Chapter 363: The Heaven that Gathers Wails (5)
The duel had been concluded. The Staff of Time Immemorial was defeated, and I emerged victorious.
It was a unanimous decision, so all that remained was the aftermath.
“King of Death… No. Are you planning to establish [The Heaven that Gathers Wails] as a new Pillar, Duke?”
Baron Gu Won-Ha inquired. However, the Tower Master lightly shook her head.
“No. Wailing Heaven currently does not wish to become a Pillar.”
“Wailing Heaven?”
I tilted my head in confusion.
“Are you referring to me?”
“Yes. [The Heaven that Gathers Wails] is a bit lengthy, isn’t it? Since it involves wails, hence Wailing Heaven. Gathering people’s memories equates to collecting their names, leading to a Wailing Heaven (名天). Giving back a lifetime to those souls leads to a Wailing Heaven (命天). Lastly, as the heaven that rules over the netherworld, the dark realm of the dead, that’s the Wailing Heaven (莫天).”
“You have a knack for naming.”
“I have many children, you see. It was a necessary skill.”
For some reason, there was a moment when not the Tower Master but the princess boasted proudly.
“So, do you wish to become a Pillar right now, Wailing Heaven?”
I looked around.
“Becoming a Pillar now would mean…”
“Your ascension would end here.”
The Tower Master continued.
“A Constellation controls a single floor, but a Pillar manages the entire tower. Just as a Constellation cannot achieve feats by merely frolicking within its own governed floor, it’s incongruent for a Pillar to climb the tower.”
I pondered deeply.
And then, I responded.
“I wish to reach the 100th floor first.”
This statement seemed to have surprised the Pillars.
But the Tower Master nodded, as if she had anticipated this response.
“Okay. In that case, let’s conclude by making you a perfect Constellation for now, Kim Wailing Heaven[a].”
“I’d rather not be renamed like that…”
“Kim Weirdiot[b].”
“That’s going too far!? Did you just come up with a plausible set of reasons just so you could name me that?!”
“To be reborn as a true Constellation, there’s a condition.”
A condition.
“You might call it a procedure. Once you complete this procedure, you will be able to bestow blessings upon your followers.”
“What is it?”
“Once you become a complete Constellation, you can never erase a skill again.”
“……”
“Let’s see.”
The Tower Master snapped her fingers.
Immediately, rectangular shapes materialized and floated leisurely in the air.
Adorned in gold, silver, and bronze, they were none other than my skill cards.
“[I Want to Become Just Like You (S+)], [Returner’s Winding Clock (EX)], [Sword Constellation (A+)], [Ghoul Reincarnation (SSS)], [Goblin High Society (F)], [Demonic Heavenly God Art (A+)], [The Torn Goddess’s Salvation (A+)], [Demonic Formations Art (S)], [Earth Bone Dragon’s Skull (SSS+)]…”
The Tower Master looked at me with an incredulous expression.
“Really. You have the cream of the crop. Don’t you feel a bit guilty?”
“To say I only have top-tier skills, there’s [Goblin High Society (F)], you know?”
“What are you talking about? That’s precisely your identity. Even if you give up all other cards, you must protect the Goblin High at all costs.”
“Your eye for quality is indeed high.”
As expected, the Tower Master understood me.
“So, what opportunity will you give me, the Wailing Heaven?”
“An opportunity, you say…”
“It’s simple. Previously, Wailing Heaven upgraded [Ghoul Summoning (SS)] to [Ghoul Reincarnation (SSS)] as a reward for clearing floors 11 to 19, right? The same reward. In other words, an opportunity to consolidate your skills.”
A comprehensive consolidation of skills.
“When a baron ascends to a duke, it’s like reorganizing one’s titles and fiefs at once. Gathering scattered lands to form a [Dukedom], trimming and weeding out as necessary.”
The Tower Master, being a noble of some kingdom, naturally used a noble analogy.
“……Can I manipulate the skills as I wish?”
“That is correct. Though you’ll need to convince me.”
The Tower Master chuckled behind her hand. Flap. Her long sleeves, unlike any Earthly fashion, fluttered, revealing her amethyst eyes.
“But this isn’t just a reward, Wailing Heaven. As you know, this solidifies 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, can the followers seek assistance. Look at Mutia. ‘I can regress your life.’ How clear is that? On the other hand…”
“Taotie wasn’t clear about what kind of Constellation it was. Indeed. The power of a Constellation lies in the intuitiveness of its abilities.”
“Yes, yes. Exactly. In short, ‘Get your skill set right.’ Simple, right?”
I rested my chin on my hand and gazed downward, lost in thought.
‘What can I do for people?’
In other words, what is my power?
‘For whom can I provide?’
In other words, what is my domain?
‘……What do I need to remain myself?’
In other words, what is my pillar?
The deliberation was lengthy. I came up with some answers on my own. Then, I realized the Tower Master was quietly watching and waiting for me.
‘Baron Gu Won-Ha could have taken care of things and left. The duel is over, and this is just the aftermath. Why stay?’
Sure, the Tower Master was showing me favor. She might prefer to reward me personally rather than delegating it to a subordinate.
But I reached a different conclusion.
“……I can ask you. I can seek your advice on what would be best for me.”
The Tower Master smiled broadly.
“Correct.”
Indeed.
I felt a weight lifting from my heart. The Tower Master is the god of this tower. The central Pillar, the star pinned to the highest night sky.
If I wished to grow stronger as a Constellation, where else would I find a better advisor?
‘Nowhere. Absolutely nowhere. This is an incredible opportunity.’
The Tower Master’s words were infallible. She was offering me an [opportunity]. Not just to consolidate skills, but to utilize the Tower Master. To not use such a chance would indeed make me Kim Weirdiot.
“Thank you.”
“No need for thanks. Rewarding effort is the most basic virtue a noble should have.”
“Then, I’ll ask straight away. How do you never tire?”
I could feel the remaining Pillars in the assembly hall staring at me. Their gazes were charged with emotion, not bothering to hide it, allowing me to immediately grasp the nature of their feelings.
Jealousy. Envy.
The Tower Master was their master. Given her life and temperament, she was likely the sole recipient of their affection. And naturally, those monopolized desire to monopolize in return.
‘I’m truly competing with the Pillars now.’
Knowing I was utterly devoted to Raviel, they still felt this way?
‘Probably.’
Just the fact that I occupied the Tower Master’s time at this moment was enough to make them envious.
Not because I was receiving the Tower Master’s favor.
But because the Tower Master was bestowing her favor upon me, they were envious.
From now on, they would likely try to hinder my ascent to the 100th floor. They wouldn’t cheat; that would risk losing the Tower Master’s favor. They would compete with me fairly, adhering strictly to the game’s rules.
The Staff of Time Immemorial had already been defeated. They would never underestimate me.
It was going to be a tough battle, which is why the Tower Master granted me such an [opportunity] now.
Fight well. Stay strong.
Therefore, I must make the most of this opportunity.
“Hmm. How do I not tire, you ask?”
“Yes. I’m not tired yet, but things might change once I become a Constellation.”
I thought of many people.
“The fox was tired. The first time I met Ester, she was tired because of me, but even before that, she was already festering inside.”
How could it be just them?
Most of the Constellations I met, including Hamusutra, were tired of themselves, not anyone else.
Living a long life is like that.
“So, I’d like to hear about the Tower Master’s case.”
“Love.”
The Tower Master answered simply, like a priest revealing the truth.
“I surround myself with loved ones. No, I make those around me love me. If I’m troubled, my lovers are even more troubled. If I’m happy, my lovers are happier. That makes life enjoyable.”
“……Wouldn’t it be torturous for the lovers?”
“Indeed.”
The Tower Master affirmed just as simply.
“But I can make my lovers the happiest.”
“……”
“Only I can gift the utmost happiness to my lovers. If they’re in pain, I understand why better than they do. I feel more pain. I’m happier. Therefore, even if my lovers suffer because of me, it doesn’t matter. After all, there’s no one who can make them happier than me.”
With a madness that could be deemed conviction, the Tower Master spoke.
“When I can feel my lovers’ pain and happiness, I truly feel alive. Vividly. Tangibly. How do I not tire? It’s simple. As long as life feels real, I don’t tire.”
Indeed.
It wasn’t a life I’d cling to even in death, but it was a tactic worth considering.
I made up my mind.
“Grant me a skill.”
“Hmm? If it’s a minor adjustment, maybe, but giving you a completely new one is a bit…”
“It’s fine. It’s not entirely new. In fact, it’s almost like I already have it.”
“If that’s the case, I see no reason not to. What is it?”
“[A Certain Returner’s Love].”
The Tower Master’s eyes widened.
“Oh?”
“As you know, it’s a skill Raviel possesses. A skill that connects Raviel’s time and mine. I want the same skill as Raviel.”
“Technically, having it on one side is enough for the effect. I could grant it, but don’t you think it’s a waste? You’re running out of skill slots.”
“Our Tower Master lacks sense.”
I smiled.
“Aren’t wedding rings supposed to be held by both parties? Please, give it to me.”
Hearing my words, the Tower Master burst into laughter. It seemed the analogy of a wedding ring amused her greatly. Embroidering the air with laughter that sounded like tearing silk, she tapped the void.
[Supreme Love and Pure Longing.]
[The Master of All Lives acknowledges your love and gifts you a skill.]
A golden card materialized before my eyes.
+
[A Certain Returner’s Love]
Rank: EX
Effect: For a returner, love is like poison. No matter how much they struggle, they can’t share time with the one they love. Thus, a certain returner had a burning desire, ‘Let my beloved keep her memories.’ This desire reached the tower and was granted.
You share a timeline with your beloved. If your lover goes back a day, you go back a day. If you go back a day, so does your lover. This is the vow of a ring. This is a marriage of time.
May fortune be with both of you.
*However, it only activates when you and your lover mutually love each other.
+
The same as what Raviel had.
If I were a constellation, I would be the brightest star at the forefront.
“Alright. Shall I be generous? I’ll throw in a service, Wailing Heaven.”
Sararak—
The golden card descended onto the back of my hand, melting away.
Literally melting and disappearing.
As the card vanished, it infused my left ring finger with golden light. Naturally, the wedding ring I had matched with Raviel was on my finger.
“I linked [A Certain Returner’s Love] with the wedding ring. Unless the skill card is torn, the wedding ring won’t be destroyed either. Oh, but now that Wailing Heaven is a complete Constellation, you can’t get rid of skill cards, right?”
“It’s practically an indestructible equipment item now.”
“That’s right. Now it’s truly a wedding ring. Congratulations.”
The Tower Master beamed with a smile.
The Pillars around us intensified their stares, but neither of us cared. Of course, there was a difference. I thought I had to bear it anyway, while the Tower Master was deliberately ignoring it.
“What other skill would you like to revise?”
“Remove the penalty from [Ghoul Reincarnation].”
I immediately requested.
“Being able to use the skill only once a week is too harsh. Sure, if I used it to summon ghouls for a mob attack, it would be an overpowered skill, but I don’t do that. I just want to return memories to the souls I’ve collected. Please remove the penalty.”
“Well. You have a point.”
“And there are three, four, five points.”
“Five?”
“Quack quack.”
After the most absurd exchange, the Tower Master acquiesced to my request.
[Skill Revision.]
[The penalty on Ghoul Reincarnation has been removed.]
[Ghoul Reincarnation (SSS) transforms into Ghoul Reincarnation (SSS+)!]
“Again? Consider this your last chance. Don’t come to me with regrets later. Speak up now while you have the chance.”
“Revise [The Torn Goddess’s Salvation] for me. She’s not a torn goddess anymore, right? She’s the [Goddess of Protection]. It’s only right that I’m granted full access to Hwiya’s power.”
“That makes sense.”
“Five?”
“I have no idea what you’re saying… Mr. Kim Gong-Ja, do you like such jokes…? I’m starting to feel embarrassed being here……”
“Damn it!”
[Skill Revision.]
[The Torn Goddess’s Salvation has been consolidated.]
[The Torn Goddess’s Salvation (A+) transforms into Protection of the Goddess (S)!]
“As for [Goblin High Society]…”
“No. I won’t change it. Go back.”
[Skill Non-Revision.]
[Goblin High Society has been preserved.]
[It’s absurd to even think about erasing it!]
“The fox has sworn to be with me for eternity. If I’m tied to the same timeline as Raviel, the fox is the sentinel ensuring that timeline remains unbroken. I wish her presence to be acknowledged.”
“As you say, so it shall be.”
[Eternal Alliance of Time.]
[The Master of All Lives acknowledges your skill.]
[You obtain A Music Box Just for You (EX).]
“What about Hisimet Cretsu and Mutia, Wailing Heaven?”
“They were merely under my command for a while, not eternal allies I will be with. They wouldn’t want that anyway.”
“You’re right and wise. Those subjugated by force, not heart, will rebel when weakened or faced with a stronger force.”
“Yes. So, while I might borrow their powers occasionally, they are not my powers. However, please consolidate [Demonic Heavenly God Art] and [Demonic Formations Art].”
I spoke emphatically.
“They’re both skills that paint the heavens of Demonic Heaven.”
“That too is a reasonable request.”
The Tower Master nodded.
“Let’s name it Demonic Heaven.”
[Skill Revision.]
[Demonic Heavenly God Art (A+) and Demonic Formations Art (S) have been consolidated.]
[The skills merge into Demonic Heaven (SSS)!]
And so.
My skill set was complete.
+
Name: Kim Gong-Ja
Rank: S-Class
Skills (10/10)
1. A Certain Returner’s Love (EX)
2. Returner’s Winding Clock (EX)
3. I Want to Become Just Like You (S+)
4. Ghoul Reincarnation (SSS+)
5. Earth Bone Dragon’s Skull (SSS+)
6. Sword Constellation (A+)
7. Protection of the Goddess (S)
8. A Music Box Just for You (EX)
9. Goblin High Society (F)
10. Demonic Heaven (SSS)
+
Skill 1, [A Certain Returner’s Love], is the foundation that allows me to be myself. It’s the wick that keeps the candle burning.
Skills 2 to 5, from [Returner’s Winding Clock] to [Earth Bone Dragon’s Skull], are my powers. They allow me to see others’ traumas, summon them as ghouls, and give them physical forms.
Skills 6 to 8, from [Sword Constellation] to [A Music Box Just for You], represent my allies. More than just being together, our souls are intertwined.
Skill 9, [Goblin High Society], is… well, Goblin High Society. Does it need an explanation?
Skill 10, [Demonic Heaven], is my force. My sword. My source. It’s the hilt I grip to not be devoured by this world, and the blade I wield to cut through this world.
“Mr. Kim Gong-Ja.”
After all the work was done.
The Tower Master looked up at me quietly.
“Just nod, and the process to become a complete Constellation will be finished.”
“Alright.”
“From now on, you can’t erase a skill.”
“Okay.”
“From now on, you can’t die.”
“……”
“Until now, you could always tear up [Returner’s Winding Clock] if you wished. You could return to a life that ends with death. But once you nod, you can never go back to how things were before.”
That’s what it means to not be able to tear up a skill.
“Even in death, you’ll just go back a day. Even if you wanted to return to childhood through death, skills only work within [the world inside the tower]. You can’t return to the past before you set foot in the tower, to the outside world.”
Once more, the Tower Master asked.
“Do you truly accept eternity?”
“Yeah.”
Despite knowing the weight of the word, I nodded.
I had walked this far just to bear that weight.
“I will remain the heaven that gathers the screams of people forever.”
“……”
And the Tower Master, having walked all this way just to deliver these words to someone, spoke.
“May fortune be with you.”
Tick-tock.
The halted time began to flow again.
[You have cleared the 76th floor stage.]
[You have cleared the 77th floor stage.]
[You have cleared the 78th floor stage.]
[You have cleared the 79th floor stage.]
With the defeat of the Staff of Time Immemorial, the stages she managed were all instantly cleared.
What happened to Yoo Soo-Ha, who had been the judge?
Perhaps, I would know soon enough.
Light seeped from beneath my feet, obscuring my vision.
[You have leveled up.]
[Your skill slots have expanded.]
And then.
[You are now an SSS-Class Hunter.]
[You are ‘The Heaven that Gathers Wails.’]
Paaat!
As I was declared an SSS-Class Hunter, I was enveloped in white light.
