Chapter 49 - The Path of the Hero (1)
··· As intended by Reina, the gallery users watching her actions erupted in heated reactions. They had always turned every little thing she did—when they got bored—into gossip fodder. On top of that, Reina had lived a rather dry life for observers, avoiding almost all public activities outside of training and tower climbs. So now that she was ramping up her outings bit by bit, it felt like a special treat to those who'd been following her from the start.
Of course, not every user was thrilled. Some who cherished Reina's lofty image couldn't stomach her negotiating, let alone stepping into the arena for a deal.
"What do you think? Looks like the old-timers are split by their biases, but the new influx loves the drama. Personally, I'm digging all her recent moves. Feels like she's finally spreading her wings."
Watching the users' reactions, sub-administrator Perbas chuckled and turned to Serpina.
"Reina's no pawn or toy. She has the right to act as she pleases, and we just support her."
"Not everyone sees it that way. With the coins they've sunk in, some think they can meddle through me."
"So what? If they're salty, they should've become her contract constellation themselves."
Serpina sneered. Abusive constellations who jerked challengers around? She despised them—hell, she'd been burned by one ages ago. That was why she stayed hands-off in this mess, just managing the board. In her own way, she wanted to give Reina free rein to get revenge on those scum.
"By the way, what's the deal with that new guy stepping up to become Shadis's constellation?"
"Clean record. No shady gallery activity, been here since the early days. Should be fine."
And Reina's plan had worked perfectly. The moment word spread that she valued Shadis, constellations started volunteering to help. She was putting "capture the general by grabbing the horse first" into practice. Most of her guildmates had gained constellation support the same way. No wonder a bigger fandom meant more power and backing for climbers.
"Sweet. So we just sit back and watch? Reina's gonna paint us a fun picture anyway."
Serpina smirked, glancing at Reina on the side screen. They didn't even need sponsorships for items anymore—if something felt off, they could message her instantly. Holding back proved Serpina was optimistic about the situation.
What have I done...
In the cold prison cell beside the underground arena, Shadis—chained and dangling—stared blankly at the floor. Only now did the weight of her screw-up sink in. Impatience had made her snap, climb the wrong rope, and slip into the abyss.
Impatience—a climber's deadliest trap. She knew it, but failed to dodge it.
Was it fate I couldn't escape?
She shut her eyes tight, staring at her reflection in the pooled water. Defeat? Familiar. Shadow life? Old hat. But failing Reina—the one who'd given her a shot? That gnawed. Worse, her mess might hurt Reina. Goosebumps prickled her skin.
"Calmed down, huh? Thought striking it rich was that easy?"
The pit boss approached—the one who'd ordered her to work off the debt with her body.
"One request. Let me change my name and identity. I can't drag her down."
Biting her lip, she forced the words out. Her own ruin? Fine. But not staining Reina.
"You knew that, yet you still...?"
"Re-Reina...!"
The boss paled and stepped aside. There stood Reina, icy-eyed. Even through dark sunglasses, those red eyes flashed.
"Release her. Now."
"Y-Yes!"
Under Reina's cold bark, the trembling boss and staff unshackled Shadis. But Reina didn't open the cell. Bars between them, she gazed down at the shivering woman collapsed on the floor.
"I-I..."
"Speak straight. Was this your choice?"
Reina loomed over Shadis's bowed, quaking head, demanding an answer. At "your choice," Shadis flinched. She wanted to blame the constellation.
But if I snitch here...
Her contract constellation was watching. Betray it, and no more help. Even now, desperate, she clung.
"Guess I'm not your top priority anymore. Those words from back then? Empty after a few months."
Reina's chill words stabbed like a dagger. Recalling her bold vow to climb for Reina alone, Shadis gritted her teeth.
"You might think it's an excuse, but the truth is..."
Finally, in a strained voice, she spilled it. Better abandoned by Reina than her constellation.
"You little bitch... how DARE you!!!"
Reactions split among the watchers.
"Your contract constellation put you up to that crap."
Reina snorted at the confession. She knew already, but now it was ironclad. No holding back.
"Then I can say it clear: your constellation's trash. Not helping you—just using you for kicks. Worthless."
"...!"
She didn't stop. Arms crossed, Reina trashed Shadis's constellation openly, unloading like pent-up venom. Shadis, the boss, the staff—all gaped, speechless.
"Ignore that garbage. Worried you can't snag another? Prove yourself more, done."
Gripping the bars, Reina stared into Shadis's tearful upgaze and declared it.
"I'll help. Don't believe me?"
"N-No... I do."
How could she deny it? Shadis nodded blankly. Reina never failed. Her word carried weight.
··· The fan gallery exploded.
Same kind of constellation or not, to Reina's fans, Kedus—the one yanking Shadis's strings—was public enemy #1. They cheered the thrill of Reina smashing him openly.
Fantasies of tucking Shadis into Reina's arms were already spiking. To outsiders, their bond was ironclad, crystal clear.
"Uh, Reina. As you know, the deal's not done."
"I know. No funny business."
"Ahem, per agreement, I'll set the date ASAP."
Shadis still wasn't out. Reina had a price to pay for her release.
"No way! You fighting in the arena for me?!"
"Just a boredom-killer. Think I'll lose?"
Learning the truth, Shadis lunged to the bars, but Reina waved it off with a smirk.
"Take care of yourself."
Shadis watched Reina's retreating back.