Chapter 74: Invasion and Erosion (3)
The legionnaires were relentless. They knew no concept of day or night. They never hesitated. Once they received an order, they charged forward until their energy was depleted or their vital organs were destroyed, rendering them immobile. I watched as the legionnaires, like a black tidal wave, spilled over the forests and plains. Their orders were clear: kill all 'enemies'-that is, all living humans.
[The legionnaires currently produced are merely a distraction. The legion's plan of erosion has already begun in the labyrinth and will consume this world.]
What exactly is this plan?"
[It involves using the data obtained from the digestion and absorption of local plants to cover the entire surface of this world with the legion's body.]Follow current novels at novelhall.com)
The scene shifted. Near the labyrinth, the area had already been eroded by the legion, distorting the entire landscape. The once lush vegetation had been digested and converted into nourishment, and in its place, a new entity had sprouted.
[It's a combination of the sacred tree cherished by the Moonlight Elves, the large fungus that thrived in the caves, and the existing plants. Its ability is to absorb everything on the surface and convert sunlight into energy.]
The sprouting entity, or rather, the ambiguous lifeform, began to rapidly grow. There were dozens of them, and they were still increasing. Even the sprouting leaves were black. There was no need for photosynthesis.
Using chlorophyll for photosynthesis was less efficient than using the power of the sacred tree, which the legion manipulated more freely than the original, to convert the shining sunlight directly into nourishment. The power of the sacred tree, wielded by the legion, was truly formidable. It was on a completely different level from farming.
The heat emitted by volcanoes was literally an energy storage, and if a sturdy body capable of withstanding it could be created, it could even penetrate the earth's crust and suck up the power harbored by the planet.
Even after realizing a way to obtain a large amount of energy without predation, through photosynthesis or something similar, they still won't stop?"
[Yes. For the legion, predation is not simply about filling their stomachs.]
Sigh..."
I covered my face, watching the legion's relentless and aggressive growth, and listening to the dizzying developments around me. I had decided on a few paths. The first was that I, and my surroundings, had to be safe from the legion. I already knew that I couldn't stop the legion's predation.
Even if I felt sorry for the victims of the other world who were indiscriminately sacrificed to the legion, I had to accept it as the law of survival of the fittest in the
ecosystem. But if the legion came to Earth and tried to do the same, I would have to stop them. I am a human, and without the society created by humans, I wouldn't exist.
[Do you think the legion will listen if you ask them not to eat humans, or rather, your people?]
So far, they have."
The second was this. Would the legion recognize my intentions and follow them? Until now, the legion had only communicated with me in the labyrinth. But seeing their actions after coming to the surface, it was clear that they were inspired by something. I couldn't predict what influence they would have and in which direction they would grow.
So, I had to do something. Before the people I met on the surface influenced the legion, I had to color them with my color first. A simple gift wouldn't be enough. So, how should I do it?
My master never gave a specific name to this training method he developed for Earthlings."
You'll catch on fast, I'm sure."
I hope so."
Ji Chang Hyun, always donning a faint smile, seemed perpetually relaxed. At first, I was concerned about his faction, which openly disclosed their identities and activities. But that was just my paranoia. Instead, they expanded their influence among the general public, securing their legitimacy. Now, the stature of the Guardians Union they initially formed was on par with Evolution and the Alliance Force.
I wasn't sure if this was their intention from the start. But it meant they weren't a concern for someone like me.
The Alliance Force, having regrouped, will resume operations next week. Evolution is also making its move... I guess you'll be on the move as well?"
Most likely."
Then you should learn the basics before then."
Ji Chang Hyun, who had just finished his training for the day, said with a somewhat serious face. I also reviewed my schedule in my head. Although we took a big hit, the Allied Command wasn't wiped out like other places. They were replenishing their forces and preparing for another battle. The overall direction hadn't changed much, but this time they were unofficially mobilizing missiles and various chemical weapons.
Evolution, which I was a part of, was naturally participating in this battle. Despite having already experienced war, no one backed out. They were all armed with a sense of duty and professionalism.
Are you going to participate in the battle?"
Me? Of course."
I spoke to Ji Chang Hyun just before parting. He nodded as if it was a given.
...I've heard there's a terrifying weapon. Something absolutely unstoppable."
Yes, there is. An irrational means that can kill any entity, no matter how powerful, without question."
Aren't you scared?"
He realized I was talking about the One-time Assassination Right. As far as I knew, the One-time Assassination Right was a certain death that was currently impossible to counter. If aggro was drawn, it would obviously fly in. Naturally, whether they were players or special units, they should act cautiously.
My master taught me this too, but think about it differently. The One-time Assassination Right is just a single fatal blow."
However, Ji Chang Hyun laughed as if the One-time Assassination Right was not a big deal. I was slightly taken aback and lost for words, and in the meantime, he left.
My master taught me not to be swayed by this game in order to achieve a true cause. After all, it's reality, and there's no such thing as an absolute in reality."
Instead, he left me with a meaningful remark.