novelraw Chapter 234 : Life-or-Death Decision (1)
Chapter 234 : Life-or-Death Decision (1)
Chapter 234: Life-or-Death Decision (1)
They could no longer challenge the next floor.
Sanghyun placed his finger on the guide message to see if a detailed explanation would be activated. There was more content.
[To resolve the imbalance triggered in the system during the growth process, the strategy will be suspended. While it’s not impossible to ignore the warning and attempt the next floor, the body may be dismantled and result in instant death upon entry.]
“This is too strong of a warning to ignore and go up.”
Sanghyun clicked his tongue.
He could ascend, but if something went wrong, his body would be dismantled and he would die. That was on a whole different level—impossible to respond to.
If it had at least shown a probability, he might have taken a chance based on the odds.
But he couldn't check the probability.
If the system itself was issuing such a warning, then in truth, not doing it was the right choice.
After all, the system was there to provide guidance and warnings based on objective data. It did not lie.
“Come to think of it, even Frederick and Jerron probably didn’t reach the 20th floor on their first try. That makes sense……”
He could now somewhat understand why Frederick couldn’t give him a heads-up in advance.
In that case, the strategy had effectively come to an end.
Once he left and met Lee Siyeon again, and reconnected with the Model Student, things would reach a conclusion in one form or another.
He wanted nothing more than to catch up on all the lost sleep and return, but every single moment was far too precious for that.
Even for the two Constellations who must have been waiting earnestly, he had to hurry. There was no time to waste.
* * *
Once Sanghyun returned, he immediately met with Lee Siyeon.
As soon as she saw him, she looked at his gaunt face and thick-grown beard, then gave him a pitiful expression.
At the same time, she didn’t forget to offer praise and encouragement, acknowledging how hard he had worked.
It felt like being cared for by an older sister or even a mother.
She kept checking to make sure he wasn’t seriously injured and asked repeatedly if he was okay.
“It’s time to go back now.”
“That’s a shame. We didn’t get to spend that much time together……”
“It can’t be helped. I have to go back to report this to the Dimensional Corps. I’m the only way to get the message through.”
“I should’ve come back a little sooner. Sorry about that.”
“What are you talking about? Just the fact that you’ve grown this much makes me so happy. I’m sure the Model Student Constellation feels the same.”
Lee Siyeon gave Sanghyun a warm hug.
This moment, where he could feel her warmth, was so cozy and comforting. It made him understand why people hug.
“If I do return to the Dimensional Corps, what will happen to the owner of this body?”
“They’ll forget all memories from the time I was here, and they’ll live on in a healthy body with all illnesses cured.”
“Oh.”
“But if I erase all memories, it might become a hindrance to you, or maybe even dangerous for them. So I’m planning to twist and leave behind one memory.”
“For example?”
“They’ll remember you as a close friend from long ago. And also as a successful Player friend.”
“Ah.”
“Make sure they return to Korea safely, and once they do, look out for them. Okay? They're a lonely child.”
“Got it.”
Sanghyun nodded.
At that moment, Lee Siyeon extended her hand as if she had reestablished contact with the Late Bloomer Model Student Constellation.
Then she made a signal that they were ready and immediately began to speak again. It was like simultaneous interpretation.
“Contractor Shin Sanghyun. There’s something I must tell you. It’s the causal relationship I’ve been pondering and organizing all this time.”
“Hm.”
Sanghyun swallowed dryly.
He had a rough idea, but he also wanted to hear it directly through the Model Student.
“I can’t say this with absolute certainty since I’m not the same person from my previous life, but based on who I am now, I can explain. The reason I didn’t tell you about something like this even though we had a contract in our past life is simple.”
“It was because you lacked the power, wasn’t it?”
“That’s right. I must’ve judged that I didn’t have the capability for it and gave up in advance. So I probably hoped you’d go through all sorts of trials as a Player and grow through hardships.”
“Then those times when you told me to try this or challenge that……”
Sanghyun furrowed his brow at the memories flashing by like a lantern. He remembered the hellish struggles he had endured.
Every now and then, the Model Student had strongly urged him to take on certain missions.
Things like heading into dungeons swarming with absurdly tanky monsters that were a nightmare to kill.
Or participating in chaotic, nonstop large-scale raids.
At the time, he had just followed orders without understanding why. But now, that mystery had finally been resolved.
“Exactly. It would’ve been tough in this life, but I believed those experiences would hold significant meaning in your next one.”
“You were preparing for regression, weren’t you.”
“That’s right. But I couldn’t tell you. The moment the subject of that experience becomes aware, regression through time and space becomes impossible.”
“……The puzzle pieces are coming together. By merging the two lives into one, everything starts making sense.”
“The ability you have—to devour Artifacts—isn’t an ordinary power. In fact, it’s one-of-a-kind. No other Player possesses that ability.”
“That’s true.”
“What I mean is, it’s the kind of power that easily attracts attention. According to the Goddess of Luck, even Constellations like the Dark Hunter took interest in you early on, didn’t they? That’s exactly it. Your power is so anomalous that it immediately stands out.”
“Then in my past life, the reason I only discovered the ability to devour Artifacts when I was old, barely able to realize it……”
“That's right. I deliberately made it so you'd realize it later. I could have told you earlier, but I chose not to.”
“Because that past life—this current life at the time—was already a failure?”
“It’s a bit of a funny way to put it… but yes, that’s exactly right. I didn’t want to grant a singularity to a life that had already failed.”
“Geez… that’s just harsh. I mean, more than harsh—it’s just so cold, don’t you think?”
Sanghyun let out a dry laugh.
Though he said that, he wasn’t unaware that the Model Student had made a strategic decision.
Rather, he saw it as a wise choice made with a long-term vision.
If he had awakened this ability earlier in his past life, it would’ve drawn the full attention of other Constellations and the Dimensional Corps.
And in that process, unlike the fate of the Dimensional Corps which had already turned to tragedy, only his hidden card would have been exposed.
So the Model Student had deliberately folded while holding the best hand in the game. Because it was a card to be used in the next round.
“The power to regress that I managed to create. The power you have to devour Artifacts. And the incredible Constellation known as the Goddess of Luck, who gave wings to your growth. These elements combined to create a chance to change an otherwise unchangeable past.”
“Hmm…”
“A probability of one in tens of thousands came to us. And that moment is now. Out of the tens of thousands of fixed futures, this is the only alternate route! We are all standing at that turning point.”
The moment he heard those words, Sanghyun felt his chest swell with emotion.
To be the single viable move among tens of thousands of impossibilities.
To someone like Sanghyun, who had never even won a small lottery ticket, that probability felt immeasurably small.
Yet here he was—standing on the timeline of that single chance. At the moment that could change the future.
The Model Student continued speaking.
“The Player who made a contract with the Eye of Catastrophe probably grew stronger by killing skilled Players and absorbing their Constellations. That’s when the seed of tragedy was sown. In your past life, he probably killed countless Players, and it was too late to undo it.”
“A Player who kills other Players. Luca Viole. The Constellation Devourer.”
“Yes. If that Player is the one you’re thinking of, then it’s him. He is the collaborator contracted with the Eye of Catastrophe.”
From the Tory and Nietzsche incident onward, Sanghyun had occasionally encountered Players from the Devourer Network—always just as he’d begun to forget.
At the time, he had thought it was just bad luck born of greed. But now he knew that wasn’t the case.
Luca Viole and he had been destined to be greatest enemies from the start.
Everything that had happened before was merely a stepping stone on the path toward that final chapter.
“If you kill that collaborator, we can buy time. If the Dimensional Corps can publicize this issue swiftly, we can definitely prevent further developments.”
“Understood. I get it.”
“What comes after isn’t your concern. Matters of the Constellations and Thrones are our responsibility as well.”
Right then.
[Warning! A contractor with the ‘Eye of Catastrophe’ has been detected within a 500-meter radius! A strong wave is being sensed!]
[Warning! The subject has recognized your presence!]
“...So he’s caught on.”
Sanghyun immediately stood up. The objective was clear now. He just had to kill Luca Viole.
He spoke to Lee Siyeon.
“Let’s tough it out just a bit longer. Thank you for all the time you’ve spent with me as my Constellation.”
He now addressed her not as the human Lee Siyeon, but once more as the Constellation, the Goddess of Luck.
He didn’t want to think of it that way, but he couldn’t shake the sense that if things didn’t go well, this could be a final farewell.
That’s why he expressed his gratitude. Because if he died, he would never have the chance to say it again.
“Sanghyun…”
“Leave this to me. And Goddess, please join the Model Student Constellation in changing the fate of the Dimensional Corps. It’s a cheesy line, I know, but I can’t think of anything better to say.”
Sanghyun smiled.
Even now, the warning messages continued to show that the enemy was drawing closer.
400 meters, 300 meters… At this rate, even the original owner of Lee Siyeon’s body might be dragged into danger.
“I’m off. Please tell the Model Student Constellation too—I'll try to change this future. See you.”
Sanghyun gave her hand one last firm grip, then left the dwelling without hesitation.
The final showdown was near.
Sanghyun ran out, moving in a direction as far from the shelter as possible.
There were two reasons.
First, he didn’t want Lee Siyeon to be caught up in unnecessary danger.
Second, this place had quite a few hotels and a fair amount of foot traffic.
Considering Luca Viole had tracked him down with no regard for consequences, it didn’t seem like he cared about civilian casualties.
So Sanghyun deliberately exposed himself to Luca, prompting him to follow.
He had to find a location that was free from public attention, where innocent people wouldn’t get dragged into the battle.
This was a problem to be resolved solely between himself and Luca. No one else should be involved.
Aside from acceleration skills, he made sure not to expose any other abilities to Luca.
It was a battle of wits! He had no intention of carelessly revealing any of the cards he held.