Chapter 29  

Now that he knew the constellations kept each other in check and left Earth alone...

Choi Yeonseung no longer had any reason to suffer since his work had already been completed.

‘Was I too late?’

[The ‘Cat of Lava and Magma’ says that isn’t the case.]

[The ‘Manipulator of Dreams and Desires’ says that the work on Earth isn’t over yet.]

‘What do you mean?’

-Can you hear me?

The Manipulator of Dreams and Desires spoke to Choi Yeonseung.

-I’m sending the words directly to make it easier to explain. You came a few decades late, but...

-......

Choi Yeonseung became slightly depressed.

-... I want to tell you that it isn’t meaningless. Your work on Earth isn’t done yet. Think it over. The constellations have made a truce with each other, but what made you think it’ll last forever? All constellations are greedy, especially for a planet with many souls like Earth.

-... You’re right.

There was no way that the evil god constellations wouldn’t become greedier. There were many ways to increase their strength, ally with other constellations, and break the truce. They had been quiet for nearly 30 years, but that wouldn’t be the case forever.

-From my perspective, the only thing more dangerous than a truce of constellations breaking is the appearance of a new constellation.

-A new constellation?

-Look. The evil god constellations who came to Earth upon discovering the gate connected to it caused a commotion to steal souls. They’ve made a truce with the constellations that came before them, but that’s probably just to divide Earth. It is obvious.

The evil god constellations kept to the places they now occupied and never touched other territories. That was due to the truce, but they probably had one more motive in mind.

-Let’s prevent more constellations from coming to Earth!

Evil god constellations and neutral constellations thought they should only share Earth among themselves.

-If a new constellation comes, will they calmly accept the agreement?

-They will try to take Earth away with all their might.

-That’s right. I think Earth is worth it. Even in the Abyss, planets with this many souls are rare. No matter how weak the constellation, they’ll reach the advanced level the moment they get their hands on Earth. No... They’d likely?reach the constellations' highest rank... There’s no way they can pass over a planet like this. Their appearance would cause a conflict and ultimately turn the truce into a piece of paper.

-Dozens of constellations have probably already reached Earth. Can new constellations really ignore them and just invade Earth?

-No matter how many constellations there are on Earth, the new constellations can call as many as they want from the Abyss. Don’t underestimate the constellations’ greed. Unlike you, they’ll spare no effort to get souls.

Dozens of constellations fighting over Earth! Just thinking about it sent chills down Choi Seonyeung’s spine. Such an event would completely destroy Earth.

-Damn... This isn’t the time to act like my work is over.

-Why don’t you do what we originally discussed as soon as possible, then?

-Ah. The ‘he is a jerk, but he’s the only one I can trust!’ strategy?

-...... ? I-I don't remember calling our strategy by that name…

-Alright, I’ll do it. Still, this is honestly a bit overwhelming. I have to hide the fact that I’m a constellation... And didn’t you tell me to limit my martial arts ability?

-Keep your power of existence as hidden as possible. It’s also best if you keep it a secret that you’ve reached the transcendent-class stage. That much power will make the constellations wary of you.

-I have to?limit my martial arts to peak-class stage. It’ll be terribly uncomfortable.

-You just have to secure some faith and respect from Earth’s people. Once you do, then you wouldn’t just fail immediately even if the other constellations notice. So be patient until then. The constellations on Earth will likely have extraordinary power...

Trust and follow the constellation or fear and obey them. Those gave the constellations some power of existence. The neutral constellations of Earth chose the former, while the new evil god constellations that invaded decades ago chose the latter.

Choi Yeonseung intended to take the humans as his own without the constellations noticing.

… He wasn’t sure which method would be better yet, though!

‘It should work out well.’

-Ah. By the way, won’t the Goddess of Balance Who Walks Ahead listen if I ask for help?

-Don’t expect too much from something that hasn’t been confirmed yet. I’m a bit against forming an alliance with that goddess. Stupid allies are more threatening than capable enemies.

The Manipulator of Dreams and Desires was cold. Her words were so sharp that the goddess would’ve cried if she heard them! ‘She has the great ability to see the future but can’t use it because she’s stupid!’

-Don’t say such things if we form an alliance with her.

-I know that much. If she refuses the offer, then attack her immediately. Share your vision with us so we can observe.

-I already thought of that. In any case, thanks for the advice.

-Why thank me? I am more thankful to you. Oh, can I ask you what you taught Arni?

-Hmm? I don’t think I taught him anything in particular… Ah. I taught him about close-quarters combat. Why? Is this a problem?

-No... It isn’t. I just wanted to thank you for Arni’s sudden growth in strength.

-Really? That makes me glad.

A student doing well would naturally make their teacher happy.

-... I just don’t know why Arni keeps eating rice served in soup. Did you teach him that as well?

-Huh? Ah. Wait. They’re calling me over. Is this important?

-It isn’t, but... Well, thank you for teaching Arni.

***

While Choi Yeonseung was talking to the Manipulator of Dreams and Desires, Odaigon and the hunters dealt with the remaining ghouls.

“Nice shot, Odaigon!”

“That magic missile was amazing!”

“...It‘s just a 1st-circle magic.”

“I’ve never seen anyone use 1st-circle magic so well!”

‘The humans?are out of their minds,’ Odaigon thought, but the hunters partly meant what they said.

He was indeed just using 1st-circle magic, but Odaigon’s magic was different, be it in casting speed or power! They felt like they could relate to the saying, ‘It isn’t the magic spell that matters but the person who uses it.’

‘He'll definitely become famous?once we return to Earth!’

‘Considering his abilities, he’d likely be rated B-grade, maybe even A-grade. Then... It would be beneficial to follow him around and pick up his scraps!’

‘He lost his memory, didn’t he? I’ll slander Choi Yeonseung to make Odaigon drop him. Afterward, I’ll make Odaigon carry me.’

Choi Yeonseung grew worried upon seeing?their expressions.

“I don’t know if this will anger Odaigon.”

Odaigon?wasn’t just a goblin. He was his race’s king. He valued honor and had little interest in the human race. There was no way?he'd feel okay with hunters clinging to him like that. He wouldn’t kill them since Choi Yeonseung ordered him not to, but...

‘His hands seem to be shaking.’

Was he holding back from casting magic? And he wasn’t the only one holding back his desires. It was the same with Richard.

“Do you want to fight? Why? Should I let you fight them?”

“... No.”

Richard shook his head while wondering if he had misunderstood Choi Yeonseung’s words. It was a crime to fight fellow hunters in dungeons. Richard wasn’t stupid enough to attack people in front of others just because he was angry.

‘I was trying to say I wouldn’t say anything if he did decide to fight them.’

Choi Yeonseung was embarrassed for some reason. It felt like he had wandered in the Abyss for so long that his mindset had become a bit twisted!

‘I should be careful when I go back to Earth.’

Richard didn’t look very happy, so Choi Yeonseung turned to Canean instead and asked him a question. “Do you mind if I ask you more questions?”

“Anything.”

“How are the Abyss?returnees?treated?”

It was rare for someone lost in the Abyss to return! He hoped he wouldn’t be locked up in a laboratory...

Canean understood what Choi Yeonseung was worried about.

“Ah... It isn’t anything much. They’ll check your physique, ask you how you’ve been, and check if you’ve?contracted with an?evil god constellation...”

“Huh?”

“Oh, you don’t know this either. Ever since the evil god constellations invaded Earth, it’s become illegal in most countries to contract with an evil god constellation.”

That was only natural. Considering the evil god constellations sent demons to invade Earth, no country would be happy to make an agreement with them.

[The ‘Cat of Lava and Magma’ urgently says that they aren’t evil god constellations.] ‘I didn’t even think you were...’

“After that, you're basically free to do what you want again. Ah, are you Korean, Choi Yeonseung?”

“I am.”

“Then you will receive a naturalization invitation.”

This had happened since Choi Yeonseung was on Earth. Hunters were basically expensive talents! Most countries welcomed hunters from other countries with?open arms?when they said they would immigrate. Of course, the hunter’s country of origin wouldn’t be a fool, either. They’d do everything they could to stop their hunter from leaving.

“Ah... A naturalization invitation. I see. Is this dungeon located in the United States?”

“Yes.”

“We’ll be coming out in the United States when we clear this place, then. The United States, huh...”

He had never been to that country. Considering thirty years had passed since he left Earth, the country became even vaguer?to him. All he remembered were images of hamburgers and Superman.

‘Hunters say it doesn’t matter where they are as long as they have skills...’

“Are you thinking of naturalizing?”

“Let’s see... I don’t know.”

As a Korean, Choi Yeonseung wasn’t the patriotic kind. However, he didn’t plan to move to the United States when he didn’t know the exact situation of Earth.

“Shouldn’t hunters immediately get permanent residency?”

“You're right, but wouldn’t it be better to be naturalized if you’re going to work here?”

“Let’s see... I’ll just let?Odaigon?do it for now. In any case, Odaigon?has lost his memory and has to belong somewhere.”

US citizen?Odaigon! Even?the US side would tear up in happiness to gain a magic user like Odaigon.

Choi Yeonseung nodded after roughly checking things. There seemed to be no problem if things continued like this.

-Odaigon. I’m curious about the level of hunters here. Can you use Level Measurement?

Level Measurement was a spell that Arni and anyone in the Abyss could use. Unfortunately, Choi Yeonseung didn’t know how to use magic.

[The ‘Cat of Lava and Magma’ is wondering why you’re ordering?Odaigon?to do that.]

-I can’t use magic... Are you trying to make fun of me?

[The ‘Cat of Lava and Magma’ is saying in a flustered manner that that’s not what she meant! It says that the ‘Undefeated Incarnation of Training’ is a constellation and can identify the opponent without using magic such as Level Measurement.]

‘...... ’ magic

Could he do that using the power of existence? If so, wouldn’t nearby constellations notice him using it?

[The ‘Cat of Lava and Magma’ says that it seems you’re still confused. A constellation can figure out a mortal’s level without using things like the power of existence.]

“......”

Choi Yeonseung stared intently at Richard. Choi Yeonseung was a martial artist that could only grasp his opponent’s strength with his eyes before. Magicians could also distinguish that through their target’s amount of magic power, but a martial artist’s vision was more accurate.

However, this went deeper!

[You have seen through the essence of Richard Parker.]

[Richard Parker]

[Level: 205

Strength: 198

Agility: 397

Physical Strength: 200

Magic Power: 202

Intelligence: 190]

Richard Parker’s status window appeared in front of him.

[The ‘Cat of Lava and Magma’ says it isn’t that difficult. It’s ultimately just one’s ability to understand their opponent. It says that if you continue training in it, you will see more and more details.]

.

‘I see.’

Choi Yeonseung understood what the cat constellation was trying to say. It wasn’t much different from seeing and measuring people with his eyes.

However, the constellations were one step higher, so they could see and feel much more! There was no reason to use magic like Level Measurement when they could just use their eyes.

‘The more I train, the more I can see and hear.’

[The skill ‘Overcome Oneself To Become Strong’...]

[The more you sharpen?your eyes as a constellation, the stronger your power of existence will be!]

“!”