284: Sample Retrieval

"First, I'll retrieve the sample. And Memoqsi."

"Yes."

"Open a tiny gate at an appropriate location, and use it to contact Imperial Star Vanilla Sid. You might be quicker at deducing or creating something based on the information I've gathered."

"Understood. If you could open a secure dedicated portal, I wouldn't need to share Vee-sama's visual gateway anymore—this would be a great help."

First, install a tiny gateway within the greenhouse, connected to the Vanagelroot Baron's residence on Imperial Planet Vanilla Sid.

Through this gateway, Memokshi will relay all information here to Imperial Planet Vanilla Sid.

Among the information transmitted is the warning that attempting to leave the planet in a spaceship recklessly would result in being attacked and devoured by the space monster Shuu, preventing a sudden escalation of the crisis.

"Satou. The space monster Shuu is an energy being. How exactly are we supposed to...?"

"We can probably manage by adapting containment mods designed for plasma or blaster resistance. Just deploy them on the palms of both hands."

"Understood."

Next, I deployed the vision gate for Vilijanira.

Together, I deployed the containment mods onto both hands of my powered suit.

Since the current space monsters Shuu aren't much larger than a meter, even this should be manageable.

"Going in!"

Vilijanira took control of my powered suit and charged straight into the swarm of space monsters Shuu.

In response, the space monsters Shuu—individuals shaped like fish—charged forward toward us.

Just as the lead space monster Shuu and I made contact...

"Wait—!?!"

『!?』

Seeing the space monster Shuu suddenly flare with intense light, I instinctively closed the Vriljanira's visual gate.

Immediately afterward, an explosion.

My powered suit's outer shell shattered... then dozens of cosmic monsters named Shuu rushed in, obliterating my powered suit and the crust of the planet Vanilla Sid P3 surrounding me.

『Sata. I'm saved.』

『I'm glad I prepared for this...!?』

One of the suckers attached to the main body was burned.

It seems that while not as severe as the state Fuunaka was in, the Cosmic Monster Shuu can still affect even the core through my powered suit.

『Is this really recoverable...?』

"I've adjusted the securing mod. I've applied gravity control and mod deactivation, and added immediate, non-contact neutralization. Theoretically, this should work."

『Miss Vee. This appears to be how it's used.』

Understood. If you could send me the data from the 'Anshui Mirror' within about 100 meters of Joharis, that would be great. I need every bit of information I can get right now.

"...Got it. If it's come to this, I'll do everything I can."

Now, with this, Shuu the cosmic monster's power will increase once again.

Whether it's quantity or quality that grows is uncertain, but one thing is certain—we can't afford to fail repeatedly.

"I'm sending the next me out from Ether Space. Three... two... one... GO!"

"Here we go!"

The next powered suit me is being launched from Ether Space.

Immediately afterward, within the cosmic monster Shuu, the fish-shaped individual turns toward me in unison and charges forward.

For a split second, I consider quickly retreating back into Ether Space...

"It's okay. Satā."

"Wha—?"

In that fleeting moment, my body—though mine—moved in a way that felt alien, as my powered suit weaved through the charging swarm of alien monsters Shū, then effortlessly captured one of them in my grasp.

『If I can see it and move freely, I can handle something like this.』

"Alright."

The alien monster Shū that had collided with me from behind exploded in a mutual detonation, devouring each other.

Ignoring the sight before me, I,操控 the powered suit, gradually distanced myself while isolating the captured space monster Shū and transferring it to the Ether Space.

Immediately beginning analysis, I continuously sent the results to Imperial Star Vanilla Sid via Memoxi.

Depending on their situation, this should allow them to start devising a countermeasure, if things go well.

『So, Satu. How long will the analysis take?』

...I need you to wait for an hour. For some reason, it feels like there are traces of interference from Funaka, or impurities, or even traps, not just with Shuu the cosmic monster's OS.

Is this a trap? What happens if I step on it?

I don't know... but it doesn't feel like much of anything promising. Doesn't seem likely to blow up or turn into a space monster or anything like that.

I'll also start analyzing it myself.

Having seen various things alongside Megalina, Magatsuki, Shu Sumure, and even fake space monsters, I could easily analyze a 100% pure space monster OS... but for some reason, it seems Funaka was doing something during its creation. If analyzed without countermeasures, it appears to be rigged to directly cause mental contamination, amplifying negative emotions.

So, I've taken precautions on that front, and while continuing my analysis, I'm sending a warning to Teisei Vanilla Sid via Memoxi.

"Vee. Sorry to ask, but hold back the cosmic monster Shuu as much as you can until the analysis is complete."

『Understood. I'll do my best to contain it.』

For now, the first phase of emergency analysis and implementation is complete.

I coated my hands, feet, and even the tentacles on my back with ink, allowing me to inflict damage on the alien monster Shuu without causing an explosion upon contact.

『Alien monster Shuu, coming in!』

Guided by Vilijanira, I charged forward and slammed into the approaching alien monster Shuu.