SSS-Class Revival Hunter - Chapter 363

WeTried Translations

Translator/Editor: ZERO_SUGAR

Discord: https://dsc.gg/wetried

◈ SSS-Class Revival Hunter ◈

Chapter 363: The Heaven that Gathers Wails (5)

──────

The duel had been concluded. The Staff of Time Immemorial was defeated, and I emerged victorious.

It was a unanimous decision, so all that remained was the aftermath.

"King of Death... No. Are you planning to establish [The Heaven that Gathers Wails] as a new Pillar, Duke?"

Baron Gu Won-Ha inquired. However, the Tower Master lightly shook her head.

"No. Myeongcheon probably does not wish to become a Pillar yet."

"Wailing Heaven?"

I tilted my head in confusion.

"Are you referring to me?"

"Yes. [The Heaven that Gathers Wails] is a bit long, isn't it? Since it gathers wails, Myeongcheon, the Wailing Heaven (鳴天). Gathering people's memories means gathering their names, so Myeongcheon, the Heaven of Names (名天). You live each person's life and return that life to them, so Myeongcheon, the Heaven of Lives (命天). Finally, you are the heaven that rules the afterlife, the heaven of the dark underworld, so you are also Myeongcheon, the Netherworld Heaven (冥天)."

"You have a knack for naming."

"I have many children, you see. It was a necessary skill."

For some reason, there was a moment when not the Tower Master but the princess boasted proudly.

"So, Myeongcheon? Do you want to become a Pillar right now?"

I looked around.

"Becoming a Pillar now would mean..."

"Your ascension would end here."

The Tower Master continued.

"A Constellation controls a single floor, but a Pillar manages the entire tower. Just as a Constellation cannot achieve feats by merely frolicking within its own governed floor, it's incongruent for a Pillar to climb the tower."

I pondered deeply.

And then, I responded.

"I wish to reach the 100th floor first."

This statement seemed to have surprised the Pillars.

But the Tower Master nodded, as if she had anticipated this response.

"Yes. In that case, for now, we will conclude by making you a complete Constellation, Mr. Kim Myeongcheon[a]."

"I'd rather not be renamed like that..."

"Mr. Kim Meongcheong[b]."

"That's going too far!? Did you just come up with a plausible set of reasons just so you could name me that?!"

"To be reborn as a true Constellation, there's a condition."

A condition.

"You might call it a procedure. Once you complete this procedure, you will be able to bestow blessings upon your followers."

"What is it?"

"Once you become a complete Constellation, you can never erase a skill again."

"......"

"Let's see."

The Tower Master snapped her fingers.

Immediately, rectangular shapes materialized and floated leisurely in the air.

Adorned in gold, silver, and bronze, they were none other than my skill cards.

"[I Want to Become Just Like You (S+)], [Returner’s Winding Clock (EX)], [Sword Constellation (A+)], [Ghoul Reincarnation (SSS)], [Goblin High Society (F)], [Divine Art of the Demonic Heaven (A+)], [The Torn Goddess's Salvation (A+)], [Demonic Formations Art (S)], [Earth Bone Dragon's Skull (SSS+)]..."

The Tower Master looked at me with an incredulous expression.

"Really. You have the cream of the crop. Don't you feel a bit guilty?"

"To say I only have top-tier skills, there's [Goblin High Society (F)], you know?"

"What are you talking about? That's precisely your identity. Even if you give up all other cards, you must protect the Goblin High at all costs."

"Your eye for quality is indeed high."

As expected, the Tower Master understood me.

"So I will give you an opportunity, Myeongcheon."

"An opportunity, you say..."

"It is simple. Previously, Myeongcheon upgraded [Ghoul Summoning (SS)] to [Ghoul Reincarnation (SSS)] as a reward for clearing Floors 11 through 19, correct? I will give you the same reward: an opportunity to consolidate your skills."

A comprehensive consolidation of skills.

"When a baron ascends to a duke, it's like reorganizing one's titles and fiefs at once. Gathering scattered lands to form a [Dukedom], trimming and weeding out as necessary."

The Tower Master, being a noble of some kingdom, naturally used a noble analogy.

"......Can I manipulate the skills as I wish?"

"That is correct. Though you'll need to convince me."

The Tower Master chuckled behind her hand. Flap. Her long sleeves, unlike any Earthly fashion, fluttered, revealing her amethyst eyes.

"But this is not merely a reward, Myeongcheon. As you know, it will determine exactly what kind of Constellation you become."

"......"

"A god must be clear. Intuitive. Because a god is a helper, and only when it's clear who can be helped, can the followers seek assistance. Look at Mutia. 'I can regress your life.' How clear is that? On the other hand..."

"Taotie wasn't clear about what kind of Constellation it was. Indeed. The power of a Constellation lies in the intuitiveness of its abilities."

"Yes, yes. Exactly. In short, 'Get your skill set right.' Simple, right?"

I rested my chin on my hand and gazed downward, lost in thought.

'What can I do for people?'

In other words, what is my power?

'What kind of people can I serve?'

In other words, what is my domain?

'......What do I need to remain myself?'

In other words, what supports me?

The deliberation was lengthy. I came up with some answers on my own. Then, I realized the Tower Master was quietly watching and waiting for me.

'She could have left after putting Baron Gu Won-Ha in charge. The duel is over, and this is only the cleanup. Why has she stayed?'

Sure, the Tower Master was showing me favor. She might prefer to reward me personally rather than delegating it to a subordinate.

But I reached a different conclusion.

"......I can ask you. I can seek your advice on what would be best for me."

The Tower Master smiled broadly.

"Correct."

Indeed.

I felt a weight lifting from my heart. The Tower Master is the god of this tower. The central Pillar, the star pinned to the highest night sky.

If I wished to grow stronger as a Constellation, where else would I find a better advisor?

'Nowhere. Absolutely nowhere. This is an incredible opportunity.'

The Tower Master had been right. She was giving me an [opportunity], not merely an opportunity to consolidate my skills, but an opportunity to make use of the Tower Master herself. If I received such a chance and failed to use it, then I truly would be Kim Meongcheong.

"Thank you."

"It is nothing. Reward merit and punish wrongdoing. Those who make an effort should be rewarded. That is the most basic virtue a noble must possess."

"Then, I'll ask straight away. How do you never tire?"

I could feel the remaining Pillars in the assembly hall staring at me. Their gazes were charged with emotion, not bothering to hide it, allowing me to immediately grasp the nature of their feelings.

Jealousy. Envy.

The Tower Master was their master. Given her life and temperament, she was likely the sole recipient of their affection. And it was only natural for those whose love she monopolized to wish to monopolize her in return.

'I'm truly competing with the Pillars now.'

Knowing I was utterly devoted to Raviel, they still felt this way?

'Probably.'

Just the fact that I occupied the Tower Master's time at this moment was enough to make them envious.

Not because I was receiving the Tower Master's favor.

But because the Tower Master was bestowing her favor upon me, they were envious.

From now on, they would likely try to hinder my ascent to the 100th floor. They wouldn't cheat; that would risk losing the Tower Master's favor. They would compete with me fairly, adhering strictly to the game's rules.

The Staff of Time Immemorial had already been defeated. They would never underestimate me.

It was going to be a tough battle, which is why the Tower Master granted me such an [opportunity] now.

Fight well. Stay strong.

Therefore, I must make the most of this opportunity.

"Hmm. How do I not tire, you ask?"

"Yes. I'm not tired yet, but things might change once I become a Constellation."

I thought of many people.

"The fox was tired. The first time I met Ester, she was tired because of me, but even before that, she was already festering inside."

How could it be just them?

Most of the Constellations I met, including Hamusutra, were tired of themselves, not anyone else.

Living a long life is like that.

"So, I'd like to hear about the Tower Master's case."

"Love."

The Tower Master answered simply, like a priest revealing the truth.

"I surround myself with loved ones. No, I make those around me love me. If I'm troubled, my lovers are even more troubled. If I'm happy, my lovers are happier. That makes life enjoyable."

"......Wouldn't it be torturous for the lovers?"

"Indeed."

The Tower Master affirmed just as simply.

"But I can make my lovers the happiest."

"......"

"Only I can gift the utmost happiness to my lovers. If they're in pain, I understand why better than they do. I feel more pain. I'm happier. Therefore, even if my lovers suffer because of me, it doesn't matter. After all, there's no one who can make them happier than me."

The Tower Master spoke with a confidence that could only be called arrogant.

"When I can feel my lovers' pain and happiness, I truly feel alive. Vividly. Tangibly. How do I not tire? It's simple. As long as life feels real, I don't tire."

Indeed.

It was not a life I would want to imitate even if my life depended on it, but the tactic itself was worth considering.

I made up my mind.

"Grant me a skill."

"Hmm? If it's a minor adjustment, maybe, but giving you a completely new one is a bit..."

"It's fine. It's not entirely new. In fact, it's almost like I already have it."

"If that's the case, I see no reason not to. What is it?"

"[A Certain Returner's Love]."

The Tower Master's eyes widened.

"Oh?"

"As you know, it's a skill Raviel possesses. A skill that connects Raviel's time and mine. I want the same skill as Raviel."

"Technically, having it on one side is enough for the effect. I could grant it, but don't you think it's a waste? You're running out of skill slots."

"Our Tower Master lacks sense."

I smiled.

"Aren't wedding rings supposed to be held by both parties? Please, give it to me."

Hearing my words, the Tower Master burst into laughter. It seemed the analogy of a wedding ring amused her greatly. Embroidering the air with laughter that sounded like tearing silk, she tapped the void.

[Supreme Love and Pure Longing.]

[The Master of All Lives acknowledges your love and gifts you a skill.]

A golden card materialized before my eyes.

[A Certain Returner's Love]

Rank: EX

Effect: To a returner, love is like poison. No matter how desperately they struggle, they cannot share time with the one they love. And so, a certain returner made a wish: 'Please protect my lover's memories.' That wish reached the Tower and was granted.

You share a timeline with your beloved. If your lover goes back a day, you go back a day. If you go back a day, so does your lover. This is the vow of a ring. This is a marriage of time.

May fortune be with both of you.

*However, it only activates when you and your lover mutually love each other.

The same as what Raviel had.

If I were a constellation, this would be the very first star to shine.

"Good. Shall I be generous? I will throw in an extra service, Myeongcheon."

Sararak...

The golden card descended onto the back of my hand, melting away.

Literally melting and disappearing.

As the card vanished, it infused my left ring finger with golden light. Naturally, the wedding ring I had matched with Raviel was on my finger.

"I linked [A Certain Returner's Love] to the wedding ring. Unless the skill card is torn, the wedding ring will not be destroyed either. Oh? But once Myeongcheon is completed as a Constellation, you will no longer be able to erase a skill card, will you?"

"It's practically an indestructible equipment item now."

"That’s right. Now it's truly a wedding ring. Congratulations."

The Tower Master beamed with a smile.

The Pillars around us intensified their stares, but neither of us cared. Of course, there was a difference. I thought I had to bear it anyway, while the Tower Master was deliberately ignoring it.

"What other skill would you like to revise?"

"Remove the penalty from [Ghoul Reincarnation]."

I immediately requested.

"Being able to use the skill only once a week is too harsh. Sure, if I used it to summon ghouls for a mob attack, it would be an overpowered skill, but I don't do that. I just want to return memories to the souls I've collected. Please remove the penalty."

"Well. You have a point."

"And I have two, three, and four points."

"Five?"

"Quack quack."

After the most absurd exchange, the Tower Master acquiesced to my request.

[Skill Revision.]

[The penalty on Ghoul Reincarnation has been removed.]

[Ghoul Reincarnation (SSS) transforms into Ghoul Reincarnation (SSS+)!]

"Again? Consider this your last chance. Don't come to me with regrets later. Speak up now while you have the chance."

"Revise [The Torn Goddess's Salvation] for me. She's not a torn goddess anymore, right? She's the [Goddess of Protection]. It's only right that I'm granted full access to Hwiya's power."

"That makes sense."

"Five?"

"I have no idea what you're saying... Mr. Kim Gong-Ja, do you like such jokes...? I'm starting to feel embarrassed being here......"

"Damn it!"

[Skill Revision.]

[The Torn Goddess's Salvation has been consolidated.]

[The Torn Goddess's Salvation (A+) transforms into Goddess of Protection (S)!]

"As for [Goblin High Society]..."

"No. I won't change it. Go back."

[Skill Non-Revision.]

[Goblin High Society has been preserved.]

[It's absurd to even think about erasing it!]

"The fox has sworn to spend eternity with me. If I am bound to the same timeline as Raviel, the fox is the sentinel who ensures that timeline is never severed. I want the fox's presence to be stated explicitly."

"As you say, so it shall be."

[Eternal Alliance of Time.]

[The Master of All Lives acknowledges your skill.]

[You obtain A Music Box Just for You (EX).]

"What do you want to do about Hisimet Cretsu and Mutia, Myeongcheon?"

"They were merely under my command for a while, not eternal allies I will be with. They wouldn't want that anyway."

"That is correct, and an accurate judgment. Those subjugated by force rather than by the heart will rebel when the force holding them weakens, or when they gain greater power themselves."

"Yes. So, while I might borrow their powers occasionally, they are not my powers. However, please consolidate [Divine Art of the Demonic Heaven] and [Demonic Formations Art]."

I spoke emphatically.

"They're both skills that paint the heavens of Demonic Heaven."

"That too is a reasonable request."

The Tower Master nodded.

"Let's name it Demonic Heaven."

[Skill Revision.]

[Divine Art of the Demonic Heaven (A+) and Demonic Formations Art (S) have been consolidated.]

[The skills merge into Demonic Heaven (SSS)!]

And so.

My skill set was complete.

Name: Kim Gong-Ja

Rank: S-Class

Skills (10/10)

1. A Certain Returner's Love (EX)

2. Returner's Winding Clock (EX)

3. I Want to Become Just Like You (S+)

4. Ghoul Reincarnation (SSS+)

5. Earth Bone Dragon's Skull (SSS+)

6. Sword Constellation (A+)

7. Goddess of Protection (S)

8. A Music Box Just for You (EX)

9. Goblin High Society (F)

10. Demonic Heaven (SSS)

Skill 1, [A Certain Returner's Love], is the foundation that allows me to be myself. It's the wick that keeps the candle burning.

Skills 2 to 5, from [Returner's Winding Clock] to [Earth Bone Dragon's Skull], are my powers. They allow me to see others' traumas, summon them as ghouls, and give them physical forms.

Skills 6 through 8, from [Sword Constellation] to [A Music Box Just for You], are my alliances. Beyond merely being together, we are bound by our souls.

Skill 9, [Goblin High Society], is... well, Goblin High Society. Does it need an explanation?

Skill 10, [Demonic Heaven], is my force. My sword. My source. It's the hilt I grip to not be devoured by this world, and the blade I wield to cut through this world.

"Mr. Kim Gong-Ja."

After all the work was done.

The Tower Master looked up at me quietly.

"Just nod, and the process to become a complete Constellation will be finished."

"Yes."

"From now on, you can't erase a skill."

"Yes."

"From now on, you can't die."

"......"

"Until now, you could always tear up [Returner's Winding Clock] if you wished. You could return to a life that ends with death. But once you nod, you can never go back to how things were before."

That's what it means to not be able to tear up a skill.

"Even in death, you'll just go back a day. Even if you wanted to return to childhood through death, skills only work within [the world inside the tower]. You can't return to the past before you set foot in the tower, to the outside world."

"I will ask one last time," said the Tower Master.

"Do you truly accept eternity?"

"Yes."

Despite knowing the weight of the word, I nodded.

I had walked this far just to bear that weight.

"I will remain forever as a heaven for those who scream."

"......"

And the Tower Master, having walked all this way just to deliver these words to someone, spoke.

"May fortune be with you."

Tick-tock.

The halted time began to flow again.

[You have cleared the 76th floor stage.]