Chapter 275
Chapter 275
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 275
Chapter Title: Great Chaos (3)
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The Second Command Post's underground bunker had existed since the Cult Empire first built Kessha Arma.
Back during construction, it was just a standard shelter. But Montana had paid extra special attention to it in case of any unforeseen emergencies. Thanks to that, it had been transformed into an ultra-luxurious refuge complete with dozens of sleeping quarters and amenity facilities.
Yet the evacuees receiving hospitality in that opulent underground bunker looked utterly dissatisfied.
"What in the world is going on here! Open the doors right now—we're leaving!"
"These are Captain Montana's orders. You can't leave until the fortress is secure."
"To treat us like this! The Empire will never stand for it!"
Those who had rushed here from the banquet hall poured endless complaints on the mercenaries handling security and the androids attending them.
"Daring to lock us up like animals in a pen."
"Ahem, please bear with it. The commotion upstairs doesn't sound ordinary, so just wait a little longer."
"That vibration just now—doesn't that mean the danger has reached even here?"
"This is an imperial anti-aircraft bunker, so its durability is top-notch. No need to worry."
"What? And if something goes wrong? Will you take responsibility?"
"Pardon? Uh, well..."
Humans devouring the fine liquors and snacks stored in the bunker while spouting nonsense. The security guards were barely suppressing their rage at their employers' antics.
Given the special circumstances, even the mercenaries on duty were getting small rations of the premium snacks. That was the only thing keeping them going—otherwise, things would've escalated long ago.
"Hey."
"Yes?"
"Stop wasting food and go check outside."
"Exactly. We hired you for times like this, so come with us and take a look."
"...Yes, sir."
"And get rid of those damn robots."
The security team practically fled the room, fearing they'd end up shooting their employers if they stayed. The androids also excused themselves to fetch more snacks and drinks.
"Pathetic fools! Don't they know it's our credits that got them in this fancy spot!"
"Tell me about it. I thought Montana was decent, but I'm disappointed."
"Tch, we never should've trusted a guy who relies on mere androids."
"Pirate roots run deep, after all."
The highborn guests, their faces flushed red from guzzling premium liquor, began badmouthing the security and Montana behind their backs.
All the humans here were mid-to-upper-tier Middle Capitals from Mega Corps—mere proxies sent on orders from Noble Capitals or Prime Capitals.
Everyone knew it, but no one pointed it out. They complained nonstop despite receiving treatment they'd never get back at their own Capitals.
Meanwhile, as the Mega Corp VIPs raised their voices, the Cult guests chatted among themselves about the Empire's situation.
"Looks like it'll take time to get out, so let's continue that earlier discussion."
"The arms purchasing deal? Hmm. Word at the council was total production is down—hard to say."
"With the mood so unsettled these days, shouldn't we at least prepare properly?"
"Our faction officially supports military downsizing."
"Hah, this is exactly when unity matters. Faction opinions are irrelevant..."
At that moment, the room shook. The lamps adorned with transparent gems flickered and went out. The room plunged into pitch darkness in an instant. Humans and Cults alike screamed.
"Kyaaah!"
"Urgh!"
Only after the red emergency lights came on did they calm down somewhat.
"W-what the hell is this!"
"Androids! Where are the androids!"
"Security!"
The humans who had been whining moments ago shot to their feet, bellowing in fury. No trace remained of their earlier cursing at the androids and guards.
"I thought Kessha Arma's bunker had exceptional durability. Right?"
"Heard it was built right before the Empire's decline..."
"...Whatever. That vibration just now came from pretty close."
The Cults stayed relatively composed, but they couldn't hide the anxiety creeping into their faces. Then one Cult stood up.
"You worthless tin cans! When the hell are you..."
"Quiet, everyone!"
The standing Cult barked at the noisy Mega Corp personnel.
"I heard something."
"Something?"
"I don't hear anything."
The Cult raised a hand to silence them and pressed an ear to the wall. The room fell quiet, filled only with shallow breathing.
Well, except for one sound.
"...!"
The Cult yanked back from the wall at the noise beyond it.
It wasn't just him. Everyone else heard it clearly too.
The sound from beyond the wall—from outside.
Screams from a multitude of humans.
The massive bunker-shaking vibration, the blackout, the screams. Everyone in the room went pale realizing what it meant.
"Crazy! They said it was imperial-made and safe!"
"There might be enemies outside! We need to evacuate now..."
"Don't open the damn door! What if they get in? You taking responsibility?"
"What? 'Damn'? Which Capital are you from?"
"Mars, you bastard!"
"Enough! This isn't the time to fight."
As humans grabbed collars under the red emergency glow, the Cults intervened.
"Screams from other rooms mean we're in danger too."
"Hmm, the corridor leads to the elevator if we head that way..."
"W-wait! Why not wait for the guards and androids?"
"Idiot! Didn't you hear screams next door? They might die before reaching us!"
"Everyone, calm down. Those who want to leave, raise your hands."
All the Cults raised hands at the first one's call. About half the humans hesitated before weakly lifting theirs.
"You're insane? Going out means death!"
"Better than waiting for androids or mercs. Cults seem more reliable."
"Yeah."
The escape group was set. Cults and humans ignored those staying and approached the door.
"No sounds."
"I'll check."
The bearded Cult stepped forward, using psychic powers to scan the corridor outside for movement.
"No movement."
"No guards?"
"...Looks like they moved elsewhere."
They exchanged glances and hit the terminal button by the door. With a hiss of escaping air, the heavy steel door slid open automatically.
Two Cults cautiously stepped out. The corridor was worse off than the room—pitch black, emergency lights malfunctioning.
"Dark."
"I'll handle that."
The skinny female Cult behind them stepped up and lightly extended a hand forward. A psychic orb appeared, faintly illuminating the surroundings.
"It's a bunker, so flashlights somewhere, but no time."
"Right. Escape first."
"We'll go like this."
"O-okay."
The humans, lacking special abilities unlike the Cults, nodded awkwardly. The powered Cults led into the corridor, humans following. The stay-behinds slammed the door shut once the last human exited.
The female Cult making light with her hand and the two bearded ones sensing with psychic powers led the group.
"...Quiet."
"Sniff sniff, something smells off?"
"Shh. Elevator's close. Stay silent."
A short walk should lead to the elevator up to the command post building. Everyone here had come down from the banquet hall, so they knew.
But that assumption was wrong.
"W-what the hell?"
"......"
They'd walked what felt like a kilometer, but no elevator. Still on the plush-carpeted corridor.
And that wasn't the only issue.
The alien smell permeating the corridor grew thicker, as if trailing them.
"...We should run."
"Agreed."
"Damn it!"
The endless corridor wouldn't kill them directly. The real threat was the 'smell' pursuing them.
The moment Cults and humans bolted, an ominous stench surged from behind. Heavy footsteps accompanied it.
"Hiiiik?!"
"Kyaaah!"
"Fuck! Run!"
"Shit!"
A massive beast filling the corridor chased them. Humans screamed curses and fled. Attacking Cults unleashed psychic blasts, but useless.
"Attacks not working!"
"Fall bac—Grahk!"
"Aaagh!"
Short screams, then crunching and bursting sounds. No one dared look back at the nape-licking horror. They focused on reaching the elevator.
Perhaps the Cults' prayers reached the heavens. A small terminal glowed lonely at the corridor's end—elevator sign.
But the monster closed in tight. Even reaching it, they'd die before doors opened.
"B-buy time!"
Fleeing humans exchanged looks.
Cults excelled in psychic powers but lagged physically versus humans. Without reinforced suits, even adult male Cults lost to human women. Females even more so.
After brief deliberation, humans made a quintessentially Mega Corp decision: sacrifice the lagging female Cults to the beast.
"We'll never forget your sacrifice!"
"What? What are you—Kyaaah!"
"He-help... Aaagh!"
The monster's elongated maw engulfed the fallen female Cult. Another downed Cult crawled futilely.
As premium carpet soaked in blood, humans and Cults reached the elevator. They frantically operated the terminal, doors opening as they piled in.
"Close it fast! Close!"
Doors shut as swiftly as they'd opened. The massive door dented slightly with a boom on closure.
Momentary fear of malfunction, but elevator worked fine, shooting up to the command post. Survivors exhaled—then enraged Cults grabbed them.
"You bastards!"
"The Empire won't overlook your actions!"
"Why the fuss? Without us, you'd all be dead down there!"
"You went along with it, didn't you? If you wanted to save them, stay when we shoved!"
Amid bickering, elevator reached the banquet floor.
Doors parted to the familiar hall.
The man collared by the bearded Cult wrenched free and stormed out.
"That's your problem! Acting all high and mighty when you're no better than..."
As he turned to yell at the Cults in the elevator—
All passengers vanished from his sight.
"...us."
Ripping the metal floor out, sending humans and Cults plummeting, was the one being he least wanted to face.
Enormous asymmetrical horns on its head. Emotionless, dimly glowing white eyes. Jaws packed with razor teeth.
The bunker monster's maw gaped, a huge tongue extending toward him.
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'Hmm. This one's no good either.'
The humans in the underground bunker hadn't tasted as good as expected. Not Sihyun Yujin level, sure, but Mega Corp VIPs should've been decent. Nope.
All unmodified baselines. Sole plus: fatty meat.
'Cults were decent overall, though.'
I flicked the last remaining leg upward. No. 26 on my back caught it with a pink tentacle. It wriggled, devoured it quick, and left a short comment.
｢Not great.｣
[Zzuz (Right?)]
After so much time together, even it had learned to rate flavors.
Good, meh, bad—three categories.
Dissolving prey with its body made actual "taste" debatable, but it had standards.
'Oh yeah, this is the banquet hall.'
New-money bling everywhere—gaudy gem decorations—and long tables. My raid had scattered them mid-meal; food remained untouched.
I handed No. 26 plates of dishes from the table.
｢Yummy!｣
[Zzuzzuzz (Good thing)]
Delighted, it extended tentacles, wrapping and inhaling all remaining food. Reminded me of that black yokai from a Japanese anime at the museum as a kid.
'Pre-burn days. Nostalgic.'
I popped an apple from a gem basket into my mouth like it did and exited the hall.
Up top, they seemed oblivious to my bunker rampage. I crawled up the stairs to the first floor unhindered.
Pirates packed the first-floor lobby, barricaded against potential shield wall breaches.
One wiped neck sweat, turned, spotted me—eyes bulging like "Why's the monster behind?!"
My assimilation tentacles answered.
Clearing live pirates from the lobby took under five minutes.
From a half-eaten pirate's torso, I pulled a terminal. A small arm delicately pressed buttons; the entrance shield wall began sliding open slowly.
｢Who the fuck's opening the wall! Stop right...!｣
I crushed the bloodied comms to silence it. As the shield parted, familiar faces appeared.
"Grkigigigi"
"Gigigik"
"I wanna kill! Rip throats, drink blood!"
Mutants and maniacs cheered at my sight.
I gave them their wish.
Ravage this command post freely.
At the order, the maniac horde flooded inside.