The Reverse Scale of Ouroboros.
It was, quite literally, the reversed scale that protected Ouroboros' heart.
As such, the reverse scale was not only a weak point for Ouroboros and other draconic beasts but also the most special scale among them.
After all, the scale that protected one of the most vital points couldn't possibly be the same as an ordinary scale.
To explain the reverse scale of Ouroboros, it could be summarized as follows:
Harder than Ark-grade alloys.
Sharper than a plasma sword.
And with outstanding ether conductivity.
Naturally, there were countless ways to utilize such a scale from Ouroboros.
'The easiest way would be to sell it to the Ark. Or I could process it into equipment.'
Normally, I would have used the reverse scale in one of those ways.
However, after realizing the newfound potential of the Bone Armor, the intended use of the reverse scale naturally changed as well.
'Yeah, this is the best choice.'
I decided to feed the reverse scale of Ouroboros to the Bone Parasite.
Still, it felt a bit wasteful to use the entire thing.
'Hmm, okay. Let's do it that way.'
I picked up Ankelenth's Spear and looked at the Reverse Scale of Ouroboros lying on the ground.
['Hardening' activated.]
Ankelenth's Spear, already harder and more durable than a plasma sword, became even more reinforced.
Gripping the spear tightly, I struck the reverse scale of Ouroboros with all my might.
Clang!
Clang—!
At first, the sound of metal clashing rang out, and Ankelenth's Spear bounced back from the impact.
My fingertips tingled from the jarring vibration.
But after concentrating as much ether as possible and drawing on the Bone Armor's physical reinforcement, I relentlessly struck the same spot.
Eventually, a crack appeared in the center of the reverse scale.
Crack, crack—!
Although both Ankelenth and Ouroboros were classified as Beyond Grade beasts, Ankelenth, unlike Ouroboros, possessed a power and magnitude that far surpassed other regional lords outside the Ark.
I picked up the reverse scale of Ouroboros, now split in half.
Even though it was only half of the original scale, considering the characteristics of the Bone Parasite, it didn't really matter whether it consumed half or the whole.
'Here, eat up.'
I handed the halved reverse scale of Ouroboros to the Bone Parasite.
Of course, it would have been nice if the parasite could just bite off half without me having to cut it, but given its nature, it would likely devour the entire thing, so I went through the trouble of splitting it.
[Kiiit!]
The Bone Parasite, as if worried I might take it back, immediately extended a bone tendril and grabbed the reverse scale, resembling a baby bird receiving food.
Crunch, crack—
For a while, the sound of the Bone Armor chewing on the reverse scale echoed around.
[Kiiiit, kiiik...]
The Bone Armor trembled intensely.
Ecstasy, joy, pleasure.
Countless emotions were conveyed through the Bone Armor.
[Kiiik!]
Before long, the armor shuddered as it fully absorbed the reverse scale of Ouroboros, showing signs of subtle changes.
[The Bone Armor has absorbed the 'Reverse Scale of Ouroboros'!]
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[Bone Armor (Lv.5)] [★★★★★★★★★★ (10-Star)]
— A basic officer's protective suit (Lv.5) from Ark, connected to domesticated Bone Parasite as a power source.
— The heart of the Grade-6 Named Behemoth Monster, Mossback Kupf, is used as the parasite's host.
— Can partially wield the powers of both the Bone Parasite and Mossback Kupf.
— After consuming Mossback Kupf's blood and flesh, the usable power of Kupf has increased.
— The fangs of the Beyond Grade Dragon Ankelenth were absorbed but have not been fully assimilated.
— Can declare 'Ankelenth's Domain' for a limited time.
— Current absorption rate of Ankelenth's fangs: 21.6%
— Upon surpassing a 15% absorption rate, Ankelenth's Spear can be summoned.
— Fully absorbed the abilities of the Grade-6 Named Subterranean Monster, 'Mule, The Tunnel Digger'.
— Fully absorbed the abilities of the Grade-5 Named Primate Monster, 'Moog, The Stone Thrower'.
— The Reverse Scale of the Beyond Grade beast Ouroboros was absorbed, gaining partial access to Ouroboros' powers.
"View Details"
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A full-fledged 10-Star armor.
Considering that the typical maximum equipment rating available inside and outside the Ark is around 8-Star, it was an impressive level of growth.
'As expected.'
Thanks to the Bone Parasite's growth, there was no issue with absorption efficiency as there had been when it consumed the Spiked Totem.
'It's unreasonable to compare Ouroboros with Ankelenth in the first place.'
While Ouroboros was undoubtedly a regional lord and Beyond Grade beast, Ankelenth was simply... on another level.
'Anyway, that's not important.'
To test the new capabilities of the Bone Armor, I willed it to activate.
['Steelization' activated.]
The bone tendrils of the armor turned jet-black, resembling the scales of Ouroboros.
Not only did the color change, but they also sharpened like lethal weapons.
'This is...'
An enhanced ability.
It seemed to be an advanced form of [Hardening], which I acquired after absorbing Mossback Kupf.
Interestingly, Steelization didn't just replace [Hardening] but could also be activated simultaneously.
Just like right now.
['Hardening' activated.]
I tested it by striking the reinforced bone tendril with the plasma sword obtained from Bagos.
Ziiiiing!
To my surprise, the bone tendril, even without being Ankelenth's Spear, withstood the plasma sword to some extent.
'To think it can endure the plasma sword's cutting power...'
Though a few more strikes broke the tendril, it was still impressive that it managed to withstand it at all.
'On top of that, Ankelenth's Spear also benefits from both Steelization and Hardening.'
Ankelenth's Spear, which already boasted the durability to withstand plasma swords, became even more formidable with both abilities active.
While I was examining the enhanced Bone Armor, Esther's voice suddenly broke through.
[Phew... I barely managed to send it back.]
At some point, she had returned, casually stroking the bone tendrils.
"All done?"
Esther grumbled.
[It's just temporary. Now that it's awake... I'm not sure what will happen next.]
"That's expected."
It didn't matter much.
I already knew that sending Ouroboros back was a temporary measure at best.
But now, Ouroboros had one critical weakness.
Even if an unexpected Hidden Stage appeared later, defeating Ouroboros wouldn't be as challenging.
'Honestly, I'd welcome it.'
A regional lord with a revealed weak point was essentially a delightful source of achievement points.
I got up and spoke.
"Let's head back."
Enough time had been wasted already.
The wave was approaching fast, and after the unexpected incident, the time to prepare had grown even shorter.
[...Do you really live in Noah's Sacred Mountain? You're kidding, right? You're lying, aren't you?]
It seemed that Esther just couldn't accept the fact that I lived in Noah's Sacred Mountain and needed to head there.
"It's true."
When I confirmed it with finality, Esther's face crumpled in despair.
Then, as if a bright idea had struck her, she clapped her hands.
[...Have you ever thought about moving?]
* * *
Location: Ark, Red Line.
Lieutenant Imosha quickened her pace.
The report she had just received was no ordinary matter.
Under normal circumstances, she would have handled it remotely, but given the gravity of the situation, she had no choice but to act in person.
Imosha approached the door of the office belonging to her direct superior, Lieutenant Colonel Banol, the commander of the Eastern Front Defense of Red Line.
Knock, knock—
"Come in."
Despite the unexpected visit, Banol's voice from beyond the door remained emotionless and calm.
"I apologize for the abrupt intrusion. However, there's something urgent that you must see."
"Report."
"This is the footage taken by the reconnaissance drone dispatched to the area showing abnormal reactions."
Imosha adjusted the device on her wrist, and soon a holographic screen appeared.
"Approximately 12 hours ago, we detected an anomaly at Snake Cave, located on the western perimeter of the Ark. As the Red-7 Gate supervisor was absent, I took command and dispatched a reconnaissance drone."
"Proceed."
The holographic screen displayed several photographs.
Reconnaissance drones dispatched outside the Ark typically transmit data as photos rather than videos due to transmission speed and data size considerations.
"These are the last photos taken before the drone was destroyed. Based on the energy readings, the target is estimated to be at least a Grade 1 or higher beast."
"With that size and energy response, it would be more accurate to classify it as a Beyond Grade beast. Have you identified it?"
"It's not listed in the Red Line database. Judging from the energy readings and size, we suspect it to be a beast of similar status to the 'Regional Lords.'"
"That's not good news."
Banol lit a cigar, his expression remaining unchanged.
It was an appropriate reaction.
A beast on the level of a Regional Lord was a direct threat to the Ark.
"And there's something even more important."
The screen changed.
Amidst the massive beast's movements, a small dot could be seen climbing its body.
"What is that?"
"Take a closer look."
The photo zoomed in gradually.
"This is an enhanced image, processed by AI."
The blurred photo slowly became clearer.
What appeared was a human figure.
Or rather, something resembling a human.
Unfortunately, the reconnaissance drone hadn't withstood the aftermath of the beast's rampage, resulting in limited photo transmission.
"A human?"
"No, sir. Judging by the black poncho and the bone tendrils visible around it, it matches the description of the Skull Turncoat encountered by the GHOST-157 recovery team."
"The Skull Turncoat?"
Even Banol, who rarely showed emotion, couldn't help but be slightly taken aback by this report.
"Is the Skull Turncoat controlling that beast?"
"No, sir. While we haven't confirmed it yet, the situation appears to suggest that they were fighting each other."
"Do you have a theory as to why?"
"For now, we suspect it might be a territorial dispute or survival conflict."
"So, you're suggesting that a Skull Turncoat capable of confronting a Regional Lord-level beast has appeared? At the very least, one of Grade 1 or higher?"
Typically, Skull Turncoats were classified as Beyond Grade not because of their overwhelming power but because their combat abilities varied greatly from one individual to another.
To think that not only did an unknown Regional Lord-class beast appear, but also a Skull Turncoat capable of matching it...
Banol wiped his face, a rare display of frustration, as Lieutenant Imosha gave a slow nod.
"Yes."
Banol let out a sigh.
"...This is beyond my jurisdiction now."
"So, what will you do, sir?"
"I'll have to go there myself. You're coming with me."
"To where, sir?"
Banol replied succinctly, his gaze fixed on a distant point.
"White Line."