SSS-Class Suicide Hunter

Chapter 363: The Sky That Gathers Screams (5)

6.

The duel had ended. The Wand Of Ages was defeated, and I had won.

It was a unanimous decision, so all that was left was the aftermath.

"Death King… No. Do you plan to establish [The Sky That Gathers Screams] as a new pillar, Duke?"

Baron Gu Won-ha asked. However, the Tower Master lightly shook her head.

"No. Screaming Sky currently does not wish to become a pillar."

"Screaming Sky?"

I tilted my head in confusion.

"Are you referring to me?"

"Yes. [The Sky That Gathers Screams] is a bit long, isn't it? Since it's about screams, thus Screaming Sky. Collecting people's memories means collecting their names, so Screaming Sky (名天). Giving back their lives after living through their lifetimes makes it Screaming Sky (命天). Lastly, the heaven that rules the underworld, the dark sky of the netherworld, is also Screaming Sky (莫天)."

"You're good at naming."

"I've had many children. It was a necessary skill."

For some reason, there was a moment when it was not the Tower Master but the princess who proudly puffed out her chest.

"So, do you wish to become a pillar right now, Screaming Sky?"

I looked around.

"If I become a pillar now, that means…"

"Your ascent will end here."

The Tower Master continued.

"While a Constellation controls one floor, a pillar manages the entire tower. Just as it's not an achievement for a Constellation to frolic within the floor it governs, it makes no sense for one who has become a pillar to ascend the tower."

I thought deeply.

And then I answered.

"For now, I want to reach the 100th floor."

That response seemed unexpectedly to the pillars.

But the Tower Master nodded as if she had guessed I would say so.

"Yes. Then, for now, let's conclude with you becoming a full Constellation. Kim Screaming Sky ssi."

"I don't quite like being renamed like that…"

"Kim Stupid ssi." (ED: The name given to Kim Gongja is now "Screaming Sky," which is 명천 (Myeongcheon), but the Korean word for "stupid" is also similar, 멍청 (Meongcheong), as you can see from the romanization, with only a difference of "y" and "e." So, from pronunciation, it might sound as if calling him stupid.)

"That's too much!? You just wanted to call me that, so you laid out all those plausible reasons and named me?!"

"To truly become a Constellation, there are conditions."

Conditions.

"It's more of a procedure, really. Once you complete this procedure, you can finally bestow blessings upon your followers."

"What is it?"

"Once you are completed as a Constellation, you can never erase a skill again."

"..."

"Let's see."

The Tower Master snapped her fingers.

Then, slowly, rectangular shapes began to appear in the air and floated leisurely.

Golden, silver, and copper-stained— they were none other than my skill cards.

"[I Want To Become Just Like You (S+)], [Returner's Clockwork Watch (EX)], [Sword Constellation (A+)], [Hundred Ghosts Reincarnation (SSS)], [Goblin High Society (F)], [Infernal Heavens Demonic Art (A+)], [Salvation of a Torn Goddess (A+)], [Infernal Heavens Formation (S)], [The Earth Bone Dragon's Skull (SSS+)]..."

The Tower Master looked at me with disbelief.

"Really. You only have the cream of the crop. Don't you think your conscience has left on a trip when you look at it yourself?"

"To say I only have the best ones, [Goblin High Society (F)] is there too?"

"What are you talking about? That's precisely your identity. Even if you give up all other cards, you must protect Goblin High at all costs."

"You truly have high standards."

Indeed, this Tower Master gets it.

"So, I'll give you an opportunity, Screaming Sky."

"An opportunity, you say…"

"It's simple. Previously, Screaming Sky upgraded [Summoning of Hundred Ghosts (SS)] to [Hundred Ghosts Reincarnation (SSS)] as a reward for clearing floors 11 to 19, right? The same reward. In other words, the opportunity to consolidate and eliminate your skills."

A complete consolidation and elimination of skills.

"When a baron becomes a duke, he organizes his titles and fiefs once. It's like consolidating all the scattered territories into one [Duchy], you might say? Tidying up ownerships along the way."

The Tower Master, who was also a noble of a certain kingdom, brought out an analogy that was quite aristocratic.

"...Can I manipulate the skills as I wish?"

"Yes. Though, you would have to persuade me."

The Tower Master giggled, covering her lower face. Flap. Her long sleeve, unlike any style from Earth, fluttered, and above, her purple eyes were half-open.

"However, this is not a mere reward, Screaming Sky. You know, it's about deciding what kind of Constellation you will become."

"...."

"A god must be clear. Intuitive. Because a god is a helper, and only when it's clear who can be helped, the followers will seek help. Look at Mutia. [I can regress your life]. How clear is that? On the other hand..."

"Taotie (響醫) was unclear about what kind of Constellation it was. Indeed. Is the power of a Constellation in the intuitiveness of its ability?"

"Yes, yes. Exactly. In short, 'have a good set of skills'. Simple, isn't it?"

I rested my chin on my hand and looked down.

Engulfed in thought.

'What can I do for people?'

In other words, what is my power.

'For whom can I be beneficial?'

In other words, what is my domain.

'...What do I need to remain as myself?'

In other words, what is my support.

The contemplation was long. I came up with answers on my own. Then, suddenly, I realized that the Tower Master was quietly watching me, waiting.

'I could have left the work to Baron Gu Won-ha and left. The duel was over, and this was just a matter of wrapping things up. Why did she stay?'

Of course, the Tower Master was showing me favor. She might prefer to personally give me the reward rather than delegate the task to a subordinate.

But I arrived at a different interpretation.

"...I can ask you. I can seek and listen to your advice on what would be the best course of action."

The Tower Master smiled broadly.

"Correct."

As expected.

I felt the pressure in my heart melt away. The Tower Master is the god of this tower. She is the central pillar, the starlight pinned in the highest night sky.

If I want to become stronger as a Constellation, where else could I find a better advisor?

'None. Definitely none. This is a fantastic opportunity.'

The Tower Master was right. She was offering me an [opportunity]. Not just the chance to consolidate and eliminate skills, but also the opportunity to make use of the Tower Master. It would be truly dumb not to use this chance.

"Thank you."

"Don't mention it. Reward and punishment according to deeds. It's the most basic virtue that nobles should possess."

"Then I'll ask right away. How can you never tire?"

I could feel the gaze of the pillars that remained in the convention hall on me. Emotions filled their gazes. Since they did not hide them, I could immediately understand the emotions' nature.

Jealousy. Envy.

The Tower Master was their master. Given the Tower Master's life and character, she was probably the master who monopolized their love. And it's natural psychology to want to monopolize as much as one is monopolized.

'Now, I'm truly in competition with the pillars.'

Do they act this way even knowing I'm loyally devoted to Raviel?

'Probably, yes.'

Just the fact that I have the Tower Master's time right now makes them envious of me.

Not because I've won the Tower Master's favor.

But because the Tower Master has given me her favor, they are jealous.

From now on, it's highly likely that they will try to prevent me from reaching the 100th floor. They won't cheat. That would be a foolish move that could lose the Tower Master's favor. Fairly, within the rules of the game, they will challenge me.

The Wand Of Ages has already been defeated. They will never underestimate me.

It's going to be a tough fight, and that's why the Tower Master has granted me such an [opportunity].

To fight well. To cheer up.

So, I must make the most of this opportunity now.

"Hmm. How do you not get tired?"

"Yes. I haven't tired yet, but it might be different once I become a Constellation."

I thought of many people.

"Fox~nim was tired right away. Estelle, whom I met for the first time, was tired because of me, but she was already rotting inside before that."

How could it be just them?

Most of the Constellations I met, including Hamustra, were tired of no one else but themselves.

To live long is to endure that.

"So, I'd like to hear about the Tower Master's case."

"It's love."

The Tower Master answered simply, like a priest revealing the truth.

"I keep my loved ones around me. No, I make those around me love me. When I'm struggling, my lovers struggle more. When I'm happy, my lovers are happier. Then life becomes enjoyable."

"...Wouldn't that be torturous for your lovers?"

"That would be the case."

The Tower Master also affirmed simply.

"But I can make my lovers the happiest."

"...."

"Only I can gift the ultimate happiness to my lovers. When they're hurting, I know better than them why they're hurting. I hurt more. I make them happier. So, even if my lovers suffer because of me, it doesn't matter. After all, there's no one else who can make them happier than I can."

With a conviction bordering on madness, the Tower Master spoke.

"When I feel my lovers' pain and happiness, I truly feel alive. Clearly. As if I could grasp it with my hands. How do I not tire? It's simple. As long as I feel the reality of life, I do not tire."

Indeed.

It wasn't a life I wanted to emulate even if I died, but it was a tactic worth referencing.

I made up my mind.

"Please give me a skill."

"Hmm? I might consider revising one, but giving a completely new one is a bit…"

"It's okay. It's not a completely new skill. Rather, it's fair to say I already have it."

"If that's the case, it's alright. What is it?"

"[A Regressor's Love]."

The Tower Master's eyes widened.

"Oho."

"As you know, it's a skill Raviel has. A skill that connects Raviel's and my time. I, too, want to possess the same skill as Raviel."

"Even if only one side has it, the effect would be the same. I see no reason not to grant it if you really want it, but isn't it a waste? Your skill slots are not exactly plentiful now."

"Our Tower Master lacks sense."

I smiled.

"A wedding ring is supposed to be possessed by both, isn't it? Please give it to me."

Hearing my words, the Tower Master laughed heartily. It seemed the analogy of the wedding ring made her burst into laughter. Embroidering the air with a laughter that sounded like ripping silk, the Tower Master tapped the void.

[Supreme Love and Pure Longing.]

[The 'Lord of Manseng' acknowledges your love and gifts you a skill.]

A golden card appeared before my eyes.

+

[A Regressor's Love]

Rank: EX

Effect: To a regressor, love is like poison. No matter how much they struggle, they cannot share time with the one they love. Thus, a certain regressor wished, 'Please protect my lover's memory.' That wish reached the tower and was fulfilled.

You share a timeline with your loving partner. If your lover goes back a day, you also go back a day. If you go back a day, your lover also goes back a day. This is the oath of the ring. This is the marriage of time.

May luck be with both of you.

※Note: Activates only when you and your lover love each other.

+

The same thing Raviel has.

If I am a constellation, the star that would shine the brightest first.

"Alright. Shall I be generous? I'll throw in a service as well, Screaming Sky."

Sararak-.

A golden card descended onto the back of my hand and melted.

Literally melted away.

As the card disappeared, it infused into my left ring finger with a golden glow. Naturally, the wedding ring I matched with Raviel was worn on my ring finger.

"I've linked the wedding ring with [A Regressor's Love]. As long as the skill card is not torn, the wedding ring will not be destroyed either. Oh? But now that Screaming Sky is a complete Constellation, you can't remove a skill card, right?"

"It's essentially an equipment item with an indestructible option."

"Yes. Now it truly has become a real wedding ring. Congratulations."

The Tower Master beamed with a smile.

The gaze from the pillars around us became fiercer, but neither of us cared. Of course, there's a difference. I think it's something I have to bear anyway, and the Tower Master is deliberately ignoring it.

"And? What other skill do you want to revise?"

"Please remove the penalty option attached to [Hundred Ghosts Reincarnation]."

I immediately requested.

"Being able to use the skill only once a week is too harsh. Sure, it would be a broken skill if I summoned hundreds of ghosts for a group attack, but I don't do that. I just want to give back the memories to the lives I've collected. Please remove the penalty."

"Well. You have a point"

"And there are three, four, five points."

"A duck?"

"Quack quack." (ED: Ok, so it's another play on words. When the tower master says, "Well, you have a point," they use 일리 in Korean, which means 'point,' 'reason,' etc. And so, our MC says, "And there are three, four, five points," where all the numbers said in Korean have '리' added to them, making it "And there are three points, four points, five points." The tower master replies, "Five points?" But here's the pun: the Korean for "five+point" = 오리, which also means 'duck.' To which the MC responds with the duck's "quack quack.")

After exchanging the world's most idiotic Q&A, the Tower Master granted my request.

[Skill Revision.]

[The penalty of Hundred Ghosts Reincarnation is removed.]

[Hundred Ghosts Reincarnation (SSS) transforms into Hundred Ghosts Reincarnation (SSS+)!]

"Again? You should assume that such opportunities won't come again. Don't lament later and speak up everything now."

"Please revise [Salvation of a Torn Goddess]. It's not about a torn goddess anymore, right? It's [Goddess of Protection]. It's only right that you allow me to fully use the power of Shiny."

"That makes sense."

"Duck?"(ED: I think here when MC says Duck the tower master needed to make the duck sounds but tower master didn't play along to complete the joke)

"I don't understand what you mean... Kim Gong-ja ssi, do you like such jokes...? I'm starting to feel embarrassed to be here...."

"Dammit!"

[Skill Revision.]

[Salvation of a Torn Goddess is integrated.]

[Salvation of a Torn Goddess (A+) transforms into Goddess of Protection (S)!]

"Goblin High Society is..."

"No. I won't change it. Go back."

[Skill Non-Revision.]

[Goblin High Society is preserved.]

[It's preposterous to try and erase it!]

"Fox~nim has sworn to be with me for eternity. If I am clinging to the same timeline as Raviel, Fox~nim is the guardian who ensures that timeline does not break. I wish for Fox~nim's existence to be acknowledged."

"It shall be as you say."

[Eternal Alliance of Time.]

[The 'Lord of Manseng' acknowledges your skill.]

[You obtain A Music Box Only for You (EX).]

"What about Hishmith Kritz and Mutia, Screaming Sky?"

"They were only subjugated under me for a while; they are not allies I will be with eternally. They wouldn't want that from the start."

"That's a correct and precise judgment. Those subjugated by force, not by heart, will rebel when the power weakens or they find a stronger force."

"Yes. So, there may be times I borrow their powers, but it's not my power. However, please integrate [Infernal Heavens Demonic Art] and [Infernal Heavens Formation]."

I spoke emphatically.

"Both skills simply depict the sky of Infernal Heavens."

"That too is a valid point."

The Tower Master nodded.

"I'll name it Infernal Heavens."

[Skill Revision.]

[Infernal Heavens Demonic Art (A+) and Infernal Heavens Formation (S) are integrated.]

[The two skills integrate into Infernal Heavens (SSS)!]

And so.

My skill set was completed.

+

Name: Kim Gong-ja

Rank: S-Class

Skills (10/10)

1. A Regressor's Love (EX)

2. Returner's Clockwork Watch (EX)

3. I Want To Become Just Like You (S+)

4. Hundred Ghosts Reincarnation (SSS+)

5. The Earth Bone Dragon's Skull (SSS+)

6. Sword Constellation (A+)

7. Goddess of Protection (S)

8. A Music Box Only for You (EX)

9. Goblin High Society (F)

10. Infernal Heavens (SSS)

+

Skill 1 [A Regressor's Love] is the foundation for me to be myself. It's the wick that allows a candle to continue burning as a candle.

Skills 2 [Returner's Clockwork Watch] to 5 [The Earth Bone Dragon's Skull] are my powers. They allow me to see someone's trauma, summon ghosts, and create a body for them.

Skills 6 [Sword Constellation] to 8 [A Music Box Only for You] are my allies. We are bound not just by presence, but at the soul level.

Skill 9 [Goblin High Society] is… Goblin High Society. Does it need an explanation?

Skill 10 [Infernal Heavens] is my force. My sword. My source. It's the handle I grabbed to not be devoured by this world, and the blade I swing to cut through this world.

"Kim Gong-ja ssi."

After all work was completed.

The Tower Master quietly looked up at me.

"Just nod, and the process to complete you as a Constellation will be finished."

"Yes."

"You won't be able to erase skills anymore."

"Yes."

"You won't be able to die."

"...."

"Up until now, you could have torn [Returner's Clockwork Watch] whenever you wanted, if you desired. You could have returned to a life that ends with death. But once you nod, you can never go back to how you were before."

Indeed.

Not being able to tear the skill means just that.

"Even if you die, you'll only go back a day. Even if you die over and over, wishing to return as a child, the skill only works within the 'world inside the tower.' You can't go back to the past before you set foot in the tower. You can't return to the outside world."

"Let me ask you one last time," said the Tower Master.

"Do you truly accept eternity?"

"Yes."

Knowing the weight of those words, I nodded.

I've walked this far only to bear that weight.

"I will remain as the sky for those who eternally scream."

"...."

And the Tower Master, having walked this far only to deliver this message to someone, spoke.

"May luck be with you."

Tick.

Time that had stopped began to flow again.

[Stage 76 has been cleared.]

[Stage 77 has been cleared.]

[Stage 78 has been cleared.]

[Stage 79 has been cleared.]

With the defeat of the Wand Of Ages, all the stages he managed were instantly cleared.

What would have happened to Yoo Soo-ha, who had been officiating?

Perhaps, I'll find out about that soon too.

Light leaked out from beneath my feet, quickly obscuring my view.

[Your level grows.]

[Your skill slot expands.]

And then.

[Your rank is now SSS-Class.]

[You are 'The Sky That Gathers Screams.']

Paaaat!

As I was declared an SSS-Class Hunter, I was engulfed in white light.