Chapter 359
Chapter 359
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 359
Chapter Title: A Three-Way Vacation (5)
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The Sanctuary.
A world existing in a different dimension from Earth, much like the Demon Realm, and the only place where Constellations could use their full power without the restrictions of the Law.
The structure of the Sanctuary was similar to that of a giant tree.
Near the roots, various tendrils of starlight connected to different parts of Earth, creating gates through which Awakeners could enter.
Past the roots, a vast Milky Way path, the heart of the Sanctuary, unfolded. Following that path upward, it branched out again, leading to the temples of the Constellations.
Another characteristic of the Sanctuary was that, befitting its name as the "world of the gods," it was breathtakingly beautiful.
It was a common sight in the Sanctuary for first-time Awakeners to be so overwhelmed by the majestic scenery created by countless stars that they would stand frozen in a daze, forgetting even to seek out a temple.
But no matter how beautiful the Sanctuary was, no sane Awakener would choose it as a date spot for lovers.
This was, after all, the world of transcendent beings called Constellations, not humans.
‘And yet.’
Oh-jin walked slowly along the beautiful path that seemed woven from starlight, an awkward smile on his face.
He never thought he'd live to see the day he'd use the Sanctuary as a date spot.
And with the Constellation of Polaris, the very pinnacle of this Sanctuary, at his side.
[Hmm? Does the Sanctuary not please you?]
“No, it's not that. I just can't quite imagine using this place for a date.”
It felt like going to Jerusalem for a date.
Well, the God of Christianity and the Constellations were quite different, though.
‘If anything, they're probably closer to the gods of Greek mythology.’
In that case, it was like choosing Olympus as a date spot, which felt just as strange.
[I hear it is not so uncommon these days.]
“Using the Sanctuary as a date spot?”
Oh-jin turned to Vega, his expression one of sheer astonishment.
Seriously.
What kind of crazy Awakeners enjoyed dates in the Sanctuary?
[Did I not tell you before that the restrictions of the Law have weakened, allowing Constellations other than Polaris to manifest on Earth in physical forms?]
“Ah, yeah. You did.”
[I have heard that among them, some form deep relationships with Awakeners and spend time together in the Sanctuary.]
“…Huh.”
When he first started dating Vega, he wondered if there was any other lunatic out there who would date a Constellation.
It seemed there were far more people in the world who weren't in their right minds than he'd thought.
‘Not that I'm one to talk.’
Well, if he took off his biased glasses for a moment, it was hard to find a better romantic partner than a Constellation.
First of all, Constellations were fundamentally all handsome men and beautiful women.
‘Though Vega is exceptional, even among them.’
Anyway.
In addition to their perfect looks, though limited to the Sanctuary, each and every one of them possessed power and authority befitting the name ‘transcendent being.’
Of course, a Constellation couldn't directly help an Awakener's growth.
But for a Constellation who, unlike Vega, had hundreds or even thousands of Awakeners, simply forming a deep relationship with them could grant one noble status among Awakeners with the same Stigma.
‘In fact, at this point, it's almost a situation where you should bow down and beg to be a Constellation's lover.’
Once he shed his preconceptions, he could somewhat understand the feelings of the Awakeners who had become lovers with Constellations.
“So, are we going to your temple now?”
[Have you not visited my temple often? Today, I intend to go elsewhere.]
“Somewhere else?”
Other than the time he fought a proxy war against Deneb’s Apostles, he had never been anywhere in the Sanctuary besides Vega’s temple.
[Hehe. The Sanctuary has many places besides the temples.]
“Really?”
Since all he knew about the Sanctuary was that it was the world of the Constellations, he’d never had a chance to explore.
Besides, wandering around the Sanctuary while possessing the Black Heaven was dangerous, even if he could conceal its energy.
[Well… in truth, this is the first time I will be going myself.]
Vega smiled awkwardly and glanced away.
Even among Constellations who didn't engage much in external activities, she was a remarkable loner and had rarely been anywhere besides her own temple.
The reason she had chosen the Sanctuary as a date spot despite this was because there was a place she desperately wanted to take Oh-jin.
‘P-Preparations are perfect.’
It was a place she had never been to herself, but she had scouted the path and location in advance.
And, most importantly, she had practiced several times to ensure she wouldn't forget the ‘myth’ associated with the place.
Vega took a deep breath, calming her pounding heart.
“So where are we going?”
[Follow me.]
Vega took the lead and began to walk briskly.
[…….]
After walking a few steps, Vega came to a halt and stared intently at Oh-jin.
More precisely, at Oh-jin's hand.
“What is it?”
[I-It is nothing.]
Vega hurriedly turned her head away.
Oh-jin let out a soft chuckle and gently took Vega's hand.
[Ngh.]
Vega's shoulders flinched at the warmth spreading from their clasped hands.
Her face flushed a peachy color, Vega lowered her head and mumbled, her lips quivering.
Vega's reaction, which felt so fresh, brought a natural smile to Oh-jin's lips.
‘I mean, she's not some teenage girl.’
To think she'd get this shy just from holding hands.
Perhaps because he was used to much more intense skinship with his other two lovers, Vega's reaction made his heart flutter even more.
“Let's go.”
[A-Alright.]
Vega gently squeezed their joined hands and started walking.
[Hehe.]
Vega's lips twitched into a smile, as if the warmth from his hand was quite pleasant.
Her pace slowed, as if to savor the moment as much as possible.
Oh-jin matched Vega's slower pace and looked around.
“So the Sanctuary had paths like this, too.”
It was like a branch extending from the main trunk of a tree.
As they walked along the winding, branching path, a breathtakingly beautiful sight unfolded before them.
A vast plaza made of starlight.
An aurora shimmered in the sky, and buildings reflecting it glowed, emitting starlight of various colors.
While the Sanctuary was beautiful in general, this place was on another level of wondrous.
“Is this the place you wanted to bring me?”
[No, we must go a little further.]
“Oh?”
Where on earth was she taking him?
Puzzled, he followed her into the starlit plaza, where he could see a few Constellations and Awakeners milling about.
‘So this is what she was talking about.’
Just as Vega had said, he could see Constellations and Awakeners clinging to each other like lovers.
[This way…]
“S-Sister Vega?!”
Just as Vega was about to pull Oh-jin's hand and pass through the plaza.
A shocked voice echoed from a distance.
It was the voice of a Constellation Oh-jin had heard a few times before.
The only goddess among the hundreds of Constellations who affectionately called Vega "Sister."
Spica, the Constellation of Virgo.
[W-What are you doing here?]
Vega took a step back, her expression flustered.
Spica ran toward Vega, her fluffy pink hair bouncing.
“That's what I want to ask! What are *you* doing in the 'Starlight Plaza,' Sister Vega?”
Starlight Plaza, huh. What a ridiculously straightforward name.
“And with the Star of Calamity, no less… huh?”
Spica's gaze fell upon Vega and Oh-jin's clasped hands.
“Oh, my, my, my!”
Spica's eyes began to twinkle brightly like stars.
Vega quickly let go of Oh-jin's hand, but it was too late to escape the predator that had already spotted its prey.
“You finally did it, Sister!”
[B-Be quiet!]
“Heeheehee! You were so prim and proper, saying you had no intention of taking a lover, but in the end, even you couldn't resist love!”
Spica patted Vega's shoulder, a wide grin on her face.
“I had a feeling when I heard you'd opened your temple's gates again, but to think spring has finally come for my stone-hearted sister!”
[Did I not tell you to be quiet!]
Vega shouted, roughly batting away Spica's hand from her shoulder.
Spica grinned slyly and leaned in close to Oh-jin.
“So? So? Who confessed first? Huh?”
Spica asked, making a fuss like a teenage girl.
Oh-jin answered with a wry smile.
“I confessed first.”
In truth, if they were to be precise about it, Vega had been the one to confess first.
But he didn't want to give Spica more ammunition to tease Vega by telling the whole truth.
“How did you confess? How long have you been dating?!”
Spica pulled on Oh-jin's arm, pressing her body even closer as she bombarded him with questions.
[Stop that. Are you not making my child uncomfortable?]
Seeing Spica clinging to Oh-jin, Vega scowled and pulled Spica back by the scruff of her neck.
Spica stepped away from Oh-jin, her lips curling into a grin.
“Oh my, look at our sister. Are you getting mad just because I spoke to your boyfriend?”
[Who said I was mad?]
“You were just now.”
[T-That is because you were making my child uncomfortable.]
“Kyaaa! My sister is so cute even when she's angry!”
Spica squealed, pressing her hands to her cheeks and squirming.
She had probably used the questions as an excuse to get overly familiar with Oh-jin just to see this side of Vega.
[…….]
Vega's eyes narrowed.
[Hmph.]
Crackle!
A savage blue lightning flared to life.
“Huh? Gyaaaaaaaah!”
A scream erupted from Spica's mouth as the smell of something toasting filled the air.
Spica's body trembled, her eyes rolled back in her head.
‘Was that really something to be done with a cute little sound like "Hmph"?’
Oh-jin felt a chill run down his spine.
A moment later, a recovered Spica turned to Vega, her eyes welling with tears.
“Ugh. Th-That hurt, Sister!”
[Hmph. Then who told you to run your mouth so carelessly?]
Spica swallowed a groan, then her eyes lit up again as she turned back to Oh-jin.
“By the way, I heard you had two other lovers. What made you break up with them and choose my sister?”
“Pardon?”
“Well, the reason is obvious even without hearing it.”
Spica crossed her arms and nodded with a hum.
“As I thought, that bunny girl outfit I recommended…”
“I didn't break up with them.”
“What?”
“All three of them are my precious lovers.”
Spica stared at Oh-jin as if she'd just been hit in the back of the head with a hammer.
“…S-So you're three-timing right now?”
The Goddess of Virgo glared at Oh-jin with a look of contempt, as if seeing the worst piece of trash imaginable.