I got into school for nothing - Chapter 70
I got into school for nothing (70)
Lesson 15. Didn't You Learn to Be Careful with Contracts? - 4
―I have witnessed objects born from your fingertips gain life and grow. The breath you shared sprouted and became a magnificent tree; truly, you are a dandelion spreading life.
―A truly magnificent invention! To think you would imbue objects with your own Authority, making them move. If they were to multiply into dozens, even hundreds, I eagerly anticipate what might unfold!
It was immediately apparent that the beings who had spoken were Constellations.
What surprised Ban Yuwon was that this was the first time he had heard the voices of two Constellations simultaneously.
"What's wrong, Ban?"
"Ban Yuwon?"
And then... Ban Yuwon realized that the Constellations' voices hadn't reached his perplexed companions, who wondered why he had suddenly stopped moving.
"A Constellation? Honestly, it's not even surprising anymore."
Considering how incredibly entangled he had become with Constellations for a mere freshman, and that every single encounter had been a bad omen, Light grimaced in disgust.
Ban Yuwon felt similarly, contemplating just tearing out all the traps and moving straight to Room 10. But the moment he made that decision, the two Constellations' attitudes became frantic.
―You know your name has become famous among the Constellations, don't you? There are quite a few among them with ill intentions. Especially those who sponsor ruffians like Exodus! But I, precisely I, can protect you from them! If only you make a contract with me.
―I believe I can further enhance your abilities. Let us make a contract, young child.
His ears were ringing with an absurd clamor.
Moreover, Ban Yuwon had once resolved never to make a contract with a Constellation, so the moment the two Constellations uttered the word 'contract,' he didn't hesitate to pull out a string of characters—.
―Wait! Just wait a moment!
―Hmph, isn't that child acting like this because of you, you broken clock?!
The momentary 'influence' exerted by the two Constellations in unison prevented the shift to Room 10.
Ban Yuwon's eyebrow twitched.
Of course, they wouldn't be able to directly influence Ban Yuwon any further, but it wasn't a pleasant feeling.
It could also mean their expectations for Ban Yuwon were incredibly high, but...
"No matter what you say, I'm not making a contract."
He had memories of people being swayed by Constellations through contracts, only to die, so Ban Yuwon's resolve would never waver in the future.
From a very young age, Ban Yuwon possessed a transcendent ability to convey his intentions through language.
If he decided to lie, no one could detect it, and the same was true in reverse.
―Your resolve is firm. But you do know that a contract with a Constellation is the only way to maximize human potential, don't you?
―It can even create potential where none existed. That is how humans can ascend to transcendence... A pity.
In that case.
The two Constellations conveyed their intentions in unison.
―I won't ask for a price. Let us simply forge a connection. I'm making this offer because your abilities seem to align perfectly with mine.
―I shall sponsor you, child. To you, a pure human with the astonishing talent of cultivating life, I wish to stake my wager.
Sponsorship, then.
Ban Yuwon recalled what he had learned about Constellation sponsorship in Professor Zenon's lecture this past Tuesday.
If a contract was a gamble where one received immense power but became swayed by a Constellation's will, risking their very life in the worst-case scenario.
Then sponsorship, while offering less power than a contract, seemed to demand a smaller, or even no, price from the human.
―There's no need to feel burdened. I won't set any conditions. I merely wish to see how far you can grow under my sponsorship.
―You possess the potential to reach the pinnacle of this Tower. If you grant me connection, I wish to witness that journey alongside you.
But if Constellations truly received nothing in return, why would they sponsor humans?
Zenon had kindly explained why unconditional sponsorship was possible.
'At our Academy, we often encourage contracts with Constellations, so some students might consider discussing sponsorship a luxury problem. Therefore, this discussion is relevant to those who have refused a Constellation's contract more than once, or who are currently receiving contact from multiple Constellations at once.'
With those words, Zenon, who had focused the classroom's attention on the Rebellion members, began his explanation with a calm expression.
'You are aware that Constellation activity is particularly vigorous within the Tower. That is because Constellations, much like us humans, also desire to reach the summit of the Tower.'
'Thus, many Constellations are vying for the right to act more freely within the Tower—that is, for 'share'. This 'share' is required for them to contact climbers, infiltrate someone into the Tower, arrange encounters between climbers within the Tower... or even to strengthen the Tower's monsters or alter the contents of its rooms.'
Yumina had also mentioned the existence of 'share' before.
Thanks to Ban Yuwon's party eliminating Exodus's infiltrators, the activities of the Constellations sponsoring Exodus would be curtailed.
This meant that the Constellation's 'share' within the Tower had decreased due to the death of their contractor.
'And this is where sponsorship becomes important: if a human possessing a Constellation's power climbs higher in the Tower, that alone increases the Constellation's 'share' within the Tower.'
'Of course, making a contract would grant more 'share', but if a refusal to contract is firm, then sponsorship becomes the only option. This is the first reason Constellations provide 'unconditional' sponsorship to promising climbers. In reality, it's not truly unconditional, is it?'
However, Zenon explained with a faint smile that even this was merely a superficial reason.
Ban Yuwon remembered the orb in the center of the lecture hall emitting a distinct light at that moment.
It only now occurred to him that it might have been a measure to block Constellations' access.
'A Constellation's power clings to the human soul, extending its influence even to the physical body. The power of the soul is inherently difficult for humans to cultivate readily, but Constellations achieve this, thereby earning humanity's praise.'
'However, whether it's a contract or a sponsorship—though differing in scale—once a Constellation's power attaches itself to a human soul, it steadily erodes that soul.'
'Humans who have received a Constellation's power, even once, subtly begin to resemble that Constellation, whether they realize it or not... Even if they merely received sponsorship without any conditions, they might someday naturally follow the Constellation's will. The members of Exodus, whose souls have been eroded in various ways due to countless Constellation sponsorships, leaving their minds unstable, are a prime example of this.'
'Of course, this only applies when one's inherent soul is small, so there's no need to panic yet. If you focus on honing your own skills without overly relying on a Constellation's power, then Constellation sponsorship—and even contracts—can certainly be utilized as tools.'
With those words, Zenon looked directly at the person with the deepest soul in the classroom.
He looked directly at Ban Yuwon.
Ban Yuwon could clearly understand what he was trying to convey.
―The time I can hold this back is running out. Nod quickly! As 'Breath of Life,' I wish to sponsor you; you shall become stronger, and those who receive your shared breath shall spread far and wide like dandelions!
―Don't trust that old geezer's words. Constellations who describe themselves with grand titles like 'Life' or 'Death' are usually swindlers! On the other hand, what about me, 'Clock of the Toy Legion'? Truly, I express my individuality cleanly and clearly, don't I? Hurry and nod, agreeing to receive my sponsorship! Through it, all your creations will become more perfect! Quickly!
By the time Ban Yuwon emerged from his thoughts, the two Constellations were practically tearing their hair out.
Blocking the Tower's movement by consuming 'share' wasn't something they could do indefinitely; if Ban Yuwon didn't give an answer soon, wouldn't it just end in their loss?
'Is there anything else I need to be careful about? No, I suppose not. In that case... '
"Alright."
When Ban Yuwon finally nodded, the two Constellations rejoiced, while his companions wore expressions of disbelief.
―Choose me! That idiotic swindler misunderstands the essence of your ability! Your ability to move machines in the Tower is a perfect match for my Authority to enhance all creations!
―There's no need to be captivated by such trifling talents, child. I shall bestow upon you a portion of my life, so from now on, let your subordinates breathe more freely and gaze upon possibilities beyond.
"It's too difficult for me to choose, so I'd like both of you to sponsor me."
But that Ban Yuwon would say such a thing, the Constellations probably never dreamed of it.
Sure enough, both Constellations were disheartened, lamenting and blaming him.
―B-both of us? Are you an idiot? I've never seen such a lunatic who wants to receive sponsorship from two Constellations at once. Do you think I'd make such a losing deal?
―A great ability has fallen into such ignoble hands. What a pity...
"Alright, then the negotiation is off."
Since he had no lingering attachment or obsession with Constellations in the first place, Ban Yuwon replied indifferently.
In addition to the Depth 50 traps that Eve and Lilyth had collected, he placed a total of Depth 200 into his Code Core.
―...
―...
"What are you doing? Not leaving?"
The presence of the Constellations immediately vanished.
The shift to Room 10 occurred at once, transporting them to a safe zone that no one could invade.
"Oh, no fruits this time."
"Because we climbed up too easily. There were no elites, either..."
"Perhaps it's because this is an area we've already passed through once."
"...More importantly, Ban Yuwon."
As everyone offered comments while looking around the surprisingly desolate rest area—Eden—Dokgo Yeon turned to Ban Yuwon, her eyes gleaming.
"What exactly were you thinking? You clearly heard in the lecture that Constellation sponsorship is dangerous."
"That's right, Ban!"
Light, who had been glancing around with a hint of disappointment, suddenly grew serious and piggybacked on her words as if to say 'well said'.
"To even want sponsorship from two Constellations! It's absurdly dangerous to receive benefits from multiple Constellations at once."
"Constellations are... dangerous..."
Even Rucell reacted that way, leaving a bitter smile on Ban Yuwon's lips.
"Sorry for making you worry. I just wanted to properly analyze the Constellations' abilities."
"I understand that your abilities are remarkable. But I hope you keep in mind that a Constellation's power is not to be underestimated."
"That's right, especially two at once!"
"Alright, alright, I get it."
However, Dokgo Yeon easily discerned that Ban Yuwon was still considering receiving Constellation sponsorship.
It was a choice she herself would never make, but knowing the unique nature of Ban Yuwon's abilities, she didn't press the issue further.
'If he truly could freely wield even the power of Constellations, she wondered what would happen then... Even if he ultimately failed to overcome them and was consumed, it would merely be his limit.'
Yet, even with such thoughts, the scenario of Ban Yuwon being defeated by a Constellation simply wouldn't form clearly in Dokgo Yeon's mind.
Perhaps this was blind trust, Dokgo Yeon mused, before finally breaking into a smile.
――And the opportunity to confirm her belief arrived sooner than expected.
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