The Siren's Shadow
The next day, D-rank player Min-su confirmed that his player rank had indeed risen to D, just as the instructor had told him.
Now I'm a proper player!
A D-rank marked the true beginning of a player's journey. Now Min-su could climb the Tower like any other player and cash in his rewards for money.
I've still got a bit before my summoning cooldown ends...
He could head to the Tower right away, but just in case, he planned to wait until the cooldown from yesterday's summoning of the [Golden Melody Performer] fully reset.
But.
"Constellation, how long are you gonna keep this up?"
"Forever? For~ever!"
Why was this constellation lying with her head on his thigh, glued to her tablet?
"This spot feels the best."
Even if she'd lost her divine powers and become human, her true nature was that of a goddess. Her beauty was on a level Min-su couldn't even dare to gaze at directly. And yet, here she was, resting her head on his lap. Far from heavy, she felt as light as a feather.
But... that made it all the harder to endure.
"Poop! ...Heehee."
Watching this stunning beauty trolling people online with poop memes—what the hell was this scene?
That's probably why we were able to meet, though.
In a way, it made their encounter all the more dramatic. After all, his ability had judged her the closest match in the entire universe.
I wonder if that other goddess from yesterday is doing okay.
He'd treated her like a friend visiting from abroad, introducing her to all sorts of Korean fun spots. It had been a good time, but he wondered if it was really fitting entertainment for a goddess.
Was that goddess trapped in the Tower like our constellation too?
She'd made such a relieved face after just singing karaoke once. Maybe the gods we revere just want to live ordinary human lives.
"Ah! I forgot about Logad!"
Like this goddess right here.
Three days passed.
Min-su climbed one floor per day and had now reached the 4th floor.
"What the hell, this is way too strong."
Unlike on the 1st floor, he hadn't relied on the [Dark Lord]'s power. This was practice time—to gauge his own strength and hone his control over [Darkness].
But one thing was different from expectations...
The knights born from [Darkness]'s power were ridiculously powerful.
A single knight's sword slash cleaved the earth and toppled mountains. Five such superhuman warriors charged forward, mowing down the Tower's monsters like they were venting everyday frustrations.
"...Insane."
Of course, it wasn't enough to beat the records of S-rank players who'd optimized every tactic for speed, but it was ranking-worthy.
Now Min-su understood why his instructor had called him on par with an S-rank. If the [Dark Lord] used her full power, she could raze the Tower in seconds like on the 1st floor and claim 1st place. He might even snag another special reward like the one from his 1st-floor win, but that could wait. For now, he wanted to build a solid foundation and get used to this power.
"Excellent control."
"Haha, you think so?"
Rijette, who'd been watching his hunt from behind, gave him a thumbs-up.
It felt like the knights did all the work, so the praise was a bit embarrassing.
"You did amazingly, junior. I could never summon minions like that with [Darkness]."
She wasn't just babying him as a newbie, right?
"Nah, it's not that big a deal. Don't overhype me... Wanna do takeout tonight?"
...Of course, it felt good.
After finishing the day's Tower climb, Min-su headed to a nearby chicken hof with the two women. It was to introduce Rijette, who kept eating only ramen, to chicken—Korea's soul food.
While I'm at it, I should share those fun spots I told the [Golden Melody Performer] about.
He'd been neglecting Rijette lately, so he figured it'd be nice to show her Earth's culture outside.
"But senpai, isn't your face famous? You okay?"
"No one'll recognize me hiding under this [Darkness Hat]."
Idaine wore the baseball cap Rijette had made with [Darkness].
"Who'd think a dead woman from 10 years ago came back anyway."
True, but... she's still drawing stares.
Even with her face covered, her figure in [Darkness Leggings] and a [Darkness Tank Top] was eye-catching enough.
"Do you have to wear that?"
"I run a bit hot."
"......"
"Is she a celebrity?"
"Damn, she's gorgeous."
And sure enough, stares poured in during the short walk to the chicken place. Only then did Min-su truly appreciate their beauty, which he'd overlooked while cooped up at home. Well, they were goddesses in human form, so it made sense.
The attention continued inside the shop. Even tucked in a corner, eyes kept drifting their way. Looked like he'd just have to get used to it.
"Been ages since I hit a chicken joint. After going S-rank, I couldn't come to places like this."
Yeah, with her fame, she probably couldn't roam freely in life.
...But she seemed to be enjoying the stares, despite that.
Min-su opened the menu to explain chicken to Rijette when—ding ding—a familiar melody played.
"......Huh?"
A tune he'd heard only once. Yet so addictive it had him humming nonstop. A melody he'd longed to hear again but couldn't—and that made him crave it more.
Min-su slowly turned. It was coming from the shop TV.
He felt a chill of wrongness.
This was the song the [Golden Melody Performer] had sung at karaoke. The one he'd been desperately trying to recall.
But... why the unease?
And above all... he heard the melody, but not her voice.
Was it even a melody? Was it music at all before it was a song?
What the hell am I hearing right now?
It felt like being a sailor enthralled by a siren.
Like... like a golden...
Aaah, my everything, this beauty worth offering all for...
"It's divine power."
Rijette's voice snapped Min-su from his trance, pulling his sinking mind back from the depths.
"C-Constellation?"
Her face uncharacteristically stiff, she gripped his arm. The fog clouding his head vanished instantly, leaving it crystal clear.
"The music's laced with divine [Enchantment]. Anything below a certain level can't resist the divinity—its power erodes the mind."
Mind erosion? That dangerous?
Min-su looked around. The lively chicken shop, where chatter had buzzed despite the stares, now had everyone blankly staring into space like zombies. A horror movie scene straight out of nowhere.
"How can a constellation's power affect things so strongly...? They can't come to Earth directly..."
Divine power. Song.
Cold sweat trickled down Min-su's back.
He hadn't told Rijette about his day with the [Golden Melody Performer]. It felt like bad things would happen if he did.
But... that choice seemed wrong now.
Is this... my fault?
Maybe he'd been too casual with that power.
As anxiety swelled—how to fix this, could it even be fixed?—he started to spill everything.
Then—BAM!
"Hahk... hahk... hahk......"
Someone burst through the chicken shop door.
"O-oppa..."
"Yu-bin?"
It was Shin Yu-bin, apostle of the [Golden Melody Performer], from a few days ago.
"Hahk... h-help... me..."
She collapsed at his feet.
"W-wait, Yu-bin. Calm down first. Help with what?"
Min-su jumped up and helped her stand.
"Our... our constellation... she's in danger... help her......"
Things were getting complicated fast.
The vast hall, built for music performance and appreciation, remained empty of spectators.
But the performer's situation had changed.
"Mmph!!!"
Crimson-black melodies bound her like a spider's web around prey.
"What a cute little stunt."
"Daring to defy the natural order."
She struggled to break free, but more melodies only tightened the bonds.
"Just stay put there."
"That's your duty, your role, your fate."
"Mmph! Mmph!"
"Don't worry."
"I'll make your wish—and your little sister's—come true."
"So stay bound and watch."
"Watch your sister's melody dye the world in blood."
"Mmph!!!!!!"
Bloodshot-eyed, the goddess writhed. Golden power enveloped her body.
Crackle!
But the crimson-black power shattered hers.
The music spread. That uniquely captivating tune, infused with divine might, enchanted all who heard it, racing through Earth's advanced media.
Yet it carried a deadly poison—utterly unlike what she and her beloved sister had dreamed.
"Mmph! Mmmph!!!!!"
No. Please. Anything but that!
It was her promise with her dear sister. A dream they'd cherished since forever.
To bring happiness to all with the music they'd created together.
The Evil Will's actions denied her remaining will entirely.
"See? Your lifelong dream is coming true!"
No. Please stop. Someone, please.
The goddess regretted it. Had she acted too rashly?
She'd never imagined the Tower's chains were like this.
Never dreamed its endless malice could be so cruel.
It's all my fault. If I hadn't started this, the innocent wouldn't die.
Her little sister's face appeared.
Sorry. I can't keep our promise.
The face of the girl who resembled her sister—so she'd made her an apostle to save her.
Sorry. I didn't know helping me would lead to this.
All my fault.
Finally, the man's face—the one who'd helped her last.
He was different from the men she and her sister had known. He'd treated her with pure kindness, no ulterior motives.
Sorry. You too... because of me.
If she could turn back time.
She wouldn't have done something so foolish.
Regret pierced her. Guilt wracked her chest.
Is this my punishment?
Sorry, everyone.
And please. If anyone's there.
Stop this disaster.
[Darkness Lightning]
KABOOOM!
In that instant, the unbreakable fortress ceiling crumbled.
"......?"
Thud!
A figure dropped from the sky, landing on one knee.
The man slowly rose.
"Phew, finally found you."
Min-su grinned at the goddess.