Only one wish (1)

─···Please me…

─···But···how···

The faint voice becomes a reverberation and passes through my brain.

Like a fragment of a fragmentary dream, fragments of memory echoed like an echo and floated on the bottom of the dream.

Consciousness rises.

From the bottom of the deep and deep unconsciousness, it rises to the surface of the water on the other side where the light shimmers.

A long time for the scattered mind to sense reality.

The buried memories floated in my consciousness like bubbles created by buoyancy.

And.

– Eugene.

A single voice echoed at the end of the far-off consciousness.

-We will definitely meet again.

*

It is a familiar ceiling.

Sunlight shines through the window and waving curtains.

A room where pleasant silence flows.

The reality that I woke up in bed had a pleasant coziness like a cotton blanket folded in the sun.

“Have you lost your mind?”

A lethal bullet fired into the sky.

The final blow, which borrowed all the power he had and even the power of Laniakea, took away his consciousness as soon as it exploded.

Is the accumulated fatigue bursting?

He has no memory of what happened after pulling the trigger.

“Are you awake?”

I heard a voice beside me and turned my head.

There was Laniakea, who was looking at Yujin Kang with a gentle smile on her face.

I’m sure this has happened before.

It was a feeling of deja vu.

“How was the battle?”

“I thought you’d ask that first.”

Where are you and what is your physical condition?

His appearance, skipping the usual questions and asking the outcome of the battle, was the same, so Laniakea rarely laughed out loud.

“Don’t worry, the battle was won. It was a rare great victory.”

Arachne retreated early due to Raniakea’s offensive, and Ouroboros, who was a step behind him, was directly hit by Kang Yu-jin’s bullet.

The blow that he fired with the three sources really penetrated the Ouroboros, which had become a constellation by breaking through the gravity force of the inner dimension.

“Did you knock it down?”

“It did more than that.”

more than that?

I frowned at the strange expression, but instead of explaining, she responded by generating light from her outstretched hand.

“Look for yourself.”

Her holy power, shining like a projector, temporarily changed the scenery of the hospital room to another place.

It was the plain near Helios where the battle had taken place.

The place turned to ashes in a fierce battle was lined with corpses of demon beasts, and in the middle, a much larger snake with its tongue sticking out died.

“… are you sure you’re dead?”

“Yes, that is correct.”

dead?

Kang Yoo-jin looked at the body of Ouroboros with a rare surprised face.

Although it was a blow that drew all the strength, it was because I did not think that Ouroboros would die with it.

‘It’s not a fantasy…’

I’ve checked my consciousness, but there’s no sign that I’m being hallucinated.

That is to say, this is reality.

Kang Yoo-jin doesn’t get surprised except in very rare circumstances, but this time I couldn’t believe it.

“It accurately pierced the core of Ouroboros’ source. It would have been able to withstand a normal attack, but it couldn’t do that with a combined attack of three sources.”

“·······.”

“Isn’t that what you expected?”

Expect it.

It’s not that I didn’t do it.

He knew that the commander of the corps was, after all, an existence equivalent to a Constellation, and had its origin within it.

Although it is said that its nature is different from that of the Constellation, it is the same vital point that will lead to death if broken.

That’s why Kang Yoo-jin also aimed for that place.

To do the most damage in one hit.

I just captured the core where Ouroboros’ power comes from, gathered all the power I could and fired it.

However, he did not expect that it would destroy the source and kill the corps commander.

“It seems that the power was stronger than I thought.”

“It’s only natural that the Source of Fate and the Source of Radiance…and my Source have been merged together.”

Laniakea said in a slightly sloppy voice.

“Even so, my source and holy power are the strongest among all the Constellations.”

“I guess so.”

“It’s not like that, it’s like that.”

Raniakea grumbled a little in the sense that Kang Yu-jin’s evaluation of her holy power had been quite harsh.

Laniakea complaining to the world.

If the Council of Elders or other Constellations saw it, they would have been stunned.

“How are you feeling?”

“Now I see you’re curious about that.”

She came over to the bed and pulled a chair and sat down.

It was not an illusion, but a proof that it was materializing in a rare way.

“I’d be lying if I said there was nothing wrong.”

Then, in a slightly sad voice, she squeezed his hand.

Is it because of my mood?

Yujin Kang’s rough hand felt colder than before.

“Eugene-nim should know. A constellation is a position that only those with the destiny of the stars can ascend.”

“Yes. I know.”

Because that is the major prerequisite for the existence of the Constellation and Helios.

He nodded.

“However, Eugene-nim, in a state where there was no fate for the stars… artificially acquired the source of the constellation.”

An existence that is not allowed to occupy a seat in a constellation has gained the power of a star.

The power obtained by twisting the providence is always accompanied by side effects equivalent to it.

“It can never be said to be beneficial to the body.”

“Is it because it deals with powers that shouldn’t exist?”

“Yes.”

She vehemently affirmed.

If it was a single source, Kang Yu-jin might have been able to handle it.

The ability to control and manipulate power was unmatched by anyone in all dimensions, and because Raniakea knew that, he waited for him to complete the Artificial Constellation Theory.

However, the story changes when the number of sources increases to two or more.

“No matter how strong Eugene-sama’s control is… the body won’t be able to withstand more than two sources.”

Originally, the origin is something that even Constellations can have only one.

An organ like the heart that produces the constellation’s holy power.

Even just one has tremendous power, but since you have two or more of them, there is no way that it will not go unreasonable.

No matter how strong the ability to control power is, there are bound to be limits.

Having dealt with two or three such sources, it was only natural that Kang Yu-jin’s body would collapse.

“Originally, I would have told you that you shouldn’t use the power of the Constellation anymore.”

Using multiple sources at once is no different from saying that it eventually leads to death.

Raniakea wanted to stop Kang Yu-jin no matter what.

“But… Eugene-sama wouldn’t do that.”

“·······.”

she said sadly.

Because she knew very well what kind of person Yujin Kang was.

“…I have a mission.”

kill the witch

Eliminate the existence of demons from the world.

That was the only mission he had, and that was his conviction.

“And now, it’s also a dream I want to achieve.”

For a moment, the images of people pass by in my memory.

The people of the Mage Tower were enthusiastic about their achievements as if they were their own.

The three professors of Helios who called him colleagues and said they would stand by his side no matter what.

And, the disciples who believe in themselves more than anyone else and follow them.

“If there is a war, they will all die.”

The Emperor won’t stop until he kills all of humanity.

The darkness he will bring will destroy the world, and they cannot survive in a lifeless land.

Yes. He valued them.

I wouldn’t have cared about it in the past, but now I don’t.

Because there are too many people who only look at the person named ‘Kang Yoo-jin’, not his abilities or achievements.

“I want to save them.”

thus ending the war.

kill all demons

I want to make a deal with the emperor and break this chain of revenge.

Until then, he couldn’t stop.

“···Yeah.”

Raniakea’s beautiful hand wrapped around Yujin Kang’s hand.

“That’s Eugene-sama.”

Because I know I can’t stop him.

Because you know you don’t deserve it.

The constellation called the holy sky had no choice but to support him as a woman.

“So, do your best. My apostle.”

Looking into his eyes, she buried a feeling of tenderness deep in her heart.

“I will always be by your side.”

*

When I got my body together and left the hospital room, an unexpected person was waiting for me.

Skadi was lying on the sofa next to the hospital room, sleeping with her tail hugged.

I heard from Laniakea that restoration work is in full swing, but is Professor Lee not helping?

He looked like a cat sleeping with his tail wagging, so he lowered himself in front of her and poked her cheek.

“Uhhhhh?”

“What are you doing here?”

“Uh…? hehehe!?”

She jumped up in a panic and grabbed her hat that was about to fall.

Then he hurriedly covered his face with his tail, which seemed quite startled.

“Uh, uh, when did you wake up!?”

“I just woke up.”

“That’s it? Your body is…”

Skadi, who had said that, suddenly swallowed her words.

I didn’t say anything, but she seemed to know that I wasn’t feeling well.

She is also a 9th circle mage, so she must instinctively know what my condition is like.

“…It would be rude to ask. I’m glad you’re all right.”

“Thank you for your concern.”

I heard that it’s been about three days since I lost consciousness, but it seems that Skadi has been holding this position all this time.

“Do you know how worried I was? I was scolded for accepting it as it fell without any countermeasure after firing a big one.”

“Thank you. I lived thanks to you.”

Was it Skadi who accepted me?

I thought my body was fine after passing out in midair, but it seems that it was thanks to Skadi.

“Are other people okay?”

“Compared to you, everyone has minor injuries, so don’t worry.”

She got up from her seat and looked straight at me.

After staring at each other in silence for a while, she broke into a soft laugh.

“Really. You’re amazing too. Killing Ouroboros by the way.”

“I was lucky.”

“Heh. At this point, luck is also skill. It’s 3 kills for a corps commander, right?”

Is it because I thought

I killed Diablo before I was alive, and recently I also annihilated Balthazar, so if you include Ouroboros, I killed 3 of them.

Now, only one corps commander, Arachne, was left.

“It’s really amazing. ‘Preparing God of Death’.”

“Don’t call me that.”

“I don’t like it~ It’s cool but what~”

It was like a binge to speak with a smile, but it was cute with the tail.

Eventually, a chuckle leaked out and I ended up laughing with her.

“You know. I won’t tell you not to overdo it. I know you won’t listen to me anyway.”

Then, she gently held my hand with both hands.

“I do what I want to do. Did I tell you? Always-“

“You’ll always be by my side. I know.”

I will be a colleague who will be by your side when you turn your head, not an existence to keep behind.

that’s what she said to me

“I never doubted it.”

“·······.”

Her expression was blank.

Her round, purple eyes shimmered lightly, and as if to cover up her shyness, she fanned her hands with a reddened face.

You must have experienced this pattern several times.

The reaction is always the same, and now it’s fun.

“Oh, I’m glad you know! Then come with me now.”

Then, he grabbed my hand and started taking me somewhere.

“Where are you going?”

“Meet your ‘old’ colleague. I’m waiting for you.”

An old colleague would have been referring to Kaya.

The way she held my hand and led me was quite savage, but the redness down to the nape of her neck showed that she was very shy.

He’s such a consistent person, so I decided to pretend I didn’t know that he emphasized the word ‘old’ a while ago.

If you go over that, you’ll probably explode.

“Here.”

What arrived like that was one of the offices that were usually empty.

I understand that he entered as a temporary teacher, but it seems that he even rented his office.

Perhaps it was Raniakea’s order.

“I’ll be inside.”

“thank you.”

“That···.”

Skadi, who hesitated for a moment at my greeting, smiled and took a step back.

I don’t know what it was, but it seemed like he gave up after thinking about something.

“It’s nothing. Go inside quickly.”

“Yes.”

Leaving behind her waving hand, I opened the door to Kaya’s office.

*

“Mister, are you popular here too?”

Kaya was waiting for me as usual.

Still, the damaged clothes were mended, and they were in better condition than when they first met.

“He’s been flirting with this woman on Earth.”

“I’ve never been like that.”

“They wouldn’t think so, would they?”

she said with a mischievous smile.

“There’s something I’d like to ask you.”

“I guess so.”

how i live

How did you know when it was time for her to come out?

There were only a few questions that came to mind.

Kaya took a couple of deep breaths and opened her mouth with a stern face.

“Who is that woman?”

“…Is that what I’m most curious about?”

I thought you’d ask something else.

Apparently, Kaya was most concerned about Skadi’s existence.

I was a child who had been very jealous from before, so if it was like her, it was like her.

“It’s my colleague.”

“A colleague? Me?”

“You are my colleague too.”

“·······.”

Kaya looked disappointed inside, but I have nothing else to say.

Even if you want to call it a special relationship.

Because I can’t promise her more than a colleague.

“…well. That’s what an old man is like.”

“Aren’t you curious about anything else?”

“Because it’s roughly expected.”

Kaya turned and went to the window of the office.

As she gazed at the place where the black clouds had lifted before she knew it, her gaze took on depth as if recalling old memories.

“Because you were the one who knew me better than me. With my skills, you would have known when to break through the barrier.”

“·······.”

“Then when we met on Earth. That’s probably why you didn’t say anything to me.”

I affirmed by not answering.

I had known her for 10 years, and I knew her personality better than anyone else, so I postponed reuniting with the girl I met on Earth.

Because I knew that she would leave the earth and find me through that encounter.

I was well aware of the emotions and tenacity of a person named Kaya.

“I apologize if you think I took advantage of you.”

“It’s okay. I know you didn’t mean it that way.”

“···yes.”

She said, sweeping the window sill sadly.

“You still mean to kill all the demons?”

“yes.”

“I see···.”

The will I had on Earth has never changed.

And, nothing will change in the future.

“You know. Actually, when I was at Helios, I didn’t really like this place.”

Looking at Helios spread out in the sunlight, she spoke of her past, which she had never brought up.

“I don’t really care about the fate of the stars, but I was dragged out of the blue and suffered from assignment hell every time.

His voice was calm as he spoke with a smile.

No matter how unpleasant a memory is, in time, it will be moderately shaved and worn out and rounded.

“And as time passed, I didn’t hate it anymore.”

“No matter how bad the memory is, it will weather someday.”

“It’s not like that.”

Then she turned around and saw me.

Clear water droplets formed in her green eyes.

“Thanks to you, I met you.”

“·······.”

“Because I met the person I admire the most in the world…”

The condensed water droplets eventually turned into tears and flowed down.

Tears welling up in my eyes didn’t stop even when I gently wiped my cheeks.

“I know what you are trying to do.”

“·······.”

“I know why you waited for me.”

She didn’t ask me, but she already knew everything.

As much as I knew her, she also knew a human named Yujin Kang.

Kaya was aware of my unspoken plan.

“Really. Do you know how much I cried after you died?”

“sorry.”

“You don’t have to apologize. I didn’t mean to.”

She came up to me and hugged me tightly with both arms.

Burying her face in her arms, she trembled thinly as if swallowing a cry.

“Just… stay like this for a while.”

I could do that much.

Until she stopped crying, I stayed there quietly.

“How are Wolfgang and Angela doing?”

“Yeah… Wolfgang isn’t as mean as ever. Angela is married and has a child…”

“Patrick is.”

“He still fights every day…”

Their current situation after a long time was not much different from before.

“How about Korea?”

“It’s almost restored. Uncle, this time it’s featured in the Great Man Exhibition…”

“It’s a spectacle.”

As we share words we haven’t shared in the past, time goes by like that.

I’ve buried it in my heart for a long time, and I might not be able to tell you if it’s not now.

We had a long conversation that we should have had a long time ago.

*

A world of darkness spreading under the black sky.

In the center of the Black Sky Corridor, Arachne was crouching with her battered body.

“I’m sorry, Your Majesty… I…”

“It’s done.”

The emperor who was sitting on the throne stood up.

He approached the cowering Arachne and took out the revolver that was strapped to his waist.

with a clatter.

A black revolver aimed at Arachne’s head.

“Now I won’t go out on my own.”