WeTried Translations

Translator/Editor: ZERO_SUGAR

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◈ SSS-Class Revival Hunter ◈

Chapter 126: Demonic Realm (2)

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Upon seeing the eyes of Leafanta Aegim, I was momentarily at a loss for words.

'Why does he have such eyes?'

I've met all kinds of people. I've met someone who wielded a sword colder than a snowfield. I've met someone whose heart was colder than silver. But I had never before seen eyes like those of the man before me.

A blank sheet of white paper.

Eyes devoid not just of emotion but seemingly of any memory. Not even a fragment of feeling, let alone a trace.

"Uh..."

[Shiny is deeply moved by reuniting with an acquaintance after such a long time!]

Before I could figure out how to respond, the Holy Sword reacted first.

[However, Shiny is still not convinced why her former master betrayed her. Before feeling touched, she wonders if she should first be overwhelmed with anger!]

"...You have an unusual sword."

Leafanta Aegim glanced down at my waist. There, the Holy Sword vibrated violently, expressing her will. A hint of curiosity flickered in Leafanta Aegim's expressionless eyes.

"Is it a demonic sword, or an ego sword? ...In this place, it is best to conceal the fact that you possess an unusual item, stranger. Many hyenas prey on the skills and equipment of beginners who have just entered the 50th floor."

'Huh?'

I was puzzled.

It was strange. Leafanta Aegim's tone seemed as if he was seeing [Goddess of Protection] for the first time. If this young man was indeed the true Constellation Killer, he wouldn't fail to recognize the identity of this Holy Sword.

"Excuse me. Don't you recognize this sword?"

I unfastened the Holy Sword at my waist and showed it to Leafanta Aegim. When I drew the blade slightly from its sheath, bright light flowed over it like a sheen.

"Hmm."

However…

Even when faced with the Holy Sword's light, the emblem of the Constellation he had once commanded like his own limbs, Leafanta Aegim furrowed his brow as if he knew nothing about it.

"I don't know."

His face tilted like a statue.

"It seems to be an item connected to me, but I don't remember. No, it would be wiser not to expect any past connections from me."

"Excuse me?"

Then, Leafanta Aegim casually dropped a piece of unexpected information.

"I suffer from amnesia, stranger. I remember nothing from more than a week ago."

The man spoke with a calm expression.

3.

"It's dangerous to keep talking in this wasteland. Follow me. I know a relatively safe tavern."

Leafanta Aegim said so and led the way. Being new to the 50th floor, I quietly followed his guidance.

"Hey..."

"Look over there. It's Constellation Killer."

On the way to the tavern, I encountered several hunters. Presumably, all of them wielded significant power in other worlds. Yet even they stepped back, shoulders trembling, at the sight of the Constellation Killer.

"That crazy guy's up to some nonsense again..."

"Are the spiders from the towers going to be quiet today?"

"Shh. Better not get involved with that one..."

Not only hunters murmured amongst themselves.

[‘The Lonely Seeker’ feels curious about the new arrival.]

[‘The Eyes Dwelling in the Labyrinth’ expresses caution towards the companion of Constellation Killer.]

[‘The Warhorse of the Eternal Plains’ recognizes you.]

[‘The Lotus Reflected on Water’ observes you.]

Numerous constellations.

The constellations I had encountered so far were limited. Unless they were rulers of each floor, no constellation sought contact with me. But was this also different from the 50th floor? Constellations I had never heard of revealed their presence.

"...Annoying."

Constellation Killer muttered coldly, perhaps sensing the messages from the constellations.

"All of you, get lost. If any Constellation stays behind to annoy me, I will begin hunting down its apostle today. If you want war, keep hanging around. This is my final warning."

As the Constellation Killer muttered, the messages from the constellations abruptly ceased. The air surrounding us lightened.

"It's noisier than usual. Sigh..."

Constellation Killer sighed lightly and looked at me.

"Some of them seem interested in you. Stranger, have you done something to the Constellations?"

"Well, I have killed an apostle of [The Warhorse of the Eternal Plains]."

"...An apostle of Mahos?"

The Constellation Killer's tone changed. He took out a worn notebook, read something, then raised his eyebrows in surprise.

"You are more capable than you look. Every one of Mahos's apostles possesses exceptional martial prowess, and they are wrapped in troublesome blessings besides. That apostle must not have been an easy opponent... How did you kill that apostle?"

"That's also related to what I want to discuss."

We entered a tavern.

The place described by Constellation Killer as 'relatively safe' was more like an open-air tavern. There were no walls, just tables and a bar set up outdoors. Despite the openness, there was a solitary door standing.

"...Is this a safe tavern?"

"The visibility isn't blocked by walls."

Constellation Killer blandly explained the advantage of the tavern.

"You can retreat anytime in case of a sudden attack. No risk of being trapped if the building is targeted. The downside is it's easier to become a sniper's target. Bartender, the usual for me."

"Hey. You do know I've had to run the place as an open-air bar ever since you got the building blown away, right...?"

The bald bartender grumbled. Constellation Killer calmly sat down at a table.

"Sorry. I don't remember."

"Hey, young man. Whatever your business, don't get involved with that madman. Over 600 hunters in this vicinity are out to kill him. If you're not seeking death, stay clear."

Constellation Killer took out his notebook again.

"Exactly 1,127. Only three hunters are a real threat. One of them has been missing for 154 years. Strictly speaking, it's safer for you to be with me than not."

"Crazy..."

The bald bartender looked exasperated.

It seemed Constellation Killer was notorious here as a lunatic.

"So, what do you want to tell me?"

"...I find it a bit challenging since you have amnesia."

I slowly recounted my experiences.

The Aegim Empire you founded had nearly been destroyed. The cause was none other than your sealing of the [Goddess of Protection], which gave the [Demon King of the Autumn Rain] room to grow.

Because of what you did, [The Veritable Records of the Heavenly Demon] was destroyed, and [Tales of Sormewin Academy] was endangered…

I told him everything.

"..."

Leafanta Aegim listened attentively to my voice, sipping an unknown red beverage. Throughout the conversation, his expression remained unchanged, occasionally checking his notebook.

"Indeed."

Leafanta Aegim nodded.

"I heard your story and verified it with my diary. I believe most of what you said is true."

"Diary?"

"A storage for my memories."

Leafanta Aegim showed me the notebook.

It was densely filled with text.

"It may look like an ordinary notebook, but it is a sacred relic of the Constellation [The Great Puppy]. It has infinite pages and a convenient search function. I record what I do each day in it. Thanks to that, although I have amnesia, I do not lose the record of my life."

"..."

"As you said."

Leafanta Aegim spoke bluntly.

"In the past, I apparently founded the Aegim Empire."

As if talking about someone else.

"There, I sealed the Constellation [Goddess of Protection], with whom I had spent my entire life. The world you called [The Veritable Records of the Heavenly Demon] resembles the world recorded on page 236. I killed [The Golden Dragon of the Great Lake] there. The world called [Tales of Sormewin Academy] resembles the one recorded on page 3,215."

"..."

“A fragment of the Goddess as an heirloom... Did you say the Prayer Sword was passed down? Indeed. I once slept with a woman in that world. The woman you met, Raviel Ivansia, is probably a distant descendant of that woman and me. You said she had silver hair like mine... so there can be little doubt. What a remarkable connection.”

Something…

"You might have skills like [Uncovering Dark Past] or [Historian], reading my past."

Something's not right.

"But I have no past to read. It's impossible to steal and read this relic as well. Only I can decipher its code. Therefore, stranger. I acknowledge everything you testified as true."

I came to accuse this man.

I had come to tell him to his face that innocent people had suffered because of his paltry convictions, that countless people had been sacrificed.

But what is this?

"So."

How can you accuse someone who doesn't even remember their sin?

"What compensation do you want?"

Anger began to rise in my heart.

"What compensation?"

"For pointing out my mistake."

"...Do you even know what mistake you made?"

"Of course."

Constellation Killer said.

"My mistake lies in two things. First, I didn't consider the possibility of new constellations being born in worlds where constellations disappeared. Second, I underestimated the fact that a dead constellation could curse the world."

I was…

"Is that all?"

"Considering constellations from other worlds could invade after a constellation's death was intentional. No matter how many worlds a constellation rules, killing it ends it all. So, it's not a problem in reducing the number of constellations. Therefore, my mistake is limited to the two things I mentioned."

After finishing, Constellation Killer scribbled something in his notebook.

"I've recorded it. The same error won't happen again. That's why I mentioned compensation for your advice."

Advice.

Gratitude.

"People in the martial realm turned into zombies and died."

Shudder.

The Holy Sword, strapped at my waist and silently listening to our conversation, shuddered once.

Rage from my heart tinged my voice.

"Among them was an older person who, even as they lay dying, launched a boat and drowned themselves because they did not want to burden anyone else. There was a child of the Beggars' Sect who struggled to stay alive until the very end while looking after children of the same age."

"......."

"Each death was tragic. What do you think about that, Constellation Killer?"

"Nothing."

Leafanta Aegim replied.

"As I said, failing to account for the aftermath of a constellation's death was undoubtedly my error. But mistakes are bound to happen. As I said, compensating you for correcting that mistake is all I can do."

"Ha."

The red aura enveloping my body deepened slightly.

"Then, as a compensation, would you die for me if I asked?"

"That's a compensation I cannot give."

The silver-haired man shook his head.

"I have a duty to annihilate all constellations. Until that duty is fulfilled, I must continue to operate."

His words sounded more like a machine's. Shiny trembled all over.

I.

"That's quite a duty you've taken on. Why do you bear such a responsibility?"

"I cannot answer that."

"I saw that coming. Why? Because you think I wouldn't understand your noble duty?"

"I cannot answer that either."

"Ah, I see."

I glared coldly at Constellation Killer.

"Then at least answer this: Why are you using a relic of a constellation if you aim to annihilate them all? It seems contradictory."

"That's a question I can answer. I plan to destroy it after annihilating all constellations."

"You learned from the Demon King of Autumn Rain incident that even after killing a constellation, another can emerge. What will you do about that?"

"I have a plan for that."

"What is it?"

"I cannot say."

Constellation Killer glanced at his diary.

"This conversation is getting too lengthy. Let's get back to the main point."

"I thought this was the main point."

"Not for me. State your compensation."

Compensation.

"As I said earlier, I cannot die. As my duty is not yet complete, dying cannot be a form of compensation."

He seemed to be reading the words on the first page of his diary, the page he had written before losing all his memories.

"Nor can I quit. If I abandon my duty, I am nothing anymore."

"So name some other compensation. I will grant it."

"......."

Right.

Not many things in this world can be resolved through conversation.

I reached for the dagger, then paused midway. Instead, I took out a handkerchief carefully folded in my pocket. It was the one imbued with Raviel's blue scent. I briefly buried my nose in it.

Hmm.

"Fine."

My anger subsided.

I rapidly processed my thoughts. How would I 'hunt' this hunter before me, incomparably more powerful than me?

My mind soon found an answer.

"Then I ask just one favor of you."

It was a simple matter.

Hunting a stronger hunter wasn't new to me.

"What is it?"

"Protect me [for as long as I am on the 50th floor], no matter what happens."

I tucked away the handkerchief.

"Not just my life. Ensure my body and mind remain intact. Of course, forcefully ejecting me from the 50th floor is off-limits."

"…You're asking for personal protection?"

"Something like that."

Constellation Killer pondered.

He tapped the table with his pen, thud, thud.

"I don't understand your intentions. From your stories, you seem a highly righteous person. Not just righteous, but also equipped with strength and cunning. Your proposal doesn't align with your character."

"Ah, so you can't grant my request?"

I scoffed.

"You’re unable to die, unable to abandon your duty, and now you can't even protect me on the 50th floor? Impressive. Then what can you possibly compensate?"

"…I'm just worried about any hidden traps in your proposal."

"Traps? With your apparent confidence in your abilities, just break through them."

"......."

Constellation Killer deeply scrutinized his diary.

"Very well."

He moved his pen. Swish, swish. His hand glided over the diary.

"I'll record your proposal on page one. Until my existence ends, your proposal will drive my logic and actions."

Okay.

He took the bait.

'Sword Emperor.'

I turned to the Guardian Spirit.

-Huh?

'You said you once demolished one of those Magic Towers, right?'

The backdrop that caught my eye as soon as I arrived here.

Pointing at the towering spires under the ashen sky, the Guardian Spirit had said,

『There used to be six towers,』

『but

 I demolished one.』

『They’d go insane if they knew I've returned as a ghost.』

The Sword Emperor nodded.

-Right. It was one of the things I'm most proud of in my life, ranking among the top six achievements.

'Do you remember what you said when you demolished it?'

-Oh, of course! I remember every word.

The Guardian Spirit chuckled.

-Hey, you losers! Sometimes you need to get some air. Staying cooped up all day like you guys isn't good for you. Here, consider this a favor! I'll give you a free remodeling today! Haha.

Guardian Spirit, reminiscing about his past glory, suddenly tilted his head in confusion.

-But why? What are you planning?

I turned my gaze towards the spires.

Staring.

Intently.

-Hey? Zombie?

Guardian Spirit spoke beside me.

-Don't look there, didn't I tell you? If you stare for more than 23 seconds, you'll be detected. With your level and ability, you can't handle them. Or what? Are you gonna ask them to eliminate the Constellation Killer? Forget it. They won't attack someone as dangerous as him. It's a loss for both.

But I continued to gaze at the distant spires.

-Uh? Uh? Hey, Kim Zombie! Turn your gaze away now!

But it was already too late.

「Ah, ah. Mic test. Mic test. Who's that staring over there?」

A telepathic voice echoed in my head.

Guardian Spirit's warning came true, the tower had detected my presence.

「Looks like a newbie still fresh out of the box. I'll let it slide this time. If you plan to stay in this neighborhood, don't stare at us. You'll get yourself killed.」

The voice was filled with boredom, like a public servant who didn't want to work.

「Oh, you're with that constellation-obsessed guy? Haha. Bad luck. Well, need any help? Right now, I can send an instant escape scroll with a 30-year binding contract.」

"Hey,"

I spoke up.

"You losers."

「Huh? Has this fucking bastard lost his mind, talking to us like...」

"Sometimes you need to get some air. Staying cooped up all day like you guys isn't good for you."

「.......」

"Here, consider this a favor! I'll give you a free remodeling today! Haha."

Silence.

A complete stillness enveloped us.

-Oh, boy.

Guardian Spirit mumbled dumbfoundedly.

-Is this crazy guy for real?

Then it happened.

Screeeeeeech!

From the five spires, a screeching noise burst forth all at once, as if five fingers were clawing the sky. Clang! The bald bartender, startled, dropped a glass. Hunters in the streets covered their ears.

"What, what's going on?!"

"What's happening right now..."

And then.

-Sword Emperorrrrrrrrrr!!

A gigantic voice thundered across the ashen sky.

-Sword Emperor, you've returned! I knew you would someday! Even when all the constellations announced your death, only we believed you, the bastard who wouldn't die even in death! Possession or reincarnation? Doesn't matter! Either way is fine!

All the hunters gawked up at the sky.

-Kill him! We will kill you, Sword Emperor! We'll tear your soul to shreds and scatter it across the world, then defecate over it! Kill him! Kill!! Kill him now! In the name of the tower's history, chase him down to hell!

From the spires, hundreds, thousands, tens of thousands of shadows surged forth.

They all mounted brooms and formed a formation in the sky.

"Alright."

I looked at Constellation Killer.

The silver-haired man gazed back at me, expressionless.

"You promised, didn't you?"

"......."

"Protect me."

A meteor shower rained down from the sky.

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