Chapter 65: Symbiosis

Chapter 65: Chapter 65: Symbiosis What was that...? Blaze thought and looked sideways to be greeted by three fleshy appendages. They appeared to be made of the same components as a corpse wall, only the tendrils had black veins plastered all over them. They moved like snakes through the air, but there was something more. Blaze could feel them as if they were his limbs. [Proceeding with mutation debriefing.] +++ Asura Tendrils (Level 1) Type: Active Mutation Base Attributes: • Maximum Tendrils: 3 (Scales with Level) • Length: Up to 5 meters • Durability: Mediocre • Cost per Tendril: 2% of current body mass Functions & Features: • [We Are One]: Grow one or more tendrils from the torso, spine, or limbs that obey mental commands. • [Reabsorption]: The intact tendrils can be retracted into the body to reclaim spent mass. The body mass used to create them is lost if the tendrils are burned or severed from the subject’s body. • [Syphon]: Tendrils can be used to feed on corpses or living creatures to eat the organic matter to regenerate lost biomass. • [Nerve Threading]: The tendrils are a part of the hive. As such, they can relay sensory feedback to the Subject. Risks & Limitations: • Tendrils severed or burned cannot be reabsorbed and must be regrown. Associated body mass is lost for good. • Excessive tendril generation can weaken core body mass, reducing durability and strength. It is recommended that the subject feed regularly to restore lost mass. • Mass drawn from toxic or cursed beings may cause adverse reactions to the subject. +++ Blaze read the details of his new mutation and realized it was the same as what the amalgamated undead had been using. His body had accepted the new mutation. He straightened his back, and the tendrils went still, just like Blaze wanted. Hmm... controlling them is easier than I thought. Despite their ease of control, Blaze was quick to point out visible weaknesses. The tendrils he had weren’t as big or girthy as the ones used by the undead. It made him doubt their strength. Blaze didn’t realize the tendrils’ size was associated with the user’s body mass. Since the creature using them was bulky, the tentacles were also bulkier. Blaze didn’t consider that and jumped straight in to test them out. Martin’s tentacles could break a concrete wall. Let’s see what mine can do. With a flick of his wrist, a tendril shot towards the wall before him. A loud whipping crack sounded as dust and debris were flung everywhere. It can break walls. Check. However, it was just the beginning. Blaze directed the tendrils towards a broken lamppost. The tendrils latched onto the lamppost as he tried his best to rip it out. The metal bent and creaked as the tendrils wrapped around it tighter. Blaze even arched his back to get some leverage as black veins bulged all over the tendrils. With a final pull, the pole was ripped off the ground, dangling in the air. Blaze flicked his wrist again, and the tendrils threw the lamppost away. He continued to do more tests to check its integrity and robustness. It seemed the tendrils only had two weaknesses. They could be sliced through easily, and were susceptible to fire, which wasn’t a surprise. Fire was an inherent weakness of the undead. Since the tendrils comprised zombie flesh, they wouldn’t hold long against fire. However, that wasn’t all. After repetitive testing, small pieces of flesh fell apart from the ends of the tendrils. Their durability’s not great, but good enough for now. Using the same tendril repeatedly wasn’t ideal as it shed flesh with each use. It was better to use them, retract them, and then create another tendril to replace the old ones. Blaze understood why that zombie didn’t have the tentacles out all the time. It just wasn’t feasible. But could a zombie realize it by itself? Blaze doubted that. It was more likely someone, probably a chosen, was controlling the undead. The same person or thing that kept pulling him towards them. Someone capable of controlling the dead. Could it be a necromancer? With everything that was happening, the appearance of someone like that wouldn’t surprise Blaze. However, it will be a cause of concern. He was a zombie, something a necromancer should be able to control. Maybe the pull he felt was a product of that interaction. Perhaps he resisted it because he had kept his conscience even after death. However, it was different for his horde. If the necromancer existed, there was no saying they couldn’t snatch his horde from him. That’s what worried him the most. It also made his plans to create his own version of the undead even more important. Blaze thought their powers must be limited to the creatures created using Necroseed. Let’s focus on the research first. Then I can proceed with the rest. Blaze made a mental note to find the source of the attraction after dealing with the zombie king and the cordyceps research. Fester, you can leave now. Continue working on the tunnel to Carmel Valley. "Skree!" After Fester disappeared, Blaze retraced his steps to return to the zombie’s corpse. He was surprised at how thoroughly Fester had dismantled it. Just like he would have done the job. The little fella is a quick learner. Blaze smirked before summoning his tendrils again. They dug into the zombie’s corpse and consumed all its flesh, only leaving the skin behind. Not just the tendrils but Blaze’s muscles also bulged. It was a significant increase, almost to the point of tearing through the suit. I guess I’ll have to do shopping again. Blaze shrugged, turning to face the research building. And now, the final test. The tendrils broke through the wall as Blaze tried recreating Martin’s climb. The third tendril hoisted him up to start climbing. As Blaze climbed, he felt an unnatural sensation. Since the tentacles appeared from his back, it felt like they were tugging at his spine. Climbing with my claws is faster than this... Blaze thought as he managed to climb seven feet, but then one tendril snapped, making him sway sideways. The other two quickly tried to balance him again, but failed. He fell, swinging like a pendulum before sinking his claws into the wall to stop. Yeah... that’s enough playing around for now. Blaze shook his head and quickly retracted the tendrils, opting to climb using his claws instead. He would practice more, but later. Finding the researcher he saw before took precedence.