Starlight Shrouded in Darkness
The constellations residing in the Tower of Dark Knights perceive the world through starlight. Wherever their light reaches, they can peer into everything. In the case of the Tower, with the exception of players' personal preparation and rest spaces, everything falls within the range of their starlight. Thus, from the first floor to the pinnacle, the constellations could scrutinize every step of the players' ascent.
When the new record on the first floor emerged, the constellations gazed down at it with thrilled anticipation, wondering, "A promising new rookie has appeared?"
But then they noticed something off.
"...It's not visible?"
The first floor, which should have been crystal clear, was obscured by black smoke. The starlight had been blocked by something.
A sight even the long-time residents of the Tower had never witnessed before. The constellations plunged into chaos.
A situation even the eldest constellations couldn't comprehend. Debates raged among them about what exactly was happening.
The most plausible possibility among countless theories. Reaching that conclusion, the constellations' eyes lit up.
The chance to escape this stifling heaven. No more trapped in this narrow world—they might roam the Tower's floors, even Earth itself. Perhaps eat real food, meet people, indulge in hobbies. Filled with that intoxicating hope, the constellations began to spiral out of control.
They had to find them. Ideally before the other constellations. How this unknown constellation escaped the heavens remained a mystery. But withholding the info meant the method was limited. Delay, and the opportunity might slip away. They'd elbow out the competition and seize it—the chance to venture outside!
Earth's apostles were reeling under a barrage of divine commands unlike any before. What was this first-floor super rookie? A player worth that much?
As apostles worldwide flocked to Korea, public attention zeroed in on the so-called super rookie—the new number-one first-floor ranker. Who could it be? Hiding their name to dodge the fame? Was he really that extraordinary?
The entire planet fixated on this comet-like newcomer.
And right now, he was fiddling with black energy, shouting, "Rise!"
Wooong!
In midair, the authority of [Darkness] gathered like wet clay, kneaded and shaped into form.
...Crackle.
Then it crumbled.
[Dark Lord] says it was close just now, encourages you that a little more and you'll get it.
Just before her summoning time ended, [Dark Lord] had been teaching him how to wield [Darkness]. Now she was back in the heavens, advising her apostle and disciple via constellation messages.
"I'll try again."
Kim Min-su focused once more. The [Darkness] wriggled at his will, condensing into a single point.
Thud!
How long had he concentrated? As his mind slipped into a trance, a figure clad in black armor rose.
"I-I did it!"
A knight fully encased in armor had been created.
Thump!
The knight knelt on one knee before Min-su.
"Goddess! I did it!"
[Dark Lord] had said he showed talent and could craft a soldier with a full day's effort. Yet he'd made a full knight. Eager to share the joyous news, he called to her.
"...Goddess?"
No reply came.
"Goddess?"
Min-su tilted his head. Though they'd met only days ago, since becoming her honorary apostle, they'd chatted nonstop. She'd been watching him moments ago, answering every question instantly.
"...Asleep?"
Makes sense—even a goddess can't watch forever. Streamers take breaks from live broadcasts too.
"I'll brag when she messages back later."
Min-su tested the black knight born of his will.
"Hand. Sit. Stand. Turn. ...Good boy."
The knight executed his commands flawlessly. Min-su patted its head.
"Gotta name you. You're my first summon, so... Principus it is."
Way better than our constellation's [Darkness]-prefix obsession, he thought with a satisfied nod, chuckling to himself.
"Hmm... Fetch me a glass of water?"
At his order, the knight filled a cup and brought it over. It could handle complex tasks like pouring water!
"At this rate, I could strut around calling myself a summoner."
He didn't know its combat prowess yet, but it followed orders perfectly. Ideal as a disguise summon. And look at that sheen on Principus—the glossy black armor gleamed. Appearance mattered hugely for player popularity, and this knight was perfect.
"...Huh? No extra mana drain?"
After having Principus boil ramen, order delivery, and clean the bathroom, Min-su realized his energy wasn't depleting.
When [Dark Lord] granted him [Darkness] authority, using it consumed the stockpile inside him—like dropping lightning on the Tower or crafting the knight. But maintaining the summon or giving orders didn't cost any.
Once created, it persisted indefinitely.
"So I can keep this guy around without summon limits?"
No restrictions? Min-su recalled [Dark Lord]'s legion. If he kept adding knights?
Like the goddess's own army—a one-man legion!
Imagining himself flanked by ranks of knights, Min-su swelled with dreams.
"Tomorrow when I resummon, I'll ask more about the [Darkness Legion]. Goodnight, Principus."
Not knowing how to unsummon, he let it crash on the sofa and hit the bed. Pondering tomorrow's questions for [Dark Lord] about mastering the power, he closed his eyes. His consciousness sank swiftly.
And then, "...What is this? A dream?"
He stood in a damp, pitch-black underground chamber. Only faint light rays pierced through cracks in the walls—no other illumination. Iron cages lined the space, like a dungeon prison.
Min-su walked the long prison corridor. No signs of life. As if humanity had abandoned it long ago.
How far did he go? He reached the deepest cell.
There, he encountered her: a golden-haired little girl, face smudged with soot, ragged and filthy, fiddling with black energy.
"Fwiend, make fwiend."
A black knight rose from the clay-like energy she molded.
"Heehee, fwiend."
A familiar silhouette. Min-su knew who she was.
"...Goddess?"
Incredible as it seemed... she was the young [Dark Lord].