Chapter 10: Constellation VS Constellation (2)

Generally, it is impossible for a contractor to have a direct conversation with a constellation.

This is because the system does not allow the constellation's voice to be directly transmitted.

However, it is not entirely impossible; using special methods, one can have a conversation with a constellation.

Of course, this is only possible if the constellation agrees, and a considerable fee must be paid to the apostle who facilitates the communication.

Therefore, having a direct conversation with a constellation is something only the top-tier contractors, who have a close relationship with the constellation, can do.

"It's been a while, Cheonmuhyeok."

A voice came from the mirror held by Apostle 36.

Right now, Cheonmuhyeok is having a real-time, two-way communication with the Celestial Plane where the constellations reside.

Of course, he has to pay a huge amount of coins as communication fees, but being able to talk directly to a constellation is a significant advantage.

"It's been a while, Hero of the Golden Bridle."

Hero of the Golden Bridle.

That was the name of the A-rank constellation Cheonmuhyeok had contracted with.

"I heard from 36. There's a problem, you said?"

"Yes, that's right."

Cheonmuhyeok spoke cautiously.

"He's a bit dangerous. He might really do something."

"Is it that serious?"

"He's said to have taken down a large carnivorous dinosaur undead in one hit. There's a possibility he could take down Echidna."

Echidna.

Originally the name of a monster from Greek mythology, in the Fantasy Plane, it is a real creature.

Like in Greek mythology, its upper body is that of a beautiful woman, but its lower body is that of a snake, and it has the characteristic of being the 'Mother of Monsters,' giving birth to various monsters.

Currently, one such Echidna has made a nest in this area and is continuously producing monsters.

"If we just kill Echidna, it will all be for nothing. Perhaps... he might even find the Hidden Piece."

"That can't happen."

The constellation's voice became rough.

"We must do whatever it takes to get the Hidden Piece."

"I understand. That's why I'm about to move."

"About to move?"

"Anyway, I was planning to use Kang Yujin as bait. If Kang Yujin goes into Echidna's nest, we just need to follow behind and then strike from behind."

"Good thinking."

"I'll take along other contractors, including Seok Taejun. That will make it even more perfect."

After saying that, Cheonmuhyeok bowed his head.

"Please give me as much support as possible."

"...Cheonmuhyeok, there are limits to the support I can provide."

"Yes, I understand. Please do what you can within those limits."

"You know my current situation, right?"

"Hero of the Golden Bridle, but..."

Cheonmuhyeok smiled bitterly.

"We are already in the same boat. If I fail, it will be difficult for you to make a comeback."

"Arrogant brat."

Despite hearing the provocative words, the constellation did not seem particularly displeased.

"Cheonmuhyeok, I trust you. I trust your thorough pursuit of your own interests."

"Thank you."

"I cannot tolerate another failure."

"..."

"I accepted your argument to wait for a long time to find a contractor who is strong enough to be used as bait for the Echidna hunt and naive enough to be easily deceived."

"It was hard to find such a person. Seok Taejun and others are still lacking in skill."

"It would have been good to properly recruit Kang Yujin, but it can't be helped. Don't miss this opportunity."

"Understood."

"We must definitely get the Hidden Piece."

With that, the communication ended.

"..."

In the quiet room, Cheonmuhyeok frowned.

"He didn't even tell me how much support he would give."

"...Mr. Cheonmuhyeok."

"Just talking to myself. Don't worry about it, and you can go now."

After replying to 36, Cheonmuhyeok entered the inner room.

There, a large device with a complex structure was set up, and in the center, a staff with a red gemstone at the end was connected.

Cheonmuhyeok picked up the staff, which pulsed as if it were alive, without hesitation.

"Still not fully charged, but there's no choice."

This was an item he had continuously reinforced by extracting coins and life force from the people in this area.

To maximize his combat power as a magic attack-type contractor, Cheonmuhyeok needed this staff.

"But why isn't Seok Taejun here?"

Cheonmuhyeok went outside.

He saw Seok Taejun's comrades gathered in small groups, but Seok Taejun, the leader, was nowhere to be seen.

"Everyone's here, but where's Mr. Seok Taejun?"

"Mr. Cheonmuhyeok, well..."

A man hesitated before speaking.

"Mr. Taejun was just... taken away by Mr. Kang Yujin."

"What?"

What was that supposed to mean?

* * *

'Cheonmuhyeok...'

I was looking into the observation device, lost in thought.

'I didn't expect to meet Cheonmuhyeok here.'

When I learned that Cheonmuhyeok was the contractor who controlled Seok Taejun's hometown, I was a bit surprised.

I had known Cheonmuhyeok's name for a long time, even though we had never met directly.

'He was one of the Paladins.'

The Paladins.

They are a coalition of top-tier contractors who control the capital region.

Composed of eight contractors, they divide and rule the capital region.

'But Cheonmuhyeok was expelled from the Paladins.'

He lost his position in the power struggle.

Another contractor took Cheonmuhyeok's place, and he had no choice but to leave the capital region.

I didn't know what happened to Cheonmuhyeok after that, but I never expected him to be here.

'Cheonmuhyeok isn't the type to be content with just protecting civilians. He must be trying to build his power here to make a comeback, by any means necessary.'

Knowing this... I was able to plan this operation.

'A constellation can observe wherever they want. Of course, they can't hear voices... but I have a rough idea of what Cheonmuhyeok is up to.'

As soon as I learned that Cheonmuhyeok was the ruler of this area, I started monitoring him.

Most of what Kang Yujin pointed out earlier was correct.

Cheonmuhyeok was exploiting the people in this area while trying to take down Echidna, the leader of the monsters, to obtain a certain item.

Understanding this, I used 49 to send a message to Kang Yujin, making him clash with Cheonmuhyeok.

'Now, the preparations to recruit Seok Taejun are complete.'

Seok Taejun, the man with the awakening skill to find Hidden Pieces.

He is still just a low-tier contractor, but if I awaken him with my constellation skill, he will become a god-like being capable of finding all Hidden Pieces.

That's why Seok Taejun is a crucial asset to me.

'The question is whether I can make Seok Taejun completely loyal to me.'

Even if I awaken Seok Taejun with my constellation skill, if he has other intentions, it will only harm me.

'Just a contract isn't enough. The situation with Kang Yujin is completely different. I need to make him follow me completely.'

But now that I know about Cheonmuhyeok... I have a complete plan to recruit Seok Taejun.

'Let's give it a try.'

This opponent is on a different level from the security guards of religious facilities or undead monsters I've faced before.

Cheonmuhyeok is a skilled contractor, and the leader of the monsters is a powerful being.

'Furthermore...'

Behind Cheonmuhyeok is the A-rank constellation, the Hero of the Golden Bridle.

From what I saw earlier, Cheonmuhyeok was having a direct conversation with the constellation. I couldn't hear what they were saying, but it seemed they had a very close cooperative relationship.

'If I deal a significant blow to Cheonmuhyeok here... the constellation might get directly involved.'

Generally, constellations only observe contractors and provide blessings or funding, but there are constellations like me who use contractors to achieve certain goals.

Just as I intervene with Kang Yujin, the Hero of the Golden Bridle will likely intervene to create a favorable situation for Cheonmuhyeok.

Ultimately, this will become a war between me and the Hero of the Golden Bridle.

'A war with a constellation...'

A story on a scale I couldn't even imagine when I was a human contractor.

But I didn't feel particularly burdened.

'Let's give it a try.'

To get what I want, I can handle a constellation.

With that thought, I manipulated the observation device.

The images of Kang Yujin and Seok Taejun fighting in the wilderness began to appear.

* * *

"Kang Yujin, let's slow down a bit!"

Seok Taejun was panting.

"You have so much stamina!"

"Then slow down. I'm going ahead."

"You don't even know the way! We need to go together!"

Kang Yujin shrugged and sat on a nearby rock.

"Really... Kang Yujin is amazing."

The area around them was littered with the bodies of numerous monsters.

Some were taken down by Seok Taejun, but most were felled by Kang Yujin.

"How many did you take down? I only managed to kill about five or six, and I was drenched in sweat."

"Without hair, sweat just flows freely, which must be annoying. You must be tired."

"It's not that I don't have hair! I shaved it off!"

Seok Taejun blushed and covered his bald head with his palm.

"Man... why am I here, doing this?"

"You followed because you thought it was good."

"You said we should leave immediately, so I followed. I suggested taking a proper rest before going."

To go after the leader of the monsters.

When Seok Taejun heard Kang Yujin say this, he was shocked.

He already knew from Cheonmuhyeok that there was a powerful monster leading the monsters in this area, and he was told not to approach it. Yet, Kang Yujin was going to take it down.

"You could have said no if you didn't want to."

"..."

Kang Yujin didn't force Seok Taejun to come.

He only asked if Seok Taejun wanted to go with him.

But Seok Taejun followed Kang Yujin as if he were under a spell.

"Kang Yujin."

"What is it?"

"Can I become as strong as you someday?"

"I don't know."

Kang Yujin was cold.

"What if I contract with the same constellation you did?"

"What constellation are you contracted with now?"

"...A D-rank constellation. The 'Nephew of the Greatest Hero.'"

"The Greatest Hero, I get, but the Nephew of the Greatest Hero?"

"Pretty weak, right? Ha ha."

Seok Taejun laughed self-deprecatingly.

"He gives a blessing that boosts physical abilities, so I can fight decently, but... it's still not enough."

He wanted to cancel his contract with his current constellation and contract with a different one.

But contractors cannot arbitrarily cancel their contracts with constellations. Contracts are generally maintained until death.

However, if a higher-rank constellation offers to "cancel the existing contract and serve me from now on," the contractor can break the existing contract and form a new one with the higher-rank constellation.

Of course, this is not a common occurrence. It only happens to promising individuals with exceptional talent, coveted by multiple constellations.

"Would things be different if I contracted with a great constellation like you did?"

"..."

"I even prayed to that nameless one, but it didn't work."

After saying that, Seok Taejun smiled bitterly.

"Sorry, I must sound really whiny."

"Seok Taejun."

Kang Yujin looked directly at Seok Taejun.

"Why do you want to become strong?"

"Huh? Well... as a contractor, wanting to become strong is natural, right? Being strong allows you to defeat stronger monsters, get more event and quest rewards, and..."

"..."

"...and then you can earn more money and succeed..."

The more he spoke, the more it sounded pitiful, and he eventually fell silent.

"Earning money is good. Success is good. But I don't think humans can become strong just for those reasons."

"Then..."

"Humans become strong because they have to become strong."

What did that mean?

Seok Taejun found it hard to understand.

"I've received the blessing of that one only three times so far."

"Three times?"

"Yes."

Kang Yujin stood up and looked at the ground.

"When I was in a dark basement, trapped in a pit of despair."

He looked up at the distant field.

"When I was covered in blood from enemy attacks and couldn't cross the final door."

And finally, he looked up at the sky.

"When I was hanging from a giant monster, gritting my teeth and holding on."

Kang Yujin's eyes were clear and sharp as he spoke.

"That one always extended a hand when I was in an extreme situation. And I gained the strength to fight."

"An extreme situation..."

"To overcome this adversity, I have to become strong. So I must become strong... perhaps the only way humans can truly become strong is in such situations."

Earlier, Kang Yujin said that humans become strong because they have to become strong.

He felt he could understand that a little.

"Seok Taejun, that one is the guardian of everyone struggling at the bottom of this world."

"..."

"If you are in an extreme situation and call out to that one..."

Kang Yujin spoke calmly.

"That one will definitely answer. That one is such a being."

His voice was filled with confidence.