Chapter 99


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    [Trantor – Jjescus]


    [Proofreader – Demon God’s Disciple]


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    The Loose Rock Cartel has some aspects that set it apart from typical space gangs. Usually, cartel ships make a living by raiding the spacecraft of other species. If they seed in plundering a superior ship, they often discard their old vessel and switch to the new one.


    As a result, most cartels focus only on the armament of the ships they operate, neglecting other aspects. However, the Loose Rock Cartel is an exception to this norm.


    Their primary source of ie is the capture and smuggling of rare animals. Plundering is merely a supplementary source of revenue for them. Consequently, they have many considerations beyond the armament of their ships.


    This includes facilities for safely storing captured animals, storage for feeding the animals, as well as facilities for loading reconnaissance vehicles used to capture creatures that inhabit space.


    With many requirements to fulfill, Loose Rock Cartel ships are rtivelyrgepared to the scale of other cartels. With a length of 300m and a height of 70m, their space vessels are substantial, almost rivaling the small frigates of the Megacorp in size.


    The name of the Loose Rock Cartel’s ship is the Colossal raider. The name was given by Millo after he plundered a StarUnion trading vessel a long time ago.


    The colossal raider was approaching a new prey.


    “We have 10 minutes until we reach the signal.”


    “We’re here, so why isn’t it visible?”


    The gigantic disy in the control room showed nothing but endless darkness.


    Skywhales are creatures that emit light from their bodies, simr to creatures living in the depths of the sea. Their light is beautiful and sharp, making them easily visible from a great distance in the vast emptiness of space.


    Milhomanded his subordinates,


    “Double-check the signal.”


    “It should be visible by now…”


    At that moment, an emergency signal sounded in the control room. It was a signal sent by Calvin, the central AIputer controlling the ship.


    [Collision alert! Collision alert!]


    In an instant, a ck ship appeared on the disy. The distance between their ship and the iing vessel was extremely close. Millo shouted in shock,


    “Damn it! Initiate emergency evasive maneuvers now!”


    “Everyone, be careful!”


    The evasive maneuver caused the ship’s hull to sway significantly. The ck ship they saw on the disy passed them and disappeared beyond the screen.


    The pirates in the control room screamed and tumbled to the floor. Millo, being a skilled warrior of the Wolfen race, did not lose hisposure when he fell. He urgently shouted,


    “Youzy kids! Check the cargo instead of lying around! Is everything intact?”


    “Yes, yes!” In response to the captain’s frustratedmand, the crew quickly checked theputer to ensure there was no damage inside the ship.


    “Why wasn’t the ship detected right in front of us?”


    “Um, I’ll check it.”


    Vice-captain Starks manipted the terminal in the control room, patting his numb buttocks. Then his expression became strange.


    “Captain.”


    “What?”


    “Do you know that StarUnion ships can detect the electric signals?”


    “Of course, I do.”


    “Well, the electric signal from that ship is not being detected.”


    “What?”


    The Vice-captain disyed the information he had checked on the terminal.


    Millo was perplexed because what he said was true.


    “What? So, the ship we almost collided with is already a dead ship?”


    “Not only that. The life signal we detected ising from that ship.”


    “…?”


    In other words, the ship they just passed was a contradictory existence that emitted life signals continuously even though the machinery was not functioning at all.


    “What kind of mess is this?”


    While Millo and Starks were contemting, someone in the control room muttered.


    “I-it’s a ghost ship….”


    Millo frowned at the statement.


    “Who said that? Where in the universe are ghosts?”


    “W…well, Captain, you know! D…Dbara Cartel got into trouble with a ghost ship, and it gotpletely wrecked….”


    A few months ago, the Dbara Cartel, losers in the C-08 sector,pletely copsed due to a mysterious incident.


    ording to rumors, the captain and Vice-captain of the Dbara Cartel went raiding as usual and encountered a ghost ship, leading to their disappearance.


    “We’re pirates, but we can’t beat ghosts!”


    “We need to run away immediately!”


    Millo mmed the control room floor with force. When his footprints remained on the solid metal panel, all the pirates fell silent.


    “Shut up, all of you. There’s no ghost ship.”


    “But…Captain! But…!”


    “Think logically. If it’s C-08, it’s hundreds of light-years away from here. Would a ghost ship travel this far at faster-than-light speed?”


    “W…well, it’s a ghost ship, so maybe it’s possible?”


    “For fuck’s sake, it shoots sma cannons and prates shields as a ghost. What nonsense.”


    Seeing the pirates regainposure in Captain Millo’s calm attitude, he gave an order.


    “We need to confirm what that ship is. Starks, you go in with the kids.”


    “Me?”


    “Sending scared idiots alone is more dangerous, so you takemand yourself.”


    “…”


    “Stark, don’t worry. I’ll be watching, so you’ll be fine.”


    “Sigh. Yes, Captain.”


    Starks nodded with a resigned expression.


    Regardless, capturing a ship was more profitable than a loss. All the cargo inside became theirs.


    ‘I wonder what’s inside.’


    After sending the Vice-captain, Millo observed the mysterious ship disyed on the screen.


    ***


    ‘Here ites.’


    I opened my eyes, sensing the approaching ship. It had been a week since I arrived in the I-97 sector. During this time, I had been relentlessly checking the functions of the corroded ship.


    ‘The ability for faster-than-light travel is reassuring.’


    The biggest advantage when corroding a ship is that I can utilize most of its functions, simr to my own body. In addition to basic navigation functions, faster-than-light travel using the warp engine was easily achievable. In this case, I could consume the residual energy in the ship instead of my own.


    ‘If not for this, maintaining the ship for a long time would have been difficult.’


    Moreover, although it couldn’t be confirmed without a turret, this ship likely had the capability for cannon fire.


    ‘Since I can draw and use sma energy, it should be possible.’


    Another advantage was that I could change the structure of the ship into the form I desired.


    ‘It’s like a nest where my traits can be utilized.’


    From the moment corrosion wasplete, this ship became a living entity, almost like a nest. Additionally, the ability to change the ship’s structure allowed me to create traps using my characteristics.


    ‘I’ve made good use of the monster’s tentacles.’


    The ship that came to me was here because I created a giant monster tentacle inside the ship, causing a disturbance. They probably mistook it for a Skywhale or a Gagon. At first nce, it seemed only advantageous, but as in life, there were undoubtedly disadvantages.


    ‘It’s a shame I can’t move when controlling the ship.’


    The tentacle from my dorsal armor that came out during corrosion is connected to the ship, rendering movement impossible. While I could call the kids or make slight movements, actual lotion was out of the question. Additionally, I couldn’t use physical traits due to the golden restriction.


    ‘If it were possible, I could have used them freely while dominating the ship.’


    If I could use physical traits while dominating the ship, the possibilities would be endless. I could attach wings to the outer wall of the ship forary atmosphere travel, orbine biting power with metal absorption traits to chew up other ships and reinforce the main body.


    ‘At least, the fortunate thing is that I can create a new corrosion tentacle even in a connected state.’


    The corrosion tentacles in my body must remain connected to the ship, making them unusable. However, I can create new corrosion tentacles near my inner or outer walls.


    ‘But that doesn’t necessarily mean I can control a new ship while controlling another one.’


    Once corrosion isplete, my mind bes connected to the ship. While I would need to confirm when the ship gets closer, it’s likely impossible to corrode a new ship while in control of another one.


    ‘Well, it’s a shame, but the specs of the corrosion tentacles themselves aren’t bad.’


    Even without special functions, I can use these tentacles for hunting or preying on enemies.


    ‘Since the corrosion tentacles have mouths, I might be able to acquire gic material.’


    Although I haven’t tried it due to ack of experimental subjects, it seems quite feasible.


    ‘By the way, the ship isrger than I thought.’


    As the ship approached, its size became more apparent. It was almost three timesrger than the ship I dominate. Among space gangs, it’s umon for a ship of this size to be operated, usually reserved for top cartels or those focusing on smuggling.


    ‘It doesn’t seem like a top cartel, judging by the detected personnel. The numbers are too low.’


    My guess is that they are smugglers, and not just ordinary ones, but at a considerable level.


    ‘The smuggling facilities are well-equipped. Additionally, there aren’t many, but they have recon ships.’


    In appearance, it resembled a StarUnion trading ship or a Megacorp raiding frigate, but it’s not certain.


    ‘I’ll need to go inside that ship to confirm the details.’


    If my assumptions about the ship are correct, it wouldn’t be a bad vessel to switch to.


    ‘If it’s a smuggling ship, there should be plenty to plunder.’


    Moreover, targeting a smuggling ship would provide ess to information about smuggled animals stored in the ship’sputer. This includes details about what lives on each and safe routes forary infiltration.


    ‘Considering the Transcendence Stage 2, I need to capture not only sentient beings but also wild creatures.’


    In fact, aside from the Transcendence Stage 2, various types of genes are needed during the evolution from Pre-Saint to Quasi-Saint Stage.


    ‘It seems like the next destination is roughly determined.’


    Of course, securing control of that shipes first.


    ‘It’s a bitrger than expected.’


    Coincidentally, the ship is attempting to dock toward our direction.


    Before weing the guests, I need to check if domination is possible.


    I concentrated my mind and created corrosion tentacles on the outer wall of the ship I control.


    A slender docking port emerged from the enemy ship, attaching itself to the ship I dominate.


    During this time, the corrosion tentacles secretly attached to the lower part of the docking port.


    The translucent text box that appears when selecting a corrosion target guided me.


    ‘As expected. I can’t dominate it immediately.’


    Since I was already in control of a ship, I couldn’t corrode a new one. Still, I could check whether it was a suitable target or not.


    ‘Let’s see.’


    The corrosion tentacles, havingpleted the check, reported the results to me.


    ‘It’s fortunate that domination is possible.’


    While it’s rare news that even a pirate ship over three timesrger is a corrosion target, ites with some apanying issues.


    ‘First, the time it takes for corrosion is longer than when dominating this ship.’


    ‘It takes five hours toplete the corrosion.’


    Moreover, the duration for maintaining control is only ten days.


    ‘As the size of the domination target increases, the energy required to maintain it also increases.’


    In other words, after absorbing as much energy as possible, it’s necessary to corrode the pirate ship for an extended period of control.


    ‘I need to move carefully.’


    I retrieved the corrosion tentacles protruding from the outer wall.


    ‘Since it’s been a week, there’s no problem moving the ship itself.’


    However, since I don’t have much energy, I need to prepare once I switch to that ship.


    ‘I should hunt reasonably and gather energy.’


    Consuming smugglers and smuggled animals inside that ship should provide enough energy to dominate the ship for an extended period.


    After that, when the opportunity arises toplete the corrosion, the ship will be mine.


    ‘Rather than that, should I deal with those who boarded this ship first?’


    Exploration teams or some group started crossing over to this side through the docking port. I weakened the door connected to the port, making it easier for them to enter the ship.


    “What? Why is it so weak?”


    “Because it saves time, isn’t it?”


    “Stop the nonsense and let’s get in.”


    The voices of the pirates entering the ship were transmitted into my mind.


    As this ship is my nest and an extension of my body, I can know everything about their words, actions, and even physical conditions.


    ‘They’re wearing spacesuits.’


    The pirates were aware in advance that this ship was a dead ship and wore spacesuits. Also, each of them carried various types of weapons to respond to potential crisis situations.


    Even bombs were brought in case they deemed this spacecraft problematic.


    ‘Well, it’s meaningless anyway.’


    The weapons they were carrying might be useful when dealing with dangerous wild animals, but the entity awaiting them now is not a mere creature.


    Who could have imagined that the ship they’re disembarking from would target them?


    [Let’s split up and search.]


    [Yeah.]


    [Oh, Justin. Go to the engine room and check the status. Engines are expensive, you know.]


    [Understood.]


    The iing group of pirates began to split up to quickly search the inside of the ship.


    ‘Good.’


    Before their arrival, I radically changed the internal structure of the ship. It’s almost like a maze.


    ‘Moreover, there are many traps.’


    I closed my eyes again. One of thebyrinth passages inside the ship connected to the engine room where I was located.


    ***


    “Damn, it’s so eerie.”


    In an instant, the one referred to as Justin, walked unknowingly toward the engine room through the newly altered passage.


    “Oh? This should definitely be the engine room.”


    Working as an engineer for the Loose Rock Cartel, Justin was knowledgeable about the structure of ships, be it of Megacorp or of Star Union. The current passenger ship they entered had a three-story structure, with the engine room located on the bottom floor. Normally, he should be seeing stairs leading down by now, but in front of him was an endlessly long corridor.


    “What’s this?”


    This ship is not as massive as the Loose Rock Cartel’s ship, the Kelvinho. By now, he should have reached the opposite side since he walked continuously without stopping.


    “Something’s strange.”


    In the ominous atmosphere, Justin activated themunicator inside his spacesuit.


    “Vice-captain Starks, sir?”


    [Bzzt…what…bzzt…is this…bzzt]


    “Vice-captain?”


    ?Bzzt…monster…bzzt…retreat…bzzt?


    Themunication device emitted only unintelligible words and an unpleasant noise.


    “…Well it’s nothing serious, right?”


    The Colossal raider is waiting outside. If something had happened on this ship, they would have taken action sooner. So, he forced himself to ease his anxiety and continued forward.


    ‘Now what should I do? motion sensor! If I activate that…!’


    He hurriedly pulled out a small device from his tool pack attached to his waist. It was a motion sensor that detects the movement of living organisms, disying signals on the machine’s radar when there is movement nearby. As he activated the motion sensor, a green light emanated from the machine.


    “Alright… huh?”


    Looking at the results on the radar, he doubted his own eyes. Signals were being disyed from the entire surrounding area.


    “Wh-what is this?”


    A signal was disyed right in front of him. Astonished, he lifted his head and faced “them.”


    Eyes were appearing all over the corridor where he stood, ring at him.


    Eyes shining in purple on the ck walls.


    Facing the eyes, Justin found himself screaming in terror.


    Avoiding those frightening gazes as if mad, he ran frantically.


    In front of him as he fled, there was a door.


    A door leading to the engine room, which had beenpletely invisible until now, was waiting for him.


    “Come… this… way…”


    Was it an auditory hallucination caused by extreme fear? Or was it the ship’s heart calling him?


    Justin couldn’t determine who the caller was.


    To him, desperately longing for someone’s guidance, the identity of the caller didn’t matter.


    In response to the call, Justin opened the door to the engine room.


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    [Trantor – Jjescus]


    [Proofreader – Demon God’s Disciple]


    Join our Discord for release /invite/dbdMDhzWa2


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