Chapter 102
Chapter 102
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 102
Chapter Title: Became the Gallery's Only Reptile
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'Am I too late? No, not yet!'
Whoosh.
I wonder if I timed my exertion of power too late. My body reacts before I even realize it.
Like a spring uncoiling, my body shoots toward the screen in an instant.
But here's the surprising part.
Even moving my body this close—so much so that my head nearly touches the screen—only about 20% of my full length actually shifts.
No, it's not just my imagination—since coming here, I feel like my body has gotten a bit larger.
Anyway, why did I jump like that?
Because a sudden crisis had befallen Yi Sohwa, whom I'd been watching intently.
'Though I'm not sure if you could even call it a crisis.'
Well, if things went south, it definitely would be.
Crackle.
Is this the price for forcibly halting those two with my power?
Pain surges through me, like someone relentlessly pounding on my back, questioning why the tower is causing such a fuss.
If this keeps up, it might hurt even more than when I summoned the mock Amrita on the 0th floor.
'But I couldn't just stand by.'
I hope it was just my imagination, but if it wasn't... had I not intervened, that Namgung Yeong guy might have died from Yi Sohwa's attack.
'The way he performed with tears in his eyes—it screams "close friends from before my regression," no matter how you slice it.'
But would he really kill someone like that with his own hands?
Short as my observation has been, judging from the regressor's somewhat naive actions so far... somehow, I doubt it.
Especially considering how he suddenly yelled that he was a regressor. Hard to buy.
'And if he really meant to kill her, he could've done it while she was immobilized.'
I've been focusing my glare on Namgung Yeong, so unlike her, Yi Sohwa has some leeway.
Look at her now.
While he's collapsed with his legs giving out, Yi Sohwa pauses intermittently but keeps moving.
From the moment I intervened, a subtly prickling gaze appeared.
It's just annoying, no real threat, so I've been ignoring it while pondering how to resolve this.
In total, I sent two messages.
One to both Namgung Yeong and Yi Sohwa, and the second specifically to Namgung Yeong.
Maybe it's a quirk of this place, but messages directed at climbers come out a bit distorted.
Look at what's showing now.
The first message reasonably captured my intent, but the follow-up came out in a pretty rough tone.
Still, I can sorta understand why.
If they spoke in their true voices, the climbers' illusions about us constellations would shatter en masse.
Being all stiff makes it harder to get chummy.
"How... how is a climber who just entered the tower drawing a constellation's attention...?"
"Tell me about it. I'm just as shocked."
Well, constellations usually don't meddle much in the tower.
I've scoped out various parts of the tower before meeting Yi Sohwa, so I know.
They only sponsor climbers—none intervene directly with their own power like I do.
"Ung... ae...? That guy?"
Ah, this time the words got twisted somehow.
I meant "Don't touch Yi Sohwa!" but the output mangled again.
"...Looks like despite the title, she's found herself a decent constellation."
Hey, what's wrong with my title?
You gonna take responsibility if Yi Sohwa misunderstands because of you?
"Urk. I'll be taking my leave now."
"Pardon?"
Well, after that "baby" remark, his killing intent faded and he relaxed, so I quietly withdrew my pressure too.
Namgung Yeong staggers to her feet right away.
But she sheathes her weapon and turns her back.
"I don't know what your connection is to the Namgung family, but don't let me catch sight of you again. I'm letting it slide this time because there's a constellation watching your back, but there won't be a next—"
"Kyaaak!"
Crackle.
Who do you think you're threatening?
I apply pressure to Namgung Yeong again, and this time she lets out a surprisingly cute yelp as she collapses once more.
"I... understand. Remember what I said—don't make yourself known to me."
Fearing I might press again, Namgung Yeong hurries off.
With her goes the glaring gaze, so as I suspected, it belonged to the constellation backing her.
"Constellation-nim. Just what is your true identity?"
"Really, it's been ages since I've felt this frustrated not being able to see what's ahead."
It's just not quite polished yet.
I discard the gift I failed to craft just now and take in Yi Sohwa's actions.
"The ending feels a bit lacking, but still, meeting unnie after so long puts me in a good mood."
The kid's got some real mental fortitude.
No wonder she's a regressor—already shaking off those rattled emotions and getting back to it.
"Now, shall we start by changing clothes?"
I naturally nod at her words.
Yeah, her current outfit is a school uniform, after all.
Not ideal for combat, so swapping it out ASAP makes sense.
'A regressor knows her paths well.'
Watching Yi Sohwa navigate the corridors without hesitation, as if she's done it a dozen times, I slip back into spectator mode.
"Phew, now I can finally move comfortably."
Yi Sohwa had changed out of her combat-unfriendly school uniform into high-mobility leather armor.
I definitely think this suits a climber far better than the uniform did.
Is it because of her looks?
Even with her eyes closed, her beauty doesn't diminish, drawing tons of stares from the other climbers around.
Ah, not just climbers—constellations are swarming too.
Crackle.
I step in to block them for the climbers, but unlike the climbers, these constellations flee only to slink back soon after. It's downright tedious.
"Keeheehee. That just means this climber has exceptional potential. As expected of you, Constellation-nim. Your eye for talent is leagues beyond mine."
A natural reply to my muttering.
I let out a wry chuckle and addressed the pint-sized goblin sidling up beside me.
"To doubt Constellation-nim's judgment with my hopelessly dull eyes... Shall I gouge them out here and now as atonement?"
For the record, I didn't ring the bell.
And if you're visiting this often, why not just stay here?
How many times has this guy come and gone today alone?
Drip. Drip.
But this goblin...
He's sweating bullets way more than normal at my words—super suspicious.
I narrow my eyes and glare; he startles and bows his head.
Even then, under my steady gaze, he finally forces his mouth open.
"Other constellations have requested a meeting."
Huh, didn't see that coming.
"Yes. Probably because you revealed your power on the 1st floor."
That tracks.
I nod immediately in understanding.
They must be curious about someone acting so differently from other constellations.
Especially since I'm a total newcomer here.
"Two groups have officially requested a meeting with you."
Groups? Not individuals?
So, there are enough interested constellations to classify them as groups, not solos?
"The Hell-affiliated constellations and the Greek-affiliated constellations have formally requested meetings."
Hell probably means the demons' crew, and Greek is that Greek gods' bunch I know?
"If you have a preferred date, I can coordinate it for you."
What to do?
Not really in the mood to meet anyone right now.
At least not until Yi Sohwa's safety is secured... Huh?
'What's that girl doing over there?'
"Get over here!"
Boom.
"...?"
"...?"
I'd been watching without looking away, so why is she suddenly kicking down some random intact door?
"You two geezers! Play a game of chess with me!"
"Keeheehee. Truly an amusing one."
And there she goes, pointing rudely and challenging them to chess? Totally out of place.
'Definitely a regressor.'
Can't keep up with that thought process at all.