Chapter 49: Legion VS Legion (3)
[Multiplying Infectious Variant Devouring Fungus Small Body: 6N1535]
“…Is that their name?”
[Yes. They are a completely different type from the existing Devouring Fungus.]
“What does ‘small body’ mean?”
[According to the Legion’s analysis, they are beings that are just beginning to approach a proper collective consciousness.]
I heard they were quite troublesome beings.
The mutated Devouring Fungus had basically been growing for an extremely long time, and the cause of the mutation was presumed to be nothing other than cannibalism among their own kind.
[Due to extreme dormancy, they could no longer sustain themselves through the intake of nutrients and ended up repeatedly engaging in cannibalism, resulting in the emergence of mutants. The mutants began to share control of bodies that were previously dominated by a single Devouring Fungus collective, leading to twisted and horrifying physical transformations.]
“Why don’t they eat each other anymore?”
[They have evolved as a result of the mutation.]
The mutated Devouring Fungus had stopped cannibalizing one another.
Instead, they had survived by preying on other infected Devouring Fungi.
Of course, I didn’t know what would happen if they approached starvation again, but it seemed they hadn’t reached that point yet.
“We can win, right?”
I clicked my tongue and changed the screen.
The war was in full swing.
In the midst of it, I could see my younger sister fighting against the monsters.
It was hard to just watch as she wielded her sword, its crimson energy gleaming, while wearing a mask.
Considering she had been fighting for over 24 hours without rest, it was unbearable.
[We don’t know that yet. According to the analysis, the creatures we are currently facing are merely small bodies. We are always mindful of the possibility of the emergence of larger, more advanced great bodies. Above all, the energy that the Legion has stockpiled is gradually diminishing. We need to find a more efficient way to utilize energy or need additional supplies.]
“Ha, it’s tough right now.”
I focused my ears on the sounds around me.
Shouts and cries echoed from all directions.
Of course, none were directed at me, but it was still a bit unsettling.
“Are you okay, oppa?”
“Right now, I’m more worried about you.”
“I-I’m fine.”
Kang Do-yeon momentarily pulled away from the frontline.
It was a complete courtesy extended by the Legion.
“Make sure to say thank you. She might understand, right?”
“Yeah.”
It was a simple exchange, but it would likely have an effect.
Her body was not even human anymore, and although the mask helped with mental fatigue, the face that looked somewhat gaunt furrowed my brows.
“You know. If I ask the Legion to pull my sister out of combat, do you think they would agree? She could serve, what do you call it…as a strategist or something.”
[Is that really the case? From the Legion’s perspective, there is no issue in treating Kang Do-yeon as the Legion Commander. Growth through consumption is an ideal the Legion possesses. This is a fundamental premise that applies even to you, and Kang Do-yeon is no exception. Under the Legion’s care, she is free from death and can grow stronger endlessly through continuous battles. That is common sense and a law of the world for the Legion.]
“Damn.”
I let out a hollow laugh.
I had seen various players and units up to this point.
Their relationships varied widely, regardless of whether they were a player or a unit.
Some were reliable comrades supporting each other, some were mere pawns for one side, and some were precious beings in need of protection.
One thing was certain: unless some method was used, simple words lacked the power of compulsion.
Even if the Legion placed great importance on my words, if they twisted them to suit their own tastes, there was no way for me to stop it.
That must be the obvious answer to a Legion that had already established a basic set of values.
So, other methods were needed, but right now, I had no clue.
“They’re probably stalling for time. Bastards.”
[Do you have more to say to your sister?]
…When I curse at them, I pretend I didn’t hear anything.
“But how do you do it? Is there Wi-Fi there?”
“Of course not. They say it’s the power of the app.”
After hearing Kang Do-yeon’s words, I looked around.
This place, where hastily built tents stood, was the stronghold that the allied forces decided to occupy as a priority.
It was created to protect the gate connected to Earth, and even now, troop deployments and tent construction were in full swing.
“I wish I could take pictures and show you.”
I mumbled absentmindedly.
Setting aside the fact that this was the horrific monsters’ hideout, it was truly a mystical experience.
After all, I had stepped into a world where space suits weren’t even needed.
The place was barren, filled only with strange rock formations, yet the countless starlight and moonlight made it bright enough even at night.
I was momentarily lost for words at the sight of three moons hanging in the sky, as if from some fantasy world.
“I want to see the sky.”
“…You want to see the sky?”
I flinched for a moment.
Although my sister couldn’t express it, whose desire could it really be to want to see the sky?
Was it Kang Do-yeon, who had been living in the caves for weeks?
Or the Legion, which had never seen the high sky even once?
“But what if the phone runs out of battery?!”
“Don’t worry. I figured out a way just before.”
Around the time the Legion first fought and defeated the Devouring Fungus.
My account level reached 5.
In truth, leveling up only increased the number of slots I could send and the amount of food I could provide, so I hadn’t been paying much attention.
However, the moment I reached level 5, a new function was added.
[From now on, you can use the app by utilizing your corneas, even without a cellphone.]
“Ugh!”
The first time I tried that function, I stumbled back at the sight of a large screen unfolding before my eyes, showing the movements of the Legion.
“…It was unreasonable that losing a cellphone meant being unable to do anything. Besides, aliens probably don’t use cellphones.”
“That’s a relief.”
“Anything else you need to say?”
The question of whether there’s anything to say was directed both at my sister and, at the same time, at the Legion.
I wanted to communicate directly with the Legion as soon as possible.
It was just that I was being forced to use this indirect method because they were refusing.
“Well…”
He stammered, opening his mouth.
I realized that what he said was conveying the Legion’s intent.
*
“You seem bored.”
“Well…because I’m not doing anything?”
“We can do anything once the construction of the stronghold is complete. We need a safe home after all.”
Robert, who was fiddling with cards, chuckled.
I looked out with an uneasy expression.
Even now, those working their bones off were the soldiers and others.
We were just sitting in our barracks, doing nothing.
“Our job is to fight in emergencies, not to dig the ground with shovels. Besides, we aren’t soldiers. We’re mercenaries doing paid work.”
“T-That’s true.”
Mercenaries seemed unfazed by this kind of situation; they seemed to be used to it.
I just sat there quietly beside them, but I couldn’t stay long.
Chae Yeon called for me.
“Eh? That lightning girl?”
“Yes. I’ll go check it out.”
“What a surprise. Our mission is with that lightning girl…”
Robert opened his eyes wide in shock, but another member, Sneaky, whispered to him with a grin.
Then Robert looked at me, his mouth and eyes curling up in a smirk.
Seeing that expression made me think they might have misunderstood something quite a bit.
“Be safe. D-Don’t make it too obvious, ahem.”
“…Don’t get any strange ideas. She’s a genuine professional.”
To me, who knew Chae Yeon’s personality, it was an absurd misunderstanding.
She was definitely a beautiful and charming person.
However, even after spending several days together, there had been no real gossip at all.
She was a busy person, always dedicating herself to training at home.
Park Joon-seok was said to have developed such a degree of respect that he couldn’t even dare to look at her.
“I called because I wanted to see you.”
However, the moment I entered her tent, I was met with an unexpected statement.
“You need to see the results of your training. You’re still continuing your personal training, right?”
“Ah?! Ah, yes. Of course.”
“It seems a bit more comfortable, though.”
She smiled faintly.
I had heard that she and the Evolution personnel moved separately.
It was undoubtedly under a player’s orders, but still, her job was to hustle around for that purpose.
“Comfortable, you say?”
“Not too long ago, I was just an inexperienced 24-year-old C-rank hunter. Now I’m able to be part of a separate unit during a large-scale operation. Honestly…it feels awkward and difficult to even sit with people like presidents or commanders.”
“…That is true.”
I kept forgetting. She was just one year older than me.
She was one year older than my colleagues who graduated from college this year.
“In that situation, it felt a little more comfortable talking with Shin Woo, who is my age. Park Joon-seok is 29, but he can be quite cheeky.”
“Then would you like to speak more casually now?”
I unexpectedly uttered those words.
In fact, it had been bothersome to have been speaking politely to each other until now.
But seeing the wide-eyed expression on her face made me wonder if I shouldn’t have said it first.
“…Should I?”
However, she smiled and spoke more casually.
Seeing that, I too smiled back gently.
At this point, I couldn’t deny it.
I certainly had feelings for her…
[The Legion has noticed your feelings.]
“Puff.”
But suddenly being confronted with those floating words in front of me made me cough and flinch.
