Chapter 6: Constellation Skills (1)

Constellation Skills.

It's a name I've never heard before.

"Constellation Skills are exactly what they sound like: the skills possessed by constellations. They are similar to the skills used by contractors in the human world."

The Duke explained as if he could read my thoughts.

"But unlike the skills of contractors, the skills of constellations do not change. This is because constellations are already complete entities. When a constellation is formed, its skills become eternally unchanging."

"New skills don't appear, and existing skills don't grow?"

"That's right."

After hearing the Duke's explanation, I immediately opened my status window.

Among the vast amount of information, which was incomparable to when I was human, I barely managed to find the 'Skill List' section.

"There are three skills."

"What are they?"

"This one, only the names are shown, there are no descriptions..."

"Constellation Skills are all like that. I know most of the skills, so if you tell me the names, I can tell you what they are."

The detailed information of the skills isn't even displayed.

As I've felt before, being a constellation is definitely more challenging than being human. It's absurd that there's no tutorial.

It's understandable that someone like No. 49 would try to take advantage of a beginner constellation.

"There are two listed as EX Rank and one as S Rank."

"…What?"

The Duke's voice changed.

"Two EX Rank skills? Are you sure?"

"Is something wrong?"

"What are the skill names?"

Here, I hesitated for a moment.

Revealing detailed information could be detrimental to me.

However, I need the Duke's investment, and he has set the condition of revealing my constellation skills.

Moreover, I don't even know what my abilities are. Using a skill without knowing could lead to irreversible failure.

Honestly, I wanted to hear the Duke's explanation, even if it meant taking a loss.

Because my skills all had names that seemed like they could cause significant trouble if used carelessly.

"EX Rank [Origin Influence], EX Rank [Avatar Descent], S Rank [Origin Insight]."

"…!"

The Duke looked shocked.

"Why are you reacting like that?"

"What kind of existence were you when you were human?"

"What do you mean?"

"Most S-Rank constellations don't have EX Rank skills. You have two? And an S-Rank skill related to the origin?"

Even before hearing the detailed explanation, I could tell.

The skill set I was given is definitely out of the ordinary.

"Let me explain. Do you know the concept of 'Origin Awakening'?"

"Of course I do."

Origin Awakening refers to the new skill a contractor acquires when they reach a very high level and gain enlightenment.

The skill varies from contractor to contractor and is determined by their mental essence.

It is known to be an extremely powerful skill, one that can only be obtained by reaching the peak of mastery.

It's so powerful that a contractor could rely solely on this skill and discard all others.

"Your S-Rank skill [Origin Insight] is a skill that can see through what kind of awakening skill a contractor can obtain."

"What?"

"And the EX Rank [Origin Influence]… is a skill that can force Origin Awakening on anyone you choose."

Force Origin Awakening?

"Then…"

"Yes, you can use [Origin Insight] to confirm what awakening skill the other party can obtain, and then use [Origin Influence] to immediately awaken them."

I involuntarily swallowed.

This is really a significant ability.

Origin Awakening is something that can only be achieved after a contractor has experienced countless trials and gained enlightenment.

At the point of Origin Awakening, the contractor is already an extremely powerful individual, and by achieving Origin Awakening, they break through their limits and open up new realms.

But I can force Origin Awakening on anyone?

'It's like being able to give a max-level weapon to a level 1 newbie!'

Even experienced veterans who have never achieved Origin Awakening are numerous.

With this skill, even someone with mediocre skills can be immediately awakened, and even a complete novice can start with an awakening skill.

It can instantly elevate their abilities to an incredible level.

'If I could have benefited from this skill when I was a human contractor, how great would that have been…'

Moreover, using the other skill [Origin Insight], I can know in advance what awakening skill they will obtain.

I can identify promising individuals early and help them grow, or find someone with the awakening skill I need and awaken them.

The EX Rank skill [Origin Influence] and the S Rank skill [Origin Insight] are powerful on their own, but when used together, they create an incredible synergy.

'Having such incredible skills as a constellation… Could it be that the aspirations I had as a contractor are reflected in these skills?'

Constellation skills are not given randomly.

Could it be related to my past as a powerless contractor?

"What about the other one?"

"Like [Origin Influence], the EX Rank [Avatar Descent]…"

The Duke paused, then sighed and looked at my face.

"It allows you to descend your 'avatar' into the human world. We constellations can only exist in this Celestial Spirit World, but using [Avatar Descent], you can create a physical form in the human world and act directly there."

Hearing this, I was momentarily speechless.

Does [Avatar Descent] literally mean sending down an avatar?

"This skill should not be used carelessly. Your avatar in the human world is a manifestation of the constellation's main body, but if the avatar takes damage, the main body also suffers. It can be dangerous, so it's best not to use it carelessly."

"Have there been cases where this happened?"

"…Yes."

The Duke nodded with a serious expression.

"Imagine this: a constellation descends to the earth. Would humans just leave it alone? Not to mention, other constellations might also be displeased. Your very existence could cause disputes."

"…"

"But it's definitely an incredible skill. What kind of existence were you in your past life to have such skills?"

"Well, I wasn't anything special."

I was a low-life who had a D-Rank constellation contract.

"This is a situation where I should be the one asking for an investment."

Hearing this, I felt a chill run down my spine.

The Duke of Monte Cristo in the novel is not just a simple avenger.

He is a genius in asset management, possessing wealth on the scale of a national budget.

To hear such a Duke say, "This is a situation where I should be the one asking for an investment"?

This is really a big deal.

"As I said before, you don't want to spend your life as a constellation just observing and throwing in some support, do you?"

"Of course not."

"Then tell me, King of the Unknown."

The Duke looked at me straight and said.

"What path do you intend to take?"

"I will fulfill the inherent duties of a constellation."

Since I had already made up my mind, I said it without hesitation.

"The inherent duties of a constellation?"

"Protecting and guiding people. Isn't that what constellations are supposed to do?"

Saying this, I smiled.

"…Is that so?"

The Duke also smiled as he looked at my face.

"Leading many powerful individuals and becoming a major figure in the world. Very interesting, very interesting!"

I had a D-Rank constellation contract and lived a life at the bottom.

Now, as an S-Rank constellation, I will lead many contractors and build a force that even other constellations cannot look down upon.

"Watching the events I orchestrate will be more entertaining than any broadcast."

Now that I have become an S-Rank constellation,

I should play big, shouldn't I?