The Celestial Returned From Hell - Chapter 168

Chapter 168

-No. Bounties are important. I can’t be the only one interested in it. Aren’t other constellations aiming for it as well?

-I’m certain there are some among the small and medium-sized constellations going after it, but I wouldn’t be so sure…

-Regardless, I don’t want to miss the opportunity to get soul stones. By the way, Goddess. How do you think the constellations will punish that one? What happens when one gets caught by the constellations? Will they get kicked out of the constellations’ chat group?

-How did you know?

-… What? Seriously?

-I’m joking. In fact, it is surprisingly difficult to catch a wandering constellation who has nothing to lose.

For constellations with kingdoms, their kingdoms were attacked first. The ruination of their kingdom would result in the fall of the constellation worshipped by many souls. At that point, they would normally lose their status as a constellation or cease to exist completely.

However, some constellations didn’t have a kingdom or just treated a small field on the outskirts of the Abyss as one. Those constellations were difficult to attack even if others wanted to.

-Isn’t that too advantageous?

-Not really. A constellation without a kingdom is like a constellation without any backups.

Constellations that owned several territories and realms could withstand several defeats because they had enough power of existence. In comparison, one defeat would already prove fatal for constellations with no or few kingdoms. It was like a so-called spare life.

-There will always be such constellations, even in the future. They usually go to another constellation’s kingdom and pick a fight, but they often meet a bad ending since they’re entering their enemy’s territory and fighting from a disadvantageous position.

‘… Come to think of it, I was really fearless.’

Choi Yeonseung recalled his past, causing a chill to run down his spine. He really did fight for his life.

-Such constellations don’t last long. They are stupid.

-… They must’ve had a plan in mind.

-You mean stupid ones?

[The ‘Cat of Lava and Magma’ is telling the incarnation to stop cursing! It says it just made the wrong choice.]

-…Don’t tell me…?

-That isn’t important right now, so let’s get back to the point. Is there absolutely no way to punish the wandering constellation unless they invade your territory and try to capture it?

-Not really. This situation is quite special.

Currently, the constellations were gathered near Earth, not in the Abyss. Moreover, some of them were not only powerful but had also taken an oath made by various constellations. Considering it was difficult for even a powerful constellation to bypass it, doing so was naturally impossible for a wandering constellation.

-Since the constellations of Earth have gathered and sworn a vow, a constellation battle could be demanded.

If a legitimate constellation battle was repeatedly refused, the constellation who rejected it would no longer be able to stay near Earth. Once they had withdrawn, they would lose all the fear that they had built up and instantly fall. By then, all they would be able to do was wander in solitude around the outskirts of the Abyss and then disappear.

-That’s not an all-out war.

-An all-out war is a rare occurrence in the Abyss, considering rulers don’t fight each other. Why would a constellation risk everything to wage wars?

‘……’

It was a bit embarrassing for Choi Yeonseung, who had been fighting a lot of all-out battles.

***

[The ‘Storyteller Who Likes Gossip and Explanations’ is spreading rumors!]

[The ‘Storyteller Who Likes Gossip and Explanations’ is spreading rumors!]

[The ‘Storyteller Who Likes Gossip and Explanations…]

In the network of constellations, the storyteller constellation was eagerly spreading information. The name of the constellation who caused the incident this time was ‘One Who Understands and Penetrates Through Indeterminate Forms.’ Most of them had never heard of the constellation—a newcomer from the outskirts of the Abyss.

-It is quite a violent and powerful constellation, and it seems to be a monster.

-!

Choi Yeonseung used to be a human until he became a constellation. There was no law against a monster becoming a constellation. On the contrary, it was actually a common occurrence. The monsters of the Abyss were so powerful that they could threaten even the constellations. It was no wonder that among such monsters, one was enlightened and awakened their power of existence.

-A monster… It understands Earth too well. No matter how great its understanding is…

Choi Yeonseung abruptly stopped, a thought suddenly crossing his mind.

-What if someone from Earth is cooperating with it?

The goddess was surprised. That possibility never even occurred to her, but it sounded plausible. No matter how intelligent it was, it was impossible for a newcomer from the Abyss to grasp the situation on Earth and strike so accurately. However, that would change if another constellation was helping it.

-How did you come up with this idea?

-I wondered for a moment if I could join forces with it.

-……

The goddess admired Choi Yeonseung. Only a human constellation could come up with such an idea. Other constellations just became extremely angry and said things like, ‘How dare you ignore all of us and commit something so cheeky?’ The pride of a constellation had nothing to do with strength or weakness. They wouldn’t forgive anyone for ignoring them, so they wouldn’t be able to think of joining forces with the constellation.

-Keep in mind that if you join forces now, you will become a public enemy of the Abyss’ constellations.

-I know that much.

Choi Yeonseung watched as the constellations chattered in the Game of Stars. Several constellations were cursing the constellation of understanding.

[The ‘Snake of Alcohol and Dancing’ is extremely angry that this constellation destroyed the Pyongyang Brewery! A bounty has been placed!]

[The ‘Demon of Contract and Order’ promises support to the constellation who will fight against the constellation of understanding.]

[The ‘Arrogant Light Elf’ is furious enough to tremble at the disappearance of his household members’ property. A bounty…]

[……]

All the constellations had been involved with Earth longer than Choi Yeonseung, which meant they had been intertwined with Earth in various ways. The constellations reacted much more violently than he expected!

[The ‘Goddess of Balance Who Walks Ahead’ has asked for a meeting.]

“……?!”

***

-How is it?

-Yes. It is almost perfect, Master.

The most powerful household member of the goddess, the battle angel Adaquaniel, bowed her head as she spoke to the goddess politely. The other angels around her looked exhausted.

‘How many times has she asked?’

The goddess of balance had asked the same question more than a hundred times now. At first, they just misunderstood and thought, ‘Is she testing my loyalty?’

-Um… No. I don’t like the creases in the dress.

-I will bring you a new dress, then, Master.

-Will you? Thank you, Adaquaniel.

The goddess smiled. Adaquaniel pulled out a new dress without changing her expression. Adaquaniel’s loyalty was harder than adamantium, and she was unwavering in the face of any tedious task. She even calmly and immediately obeyed the order to find Choi Yeonseung in the Abyss. If it had been any other household member, they would’ve seriously considered finding a new master.

The goddess of balance once again put on a dress, draped a cloak, and held up a staff with scales. Despite being extremely weakened, she released immense power of existence like the once-mighty constellation she once was.

The inwardly complaining angels once again knelt down and sincerely worshiped her. This was their master!

-Now that I am back, no enemy will dare touch Master.

Adaquaniel blamed herself. In her absence, her master’s kingdom had collapsed and declined. It was actually the goddess’ fault, but Adaquaniel didn’t think so.

-Adaquaniel! I will follow you in battle!

-Who would be scared with you here, Adaquaniel?

The angels below her let out bursts of enthusiastic cheers. Adaquaniel was in charge of the kingdom’s affairs as the right-hand of the goddess, who often made mistakes. The trust of the household members under her was unshakable and firm. Although they had given the goddess their loyalty, Adaquaniel was ranked far higher in terms of trust in her abilities.

-Adaquaniel. I want you to participate in this constellation battle.

-I certainly will.

Adaquaniel spoke in a blunt, emotionless tone. The goddess showed complete trust in her whenever she looked at her. Adaquaniel was also called the Sharp-Eyed Angel because of her outstanding command. That was also the reason why she had never lost any of the constellation battles she had participated in. She specialized in a 6v6 household member battle. In such a situation, Adaquaniel showed absolute power.

-However, do it with the household member of the Undefeated Incarnation of Training.

-I’ll do that, Master. By the way…

Adaquaniel rarely had something to say, so the goddess was puzzled.

-What is it?

-I think you should abandon your lingering feelings about that household member, Master.

-… W-w-what are you talking about? I don’t have any lingering feelings, do I?

-Well…

Adaquaniel was about to say something, but her loyalty to the goddess was so great that she didn’t dare offend her master.

***

-How great!

The goddess of sloth admired Adaquaniel upon seeing her. Few household members could grow to such an extent. There was a limit to how much a household member could improve their abilities since doing so required their master to support them extensively From a constellation’s perspective, there was no reason to nurture and feed their household members, who were no more than ants. In addition, unlike ants, a household member could betray them if they grew too powerful, so there would be no point in helping them become stronger.

Nevertheless, Adaquaniel showed immense power. The goddess of balance clearly gave her impressive strength.

-At that level, she can probably try aiming to become a constellation herself.

-Being able to become a constellation isn’t a matter of strength but of one’s own awareness. Those who aren’t qualified can’t rise up.

Choi Yeonseung politely greeted the goddess of balance. The goddess was wrapped in powerful holy objects, and she exuded an immense power of existence. She made anyone feel awed!

“It is an honor to see you again like this.”

-Successor. Should I teach you compliments that work on constellations?

‘Is there such a thing?’

-That’s right.

Choi Yeonseung agreed. In terms of experience, he was a much younger constellation than the goddess of sloth. Following the goddess of sloth’s instructions, Choi Yeonseung said, “You are so dazzling that I can’t dare look at you!”

-… I-Is that so?

“Yes. The Arrogant Light Elf deals with light, but I find that a mistake! The true master of light has to be you, goddess! You even have a halo behind you…”

Choi Yeonseung paused. He couldn’t help but feel as if what he was saying was strange.

-… Is this really okay?

-Aren’t you following me because you trust me, Successor? Are you doubting me?

-N-No. I believe you. I believe.

This was the first time in ages that the goddess of sloth looked serious, so Choi Yeonseung backed down. He usually received a lot of help from her anyway.

“… Your eyes are like breaking jade, and your laugh is like the cry of a phoenix!”

-… Keep talking.

The goddess of balance had a slightly conceited expression as she sat with her legs arrogantly crossed. Before they knew it, a chair had been created into existence using the power of existence.

[The ‘Cat of Lava and Magma’ wonders if this is an incubus’ trick.]

[The ‘Manipulator of Dreams and Desires’ tells the cat constellation to be quiet.]