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Transformed into Cosmic Horror in a Sci-Fi Universe – 10

EP.10 Nyarlathotep

"So… you couldn't find any connection, is that what you're saying?"

"Yes, that's correct."

"We apologize for not bringing back any useful information."

Having returned to the Galactic Union headquarters, Reus and Allegros were reporting to Edgar, one of the Lubaran Elders in the Galactic Union Elder Council.

Though indistinguishable due to the Lubaran's characteristic blue skin and elongated heads, Edgar had the most noble blue hair among the Lubaran, a slightly darker teal that indicated his high status.

"…Sigh, well, that's fine. The Outer God disappeared suddenly anyway."

"What?"

Reus and Allegros looked puzzled at the news of the Outer God's sudden disappearance.

"It tore through space and vanished, just like other Outer Gods do."

It wasn't uncommon for Outer Gods to travel between dimensions.

However, it was rare for them to disappear without causing any significant incidents.

Usually, whether their stay was brief or extended, they would cause at least one major disaster before leaving.

Of course, the passengers on the tourist ship did suffer from mental attacks, but those were resolved more easily than expected.

Even if Eugene, the Terran, hadn't intervened, it wouldn't have been considered a major incident.

Only one tourist ship with a few hundred passengers was affected.

It was a bit risky that Elder Jupiter of the Meias, a member of the Elder Council, was among them, but still.

In hindsight, the incident seemed more like a minor accident that a giant monster might cause rather than an Outer God.

Moreover, the entity didn't move from its spot and vanished a few hours later.

This was unprecedented in the history of the Galactic Union, leaving them extremely puzzled.

"…Well, it's fortunate that there was no damage. Plus, thanks to that Terran named Eugene, the passengers on the tourist ship were mostly unharmed."

Elder Edgar added that he hoped future encounters with Outer Gods would end similarly.

"More importantly, I'd like to investigate this Eugene further. You mentioned his identity was erased by the Terrans, right?"

Rather than dwelling on the past incident, Elder Edgar's interest shifted to Eugene, the Terran.

The fact that the entity tore through dimensions and vanished confirmed it was a high-ranking Outer God.

This meant Eugene had purified the mental collapse caused by a high-ranking Outer God using the latest scientific technology—some kind of brainwave adjustment device.

If true, it indicated Eugene was an extraordinary genius inventor.

Such talent should naturally be brought into the Galactic Union.

"Contact the Terrans and see if anyone remembers him."

Such a talent might be known by name or face among the Terrans.

Although names and faces can be changed, it was worth a try.

"…Shall we go and bring him here if necessary?"

"Hah, you fool."

Elder Edgar sighed in exasperation at Reus's suggestion.

"We investigated him without proper explanation, so he probably holds a grudge. And now you want to bring him here for his scientific knowledge?"

"..."

It made sense.

They had just conducted a thorough investigation, so Eugene's perception of the Galactic Union was likely negative.

"…Well, I made a mistake too. I should have asked where he learned about that technology, considering the possibility it wasn't his."

Reflecting on his hasty actions, Elder Edgar acknowledged his lack of caution.

"First, we'll send an official apology and give it some time. He'll likely stay with Elder Jupiter for a while."

"Yes, understood."

They decided to apologize formally and give it some time regarding Eugene.

Over time, any emotion tends to fade.

Especially for Terrans, who have relatively short lifespans and poor memory.

#

Nyarlathotep… what an imposing presence.

Is it on a level similar to mine?

It's comparable to Shub-Niggurath, as seen in the history of the universe.

Presumed to be high-ranking.

Who decided that?

It seems more like a top-tier entity…

Wait, if it and Shub-Niggurath are on par with me… does that mean I'm top-tier too?

[Answer the question. I asked who you are.]

While I was pondering this, Nyarlathotep spoke to me again.

[You just came from that universe over there. There was no one like you among those who entered.]

Well, of course.

I was just born there today.

[I was newly born. A few hours ago.]

I decided to answer, thinking that if I kept silent, they might consider me rude and swarm to attack.

…Well, I'm not sure if Outer Gods have such seniority rules like college seniors and juniors.

[…What?]

Nyarlathotep expressed confusion, as if it didn't understand what I meant.

What, even an Outer God doesn't know everything?

Didn't it know I was born?

Ah, right.

I also have little information about higher-ranking Outer Gods.

At best, I have data from historical sightings and incident reports in the universe.

[That's strange. There's no such thing as a newly born entity among those like us.]

???

What does that even mean?

I clearly just came into existence.

So when do Outer Gods come into being?

I mean, in Cthulhu Mythos, don't Outer Gods create other Cthulhu entities?

[You are like us. A being close to the Source… surely, you must have originally existed as part of the Source.]

Originally part of the Source… that must refer to the true high-ranking Outer Gods.

Maybe it thinks I'm the same because I possess similar powers?

But I was just an ordinary human who reincarnated as an Outer God.

The Galactic Union even captured the moment I popped into existence.

I wasn't created by anyone; I just came into being on my own.

Yet, I possess powers akin to those of the original Source.

…What exactly am I?

[Curious. You are like us, yet different. You have no memories, and your nature is peculiar. Like… yes, like the insignificant beings in the universe.]

Well, I was originally just a mere human.

I still vividly remember my human memories and emotions.

Even though I've become an Outer God and gained knowledge of the universe, those memories remain.

That is indeed curious.

By now, my human ego should have completely dissolved, and I should have become like the other Outer Gods.

Listening to this Outer God, I realize I am somewhat different.

But so what?

No one is criticizing or restraining me.

Not that I'm sure they could, but anyway.

Since things have turned out this way, I might as well enjoy being an eternal, immortal creator god.

Living an eternal life, I don't know when my personality might erode and disappear, but for now, I'll enjoy it.

That's what I decided.

[Don't worry about it. I'll live my life as I see fit. Do other Outer Gods impose sanctions if I do?]

[…No, they do not. As long as we are not interfered with, we do not interfere.]

That's a relief.

If the Outer Gods decided to have a battle of transcendents, it would have been troublesome.

I'm a newbie as an Outer God, while they've likely existed for eons, making them highly experienced.

Our power might be similar, but I'd probably lose due to the experience gap.

Well… as top-tier Outer Gods, we are concepts and thus absolutely immortal, so even if I lost, my existence wouldn't be annihilated.

[You are truly fascinating. Your thoughts, speech, and nature. It's like observing the insignificant beings. I have a great interest in them. And I find you, who resembles them despite being like us, very intriguing.]

Suddenly, Nyarlathotep said this, and its writhing tentacles began to thrash violently.

Ugh…! Could you not move like that?

It's making me nauseous…

Having a massive tentacle entity the size of Saturn take an interest in me isn't exactly pleasant.

Honestly, it's unsettling.

It feels like I'm being observed as a test subject.

[Would you like to converse with me further? In return, I will share some special knowledge.]

[...]

Special knowledge, huh.

I don't really need to know more… or maybe it means knowledge I don't have?

Perhaps it wants to share some know-how about living as an Outer God?

That would be relatively interesting.

Even though I've done all sorts of things to enjoy the sci-fi universe, creating avatars and all, my essence is still that of an Outer God.

…Huh? Come to think of it, I can't feel the connection with Eugene.

Oh no! It must have been severed.

I got so distracted by Nyarlathotep's sudden appearance!

Damn… I can't reconnect from within this rift…

Well, it can't be helped.

I prepared a backup personality for situations like this, so Eugene's personality should be controlling the avatar and acting independently.

I copied my personality, so it shouldn't deviate much from what I would do.

I also endowed it with ample abilities, so there shouldn't be any danger…

Alright, let's not worry about it.

For now, I should take this opportunity to converse with Nyarlathotep, this ancient Outer God senior.

It's a bit unsettling that it's interested in me, but it doesn't seem to have any intention of harming me.

This is a rare chance to talk with a top-tier Outer God.