'I guess the escape was successful.'
In the armored vehicle, the cyborg's face was faintly reflected in the driver's window.
It was the appearance of the driver possessed by the Apostle.
'I could have failed, but fortunately I didn't.'
In a short time, I had switched bodies three times-a pirate dragged to the arena, a cyborg supervisor, and now this driver.
Actually, the Apostle is most vulnerable right before possession, when the body liquefies. Even being hit by the weakest weapon, a laser rifle, would cause significant damage.
Moreover, damage sustained in liquid form can't be repaired. Even after transforming into the Apostle, the wounds remain. The only way to recover is for the main body to regenerate the Apostle.
Brainwashing the target before possession is done to prevent being attacked by the host.
This time, however, there wasn't enough time for that. To escape, I had to switch hosts in succession, skipping the brainwashing process.
It would have been impossible if the enemies knew about the Apostle.
'I need to make the most of this before they figure it out.'
Anyway, now that I've temporarily escaped their sight, I plan to meet with members of the "Cult." I have something to ask of them.
I manipulated the terminal in the driver's seat.
A translucent map appeared on the windshield, showing the armored vehicle's route. I'd heard there was a Cult hideout nearby. That's where I'm heading.
'We'll arrive soon.'
Thanks to the chaos I caused in the arena, all of Prime Head was on high alert. As a result, the streets were completely empty. We only passed a few military vehicles like our armored car.
The armored vehicle, speeding down the deserted road, gradually slowed down and entered the indoor parking lot of an old factory.
The abandoned building had barely any lights and appeared neglected, but this was definitely the right place. I got out of the vehicle and released the possession.
"Guh, gweeek!"
The sensations spread throughout the cyborg's body suddenly concentrated in one area before dispersing again.
The feeling after possession ends and liquefaction begins is similar to linking with the nest. The only difference is that instead of manipulating the nest, I'm moving a body made of slime.
Starting with six legs, I shaped upward to form a thick torso. Based on the genetic information stored within, four faces were completed and covered with a glowing membrane.
Finally, as I completed the head-the only part exposed without a membrane-l felt a sense of reality and weight. The black slime had transformed into the "Faceless Apostle.
"God. Looks like we've arrived."
"■■?"
The Volfs who had been in the transport compartment also got out behind me.
A red light flickered in the empty transport compartment. The interior walls shimmered like a heat haze, transforming into wings and a tail.
"■■" "■■!"
Adhigh, who had changed the color of its scales, stretched out after coming outside.
'It's using camouflage well now.'
Was it when we went to the Cult planet? I used the [Double Helix Monolith], a Type 2 space monster reward, to implant characteristics in them.
The trait I gave Adhigh was "camouflage"—the ability to change scale color to match the surroundings after staying still for a certain time.
It can't be used if the body is wounded or has foreign substances attached, but the disguise effect is definite.
'Who would imagine a Red Gallercon using camouflage?'
As far as I know, this information has never been leaked to the enemy. Everyone who has seen Adhigh's camouflage is dead.
'The same goes for this time too.'
"Eek?!"
The only enemy here, the cyborg driver freed from possession, tries desperately to escape.
But he collapses after a few steps. A laser bullet fired from a distance has pierced his ankle.
"W-wait...!"
I grabbed the fallen cyborg and bit his head. The hard metal bones crumbled, and the contents spilled into my mouth.
My body, formed from hardened black slime, absorbed all the nutrients from the prey. I left nothing from head to toe.
After finishing this brief meal, Coldblood soldiers with laser rifles emerged from behind the pillars in the parking lot.
They lowered their weapons and respectfully bowed to us. Then the representative of the hideout stepped forward.
"The Cult's bell, Hasazar, greets AMorph."
"Hello. Good to see you."
The copper-scaled female Coldblood, Hasazar, bowed her head respectfully.
"■■" "■■■" "■■"
"I'm glad the Queen is safe as well."
Adhigh, seeing Coldblood after a long time, greeted them with a gentle tail wag.
"I met her in the arena. She was disguised as a fighter."
"The arena? I heard there was chaos during the match. So it was your doing, Apostle."
"Well, not intentionally. Is everything okay here?"
"As soon as we heard about the incident at the arena, we recalled all believers.
We've also prepared to relocate the hideout in case we're detected."
"Good. You handled it well."
"However, we have one problem."
"Problem?"
"Yes. I contacted No. 26 to warn him to be careful, but he left this message."
She took out a communicator and showed it to me. The screen displayed four words: "Person invited evacuation shelter moved."
'Did an android come and take him to a shelter?'
Levinus, who was with No. 26, came here as the owner of a fighter. From Star Union's perspective, he's an important person to protect. They must have sent him to a shelter under the pretext of ensuring his safety.
And No. 26 secretly followed him.
"I tried contacting him immediately after confirming, but there's no response." "That makes sense."
Star Union's shelters block external communications for security reasons. Unless using special hacking tools like those of the Cult, it's difficult to make contact through normal means.
'It's not good to contact him now.'
The surveillance network has been significantly strengthened because of us. Using hacking tools and getting caught would be counterproductive.
'But the situation isn't completely bad.'
At least while in the shelter, he won't be in danger. The sacred artifact of the masquerade that Levinus possesses should also be safe.
'I'll make good use of the mask later.'
"I understand. Let's move on from that issue. Since I've brought Adhigh, let's
first find where Isabelle is."
"Yes. I'll prepare right away."
"And I'm sorry, but we need to relocate the hideout. I came with an armored vehicle, so they might notice this location."
"We're prepared for that. We can move immediately if you order."
"Good. Lastly..."
I pointed to the arena slaves who had gotten out of the car.
"If you have food, please give it to those children. They haven't eaten properly."
"Are these the slaves who fought alongside AMorph?"
"Yes. Fighting together showed me they have potential. If they grow well, I think they could be helpful."
"I see. We will certainly live up to AMorph's expectations."
"Huh?"
"We will do our best to help them grow into excellent believers."
Hasazar looked at the Volfs with enthusiastic eyes.
'Hmm. I didn't particularly intend to convert them.'
My intention was to entrust the Volf slaves to the Sky Mother. She could nurture their talents and make them useful.
'Well, whether they join or not is their freedom, so it doesn't matter.'
Joining the Cult is a personal choice. If they don't want to join, they can do other work. There's plenty to do if they want to live in the residential area on the Gallercon planet.
"I'll bring food for our new arrivals."
"Food?"
"Will there be meat too?"
"Of course. The rest of you, please take care of organizing the hideout."
"Understood."
"Yes."
Some Coldblood left the parking lot following Hasazar's instructions.
Shortly after, a Coldblood man approached carrying a large bag.
"Hasazar. I brought it."
"Thank you. Everyone, please come and eat."
"Wow!"
The Coldblood man set up the food and tools in the transport compartment of the armored vehicle. The Volfs, who cheered at the sight, ate the food hurriedly.
"AMorph. Here, the tools are ready."
Hasazar placed a computer with a hologram device and a Cult-style pad terminal in front of me. I tapped the floor with my front paw to call Adhigh.
Adhigh, who had been trimming its claws, sensed this and approached me.
"■■■" "■?"
It hesitated upon seeing the pad terminal.
This device is a modified educational tool used in the Cult Empire.
When psychic power containing thoughts is projected, it's converted into text and displayed. Conversely, when text is entered, psychic creatures can sense its meaning.
PS-111 made it to teach letters to No. 26 and Adhigh, but now it's used as a communication tool with the Gallercons.
"■■" "■■" "■■" "■■"
Adhigh, who dislikes studying, immediately tapped the floor with its hind legs upon seeing the machine. I stroked it to soothe the reluctant creature.
"I'm not making you study. I just have something to ask."
I gently stroked behind its horns and neck like brushing hair. It seemed pleased and quickly calmed down. Without further complaint, it placed its tentacle bundle on the terminal.
"■■■" "■■!" "■" "■■!"
"She says she feels very good."
"■■" "■■" "■■■"
"She's asking you to scratch that spot with your claws now."
"I can see that, so you don't need to read it for me."
While scratching with my claws instead of my paw pads, I used another paw to input text.
"Where is Isabelle who came with you?"
"■■■■?"
Recognizing the question, Adhigh projected a thought wave. The terminal's screen displayed a series of words:
'Dwarf, few, stone house, small, many, snake, roar?'
Adhigh's answer described some location.
"Stone house? Could it mean the residential area?" "Probably not."
I'm guessing Isabelle entered Jax-01 disguised as a fighter's owner. Since she wouldn't walk around as a Screamer, she's likely using a drone or android as a proxy body.
PS-111 also occasionally remotely controlled other machines or mini-Screamers for infiltration missions. Isabelle could certainly do the same.
'The Cult couldn't find her because she's operating through a proxy body.'
That's also why Isabelle didn't detect my presence. She couldn't use the "All-Seeing Eye" in proxy form.
Anyway, if my assumption is correct, the residential area isn't Isabelle's base. Only living sentient beings can reside in Prime Head's residential areas. An android constantly moving around would easily arouse suspicion.
'Or does she have a factory base like the Cult? Then what does "stone house" mean?'
While wondering where it could be, a certain place suddenly came to mind.
"Does that small stone house look like this?"
I raised my claws and drew a picture on the floor. Seeing it, Adhigh nodded.
'I thought so.'
"A rectangular stone house? Are you perhaps describing a container?"
"That's right. The place where Isabelle is located is the cargo area."
"I'll check."
Hasazar operated the computer connected to the hologram device. A three-dimensional map of Prime Head appeared in mid-air.
"The roaring snake probably represents a train. Look for a place near the automated train."
"Found it."
The location on the map narrowed down to a specific point and stopped. It was the cargo area near Prime Head Station.
"Can we get there secretly?"
"The surveillance network around the station is dense. It's difficult to move on
the ground."
"What about underground?"
"There is a passage connecting to the station, but..."
Hasazar displayed a map of the underground. A complex structure reminiscent of a maze or ant colony-this was a map of the old tunnels built before Star Union.
"With the strengthened surveillance network now, it won't be easy to approach."
"I see."
I examined the map carefully.
Unfortunately, none of the tunnels connected to the cargo area. Instead, a few lines thinner than the tunnels reached the area.
'Sewers?'
When planning to invade Jax-01 in the game, I once investigated using sewers as an attack route. Star Union's sewers are narrow and have strainers placed throughout. The structure makes it difficult to sneak in, so I eventually gave up.
'But not now.'
In liquid form, I can pass through narrow passages and strainers.
"I've found a way in. I'll use the sewers."
"The sewers? I remember you saying you're vulnerable when liquefied. It's dangerous."
"Still, it's safer than other routes."
"That may be true, but..."
"Adhigh. I have to go alone from here, but I have a favor to ask."
"■?"
I explained my thoughts and subsequent plans to them.
"I understand, AMorph. Please be careful."
"■■■" "■■■"
"Yes. I'm counting on both of you."
Afterward, I left the parking lot in a new vehicle prepared by the Cult.
Inside a refrigerated truck driven by a Cult member, I prepared a simple nest, the "House of Consciousness," during the journey.
'It's been too long since I connected with the main body.'
To maintain the Apostle form, besides eating prey, I need to connect periodically with the main body. Without this, control over the physical form gradually diminishes until it disappears.
In the arena, there were too many eyes watching to build the House of Consciousness. I need to connect with the main body before the truck stops.
'And I have other things to do with the main body too.'
The interior of the truck's refrigerated compartment was instantly covered with black slime. As soon as the House of Consciousness was completed, I linked immediately.
In an instant, all consciousness and sensations were reversed. My consciousness is now incredibly far from Jax-01.
[Zzzzzz (It's been a while)]
Waves created by the monster's tentacles spread through the space where I lay.
'Are the others working?'
Even with my eyes closed, I can feel where everyone is. I could call them if I wanted to, but there's no need.
They must know that "this place" is moving.
Lying down, I took care of tasks I couldn't do before. After quickly finishing my work, I disconnected and returned to the Apostle's body.
"Apostle. We've arrived."
Just then, the truck arrived at the designated location. I came out of the refrigerated compartment.
Right in front of me was a triangular manhole cover connected to the sewer. After opening the cover halfway, I changed my body into liquid.
Leaving behind the departing truck, I flowed down into the sewer below the manhole.
'At least I made it down safely. Now I just follow this path.'
I guided my liquefied body through the narrow sewer. Soon, I came to a fork in the path.
'Let's see.'
With my sluggish body, I entered and exited both the left and right passages once. When I entered the right passage, I felt a subtle vibration inside my body.
Before leaving the Cult's hideout, I received a micro-signal device. The vibration increases as I get closer to the cargo area. I brought it specifically because in liquid state, it's impossible to know if I'm heading in the right direction.
'That way.'
I entered the right path.
Several more forks appeared afterward, but I followed the direction indicated by the signal device each time. Even strainers couldn't block me in my liquid form.
Hours passed. The increasingly frequent vibrations of the signal device suddenly stopped.
'I've arrived.'
This is the cargo area. I climbed up through a nearby drain to the surface.
As soon as I reached the ground, I felt a slight impact on my body. Someone had stepped on me.
"What is this?"
I can feel the vibration of air from above. And a faint warmth too.
The being that stepped on me isn't an android. Whatever species it is, it's definitely a living sentient being.
'Now!'
"Water? Why is it so sticky... ugh?!"
I didn't miss the opportunity and climbed up the person's leg. The target twisted their body trying to shake me off, but that was far from enough. Ignoring their resistance, I climbed up and burrowed into the hole where warmth was leaking out.
"Kuk! Ugh!"
The meaningless resistance soon ended. I checked the status of my new host.
'A combat soldier from the armed police unit.'
Judging by their armament, they seem to have come here on a simple patrol mission.
That's fortunate. Thanks to this, I can move around without arousing suspicion.
'Let's take a look around.'
Pretending to be a patrolling officer, I walked between the containers.
The scenery of the cargo area isn't much different whether it's Star Union or Megacorp. Containers piled like mountains and surveillance cameras everywhere. The only difference is that the common presence on the streets is androids, not people.
Although all of Prime Head is on alert, androids are the exception. These metal servants continue performing their duties without rest.
Isabelle's android must be mixed among them.
'I heard what it looks like from Adhigh.'
It has holes in its head and upper body, with machine parts hanging from them.
I continued walking, carefully checking the androids moving around.
Then one android caught my eye. It was a common assistant model, but it had metal plates of a different color attached to its head and torso.
'Could that be it?'
If the holes in the head and torso were patched, it would match Adhigh's description. I followed this distinctively shaped android.
Unaware of my pursuit, the android stopped in front of a refrigerated container. The robot unlocked it and entered. I hurriedly followed before the door closed.
"■?"
The android hesitated upon seeing the intruder who suddenly barged in. Then it immediately grabbed my neck and pushed me against the wall.
"Warning. This is private property."
The android's eyes shone clearly in the dark container interior.
"Armed Police Unit, state your business."
"You're Isabelle, right?"
"...Isabelle? What is that?"
"I thought so."
Despite the mechanical tone, the response was slightly delayed. Unlike robots that don't think.
"It's me. AMorph. I came in disguised as police."
"AMorph?"
The low-grade android, or rather Isabelle, flinched upon hearing my name.
"How did you get here?"
"Adhigh told me. You're preparing to rescue PS-111 here."
This much should be enough for her to know I'm AMorph.
"..."
But she didn't release me. Instead, she gripped my neck tighter.
"How do I know you're the 'real AMorph'?"
'Huh?'
"Prove it."
Was my explanation insufficient? No, judging by the atmosphere, that's not it.
She asked if I was the 'real AMorph.'
'Could she be suspecting I'm Bumho?'
Now I understand why Isabelle has been avoiding contact.
The last time she saw me, I was in the process of being consumed by Bumho. So she believes Bumho completely took over my body.
As if to prove my thoughts correct, her grip tightened. She seemed ready to break my host's neck.
'Resisting now won't help.'
If we fight and she escapes, things will get more complicated. It's better to persuade her verbally.
'The question is how to prove it.'
The taste when biting people, the exhilaration when traits are applied, the fantasies seen inside the cocoon-there are many things only AMorph would know and feel.
'No.'
An answer that only I, among all AMorphs, could give. That's what she wants to hear.
"No. 26 is soft and warm, so hugging her makes me feel at ease."
"What?"
Once I started thinking that way, the words flowed naturally.
"It's cute how she always comes to show off whenever she learns something new.
It's also lovely how she always tries to share food."
"What are you saying...?"
"Adhigh's charm points aren't just her plump tail and alluring figure. It's how she overcomes any obstacle without giving up. You could say she has a queenly dignity."
"...."
"Seeing how wonderfully that small child has grown makes me feel proud but also gives me a strange feeling."
The android stared at me blankly with her mouth open.
"Sky Mother also hides a unique charm. Her abs, which contrast with her gentle personality..."
"...Stop.'
The strength drained from her hand.
"I'm certain you're not Bumho."
"Really?"
Isabelle shook her head as if dumbfounded.
"He would never be able to say such things.'
Despite her gruff attitude, there was a subtle sense of relief in her voice.
-x-X-x-
Inside the station near Prime Head.
A long, massive metal object reminiscent of a mountain ridge stood at the station. It was an automated train that had just arrived.
The transport facility symbolizing Zaks-01 was disgorging troops brought in from all over the planet. Combat androids, cyborg soldiers, walkers, and armored vehicles poured out from hundreds of train cars. They proceeded to the assembly point set up outside the station.
Meanwhile, a group of people were hiding behind pillars, watching the scene.
"Levinus! This isn't what you told us!"
An elderly cult member wearing a camouflage hood growled with an angry voice.
The old person was the leader of the Vortex One cult. He had come to perform an unholy ritual but was now hiding after spotting the army.
"Far from refugees, it's full of warriors! What are you planning to do?"
The ritual required a large number of living sacrifices. They had come here after hearing that the station had high foot traffic, but the situation wasn't good.
"There are many people at the station. There's no problem. With so many people, there's nothing to worry about."
Moreover, Levinus, the one who had recommended the station, kept repeating that everything was fine.
"Tch! Useless!"
Realizing that communication was impossible, the cult leader clicked his tongue.
'Damn it! Suddenly losing his mind. Could it be a side effect of the sacred artifact?'
The cult leader didn't fully understand the ritual either. Like most cult members, he had become part of the cult under the guidance of Coldblood, who served demons.
In the process, he received knowledge about the contract and the sacred artifacts to be used in the ritual. However, he had never heard about such side effects from the artifacts.
"...We have no choice. We'll perform the ritual here."
"What? What are you saying?"
"A ritual without preparation? We might incur the wrath of the Great Being!"
The other cultists were startled by his decision to proceed with the ritual.
Despite their faces being covered with camouflage hoods, their concern was evident. They were worried about offending Vortex One.
The cult leader knew this was a risky attempt, but there was no other way.
It had taken hours just to get here. Abandoning the ritual and returning to the bunker was impossible.
"Everyone, it's impossible to turn back now. We must somehow make this ritual a success and turn crisis into opportunity."
"But..."
"Even if we don't perform the ritual, we're in danger anyway. If those warriors outside catch us, that's the end."
If captured, they would be immediately deported to the Cult Empire. In the Empire, worshipping Vortex One was the ultimate taboo-a capital offense that guaranteed execution.
Everyone knew this fact, so they couldn't argue further.
"Levinus. Take out the sacred artifact."
At the leader's command, Levinus put down the bag and hard case he was carrying. Then he unlocked the case.
With a small metallic sound, the case opened, revealing a red mask carefully enshrined inside.
"You did well bringing it this far."
"Yes."
"Next..."
The leader was praising Levinus when he suddenly pulled out a dagger and stabbed him.
"Kuhuk?!"
"Your blood will awaken Him."
The young cultist with a hole in his abdomen collapsed. Blood poured from his wound and pooled inside the case.
Then the mask emitted an ominous light and absorbed all the blood.
"Now offer your flesh to Him."
"Kk, kkuk!"
After checking the mask's condition, the cult leader released a powerful psychic power. A purple energy net created by the antlered cultist bound the dying sacrifice's limbs.
Levinus's hands were drawn toward the mask by the psychic power. But they stopped just before touching it.
"Hmm?"
The leader's intention was for Levinus to put on the mask himself. He applied stronger psychic power, but it was useless. An invisible wall seemed to block his power.
The strange phenomenon didn't end there. All cult members present found themselves unable to move.
"Huh?"
"My, my body?"
'Could, could this be the sacred artifact's doing? If so, I need to quickly...'
The cult leader racked his brain trying to solve the situation. Then he noticed the bag Levinus had brought.
'What's that?'
Inside the slightly open bag, something glowing pink was visible.
The snake-like creature wriggled and moved.
Suddenly, the leader's arm broke free from control and reached for the mask.
That's when he realized who was behind the strange phenomenon.
By the time he realized it, his hand was already holding the mask.
'No, no!'
There wasn't even time to cry out in horror. The mask approached the old cultist's face. The camouflage hood covering his entire head sparked and was destroyed.
Then the mask covered his face.
As soon as he put on the mask, the invisible force pressing down on him disappeared. The freed cult leader tried desperately to remove the mask.
"Ub! Uwub!"
At that moment, the plain red mask began to move. Its surface melted like ice exposed to fire. The result was a mask shaped like a widely smiling face.
"Woo, wuha, wu, haha."
The laughter flowing from the mask mixed with the cult leader's voice. The hands that had been trying to remove the mask moved downward. Then they began to tear at his own body.
Skin was peeled off, and blood spurted like a fountain. The streams of blood didn't fall to the floor but remained suspended in the air. And like fruit growing on trees, red masks formed abundantly on the blood stems.
"Hee, heek?!"
The cult members who witnessed the entire scene screamed.
The ritual had completely deviated from their plan. They tried to flee quickly, but the masks were faster. The masks made of blood rushed at the cultists.
"Aaack!"
"Kyaaak!"
No one escaped unharmed. Everyone present met the same fate as the cult leader.
Instead, their final screams reached the nearby cyborgs and androids. Combat units moving to the assembly point outside the station heard the sounds and rushed over.
"Unauthorized personnel detected."
"Everyone don't move... what is this?"
"Unregistered unidentified life form detected."
The cyborg soldiers who quickly ran in encountered a truly bizarre and ominous sight.
"Haha, kihik, haha, kkuk, hahaha."
"Hik, haha, igik, hahaha."
"Hahaha, ak, haha, kyaak, haha."
Cultists covered in blood from head to toe, emitting eerie laughter. They all wore identical masks on their faces. It was a sight no one would consider normal.
"D-damn it! Shoot! Kill them!" "Eliminating uncertain elements."
The cyborgs and robots opened fire.
It was the wrong choice. It didn't take long to realize that those gunshots were the beginning of disaster.
"What? Why aren't they dying... gaaak!"
"Energy reaction, ri, rising. Request back, kikik, kik."
"Stop, hee, hahaha. Eek, hahaha."
"What is this?!"
"Requesting backup! We need backup now, huk!"
"Hahaha, help, hahaha."
"Hahahahahahaha."
Death and mockery consumed the station. The army assembled outside entered, but the situation didn't change.
Just before the screams in the station subsided.
A pink jellyfish-like creature escaped alone.
"Scary! Scary!"
The creature, frantically moving its fins as it ran, disappeared beyond the street.
-x-X-x-
"How did you escape from Bumho? Is everyone okay... no, more importantly, how did you get in here?"
"I broke through with a new trait. A trait that creates a projection that can possess others."
"A possessing projection? A parasite with psychic abilities?"
"Something like that."
Isabelle, whom I hadn't seen in a long time, seemed to have many questions.
That's understandable. She probably wants to know how I broke free from Bumho's control, how much stronger I've become, and more.
I feel the same way. I have many questions about how she got here.
However, there's something more important right now.
"We can catch up later. I have something to ask."
"You want to know how to enter Prime Head, right?"
That's right. We all came here for the same purpose.
"To get straight to the point, I found a way."
As Isabelle spoke, she pressed a switch on the wall. The light from the lamp instantly pushed away the darkness inside the container.
Only then could I see what was inside.
'What's this?'
The first thing that caught my eye was a Mutant Screamer with only its head and part of its upper body remaining. The snake-like long body and multiple arms that symbolized Isabelle were nowhere to be seen.
"We'll use my body, the discarded Mutant Screamer."
Chrome-colored carapaces and mechanical parts that appeared to have been separated from the body were scattered messily on the floor.
"Remember the planet where we first met? There were other Screamers besides me."
"Yes."
"I tried to make a deal by pretending to have 'accidentally' discovered their remains. As you can see, it was successful."
Originally, PS-111 was a Mutant Screamer under the High Commissioner's command. Thanks to awakening self-awareness by chance, she became our ally.
The other Screamers weren't so lucky. They were caught in the High Commissioner's desperate struggle and were completely wiped out. Not a single part of any individual remained.
And this fact was never conveyed to Star Union. This was because the High Commissioner, the only being who could have reported it, died.
As a result, they only know that the Screamer unit was defeated, but not the specific circumstances. If they had known, Isabelle's plan would have been stopped immediately.
"So you plan to transfer your dormant self into this prosthetic body."
"That's right. It's an android modified with my parts implanted. I've already registered it with Zaks-01, so entering the pyramid won't be a problem."
"What will you do after you get in? There will be restrictions on your activities."
Every member of Star Union has their designated role and position. The same applies to androids. Moving around freely without authorization would get you caught immediately.
Hearing my question, she opened the metal plate on her abdomen.
Inside was a translucent sphere connected to various tubes and cables. Through the wall of the sphere, a small brain-like object was faintly visible.
It's something I know well. The central organ of a mini Screamer. A bio-computer designed by PS-111 herself.
"Is this left by PS-111?"
"Yes. All of my sisters memories are stored in here. Including ways to move freely in Prime Head."
PS-111 had been investigating those who turned her into a Screamer. Prime Head, where the Grand Sovereign resides, was also a target of investigation.
"Of course, I can only read a small portion with my abilities, but I've had some success. I obtained program code that can forge android permissions."
PS-111's hacking abilities rival those of the High Commissioner. If the program works properly, Isabelle should be safe.
Of course, she'd be caught immediately if she encountered someone like the Grand Sovereign or High Commissioner, but the probability of that happening is low. They'll be too busy tracking down Adhigh and other creatures that escaped from the arena.
"I understand you're ready. Is there anything I can help with?"
"Let's talk about that outside. Time's up."
She turned off the light and went outside the container. Following her out, I saw something that wasn't there before. An unmanned vehicle for transporting containers.
"We have 20 minutes until the scheduled trade time."
As Isabelle operated the terminal, the transport machine mounted on the vehicle activated. The massive machine lifted the container and moved it onto the vehicle.
"The armed police patrolling the cargo area, that's because of you, right?"
"Well, I can't say I'm not related. They came to check if there were any problems because of the commotion outside. If nothing had happened, I wouldn't have been able to meet you."
After moving the container, she climbed onto the vehicle.
"I'll go to the pyramid and look for a way to revive my sister. Meanwhile, draw the enemies' attention."
"Will do."
With those final words, she left the cargo area on the unmanned vehicle.
'Good.'
I successfully made contact with Isabelle. Getting her into Prime Head also seems like it will be easy.
The only remaining goal is to revive PS-111.
'Now, let's move again.'
I had already thought about what to do after finding Isabelle.
Currently, the enemies' attention is focused on Adhigh. All forces scattered across the planet will gather here. For that, they'll need automated trains, a large-scale transport facility.
'It would be quite troublesome if something happened to those trains, wouldn't it?'
There are several anti-aircraft turrets near the cargo area. I'm thinking of using them to attack the automated trains.
Of course, anti-aircraft turrets can't penetrate the train's armor, but that doesn't matter. It's enough to slow down the train even a little.
'Conveniently, the host I'm possessing is an armed police officer.'
If I approach the turrets pretending to patrol, they'll easily let me through.
Just then, the terminal on my wrist lit up. Another police officer had sent me a message.
I checked it to give an appropriate response, but I couldn't help but be surprised.
The message itself was extremely short, but its content was problematic.
'Unknown entity has occupied the station, absolutely no approach?'
Below the short sentence was an attached photo of the inside of the station.
The completely ruined interior of the station was filled with people wearing red masks with smiling faces drawn on them. Above their heads floated a massive blood clot that looked like it was woven from flesh and blood vessels.
I know well what the being in the photo is.
Vortex One, considered the worst among the demons of space.
'The Mask Play!'
The demon worshipped by the cult that infiltrated Star Union has descended here.
-x-X-x-
Masquerade (1)
-x-X-x-
As soon as I confirmed the figure in the photo, I immediately sent a message to Hasazar.
Warning him not to approach the train station under any circumstances because the "Masked Play" had appeared.
Contacting someone operating in secret through an armed police communication device-an incredibly dangerous move, but I had no choice.
'If he approaches the station, it's all over.'
No matter how dangerous, it's better than dying.
After leaving a warning for the cult, I examined the photo more carefully.
My first thought was this: Why is the Masked Play at the station?
Summoning Vortex One requires special tools, sacrifices, and a proper ritual. If even one of these is missing, the summoning ends up incomplete or fails entirely.
The sacred object of the Masked Play on Jaks-01, the red "mask," is in my possession. More precisely, it's being kept by Levinus, the cult's slave merchant who I've brainwashed.
I thoroughly brainwashed him to always carry the mask. He must have taken it with him to the shelter.
'Someone stole the mask.'
Besides me, there's one other person who knows Levinus has the mask. The cult leader.
That old cultist knows not only the mask's purpose but also how to perform the ritual. He's the only one who can summon Vortex One.
However, I wonder how he managed to steal it.
'No. 26 is with Levinus.'
It's absolutely impossible for a mere cult to defeat her and steal the mask.
'And why go to the station of all places?'
Currently, all public facilities on Jaks-01 are sealed off. While it might make sense normally, right now it would be difficult to find sacrificial victims at the station.
The Masked Play is known for being one of the greediest among the Vortex Ones. If not enough sacrifices are prepared, it will mercilessly devour even the ritual's host.
Especially creatures with psychic abilities are the favorite prey of Vortex Ones. The cult leader must know this.
'Or perhaps...?'
I checked the photo again.
The ruins where the cultist wearing the red mask and the cyborg stand. Nowhere in the image could I find traces of what I was thinking.
No. 26 usually kills enemies by crushing or constricting them with psychic power when fighting. There are no corpses killed in that manner here. Meaning there was no fight.
'As I thought.'
It seems the summoning at the station was No. 26's intention.
She knows nothing about the mask's role or summoning rituals. At most, she might know the mask is a dangerous object.
Then suddenly the situation became chaotic, and suspicious individuals approached. Not only that, they even tried to use the dangerous object.
'She must have wanted to stop it somehow.'
The automated train station is the place with the most combat androids and cyborgs among the locations she visited. Perhaps she lured them there to instigate a fight between enemies.
'Tsk. She didn't need to do that.'
I understand her desire to protect me even in chaotic situations. But from my perspective, it's much better if No. 26 doesn't put itself in danger.
'Still, I'm glad she escaped safely.'
Judging by the lack of battle traces, she must have fled just before the Masked Play was summoned. She's surely hiding somewhere far from the station.
'The armed police haven't been notified yet.'
Since there's no mention of her, she's safe for now.
Though I'm worried about her trembling alone somewhere, I need to focus on the Masked Play right now.
I looked away from my terminal.
'Well, the card of summoning a Vortex One has been played here.'
Though it's an unexpected situation, it's not entirely bad.
Thanks to the Masked Play taking over the station, the automated trains have stopped running. Moving reinforcements without the automated trains will take quite some time. The Prime Head is essentially isolated.
The Star Union will try to recapture the station somehow, knowing this, but it won't be easy.
'The Masked Play is a tricky opponent.'
Typically, capturing a Vortex One requires deploying large-scale forces and powerful strategic weapons, but the Masked Play is different.
'Especially during Act 1.'
As the name suggests, the Masked Play's abilities take the form of four "acts." When various conditions are met, the act changes and so do its effects.
The effect activated upon summoning is "Act 1." It's the time to prepare actors and a stage for the devil's play.
Usually, when Vortex Ones descend, they manifest a body centered around the "Abyssal Core," a deep organ. They operate with a body made of some organic matter and vast energy.
In contrast, the Masked Play first creates special minions called "Clowns."
When Act 1 begins, the Masked Play's core emits a mental wave based on "abyssal power." The range limit increases with each act.
And those who come in contact with the mental wave have their faces replaced with red masks.
The results are those figures in the photo-clowns who will dance on the devil's stage.
Though their minds and bodies are twisted by the stage's master, they can still use the abilities they had in life. Cult clowns use psychic techniques, cyborgs control mechanical weapons, and so on.
'And even if their bodies are destroyed, they resurrect after some time.'
They cannot escape from slavery until the Masked Play is destroyed.
To prevent contamination by mental waves, special traits or defensive equipment are needed. Needless to say, these are difficult to obtain or cannot be mass-produced.
As a result, deploying large forces against a Masked Play in Act 1 is considered taboo. After all, it only serves to strengthen the enemy.
'But taking too much time isn't a good choice either.'
The Masked Play isn't just playing around. During Act 1, it tries to increase the number of clowns. And when it moves to the next stage, it becomes even more dangerous than now. The Grand Marshal knows this well, being a ranker.
'Though this is the first time a Vortex One has been summoned on Jaks-01.'
As I recall, this never happened in the game either.
Is that all? On the other side, there's Adhigh, the Red Galergon who rampaged around before disappearing.
Two top-tier Apex creatures running wild in the Star Union's capital. From the Grand Marshal's perspective, it's truly the worst situation.
'At this point, he doesn't have many options.'
He's more likely to target the recently summoned Masked Play than the invisible Red Galergon.
'At this stage, bombarding it with firepower from extreme range would be the standard approach.'
Either orbital bombardment from the fleet or dropping high-grade bombs. Either way, he'll need to mobilize the fleet outside the planet to execute the attack.
If so, my task is also determined.
I moved in the direction of my new objective.
'There are twenty turrets that can barely hit the airspace above the station.'
From now on, I'll occupy all of them.
Before the enemy's operation begins.
———
There are commonly three core facilities that support Jaks-01's air defense network.
The first is the automated train, also famous as a transport facility. Each car is basically equipped with missile batteries and drone launchers, and some cars have battleship-grade batteries attached.
Thanks to this, a single automated train has firepower comparable to an elite fleet.
The second is the pyramid of the Prime Head where the Grand Marshal resides. All kinds of batteries are spread across the pyramid's outer walls.
With an enormous number of batteries, its firepower is overwhelming. Throughout Star Union's history, no weapon or ship has ever penetrated the pyramid's firing network.
Lastly, there are anti-aircraft turrets. These small fortresses, equipped with super-large batteries used in space fortresses, are deployed throughout Jaks-01. Soldiers and androids are stationed inside, preparing for any contingency.
Under a sky full of dark clouds stood a thick cylindrical building. The identity of this building, glowing ominously in the light of searchlights, is an anti-aircraft turret. Two cyborg sentries were guarding the main entrance of the turret.
"....."
"...Sigh."
Standing with their gaze and gun barrels fixed on the empty street for hours now, the expressions of those guarding the main entrance were full of fatigue.
"When will the lockdown be lifted?"
"Seeing the police units still roaming around, it seems it will take longer."
"Tsk, I have no idea what's going on."
The status of sentries in the Star Union is not high. Therefore, the information they can access is extremely limited.
However, everyone was well aware of the seriousness of the situation.
This is the first time since the Revolutionary War that a lockdown has been implemented in the capital. None of the cyborgs stationed at the anti-aircraft turret have ever experienced a lockdown. So naturally, they're tense.
"Wouldn't the police know something?"
"I doubt it. They probably don't know either. They seemed to be about the same rank as us."
"But you never know, right?"
"What's there not to know? It's obvious. By the way, those guys who went in earlier, why are they still..."
The complaining cyborg closed his mouth. A vehicle was coming this way along the empty road.
"What's that?"
"Report! Armed police vehicle approaching!"
"Stop!"
While one sentry reported to the turret's control room, the other stopped the vehicle.
"What's the matter?"
"A new blockade operation has been deployed centered on the station. We're
inspecting anti-aircraft turrets within the operation area."
"Blockading the station? This isn't near the station area, is it?"
"This area is also included in the operation."
The sentry felt something odd about the cyborg police's words.
The turret they're guarding is more than two sectors away from the station. The range seems too wide for a typical blockade operation.
"Report. Entry permission granted."
At that moment, permission came from the control room. The sentry who had been wary of the unfamiliar outsider let go of his suspicion.
"Please wait a moment. Personnel to guide you inside will come soon."
"Actually, the control room asked us to guide you."
"Hm? What about entrance security?"
"They said they'll send down other personnel while we handle the inspection together."
"Is that so? As you heard, we'll guide you. Please cooperate."
"Yes."
The three cyborgs entered the turret together. As soon as they passed the main entrance, the two sentries connected their terminals to the elevator.
Ding
"Confirmed access personnel."
"Where do you plan to start the inspection?"
"Let's start with the control room."
"Yes. To the 7th floor."
"7th floor confirmed."
The door of the only means of transportation in the tower closed.
"Is the current blockade operation led by the police force?"
"Pardon?"
Inside the ascending elevator, the sentry spoke up.
"Usually, operations of this scale are handled by higher-ranking units."
"Ah, yes. That's right. We're merely playing a supporting role, just establishing the encirclement."
"I see. I was just asking because police officers have been visiting consecutively."
At those words, the police officer frowned.
"Other police officers? No one else was ordered to visit the turret besides me."
"What? But another police officer came just before."
"All unit members are deployed for entrenchment work. There's no way they could be here..."
"That's right. They're upstairs with our colleagues."
Ding
Before he could finish speaking, the elevator arrived. The door opened with a brief signal sound.
Multiple monitors attached to the wall, the backs of soldiers watching the screens-all familiar sights.
If only "that thing" wasn't standing in the middle of the control room.
"That thing," with oily black leather and six muscular legs, was in the process of devouring a cyborg with only ankles remaining. Broken android fragments were scattered messily on the floor.
The other soldiers showed no reaction to the sight.
"7th floor arrival."
"!"
The cheerful notification, out of place with the bizarre scene, broke the silence. The police officer hurriedly tried to close the door, but it was already too late.
A woman's face with animal horns slowly moved. Two eyes as black as her skin stared at the new guests.
The police officer who met those eyes felt darkness engulfing him in an instant. As his vision darkened, his bodily sensations also faded.
"Ugh, eh?" "Gi, giek."
The sentry who came up together screamed. But that noise also quickly subsided.
Even as an invisible swamp swallowed all his senses, only "its" voice pierced through clearly.
"That makes sixteen."
The cyborg couldn't understand what those words meant.
With that brief question, the existence known as the "cyborg police" completely disappeared.
-x-X-x-
Every member of the Star Union has their own role.
Some carry weapons to maintain public order, while others produce goods in factories.
No one who belongs to the Star Union can escape this law.
The same applies to the Machine Committee.
The purpose of the Machine Committee is to serve the people and ensure the prosperity of the Star Union. All activities of the Supreme Commissioners are aimed at achieving this purpose. Their workplace and the brain of the Star Union, 'Prime Head,' shares the same purpose.
And now, the pyramid of the machine kingdom is moving to protect Zax-01.
"Nemea Five. Report. Fleets 2, 5, 11, and 12 have completed their jump. Moving to designated positions to strike the second target."
"Europa Two. Report. Delta-class shock bombs have been modified into drop warheads. The psychic wave radius of the second target has expanded to 10km and is now stable."
"Callion Eleven. Report. Screamer units are ready for follow-up strikes. Standing by. Ground strike force encirclement is 88% complete."
"Typhon Twelve. Prometheus activated. Hyperspeed jump control network deployment complete."
Inside the central control room of Prime Head.
Four Supreme Commissioners sat with cables plugged into their heads. The intricately tangled cables glowed continuously as they transmitted commands to the androids.
Like most facilities in Prime Head, this space is accessible only to the Supreme Commissioners.
But not today.
The leader of the machine kingdom, Grand Marshal Jubaka, was also there.
"Typhon Twelve. Report. The location of the first target remains unconfirmed.
Unable to trace 'Dragon Power' signature."
"Europa Two. Report. It is presumed to be using special concealment equipment. Reconfiguring detection systems to track it."
"Typhon Twelve. Detection system update. Applying."
"..."
Jubaka also had cables plugged into his neck as he watched the Supreme Commissioners' activities. His cold gaze scanned the data flowing through the virtual world.
Despite his unwavering exterior, his inner thoughts were complicated. The crisis that had befallen Zax-01 far exceeded expectations.
Two top-tier Apex creatures had appeared simultaneously in the heart of the capital. This was unprecedented in Star Union history. Because of this, Callion Eleven and Typhon Twelve, who had gone to nearby star systems, were hastily recalled.
'Damn it! Why did this have to happen right before the finals!'
As with any event, the Beast Battle Tournament generates higher profits as it approaches the finals. Having it canceled before properly extracting revenue meant the losses were truly enormous.
Moreover, this incident had tarnished the Supreme Sovereign's prestige. The Grand Marshal is both the center and pillar. If he wavers, the entire Star Union wavers.
Knowing this fact, Jubaka barely suppressed the urge to curse out loud.
"Nemea Five. Report."
Nemea Five, who was in charge of tactical command, reported to him as he inwardly suppressed his anger.
"Chairman, we are ready."
"...If preparations are complete, proceed."
"Machine Committee authorization confirmed. Commencing operation."
With the Supreme Sovereign's authorization, the bombardment fleet began to move. The fleet moved to the airspace above the automated train station that had been seized by the "Masquerade." Their movements were transmitted directly through the cables.
"No hostile reaction from target."
The camera captured the red-masked clowns filling the streets around the station. They were all standing still, motionless. The Masquerade had not yet noticed the attack from the sky.
"Preparing to drop 30 Delta-class bombs."
In the meantime, the warheads prepared by Europa were ready to leave the ships.
Delta-class shock bombs spread unstably manipulated warp particles. These particles emit very strong pulses when stimulated.
These pulses block various signals formed through different energies. They affect electricity and psychic power, as well as unknown forces like the power of Vortex One.
When the shock bombs detonate, the connection between the Masquerade and the clowns will be severed for about a few seconds. The plan is to use this window when the clowns are neutralized to eliminate them with concentrated bombardment.
Afterward, they would deploy the Screamer units to finish off the Masquerade, which would be left with only its main body.
"Commencing drop."
The bombs left the ships to strike their targets.
Thirty signals rapidly flying toward their impact points. There was nothing to interfere with the bombs.
If only it weren't for the sudden report that came in.
"Callion Eleven. Report. Energy signatures detected on the ground." "Signatures?"
The information transmitted through the cables appeared before Jubaka's eyes. Twenty new signals were floating on a map depicting the ground.
It was a place Jubaka knew well. One of the main defensive facilities of Zax-01, the anti-aircraft gun turrets.
"Confirmed activation of fortress cannons in anti-aircraft turrets. Targets are Delta-class shock bombs."
"What?! Stop them immediately!"
Jubaka urgently ordered, but the plasma heat rays had already been fired. Before they could respond, most of the bomb signals disappeared.
"What's happening? The bombs?"
"Confirmed that 25 out of 30 were intercepted. 5 reached the target."
"Damn it! Why did the anti-aircraft turrets suddenly... No, more importantly, the Masquerade! Check its reaction!"
Callion Eleven used satellite cameras to show the Masquerade's territory.
Some of the clowns filling the streets had been hit by shock bombs and collapsed. But most were fine.
They were all raising their heads, looking up at the sky.
"Second target's hostile intent confirmed."
"Europa Two. Report. The automated train's defense system has been activated."
It wasn't just the clowns that had changed their behavior. The automated train parked at the station had also started to move.
The armor plates covering the cars opened, and various sized gun barrels emerged from inside. All of the thousands of cars transformed into gun platforms.
The Masquerade's clowns had taken control of the automated train.
"Second target is controlling the automated train. Failed to recover control."
"Nemea Five. Report. Changing bombardment fleet formation to defense-centered..."
"Callion Eleven. Report. Malfunctioning anti-aircraft turrets reactivated."
Another unwelcome signal came in.
"Fortress cannons targeting ships. Less than 1% loss in bombardment fleet."
"Europa Two. Analysis. Three ships carrying Delta-class shock bombs destroyed.
Assessed as precision targeting. Probability of malfunction: 12%."
"Nemea Five. Confirmed. Automated train defense system activated.
Bombardment fleet preparing to deploy decoy drones and intercept."
The surprise attack plan had failed. As the situation rapidly deteriorated, the Supreme Commissioners became busy. Instructions from the commissioners and reports from the fleet and satellites chaotically intersected.
But Jubaka wasn't looking at those reports. It was because of what he had just heard.
'They deliberately targeted the ships carrying bombs?'
The sudden appearance of Vortex One, the unprecedented malfunction of the anti-aircraft turrets, the attack that came in just as they were about to drop the bombs. The scattered puzzle pieces came together.
He finally realized who was behind this crisis.
"Could it be?!"
"Chairman?"
Jubaka rose from his seat, roughly pulling out the cables.
As far as he knew, there was only one being capable of doing something like this.
The nemesis of all sentient species and the most dangerous predator among countless beasts. The worst ranker in Space Survival.
"...AMorph!"
A monster that makes even the Grand Marshal grind his teeth is here.
...
"They explode nicely."
The sky, which had been full of dark clouds, lights up brightly. High above, a fireworks display is in full swing-a fireworks display made by ships burning after being hit by missiles and heat rays.
The view from the front gate of the anti-aircraft turret was truly spectacular.
"The automated train really is something. Its firepower is intense."
The firepower of the automated train surpasses that of an elite fleet assembled by a player clan. In Zax-01, the only weapon with stronger firepower is the defensive facility of Prime Head.
Such a threatening weapon is now attacking the city and fleet that I need to protect. And it's under the control of the Masquerade.
Currently, that train is being controlled by clowns possessed by a demon. Without killing the Masquerade or breaking its connection with the clowns, the control of the train cannot be recovered.
Of course, capturing the Masquerade is not an easy task. The Star Union knows this too, which is why they chose a strategy of surprise attack from a distance.
'Without my interference, they might have succeeded.'
If they made a mistake, it was not knowing that I was here.
Before the bombardment began, I seized 20 anti-aircraft turrets that could strike the airspace above the station. The gunners, brainwashed by the "Faceless Apostle," activated the turrets as soon as the bombs were dropped.
As a result, most of the bombs were intercepted before reaching their targets. As a bonus, the Masquerade noticed the attack from the sky. Now the Star Union has to deal with both the Masquerade and the automated train simultaneously.
'Now that I've achieved my objective, it's time to move.'
Soon the Masquerade will attack this place. It must have seen the turrets attacking the fleet.
As evidenced by its use of the automated train, the Masquerade is highly intelligent. It must know how useful anti-aircraft turrets are in a battle against a fleet.
I should leave now and let the two fight it out.
"Continue attacking as you are now."
"Yes."
Just as I had done at the other turrets, I left after giving orders to the brainwashed cyborg.
'Next, I need to...'
The Star Union is focusing all its forces on the suddenly appeared demon. They don't have the luxury to worry about me.
I should use this opportunity to find No. 26.
The location of this turret, the last one I visited, is on the outskirts of the factory district. Just a little further in, there's a forest of factories filled with all kinds of smoke and chemicals. With many unmanned buildings, it's a suitable place for No. 26 to hide.
'And she's been here before.'
When infiltrating the previous arena, I smuggled out a Wolf slave by hiding her in a corpse.
The corpse was to be processed at the bio-gas factory located here. No. 26 successfully extracted the Wolf before the corpse was processed.
In an unfamiliar city, she's likely hiding near the bio-gas factory, a place she's somewhat familiar with.
Of course, if No. 26 is determined to hide, it would be difficult to find her, but I don't need to worry about that.
'She would have seen the signal I sent.'
Flames fiercely devouring the sky and clouds. She'll know immediately who created that. She'll be waiting for me to arrive.
"Well then, let's go."
I ran across the empty streets.
-x-X-x-
On a planet of the Star Union, there's always a noisy, crowded place in every city.
It's the factory district.
Since its inception, the Star Union has maintained a rationing system. When the Machine Committee sets items to supply to the cyborg citizens, the factories produce them.
From food and daily necessities to refined fuel, prosthetic body operation modules, and android assembly parts-all kinds of items are produced in the factory district. Naturally, it becomes the center of any planet or city.
The space that would have been bustling just hours ago was now eerily quiet.
The entire district had been closed due to incidents like the riot at the arena and the appearance of the "Masquerade." Only unmanned factories remained operational.
There was no one to stop me as I raced down the road.
'Well, the surveillance cameras are still working.'
The Machine Committee now knows I'm an unidentified being resembling Wolf. But they probably won't prioritize me over the rampaging Vortex One. I think they're just monitoring me now, planning to deal with me later.
Thanks to that, I ran for quite a while without any interference.
At some point, the smell in the air changed. A sharp stench mixed with the stuffy, acrid smog.
It was because I'd entered a street densely packed with bio-gas factories.
I stopped running and climbed up the wall of a nearby building. From the rooftop, I could see several buildings clustered together that resembled tuna cans.
'Was that the factory No. 26 went to?'
To the west from where I was, there was a building two or three stories taller than the other factories. It was a factory that processed byproducts from the arena.
After confirming my destination, I moved again. I ran across the rooftops using my six legs, then leaped toward the building across.
The Apostle's transcendent leg strength propelled my body high into the air. I cleared a distance of over ten meters in one jump, landing on top of another factory.
I continued jumping between buildings, heading toward the place where No. 26 would be.
The factory that looked like a giant tin can was rapidly getting closer. Only a few buildings remained before I'd reach it.
Just then, I heard an alien sound. A sound completely different from the mechanical noises coming from the factories. It was the sound of footsteps made by multiple people moving together.
I quickly lowered my body and pressed against the edge of the roof. From there, I could see a group below.
'Clowns?'
People wearing red masks with smiling faces painted on them passed by the building I was on with quick steps. Seeing them, I couldn't help but be confused.
'Why are they here?'
There were no weapons for the "Masquerade" to use here, nor sentient beings to turn into clowns. In the midst of an ongoing battle with the fleet, why would they send clowns separately? It doesn't make sense.
Moreover, I hadn't seen them once on my way here. They appeared suddenly, as if they'd sprouted from the ground.
'I'll check after I find No. 26.'
The Masquerade is a threatening enemy to me as well. Just because they're currently fighting the Star Union doesn't mean they won't attack me.
The moment I thought that, the clowns stopped in their tracks. Their masks all turned in the same direction, toward a factory at the end of the street.
At the factory's main entrance stood a beast about the size of an adult male. It resembled a spider overall, but had a cluster of tentacles on its abdomen and only one eye-a monster.
'Angel spider?'
I'm familiar with that monster. We escaped together when I broke out of the arena. I thought it would have been caught by now, but I didn't expect it to be hiding here.
'Did the clowns come here because of that creature?'
As if to prove my point, the clowns began attacking the angel spider.
A barrage of red laser bullets flew toward the angel spider. However, none of them reached their target. They disappeared in mid-air as if hitting an invisible wall.
The angel spider, which only inhabits jungle-type planets, has habits similar to those its name suggests. The difference is that it uses psychic power-generated spider webs.
Angel spiders lay psychic spider webs in their territory for defense or attack. Though invisible without "Monster's Tentacles," that factory has probably been the spider's nest for quite some time.
"Sheeek!"
Click click
The attacked beast made threatening sounds while clicking its chelicerae. Then the drums stacked beside the factory began to shake, and their lids all opened at once. The strong acidic solution inside poured over the enemies.
The clowns' bodies are identical to those of their hosts. Those hit by the solution melted instantly, leaving only their masks behind.
But the other clowns weren't fazed at all. They knew what would happen to their dissolved comrades.
They nonchalantly took out new weapons. It was the Star Union's representative heavy weapon, the APDT (Automatic Point Defense Turret), commonly known as the Storm Gun.
When the Storm Guns roared, a barrage of depleted uranium bullets embedded themselves in the factory walls and drums. After a brief shower of sparks, a powerful explosion occurred.
"Siyaak?!"
The angel spider nearby was caught in the explosion. It screamed as one side of its body caught fire.
'Even spider webs can't block attacks that come in rapid succession.'
The mechanism of the spider web is similar to how No. 26 controls objects with psychic power. It's a method where the spider controls entities caught in its web.
So as the number of incoming attacks increases, so does the number of attacks it misses. Just like now.
The spider, belatedly realizing this, tried to escape, but the clowns didn't let it. A shower of bullets turned one of its long legs into rags. The angel spider staggered and collapsed after a few steps.
"Shee, iii..."
'Is it over?'
Perhaps it had been a gladiator for too long. The angel spider failed to properly utilize its strengths.
'It couldn't even inflict much damage.'
It did manage to eliminate a few clowns using the acidic solution, but that was meaningless. Because slaves subjugated by the Masquerade don't die from such things.
Just as I thought, the masks that had fallen to the ground began to move. Red bundles of thread shot out from inside the masks, forming the shape of bones. Then organs and muscles formed, followed by skin and clothes covering them.
Those who had melted in the solution were quickly restored. They picked up their weapons again and approached the fallen beast.
'They seem to be targeting the spider, which works out well.'
Psychic creatures are the Masquerade's favorite prey. While they're busy moving the spider, I should find No. 26.
But suddenly the clowns stopped walking. At the same time, the factory behind the angel spider began to shake.
'Huh?'
For a moment I thought it was an earthquake, but it wasn't.
All the containers stacked next to the main entrance floated into the air. Then they fell on top of the clowns approaching the spider. Blood seeped out from under the broken containers.
'Could that be...?'
"Hey!"
A shout that sounded like several people yelling at once came from inside the factory. Though it was the first time I'd heard this voice, I immediately knew who it was.
'No. 26?'
"You bully! Bad guys!"
A huge pink tentacle shot out from the main entrance like a pillar. The tentacle wrapped around the angel spider, grabbed it, and went back inside.
The clowns only watched, not attacking rashly. They seemed to be moving cautiously, judging this to be more dangerous than the angel spider.
'Oh no.'
While it's fortunate that I found No. 26 quickly, the situation has become complicated. A clash with the Masquerade is now inevitable.
'Tsk. No choice then.'
I'll think about the aftermath after dealing with the enemies in front of me. I jumped down from the building roof.
The distance between me and them rapidly closed. As I ran, I prepared "Destructive Roar." The skin covering the four luminous organs was torn away by the wind, revealing smooth faces.
Some clowns heard my footsteps and turned their heads. The enemies had noticed my presence. The barrels of their Storm Guns pointed at me.
Just before fire spewed from the heavy weapons, the five faces opened their mouths wide.
"Aaaaaaaaaah!"
The Apostle's magnificent roar swept across the front. The slaves holding Storm Guns were shattered by the shock wave.
Since the Apostle's defense isn't very high, it can't withstand attacks from Storm Guns. That's why I dealt with them first.
One Storm Gun shooter who barely escaped the range of the roar quickly began firing. I dodged the barrage and hid behind a container thrown by No. 26.
A cyborg clown followed me. Perhaps a former soldier, it had body enhancement modules attached. A fist strengthened enough to punch holes in metal walls came flying. I raised my right front leg to defend.
The clown's fist collided with my front leg. Thanks to my dramatically increased physical abilities, our strength was similar.
'But I have more legs.'
While gripping the clown's fist with my front leg, I grabbed its waist with two legs attached to my side. Then I applied force and tore the clown's body in two.
The cyborg, left with only its upper body, flailed its arms. Thanks to the body enhancement module, it didn't die instantly.
'Though it's basically just barely alive.'
I picked up the enemy's separated upper and lower body and ran.
The Storm Gun shooter spotted me as I emerged from behind the container. Before it could attack, I threw the cyborg I was holding into the air. Depleted uranium bullets from the heavy weapon struck the decoys I had thrown.
Taking advantage of that moment, I closed the distance with the shooter. The shooter realized it had been tricked, but I was already right in front of it.
I grabbed the barrel of the Storm Gun as it aimed at my head and turned the muzzle sideways. As a result, the blind bullets poured onto other clowns instead of me.
Even a soldier with body enhancement modules couldn't dodge bullets coming at tremendous speed. Most of the clowns were turned into pieces of meat by the gunfire.
The shooter, who had inadvertently reduced the number of allies, hurriedly stopped firing. I struck its head, shattering it.
Now only three or four clowns remained. Knowing they were at a disadvantage, they tried to escape.
Just as I was about to unleash another destructive roar, the enemies stopped in their tracks. They creaked like broken dolls, and their necks bent abnormally.
Then their necks spun like tops and separated from their bodies.
No. 26, inside the factory, had "bound" the clowns and pulled off their heads.
With that, the group of clowns that had come to the factory district was annihilated.
'Of course, they'll revive soon.'
Not only that, but the Masquerade will also target us. We need to leave here before the devil's slaves come swarming.
Just as I thought that, the masks that had fallen to the ground moved. Or more precisely, the expressions on the masks' surfaces.
The widely smiling expressions gradually distorted. The gently curved eyes became pointed, and deep wrinkles formed between them. The crescent moon-shaped mouth changed to exactly the opposite. That appearance resembled the expression of an angry person.
'It changed already?'
The Masquerade's masks change expression with each act. The fact that it changed from joy to anger means that it has moved to Act 2.
'It shouldn't have filled its stomach yet.'
The Masquerade's acts only progress when certain conditions are met. The condition for Act 2 is to obtain a large amount of nutrients. It fulfilled the condition much faster than I expected.
'...Whatever the case, if it's reached Act 2, it's dangerous.'
The range of mental attacks increases, and the clowns become more dangerous. Enhanced clowns won't be as easy to defeat as before.
We need to leave immediately. I entered the factory where No. 26 was.
"It's Fake Baby!"
A pink balloon popped out from beside a giant conveyor belt. It looked exactly the same as when I last saw it. There were no wounds.
While that was fortunate, the being that followed it was problematic.
Click click
"Angel spider?"
The angel spider, having lost one leg, rolled its single eye around and stood behind No. 26.
"This is Ppyak-ppyaki! She's good!"
Click
'Weren't you trying to eat it?'
When No. 26 grabbed and dragged it away with its tentacles, that's what I thought. But judging by the current atmosphere, there's no sign of that at all.
'Well, never mind that.'
"It's dangerous here. We need to move."
I extended my front leg to No. 26. It was about to climb onto my leg as usual but hesitated.
"What's wrong?"
"Does Ppyak-ppyaki come too?"
Of course not. If it weren't such an urgent situation, I would have eaten it.
"Can't Ppyak-ppyaki come with us?"
But it seemed to think differently from me.
"You want to bring it along?"
"Yes. Ppyak-ppyaki helped me. She's my friend, so can't we take her?"
Click click
No. 26 poked me carefully with its tentacles while speaking. It looked exactly like a child begging to keep a wild animal it had picked up. The angel spider behind it also looked at me with sad eye.
'What? When did they get so close?'
I suddenly remembered when No. 26 brought PS-111. I was quite perplexed then too.
The difference is that this time there's no time to deliberate. I suppressed a sigh and nodded.
"...Alright, just get on for now."
"Yay!"
As soon as I gave permission, No. 26 jumped onto my leg. I carried the injured angel spider on my back.
"Hold tight."
"Okay!"
Click
With two different species of creatures on my back, I quickly left the place.