WE TRIED TRANSLATIONS

Translator/Editor: ZERO_SUGAR

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SSS-CLASS HUNTER WHO DIES TO LIVE

Chapter 182: Our Children Changed (3)

3.

-The bastards... Those ignorant fools who only know muscles...

The aspiring actor elf sobbed for a while before heading home, crying all the way, bitter about life’s unfairness.

-Where have you been wandering around until now?

Things were no better at home, where they were scolded just the same.

-Don't tell me you've been hanging around theaters again?

-You’re fully grown and still haven’t come to your senses. Child, those Cave Fire Dramas are all plays meant to brainwash the Earth Spirit Tribe. In the end, they just tell them to serve and worship Kekerkker. What is so wonderful about that that you sit there drooling?

Unlike the Earth Spirit Tribe, elves lived in grand mansions and indulged in luxury. The family of the aspiring actor was also wealthy. To the merchant-born elves, this aspiring actor was an anomaly.

-That’s not true...

The aspiring elf muttered while picking at dinner.

-There’s no Cave Fire Drama about worshipping Kekerkker... In fact, they are stories about what Kekerkker worships...

-What are you saying?

-Can't hear. Speak up.

-You’re an adult now. We made a ledger converting everything we’ve spent feeding and clothing you into money. We won’t adjust for inflation, and we’ll make it interest-free, so hurry and pay us back. If you won’t, start by leaving the house.

-How can our family think only about money?

The aspiring actor elf retorted hotly.

-Why is our tribe obsessed with making money?

-Making money is fun.

-It’s not fun at all! How is swindling those stupid Earth Spirit Tribe members enjoyable!

-It’s always fun to take advantage of the gullible. So, will you pay the upbringing costs, or not?

-This tribe is insane.

The aspiring actor stood up indignantly.

-Paying back all the money spent on you since birth is tradition and duty. And everyone accepts it as normal...!

-It’s your expense, of course it's normal.

-They even listed the cost of the midwife from the day I was born, along with food and clothing! Are they sick? Does this tribe die if they don’t keep ledgers? Enough. I'm sick of this home! I'll just run away.

The aspiring actor left the house in large strides. As he was about to leave the gate, his family called out.

-Hey! Ssonia!

-What?

-Even if you leave, take the debt papers with you! Here!

The family brought out a cart.

The cart was piled high with rolls of papers.

All were debt documents.

-Once you run away, you’re no longer family, so we’ll start calculating inflation and interest. Don’t take it too hard. We’ll charge only the lowest rate. Get a job with any merchant company and you can pay it off in just twelve years. Work hard and make money.

-Fuck, this is such bullshit...

-Each curse word you say now will increase the interest rate by 1%.

-.......

-Ah. I’ve included the cart's price too. I thought you might run away someday. I prepared it in advance. It's sturdy yet cheap, be grateful. What are you waiting for? Ssonia. Leave the house.

With a gloomy face, the aspiring actor dragged the cart.

The cart's wheels clattered sorrowfully as it rolled away.

Guardian Spirit and I watched this sad scene of a young elf.

“Surely there isn’t a single normal race in this world, is there...?”

-Really. I knew your tower had a lot of crazies, but now I'm starting to feel uneasy...

With no money, the elf could not afford even a shabby room at an inn. They simply crouched beside the theater and slept with the cart serving as a windbreak. Sniffle. Their forlorn sobbing seeped into the moonlit street.

[You have purchased 'Appearance in Dreams'.]

[100 race points are consumed!]

[Your current race points are 8702.]

And now it was my turn to appear.

“Ssonia.”

I entered the aspiring elf actor’s dream and spoke to them.

Unlike Gorke and Uburka's dreamscapes, the elf’s was... well, quite vulgar. A luxurious party. Muscular Hobgoblin servants were pampering the aspiring actor elf.

-Sorry, Ssonia the Great Actor. We never recognized the genius of such a great actor...

-Ahahahat! Muscles without acting skills! Hurry up and pour the drinks!

-Ugor. What an honor to fill Ssonia the Great Actor's cup...

Impressive.

The most impressive was the Countess, who had corrupted the subconscious of the Fairy Tribe to this extent. A literal fairy. A bewitching spirit.

“Ssonia, Ssonia, wake up.”

-Huh? What? What is a frail pureblood human doing here?

“I am the guide of the Earth Spirit Tribe. What you call Kekerkker. Since your Fairy Tribe joined under the Earth Spirit Tribe's banner, you naturally fall under my jurisdiction.”

-Ha?

“Didn’t you wail today, asking for Kekerkker, or even a great cat, or a demon, to debut you as an actor? Be happy. I have descended upon hearing your miserable cries.”

-What nonsense...

A brief moment ensued to establish mutual respect through my fists.

-I’m sorry for my ignorance! Kekerkker!

“I forgive you. Gorke also doubted me at first, thinking I was a demon. But eventually, he realized my sincerity and praised me. One mustn't forget to be skeptical in this harsh world.”

-Yes! Thank you for forgiving me! Kekerkker!

“From now on, when you call me, refer to me as [the Merciful and Kind Kekerkker].”

-What?

Still kneeling, Ssonia glanced up at me. Their irritated gaze seemed to say, ‘What is this new breed of moron?’ I smiled gently and raised my fist.

“What? Do you have a problem?”

-No, not at all. The Merciful and Kind Kekerkker!

“Now you’re ready to talk.”

I sat on a silk-cushioned chair, sipping watermelon beer. What is this? It tastes like ground cucumber mixed in, with an oddly sweet flavor... Why are my children hooked on such tricky drinks?

“Ssonia, don’t fear me. I just want to grant your wish.”

-Yes, yeesss...

“So, you want to become an actor? I will make you one.”

-I-Is that true!?

“Of course. I, Kekerkker, have never lied to you guys. But before I lend you my power, I need to verify your beliefs.”

Ssonia blinked.

-Verify my beliefs...?

“Lately, false stories have run rampant and led countless children astray. Kekerkker cannot help but feel wretched. I ask whether you possess the qualifications to become the third prophet. Answer me.”

I spoke earnestly.

“What kind of person is the Flame Emperor?”

-Uh...

Ssonia hesitated.

-He’s a bastard, right? According to the most classic Cave Fire Drama... Kekerkker was living a normal life when one day, he met the worst person in the world and had a great awakening. That person's name was the Flame Emperor. Recently, there’s been an increase in portraying the Flame Emperor in a good light, but I don’t view it favorably. There are bastards in the world. And while people might change, bastards cannot...

“Ssonia.”

Thump.

I placed my hand on the aspiring actor's shoulder.

“You really have a promising future!”

-Y-yes?

I grinned broadly.

“They say you can tell a promising tree by its sprout. Ah, this child is not just any great tree but a talent that can devour the World Tree!”

-Ah... okay...

“How did such a good child come from among penny-pinchers like the Fairy Tribe, who care for nothing but money? A lotus blooming in mud, a black pearl in a shell. What a beautiful stroke of fortune!”

-I-Is that so? Hehe. You’re making me blush with such praise...

Ssonia scratched their head awkwardly. A heartwarming friendship blossomed between us, transcending race and era.

-But how exactly do you plan to help me?

"It's simple. I'll just borrow your body for a while."

I had already spotted an item in the civilization store.

+

[Character Possession]

Rank: A-

Effect: You possess the chosen person. The original owner of the possessed body becomes a spirit and stays by your side. The spirit returns to its body when the person dies, or when you declare the end of possession.

Cost: 2,000 race points

*However, you can use this item only if the person agrees to the possession.

+

This was an upgraded version of the animal possession item.

-Borrow my body... Ah! Don't tell me?

"Kid, I don't know what nasty thoughts you had, but I'm solely devoted to Raviel."

-Ah... Right. I forgot.

"I'm simply saying I'll possess your body. I won't stay long. Just enough to make you a top-notch actor. Even if you want me out sooner, I’ll leave."

Ssonia’s eyes shifted back and forth.

-Do I have to offer my soul or something...?

"Goodness, what would I do with your soul? Even after I possess you, your consciousness will continue to exist in a corner of your mind."

-......

"If you don't like it, just say so. There are plenty of Earth Spirit Tribe members who'd love to be possessed by me."

-No, no! Not at all!

Ssonia hastily spoke.

-Please do possess me! Merciful and Kind Kekerkker! I'll do anything to debut on stage!

"Good. That's the spirit! If you want something, you should chase it to the ends of the universe to achieve it."

I immediately purchased the item.

[You have purchased 'Character Possession.']

[2,000 racial points are consumed!]

[Your current race points are 6702.]

"No regrets?"

-Yes!

"Any complaints?"

-None!

"Alright. Since you've agreed, I'll now possess your body."

-Come in!

Swoosh!

A sound like water draining from a toilet echoed, and my vision blurred. I closed and opened my eyes. Suddenly, it was early dawn, and the cityscape filled my view.

"Hmm."

I opened and closed my fist repeatedly.

Delicate hands.

Never held a sword in their life, judging by the softness of the palms.

"A bit awkward, but... better than the first time I possessed a lion. I'll get used to it quickly."

-Oh my goodness. The great Cat.

Ssonia's surprised voice came from within my mind.

-You really possessed me...?

"I said it, didn't I? I never lie to you guys."

-I-I’m sorry. Honestly, I half suspected this might be some demon’s scam... There have been so many wild rumors lately about demons devouring people’s minds and people seeing bizarre monsters...

I circulated Aura through my meridians. Was the Fairy Tribe naturally sensitive to Aura, or did Ssonia unexpectedly have some talent? After circulating it four or five times, flames quickly rose above my palm.

-Wow.

Judging by their surprise, it seemed they had not possessed much talent after all.

-It's unbelievable! The soul's flame this easily....

-Who's loitering around at dawn?

Creak. The theater door opened. The director who had coldly driven Ssonia away the day before stood holding the doorknob. Judging by their freshly awakened face, they appeared to live there.

-Ugor? You again.

As our eyes met, the director looked fed up.

-The audition is over. The roles for the next Cave Fire Drama are decided. There's no role for you, so stop bothering us. You're an elf, so you'll live well without acting, right?

"Director."

I respectfully knelt.

"I ran away from home."

-What?

“Look at this cart. These are debt papers charging me for everything my family fed and clothed me with. When I said I would become an actor even if it killed me, they saddled me with the debt documents and threw me out. They say I have to repay it with interest.”

-......

"I have nowhere to go!"

I exclaimed passionately.

“Even the role of a lowly lackey is fine. I don’t mind a bit part. Please, just let me onto the stage! Look at my acting, not my muscles! In the names of Kekerkker, Gorke, and Uburka, I will repay your trust without fail!”

-Ugor, how did such an elf come to be...

The Hobgoblin director covered their forehead with one hand.

-...Alright. I'll give you one last chance. But I can't just hand you a role. You have to prove you can enchant the audience even with your feeble muscles.

"How can I prove it?"

-Improvise a performance, right here on the spot.

The director sat on the ground and crossed his arms.

-A special audition opportunity. There's no greater privilege than this.

Okay.

"What should I perform?"

-Every actor has a role that's like a gateway. How well they perform this role determines their caliber. It's an old piece, but very difficult, revealing the actor's true qualities.

"A difficult role..."

The director solemnly said.

-[Raviel and Kekerkker]. Perform the scene where Kekerkker confesses his love to Raviel, revealing his heart.

Oh.

-Don’t blame me for demanding something too difficult. As I said, you are already receiving an enormous privilege. There are even directors who allow only Earth Spirit Tribe members to qualify as actors.

I tilted my head.

"Will that do?"

-As expected of a novice.

The director snorted.

-The scene where Kekerkker confesses to Raviel is difficult even for seasoned actors to pull off. To Kekerkker, Raviel is a goddess, and he must summon every word in existence to praise her beauty, entirely sincerely. With the anguish of someone who will die if he cannot love her this very instant, someone who truly might die! It is by no means easy!

"Hmm..."

-Untalented actors try to get through this scene with tears and sobs. No! Kekerkker isn't begging or clinging to love. He simply wants to enhance Raviel's glory by purely expressing his love. Completely surrendering himself to her. It’s impossible without experience.

Really...?

I'm confident I could praise my beloved 360 hours non-stop.

Wasn’t that the easiest thing in the world?

"Anyway, perform the scene where Kekerkker confesses to Raviel?"

-Right. Though I doubt a stingy elf like you can understand love.

"Understood."

I took a deep breath.

I imagined Raviel sitting before me with their chin propped on one hand. Hair like a silver fox just about to enter hibernation. Narrow eyes, perhaps from a little lack of sleep. Red irises. A breath whispering, ‘I’m sleepy.’ ‘Go on, try to wake me, Gong-Ja.’

Your existence makes me love the world a bit more.

“Raviel. My soul. My eternal red. Until I met you, I did not know the color red. I merely mistook myself for knowing it. But your eyes, those eyes. When I gaze at your eyes from beside you...”

I opened my mouth, and...

Exactly 2 minutes later, the director's expression changed.

-Impossible!

The director jumped up in shock.

-Th-this command of the tongue... This impossible confession of love... Th-this figure, desperately acting cute like a centipede chicken... E-everything is perfect! Is it not as if you are Kekerkker himself!?

That’s right, kid.

Daddy's here.

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