
I knew that the creature had its sights on me long before. Without even turning my head, I flicked my tail, sending out barbs.
“Kik?!”
The creature, frozen in the posture of leaping down, attempted to fall to the ground. The corrosion tentacle from my back shot out, catching the falling creature.
Next, I extracted the blood-sucking tentacle from my combat arm and swung it towards the tree on the opposite side.
“Kkiik!”
The Wood Devil, disguised with the help of leaves, struggled as it was caught by the blood-sucking tentacle. When I applied force to the tentacle, the creature’s bones snapped, and its entire body contorted grotesquely.
One was leisurely swallowed by the corrosion tentacle, and the other, while feeding on blood with the blood-sucking tentacle, didn’t make me lose my vigilance.
‘There should be one more.’
Wood Devils always hunt in groups of three. As expected, I saw another Wood Devil that had been on a diagonal tree fleeing.
“Kkik!”
Holding two of them, I slammed the tree. My body soared through the gap between the trees, reaching the fleeing creature.
“Kkiik?!”
The Wood Devil looked up at me as it swiftly approached. An axe bone from my upper right hand struck its head, shattering it. As the creature tried to fall with its head severed, I quickly wrapped it with my tail.
‘Easy.’
I opened my mouth wide and bit into the headless Wood Devil.
Though my jaw strength has decreased due to using the chewing power trait as material, I could still easily tear apart a Wood Devil.
‘…It tastes healthy.’
The meat of the Wood Devil had a cheap soy-meat taste. Whether it was eating Plant Lizards in the space city or similar beings with plant or tree-related names, they all had this kind of taste.
‘Wood Devils are carnivores, but why does it taste like soy meat?’
Soy meat is just a name; it probably doesn’t contain any actual meat. While pondering about such trivial thoughts, I finished eating the remaining carcasses.
As I was about to eat the one hanging from the blood-sucking tentacle, another predator appeared, drawn by the scent of blood.
The creature, with a leopard’s body and spider’s legs, was called a Nightstalker, possessing the material trait of a tail with shooting thorns.
The creature, with eight legs, swiftly darted towards me.
‘Its venom won’t work on me.’
I had to fight it differently than I did with the Wood Devils, which I incapacitated with thorn bristles.
I remained still without resistance. The creature that rushed at me bared its thick fangs and attempted to bite my neck.
No, it tried to bite me.
If my exoskeleton wasn’t tough, I would have been in trouble from its fangs.
The venom of the Nightstalker is more deadly than the neurotoxin I possess. Its rapid spread makes it difficult to use an antidote.
It might be difficult to escape death even with immunity to the venom.
‘But such a potent venom must enter the opponent’s body to be useful.’
The fangs of the Nightstalker aren’t sharp enough to pierce through my robust exoskeleton, more durable than the outer wall of a spaceship.
“Kreung?”
Only then did the creature realize something was wrong and tried to retreat, but it was too late. With my four combat arms, I had a firm grip on its body.
Holding the creature, I exerted force through the four arms. Due to my powerful strength, the Nightstalker crumpled like an empty plastic bottle.
Although the creature’s organs spilled out from its rear, I used the corrosion tentacle to suck them all up without leaving a trace.
[PR/N- Why am I getting a bad feeling here]
‘Certainly, there’s no time to rest in this place.’
While the corrosion tentacle was absorbing the organs, I chewed on the Nightstalker’s main body.
Interestingly, this one tasted like a croissant.
Since the corrosion tentacle has no taste buds, I couldn’t discern the flavor of the organs, but it probably wasn’t croissant-like originally.
After thoroughly licking the blood that splattered on the tree, I continued my journey.
After breaking through a few more attacks, I suddenly found myself near the pirates’ camp.
Conveniently, the sun was setting in the jungle.