Chapter 175
Chapter 175
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 175
Chapter Title: The Mutant Screamer
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I hurriedly grabbed the Screamer's head with my combat arm and flung it away.
Then I pulled No. 26 into my embrace and curled my body around it.
｢Big Baby?｣
No. 26 sent out a wave of confusion, but I didn't respond.
It was already too late to escape the blast radius. This was the only way to save No. 26 from the explosion.
'Damn it!'
Thanks to the 'Bone Beast' trait, my body's defenses had skyrocketed, but No. 26 was different. It was a Seed Demon, so it wouldn't die from the Screamer's self-destruct, but fatal injuries were inevitable.
'Please hold on.'
I squeezed my eyes shut and braced for the fiery inferno to come.
Several minutes passed like that.
'Huh?'
｢Big Baby, what's wrong? Are you mad?｣
No searing pain engulfed my body, no matter how long I waited. Just the cold air of the ice tunnel.
I opened my eyes and checked on the Screamer.
"PS-111. Additional damage from external impact. Reporting current status: 87% damaged."
Embedded in the ice wall, the Screamer was leaking white blood and muttering mechanically, making no further moves.
'What the hell?'
Only then did I realize this Screamer was somehow different.
Screamers were controlled by machines but fundamentally operated on biological bases. Only androids could survive with just a head.
'Doesn't seem like an android, though?'
I focused my secondary organs on it, examining its form closely. It had far more vitality than an android.
Even a spy android mimicked humans well, but there was no reason to give that to a Screamer. Probably not.
｢I'm frustrated.｣
As I studied it, No. 26 wriggled out from my grasp. Spotting the Screamer stuck in the wall, its body flashed brightly.
｢Waaah! Friend's hurt!｣
"PS-111 advising Main Controller: Hostile organism detected. Recommend retreat."
From my experience, the darker No. 26's glow, the worse its mood. I'd seen it turn a deep pinkish-purple whenever I was badly hurt.
No. 26's color darkened slightly as it extended tentacles and pulled the wall-stuck Screamer free.
｢Friend, you okay?｣
"Reporting to Main Controller: Repairs at 0.5% and progressing."
When No. 26 set the Screamer down, six spider-like metal legs sprouted from its neck. The sight instantly reminded me of the alien spawn from a classic sci-fi horror flick set in an Antarctic research base.
The grotesque severed head bustled on its metal legs and positioned itself in front of No. 26, almost protectively.
｢Friend!｣
"Threat of hostile organism to Main Controller: 95%. Eliminating."
No. 26 seemed torn, unsure what to do between me and the Screamer.
'How is this even possible?'
The situation defied common sense, leaving even me struggling to comprehend.
｢Big Baby, friend looks sick.｣
[Zzzt (Quiet)]
｢Okay.｣
My emotions must have seeped into the wave, because my tone came out colder than intended. No. 26 shrank back like a kid caught hiding a puppy from its parents.
'...Let's take this step by step.'
The Screamer not self-destructing was a relief, but the situation wasn't resolved.
This was the first time No. 26 had acted independently since we met—not just playing or eating, but causing a major incident.
'It hid a dangerous element from me.'
If the Screamer had harmed No. 26, it might not be here now. Even Adhai could've suffered severe injuries.
Of course, it needed discipline, but first, there were things to consider.
I gazed at No. 26, glowing pink in the darkness.
It cowered at my anger but hadn't abandoned the Screamer.
In other words, it might have developed mercy.
As an Aimorph, I had to take lives to evolve—the only path to survival. None of my companions were unaware of that.
Sky Mother was an exception, but she had her goal: avenging her family.
Everyone understood my nature, which was why we could come here, to the dragon's nest.
Normally, I'd have spent ages gathering traits for Apex hunting. They compensated for my weaknesses, making it unnecessary.
But if No. 26 started valuing life, it would hinder my hunts. Especially since it was our best at psychic powers—Galleron hunts would be brutal without it.
'And...'.
The issue didn't end there.
No. 26's outburst proved it was growing.
Meaning more incidents like this could happen. The smarter it got, the more conflicts we'd have.
Not just No. 26—Adhai could do the same as it matured. It was even younger.
'Force won't solve this.'
I needed allies to shore up my weaknesses, not slaves. To keep positive relations, I'd have to be careful.
'Get the first button right.'
Like kids craving independence as their ego grows. I knew better than anyone that conflicts then could last forever.
Regardless, scolding No. 26 was inevitable, but I had to choose words it'd understand.
Sorting my thoughts, I addressed No. 26.
[Zzzt zzztzzzt zzztzz (Do you know how dangerous that thing is?)]
｢Friend's dangerous?｣
[Zzzt zzztzzzt zzzt zzztzz (If it goes boom, we all get hurt)]
｢Really? More dangerous than boom-boom?｣
[Zzzt (Yeah)]
Hearing the Screamer was deadlier than a Plasma Launcher, No. 26 paled white.
No lie. The self-destruct I'd seen seemed over 20 times worse. I wouldn't die, but no need to say that.
｢Don't want Big Baby hurt!｣
[Zzzt zzzt zzztzzzt zzztzz zzztzz (Me too. So trust me and help)]
｢Okay...｣
Seeing it tremble like during the Mega Corp experiments twisted my gut with guilt. But I steeled myself.
[Zzzt zzztzz zzztzzzt (Where'd you get it?)]
｢Saw when eating big bad guy. It hurt a lot, so...｣
Come to think of it, we'd discussed Screamers with Sky Mother earlier.
Rummaging her body for her heart, she'd found half-digested Screamer remains in her guts. At least ten, from the scraps.
Sky Mother said the damage suggested they'd been eaten or crushed by Ice Horrors before self-destructing.
'Same build as the ones hunting Winterwalkers.'
That's why we figured Star Union was secretly testing Screamers here—pitting them against predators like Ice Horrors and Winterwalkers to gauge combat power.
[Zzztzz zzt (One more thing)]
｢Okay.｣
[Zzt zzzt zzzt zzzt (Why save it?)]
｢Well...｣
It hesitated, not answering.
If it said pity, that'd be trouble. I couldn't suppress that.
'Don't rush.'
Forcing it would backfire. I waited patiently.
After a moment, it sent a cautious wave.
｢Smelled like kin from first sight.｣
[Zzztzz (Kin?)]
｢Yeah. It hurt, so I brought it to heal.｣
That's right—I'd seen No. 26 feed something to a Screamer when I was hiding.
[Zzzt zzztzz (Try again?)]
No. 26 extended tentacles at my wave. Purple threads emerged from the tips like its 'Binding' skill and plugged into holes in the Screamer's occiput.
The Screamer's eyes rolled back, mechanical voice leaking from its mouth.
"PS-111. Po, po, po, power charge from 5% to 6, 6, 6% confirmed."
｢Feed hurt friends, they get better.｣
Watching, I grasped the situation.
'Bubble Amoeba or Seed Demon genes.'
That explained a headless Screamer still moving.
Slime-like, those creatures could relocate or shrink vital organs like brains. That's why Seed Demons survived with a fraction of their body.
'Shrunk essentials into the head.'
Not impossible if this Screamer had Bubble Amoeba or Seed Demon genes.
It also explained communication between No. 26 and the Screamer, with their alien dialogue systems.
"Power at 10%. Applying to biological functions."
A faint psychic wave flowed as it spoke—probably garbled to No. 26, worse than Adhai's speech.
To No. 26, it was a pained, mute kin, evoking deep pity.
'Such a compassionate one.'
Better than feared, but issues remained.
'Same could happen with other Screamers.'
Hesitation against new-model Screamers with those genes would be bad.
[Zzztzz zzzt zzztzzzt zzzt zzztzz zzzt (More like this could come)]
｢Really?｣
[Zzztzzzt zzzt zzztzz zzzt zzt (If they attack me, I'll hurt bad)]
｢Friends good, but babies hurting worse!｣
Understanding, No. 26 puffed up in alarm. Its paper-white body suggested low chance of repeats.
'This should suffice.'
I sent a final warning wave.
[Zzzt zzztzz zzzt zzzt zzztzz z zztzz zzztzz (I protect family. You know how I feel)]
｢Yeah. I know.｣
[Zzztzz zzzt zzztzz zzztzz zzztzz (Tell me about new friends. Got it?)]
｢Got it...｣
No. 26 looked downcast, tugging at my heart, but it was necessary. Dozens or hundreds of Screamers—such surprises couldn't happen.
Warning done, I turned to the glaring Screamer.
'Now, how to handle this.'
I picked up the headless Screamer with a finger.
Its form had changed: metal legs retracted, new tentacles and protrusions on cheeks and jaw. Broken tubes sprouted flesh, turning semi-organic.
'Self-repair?'
It had used psychic power from No. 26 to heal.
"Threat from hostile organism detected. Initiating counterattack."
｢Friend! Big Baby's my kin! Stop!｣
As the grotesque form jabbed my finger with metal legs, No. 26 intervened.
"Main Controller's command confirmed. Ceasing counterattack."
The Screamer obeyed instantly, treating No. 26 as superior—likely shared genes.
｢Friend. Obey Big Baby. Okay?｣
"Reclassifying hostile organism. Classified as Sub-Controller. Internal database access granted."
Adjusted, it folded legs and looked up meekly.
"Greetings, Sub-Controller. How may I assist?"
I'd planned to scold No. 26 then eat the Screamer.
But its obedience changed my mind.
'Can extract info.'
I activated my mimicry trait's voice imitation.
"Who are you?"
"Codename PS-111. PS-grade mid-tier terminal model commanding lower Screamers on behalf of Main Controller."
The headless Screamer, PS-111, was a field commander type.
"Surprising. Screamers don't have commanders."
"True up to old models. Former Main Controller 'Pyra Eleven' noted limits, gained Supreme Controller approval for new 'Mutant Screamer' development."
"Limits?"
"Organic sync's fragile durability, low psychic resistance, lacking tactical thought."
Classic Screamer weaknesses.
'System-limited before, but reality here.'
Hulk mutants boosted non-machine parts exponentially. Psychic powers as bonus.
Tactical thought made sense too.
Punitive squads like Screamers weren't allowed free thought. Hence, limited superiors mixed in.
"So you're a commander-grade Mutant Screamer."
"Correct."
"Pyra Eleven? Why change Main Controller?"
"Internal data corruption from Grade-7 hazard 'Ice Horror' attack triggered reset. New Main Controller registered: Grade-8 'Seed Demon'."
I could guess.
'No. 26's psychic drill.'
Its massive power shredded Ice Horror guts, likely splashing over.
I asked again.
"Next. Genes in your body. Which creatures? Who modified?"
"Genes applied to my body..."
PS-111 listed them all. As expected, trace Seed Demon genes.
'Coldblood genes unexpected.'
Past Screamers too—high Coldblood proportion.
Decent traits, but not balance-breaking. No need in Hulk mutant Screamers.
'Something I don't know?'
It continued.
"Five gene types total. Modifications by Chief Researcher Chloe Carmelda, Senior Researcher Li Zhao."
"Wait. Carmelda and Zhao? Mega Corp nobles?"
"Yes. Carmelda of Noble Capital, Zhao of Prime Capital, both Mega Corp."
Now it clicked—my suspicions confirmed.
Star Union's leader, Mega Corp's Noble Capital Carmelda, Prime Capital Zhao.
Mega Corp and Star Union brass colluding amid war.
'Most likely Players.'
I looked down at PS-111 in my palm.
Most info gained; one key question left. Its answer would seal its fate.
"Chance former Main Controller Pyra Eleven reclaims command?"
"Impossible without system reset and firewall disable."
"Can other mid-tiers change Main Controller like you?"
If so, I could hijack enemy Screamers. Huge for Galleron hunts and Player fights.
But PS-111 dashed hopes.
"Damage-induced control change no longer possible."
"Why?"
"Reported error risk before escaping Pyra Eleven's control. Vulnerability likely patched by now."
No more hijacks like this.
'Then eating it benefits more.'
Sensing my intent, it added:
"But can access channels used by lower S-models."
"Spy on other Screamers' ops?"
"Not just spy—limited control over S-models."
"Limited how?"
"Physically contact Screamer Machine to seize control."
Screamer Machines encased the organic base in scorpion/spider mechs.
True to punitive squad name, all actions machine-controlled.
Meaning manipulate actions directly.
'Physical contact caveat.'
Can't use parasites or face-stealers. Enemies likely know.
'Turn that against them...'
"Last question. Can Star Union track you?"
"Impossible."
"Impossible?"
"Signal chip destroyed by Ice Horror. Officially scrapped."
I pressed secondary organs to its cheek. Four tendrils caressed the smooth face.
'No signals.'
Checked for emissions—nothing.
'No tracking risk.'
I reviewed our talk.
Benefits of keeping vs. eating—clear winner.
"Seems useful."
"Glad to help."
PS-111's fate was sealed.