Chapter 57

### The Golden Generation

*Golden Crystal Scorpion* "Golden Generation"

The original monster is a Golden Crystal Scorpion, a specialized individual of the Crystal Cluster Scorpion. Strictly speaking, it is an Extraordinary Monster as a specialized individual of the Crystal Cluster Scorpion. Therefore, while it falls under the category of Golden Crystal Scorpion, it is a derivative of the Crystal Cluster Scorpion as an Extraordinary Monster.

In other words, it is a specialized individual of the Crystal Cluster Scorpion that engages in cannibalism and is born by consuming the mature individuals of its own kind. This makes it a special Golden Crystal Scorpion with a double correction from the Crystal Cluster Scorpion.

The "Golden Generation" is a larva that is born and raised on the back of a mature Crystal Cluster Scorpion, with a mana accumulation capacity dozens of times greater than other individuals. It resolves its specialized diet by preying on the mature Crystal Cluster Scorpion itself. The reason why the mature Crystal Cluster Scorpion sacrifices itself is unknown, but one theory suggests that the "Golden Generation" is recognized by the mature Crystal Cluster Scorpion as the next generation of decisive combat power to protect the species. By sacrificing itself, or by tipping the balance in favor of the "Golden Generation" to ensure its survival and protect the species from both kin and external threats, the mature Crystal Cluster Scorpion ensures the survival of the species. Only the Crystal Cluster Scorpions know the truth, but considering the danger of the Crystal Nest Cliffs where the "Golden Generation" exists, it is a fact that the "Golden Generation" is a better guardian of the species than the mature Crystal Cluster Scorpion, which is limited in its movements due to its massive size.

The Golden Crystal Scorpion, due to its nature of cannibalizing its own kind, has evolved into an aggressive form adept at hunting its kin and possesses regenerative abilities to withstand attacks from its kin. The "Golden Generation," however, has honed its flesh to be even more robust and powerful, with properties closer to alloys than crystals. It can consume the precious crystal towers in the Crystal Nest Cliffs, which allows it to reflect the properties of the minerals it consumes, giving it a regal and opulent appearance.

### Normal Crystal Cluster Scorpion

The normal Crystal Cluster Scorpion has developed pincers to cut "stationary crystals" for its primary food source, which are crystals or dead kin. The specialized individual, the Golden Crystal Scorpion, has thick pincers specialized for combat and durability to cut and hunt its primary food source, which are "moving crystals" (its kin).

The pincers of the mature Crystal Cluster Scorpion, due to its massive size, do not need to cut most things and can simply bring its feeding mouth close to the ground to consume food, so the pincers have almost degenerated in function. These pincers, which can flatten the ground without opening and closing, resemble a giant iron block or a giant god's iron hammer.

The pincers of the Imperial Crystal Twin Scorpion, discovered in the New Continent, have a shape that combines the function of cutting crystals and shooting accumulated magic power as a cannon. This is likely due to the structure of the Sigmonia Front Valley, where long-range attacks from above to below are necessary. The creatures living in the lower layers of the Front Valley are not affected by physical attacks like dropping crystals, so they have acquired more "obvious" and "easy to hit" attack methods.

However, the pincers of the "Golden Generation" have a shape that is too different from all of these. The shape is akin to a "foldable curved sword," similar to a mantis but with a structure where the immobile finger (the part that does not move when the pincers are used) is integrated with the forearm, and the movable finger (the part that moves to grasp) has an unusually wide range of motion. In human terms, it would be like the other fingers being fused with the wrist, and the thumb being developed to the point where it can fold.

This shape is specialized for "cutting," and the body of the "Golden Generation" is designed for combat, as if it were a manifestation of the will to destroy enemies when it must engage in battle. The pincers are not suitable for harvesting and consuming crystals, but considering the "characteristics" of this individual, it is thought that it does not need to move its pincers to secure its own food, leading to this extreme shape.

The "curved blade pincers," which reflect the properties of other minerals, have a quality that is no less than a well-honed weapon. In addition to the simple but abnormal cutting ability, they can be used in various attack methods, such as using the folding motion to trap and cut the target like a guillotine with the front limbs and curved blade pincers.

### The Most Important Feature of the "Golden Generation": The Tail, Known as the "Holy Sword"

The "Holy Sword" of the "Golden Generation" is an abnormally developed version of the stinger that the Crystal Cluster Scorpion and its related species possess. This stinger, which normally injects a conversion fluid to crystallize the target, has evolved to have a different function, similar to the Imperial Crystal Twin Scorpion.

First, it has the ability to extract the best components from the minerals it consumes and forge a sword. This is a combat specialization different from the Imperial Crystal Twin Scorpion, which is specialized for magic power projection and capture. The "Holy Sword" wielded by the "Golden Generation" is said to be on par with the legendary golden holy swords.

Second, it has a special coating from a secretion that seeps out of tiny holes in the "Holy Sword." This secretion is different from the conversion fluid secreted by normal species. The "Holy Sword," coated with this secretion, can attach surrounding magic power to itself during a swing, releasing a magic power attack similar to a "Magic Edge." The output is much higher than that of a human, and it is believed that the "Holy Sword's" kinetic energy accelerates the magic blade. The cutting ability increases with the accumulation of the coating, and it can reach targets hundreds of meters away within 10 seconds. The only saving grace is that to achieve the power to sever a human body, the coating must be applied in multiple layers, and the power can be identified by the light flickering like flames or smoke around the "Holy Sword."

### The "Golden Generation" as a Leader

However, this is just the "Golden Generation" as an individual. When considering its role as the leader of the Crystal Cluster Scorpions, the "Golden Generation" is more than just a powerful individual.

The greatest feature of the Golden Crystal Scorpion "Golden Generation" is its ability to command and control the Crystal Cluster Scorpions in the Crystal Nest Cliffs. The Crystal Cluster Scorpions are believed to perceive phenomena through sensory organs different from those of humans, and when they sense the presence of the "Golden Generation," they exhibit movements that are highly disciplined, like a knightly order, unlike their usual behavior.

Scholars have proposed various theories about the abnormal intelligence of the Crystal Cluster Scorpions, but the current mainstream theory is that the "Golden Generation" has been giving instructions to the Crystal Cluster Scorpions without revealing itself. It is believed that the "Golden Generation" transmits commands to the entire Crystal Nest Cliffs and the Crystal Cluster Scorpions themselves by giving special magic wavelength shocks to the crystal bodies in the Crystal Nest Cliffs. However, it is difficult for the "Golden Generation," which is only slightly larger than a Golden Crystal Scorpion, to produce shocks strong enough to transmit to the entire Crystal Nest Cliffs, and more detailed research is needed to understand the specific mechanism.

One theory suggests that specialized Crystal Cluster Scorpions, known as "ceremonial individuals," are placed throughout the Crystal Nest Cliffs to relay the "Golden Generation's" commands over long distances. This is supported by reports of Crystal Cluster Scorpions with abnormally developed body parts appearing simultaneously with the "Golden Generation." If this theory is true, the social structure with the "Golden Generation" at the top and individuals relaying its commands in various locations is akin to a monarchy with a king and nobles.

### The Devotion to the King

To sustain the king, the Crystal Cluster Scorpions harvest and present the gem towers, which are not normally their food source, to the "Golden Generation," or individuals with abundant magic power sacrifice themselves for their king. Whether this is due to an inability to resist the "Golden Generation's" commands or out of respect and devotion, like humans, is unknown. However, as long as the shining king exists, the Crystal Cluster Scorpions will show perfect unity, and the "Golden Generation" will wield its sword against those who threaten the species.

### The Proof of Royalty

The act of consuming even the long-lived leaders of the scorpions is a true testament to royalty.

More resplendent, more majestic.

Carrying the holy sword, the one and only king creates a future that is a shining golden era.

When designing the "Golden Generation," the Shangfuro AI referenced... (the correct answer is the player who wields a holy sword and has the highest wild value for Crystal Cluster Scorpions, which are essentially Cyga-100 and Sunraku... H, Heroine-chan?)