Chapter 144.2. Space Base
Bullets embed into metal walls, beams merely scorch the floor when angled sharply.
"Success, huh? These new familiars seem quite handy."
Crafted through dark magic, these familiars now receive a perpetual infusion of dark magic in addition to shadow magic.
Observing the relentless turret fire, I admire the performance of the Shadow Snakes. Previously limited to briefly halting foes with [Shadow Bind] it couldn't stop powerful bullets in time due to their speed.
But the newly bestowed power includes more than just [Shadow Bind].
[Drain Skin]
A dark magic that absorbs enemy energy, albeit at a 0.1% efficiency rate, and is only effective against lesser opponents. Still, it's a surprising ability.
Impressed, I note its capabilities. It absorbs a small amount of energy from attacking foes, useful against long-range physical attacks devoid of magic or martial enhancement. They have zero resistance, after all.
Both bullets and beams absorb energy from slightly off-center strikes. Larger objects, the size of a volleyball or larger, can't be as easily diverted from their trajectory. Yet, the Shadow Snakes was primarily designed to counter bullets, which suffices. With [Shadow Bind] bestowed as well, it can likely fend off anything but magically or martially enhanced bullets. Still, one must remain vigilant against magic.
"Miaow-miaow."
The cute mews prompt the cats to dash towards the turrets. Despite the turrets aiming and firing at them, all shots get intercepted by the advancing Shadow Snakes.
If they get too close, even altering their trajectory won't prevent them from hitting. Yet, the turrets have limitations in their firing arc, unable to keep up with the flanking Shadow Tigers, who swiftly disable them.
Rather than being torn apart by a single blow, the turrets couldn't fire as their barrels bent.
The cats revel in their newfound toys, pouncing on them, gnawing and scratching until silence reigns.
[So, it's the same facility as Tir na nOg?]
"The ease with which our defenses got breached seems similar. Back then, we were assured that people wouldn't even penetrate beam turrets."
Shizuku and Yukihana discuss with a mix of sadness and nostalgia. Indeed, while these defenses might seem impenetrable under normal circumstances, if enemies are assaulting a space station, wouldn't we expect the defenders to have some countermeasures?
"Talking about things only insiders understand, I feel left out. But isn't there something else?"
Approaching the motionless turrets sparks flying, I peer inside. The complex array of chips seems beyond salvaging. It's like a game.
[These turrets self-destruct if they sense their technology might fall into enemy hands.]
"Such technology makes you wonder if it's necessary. If the technology has already been compromised elsewhere, it only makes things tougher for our side."
It's like trying to open the Kingston valve on a disabled ship during World War II. I don't know if it's a space station or what, but when the enemy breaches residential areas, it's a dire situation. Leaving this chunk of metal behind for now.
I reach in and extract something shiny—a gem.
Seeing its gleam, I can't help but grin. Just as I thought, it's as expected.
I roll the gem in my palm. It's the familiar jet-black gem, but the crimson light at its center is larger than usual.
"In crafting, bullet creation is ranked B. So, what rank are creatures using guns?"
Summoning the equivalent exchange store and inserting the core.
[Obtained Monster Core B]
What a splendid display. Is this some glitch?
"I see. Looks like it's identical to Tir na nOg, but different inside. It's all about dungeons, after all."
[Adversity Growth has activated, granting stat points, Sakimori-san!]
They marvel at the results of the acquired monster core. Blocking attacks completely and defeating enemies rated B-rank is remarkable. Adjusting the rank of the gun to B is causing this distortion. Should've kept it at D-rank. Then, we wouldn't have ended up with this outcome.
[Well done. Surely, a nuclear missile would be an S-rank! You could become stronger by defeating enemies disguised as nuclear missiles.]
"Sorry, I'll pass on the nuclear missiles."
I'd probably die before getting stronger. Spare me the nuclear missiles. Come to think of it, what happened to the world's nuclear missiles? Were they disarmed? No point pondering that now.
"Now, this is an opportunity. Whether it's a dungeon born from Serika's past or something akin to it, a theme park has emerged. Let's enjoy and head back."
I glance at the reception floor ahead, snapping my fingers. As a signal, another hundred Shadow Tigers leap out from my shadow.
[So, it's the Night... the Dark Demon... Night's Descent? Uh, um, I forgot. It's about the invincible army of shadows summoned by a protagonist using medals.]
"Meow-Meow Squad, let's parade. It's a must for theme parks, right?"
While pretending not to see Shizuku's slump, I narrow my eyes and stride forward. It's time to rack up plenty of stat points.
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