Chapter 13

I am not a Regressor, Chapter 13

Star Place (2)

‘What the hell.’

Did Lee Shinhyuk succeed in killing me?

Then why did this kid regress in the first place?

‘No, that’s not the important thing right now.’

The longer I hesitate, the more suspicious it will become, which is a given.

Here, I need to let it slide as naturally as possible.

"The moment I stabbed his heart, he turned into a handful of black dust and scattered."

I answered in a calm voice.

Since there’s no way to prove how the Demon King died, they have no choice but to believe my words.

In a case without evidence, the witness's statement is as good as the truth.

[So that’s how it happened.]

Vega sighed with regret and nodded.

Fortunately, there was no sign of suspicion.

[Then, is there a way to find the master of the Black Heaven?]

There is a way, and it’s right in front of us.

"There isn’t one for now. We can only wait for him to make a move."

[Hmm. When will the Demon King start moving?]

"In three years."

I set a generous timeframe to allow for adequate preparation.

Three years is enough time to create a Demon King if one doesn’t exist.

"We need to build our strength as much as possible until then. Of course, if there’s an opportunity, we can look for clues about the Demon King in the meantime."

[That sounds reasonable.]

Vega stroked her chin and nodded.

‘It’s time to wrap this up.’

There was some risk in the middle, but so far, everything has gone according to plan.

Now is the time to play my trump card.

"In two days, a new gate will open in Mokdong."

Information from the future obtained through Lee Shinhyuk’s memories.

The moment this becomes reality, I will be free from all suspicion.

‘This is information only a true regressor would know.’

A prophet is called a ‘prophet’ not when they make a prophecy, but when the prophecy comes true.

The same goes for a regressor.

The moment ‘something only a regressor would know’ actually happens, I will be recognized as a true regressor.

[New rift... Is there a specific reason you’re paying attention to this place?]

"There is a holy relic there."

I don’t know what specific abilities this holy relic has.

No, I don’t even need to know.

‘That’s not important.’

The fact that I knew in advance that a holy relic exists inside the gate that will open in two days is the core of this plan.

[Indeed. You’re saying you’ll take advantage of the privileges only a regressor can enjoy.]

Vega smiled in satisfaction and nodded.

[…My child.]

Flutter.

A beautiful dress made of starlight spread out.

She slowly floated through the air and approached.

‘My child?’

Do the constellations usually call their apostles ‘children’?

‘Then should I call her Mama Vega?’

No matter how I think about it, it’s a crazy title.

[Though the fate of the world rests on your shoulders, please… don’t overexert yourself.]

She slowly extended her hand and caressed my cheek.

The soft touch tickled my skin.

“…”

It felt like a mother’s touch, warming my soul.

Deep down, my conscience screamed.

Am I really going to deceive and use this kind and gentle constellation?

‘Of course I am.’

Otherwise, I’ll be the one who dies.

I casually trampled on the screaming conscience.

To survive, I can sell my conscience as much as I need to.

‘No, it’s more than just surviving now.’

If I’ve started, I’ll thoroughly use her.

Even if she’s a constellation known as the North Star.

"I’m not overexerting myself."

I shook my head and smiled.

Maybe I should sprinkle some MSG to wrap this up.

"Vega-sama… no, Vega. For you."

I lightly held her hand that was caressing my cheek.

"I’ll do anything."

I slightly lowered my gaze.

My voice was low and deep.

"It’s okay if you don’t remember. It’s okay if you don’t reminisce."

Calmly, without excitement.

As if reciting a poem, peacefully.

"If you can smile like this now— that’s enough."

I finished with a bittersweet smile!

‘Wow! Yes, this is it!!’

It might feel like my limbs are going to cramp, but at this moment and in this atmosphere, it will definitely work.

[Oh…]

Vega let out a low exclamation.

I could feel her hand trembling.

[How… can you say such things so casually…]

I could see her cheeks turning red.

‘Good.’

The MSG I sprinkled at the end was very effective.

‘Even constellations have emotions not much different from humans.’

Then there’s no way she wouldn’t be affected.

"…I’ll be going now."

I bowed and turned around.

‘Not bad.’

It wasn’t perfect, but at least I didn’t do anything suspicious.

‘Lee Shinhyuk’s memories were crucial.’

If I hadn’t read his memories through the Black Heaven, things wouldn’t have gone so smoothly.

‘If this plan goes well, the rest will be a piece of cake.’

After all, constellations can’t easily move outside the temple unless they accept certain restrictions.

They can’t even monitor their apostles in real-time.

In other words,

Even if I make a ‘non-regressor-like’ mistake, it won’t be exposed unless I say it.

‘If I can’t deceive her, I should quit being a con artist.’

Actually, even without a con artist’s experience, deceiving her isn’t difficult.

In a situation where I’m not suspected and not monitored, how could I be exposed?

‘It’s like cheating on a test without a proctor.’

In a game, it’s like easy mode—

[Wait.]

“Hmm? What’s the matter?”

[I will go with you.]

“…What?”

What?

“What do you mean by going with me….”

[Exactly what I said.]

It seemed like she had made a decision. Vega’s golden eyes shone as she placed her hand on her waist.

[I will personally manifest on Earth and accompany you.]

Hold on.

What are you saying, damn it.

“But, constellations can’t go to Earth because of the law….”

[Hehe. Who do you think I am?]

She puffed out her chest slightly and continued.

[Of course, there are many restrictions, and the time I can manifest is limited, but this method makes it possible to some extent.]

Whoosh!

A brilliant silver light burst from Vega’s body.

As the light enveloped her, her body gradually shrank until it was about 30 cm tall.

‘What the hell is this?’

I stared at her, now the size of a doll, with my mouth agape.

Vega giggled and floated in the air, landing on my shoulder.

[Here, take this.]

Vega, who had flown to my shoulder, put a silver pendant around my neck.

“This is….”

[If you wear this, I can manifest near you for a few hours each day.]

“I don’t need this.”

Please.

Why are you doing this to me, Mama?

[…I didn’t initially plan to do this. Even with this loophole, I can’t be completely free from the law’s restrictions.]

“If that’s the case.”

[But didn’t you say you would do anything for me?]

Vega, sitting on my shoulder, reached out with her small hand and gently stroked my head.

She continued with a benevolent smile.

[How could I just stand by after hearing such words from my child?]

What the hell?

Because of what I said earlier?

[Don’t worry. I will share your burden.]

No.

[I will walk with you on your dark and lonely path.]

MSG is bad for you, they say.

But it’s okay to sprinkle it, they say.

“…”

Ah.

‘I messed up.’

Life is a bitch.

* * *

[Hmm, it’s been a long time since I leisurely enjoyed the scenery of Earth.]

On the way back home.

Vega, perched on my shoulder, looked around with shining eyes.

“…”

Her silver hair brushed against my cheek.

It tickled.

[Why have you been so quiet since earlier?]

“…No, it’s nothing.”

I shook my head and tried to gather my strength in my weak legs.

‘It’s water under the bridge now.’

There’s no point in dwelling on regret and frustration.

‘Given this situation.’

I just need to deceive her more thoroughly.

Just because there’s a proctor doesn’t mean I can’t cheat.

“Sigh.”

I let out a deep sigh and headed towards my house.

As I entered the familiar slum, a gloomy atmosphere settled.

[…Is this where you live?]

“Yes.”

[You live in quite a shabby place.]

“I don’t have money.”

I answered calmly.

Being poor is unfortunate, but it’s not something to be ashamed of.

[Hmm. I want to help, but I don’t have anything of monetary value to give to humans.]

“Ha ha. It’s okay.”

Since I’ve awakened, I can earn as much as I need in the future.

‘And besides, if I really want to, I can move now.’

I’ve saved enough money over the past eight years.

It’s just that there are more important things than moving to a new house.

-Creak.

As the rusty door opened,

“Did you have a good meeting with that Vega or whatever?”

Ha Eun, leaning on a crutch, greeted me warmly.

“Why are you so late?”

“Sis, I need to talk to you.”

“Huh? What’s up?”

“Um….”

Before I could explain, Vega looked Ha Eun up and down and spoke.

[—So you’re the girl who lives with my child?]

“Aaaaaah!!! Damn it!!!”

Thud!

I quickly caught Ha Eun, who was about to fall backward from the scream.

“What, what is that? Who’s voice is this?!”

She looked around frantically.

[Hmm.]

Vega stared at her intently, then straightened her back and crossed her arms.

[My name is Vega. I am the constellation of Lyra.]

“S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S