Chapter 6: Visitor

Transformed into Cosmic Horror in a Sci-Fi Universe – 6

EP.6 Visitor

"So, Master, you've given an identity to a being presumed to be an avatar of an Outer God?"

"You've understood correctly."

It was madness.

Foreign Gods, or Outer Gods.

Beings whose mere existence could plunge the living creatures of the universe into despair and suffering.

Granting an identity within the Galactic Union to an avatar of such a being.

Understanding it made it even clearer how insane it was.

No, what was even more incomprehensible was:

'An Outer God helping us? And acting like an ordinary human… Is that even possible?'

Outer Gods were literally symbols of destruction and despair.

A prime example is the Outer God codenamed 'Zakura Mog.'

As a mid-tier god among the Outer Gods, it had a grotesque appearance resembling a fusion of a scorpion and a centipede from the planet Earth, where the Terra race lived.

A monster the size of an asteroid, hundreds of kilometers in diameter, combining the features of a scorpion and a centipede.

Just looking at it would cause one to recoil in disgust.

In reality, it possessed abilities as repulsive as its appearance, spreading deadly venom and plagues around it.

Known as 'The Bringer of Plagues,' Zakura Mog commanded billions of giant insects, ranging from a minimum of 1 meter to a maximum of 2 kilometers in size.

Its mere passage would turn a planet into a wasteland of venom and disease, leading to its destruction.

Decades ago, there was an incident where Zakura Mog annihilated a planet in the Galactic Union's Sector F in an instant.

The inhabitants of that planet were a reputable race, diligently advancing their scientific technology with the support of the Lubaran race.

Yet, they were wiped out in just three days.

Simply because Zakura Mog passed by.

To prevent further damage, the Galactic Union somehow lured Zakura Mog into a void with few galaxies nearby, eliminating future threats.

Since then, it seems Zakura Mog has been wandering in that void, as there have been no reports of damage caused by it for over 30 years.

Such is the nature of Outer Gods.

Beings so overwhelming that mere mortals cannot possibly oppose them.

Even the Galactic Union, which currently dominates the universe, can only drive them into voids to avoid further harm.

They are truly 'gods' in every sense.

If Eugene is such a being, then why?

Not only this Union base but also the planets of the Meias race, including Jupiter and Lowie himself, could be at risk if he remembers their presence.

Why did his master help such a terrifying being?

"Lowie, the galaxy is under a misconception."

"What do you mean?"

At Lowie Hendrick's question, Jupiter smiled gently.

"Not all Outer Gods are hostile to people. In fact, we can't even be sure if they are hostile to us at all. They are simply beings whose mere existence poses a threat to us."

Fundamentally, Outer Gods do not antagonize the life forms of the universe.

Of course, some are filled with boundless hatred towards cosmic life forms, but generally, they are indifferent to life.

Why would they care about insignificant life forms that collapse and die just by being near them?

The life forms of the universe deem them enemies and fear them simply because being close to them is dangerous.

"But just as some of us take an interest in insignificant insects or microorganisms, some of them are researchers who take an interest in us."

And sometimes, they help the life forms of the universe.

They might even create new life forms and civilizations or endow primitive races with power and wisdom, transforming them anew.

"Of course, they act out of mere curiosity and boredom. But for us, those actions undoubtedly serve as 'good.'"

If we define the typical Outer Gods, who are not particularly hostile but pose a threat by their mere existence, as 'evil,' then those who help the universe out of simple curiosity can be considered 'good.'

And if they are such benevolent Outer Gods, shouldn't we reciprocate as much as we can?

Though these beings defy common sense, and we can't be sure if our actions will be perceived as helpful, it's worth trying.

"Just the fact that he spared us indicates that he can be considered 'good' to us."

"…So, because he's a benevolent god, we should treat him well?"

"Isn't it better than offending him and making him angry?"

"..."

Indeed, that made sense.

There was no need to unnecessarily anger an Outer God who could be considered friendly towards us.

If he spared us, we should do our best not to offend him and express our gratitude.

The moment he becomes even slightly displeased, insignificant mortals like us could be obliterated without a trace.

"…Understood. I will be careful as well."

Lowie Hendrick decided to follow his master's lead and express his gratitude to him from now on.

"He can see through our conversations and everything else. There's no need to hide it."

Suddenly, Jupiter seemed to remember something and looked at Lowie Hendrick.

"However, he doesn't seem to want his identity revealed. So, be careful with your words."

"…Yes, understood."

As they concluded their conversation and were about to head back into the headquarters.

"Elder Jupiter. There you are."

"…?"

Someone spotted them and called out.

"Who are you…"

Turning their heads, they saw two people standing there.

Blue skin and gray eyes without pupils.

And an elongated head extending backward.

One had dark teal hair.

The other had brown hair.

These were characteristics of the highest-ranking species in the Galactic Union, the Lubaran race.

"My name is Reus. I am the team leader of the Galactic Union's Space Environment Management Department. And this is…"

"Allegros. Deputy Director of the Space Safety Measures Headquarters."

Reus and Allegros had come from the headquarters of the Galactic Union.

"Why have two esteemed members of the Union's headquarters come to see this old man?" Jupiter asked.

Reus narrowed his eyes and handed over a photograph.

It looked like an identification photo of a young man from the Terra race, with black hair and black eyes.

"Do you know this person in the photo?"

"…!!"

"This, this is…"

Jupiter and Lowie couldn't help but be shocked when they saw the photo Reus was holding.

Because it was an identification photo of Eugene, who had just been with them.

"You guaranteed his identity and created an ID under your name. Where is this man now?" Reus asked sharply.

The look in Allegros's eyes was also serious.

It was clear that they were looking for him for reasons that were not good.

"…I don't know the reason, but if it's for something unfavorable, I would recommend not looking for him," Jupiter tried to dissuade them, fearing what might happen if they angered Eugene.

Allegros pushed Reus aside and lunged at Jupiter, shouting angrily.

"Hey, old man! Do you not understand how serious this situation is? There's no leniency just because you're a Union elder! This is a severe threat to space safety!"

He then pointed to Eugene in the photo and continued.

"The tourist ship you were just on in the Skull Nebula. You were mentally attacked there, right? That's because an Outer God appeared a bit farther away. Just suddenly, out of nowhere."

Moreover, after estimating the size and power of that Outer God, it was concluded to be at least a high-tier one.

"A mental attack from 200,000 km away as soon as it appeared. It might be a crazy one like Nyarlathotep!"

Nyarlathotep.

One of the terrifying high-tier Outer Gods, known for paralyzing dozens of nearby planets and space stations with its mere 10-minute appearance centuries ago.

It's known to deliver an overwhelming mental attack that can collapse the minds of life forms even 1,000,000 km away.

Though it stayed for only about 10 minutes before suddenly tearing through dimensions and disappearing, it caused immense chaos.

Despite its brief appearance, it earned the nickname 'Crawling Chaos.'

"This Terra race guy seems to be connected to that Outer God, so we need to investigate."

"So, hurry up and tell us. What's your relationship with this guy? Who is he? Where is he now?"

Jupiter remained silent and shook his head quietly.

It meant not to look for him.

Even if he didn't cooperate here, the worst that could happen was an extended suspension or permanent expulsion from his elder position.

But if he sold out Eugene's information to these clearly hostile individuals, he couldn't even imagine the repercussions.

"Hmph, fine. He's probably somewhere in this base anyway. Let's go, Team Leader Reus."

"Yes, Deputy Director Allegros."

With that, they tried to push past Jupiter and Lowie.

Swoosh─

At that moment, Jupiter summoned his staff and blocked their path.

"I told you, it's not allowed. If you don't want to die, you'd better back off now."

"…Ha! Has this old man gone mad?"

And at that moment, veins bulged on the long hair of Reus and Allegros.