Return of the Shattered Constellation

Chapter 251: Star, the Apostle Battle (1)

“I heard Heoju was back,” Richardus said.

Cackling, the Eunuch Star nodded and replied, “Hohohoho, you’ll laugh really hard if you see the look on his face.”

Heoju was actually a fifth wheel in the <Purple Star Astrology> society, as he had failed to become one of the Thirty-Six Heavenly Spirits or the Seventy-Two Earthly Fiends. Thus, he was supposed to be treated as a low-ranking Celestial, but he had recently begun rising through the ranks.

After quickly filling in for Xue Yong, Heoju had participated in a ranked battle in <Purple Star Astrology> and defeated Zhu Wu the Leader Star[1], the strongest Earthly Fiend monster Celestial. Still, Heoju was not content, so he had begun trying to become a Heavenly Spirit.

Things were already chaotic in <Purple Star Astrology> because they were trying to get revenge for what had happened in the ‘Owl’s Nest’, but Heoju was making things worse. Naturally, not many people recognized Heoju within <Purple Star Astrology> due to his humble background, despite how much his fighting techniques reminded them of someone else..

Heoju was a loner, but the Eunuch Star had recruited him. After the children of the former ‘Tian Shi Yuan’ had left <Purple Star Astrology>, the <Society> was in need of manpower, so the Eunuch Star had tried to resolve the matter by embracing Heoju.

Afterward, low-ranking Celestials had started considering Richardus’ faction a good place to break out of the existing system and achieve their ambitions. Meanwhile, Heoju had gone away under Richardus’ orders, and only now returned; he had shown up at the <Star Grave> for a reason.

“No luck on his end, unfortunately. The <Troop> traitors successfully fled, and that Lee Chang-Sun boy, whom Heoju wanted, also escaped,” the Eunuch Star reported.

“That’s to be expected from the <Troop> traitors because of Nu Chuang’s [Insight], but Lee Chang-Sun also fled?” Richardus asked.

“That’s what he said,” the Eunuch Star said.

“With whose help? Is there anyone in <Olympus> who’s still that powerful?” Richardus asked.

“Those <Olympus> guys are already old news. It was the ‘Primordial Evil Dragon’,” the Eunuch Star answered.

“Tiamat…? Why would that old lady suddenly jump in?” Richardus wondered.

The Eunuch Star shrugged and replied, “Everyone in <Heaven> knows that her bull-headed youngest daughter adores Lee Chang-Sun.”

“Mmm,” Richardus murmured as he tapped the throne’s armrest with his index finger, resting his chin on his other palm.

Tap.

Tap…

The Eunuch Star knew that was Richardus’ habit when he was lost in thought, so he just waited and smiled until Richardus continued, “You think Lee Chang-Sun is the guy, don’t you?”

“...Are you talking about the secret weapon trained by the <Underworld>?” the Eunuch Star asked.

“Yeah, I am,” Richardus answered with a nod.

“It is true that no one else is suspected to be the weapon right now,” the Eunuch Star remarked.

The Eunuch Star had eyes and ears all over Trailokya and Six Paths, and also had someone in the <Management Bureau>, so he had found out that Thanatos, the King of the Underworld, had summoned a number of <Fallen Stars> to his palace. Although the Eunuch Star had been unable to discover anything else, he had a few conjectures.

‘Thanatos won’t sit by any longer and is ready to draw his sword,’ the Eunuch Star thought.

Due to its uniqueness, Earth was under the jurisdiction of the <Underworld>, not <Heaven>. The home for all legends and myths, the stronghold of the sleeping R’lyeh, the starting point of all universes… Earth had such magnificent titles for a reason.

Up until now, <Heaven>—no, the <Horoscope> and <Purple Star Astrology> Celestials—had been disregarding that fact for a reason. Circumventing the Oath, they had opened up Dungeons and Gates to exploit the people of Earth for Faith. The more believers they had on Earth, the faster they could approach R’lyeh, so they had installed a ‘straw’ on Earth….

However, Thanatos was no fool, so he would not sit on his hands forever. That meant he would also circumvent the Oath and take action. As such, the Eunuch Star had reached the conclusion that Thanatos had trained a secret weapon in the <Underworld>, a sword to destroy the apparatus that the two <Society> Celestials had installed to exploit something called the ‘Source’.

Of course, the Eunuch Star did not know how many <Underworld> secret weapons were out there, but the prime suspect was Chang-Sun, whose every accomplishment was abnormally exceptional.

‘The odd part is that the reports I’ve been receiving add up too perfectly, as if the people in the <Underworld> are leaking the information on purpose…’ the Eunuch Star wondered.

The Eunuch Star’s thoughts were interrupted when Richardus said, “It means the secret weapon is one of those <Fallen Stars>... Who could it be?”

“We can’t find anything about Lee Chang-Sun’s real identity, but we do know that he’s just getting started and more of the <Underworld> secret weapons will continue to show up,” the Eunuch Star said.

Richardus’ gaze turned sharp, as he had discovered one piece of very classified information after becoming the ‘Tian Shi Yuan’. He had believed a certain friend of his to be dead, but it turned out that his old friend had not been executed after the <Divine Trial> and had instead been transferred to the <Underworld> based on an agreement between <Heaven> and the <Underworld>...

“Twilight,” Richardus muttered. “Is he really going to show up…?”

* * *

A Narrative was essential for one to become a Celestial. Anyone who performed great achievements could leave a record in the world through the system, but achieving Narrative-Grade accomplishments was a little different. From that point on, one would gradually become known in human society, starting their Narrative and building their own Faith.

Faith! It was the source of power for Celestials. Consciousness was a foundational element of the law of the universe; an individual’s Divine Rank and Class was based on what the people who sent them Faith thought about them.

Of course, the more shocking a Narrative was, the greater the impression it left on people, which resulted in more followers. Thus, the event of Chang-Sun bringing numerous Overlords and high rankers to their knees all at once was enough to leave countless people of the current generation in shock.

[The Order ‘Crna Ruka’ feels more loyal to you.]

[You have gained 1 Faith.]

[The Order ‘Illuminati’ feels a strong connection to you.]

[You have gained 1 Faith.]

[You have successfully defeated the Order ‘Hellfire Club’, making the members fear you.]

[You have gained 1 Faith.]

[The Order ‘Zmei’ has lost the will to fight and accepted its defeat.]

[You have gained 1 Faith.]

…

[Your Narrative is being written.]

[Your Narrative is not complete yet, so accumulate greater achievements.]

However, the accomplishment was insufficient to become a Narrative for a simple reason.

‘I have one more left,’ Chang-Sun thought, narrowing his eyes and looking down at the only person who was standing still with composure.

Jacque Valentine, the Immortal Overlord, was the strongest Player in the world, but he was just smiling faintly now. As always, it was difficult to read him.

「…He’s the same as ever.」

Simon Magus grumbled quietly, not liking how calm Jacque was. Just as Simon had mentioned when he and Chang-Sun met for the first time, the bad blood between the two ran deep.

‘Simon said that Jacque was his student, but betrayed him. Then, Jacque joined Peter the Apostle,’ Chang-Sun recalled.

However, it seemed Jacque had also betrayed Peter the Apostle. Otherwise, Jacque would not have Satan as his Guardian when Satan was part of the Absolute Evil Faction. By constantly going back and forth between the Absolute Good and Absolute Evil factions, Jacque had learned countless secret techniques and raised his Class enough to become a demigod. What had led Jacque to live such an extraordinary life? Including both Earth and Arcadia, Jacque was one of the most unique people Chang-Sun had ever met.

‘So…’ Chang-Sun thought.

Pzzz, pzzz!

‘...it’s now or never.’

Rumbbble―!

Chang-Sun drew the [Yuchang Sword] and [Tiamat’s Snaggletooth]. His <Dusk Lightning> began to twirl around him and intensified. Although Jacque was a mere demigod, he was more skilled than most low-ranking Celestials from Chang-Sun’s perspective.

No, Jacque would be able to complete his <Myth> and acquire a Divine Class to ascend to <Heaven> if he wanted to, but he had remained on Earth, which meant he had to have a reason. Chang-Sun planned to find out what that reason was.

Perhaps because he had noticed Chang-Sun’s fighting spirit, Jacque’s smile deepened. He said, “I think I told you I was just a mediator… but I don’t think you’re convinced.”

Paaah!

Mystical light spread outward from Jacque. It was undoubtedly sacred light, which was the halo one could use when their Class reached a certain level. However, as Jacque’s halo became bigger, he stopped looking like a human and gradually transformed into a monster.

[The Celestial ‘Malignity-Drinking Saturn’ quietly licks his lips!]

“M-Manticore…!”

“The Immortal Overlord and Tyrant are about to fight! Get back! Quick!”

The high rankers hurriedly distanced themselves from Jacque and Chang-Sun and watched them fervently. Joachim was even clenching his fists.

Paaah!

Jacque finished transforming into a Manticore, and his draconic wings beat powerfully as he charged toward Chang-Sun, resembling a ray of light bearing down fiercely on him. Meanwhile, Chang-Sun fell toward the ground, calling forth his <Dusk Lightning> to the fullest extent.

[The fourth chapter of ‘Prelati’s Spellbook’ has opened!]

[Creating Atra Fulmen.]

Chang-Sun dropped onto Jacque as his lightning bolts changed from purple to black. Two lights clashed in the air.

Booom!

Rumble―!

The collision between two polar opposite colors of light, black and white, made the Players feel as if they were going to go blind. The explosion created as Chang-Sun’s lightning bolts and Jacque’s halo clashed struck their eardrums, and the subsequent sonic booms disrupted all their senses.

Just barely holding back the urge to vomit, the high rankers finally pulled themselves together and opened their eyes, realizing that the positions of the black and white lights had changed.

Chang-Sun was where Jacque had just been, while, the Manticore was at the edge of the ruins where Chang-Sun had stood. However, something was different. There was more than one Manticore now, as if they had been cloned. Dozens of Manticores were surrounding Chang-Sun.

‘W-What happened…?’

‘Who won?’

‘Monsters…!’

Although Jacque and Chang-Sun had only exchanged attacks once, the onlookers could tell that they had used their full power. As they all held their breath…

Crack―!

The face of the Manticore in the center cracked, and pieces began to fall away. The cracks audibly spread across the Manticore’s entire face and reached his neck. Even the pool of light began to break down in a strange-looking way.

『You are indeed strong. This is why I didn’t want to do this.』

Jacque’s voice echoed, tinged with laughter, but it was enough for the Players to realize what had just happened.

‘The Immortal Overlord… lost!’

‘The first place in the Player ranking has changed! It’s the Tyrant now!’

Jacque had admitted his defeat.

Thump!

The onlookers had thought that Jacque had a chance in this fight, so the fact that Europe’s remaining hope had been defeated made their hearts sink. Regardless, Jacque the Manticore laughed even more loudly. Glancing at the sky, he looked at Chang-Sun as he asked a question.

『But they aren’t satisfied yet. What are you going to do?』

‘Aren’t satisfied…?’

‘Does it mean the Quest isn’t over yet?’

The Players became noticeably confused, unable to understand what was going on. Everyone present had admitted their defeat, and even Jacque had accepted the fact that he was weaker than Chang-Sun. Then, who was going to fight Chang-Sun…?

Nevertheless, Chang-Sun quietly scoffed and said, “It’s not as if they’re going to take no for an answer.”

『Well, you’re right. Those stars in the sky don’t care about the feelings of the people on the ground.』

At that moment…

[An additional Sudden Quest has been created!]

[Many of the Celestials that were only watching the previous Sudden Quest have declared their intent to participate.]

[Due to the restriction of the law of casualty and the changes made to the previous Sudden Quest, the Celestials’ representatives will participate on their behalf.]

[A field has been created!]

An enormous magic circle appeared, surrounding Chang-Sun and Jacque, and a new magic barrier was established; several Celestials temporarily created a separate space so as not to cause damage on Earth due to the Quest. The other Manticores started to glow brightly.

[The Celestial ‘Tsunami Bringer’ stands up!]

[A ‘Sea King Creature’ enters the field as a representative.]

[The Celestial ‘Antlered Animal King’ smiles coldly, saying that he can finally test you!]

[An ‘Elemental Spirit Knight’ enters the field as the representative.]

[The Celestial ‘Plague Monarch’ hurriedly appoints a representative.]

[A ‘Plague Monster’ enters the field as the representative.]

…

The glowing Manticores were vessels provided by Jacque, so the representatives could use their full power within the temporary field.

Each glowing Manticore transformed into a different form and created shockwaves due to their high Class, making Chang-Sun’s gray hair and coat rustle violently. One of the Manticores turned into a ten-meter-tall Kraken, while another took on a form resembling a human; the third became an amorphous, awful-smelling creature covered in green poison.

「…Those damned bastards are coming from everywhere. Did they plan this from the start?」

Simon grumbled. A Sea King Creature, an Elemental Spirit Knight, a Plague Monster… They all had different looks and names but shared one thing in common. They had sufficient dignity and Class to rule a civilization, or even a planet. Each and every one of them was as strong as Jacque.

They were the real overlords. People on Earth had the tendency to call individuals Overlords as an embellishment, but the people in this place were truly worthy of the title. They had forged their own path and reached a whole new level.

[The Celestial ‘Grand Duke of Destruction and Madness’ sends his apostle to take the key!]

[The ‘Hell Monarch’ has entered the field as a representative.]

[The Celestial ‘Garden Keeper’ steps forward, saying that he will punish you for what you did in the <Star Grave>!]

[The ‘Archangel Leader’ has entered the field as a representative.]

…

The <Maleakhe> angels and <L’Infernal> demons had also sent their representatives.

‘I must be on their blacklist or something,’ Chang-Sun thought with a dry chuckle, observing a man who exuded black demonic energy and a woman in white clothes with her eyes narrowed. The man and woman were gritting their teeth as if they wanted to rip Chang-Sun to shreds at that instant, so he assumed that they would definitely leap toward him right after the end of the countdown.

[The deadline for the applications of the Sudden Quest is in 3 seconds. ]

[3.]

[2.]

[1.]

[Finished counting the applications.]

[Total participants: 366.]

[Total viewers: 22???.]

[The Sudden Quest has begun!]

Paah―!

As soon as the message popped up, the archangel sprinted toward Chang-Sun in delight, spreading her white wings wide to leap high into the air. She cried, “I’ll avenge Sir Uriel…!”

However, she could not finish speaking, as something flashed before her eyes and she lost consciousness.

Paah!

Her white feathers landed on her body as she fell pathetically like a butchered chicken. The [Jin Can Axe] was lodged deep in the center of her head.

[The Archangel Leader has died!]

「…Wow, it’s your first opponent and you already crush a head?」

Simon laughed, dumbfounded.

1. The character in Water Margin. ☜