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HELHEIM SCANS
[Translator – Seraph]
[Proofreader – Draxx]
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Chapter 338
What is the single most powerful entity among the NPCs in Space Survival?
Most players would point to the ultra-powerful Apex creatures that appear as raid bosses: the Red Gallagon, which unites all Gallagons; the Vortex One, who stole psychic powers from the Outspacers; the Sea Demon inhabiting the oceanic planet; the Arcane Orca living on the giant gas planet, and so on.
These creatures are difficult to face because of the hostile environments they inhabit, combined with their immense individual strength.
Let’s change the question then.
What species possesses the most powerful strength?
In this case, the answer tends to be unanimous.
The Demon of the Universe, the Resident of the Abyss there are many nicknames for this entity.
Vortex One.
However, according to the setting, the Vortex One that came from another universe cannot easily be categorized as a single species. Their appearance, power, and habits are all completely different.
Nevertheless, the only beings made of an unknown energy called ‘Abyssal Power’ are the Vortex Ones, which is why they are grouped together.
All beings classified as Vortex Ones display top-tier Apex strength. Even the weakest among them has power that far surpasses the Black Gallagon.
Moreover, each individual has unique characteristics that require special attention, and if one were to charge recklessly without knowing them, they would most likely suffer a great defeat.
I myself have been defeated several times while fighting a Vortex One. Even when I had already reached adulthood and possessed multiple unique traits.
One of these dangerous entities has now appeared before me.
Despite being halved, I’m still in a ‘bone beast’ state, and this black ring in front of me is about 1.5 times bigger than I am. The newly appeared ‘Ring of Agony’ floated in the sky, unmoving.
‘…I guess it’s a relief this isn’t a masquerade.’
After witnessing Isabel’s summoning ritual, I had two Vortex Ones in mind as candidates.
Among them, the more dangerous one is the entity known as the ‘Masquerade’.
This entity is specialized in mental domination, making it extremely difficult to fight. It casts its unique trait ‘Herald of Chaos’ on a planetary scale.
The Ring of Agony is weaker compared to the Masquerade. Plus, it was summoned imperfectly, so it couldn’t exert its full strength.
‘That doesn’t mean it’s going to be easy, though.’
There are two key things to watch out for when facing the Ring of Agony: the numerous arms attached to the surface of the ring and the ring itself.
Each of those countless arms is a weapon. The way they move alters the entity’s attacks and movements.
The next thing to be cautious about is the ring itself. Thankfully, it's currently broken and only half remains, so there isn’t much to worry about for now.
‘Originally, this ring could fire energy blasts.’
The entity can spin the ring at high speeds, gather energy, and then launch it.
The destructive power of the blast is enough to easily split an entire planet. It can nullify most defensive abilities, except for a few exceptions like Red Armor, making it extremely dangerous. Therefore, when facing this entity in the game, you had to defeat it before the ring started spinning.
‘Thankfully, there’s no time limit here...’
At that moment, the Ring of Agony, which had been floating motionlessly in the sky, began to move.
｢Big baby, big baby. Look over there.｣
[ZZZ (Be careful)]
Number 26 and I quickly prepared for the entity’s incoming attack.
However, the entity's movements were different from what I had anticipated. The arms on the surface of the ring intertwined and extended downward.
‘What is this?’
The posture the arms assumed is typically seen when rapid movement is required.
As I expected, the entire ring’s altitude suddenly increased. As a result, the size of the massive flying entity rapidly shrank.
‘Where is it going?’
I thought it would attack me first, but that was not the case.
Taking an offensive stance and rising into the sky, it became clear: the target wasn't any creature bound to this ground. No, it was aiming for something beyond the planet’s atmosphere out in space.
‘What could possibly be out there… Wait a minute.’
In that moment, the scene from earlier flashed through my mind.
Isabel performing a summoning ritual, while Alshas watched with fearful eyes. From that, I had deduced that the summoning wasn’t ordered by Alshas. After all, there was no way Alshas could defeat the Vortex One, an opponent far too overwhelming for even me to handle right now.
But seeing the current situation unfold, I realized that I had misjudged.
Alshas wasn’t alarmed because Isabel acted impulsively.
‘Isabel sacrificed herself to have Alshas killed.’
If that’s the case, why bring in such a dangerous creature?
‘It must be because of Alshas’s special trait.’
Alshas had the ability to create identical clones of itself. Having consumed its flesh before, I can confirm that there was almost no discernible difference from the original. Even the extraordinary sensory capabilities of an Amorph like me struggled to distinguish the clones from the real one.
But with Vortex One, the situation changed entirely.
As its appearance alone suggested, the creature’s cognitive abilities surpassed conventional physical laws. No matter how far the target was, it could pinpoint it with absolute accuracy. Even with the most advanced concealment techniques or within a completely sealed and fortified facility, there was no escaping Vortex One.
That’s precisely what Isabel must have intended. Vortex One wouldn’t be fooled by clones; it would pursue the original.
‘I suppose I should be grateful it didn’t attack right away.’
While I was lost in my thought, the creature had already disappeared into the distance. Until it achieved its objective, it wouldn’t attack.
‘But I can’t just let it be.’
If Alshas died to the Ring of Agony, her cloning ability would be lost. Truthfully, that was an incredibly tempting trait.
‘And there’s the matter of information.’
Given Isabel’s gamble, she needed to prepare her own insurance. Alshas, who seemed to have lived in this world for quite some time, could be a valuable source of knowledge.
Therefore, I need to devour Alshas before Vortex One.
‘If I follow it, I’ll quickly find where the original is. That’s not the problem.’
The real issue would be if Alshas died or if I interfere with Vortex One’s attempt to kill Alshas. A demon of the void never forgives those who obstruct it.
Can I win if I fight it here?’
In the game, the answer would’ve been a definitive no. But the current situation was slightly different.
Due to its incomplete summoning, Vortex One’s most powerful attack was sealed. The odds of being taken out by a surprise strike were low. If I intended to capture Vortex One, now was the time.
‘Then what about my side?’
Based on the game mechanics, it wasn’t prepared to confront Vortex One. My corrosive tentacles and acidic breath couldn’t harm the creature. Even the ‘Medusa Organ’ couldn’t inflict significant damage.
Close combat wasn’t a viable option either. The Ring of Agony excelled in melee, and its numerous arm-like appendages weren’t mere decoration.
‘However…’
I have a critical advantage now.
The unique traits created through the Transcendence System.
‘Traits categorized as ‘Cosmic Beasts’ didn’t exist in the game. By utilizing these traits, I can gain the upper hand in the battle.’
‘And I’m not alone.’
In the game, I did all the preperation and hunting for Vortex One solo.
But here, I have allies. Number 26, the Red Gallagon Adhai, and the Mother of the Sky, a high-ranking entity.
If I use all the power I have, I can win.
‘Alright.’
[ZZ ZZZZ (I’ll capture it.)]
｢Big Baby it’s dangerous.｣
[ZZZZZ ZZ ZZZZ (The more dangerous it is, the better it’ll taste.)]
｢Really?｣
[Z ZZZ Z ZZZZZ (Yes. Eating it will make us even stronger.)]
｢Eating delicious things with the Big One is good! Getting stronger is even better!｣
Number 26 extended its tentacles, shaking them as if cheering.
'Though, I can't say for sure if it really means that.'
In truth, I have never seen a Sea Demon devour a Vortex One. What might happen if it does is beyond me.
'I'll figure out the details later.'
Spreading my wings wide, I lifted myself off the sand.
Before I follow the Ring of Agony, I need to fetch the ones stationed at that water fortress.
---
Captain Alshas, the Commander of Verzan-02's Defenders
She had one notable trait that set her apart from others:
In the real world, she was a natural-born actress.
Moreover, her appearance was far from plain. No, to be precise, nine out of ten people who saw her would agree she was beautiful.
Beauty and acting skills.
Early on, she realized that using these two talents could make life much easier.
In front of wealthy men, she relied on her looks. With those she needed to maintain long-term relationships, she employed her acting.
Without feeling an ounce of guilt about exploiting others, she had led a rather successful life before arriving in this world.
She worked for a renowned financial company, trusted by her colleagues, and was engaged to a successful entrepreneur.
But behind that success lay countless victims, fooled by her charms and charisma. Friends, lovers, clients, even colleagues had all fallen prey. They were sucked dry and discarded, left to suffer in her wake.
Yet, as a masterful actress, she kept these truths well-hidden. No one suspected the festering filth beneath her alluring exterior.
Indeed, her life seemed smooth and unshakable until she was thrust into the world of ‘Space Survival’ the day before her wedding.
This world was nothing like the one she had known.
The cult-like species she encountered were often far more stunning by human standards. Beings even more beautiful than her were everywhere.
Her acting skills? Practically useless here. In this caste-based society, where one's rank and profession were determined by the shape of their horns, her position was strictly limited. Being a soldier only added to her hardships, as she constantly faced threats to her life.
To Alshas, the world of ‘Space Survival’ was hell.
Despite living here for nearly decades, her thirst for success never diminished. No matter how many feats she achieved, her horn-bound status capped her as a mere Imperial Ship Captain.
It was for this reason that she allied with those who sought to return to their original worlds. Back there, the desires she couldn't fulfill might finally be within reach.
Now, the grand plan of the return faction was nearing completion. If it succeeded, her dreams would finally come true or so she believed.
“Damn it! Damn it! Damn it!”
Alshas cursed incessantly as she piloted a small spacecraft.
Never before had she faced a crisis this severe not even during the Outsider invasion shortly after she arrived in this world, which had nearly cost her life.
Back then, Captain Nern and others had been there to assist her. This time, she was entirely on her own.
The moment the clone vanished, she immediately left the Bureau’s control room.
Isabelle had explicitly requested Vortex One to kill her. Without the elite fleet or Outsider armies to rely on, the current forces in the Watchdog Bureau were insufficient to stop the beast.
‘The remaining Imperial ships alone won't be enough!’
The firepower of the Imperial flagship is among the top five of all the cult's warships, but there is a problem. Once it unleashes its firepower, it can't do anything for a long while.
The Cosmic Bolt is a delicate machine, so once it fires, it requires a long rest period. Even if it reduces its power during a fleet battle, that still holds true.
Therefore, a fleet is needed to support the flagship, but it was all destroyed because of the Amorph. The remaining ships in the mothership fleet cannot resolve this predicament.
'And then there's the Masquerade! If the Masquerade shows up, I'm done for!'
As the name suggests, the Vortex One's Masquerade can turn everyone into clowns. Any creature that comes into contact with the wavelength it emits falls into an insanity so intense that distinguishing friend from foe becomes impossible.
At first glance, one might think it would be fine if you manage to avoid it, but the problem is that it's incredibly hard to do so.
Even if she were lucky enough not to fall into madness, the crisis wouldn't end. Other crew members are still around. Everyone around the bureau, the Imperial flagship, and nearby ships, would rush to capture her.
'I can't die here!'
The airship sped through the inside of the bureau at an incredible speed. In an instant, she reached the exit leading outside.
｢Access is restricted here.｣
"I’m Alshas, Captain of the 'Defender of Verzan-02'! Open the door immediately!"
｢Excuse me? Please wait a moment....｣
"Dammit! Why can't you open the door faster?"
Just as she yelled into the communicator inside the airship, a loud siren suddenly blared from outside.
｢Unidentified presence approaching! Unidentified presence approaching!｣
"Ah, it's here! It's here!"
Amidst the blaring alarm, intermittent explosions could be heard. It was the sound of the flagship’s main cannons and the fortress cannons mounted on external facilities firing.
'I can't leave!'
A terrifying space demon is approaching just to kill her. If she leaves now, she'll be instantly murdered by it.
She was forced to turn the airship around.
'Please, let a miracle happen...!'
How wonderful it would be if an unknown ranker were to be inside the bureau and deal with that Vortex One. It was a wildly improbable thought, but she was desperate enough to wish for it.
Even as the airship wandered, the sirens and explosions continued without stopping.
In fact, now the entire bureau seemed to be vibrating. The control tower, where the situation room was located, swayed, and debris rained down from the ceiling.
Contrary to her hopes, it was getting closer very quickly.
And within minutes, the lights inside the monitoring station went out. Emergency power kicked in, and a red light spread across the structure.
The only thing left in the sea of blood-like red was Alshas' airship, floating alone.
'...Contact! Yes! If I contact the Empress, she’ll come to rescue me!'
Jumping from the co-pilot seat, she quickly grabbed the communication monolith. The Empress already knew how important she was within the return faction. Given how much they valued useful personnel, they would surely come to save her.
Just as she was about to connect the monolith to the airship’s internal wiring, a massive shock hit both the bureau and her airship.
"What...what was that?"
Surprised, she looked at the front window of the airship.
There, the 'demon' appeared.
The outer wall of the bureau collapsed, and a giant ring covered in thousands, perhaps tens of thousands, of arms loomed before her.
‘The Ring of Agony!’
Using its countless arms, the Vortex One tore through the outer wall. Though it was less terrifying than the Masquerade, it was still a monster she wasn’t equipped to handle.
In a panic, Alshas rushed back to the co-pilot seat and grabbed the controls. She immediately accelerated the airship, trying to escape behind the black ring.
But the space demon had no intention of letting her go. Some of the arms moved swiftly, grabbing hold of the airship.
"Let go! Let go of this!"
Panicked, she screamed as she gripped the controls. The airship commander’s commanding presence was nowhere to be seen.
Another arm moved leisurely. A massive hand, as big as the airship, covered the front window. Inside the palm was a swirling, mouth-like opening.
The moment she thought that mouth would soon swallow the entire airship.
Suddenly, the ring’s body jerked and trembled. Something appeared from behind the torn outer wall, gripping the ring tightly.
｢Grurrr...｣
｢Grurrrrrr...｣
｢Grurrrrrrr...｣
Familiar growls echoed, and the Ring of Agony was pulled out of the bureau. The demon’s hand, with Alshas still caught, was dragged into the black sea as well.
Thanks to the sudden appearance of a savior, her life was extended, but she was not at all pleased.
She knew exactly who that enormous presence was.
The infamous Ranker No. 5, the Amorph.
A monster as terrifying as a demon stretched out its hand to capture her.
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HELHEIM SCANS
[Translator – Seraph]
[Proofreader – Draxx]
Join our Discord for release updates!
https://discord.com/invite/dbdMDhzWa2
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