I got into school for nothing - 72
I got into school for nothing (72)
Lesson 16. The Tutorial Is Over - 1
Light, light, light.
Endlessly hot yet chilling, unquenchable orbs of light filled the surroundings.
—You stopped the Tower.
—That feat was truly astonishing, garnering the admiration of countless Constellations.
—We have all gathered here to offer you a contract.
—The miracles of the Star Shrine are not endless, so please, do not hesitate and take my hand.
Becoming a Star Shrine.
Naturally. Most full professors hadn't even experienced such a thing.
However, Ban Yuwon's Authority, especially when intertwined with the Tower, produced results beyond imagination, so it wasn't entirely surprising.
After all, weren't they the monumental party that encountered a Constellation during their very first exploration?
“Can’t upload a video of this.”
“You’re stating the obvious.”
As Light’s words drew a scoff from Ban Yuwon, and then, one particularly bright orb of light among them abruptly flew towards him and spoke.
It was the Observer of All Things.
—My adorable child! My previous offer still stands. Stab that useless thing beside you to death and accept my grace. You are surely destined to see the end of this Tower! Come, become a god of the new world with me!
“No, I refuse.”
From today, the Observer of All Things’s nickname was Kira.
Not wanting to become a human wind instrument, Ban Yuwon openly displayed his aversion and stepped back. At that moment, two orbs of light with familiar presences flew in and began circling him.
—To brazenly offer a contract when the Star Shrine has opened? To a New Star who stopped the Tower and gathered so many Constellations? Observer of All Things, have you finally gone mad after driving all your contractors to ruin?
—We already contacted this one once today. He said he’d accept sponsorship from both of us simultaneously. Has everyone calculated this? Those not prepared, step aside.
“That’s right, I only intend to receive sponsorship. If anyone here is trying to hook me with a contract, get out.”
That declaration proved quite effective.
—Such arrogance pierces the heavens.
—And rightly so. Who else possesses the Authority to pierce the Tower’s very gaps?
—A mere human who doesn't even possess the power of a Constellation... yet claims he will accept sponsorship, and from two simultaneously? This arrogance is too much. I shall observe for a while.
—I’ll have to watch and judge if he can truly handle it.
The orbs of light seemed to stir in unison, and then, the majority of them receded.
However, one still refused to retreat, persistently urging him to sign a contract: the Observer of All Things.
—Heed the words of your great mother, child. A bundle of abilities from these nobodies will mean nothing. Only by being cautious, exceedingly cautious, in choosing your companions can you ascend to the peak of the Tower.
—Observer of All Things! Did he not just refuse a contract?
—Get lost, you ghastly hag!
—Stand aside, Observer of All Things. I have an offer for your bastard child.
With just a few words exchanged between the Constellations, Ban Yuwon found himself, in the blink of an eye, dubbed the bastard child of a god of the new world.
Just as he was about to retort with a serious expression, the Observer of All Things suddenly erupted in brilliant light and declared.
—Remember this. When that child sheds a worthy amount of blood to prove his reign, I shall burn away the aura of all false things and stand by his side!
And with that, her orb of light completely vanished.
Ban Yuwon had to admit that he had gained a malicious stalker.
“Last time, she showed interest in Dokgo Yeon, so why now...?”
“Perhaps because I personally dispelled its aura. Wouldn't that be why it's no longer focused on me?”
Dokgo Yeon, replying calmly, showed no particular offense, even knowing that Ban Yuwon was the focus of attention here.
Indeed, she had always loathed anything related to Constellations, so her reaction was natural.
“Good, now that the stalker’s gone, let’s have a proper discussion.”
There was no way he could be swayed any further by these Constellations rambling on haphazardly.
Ahem— Ban Yuwon cleared his throat, drawing the attention of the agitated Constellations, then held up two fingers.
“My stance hasn’t changed. I will accept unconditional sponsorship from two of you. If you don’t like it, you can simply leave.”
—Arrogant.
—Accepting the aura of two Constellations into one body? A mere human who has only reached the 17th room?
—Hah, to think the first human to stir my interest in hundreds of years would be such a headstrong fool.
Reading the unwavering sincerity in Ban Yuwon’s declaration, imbued with his Authority, the Constellations finally began to withdraw.
In the end, only two Constellations remained, those who had already met him once today and offered sponsorship: ‘Breath of Life’ and ‘Clock of the Toy Legion’.
...And a third, a bright, nameless Constellation.
—I am ‘He Who Measures the Instant’. Arrogant speck, dare you withstand even a fragment of my Authority?
—Wait. This fellow agreed to my sponsorship.
—He never explicitly confirmed accepting sponsorship from anyone. However, I have no intention of backing down.
—You sly old geezer, this one is mine. I won’t give him to you.
The reason the Star Shrine opened: competition among the Constellations!
Ban Yuwon looked from one orb of light to another with interest.
The orb of light that identified itself as He Who Measures the Instant spoke again.
—Little human, you must have noticed. The brighter the light, the higher its inherent status. Is there any need for further deliberation?
—Simply being old isn't something to boast about. You, as an artifact creator, will deeply regret it if you don't take my hand.
—A child who understands the value of life would make a wise choice.
“No, hey. Don’t just say things like that.”
Ban Yuwon sighed.
To think these Constellations couldn't even grasp the priorities of the situation.
To the Constellations, who were only engaged in a battle of wills, he firmly stated his demand.
“If you’re selling something, you have to explain what it is.”
—Something? You call our sponsorship 'something'? This is also a first for me.
—Right... I temporarily forgot this fellow was an eccentric.
—Hahahaha, how amusing, how amusing!
The Constellations, having accepted Ban Yuwon’s business mindset, vied with each other to explain the Authority they would bestow upon him.
—Child, the name of the Authority I shall grant you is ‘Seed Planting’. This will greatly amplify the effect when you share your aura with others. As long as your life does not end, you shall become the progenitor of all things.
—‘Artisan’s Hand’. It will enhance every object born from your hands. Didn’t I tell you? I’m the only partner for you.
—The Authority to measure the instant and open gaps in time, that is ‘Gap’, the power I shall grant you. If you join me, you will be able to dominate space-time.
The answer came to him instantly.
“Unfortunately, Instant, you cannot come with me...”
—Wha...?!
—As expected!
—Child!
The two Constellations who had watched him from the start felt the ‘acceptance necklace’ placed in their hands.
Ban Yuwon briefly explained his reasoning.
“Firstly, my traits align well with the Authorities of these two Constellations. But more importantly, the Authority of ‘Gap’ is simply too powerful; I wouldn’t be able to handle it properly right now. So, let’s meet again next time.”
—Next time? Next time, you say. Do you truly believe there will be a next time for you, even after receiving sponsorship from two Constellations?
“Of course.”
Was it annoyance, or perhaps admiration, at Ban Yuwon’s confident reply?
He Who Measures the Instant rapidly flickered, expressing its emotions.
—Hah, very well. If there truly is a next time, then I shall bestow pure power upon you without any tricks.
—As if we were playing tricks, how dare you say such a thing!
—There will be no next time. Once you feel the power of life, you will not seek any other.
—Then we shall anticipate the next time.
The two still seemed to believe they could exploit Ban Yuwon.
He Who Measures the Instant scoffed at the overly dramatic Constellations, then vanished from the spot.
In sync with its departure, the surrounding lights began to flicker.
The limits of the Star Shrine were drawing near.
Ultimately, the two Constellations, who had agreed to sponsor him as per Ban Yuwon’s initial proposal, rushed towards him with no time for complaints.
—Originally, I... I had not intended to do anything so dangerous to you. However, the potential you showed today deeply moved me, ‘Breath of Life’. I am sharing my power, trusting in your potential, so listen closely to my voice from now on. Then....
—Honestly, he should just admit he can’t measure up to his own abilities. Hey, as I said before, your talent resonates with my Authority. The day will surely come when you cut off all other sponsorships and officially contract with me. Just hold on until then.
The two orbs of light simultaneously rushed towards Ban Yuwon.
At that moment, Dokgo Yeon tensed, reaching for the short sword at her waist, but he shook his head, calmly accepting them.
He had already surmised that these orbs of light were not the Constellations’ true forms, and his boldness stemmed from the certainty that he could escape unscathed even if the worst scenario occurred.
As expected, his Authority did not betray him.
[............, absorbs .............]
[Upon discerning that its structure is identical to the existing concept Stigma, analysis begins.]
[The depth of Mandok-an, Mancheong-i, and Man-eonsun has reached 190.]
[The depth of Soul has reached 615.]
‘This seems to be unfolding according to the best-case scenario.’
Ban Yuwon felt his ears, eyes, and lips grow searingly hot, as if ablaze.
As his Authority manifested to its maximum, analyzing the Constellation’s power, he once again transcended a small limit, just as when he had absorbed divine words before.
[During the process of refining the two concepts, the depth of Stigma has reached 4.6. You will gain a deeper understanding of the stars’ power and be able to wield pure starlight.]
[You have acquired Soul Flame 10. You can transform your soul into flame and divide it into multiple parts. The sacred fire that devours souls will leave only yourself remaining in the world.]
[You have acquired Mutation 10. This power allows you to create new and potent factors that did not previously exist and add them to your creations, and the direction of this mutation can be guided by a greater Authority.]
‘They really went all out, those crazy bastards.’
Ban Yuwon perfectly refined the parts of the two Constellations’ Authorities within him that allowed for their interference, extracting them as Stigma, leaving behind only the pure concepts. He chuckled wryly as he examined them.
Firstly, setting aside the fact that the names of the Authorities differed from what they had explained... weren't both Authorities designed to seem like they were assisting Ban Yuwon, but ultimately focused on corrupting his mind and body?!
‘Soul Flame, this Authority itself is a flame created by severing a part of the Constellation Breath of Life’s soul. If I hadn’t separated and refined the Stigma, my soul would have been corrupted according to its will eventually. Mutation is even worse. This Authority applies not only to the artifacts I create but also to myself...? Was the Constellation trying to remodel me as it wished? What a maddening combination.’
Of course, both were now in the past tense.
This was because both Authorities remained only in their pure power forms, becoming entirely Ban Yuwon’s, no longer subject to Constellation interference.
Far from being corrupted by Constellations, these Authorities would, thanks to his Babylonia Code, be reborn as more powerful and unique forces belonging solely to Ban Yuwon.
—...Hmm?
—Oh, has it settled already? But perhaps the power we granted was too small.
They too sensed something was amiss, but they couldn't possibly fathom that Ban Yuwon was a monster capable of dissecting and absorbing a Constellation’s power.
They merely assumed it was because two of them had simultaneously bestowed Authorities upon one person!
—In any case, the connection seems to be properly established, so it is done. From now on, remember that I am always with you, and rely on me.
—Please take care of me from now on!
The Star Shrine vanished.
The orbs of light that had filled the surroundings disappeared in unison, and the party, returned to the Tower’s 17th room, found themselves standing blankly, gazing at the flickering hole of light before their eyes.
“Yuwon, are you truly alright...?”
Facing Rucell’s cautious question and her face, which looked on the verge of tears, Ban Yuwon didn’t even think of joking.
Hadn’t her life almost been manipulated by a Constellation?
He gently took Rucell’s hand and said in a firm tone.
“Rest assured, Rucell. I’m above them.”
“You’re insane, Ban. From two Constellations, truly!”
“I saw it and understood... You were capable of that even against a Constellation’s power. Were you certain?”
As Light merely stamped his foot, seemingly aghast at this impossible situation, but Dokgo Yeon, who had observed everything, spoke with a calmer demeanor, as if she had seen through what he had just done.
“Of course. I don’t gamble, after all.”
Just as he replied with such confidence, Ban Yuwon suddenly felt a tickling sensation in his ear.
—The Constellation [Breath of Life] wishes to see you wield the ability it granted you.
—The Constellation [Clock of the Toy Legion] anticipates more inventions.
The power of the stars, the Stigma, extracted and refined from the two Constellations.
Through it, the will of the two Constellations indirectly flowed into his mind.
However, perhaps because it had been refined into a Stigma, the Constellations’ will, which was meant to corrupt a person’s soul, now felt no stronger than a whisper in a game.
‘I think I could even block these whispers.’
This was only possible because Ban Yuwon was, in every sense, the controller of the power known as Stigma.
But for now, he saw no need to, so he left it be.
“Ban... are you serious?”
“I told you, I’m fine. Let’s go.”
As Light, however, still seemed somewhat uneasy.
Ban Yuwon had to bite back the words, “Honestly, you’re the most unstable one.”
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