A Legion Grows From My Smartphone

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.]

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."

“Why not?"

“Considering our origin, we were never meant to stay. His hope was for people to learn this method and create their own variations. That's why it's still nameless. My master believed that once it has a name, it becomes rigid and unchangeable."

The next day, Ji Chang Hyun's words during my training seemed to hint at something.

“The power of a name is indeed significant."

His words took me by surprise. A name... The legion didn't have one. From the start, even after they became self-aware, I always referred to them as fthe legion'.

Ji Chang Hyun chuckled, seemingly amused by my question. Through our conversation, I found a way to extend my influence over the legion. It was a refreshing thought.

“Your expression has brightened considerably. Have you resolved your concerns?"

“It seems so, for now."

“Then you must have made progress in your training as well."

Ji Chang Hyun grinned, picking up a hefty stone with one hand and tossing it in front of me. His task for me was to shatter this stone with my bare hands. He intended for me to strengthen the Heavenly Soul Art I had learned using his training method. I stood in front of the thick stone, my mind calm.

In truth, I had long abandoned the Heavenly Soul Art that I had barely scratched the surface of. The power I now possessed was unknown to anyone else.

“I'll give it a try."

I clenched my fist. The power I had accumulated, centered around my heart, manifested. The legion had modified a new mind technique just for me, one that could give power even to an ordinary person like me. So, it didn't take long to master.

With that, I threw a punch and shattered the massive stone. I was taken aback by my own strength.

“Wow... that's impressive. And in just a few days."

“No, it's not..."

Seeing Ji Chang Hyun's wide-eyed surprise, I instinctively shook my head. This wasn't entirely my own strength.

“I didn't expect you to progress this quickly... Anyway, it seems like you're ready to start wielding a sword with the others who have advanced."

Despite not knowing the full story, he applauded and praised me. When he mentioned wielding a sword, he meant teaching swordsmanship to people like me who had moved beyond the basics.

In fact, the Guardians Union, armed with the principles of justice and righteousness, was rapidly expanding its influence within the alliance.

The Alliance Force couldn't refuse the proposition of forming a special operations force of Hunter-level soldiers. The units of the Guardians Union, including Ji Chang Hyun, were training a group of warriors to harness their Formative Force, a skill taught by the talented individuals they had chosen.

“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.josei

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.