My declaration was met with a silence so absolute that even I felt a rare flicker of discomfort. However, that only lasted for a moment.
[Many constellations are puzzled by your words.]
[A number of constellations are rioting!]
The anticipated chaos began to unfold.
[The constellation, 'Heaven's Chosen Mistress', is shocked by your decision.]
[The constellation, 'Primordial Mother of Dragons,' has become upset.]
[The members of the
<Enuma Elish>
are glaring at you.]
[The constellation, 'Judge of War and Wisdom,' is glaring at you.]
[The constellation, Goddess of Love and Desire, is looking at you with hostiliy.]
The brilliant stars that once showered me with love and blessings (coins) were now baring their fangs at me. Even the surrounding survivors had to take a step back in fright.
It was absurd. I hadn't asked a single one of them for anything.
It was like giving money to a random homeless man, only to get angry when he didn't return it. Ridiculous, wasn't it.
Aurora looked at me from above, feigning uncertainty, as if she had no idea what to say. Her acting was surprisingly convincing.
[H-Hey, now, do you even know what you're saying? Dear constellations, please forgive this lowly player. It's my fault for not explaining things properly.]
Without a hint of shame, I said, "Why are you making it sound like I committed some terrible crime?"
[You... You have no idea the magnitude of what you've done. By refusing to choose a constellation patron, you've severed any chance of future support from them. Do you even comprehend what that means for you?]
Of course, I understood the consequences, but such a scenario was simply impossible.
"I think you're in some kind of misunderstanding."
[... Misunderstanding?]
"I didn't say I would never choose a constellation. I don't need to choose one right now."
[... W-what? What ever do you mean?]
Aurora looked shocked. This was my chance.
With a calm yet deliberate tone, I addressed the constellation-filled sky, "Great Ones, I understand your displeasure. I assure you, it was never my intention to deceive you. But let me ask: Wouldn't it be far too easy for me to ally with a single constellation now? Would that really be the kind of story you desire to watch unfold? A story without struggle?"
[Some constellations are looking at you with contempt.]
"Consider this—most of the world's nations are ahead of the Fifth Fable. I'm sure many of you have heard of the upcoming special event."
There was little time left before the start of the special event beloved by the Constellations. Namely, the Story Banquet hosted by the All-Mother of the Norse Mythology Cloud. Soon, the Seventh Fable will start.
"What I desire isn't the easy path of aligning with a constellation. I want something far greater. I want a memory that will shine so brightly, something that cannot be consumed by the Fables. A story that will stand the test of time."
[Some constellations are listening to your words.]
"I'm not saying I'm the strongest. I'm not that arrogant. In fact, there are countless players that are stronger than me. But what I have are memories, memories forged in the fires of battle, stories written in blood and sweat. And what are those memories? Aren't they the ones you long to read?"
Fragments were memories, and those memories became stories desired by the Constellations. In the end, they were simply readers. And what better way to satisfy a reader than by giving them a story they wanted to see?
A sly smile crept across my face. "It's tempting, isn't it? To take the easy route. To inherit a memory or two. But what's the worth of such memories if they're of poor quality?"
[A certain goddess of poverty is gulping.]
"Don't you want a truly great story? A memory worth telling? Then don't settle for mediocrity."
[The constellation, Architect of Destruction, smiles at your choice.]
"I offer you not just memories, but a chance. A chance to witness a truly monumental story unfold. You can choose to side with us, the Dragon Association. I am the Head Director, and we stand for something more than just petty politics or old grievances. We are about business. True business. We welcome anyone, regardless of gender, race, or status. All are equal in our eyes, for only one thing matters—what you can offer to the story."
I gave them a moment to digest my words.
Then, with a deliberate gesture, I summoned a system panel, displaying my coin count.
[Ah, okay.... But before that, there's something I want to ask you.]
"What is it?"
[Ahhhhhhhhh!!! Damnit! It's nothing. I'll open the exclusive shop right now!]
Aurora let out a scream, clutched her hair in frustration, before opening the Exclusive Shop at lightning speed.
Wasn't she a lively fairy? Speaking of which, was she going to ask about Loki just now?
In Song of Nightmares, the fairy species were known as a race of deceptive creatures. Naturally, they revered Loki, the God of Mischief and Deception especially Aurora, who was his biggest fan for some reason. They reminded me of the Dokkaebi from Korean myth.
In any case, there was no need to clear up the misunderstanding. It wasn't as if I had claimed to be Loki.
Wooing!
A faint sound drew my attention to the window. Outside, the children were honing their skills. It was a routine they'd picked up since the Star Selection two days ago. Yoo Rin and Yoo Jinsung were busy hunting stray monsters, while Miyuki practiced alone. She seemed to have a natural talent for both magic and monster taming. Although her abilities were still at a beginner's level, she showed potential—perhaps even enough to become a Monster King.
Not to mention, Yoo Rin and Yoo Jinsung were both skilled fighters.
Yoo Rin wielded magic gauntlets, while Yoo Jinsung fought with a pair of dual swords.
If I had to classify them according to RPG roles, Yoo Rin would be a power-type, Yoo Jinsung a speed-type, and Miyuki would fall under magic or support.
To be honest, the talent of those three was so ridiculous that it almost seemed unbelievable.
Even Jung Yunhee, who was their sparring instructor, would find herself in trouble if she underestimated them or let her guard down for a moment. In fact, something like that nearly happened when Yoo Jinsung managed to bypass her defenses with the speed of a speed-type.
Puok!
Yoo Rin and Yoo Jinsung swiftly circled around, and took down a pack of black werewolves.
They were humans, outcasts who had embraced the power of demons and transformed into werewolves under the crimson night. Yet, the twins were defeating them so effortlessly that it almost felt like they were bullying them.
Chop! Chop! Crack!
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Blood flew as Yoo Jinsung severed their limbs, while Yoo Rin crushed the black werewolves with her punches.
It was so one-sided that I almost felt pity for those poor things. What was the point of sacrificing your soul if you were going to be defeated so easily?
It was pathetic, really.
Either way, it seemed the battle was over. I activated Sound Sensitivity to hear what they were saying.
"Is that all of them?"
"Sadly, Noona killed all of them. These ones are the lots that ran away."
Yoo Rin sighed as she wiped the blood from her gauntlets. Sometime over the past few days, Angelica had styled her green hair into twin tails.
Yoo Jinsung clicked his tongue, clearly frustrated. "Tch. Damn it! How are we supposed to grow if Yunhee-ssi keeps going around and killing all the monsters? I swear, it seems like she has a fetish for killing or something."
"Yunhee-ssi doesn't like leaving things unfinished. Plus, she's just that strong. we can't exactly complain, can we?"
"I know, I know. But it's a bit annoying, you know. Every time we try to get a decent kill, she swoops in and snatches it away. How are we supposed to improve if she keeps doing that?" He kicked one of the dead werewolves, sending tumbling across the ruined road.
Miyuki shot back with a sarcastic grin, "Oh, says the guy who had to be saved twice. If she hadn't swooped in, wouldn't you be the one on the menu right now?"
"You... Shut up! I didn't see you doing anything either!"
"Oh my, yelling at an eleven-year-old won't magically erase the fact that you're a sore loser. Ah, Silly me, even sore losers need to accept defeat with some grace."
"You little brat! Are you begging for a fight?"
"God Damnit! Will you two knock it off?!"
Yoo Rin attempted to play the peacemaker, but it was futile to intervene once Miyuki and Yoo Jinsung were caught up in their heated exchange. Their relationship has always been like this the moment they met.
For some inexplicable reason, it seemed like they couldn't make it through a single day without fighting.
I deactivated Sound Sensitivity and let out a weary sigh. Those three were the ones Aurora was talking about.
Yoo Rin, Yoo Jinsung and Miyuki Kuroi. Those three were the avatars of Kim Jakga in this round. But I couldn't help but wonder if three avatars might be pushing it after all.
Damnit. They started fighting again.