Central Avatar Research Director Vivian - (5)
The efforts of mortals striving to become glowing neon microorganisms flashing in rainbow colors were truly virtual.
Someone suiting up in the space gear I personally designed, trying to venture out beyond the orbital elevator. An alien getting pummeled after challenging a veteran avatar to a duel. Folks heading to planets teeming with avatar contracts to pull off bizarre stunts. The ranks of contestants in all sorts of tournaments where they could make a name for themselves had swelled. Gyms and martial arts dojos were packed to the gills.
Of course, the underlying motive of catching a constellation's eye was still there...
"It's because the constellations and Silent Starlight have revealed themselves."
[Constellation, Whispering Star Cluster encourages its third avatar.]
"This much is fine. It's just a little more work, after all."
Vivian's mutter spread the rumor that I was observing my third avatar this time around. Thanks to that, applicants to the Central Avatar Research Institute skyrocketed. Submissions of papers and visitors surged. Even people trying to chat her up increased.
I'd unintentionally caused her some hassle.
"No need to worry. I'm truly satisfied."
Vivian sorted her documents with her usual expression. Or not quite. There was a faint undercurrent of superiority.
"No need to prove your abilities anymore. Not when you've contracted with the greatest constellation."
[Constellation, Whispering Star Cluster asks if its third avatar hasn't already proven her abilities.]
"Ah. I was referring to those fools' antics."
Following Vivian's gaze, a hologram TV on the wall—or some electronic device—was playing news footage. An announcer in a suit delivered the report with crisp diction.
It was minor news—a single pilot flying over a planet's skies becoming an avatar. But the reference footage that followed was intriguing enough.
A small personal craft, footage from inside a spaceship-like flying object. Viewer count in the hundreds of thousands on one side of the screen, chat scrolling rapidly.
"Friends! I'm flying at 9,000 meters right now! Constellations!!! Are you watching?!"
A male pilot in a visor, slicing through the skies. A veteran handling the controls with skill. But his actions were far from ordinary.
"Why am I doing this?! To grab the constellations' attention, obviously!!! Hahahahaha!!!!"
The burly guy flashed a thumbs-up after his shout, then yanked the control stick hard.
Wait. Spinning the stick that aggressively?!
—Whiiiiiirrrrr
"Constellatioooons!!!! I'm the best on Teira Planeeeet@#%@#!!!!"
Beep— Beep— Beep—
The screen shook wildly. Up and down flipped repeatedly. That velocity in such a reckless spin—who knew if the pilot's body could take it...
But he smoothly jabbed a syringe into his arm with one hand. Body enhancement drug?! Pulling off insane stunts like that in the sky without hesitation.
Still, his intent succeeded.
[Constellation, Awakened Watcher of the Routes proposes an avatar contract to you.]
"Hahahahahahaha!!!!! Thank yoooou!!!!!"
The avatar contract message, visible to all, popped up on the live broadcast too.
* * *
The reference footage ended, and the announcer spoke again.
Incidents like this were popping up across the federation. In any field, those confident in their skills were increasingly craving the constellations' interest... Apparently, the constellations didn't mind. Though some criticized the recklessness.
"It seems even more so after the alien constellation terror not long ago. Many constellations want their avatars to shine brightly."
Like heroes born in turbulent times. Facing the threat of alien constellations, they yearned for their proxies—the avatars—to succeed.
Military folks and martial artists would have higher odds of becoming avatars, then. In a way, constellations weren't so different from mortals. Many started as mortals, after all.
They become gods, only to find planet spirits above them, galaxy spirits too. The galaxy spirits fools call gods are no different. They've merely reached the bare minimum to perceive Outer Gods on their own.
Gods act godly because they're assured of their absolute supremacy. If that crumbles, realizing they're small fry in a god's world...
They'd be no different from mortals.
"My lord constellation. An inquiry has arrived via the federation's chief strategic secretary's private channel. Regarding constellations who wish to speak with you. How shall we handle it?"
Yeah. Like this.
* * *
From a universal view, gods are objects of religion, supernatural beings bestowing fortune or wrath on mortals. Mortals rely on gods because some things are beyond their power.
Immortal gods usually solve a mortal's lifelong woes in an instant. From primitive eras wielding stone axes, through medieval steel-forging times, even in an age conquering a planet with science—faith in immortals persisted.
But faith in this SF world of interstellar travel was more nuanced. As civilization advanced, closing the gap between mortals and immortals, constellations had to swallow some pride.
[Constellation, Whispering Star Cluster inquires about the other constellations' business.]
"Yes. First, several constellations wish for exchange between their avatars. Some seek information on other dimensions, and others... wish to submit to you?"
Vivian looked puzzled at "submit." Like Naiserria? But anything below planet spirit level was useless. Even Naiserria was only good as conversation fodder—what use for other dimensionals...
[Constellation, Whispering Star Cluster asks to describe the appearances of those seeking submission.]
"If it's their appearances, we have records."
Like the cute azure dragon, Owner of the Blue Breath—if they pleased my aesthetics, maybe worth keeping. But most true forms weren't cute. Sea urchins. Elongated snakes. What was that cockroach-like bug constellation...
"...Yes. For now, set those aside. Still, many constellations seek you out."
Quite a few wanted to chat with me, it seemed. Silent Starlight stayed out of the public eye, so desires pointed my way.
I listened to Vivian detail their purposes one by one, but none piqued my interest. Mostly trivial desires.
"...Ruler of Crimson Beauty has come in her avatar body. She requests a private audience with you..."
Ruler of Crimson Beauty? The constellation from my second avatar Beatrix's home planet. She'd let Beatrix go without fuss from Balhar Planet, her domain. Now temporary descent was possible, so meeting her was fine.
[Constellation, Whispering Star Cluster asks if it's the constellation ruling its second avatar's home planet.]
"Yes. That's correct."
..._-__-
Planet Spirit constellation, Ruler of Crimson Beauty. Her avatar body was the same as before—a feminine form of red gems.
Thud. Thud.
"......?"
"...Are you the constellation?"
Gazes converged as the ruby mannequin-like temporary body strode through the institute. A living red gem walking? Natural reaction.
She entered Vivian's private office. Vivian bowed to empty air and left the room. Excluding avatars from talks—same as other constellations.
Fwaaah—
Tightness squeezing my form. Perspectives less than dust. For smooth conversation, faces were needed, so I descended in a temporary body and took a seat.
"I'm grateful you let my second avatar go, but why seek me out?"
"First, I apologize for my prior rudeness."
The red mannequin bowed politely. Grasping the skirt-like hem with both hands in courtesy evoked nobility. Rudeness? Probably when I took Beatrix—no displeasure felt. I wasn't petty enough to mind dust's chatter.
"More importantly, what do you want to say?"
"What does the great god think of the mortal federation?"
Her voice carried an edge, somehow.