Chapter 306
Chapter 306
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 306
Chapter Title: Traces (1)
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“Sorry for calling you out when you must be so busy.”
“Haha, no need to apologize, Senior.”
In the stiffly formal office, two Cults sat across from each other with a desk between them.
Both had yak-like horns on their heads, but that was their only similarity. The male Cult, who looked to be in his mid-forties, was unusually dressed in a Mega Corp crisis management uniform. The female Cult seated at the desk, on the other hand, wore the Cults' signature purple military attire.
“I should have reached out sooner. How are the accommodations I arranged?”
“Accommodations at the 'Water Fortress'? I'd heard they were nice before, but this exceeds expectations.”
“For you, Senior, and those who saved you, even a royal palace welcome wouldn't be too much.”
“It's such overly generous hospitality that I feel guilty accepting it. Thank you truly, Alshas.”
“Senior! Please, lift your head!”
The Cult in the Mega Corp uniform bowed deeply and politely. Alshas waved her hand awkwardly, as if embarrassed.
“When you contacted me, Senior Nern, I offered a prayer of thanks to the Great Providence. For granting me the chance to repay the favor you showed me.”
“Alshas, you...”
“So please, lift your head.”
At her urging, Nern reluctantly raised his head.
Well-groomed silver hair, a face radiating mature beauty and elegance. Meeting the gaze of his much younger junior, Nern recalled the past.
Long ago, Nern and Alshas had served on the same ship.
Back then, Alshas struggled to adapt to ship life. Likely because she was so young when she boarded. Without Nern saving her multiple times from Outspacer threats, she wouldn't be here now.
'That crybaby's now captain of an Imperial Mothership.'
The Cult who wept after every battle was gone. Nern glanced at the insignia on Alshas's right chest.
A gold rhombus with a small circle inside. Ten years ago, upon becoming captain of the Judger of Damus 08, Nern had received an identical one.
How had this once-unreliable subordinate grown so much, to command the Imperial Mothership Defender of Berzan 02, guardian of this planet?
He knew it had been years since she took command, but he couldn't shake the feeling that time flew by too fast.
“That aside, Senior, are you really not returning? The Empire is in chaos right now. It needs heroes like you.”
“I told you. I won't return until my revenge is complete.”
“You mean the Three-Headed Demon? I've seen the records. Without Empire cooperation, subduing it is impossible.”
At the words Three-Headed Demon from Alshas's lips, Nern felt his body stiffen involuntarily. The terror of facing that monster still lingered in his flesh.
“You know as well as I. The Empire lacks the resources to hunt it. Even if it did, the Council would oppose.”
“If I lent my strength...”
“And you got purged by the Reform Faction too? That'd be the end of the Empire.”
“...”
“They're human. Weak, primitive species, true. But they're the only key to my vengeance.”
The leader of the group Nern now belonged to, Sihyun Yujin, wielded an artifact of immense power. The reason she could use it was unknown, but it didn't matter.
With her, with that artifact, even the Three-Headed Demon could be slain.
“It's that artifact, isn't it?”
“Yes. You were there, so you'll remember.”
“Of course. It saved us both. Who'd have thought another could wield that terrifying relic? Never saw it coming.”
Alshas had been aboard when the artifact activated. But hospitalized, she hadn't witnessed it. By the time she heard, Nern had already hidden it on some planet.
“Anyway, that's why I came to see you today.”
“Pardon?”
“Help arrange a meeting between the artifact's user, Sihyun Yujin, and a Reform Faction councilor.”
“A Reform Faction councilor?”
“We need various weapons and ships. The Providence Faction pushes rearmament, so they won't hand over arms easily. But...”
“The Reform Faction, who advocate disarmament, might? True, but...”
Alshas furrowed her brow slightly. Even as an Imperial Mothership captain, pressuring councilors to sell weapons wasn't easy.
Especially to shadowy figures of unknown allegiance. They could turn on the Empire anytime. If Nern heard this proposal, he'd reject it outright.
Knowing her dilemma, Nern waited silently.
Moments later, Alshas sighed shortly and nodded.
“How could I refuse a chance to repay a debt? Fortunately, someone I respect as a mentor is here. I'll speak to him.”
“Really?”
“Yes. He's a true Mega Corp expert among the Reform Faction. We should get through to him.”
“Thank you!”
“If you're that grateful, come back to us. We have Imperial Motherships here too.”
“Ahem, uh, how's your brother doing?”
Alshas chuckled at Nern's coughing deflection.
“Brother Alkadi is the same as ever. Still stuck in his refined hobby, as you know.”
“No need to put it like that. He's got real talent.”
“You're the only one who speaks well of that wastrel brother.”
Despite her mocking tone, her expression wasn't unkind.
As Nern recalled, the Alkadi siblings got along well—rare for Cults, with their faint familial bonds.
“How about giving him a chance here? With your endorsement, an advisory role to the governor wouldn't be hard.”
“Not until he drops that disgraceful hobby. The councilors would oppose.”
“Tch. Between him and that Providence Faction one, why do so many obsess over slaves?”
“You mean the missing youngest high priest? I hear even his slaves vanished...”
With important talk done, Nern didn't leave.
Reunited after so long, they chatted about recent events.
'The Water Fortress, huh.'
I swallowed a tasty chunk of meat, mulling over what I'd seen earlier that day.
Last night, I'd infiltrated Alkadi's mansion and implanted a parasite in him. He's a notable figure on this planet. So instead of general mode, I opted to control his body primarily, like with Charas.
What I demanded from the Cult with the most slaves in the District of Light boiled down to two things.
Information and goods.
First, I asked for his ledger of every slave he'd ever sold.
Even with me right there, he refused, saying it was his livelihood—he couldn't hand it over.
Of course, with the parasite occupying parts of his brain and spine, his refusal meant little. I inflicted pain, then reissued the command.
Bring the ledger.
Only after vomiting up his stomach contents did he obey. I took the small data chip from him and inquired about his biological holdings next.
Alkadi wouldn't have amassed such wealth selling only slaves. As expected, he held numerous creatures for sale or collection.
'Didn't expect Apex-grade rarities too.'
Naturally, I ordered those brought to me too. Sent discreetly to my hiding spot.
Burned once, he submitted to my commands. He swore to send them without drawing attention.
Business done, I left cleanup to him and returned to my lair.
I immediately summoned PS-111.
He was analyzing the enemy reinforcements' powered suits to upgrade his metal body parts. I asked him to analyze Alkadi's data chip after.
I said take his time, but PS-111 sifted through the massive records overnight. He filtered Alkadi's sold slaves for only Coldbloods, displaying them via the hover bus center hologram.
While scanning the list, Sky Mother flagged one as suspicious.
Why? She'd seen 22nd place's face directly ten years ago. A child Coldblood then, she'd be adult now.
Plus, 22nd was targeted by Jason and the Dominion faction. High chance she'd altered her appearance completely.
'Sky Mother's convinced, though.'
Anyway, the suspected 22nd went to a new owner staying at the Water Fortress just two months ago. Not long, so likely still there.
'Problem is breaching the Water Fortress ain't easy...'
I chewed on the feed Alkadi sent, pondering.
The Water Fortress is like this planet's capital, home to the Prophet Conference's largest branch. Defenses are leagues above here.
If another Player besides 22nd is on Berzan 02, high odds they're there too. Economic hub of the planet. As a Cult Player, I'd base there for sure.
'No way to breach in two days, regardless.'
'Clever Weakling' duration was down to days. I'd likely lose transformation before entering. Full assault on the city? No. Sneaking in a dozens-of-meters body? Near impossible.
I came here to ask 22nd about the visions during my evolution. Unless she's hostile—uncertain—I can't raze the city.
'Gotta spend at least 30 days here.'
Plenty to do in that time.
Infiltration prep, and...
'Good.'
When Alkadi's container arrived, I'd used 'Emblem of the Hunt' right away. Needed to acquire traits from his sent creatures.
The one I just ate was a Juvenile Redworm. Carnivorous worm native to desert planets, nicknamed sand dragon, red serpent, etc.
Its unique trait had deep ties to me. I'd acquired it by chance shortly after arriving in this world.
'Used it well.'
Kept it awhile, then fused it as material. Still using the result heavily, and plan to keep doing so.
'Of course. Confirm.'
The treasure from the Mega Corp research ship's cargo hold returned to me.
As I absorbed the freshly predated trait, I pondered the most pressing matter.
Planning to give this dutiful trait to one of the kids. Who'd benefit most?
'Simplest best pick is PS-111, but...'
PS-111's over half machine, modifiable at will. Voice alteration's no challenge for him.
'Useful enough, but that's it.'
Sky Mother was a solid choice too. Easiest to predict Mimicry's effects on her among the kids.
'But giving it to her feels iffy.'
As a Vorr race, she faces no external activity limits. Too valuable to limit to combat.
Of course, she's the only one who knows Mimicry's terror firsthand—from my game days. She'd use it well if given.
'Adhai's out, honestly.'
Galleron's tentacles serve as mouth. Even with Mimicry organ in throat, oral structure hinders sound.
26's similar orally, but has one edge.
'He can reshape his body.'
In Space Fortress 'Kessha Arma''s underground vault, he ate a 'Faceless'.
Faceless reshape their bodies freely.
Inheriting that, he gained free tentacle morphing—'Mutable Tentacles,' a game-nonexistent ability.
'Name's my invention.'
Even if Mimicry doesn't fit, no big issue for him. He can adapt tentacles to the new organ.
Result might differ wildly from my vision—better, or just weird noises unfit for 'voice.'
'Sky Mother for safe, predictable results? Or 26 for the unknown.'
One: low risk, expected outcome. Good or bad, within predictions.
Other: low risk, unpredictable. Could shine or flop.
'...Better him.'
After deliberation, I decided.