Winds of Change (3)
‘To think I managed to keep my possessor status hidden all this time.’
As Jeong Chan-su, who had just shared information about the constellations, walked away, I watched his retreating figure with a strange mix of emotions.
While peeking into the community forums, I'd come across plenty of news about him. But just as the constellations on Fate Road didn't know I was a possessor, they also seemed oblivious to the fact that he was a regressor.
Of course, the occasional wild speculation post would pop up here and there. Posts wondering if Jeong Chan-su or a few others had gone through regression, possession, or reincarnation.
A quick search showed that grilling people on whether they were regressors, possessors, or reincarnators was one of the time-honored hot topics in constellation communities like "Sword vs. Gun."
From that, it seemed they were at least aware of the concepts themselves.
‘At best, maybe only his contract constellation knows that secret?’
Jeong Chan-su, who didn't even know about Fate Road's existence, never openly admitted he was a regressor until the very end of the story. So even if he used knowledge no one else could have, others would just assume it came from his contract constellation and let it slide.
And even if Jeong Chan-su's contract constellation knew his true nature, the odds of them spilling it were next to zero.
It was a chilling fact, but public opinion among the constellations wasn't kind to regressors, possessors, or reincarnators. They were seen as people who easily snatched opportunities from others.
Even speculating that someone was one of them was often viewed as just a way to trash them.
‘I'll have to hide it even more thoroughly from now on.’
As one of those very people, my heart pounded unavoidably. I hadn't meant to deceive them on purpose, but excuses like that probably wouldn't fly.
Human hearts are fickle things. People whose existence you didn't even know about suddenly feel like a huge loss when they're gone.
“Welcome! We've been waiting for you!”
“You're going out of your way for such a hassle.”
“Not at all. It's only right.”
Upon reaching Layer 35, an executive dispatched from the Federation branch was already there to greet me. Unlike when I'd descended to Layer 30, there was no swarming crowd. The Federation had it under control.
“Please, get in. The road to the hotel will be clear.”
This clearly Earth-born Black man guided me to a luxury sedan with polite courtesy. I could guess why they were going to such lengths, and a scoff escaped me.
“Worried I'll cause another incident?”
“Perish the thought.”
He brushed it off smoothly, but his intent was clear. They weren't giving an uncontrollable force like me any chance to stir up trouble.
“As you know, after you broke through Step 125, more and more people have been idolizing your status and fame. Crowds like that are bound to cause accidents.”
“I wouldn't know. Not interested.”
Like a true expert, he smiled and deftly turned the conversation. My response was half-truth, half-lie. In truth, I'd never cared about fame or popularity. It burdened me, so I avoided it, ignored it on purpose. I couldn't fathom why people got excited over that very trait.
But knowing about the fan gallery forced me to swallow that reality. Unlike me, my fandom reveled in it, took pride in it. Even if they weren't on the same level or in the same space, to them, the fans here were comrades too.
“Feel free to contact us anytime. From the smallest request to any potential issues, our branch will provide everything you need.”
At the hotel entrance, he personally unloaded my bag and handed me his business card with a bow. His eyes burned with resolve to prevent any incidents in his presence. I gave a wry smile and pocketed it.
“You want me to use it? Fine, put it to good use. Can you set up a meeting spot for this afternoon?”
“Of course.”
I wasn't one to refuse if they insisted. I'd planned to meet Shadis at the hotel, but if the Federation offered a better venue, why not?
“Whoa...”
“Don't gawk so obviously. You look like country bumpkins.”
“How can I not? When else would we ever get to come to a place like this?”
Stepping out of the Federation-sent vehicle, they gaped at the imposing grandeur of the massive building.
This structure, the heart of Layer 35, wasn't for just anyone. It housed the Federation branch and the headquarters of forces using the layer as a base. New arrivals to Layer 35 had no reason or right to be here.
‘All because of that one person's word...’
Shadis felt the same, swallowing dryly under the intimidating sight of the towering building and the sharply dressed people coming and going.
It was Reina who had summoned them here. No point hiding her connection to Shadis anymore—anyone who mattered already knew.
“Long time no see.”
In the center of the spacious conference room at the building's highest floor, Reina waited, wearing her signature sunglasses. Even Shadis froze for a moment, along with the others.
A ranker's presence—especially someone as famous and powerful as Reina—was overwhelmingly intense.
“I've heard the news. You climbed here with your new comrades.”
“Y-yes... to keep my promise.”
“Let's hear it. No need to be so stiff.”
The mood eased slightly as Reina propped her feet on the desk, leaning back casually in her chair with a faint smirk.
“This orc is Groll, and the humans are Wayne and Maylin.”
Regaining her energy, Shadis began introducing her companions and reporting how they'd climbed the tower so far. Reina's dagger still hung precious at her waist.
This was also a presentation on the investment's returns, appealing to its necessity.
‘No exaggeration, mostly accurate.’
Reina, already privy to Shadis's exploits via the fan gallery, smiled as she listened. Shadis had skipped mistakes and dressed up successes, but it was spot-on otherwise.
“Like at Layer 30, I'm aiming to pick up two new abilities here. One requires a party for a dungeon I can't solo, so mind if I tag along with yours?”
“H-how could I refuse?”
Shadis couldn't hide her joy and laughter at Reina's request to join temporarily. Her idol had acknowledged her achievements—a thrill like no other.
“Are your comrades trustworthy?”
“I've known them all before meeting you, Lady Reina. Like me, they were lost, ready to fall after giving up on climbing. I wanted to... give them a chance too.”
Alone with Shadis on the rooftop, Reina's long hair fluttered in the wind, sparkling in the sunset. She nodded at the earnest reply and said no more.
It was Shadis's burden to bear, as the party leader.
Shadis might lag far behind Reina in climbing skill, but her life experience was no small thing.
“Time's short. With the Layer 150 raid looming, I want new powers secured and mastered before then.”
“Layer 30, then 35. So what's next?”
“Layer 41.”
Layer 41. Shadis flinched at the words.
It had been mere days since she'd been stuck at Layer 30 for over a year. Now another harsh trial.
To meet Reina's expectations and keep her promise, Shadis had to keep climbing.
“My talent isn't great, but... I'll make it.”
Glancing at Reina's profile, Shadis clenched her fist. If it wouldn't work, make it work—like Reina always said.
“Talent doesn't matter. This is the Tower.”
Reina turned, a peculiar expression on her face.
“A place that forges even nonexistent talent. If you have the will and resolve, opportunity will come.”
Words from the Fate Road constellations. Reina agreed, passing them straight to Shadis.
“I heard a rumor once.”
“A rumor?”
“About an achievement near Layer 35 with special rewards. What if you claimed it?”
With that, Reina dropped a practical hint for Shadis—part of the strategy from the gallery.
‘They're not watching my every second.’
Reina knew Fate Road well enough now. She'd already planned how to use the info naturally.
“I'll definitely repay you.”
Seeing it as another investment, Shadis nodded with fierce determination. Such intel sold for fortunes at auctions. Reina gave it freely—repayment was only right.
“No need to feel burdened. I gain something every time I come down here too. Sounds arrogant, but up there it's so cutthroat; coming down relaxes the mind.”
“I get it.”
Rankers visiting lower layers for rest was commonplace. Shadis smiled faintly.
‘I'll make it as comfortable as possible for her. That's the best I can do.’
In that moment, Shadis gained yet another goal.