Chapter 12

Chapter 12 - Subjugation

『 Translator – Divinity 』

The Coin currently in my possession is 600 Coin.

Since becoming The Constellations' Streamer, cash doesn't catch my eye anymore. Receiving Coin is particularly thrilling, and there must be several reasons why. You can earn money with Coin, and you can even obtain items or skills

with incredible effects unimaginable on Earth.

And these days, as time goes by, each day becomes happier and more precious.

If I gather a lot of Coin, I even wonder if

perhaps I might find a way for my illness to be cured. That anticipation makes me hope for sponsorships from the Constellations.

"Esteemed Constellations, thank you."

I sincerely conveyed my gratitude to those who had sponsored me.

These days, people feel wasteful giving even a single 10,000 Won bill to a passerby. Isn't the 100 Coin that Constellations casually sponsor me worth 20 million Won just counting in cash?

"I should be thankful just for you watching my insignificant life with interest, but thank you also for sponsoring me."

After receiving the terminal diagnosis, I had thought seriously about life. While conversing with the God of Observation, I decided to live my one year without regrets, expressing thanks for things I'm grateful for and apologies for things I'm sorry for. That's why I conveyed my feelings to the Constellations.

(Anonymous 1): Yeah yeah, I got your feelings, so hurry up and send the tribute.

(God of Rain and Sunlight): Anonymous, that guy, talks like that because he feels embarrassed (by the sincerity). Might have even shed a few tears listening to your thanks.

(Father of Crops): kekekekeke.

(Water God of Cheongha): I cried buckets.

Anyway, they're endearing people.

I prepared four disposable plates, mixed Gangdoenjang and rice, and generously topped it with Red Wolf meat, rolled omelet, and beef.

The Offering skill allows giving only one item to each Constellation once per day. That's why I piled up many side dishes like a tower on the small plate.

(Anonymous 1): Finally here, sh*t! Starved all day today to eat this.

(God of Rain and Sunlight): I'll eat well, Jinwoo.

(Water God of Cheongha): I'll eat well.

(Father of Crops): Just smelling it feels like I'll go crazy?

"Please enjoy your meal."

Smiling warmly, I started washing the dishes. Washing the dishes while reading the Constellations' chat, time flowed faster than I thought.

* * *

Anonymous 1.

He sat atop a sword of extraordinary size. Its form was closer to a greatsword than a sword, and it exuded strong mana.

He sat atop such a sword and looked at the plate.

"Looks delicious."

Holding the plate in one hand, he was gazing at the system window; inside the system window, Jinwoo was washing dishes and chattering about various things.

― These days, sometimes it doesn't feel real interacting so casually with the Constellations like this. It's only been a few days since I got this ability, but because so many unexplainable things have happened, sometimes it feels like a dream.

At those words, Anonymous 1 recalled the day he sponsored the EX-Rank skill. Because the 'me' of that time was cool, even by his own standards.

Thinking of that day's exploits, he became lost in thought even with delicious food before him.

Until before becoming a Constellation, there were so many people who cheered for him, but isn't his current plight living lonely by himself?

Having only communicated with other Constellations via the community and reminisced, saving Jinwoo through sponsorship brought back memories of those forgotten old days.

― Since resolving to raise Byeol, I want to die even less. To the point that I'd rather this wasn't reality but a dream, and even when my dying day comes, I wouldn't die but keep dreaming this dream forever. That's why I'm even more grateful to you, esteemed Constellations. Because you watch over my insignificant life and cheer me on.

"...Ah hell, damn it."

Anonymous 1 had reacted grumpily to Jinwoo's thanks earlier, but had actually shed a few tears. He shed tears again at Jinwoo's words just now too, and he ate the tear-soaked Gangdoenjang bibimbap and countryside side dishes while typing in the chat.

(Anonymous 1): This food is f*cking delicious, brings tears to my eyes.

It absolutely wasn't that he shed tears because Jinwoo's words were sad. It's just that the combination of the savory Gangdoenjang and the tender Red Wolf was so delicious that tears came out.

Anonymous 1 opened the community tab after bringing up the broadcast window beside it.

[Anyone among you happen to have an Elixir?]

― Is Elixir the name of some neighborhood doghouse?

― How d'you get that?

― Seems unlikely unless you're a decent Legend-grade Constellation.

― Or you could buy it if you have a lot of Coin, but... what do Constellations like us do with an Elixir?

(Poster): So anyone with an Elixir, donate it to me.

― This guy's crazy kekeke No matter how useless Elixirs are said to be, where would you find a Constellation who just gives something like that away freely?

He had secretly begun searching for a way to save Jinwoo.

* * *

After finishing the meal at Suho's house, I moved to the cave together with Byeol.

After moving to the cave, I examined one root of the medicinal herb sponsored by Father of Crops.

Father of Crops sent about ten roots of this Flame Grass.

"...This is incredible?"

I promoted the Flame Grass to the Constellations. As it was part of my secret contract with Father of Crops, and also because this actually had value worth promoting. Just looking at it, Flame Grass had covetable effects.

(Father of Crops): Hehe, it certainly is a really good item. Even eating it plain is reasonably tasty, and it's good to put it in food. You can chop it fine and sprinkle it like parsley too. Is that all? When it's cold, there's nothing better than eating this. Later when it's cold, if you have hypothermia, chewing one up all at once can save your life, you know?

(Anonymous 1): Not buying. You sound like a snake oil salesman, so I don't feel like buying anymore.

(God of Rain and Sunlight): Why would Constellations diet?

(Water God of Cheongha): Not interested in the Fire attribute.

"Seems like it would be helpful when cooking?"

This should be enough.

Stopping promoting any further than this, I decided to do what needed to be done. First, putting Byeol to sleep in my arms, then deciding on a travel destination was the task for today.

(Anonymous 1): For now, let's just do a subjugation while thinking. You never know, right? Maybe while subjugating, you'll gain enlightenment and a travel destination you want to visit will come up.

"You really like subjugation."

(Anonymous 1): Well... I was someone who wielded a sword.

(God of Rain and Sunlight): If Jinwoo goes to subjugate, what about Byeol?

(Water God of Cheongha): Doesn't Jinwoo have the Water Shield skill I gave him? If you shield Byeol with that skill, subjugation can be done safely. Moreover, since it also blocks vision to some extent, Byeol won't have to see any cruel scenes either.

Seeing Habaek talk like that, it seems he also wants to see me subjugate. True enough, stimulating things tend to be fun.

To be honest, I also wanted to go to a Gate again. In the past, I had no talent and subjugated with only tenacity, but these days, I've got equipment and even learned some swordsmanship from the Constellations.

The C-Rank Gate near the cave is a public gate frequented by Hunters for grinding EXP, which reopens several hours after being cleared. A safe gate where there's no chance of monsters coming out.

"...Shall I go check it out?"

I carefully used the Water Shield skill on the sleeping Byeol. Since Byeol can use the water element, she lay down comfortably inside the Water Shield as if it were her own home and fell asleep, and the shield's barrier became even stronger.

Taking such a Byeol with me, I entered the Gate.

"Byeol won't wake up, right?"

(God of Rain and Sunlight): It's a Water Shield enhanced by an Elemental King's power; most noises or attacks won't even have an effect.

What a relief.

Relieved, I drew my sword. Although it's C-Rank, perhaps because it's a '+' item, its weight was quite light. Since I couldn't insert the Orbs, I won't be able to use element-related skills, but I don't regret it as Byeol was born from the Orbs.

"Then I'm going in."

(Anonymous 1): GGG! This time, you gotta go all the way to the boss monster subjugation!

(God of Rain and Sunlight): I still saved a little meat to eat while watching the subjugation. I thought I'd die resisting the Red Wolf meat....

(Water God of Cheongha): Damn it, I already ate all of mine.

(Father of Crops): Want to eat a Golden Apple at least? Selling them cheap right now.

(Water God of Cheongha): ...Not buying. I don't even have enough money to sponsor Jinwoo.

As soon as I entered the Gate, I expected several Red Wolves to come charging. So I positioned the Water Shield containing Byeol as far back as possible and then drew my sword.

Upon entering the Gate, a gloomy and humid atmosphere greeted me, and anticipating charging Red Wolves, I swung my sword.

"...Eng?"

(Anonymous 1): kekeke What are you doing?

Contrary to my expectation, not a single Red Wolf came charging. I ended up swinging my sword in the empty air.

Moreover....

"There just aren't any Red Wolves?"

The monsters that settle and spawn near the Gate entrance were completely gone.

No, to be precise, it was just full of Red Wolf carcasses.

Meaning someone who entered before me is currently subjugating the Gate.

"Help me!!!"

Someone's voice came from up ahead.

This is already the second time I've heard someone cry for help in the last three days.

(Water God of Cheongha): Ignoring a request for help after hearing it isn't the right thing to do.

(Anonymous 1): Hurry up and go see, I'm dying of curiosity!

As expected, the Constellations crazy for dopamine wouldn't miss this chance.

I started running deeper into the Gate, towards where the sound came from.

And at that moment.

"Dada! Ah, Dada!"

Byeol, inside the Water Shield, called out to me, saying she wanted to get out of the shield.

With a single hand gesture, the little one shattered the Water Shield and came out, and at that moment, the words 'Help me?' burst out again from deep inside.

The little one, tilting her head alone for a moment, stretched out a hand once.

Paat—!!

A colossal fireball erupted from her finger.

With one gesture from Byeol, the boss monster died.

"...Byeol, how did you do that?"

"Hehe, Pew!"

She said she went 'Pew!' and shot fire from her finger. Fooled by Byeol's cute appearance, I keep forgetting she's an Elemental King.

(Anonymous 1): An Elemental King is likely stronger than most Constellations. Since they are beings who transcend humans, they are beings who could obtain the rank of a high-level Constellation if they just set their mind to it. This isn't strange either.

(God of Rain and Sunlight): To put it bluntly, if Byeol grows just a little more, she'll probably be able to use Meteor Strike like you used before too?

"Hehe—!"

Byeol was still smiling brightly.

"Byeol, good job. Amazing."

Not forgetting to praise Byeol, I went deeper inside the Gate. It was to check if the person who requested help was unharmed.