Chapter 201
Chapter 201
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 201
Chapter Title: Ep. 201
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In the world of Space Survival, the ability to travel through space is incredibly important. It's a space-themed game, so that's a given.
However, the timing when space travel becomes feasible varies greatly depending on the species.
Cosmic pirates like the Space Dogs, who pillage other ships for a living, or Mega Corp starting as a patrol ship captain, can venture into space very early on. That's because these factions are designed for playstyles involving smuggling with their owned ships or recruiting mercenaries.
On the other hand, there are species specialized for space activities but held back by various restrictions, delaying their entry into the cosmos.
For instance, Metallic Gremlins are born with space travel capabilities, but their means of exiting the atmosphere are limited. Outspacers can head straight into space from the start, but without any defenses, it doesn't mean much.
Species like Metallic Gremlins and Outspacers need to build a solid foundation on their starting planet before venturing out to progress smoothly.
If I had to classify it, Aimorphs fall into the latter category. They can survive in space without issue, but lacking innate flight capabilities makes early space ventures difficult. To reach other planets, they must hitch rides by infiltrating player or NPC ships.
Once they gradually grow and acquire space flight abilities, their playstyle shifts dramatically. Their activity range expands from small ships or even a single continent on a planet to the entire universe.
'And space flight comes with FTL travel capabilities.'
That said, it's not something you can spam whenever you want. FTL navigation consumes an enormous amount of energy. So, it requires just as much preparation as infiltrating another ship.
'Use it carelessly, and you'll run out of energy mid-journey and starve to death.'
You need to gorge on as much food as possible before departure and confirm resupply options along the route.
Another drawback is that it's unusable during combat. There's a long preparation time before FTL jump, so trying it in battle would just get you blasted by enemy ship cannons.
'In the game, you had to use it cautiously due to these risks...'
But this world is different. Because I have another interstellar travel ability.
My unique trait, 'Nightmare Horizon.' It allows me to assimilate with a spaceship, turning it into a sort of bio-ship.
'Alone, each has many limitations and is finicky, but together, it's a different story.'
Nightmare Horizon and Monster's Enhanced Wings. Traits with stark pros and cons.
Nightmare Horizon has lower versatility but can store far more energy, making it ideal for inter-stellar long hauls. However, it can only be used once every 7 days, and only on one ship at a time.
Conversely, Monster's Enhanced Wings excel at inter-planetary or intra-planetary travel. Unlike Nightmare Horizon, food supply issues make repeated stellar crossings tough.
In other words, combining the two traits lets you cover each other's weaknesses depending on usage.
'Use the wing arms on planets or within star systems, and hijack a ship with Nightmare Horizon for long distances.'
There are probably other uses too, but I'll figure those out later.
I looked down at the arm enhanced with 'Monster's Enhanced Wings.'
The first trait I acquired after arriving in this world was 'Wings.' Back then, it was like an insect's—beetle-like—wrapping around my body like a carapace when folded, unfolding when needed.
But these new wings are very different in form. They're on the topmost pair of my six combat arms.
All my original combat arms were identical in length and shape, changing only in special transformation modes.
However, these wing arms are much longer and larger than the others—nearly two to three times the size. Even stretching them out without bending my upper body, my fingertips touch the ground.
A row of small holes covered by thin membranes runs along the arm's carapace. These eject propellant for FTL travel or space flight.
Of the four fingers, one remains normal, while the others have become long and sturdy. Broad membranes stretch between the altered fingers and across the entire arm, similar to bat wings.
The outer surface is covered in scales, giving a rough, rugged feel, but the inner side has fine fuzz, making it very soft to the touch.
The wing's exterior is reasonably tough, with resistance to energy weapons. Its defense can block a ship-mounted plasma cannon at least once, useful in emergencies.
'Not ideal if hit repeatedly, as it'd tear.'
The membrane spans nearly my full body length when extended, but folded, it's more compact. Bending the folded wing arms makes it look like I'm draped in a massive cloak, thanks to the draping membrane.
'An Aimorph in a cloak.'
Evolving to Adult in this state would look pretty cool. Like the three-headed dragon from classic Japanese kaiju films.
'Adult.'
With the freedom to roam space, I can fulfill evolution conditions faster than before. Excellent mobility means the entire planet is my hunting ground.
Still a ways off from Adult, but it'll be quicker than before.
"You really like them that much?"
As I admired my wings contentedly, Sky Mother approached me.
After the Hunt Incarnate effect ended, they'd retreated in case I attacked. Behind her came Specimen 026 and PS-111.
[Zuzuzuzu Zuzu (Sorry for worrying you)]
"No big deal. I already knew all that."
"Big baby, you full now?"
[Zu Zu Zuzuzu Zuzuzuzu (Sorry I ate so much alone)]
"Babies get hungry fast, it's fine!"
When the Incarnate side effects wore off and I came to, only half the female Crystalwing's torso remained before me. I'd devoured the male's corpses entirely.
"Preliminary simulation of enhanced form energy consumption indicates insufficient replenishment."
[Zuzuzuzu Zuzuzu Zuzuzuzu Zuzuzu (I'm sane now, so it's okay)]
"I've heard Aimorphs can eliminate weaknesses via genetic modification. Recommend ingesting other organisms to address this."
I was planning that anyway. With flight secured, next is hunting Sharkbears for new traits.
[Zuzuzuzu Zuzuzu Zuzuzuzu (Let's find fresh prey after finishing this)]
"Sounds good!"
"Affirmative."
Specimen 026 and PS-111, who'd been focused on Crystalwing meat, responded energetically.
"Oh, right, I have something to show you."
Sky Mother showed me a small metal fragment instead of replying. It was half-melted ivory-colored metal—Moonsilver.
[Zu Zuzu Zuzuzu (Moonsilver? Where'd you get this?)]
"Found it digesting in the female's guts."
While I ate the male's head for traits, she'd examined the female to consume heart and organs for deification progress. She'd found it during.
'Why would Crystalwings have Moonsilver?'
I examined the fragment closely.
[Zuzuzuzu Zuzu (Not in ore form)]
"Yeah. Refined Moonsilver alloy."
That sparked a hunch. She nodded, thinking the same.
Moonsilver is a mineral favored by Cults. It amplifies psychic powers, used in weapons, powered armor, and ships.
Only one answer fits.
'Jason.'
Traces of the ship he and his minions arrived in. The melt level suggests it was digested some time ago.
'At least a day.'
[Zu Zuzuzu Zuzuzuzu (Anything else?)]
"No other traces."
If the male's body remained, we'd check more, but I'd eaten it all.
'A spaceship.'
I'd already heard from interrogating the monstrous Jason that he'd brought several minions, who'd camped in the Black Galleron nest.
Impossible normally, but enabled by the Black Galleron's close ties with his fellow player.
'They said they wouldn't leave till he returned.'
But circumstances suggest his minions tried leaving the planet and met trouble. Crystalwings wouldn't enter Black Galleron territory to attack Cults.
'Or some other faction?'
Maybe pirates made of Cults landed here, like Muriel's cartel.
'No need to overthink.'
If needed, investigate directly.
Sorting my thoughts, I glanced at the group. Specimen 026 and PS-111 had finished their quick meals.
[Zuzuzuzu (All good?)]
"Yep."
"Satisfactory, but more energy required."
[Zu Zuzuzu (Good)]
Food eaten, wing arms acquired.
Perfect time to hunt while flying.
"All repairs complete."
"Phew, thank goodness."
The captain sighed in relief as the ship finished repairs. This hellish planet teemed with terrifying monsters. 'Insane—six attacks in less than a day!' The Cult cruiser had crash-landed midway up a massive mountain, far from Galleron nests—but not safe. Distance from nests meant abundant other wildlife. They'd anticipated attacks, but not this frequently. Without the monster-hunting experts, the Temple Guardians, the crew would've been beast chow long ago. 'At least those Garan Manos haven't returned.' Garan Manos evade detection with special hides. Hard to spot without eyes or special psychic tech. They'd crashed trying to flee the planet due to those damned traits. Temple Guardians watched vigilantly for reattacks, but none came.
"Divine providence aids us. All hands, prepare for liftoff!"
"Yes, sir!"
Crew bustled at the captain's order. Dormant engines roared, heating the cold hull. In the ops room, Cults synced with the awakening cruiser via psychic power. Crash-saved data flowed into their minds. Key info projected as translucent energy holograms mid-room.
"Engine activation 70%. Rising to 100%."
"Energy reserves 67%. Nominal."
"Damage sectors sealed."
"Liftoff ready."
"Good. Prep engines for jump once clear of planet."
"Aye!"
"Monitors, report any Gallerons or threats immediately."
"Understood."
With preparations done, the ship slowly lifted. The ivory, elongated diamond-shaped cruiser wobbled slightly at first but soon soared smoothly skyward. 'Please, no threats...' "Bio-sign approaching fast! Galleron!"
"Damn it!"
The external monitor Cult reported urgently. A far more precise tactical map than Mega Corp or Star Union holos projected overhead. A triangular icon sped toward the central diamond.
"Galleron color confirmed?"
"Green estimated by size. At current trajectory, collision in 5 minutes."
"...Tch. Evade, but maintain max speed. No counterattack—just escape fastest."
"Roger."
Its full-speed approach didn't look friendly. Whatever the reason, it targeted them. As crew tensed at the sudden foe, the sensor operator paled.
"E-emergency! Another unidentified target approaching!"
"What?"
"Size suggests white or larger! Insane speed! Collision in 1 minute!"
Panic gripped the room at the unforeseen news. The barely composed captain barked, "Prep FTL engines! Sensors, share external cam footage!"
"Can't sync time for engine startup!"
"Damn it all! Make it work!"
As tension peaked, external cam feed projected center-room. 'W-what is that?' The captain recoiled in shock. It resembled a black meteor in the dark sky. An ill omen appearing when calamity struck the Empire, defying providence. A black demon flapped massive wings toward them.
"Huh? What's that?"
As all froze in terror, a dumb voice echoed. The captain's gaze snapped to the reinforced glass at room front. The black-cloud-filled, sleet-storm zone held something. A black shadow flashing with each lightning bolt. The horrific cam entity charged, maw agape.
"E-everyone, brace for collisi—!"
The cruiser shuddered violently as the captain screamed.