Became an Evolving Space Monster - Chapter 268:

–

Kesha Arma’s First Command Center.

This place is where Montana Marcio, the ruler of the city, resides. Despite its crude, cylindrical exterior, the interior is lavishly decorated.

Amid the grandeur and tight security, deep within the steel fortress lies an enormous bathhouse.

Montana Marcio was beginning his morning immersed in the steaming waters of a marble bath, surrounded by dozens of concubines attending to his every whim.

His concubines were no more than living dolls, genetically modified to suit their master’s tastes. If they went a single day without being tended to, they would suffer extreme pain. Because of this, they were desperate to stay in Montana’s favor, doing everything they could to please him.

Voluntary affection and devotion from beautiful females—this was what brought Montana the greatest joy.

As he leisurely enjoyed their service, pondering whom to indulge in this morning, an android approached him from outside the bath.

“What is it?”

“Master, there is an urgent report.”

“An urgent report?”

“The guests staying at the Second Command Center attempted to contact the mercenaries guarding the auction items, but they did not receive a response.”

“The deputy leader is responsible for managing the auction goods. Go ask Kadun.”

“We have been unable to reach Kadun since yesterday.”

“No contact with him?”

Kadun had never failed to respond before. When he wasn’t working, the deputy leader was always training in the third command center. Even if he missed a call, finding him in person would have been easy.

For the android to bring this issue directly to Montana meant that something was wrong with Kadun.

‘Wait. That’s not the most important thing right now.’

Before mentioning Kadun, the android had already raised a critical issue. Montana, pushing away the concubines attending to him, questioned the android.

“You said the mercenaries guarding the items aren’t responding?”

“Yes.”

“Did you try contacting the storage security?”

“They’re not responding either.”

“…”

Montana felt a sharp jolt of alertness.

He hurriedly rose from the bath, prompting the concubines to quickly fetch towels and a robe.

“Contact the military port immediately and check if there are any problems in the underground storage.”

“Understood.”

“And make sure to prepare for immediate action in case something happens.”

“I’ll inform all command centers.”

The soft hands of the concubines tried to caress him, but Montana had no time to feel their touch.

There had been no issues yesterday. The goods for the auction had been safely transported, and the guests were pleased with the services provided.

But now, as soon as the night passed and morning came, something was going wrong.

It was as if the calmness of yesterday had been a lie.

‘…No, it’s probably nothing.’

The Marcio Cartel held immense power even within the Space Dock. Few would dare challenge them. In fact, there were only a handful of cartels that could manage a space fortress and operate hundreds of ships.

Moreover, Montana was under the protection of both the Megacorp Noble Capital and the nobility of the Cult Empire. He was essentially a warlord acknowledged by the great powers.

The idea of anyone daring to commit an act of terror against a fortress under his control was unthinkable.

‘It might just be a communication issue.’

Reassuring himself with that thought, he exited the bath.

—

“Is this the end?”

I set down the now-empty cryogenic container. Inside the wide underground structure, broken containers were scattered all over the floor.

These were the remnants left behind after I, Number 26, and PS-111 devoured everything inside them.

“With so many creatures stored here, I’ve gained quite a few traits.”

Even after my Symbol of the Hunt had finished, I kept consuming dozens, no, hundreds of creatures, resulting in a significant number of traits gained.

“Thanks to that, I unlocked two more synthesis formulas as well.”

One unique trait required numerous physical attributes, while the other required nest-related and psychic traits. For now, I could only create the former; the latter was impossible due to the lack of materials.

“I have to hunt Redmist.”

Redmist is the apex predator on a jungle-type planet. It’s as troublesome as Ice Horror, and going after it without proper preparation would result in failure.

“I’ll deal with that later.”

For now, thanks to securing a number of traits, I was able to create two unique traits.

I immediately pulled up the fusion formulas that were available for creation at that moment.

｢’Transcendence’ Material List: Reinforced Skull, Gallagon Horn, Spine-Fur Projectile Tail, Protein Assimilation Process, Clustered Skin Tissue｣

｢’Transcendence’ Material List (New!): Reinforced Large Tail, Bio-Electric Discharge Tubes, Explosive Fluid Projector, Destructive Sonic Waves, Spore Cannon｣

“I’m not sure what the former will create, but I have a good idea about the latter.”

The traits created through the Transcendence System are all new, things that didn’t exist in the game. So, whenever I gain a new unique trait or a tough opponent’s mark, I have to carefully consider my options.

However, after unlocking the fusion formulas from the underground storage, I could somewhat predict the outcome. Based on the materials, it was clear that the unique trait would be related to long-range attacks.

In fact, my body had developed a new organ. With the traits ‘Explosive Fluid Projector’ and ‘Spore Cannon,’ two long cannon-like barrels had appeared on my back, covered by carapace.

When I extended my neck and lowered my head, I felt my back pull, and the cannons emerged, aimed forward. With enough pressure, spores filled with dangerous substances would be fired.

“They pair well with the Acidic Fungal Glands.”

In the game, I often used a combo of throwing fungal spores and dousing them with explosive fluid. It was effective against both machines and organic creatures, similar to using white phosphorus bombs.

And now that the acidic fungi had been converted into a breath attack, the overall power should be much greater.

In addition, the ‘Destructive Sonic Waves’ trait is quite useful.

Unlike the paralyzing sound waves of the Facebug, this one is purely destructive, meant to damage enemies. Though its low power and strict usage conditions are weaknesses, it is a versatile attack that affects a wide range of enemies.

“That’s taken care of for now. I can evolve into my adult form once I complete these traits, but what should I do?”

The final requirement for adulthood was to acquire two more unique traits. With the system here, I could evolve immediately.

“The problem is time…”

During the raid on the containers, the communication device dropped by the mercenaries had been ringing multiple times. Their clients, who hired them to guard the goods, were calling to check in. Since the owners of the devices were now inside me and 26, someone would come to investigate soon.

In other words, the battle with the fortress pirates was imminent.

Whenever I used the Transcendence System to create unique traits, my body always entered a cocoon-like state. That was highly likely to happen again, so it seemed I had to delay obtaining the unique traits.

“I’ll open the loot boxes later.”

After confirming the text boxes, I turned my attention to 26 and PS-111. Noticing my gaze, 26 eagerly bounced over.

｢Big One! Look!｣

When it concentrated, its body glowed a brighter pink. The tentacles protruding from its pink form squirmed and slowly began to change shape.

A moment later, one of its tentacles transformed into something completely different from its previous form. While its original tentacles were lined with sharp serrations along the inner side, the newly mutated tentacle had six appendages at the tip, resembling a mouth.

It looked strikingly similar to the ‘Corrosive Tentacle’ I possessed.

｢I’m just like Big One! Right? Right?｣

[ZZZ (Yeah, you are)]

I answered plainly, though deep inside, I was genuinely surprised. Even though I had seen it before, it was still shocking to witness again.

“A body mutation, huh.”

The creatures from the storage had significantly promoted 26’s growth.

First of all, its size had increased dramatically. It could now grow up to a maximum of 25 meters in length.

Its skin had thickened considerably, and its fins and tentacles had become much stronger. Although it had currently shrunk its body, when fully expanded, it had the stature of a mid-grade raid boss.

“Well, personally, I think it’s not bad.”

However, 26 was dissatisfied. According to it, the body lacked anything “shiny like Little One”.

I tried to console it, saying it was fine as is, but it seemed rather disappointed. While I ate other creatures, it sat sulking beside the container.

“It’s never been this upset before.”

The only time it had been this gloomy was when it was still trapped in the experiment tank on the research ship. Back then, I couldn’t have imagined it showing off a new ability like it was doing now.

Seeing Number 26 so downcast, I felt uneasy myself. After some thought, I decided to give it the prey I had originally intended to eat.

The prey I handed to Number 26 was called the Faceless.

It’s a carnivorous snail with hundreds of teeth and a rare creature that possesses a unique trait known as the ‘Mimic Organ’. As its name suggests, it can disguise its body as an object. Normally, it camouflages itself as terrain features like trees or rocks, then reverts to its original form to ambush prey when they come close.

Before arriving at this fortress, I had the chance to consume a Faceless that pirates had captured on the slave market planet. Thanks to that, I was able to complete my ‘Messenger of Mass Confusion’ trait.

The Mimic Organ itself is a highly useful trait, so I thought it wouldn’t hurt to acquire it again if the opportunity arose.

“Damn, I was excited to see it listed in the storage inventory.”

Originally, I intended to eat the Faceless immediately, regardless of Number 26’s sadness. If it weren’t for a sudden thought, I would have done so.

“The Sea Demon already has camouflage-related traits.”

Sea Demons can morph their skin into a coral-like texture. It’s so perfect that you can’t detect it with the naked eye; only specialized equipment can see through it. It was one of the tricky aspects of fighting them, as they often used it during battles.

Anyway, remembering this, I decided to pass the Faceless to Number 26 as both a comfort and an experiment. Unlike in the game, I was curious to see if it could gain a new ability.

And my prediction was right. No, it gained far more powerful strength than I had expected.

As you can see, it can now freely change the shape of one of its tentacles. Not only can it change the size, but it can also alter the internal structure. It was a transformation worthy of being called ‘mutation’.

“Though it can only change one tentacle for now…”

If all of its hundreds of tentacles could transform into different weapons or body parts, its combat power would skyrocket.

“Number 26 getting stronger benefits me, too.”

I patted it as a sign of approval. In response, it bounced happily in place, its body sparkling. It seemed thrilled to have acquired a new ability after such a long time.

“How delightful”, PS-111 said as it approached the ecstatic Number 26.

[ZZ ZZZ ZZZ ZZ (Your transformation isn’t bad)]

“‘A valid point, but it did not meet expectations.’”

As before, PS-111 was surprisingly inept at applying the characteristics of living creatures.

“To be precise, the outcome is hit-or-miss.”

When it absorbed genetic samples or consumed equipment, it often produced meaningful results. However, when it devoured living organisms, its body didn’t always change as intended. Either it developed a flaw, or it transformed into something far below PS-111’s expectations.

“This time, it’s at least a partial success.”

The positive change in PS-111’s body was this: spikes containing neurotoxin had sprouted on all of its leg carapaces. If it wished, it could even fire these venomous spikes. It was a useful adaptation for subduing enemies alive.

“Still, it seems dissatisfied.”

Since I had given the Faceless to Number 26, there was nothing left to offer PS-111. Knowing this, it didn’t ask for any more prey.

“Still, I’ve met my evolution conditions, and Number 26 and the Mother of the Sky’s growth is encouraging.”

I haven’t had such significant gains since we captured the Gorgon Swarm. Coming to Kesha Arma was worth it.

“But the Mother of the Sky is taking longer than I expected.”

Once her deification stage is complete, Adhai and I were supposed to meet here. It’s already been several hours, but she still hasn’t arrived, which suggests the process is taking more time than anticipated.

“I’ll give it another hour before checking on her… Hmm?”

Just as I was thinking that, one of my auxiliary organs detected a change in the air. Someone was lingering near the entrance to the underground storage area, quite a distance from where we were in Sector C.

Before entering, I had devoured all the guards and mercenaries. So, the owner of these footsteps was an outsider.

“We’ve been discovered.”

Since they hadn’t heard from the mercenaries or guards, they must have sent someone to investigate. Shortly after, the sound of footsteps multiplied into dozens, even hundreds.

[ZZ ZZZZ (Everyone full, right?)]

｢Yeah, full.｣

“My internal energy reserves are in an overcharged state.”

[ZZZ (Good to hear.)]

We’ve eaten enough.

Now, it’s time for some exercise.

–––

“There are no signs of biological activity detected in the vicinity.”

“It is safe to proceed.”

“…Alright. Let’s go in.”

With androids equipped with thick gauntlets and heavy frontal shields leading the way, the pirates stepped into the underground storage area. Dozens of pirates, all heavily armed, followed behind, though the tension on their faces was unmistakable.

“Hey, is it true that the lieutenant got screwed?”

“Damn it, don’t talk crap.”

“I joined the Marcio Cartel because they sounded good, but what the hell is this mess?”

“My brother went to the hospital and I haven’t heard from him since. Think it’s related?”

“Am I a god? How would I know?”

“Shut up and stay alert, all of you.”

Even with the new officers barking orders, the pirates’ morale remained low. And as soon as they entered the passage leading to Sector A, the atmosphere only got worse.

“Shit…”

“…We’re screwed.”

The 1-meter-thick double-layered blast door was so mangled and unrecognizable, it could barely be called a door anymore. It looked like it had been shredded like paper.

Even the junkies commonly found in Kesha Arma wouldn’t have imagined that the underground storage door could end up in such a state.

What was more troubling was the high likelihood that whatever caused this damage was still inside the storage.

Every pirate present, including the officers, felt a rising urge to flee. But none of them moved. Anyone showing signs of retreat would be immediately torn apart by the androids on guard.

The pirates swallowed nervously as they passed through the ruined blast door and entered the hallway leading to the Sector A security room.

“There is vibration detected ahead.”

“Assumed to be enemy movement.”

“Prepare for engagement. Prepare for engagement.”

As they neared the security room, the lead androids simultaneously sounded warnings.

Blinking lights, the metallic corridor scarred with destruction, and the relentless beeping of machines—all of these elements intensified the pirates’ anxiety.

With trembling hands, the pirates gripped their weapons tightly. Though they wore psychic shields from the Cult, known for their high price, it did nothing to calm their nerves.

As both the pirates and androids readied for combat, a deep thudding sound echoed from beyond the hallway.

At first, it was a faint vibration, barely felt underfoot. But it quickly grew stronger, until the entire corridor was shaking, and even the tiny exposed hairs on their skin were vibrating.

However, the moment of tension didn’t last long. The source of the tremors soon appeared before them.

“Ah, ahhhh!”

“It’s a monster!”

“Open fire!”

It was unclear who gave the order, but it didn’t matter. The terrified pirates would have started shooting regardless of any command.

｢Grrrrrr…｣

The corridor, wide enough to fit six grown men shoulder-to-shoulder, was now completely filled with a monstrous figure. The terrifying creature charged toward them, utterly unfazed by the hail of gunfire.

Suddenly, a thick snake-like appendage shot out from the creature’s back and slithered between the lead androids. With a violent swing, it lashed at them.

Though the shields the androids carried could withstand plasma rounds, it was pointless when their bodies were struck directly. The expensive robots, still clutching their sturdy shields, were slammed into the walls.

“R-Run! We need to run!”

“Don’t run, you bastards!”

The officers screamed at the top of their lungs, desperately trying to stop the pirates from fleeing, but it was no use.

The pirates turned their backs and began to run.

As the monster fought the androids with the tentacles sprouting from its back, it suddenly turned its gaping maw toward the fleeing pirates.

“It’s going to do something!”

“Everyone, be careful…!”

A few quick-witted pirates shouted warnings as they saw the creature’s movement.

Before their warnings could even fully register, an overwhelming force exploded from the creature’s mouth.

｢■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■!｣

A sonic wave of unimaginable intensity burst forth, turning the androids in front of the monster into heaps of scrap metal. The soundwaves reverberated through the corridor walls, spreading in all directions.

The fleeing pirates, along with those who stood before the creature, were instantly caught in the onslaught, reduced to nothing but sprays of blood.

“What’s happening?”

“I can’t hear anything!”

The pirates who had narrowly escaped the range of the sonic blast stumbled, dazed and confused. They had completely lost their hearing, and blood was streaming not only from their ears but also from their eyes, noses, and mouths.

The pirates, who had lost their primary senses in an instant, did not have much time left to count their blessings—or suffer through their torment.

“Run… Run…”

“Ahhh?!”

The pirate stumbling just ahead was suddenly reduced to a crimson mist. His blood and chunks of flesh splattered onto the horrified comrade behind him.

The massive, grotesque foot of the creature stomped the pirate’s remains into the ground as it advanced, bringing its snout toward the next victim.

The monster’s maw opened wide.

The blood-soaked pirate screamed, but no sound escaped his mouth.

And then, his vision faded to darkness forever.