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Chapter 81

[Possible fusion with existing ‘dexterity’ trait.]

[Integration of ‘Interference’ and ‘Dexterity’ traits. Evolved into ‘Hijacking’ trait!]

[Hijacking: Inherits the effect of the Interference trait. Can briefly control electronic devices within a 10-metre range. Limited to one device at a time and cannot be used on cyborgs.]

[Postscript: Humans unable to use machinery in the space age are akin to primitives.]

Upon applying the newly acquired fusion trait, a mutation occurred in the body or more precisely the back area of the body.

Previously Other than two arms adorned with bone blades and the wings, there was nothing else. New organs emerged from the spot which earlier was just tough skin.

Thin plates which were unstructured and rugged grew in two rows along the spine. These plates protruded from the back to just before the tail’s spiky hair, the plates were deep black in color, in fact it was so black that it looked like refined obsidian shards had adorned the back, absorbing every spec of light reflection on it.

This was Originally a passive trait that Metallic Gremlins had, but when I absorbed it, it changed itself into an entirely different form. With just these plates, I could malfunction the machines nearby

‘Let’s try it out.’

In the gaming context, this ability had been used multiple times by the players, but this was the first time someone was going to use it in reality. Half-leaning forward, I focused on the sensation on my back. I applied force to the back, as if trying to move the spine, making the plates tremble.

“Zzzz…..Zzzz”

The plates made a peculiar noise as they trembled, sounding like a distant cicada’s cry. A very faint sound, yet within it lay a fundamentally different and eerie dissonance than typical animal sounds. If an ordinary person heard this sound for long, it would surely lead to discomfort due to its dissonance.

However, the true value of the plates wasn’t the unsettling noise it produced. I who was strengthened by the effects of the ‘Symbol of Hunt’ could sense it. Sonic Waves that were disrupting all the machines nearby emanated from the plates.

If someone here could read the flow or wavelengths of electricity, they might have seen what was happening on my plates. As the waves emitted by the plates spread, the lights in the refrigeration unit began to flicker, and eventually turned off.

“Ah!”

“Everyone, stay calm!”

“I can’t see anything!”

The refrigeration unit plunged into darkness in an instant,causing the researchers to scream in panic.

‘Next is hijacking.’

I checked the surroundings through my developed auxiliary organ, there was no movement from the male cultist. To finish the experiment before his arrival, I focused on the terminal next to the refrigeration unit. Collaborating my auxiliary organ and plates, I searched through the subtle electrical signals flowing into the terminal, seeking the control signal originating from somewhere above.

Finally, the frequency that pinpointed the target became sharp scissors, cutting off the control signal. Subsequently, the frequency mimicked the control signal, adjusting itself to a similar form. It aimed to replace the missing control signal.

As the frequency turned into a new control signal, information regarding terminal manipulation flowed into my auxiliary system.

‘Open simsim.’

With my command, the door to the refrigeration unit swung open. The ‘Hijacking’ trait, as the name suggests, had an ‘appropriation’ effect on electronic devices. Normally, this door required ID card authentication, but not now. The control was in my hands.

With this trait, hijacking a spacecraft would be possible, theoretically. Of course, the limited time frame makes practical application challenging, despite the extended duration due to the effects of the ‘Symbol of Hunt’. The actual control time for hijacking is three minutes.

Ironically, due to its brief control time, hijacking is often used for purposes other than seizing a spacecraft.

‘Infiltration, perfect for espionage.’

[Note:- Espionage: the practice of spying or of using spies, typically by governments to obtain political and military information.]

Being able to counter electronic devices in this high-tech building filled with advanced gadgets would be incredibly advantageous. Originally, I planned a slow takeover as a parasite, but with hijacking, the scope of the operation widened significantly. Not having to worry about surveillance devices like cameras is a huge advantage.

‘Okay. Hold off on the transcendence trait until it’s safe.’

I made up my mind and then eased off the pressure on my back. As the frequencies emitted from the plates vanished, the trait effect dissipated, and everything returned to normal.

‘Conditions for the transcendence system are met.’

However, I have no intention of creating it immediately. Two reasons hold me back.

‘First, I don’t know what unique trait will emerge.’

A unique trait created by the transcendental system is a completely new ability that didn’t previously exist. While it might be immensely powerful, not knowing what trait will arise is a problem.

‘Moreover, I have to consider the penalties.’

In my previous encounter with the transcendental system, my wings and tactile organs were restricted. While I could deal with the wings, the tactile organs were crucial for hunting in the city. Having them restricted forced a complete overhaul of my established city raiding methods.

‘I have no idea what penalty this unique trait might bring with it’

If luck is against me, it might restrict the traits that I frequently use, like the parasitic colony or the neurotoxin glands. Hence, I need to decide carefully.

‘On the other hand, the hijacking trait immediately aids in assaulting monuments and can be of big help.’

Having counter abilities against electronic devices in this high-rise building filled with advanced technology speaks for itself.

‘I originally planned to slowly infiltrate as a parasite, but…’

With hijacking, the operation’s scope has widened significantly. Not having to fear cameras and other surveillance devices is a big advantage.

“Alright. Let’s Hold off on the transcendence trait until it’s in a safe state.”

Having made my decision, I rose to my feet. A sense of someone’s presence was felt in the corridor outside the refrigeration unit.

‘It’s time to prepare to welcome our guest.’

I turned around and saw that the jittery researchers were still there. They still had work to do.

“Andre, along with his colleague Anna, belonged to the cultists that migrated to MegaCorp. Just as MegaCorp was the battleground of seven families, the cult too had been plagued by internal strife.

‘Ugh, this is tiresome, everywhere.’

Wherever there are sentient beings, there will inevitably be conflicts. Despite being an outsider, Andre knew what was going on in the MegaCorp. They might call themselves a council or something grand, but in reality, it was nothing more than vile squabbles for selfish desires.

He had changed his name during childhood when they were immigrating, but now, he doubted if continuing to work in this city was the right choice.

“What trouble is this because of these barbaric primates? Tsk.”

He clicked his tongue and stepped out of the elevator. The refrigeration unit was just down this corridor.

He waved at the cameras in the corridor as he passed by. Thinking of his fellow cultist Anna made Andre feel a bit better.

“Come to think of it, Jeanette used to talk a lot.”

Thinking of his fellow, a former coworker who suddenly submitted resignation before the council meeting and vanished.

“She was a good friend… huh?”

Andre, walking down the corridor, felt an odd sensation. The orderly corridor with bright silver metal panels was the same as usual, yet he found the usual appearance of the corridor strangely unfamiliar. An unidentifiable unease filled the space.

“What’s this?”

If he had continued to live within the cult’s nature, he might have easily recognized the sensation he was experiencing. It was a warning.

“Why is it so cold?”

Andre, with his arms covered in goosebumps, walked slowly down the corridor. Arriving at the refrigeration unit at the end of the corridor, he pulled out the Mastercard for the third central control room. The door opened with a short mechanical sound, releasing a chilly air which was incomparable to before.

“Wow, it’s freezing.”

Despite the extreme cold, the cooling system itself seemed fine. Stepping inside the storage, he called out to the researchers.

“Hey!”

There was no response. Sensing the seriousness of the situation, he quickly picked up the communication device.

“Third Central Control, Andre here! Can anyone hear me?”

[Zzzzt Zzzzt]

“Third Central Control, André here. A strange anomaly has occurred. This…!”

Apart from the static sound, there was no response on the communication device. Andre intended to go outside to signal the cameras, but he heard a sound nearby.

“Who’s there?”

“Uh, uh…”

“Is that a researcher?”

“Uh, uh!”

The source of the sound was the agonized groans of a human male. Andre followed the sound.

Under the bluish light reminiscent of ice, he saw a body hanging loosely on a metal ring from the ceiling, fragments of an organism scattered haphazardly on a metal table. Even for Andre, who wasn’t human, it was a spine-chilling sight.

Finally passing a large creature lying on a stainless steel table, he saw two people.

One person collapsed in a bloody state, and beside them, another researcher was kneeling on the ground, appearing clueless and attempting to apply pressure to the fallen colleague.

“Yikes! Are you okay?”

The floor and the researcher’s hands were completely drenched in blood.

Suppressing a gasp, Andre hurriedly picked up the communication device again to attempt communication. However, the device continued to emit static noise.

The kneeling researcher sought help from Andre.

“Please, help us!”

Responding to the urgent plea, Andre quickly approached the fallen researcher to assess their condition.

“There’s too much bleeding! We need to get to the hospital upstairs immediately!”

In Andre’s eyes, the fallen researcher was in a critical state, and the communication device was not functioning.

“The wounds are too severe to move him right away.”

In an attempt to stop the bleeding, Andre pressed firmly on the researcher’s wounds.

“I’ll watch him. Quickly, go get someone for help…”

He shouted at the researcher to go call for medical assistance, but the researcher behind didn’t move. The unexpected response shattered Andre’s expectations.

“Uh, s-sorry…”

“What?”

The researcher’s sudden apology puzzled Andre. At that moment, the large creature lying on the table behind him wriggled.

***

“He has been gone for a long time now, what’s happening there?”

Anna, who was sitting in the control room, picked up the communication device. It had been a few minutes since Andre had left, and yet there was no response from the colleague she was trying to call.

It took a while for the signal noise to be picked up by the colleague.

“Why weren’t you answering? What’s happening downstairs?”

[Uh, no-thing, I-am, go-ing, up.]

“Really? But this communication device seems a bit off. Static sounds keeps interrupting. Get it checked when you come up.”

[Yeah.]

The transmission ended, and Anna checked the cameras again. The corridor in front of the refrigeration unit—her colleague was waiting—suddenly distorted on the camera screen.

‘What’s this?’

She tapped the monitor slightly, and it returned to normal. However, the camera screens started flickering one by one.

‘Why is this happening?’

Annoyed, Anna grabbed the communication device to contact the maintenance team. Just as she was about to press the call button, the camera screen blinked once and then returned to normal.

‘Huh?’

The corridor in the screen appeared unchanged from before. But Anna was certain. Just before the screen restored, she saw something pass by—a black object.

‘What was that?’

Anna put down the communication device and operated the computer. Eventually, holographic records of the errors and subsequent restorations appeared in the air.

Arranging the holograms in a row, Anna scrutinized them closely. Above the bright silver corridors captured by the cameras, there seemed to be nothing. Except for one spot.

‘What’s this?’

In the corner of the screen, there was something small. It resembled a long, pointed thorn-like object. Those thorns were slightly different in position but were present on all the screens.

As Anna leaned closer to examine it further on the camera, a beep sounded—the sound of the terminal checking the master card.

At this time, there was only one person expected to come to the Third Central Control—her colleague, André, who had gone downstairs to investigate.

“What’s taken you so long?”

As Anna turned around to say a word, a sudden thought struck her.

‘Come to think of it, why wasn’t anything visible on the cameras?’

Even while she was reviewing the records, the cameras were continuously active. Yet, there was no footage of André coming here.

The door opened with the sound of air escaping.