Chapter 33: The Legion's Payback (4)
The paradox of Theseus. Kang Do Yeon's body was in a constant state of renewal, each individual cell regenerating. Yet, her form and function remained unchanged. If every cell was entirely replaced, was she still herself? This was one of the peculiar, unsettling sensations she was grappling with.
[If you cannot endure this strangeness, your mind will collapse.]
An unfamiliar voice echoed in her ears. It was the Legion's voice, which had been incomprehensible until now, constantly intruding. The voice was deep and male, yet it had a raspy, wounded edge.
[Who are you?] I...I am..."
She curled up like a fetus, her face twisted in confusion. Her small human brain was flooded with too much information, the Legion's knowledge far beyond what she could withstand. To prevent this, the Legion had judiciously filtered the information directed at her. With this control, she retained the strongest sense of self among the Legion, even though it relegated her to second in command.
I am Kang Do Yeon. I'm just me." [Is that all?]
And also, part of the Legion."
Through sheer willpower, she overcame the alien sensation, retaining her identity. She clearly remembered her last moment - the red cross-eyes of the one in a blue suit who had torn off her limbs, reducing her to near death. That bastard."
Anger boiled up within her. But it was not just her anger. The entire Legion resonated with it. Their nest-covered territory shook with intensity. [The first independent being was born. This is recorded in the Legion's history.]nove(l)bi(n.)com
She slowly opened her eyes. At the same time, the fleshy wall of the nest containing her cracked open. Light streamed in through the fissure, ejecting fluids. Cough... Hack..."
She was swept outside with the gush. Instinctively gasping, she took air into her lungs. Ugh..."
On unsteady feet, she stood up from the nest membrane covering the floor. The strangeness remained in her body - the sense that this was not her own. But gritting her teeth, she took deep breaths to calm herself. As her mind settled, her body swiftly adapted.
[Do you know what must be done?] Yeah. I get it... sir."
With a smirk, she cradled her throbbing head. The Legion, while managing her information intake, had also chosen to make active, efficient use of Do Yeon, the only one with a developed brain. She understood everything - her location, her current state, the nature of the Legion, and the next steps to be taken.
Sheathing her blade, Do Yeon murmured as she looked up at the massive hole in the ceiling. *
Is Mom really okay? You did promise, didn't you?" ...I promised you would survive, no matter what." Really? But can I ever return to Earth?"
The child gazed into the void, at me beyond the screen. Naturally, our perspectives were entirely out of sync. There has to be a way." I believe I can return very soon."
Despite my feelings, Do Yeon chuckled and responded. Her body still held that form - similar, yet distinctly non-human. The appearance of the female Legion creature was strikingly unnatural.
[Do you have nothing else to say?] No, that's not it."
I shook my head. My words were now a narration, delivered by the one she referred to as 'sir.' I'm not just saying this. Oppa may not realize, but I'm directly connected to the Legion, so I understand. It's truly...incredible. Those strange metal creatures that attacked us, I could tear them apart with a single fist now."
She clenched her fist. It looked clawed, with sharp talons protruding like spurs on a gauntlet. Right. That's true. But first, we need to escape this labyrinth." This place seems like some ancient ruin to me. The things attacking us, they behaved as if they were protecting this place. But aside from its size, there's not much here." Do Yeon rose and began to explore the 35th floor. Unlike the other floors, this one resembled a desolate cave. Nest seeds had been sown and were spreading, but there was little to assimilate.
[The Legion has decided to take a brief period to regroup. To replenish lost troops and prepare for the ascent, they first want to completely convert this area into a nest.]
The nest not only produced Legion creatures but also provided nourishment. Pursuing efficiency, it would be foolish to recklessly sacrifice them as consumables, regardless of what they were.
Ugh... I hate this."
A tendril from the nest extended into my sister as well. As it pierced her lower back, she trembled and grumbled incessantly. I can send food. I'm still steadily buying it and sending it." It's fine. Digestion is pointless now anyway, and this is more efficient than my human digestive system." ...Don't you want bread too?"
Her ears perked up at that. Smiling wryly, I stood up from my seat. At least I could...do this much. Hey! Are you listening?! I'll fight everything here! Just stay hunkered down! Stick right by Cha Ji Yeon's side!" A bitter smile tugged at my lips. Do Yeon had joined the Legion, yet her thoughts didn't always align with theirs. The Legion, a superior entity, harbored different concerns. My sister was still preoccupied with my safety, hoping I would find a secure refuge.
The Legion, however, had a different perspective. They were concerned about me as well, but their desire was for me to grow stronger.
Now, I understood. The Legion comprehended my emotions.