The black threads erupted with incredible speed. In mere moments, more than half of Blood Port was completely shrouded.
The threads stretched in every direction, piercing any living thing they touched. Humans, birds, even insects—all were connected by threads, and the entire Blood Port was densely bound together by black lines.
At the point where the black threads had erupted, above the [Loving Mother] where "Mira" had originally been, the threads twisted and tangled together, weaving themselves into a black sphere.
Like a Cocoon, the sphere pulsed continuously in a slow rhythm.
Ash's squad had withdrawn to rest for the moment. The Banshees who had come as reinforcements were led by Nini. Frowning as she looked toward Blood Port in the distance, she swam over to Theus and spoke hesitantly.
"Lord, I think these black threads carry some kind of connection. Either they strengthen the [Loving Mother], or they control or kill the people on land. That thing above the monster's head may gradually grow, and it might even be able to control the threads. What do you think?"
"That was a good analysis." Theus glanced at Nini and said with an amused smile, "But if you're asking what I think... Ash, if you were still in command, what would you choose?"
Ash answered without the slightest hesitation. "I think we should launch an attack immediately."
Nini's eyes widened. "But that's an evil god! Shouldn't we figure out Its weakness first?"
Ash said, "What's hanging from your waist, and what are you holding in your hands? I think steel and gunpowder are the best analysis. Rather than wasting time figuring out where Its weakness lies, we should just blanket It with firepower."
Theus smiled and took over. "I developed industry, manufactured weapons, and desperately ramped up production so that the