After completing the mission, a wave of profound relief washed over Marcus. While this journey through the Ishimura hadn't been as perilous as confronting the Tyranids and Chaos Heretics of the Warhammer Universe, the constant presence of the Marker had still made it a deeply stressful experience. Fortunately, he'd had two Brain Worms at his side, providing crucial psychic support and shielding. Otherwise, Marcus felt he might not have been able to withstand the maddening illusions projected by the alien artifact.
"Go notify everyone on the ship to gather on the bridge; I have something to announce," Marcus said casually, turning to Elizabeth, who stood nearby. She nodded immediately and promptly left the Captain's Quarters. Marcus then settled into the captain's chair, reclined, and began to review his recent gains.
First was a new title, "Enemy of the Blood Moon," which boasted a significant increase in damage dealt to the colossal Blood Moon. To be honest, this wasn't particularly useful to Marcus at the moment. "Me, fight the Blood Moon?" he scoffed internally. Unless he could find a psychic amplification device similar to the alien civilization's technology in Dead Space 3, Marcus would be nothing more than an ant before a Blood Moon. "And is this title truly without a negative effect?" he mused, looking at the system panel's description: "The Blood Moon faction will consider you a mortal enemy." Marcus couldn't help but feel a touch of irony.
Shaking his head, Marcus composed himself. According to his understanding, most Blood Moons in the Dead Space Universe typically remained dormant, not actively seeking nourishment. They only awakened and gorged themselves when a new Blood Moon appeared and transmitted a signal. Therefore, Marcus wouldn't provoke immediate retaliation from the Blood Moon faction. "Once I gather some Tyranid fleets, I'll devour all of you," Marcus murmured softly. Presumably, the Tyranids would absolutely relish planet-sized biomass.
In addition to the new title, completing several missions consecutively in a short period had left Marcus with an impressive five random lottery draws. This was the first time Marcus had accumulated so many drawing opportunities. Without hesitation, he immediately chose to perform five consecutive draws. Five new cards flashed onto the system panel. Marcus scanned them at a glance.
The first items that caught his eye were two pieces of what could only be described as junk: an M1911 from the Resident Evil Universe and a tattered alloy bayonet from the Warhammer Universe. Marcus's mouth twitched in mild annoyance, and he casually tossed the two useless items into his system warehouse. Then he looked at the remaining three items.
[Hammer Security Source: StarCraftEffect 1: Summon 2 Elite Marauders who are completely obedient to you.Effect 2: After the Marauders die, they can be re-summoned after a 24-hour interval.Note: 47% of Marauders have never seen the inside of a brig, and only 23% have been accused of murder. They are truly high-quality talent in the Koprulu Sector.Do you choose to use it?]
Marcus was a little surprised. This was the first time he had drawn a summoning item. If he remembered correctly, Hammer Security was a mercenary unit from the StarCraft 2: Wings of Liberty campaign. Marcus didn't think twice and immediately chose to use it. A white light flashed, and two fully armed Marauders, clad in formidable CMC-660 heavy combat suits, materialized.
"Sir! Hammer Security reporting!"
The Marauders stood 2.25 meters tall, almost equivalent to an Astartes who hadn't undergone the Primaris upgrade surgery. Moreover, the grenade launchers in their hands provided the Marauders with excellent anti-heavy armor capabilities. Concussion grenades could even slow down lightly armored targets for pursuit. Of course, this didn't mean the Marauders' combat effectiveness could compare to an Astartes'. The latter's true superiority lay in their incredible vitality, allowing them to survive in various extreme environments, and the vast combat experience accumulated over their long lives. Overall, Marcus was quite satisfied with the two Elite Marauders; at least, unlike the Tyranid Warbeasts, the Marauders could actively communicate and converse with him. Waving his hand, Marcus gestured for the two Marauders to stand by the Captain's Quarters door. Then he looked at the next item that had been drawn.
[Sunflare Sword Source: StarCraftEffect 1: The Sunflare Sword's psionic blade can cut through most materials.Effect 2: The Sunflare Sword comes with an active skill "Spinning Slash," which can deal AOE damage to enemies in a small area.Note: Embrace the glory of battle!]
Marcus's eyes lit up. The Sunflare Sword, a powerful melee weapon wielded by the Protoss Zealots of the Aiur Faction in the StarCraft Universe! Marcus immediately took out the long-handled sword, which was almost as tall as he was. The sword was incredibly heavy; even with his enhanced physique, Marcus found it not entirely easy to handle. Standing up and leaving the Captain's Quarters, Marcus tried a practice swing. Its blue psionic blade constantly made whooshing sounds, effortlessly cutting through the Ishimura's alloy bulkheads. Immediately after, Marcus attempted to activate the battle sword's built-in "Spinning Slash" skill.
Suddenly, Marcus rushed forward at an extremely high speed and began to spin, continuously striking his surroundings with the weapon. The "Spinning Slash" lasted for several seconds before ending, leaving even Marcus feeling a bit dizzy and disoriented. "Isn't this skill just controlling myself?" Marcus mumbled, leaning against the wall, unable to help but complain. Shaking his head, he immediately returned the Sunflare Sword to the system warehouse. Although the "Spinning Slash" skill had a questionable element, the destructive power of the sword was beyond doubt. It could completely serve as Marcus's primary melee weapon now. The Chainsword that had accompanied Marcus through two worlds could now be officially retired.
Finally, Marcus looked at the third item.
[Heart-Shaped Herb Potion Source: Marvel Cinematic UniverseEffect 1: Enhances the user's physical fitness, allowing them to break through human limits.Effect 2: Can increase the user's magic resistance to a certain extent.Note: Triple dose, you're about to have a pointy head.Do you choose to use it?]
Marcus's mouth twitched, ignoring the rather mischievous note. This was the second time he had drawn a body-enhancing item. The weakened Super Soldier Serum from the novice gift pack had initially granted Marcus human-limit physical fitness. Then, the T-Virus enhancement potion had further augmented him and bestowed upon him the divine skill "Mind Power." Without hesitation, Marcus immediately chose to use it.
Immediately, the Heart-Shaped Herb Potion transformed into white light and merged into Marcus's body. He could clearly feel his various physical attributes soaring once more. Now, his raw data had completely reached that of a Primaris Astartes! After the brief enhancement, Marcus stretched for a while, slowly adapting to his body after this triple augmentation. It was at this moment that dozens of crew members, led by Isaac, Hammond, and others, were walking towards Marcus from the entrance of the Bridge Hall not far away.