Chapter 168

Chapter 168

-No. Bounties are important. I can’t be the only one interested in it. Aren’t other constellations aiming for it as well?

-I’m certain there are some among the small and medium-sized constellations going after it, but I wouldn’t be so sure...

-Regardless, I don’t want to miss the opportunity to get soul stones. By the way, Goddess. How do you think the constellations will punish that one? What happens when one gets caught by the constellations? Will they get kicked out of the constellations’ chat group?

-How did you know?

-... What? Seriously?

-I’m joking. In fact, it is surprisingly difficult to catch a wandering constellation who has nothing to lose.

For constellations with kingdoms, their kingdoms were attacked first. The ruination of their kingdom would result in the fall of the constellation worshipped by many souls. At that point, they would normally lose their status as a constellation or cease to exist completely.

However, some constellations didn’t have a kingdom or just treated a small field on the outskirts of the Abyss as one. Those constellations were difficult to attack even if others wanted to.

-Isn’t that too advantageous?

-Not really. A constellation without a kingdom is like a constellation without any backups.

Constellations that owned several territories and realms could withstand several defeats because they had enough power of existence. In comparison, one defeat would already prove fatal for constellations with no or few kingdoms. It was like a so-called spare life.

-There will always be such constellations, even in the future. They usually go to another constellation’s kingdom and pick a fight, but they often meet a bad ending since they’re entering their enemy’s territory and fighting from a disadvantageous position.

‘... Come to think of it, I was really fearless.’

Choi Yeonseung recalled his past, causing a chill to run down his spine. He really did fight for his life.

-Such constellations don’t last long. They are stupid.

-... They must’ve had a plan in mind.

-You mean stupid ones?

[The ‘Cat of Lava and Magma’ is telling the incarnation to stop cursing! It says it just made the wrong choice.]

-...Don’t tell me...?

-That isn’t important right now, so let’s get back to the point. Is there absolutely no way to punish the wandering constellation unless they invade your territory and try to capture it?

-Not really. This situation is quite special.

Currently, the constellations were gathered near Earth, not in the Abyss. Moreover, some of them were not only powerful but had also taken an oath made by various constellations. Considering it was difficult for even a powerful constellation to bypass it, doing so was naturally impossible for a wandering constellation.

-Since the constellations of Earth have gathered and sworn a vow, a constellation battle could be demanded.

If a legitimate constellation battle was repeatedly refused, the constellation who rejected it would no longer be able to stay near Earth. Once they had withdrawn, they would lose all the fear that they had built up and instantly fall. By then, all they would be able to do was wander in solitude around the outskirts of the Abyss and then disappear.

-That’s not an all-out war.

-An all-out war is a rare occurrence in the Abyss, considering rulers don’t fight each other. Why would a constellation risk everything to wage wars?

‘......’

It was a bit embarrassing for Choi Yeonseung, who had been fighting a lot of all-out battles.

***

[The ‘Storyteller Who Likes Gossip and Explanations’ is spreading rumors!]

[The ‘Storyteller Who Likes Gossip and Explanations’ is spreading rumors!]

[The ‘Storyteller Who Likes Gossip and Explanations...]

In the network of constellations, the storyteller constellation was eagerly spreading information. The name of the constellation who caused the incident this time was ‘One Who Understands and Penetrates Through Indeterminate Forms.’ Most of them had never heard of the constellation—a newcomer from the outskirts of the Abyss.

-It is quite a violent and powerful constellation, and it seems to be a monster.

-!

-Adaquaniel. I want you to participate in this constellation battle.

-I certainly will.

Adaquaniel spoke in a blunt, emotionless tone. The goddess showed complete trust in her whenever she looked at her. Adaquaniel was also called the Sharp-Eyed Angel because of her outstanding command. That was also the reason why she had never lost any of the constellation battles she had participated in. She specialized in a 6v6 household member battle. In such a situation, Adaquaniel showed absolute power.

-However, do it with the household member of the Undefeated Incarnation of Training.

-I’ll do that, Master. By the way...

Adaquaniel rarely had something to say, so the goddess was puzzled.

-What is it?

-I think you should abandon your lingering feelings about that household member, Master.

-... W-w-what are you talking about? I don’t have any lingering feelings, do I?

-Well...

Adaquaniel was about to say something, but her loyalty to the goddess was so great that she didn’t dare offend her master.

***

-How great!

The goddess of sloth admired Adaquaniel upon seeing her. Few household members could grow to such an extent. There was a limit to how much a household member could improve their abilities since doing so required their master to support them extensively From a constellation’s perspective, there was no reason to nurture and feed their household members, who were no more than ants. In addition, unlike ants, a household member could betray them if they grew too powerful, so there would be no point in helping them become stronger.

Nevertheless, Adaquaniel showed immense power. The goddess of balance clearly gave her impressive strength.

-At that level, she can probably try aiming to become a constellation herself.

-Being able to become a constellation isn’t a matter of strength but of one’s own awareness. Those who aren’t qualified can’t rise up.

Choi Yeonseung politely greeted the goddess of balance. The goddess was wrapped in powerful holy objects, and she exuded an immense power of existence. She made anyone feel awed!

“It is an honor to see you again like this.”

-Successor. Should I teach you compliments that work on constellations?

‘Is there such a thing?’

-That’s right.

Choi Yeonseung agreed. In terms of experience, he was a much younger constellation than the goddess of sloth. Following the goddess of sloth’s instructions, Choi Yeonseung said, “You are so dazzling that I can’t dare look at you!”

-... I-Is that so?

“Yes. The Arrogant Light Elf deals with light, but I find that a mistake! The true master of light has to be you, goddess! You even have a halo behind you...”

Choi Yeonseung paused. He couldn’t help but feel as if what he was saying was strange.

-... Is this really okay?

-Aren’t you following me because you trust me, Successor? Are you doubting me?

-N-No. I believe you. I believe.

This was the first time in ages that the goddess of sloth looked serious, so Choi Yeonseung backed down. He usually received a lot of help from her anyway.

“... Your eyes are like breaking jade, and your laugh is like the cry of a phoenix!”

-... Keep talking.

The goddess of balance had a slightly conceited expression as she sat with her legs arrogantly crossed. Before they knew it, a chair had been created into existence using the power of existence.

[The ‘Cat of Lava and Magma’ wonders if this is an incubus’ trick.]

[The ‘Manipulator of Dreams and Desires’ tells the cat constellation to be quiet.]