Return of the Shattered Constellation

Chapter 218: Star, the Owl (4)

Staring at [Peter’s Key], Chang-Sun began to wonder. Since this golden key had the power to unlock, it could probably open the seal of an artifact or awaken the dormant power of an unsealed artifact. When the thought hit him, the three swords—the [Yuchang Sword], [Zhan Lu Sword], and [Tiamat’s Snaggletooth]—caught his eyes.

‘I can unlock more of the [Yuchang Sword] and [Zhan Lu Sword]’s abilities when I acquire more of Ou Yezi’s divine swords, which means they still have dormant power inside them,’ Chang-Sun thought.

Using the Trait [Sword Forest], Chang-Sun had already unsealed the two swords, but it wasn’t enough. He could talk to the swords, but due to his low Class, he couldn’t use them to their full potential.

However, the idea of temporarily fully awakening the swords flashed across his mind, but he naturally couldn’t try it right away. The [Yuchang Sword] and [Zhan Lu Sword] were both splendid weapons that many Celestials wanted for themselves, and he couldn’t deal with those Celestials in his current state. If he would experiment with the swords, he had to try it when the [Execution Sword] was active since that would give him back his divine class as the ‘Divine Twilight’.

‘The same goes for [Tiamat’s Snaggletooth].’

While the [Yuchang Sword] and [Zhan Lu Sword] were classified as divine swords, Taotie the Devil Blacksmith created [Tiamat’s Snaggletooth] under Tiamat’s request. The sword was so ferocious that it could even devour its owner. Tiamat, its original owner, was one of the most powerful Celestials in the Absolute Evil faction, and Taotie likely even upgraded the material into a sharper weapon.

Hence, Chang-Sun never acted greedy whenever he used [Tiamat’s Snaggletooth]. Although the sword usually acted like a child who was quick to sulk, it could change suddenly and try to eat Chang-Sun. That was also the reason why Chang-Sun hadn’t tried to talk to [Tiamat’s Snaggletooth] despite getting the [Sword Forest].

Now, however, Chang-Sun completely awakened [Tiamat’s Snaggletooth]. Upon the [Execution Sword]’s activation and the Drăcōnígĕna Monólĭnum’s completion, his combat power reached its peak. If he awakened [Tiamat’s Snaggletooth] by force now, the impact would be indescribable!

Of course, all these were just Chang-Sun’s hypotheses. He hadn’t tried it yet and didn’t know what kind of consequences were waiting for him. It would be odder to assume there would be no consequence to forcefully awakening such an exceptional sword. He could probably only use the sword for a certain duration or it could require something before it could be used.

Awakening the sword in such a critical moment was a gamble, but Chang-Sun didn’t care. He trusted his instincts.

* * *

And Chang-Suns’ instinct proved right. When Minerva appeared, she immobilized the Emperor’s Seat. At the same time, Bo Du and Suo Chao charged toward Chang-Sun. He smiled coldly in response, having been waiting for this moment. After thrusting the [Yuchang Sword] into the ground, Chang-Sun inserted [Peter’s Key] in [Tiamat’s Snaggletoot]. Although it had no keyhole, Chang-Sun could put the key deep into the sword as if they were a set item from the start.

Grrrrr.

As soon as Chang-Sun heard a click, he felt something growling through the key. It was as if an untamed beast was living inside the sword.

‘The sword is feeling it too,’ Chang-Sun assumed.

The beast slowly stood up, having noticed that the fence keeping it imprisoned was opening up. Furious, it was ready to dart outside. Hence, as soon as Chang-Sun completely rotated [Peter’s Key], it swiftly burst out running.

The power of an Evil Dragon had been unleashed.

[The Evil Dragon’s fangs have appeared.]

[Tiamat’s Snaggletooth] transformed once more. Up until now, the sword just had an ordinary shape, so Chang-Sun could use it alongside other swords. However, its size had now doubled, and its gray blade dripped black demonic energy. It appeared to be an embodiment of the word ‘brutal’ and was similar to a Dragon’s fang—no, a snaggletooth. Yes, it was a snaggletooth of an immeasurably enormous Dragon.

[‘Tiamat’s Snaggletooth’ has completely awakened!]

[Due to many conditions, including the relic’s durability and the owner’s Traits, ‘Tiamat’s Snaggletooth’ will stay awakened for only a certain amount of time.]

[20 seconds remaining.]

[Demonic energy and lightning energy have mixed with the Evil Dragon’s energy, taking a new form!]

Chang-Sun fiercely swung the snaggletooth in a diagonal line, causing the air to heat up so much it turned into white steam. As soon as demonic energy and lightning energy mixed with the steam, an explosion took place. It was as if a furious legendary Dragon had unleashed its breath at their enemies.

[A Dragon Breath has been fired!]

Since ancient times, the Evil Dragon had made countless civilizations meet <Extinction> with her [Dragon Breath]. The moment her breath hit the world, a black tsunami struck the ‘Twilight-Setting Battlefield.’

‘Hup!’ Chang-Sun quietly grunted.

The power of [Tiamat’s Snaggletooth] was so great that he had to use all his mana. His core, Drăcōnígĕna Monólĭnum, spun wildly and overheated, creating more lightning energy to help control himself.

「… My master really doesn’t hesitate to do something ridiculous! Bwahaha! An Evil Dragon Breath!」

At that moment, Simon Magus stepped in. Up until now, he had been working as a supplementary device for Chang-Sun to activate his Skills and Authorities, but Simon noticed that his time had come.

[A verse of ‘Bestla’s Poem’ has been applied: “Having reached the verdict to erase her enemies, the king’s dignity became so great that it shook the skies and the lands and split the sea in half.” ]

Paah!

<Dusk Lightning> energy swiftly gathered up behind Chang-Sun and transformed into a Giant. As supporting Chang-Sun, Inferno Sights lit up in the Giant’s eyes as it planted its feet firmly on the ground. It infused Chang-Sun with a tremendous amount of power, allowing him to endure the activation of [Bestla’s Poem].

『This is…!』

Suo Chao was the first one to get struck. He planned to charge toward and kill Chang-Sun with his lance, urging his Dragon Horse to run faster. However, Suo Chao wasn’t capable enough to survive Tiamat’s [Dragon Breath].

No matter how brilliantly a star shone, their light was bound to fade when faced against the [Dragon Breath] of the Evil Dragon who covered everything with darkness. Suo Chao could only scream as he turned into nothing, but even that was completely muffled by the darkness.

[You have successfully eliminated the Celestial ‘Impetuous Dragon Horse General’!]

[Successfully sealing the Celestial.]

[You have unlocked the additional achievement of killing a Celestial.]

‘… All I did was awaken the sword, yet its power level immediately reached… ridiculous heights.’ Chang-Sun clicked his tongue, having witnessed how Suo Chao was killed without leaving a single trace.

He expected [Tiamat’s Snaggletooth] would become stronger, but not to this extent. However, he should have seen this coming. After all, Tiamat could even consider waging a war against the ‘Taurus,’ who was known to be the strongest Zodiac.

‘But Pablisag gave it to a human who isn’t even her apostle. Tiamat probably worries about her too-boisterous daughter a lot.’ Chang-Sun expressed his gratitude to Pabilsag, who wasn’t here right now, and turned [Tiamat’s Snaggletooth] in the other direction.

Ten seconds now remained.

[A verse of ‘Bestla’s Poem’ has been applied: “When the king decided to march, all the enemies blocking her path for over a thousand years swiftly disbanded.”]

Rumble!

Perhaps because he had already launched a powerful attack, the next one was incomparably weaker, but it still couldn’t be taken lightly. It tore apart the lower body of Bo Du, who had managed to avoid the first [Dragon Breath] with difficulty.

『No…! I should protect Father…!』

Bo Du crawled as hard as he could. Rather than focusing on killing Chang-Sun, he knew he shouldn’t let such an attack hit the Emperor’s Seat. However, Bo Du was given no space to worry about the safety of the Emperor’s Seat.

Click―!

After [Tiamat’s Snaggletooth], the [Yuchang Sword] was now about to fully awaken. Chang-Sun turned the golden key once again.

[All the seals of the ‘Yuchang Sword’ have been undone.]

[The dormant power of the ‘Yuchang Sword’ is awakening. It will stay awakened for only 30 seconds.]

[Synchronizing with the sword!]

Chang-Sun used a different method to utilize the [Yuchang Sword]. While he focused on releasing energy with [Tiamat’s Snaggletooth], Chang-Sun chose to synchronize with the numerous memories that the [Yuchang Sword] held.

Paah―!

Chang-Sun sprang forward, becoming an assassin. Most owners of the [Yuchang Sword] were assassins since the sword specialized in ambushes and assassinations. The sword had the Attribute of blood and fire for a reason.

Stab!

Before Bo Du could even realize that Chang-Sun had made a move, the tip of the [Yuchang Sword] had already pierced his forehead. The first two [Dragon Breaths] had already critically injured Bo Du, so he could no longer stop any attempts to assassinate him. Bo Du’s helmet split in half and dropped to the ground, revealing a red dot on his forehead.

『Son!』

Bo Du heard the Emperor’s Seat crying out from somewhere.

『Fa…ther…!』

Bo Du wanted to turn his head toward the Emperor’s Seat, but like an ink drop in water, the red dot on his forehead quickly became bigger. His head soon exploded.

[You have successfully eliminated the Subordinate ‘Peculiar Warring Deity’!]

[You have successfully sealed a Celestial.]

[The Authority ‘Storm Era’ has been activated, causing a gust of wind to envelop you!]

『I can’t believe this…!』

The Emperor’s Seat couldn’t pull himself together. With two Celestials having been instantly sealed, he couldn’t help but wonder if he had been too naive. Instead of killing Chang-Sun, the Emperor’s Seat had tried to capture and persuade him, which was probably the cause of this horrendous catastrophe.

The Emperor’s Seat had never expected Chang-Sun would be this thoroughly prepared to hunt him.

If only I participated more actively in the battle…!’

However, the Emperor’s Seat regretted things far too late. Right now, he was up against Minerva, the great Celestial not even the ‘Gemini’ could outdo.

Paah!

Chang-Sun showed up behind the Emperor’s Seat.

[The Authority ‘Despising Weakness’ has been activated, increasing the damage of your attacks by 200%!]

[Storm Era] and [Despising Weakness] were both part of the <Inverted Pentagram>, the five Authorities that symbolized the ‘Divine Twilight.’ Using [Storm Era], Chang-Sun gathered up an immense amount of wind and released it together with his ultimate technique, [Despising Weakness], to finish his enemy.

However, this was a risky move. If he failed to launch this attack, he would be incapacitated and without protection for at least five seconds due to the depleted mana. Nevertheless, Chang-Sun could benefit more from using his Authorities this way. In fact, he had sent many Celestials plummeting with this method.

『Keugh…!』

The Emperor’s Seat knew what Chang-Sun, who was attacking him, was currently thinking. Hence, he drew up as much of his divine power as he could. The [Yuchang Sword]’s assassination specialty, the [Tiamat’s Snaggletooth]’s destructive blows, the ultimate techniques of the ‘Divine Twilight’... Chang-Sun had essentially revealed the full extent of his power for this moment, so the Emperor’s Seat would be as good as dead if he couldn’t deflect Chang-Sun’s attack right now.

『I have no other choice. There were so many things I wanted to talk about with you… but I can’t just sit by if you’re going this far.』

As the royal robe of the Emperor’s Seat fluttered loudly, a Five-Clawed Dragon slowly turned and leaped out from the patch embroidered on the robe. Five-Clawed Dragons were known to be auspicious creatures, but this Five-Clawed Dragon, which was glowing in red, was totally different from ordinary Five-Clawed Dragons. It was the [Scarlet Jiaolong[1]], was a relic and the favorite ride of the Emperor’s Seat.

The [Scarlet Jiaolong] was a great demonic creature that normally lived in the royal robe of the Emperor’s Seat. It only ever appeared whenever its owner was in danger. With a furious look, [Scarlet Jiaolong] rose up, clearly wanting to take its anger out on someone.

Rumble!

The [Scarlet Jiaolong] coiled around the Emperor’s Seat and exhaled loudly, causing flames to rise up and stop Chang-Sun from approaching its owner. It even nullified the ultimate attack that Chang-Sun had launched by crossing the [Yuchang Sword] and [Tiamat’s Snaggletooth].

Boom!

Rumble, rumble!

Chang-Sun was pushed back quite a distance. Meanwhile, the [Scarlet Jiaolong] screamed in pain, having sustained a serious injury.

Grrr!

Half of the royal robe of the Emperor’s Seat had been burned away.

『It seems this is the end of you and me.』

The Emperor’s Seat was still certain of his victory. Chang-Sun’s ultimate attack had failed, and Chang-Sun could no longer draw out power from the two swords. Considering the size of Chang-Sun’s storm-like sacred light and the amount of his demonic energy were decreasing, the Emperor’s Seat assumed that Chang-Sun had time restrictions in using the full potential of the two swords. Chang-Sun’s mana would have been almost depleted too. In contrast, the Emperor’s Seat managed to save up his energy thanks to Suo Chao and Bo Du. If only the Emperor’s Seat could defeat Minerva…!

『… When did you…?』

The Emperor’s Seat abruptly stopped analyzing the situation. His left chest had been stabbed with a sword.

Ooong, ooong!

The sword seemed to be screaming, telling the Emperor’s Seat that it was here. The [Zhan Lu Sword], which had only appeared now, had also been fully awakened, showing off its dignity.

“It’s said that the [Zhan Lu Sword] is the sword of monarchs… So I was wondering if it would work. Fortunately, it did,” Chang-Sun said calmly.

[The power of the ‘Zhan Lu Sword’ is restricting the soul of the Celestial ‘Tian Shi Yuan’!]

『You used [Despising Weakness]... to make me pull out the [Scarlet Jiaolong]...?』

Chang-Sun replied, “I needed it out of the picture to capture you.”

『I… have truly lost…』the Emperor’s Seat muttered blankly.

Clunk.

Whirl!

At the same time, black holes formed around the Emperor’s Seat, and Divine Steel chains jumped out of them.

『Look who is here to grace us with his presence.』

A spatial gap then opened in the air, revealing one of Thanatos’ eyes.

[The ‘eye in the darkness’ has opened!]

Translator’s Thoughts

A Five-Clawed Dragon doesn’t exactly exist in mythology, but in the past, the clothes of royal family members and civil servants in Korea were decorated with embroidered patches.

These embroidered patches also showed people’s ranks. During the Joseon Dynasty, only a king and a queen could have a five-clawed dragon embroidered patch on their royal robe.

1. A type of dragon that appears in Chinese mythology. It’s basically a scaled dragon that doesn’t have horns. ☜