Chapter 42
Chapter 42
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 42
Chapter Title: Chapter 42
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 42
Chapter Title: Constellation Gallery EP. 41
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At that moment, the man in the rear stepped forward.
His demeanor wasn't particularly cautious or threatening.
'Shelter leader, was it? Precisely, an Incarnation.'
A familiar face.
That arrogant gaze from the brief encounter earlier in the day.
The Incarnation spoke up.
"Everyone, please calm down. We didn't come here to fight, did we?"
With just those few words, the atmosphere shifted.
The bloodthirsty glares softened, and the bodies of those who had seemed ready to charge at any moment relaxed slightly.
Seeing them shut their mouths and fall in line so quickly confirmed it.
'So the bullshit that One with a Hundred Tongues sprayed all over the contract wasn't just hot air.'
The Incarnation continued with a gentle smile.
"The reason we came here quietly isn't anything else. We just wanted to check if the place where you're staying is safe..."
Ha, what a convincing tone.
Even though it was utter nonsense.
"No, fuck that. Why come check in the dead of night like rats?"
"...Because we didn't want to make a show of it."
The Incarnation let even that slide smoothly.
Not a hint of ragged breath.
"Didn't the teacher refuse even the small amount of food we offered directly? We sensed our goodwill was a burden. So we thought we'd provide support on the down low."
"Bullshit."
As I spat that out, their glares sharpened again.
Shoulders tensing up—they looked ready to lunge right then.
'Acting like the good guys while telegraphing it so obviously.'
Ridiculous.
"You fucking idiots."
"That bastard—!"
The Incarnation extended an arm to block the fuming man.
With that single quiet gesture, the guy fell silent again.
"More than that, the building is quite unusual."
The Incarnation's eyes slowly scanned beyond the wall.
"Almost like it's been reinforced with monster hide."
That explained even more why this guy was sniffing around here.
"Shouldn't a sturdy, fine shelter like this be shared for the sake of many people?"
"That your goal? Stealing the kids' nest?"
The Incarnation shook his head at my words.
"What are you saying? Life only has meaning if everyone survives, doesn't it? Can you really call surviving alone survival if there's no one left around you?"
Sounds good. Seems right.
That's what makes it dangerous.
But.
I'm not swayed by that kind of sophistry.
His laughter, his expression, his gestures.
All seem like they're for saving people, but it boils down to 'share what you've built for everyone's sake, no strings attached.'
Even if it was a genuine good guy's request after a hundred concessions, it's a shitty demand—and this guy plans to lord over them.
Just look at him now.
Only he's unarmed. Whatever the weapons the others hold are for, he looks awfully comfortable.
No need to hear more from him.
They already crossed the line by hopping the kids' nest wall.
'Letting them live would just leave a bad taste.'
I stowed the hammer in my inventory.
If they touch the kids, I kill them with the sword.
That's the promise I made to myself.
That was when it happened.
The Incarnation watching me narrowed his eyes, his voice carrying a note of interest.
"Hoo... So it's real."
That tone, like he'd just confirmed something.
The Incarnation smiled faintly and continued.
"I heard reports of you using a similar ability at the mart, so I was skeptical, but now I get it. Even why the hammer vanished during the day."
"So you're admitting you tailed me?"
The Incarnation nodded slowly.
"Didn't I say? It was to provide quiet support."
Every word from this fucker grated on me.
I raised my right middle finger.
But his expression remained utterly composed.
He even spread his arms wide, like he was giving a speech, and pressed on.
"I know about that ability of yours."
At that, my eyebrow twitched involuntarily.
'What, did he get a Divine Message after all?'
Meaning he can handle inventory too?
But his next words were unexpected.
"The chosen ones each get different abilities. I received the power to sway the world."
Joy gleamed in the Incarnation's pupils.
Like he'd found a kindred spirit.
"What do you say? Join hands with us."
That's when it clicked.
'Ah, this fucker thinks my inventory is my unique ability.'
In other words, he didn't pierce my identity with a Divine Message—he just judged based on the obvious skill.
And him freely using 'Incitement' isn't because he knows skills; it's probably passive.
"What if I refuse?"
"Don't say that—think about it. Combine your four-dimensional storage with my ability, and imagine the amazing world we could build. Doesn't it excite you?"
He spread his arms.
Flashing a warm smile, acting like an envoy proposing an alliance—but it was just cute.
"You're beating around the bush just to say you want to use me as your warehouse, you moron."
"That's not it. We're people chosen by the gods. Dodge the monsters right, and we can be kings of this world."
"Fuck your mom."
With those words, he froze.
Arms still spread, warm smile intact.
At that moment, one of the men beside him bristled.
"You son of a bitch!"
But the Incarnation held him back.
Still smiling, he slowly raised his hand. Then his expression changed.
It was cold. His eyes froze with killing intent, and the corners of his mouth subtly drooped.
"Think carefully. The ability you got is far from combat."
I flipped him off with both hands.
"Bullshit."
The Incarnation let out a long sigh and bowed his head.
"...Well, talk's not getting through."
Then, he declared curtly.
"I heard your answer loud and clear. Then endure it."
In that instant, all the guys around him charged at once.
Flashing blades with metallic shrieks. Pure, unhesitating killing intent.
Like they'd killed people plenty of times before.
Or proof that the 'Incitement' skill was dangerous enough to turn humans into that.
'This just seals it—no way I'm letting them live.'
I didn't avert my eyes from the incoming blades.
Instead, I slowly closed them... then opened them.
Kaang!
The fiercely swung blade stabbed at my eyes.
But there was only the sound of impact—no pain, no wound, no blood. Just as expected.
Kwak! Kaang! Kang!
The follow-up thrusts were the same.
The moment they touched my skin, it was just like metal clashing.
"You teachers struck first?"
"...!"
Shock flashed across their faces.
Faces realizing something was wrong.
"Now it's my turn."
Summon Grave of Ten Thousand Demons.
Darkness seeped in like red mist over my hand, coalescing into a single sword.
"What the hell is this guy's deal...!"
Sslash—
I swung the sword lightly once.
Precise bisect.
Thud. Plop. Plop.
In an instant, four heads hit the ground.
Blood spread across the floor.
Grave of Ten Thousand Demons hummed.
Its runes flared red, then faded.
I shifted my gaze, locking eyes with the Incarnation again.
No more leisure on his face.
Lips parched and twisted, brow trembling.
"You tailed me. Didn't expect this? You must've seen me hunt monsters."
"...I glossed over the part about hunting tame monsters that don't even attack... What the hell are you?"
I said nothing, so he kept going.
This time, almost a whisper to himself.
"Got storage because it was weak, so two abilities...? Defense and storage...?"
Panicked lips. Mumbled confusion.
And atop that, one more.
The Incarnation's desire laid bare.
"...If you have combat power on top of those abilities... We could really change the world! I can control people. But not you..."
"But."
"Th-the chosen can't attack each other, seems like, so let's stop here and join hands. I'll make you—no, you—the king of a new nation!"
"Yeah, fuck off."
His face stiffened.
"The others fell to your incitement, so I let them go easy... but you're different."
No more time for words.
I swallowed a sigh heavier than bloodcurdling screams and opened my mouth.
"Endure it."
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