Chapter 13: Sanctum (2)

With every passing second of hesitation, Kwon Oh-Jin was filled with more questions.

What the fuck? Lee Shin-Hyuk actually killed me? Why the hell did he end up regressing then? Wait, that’s not what’s important right now.

He needed to play it cool and plug the holes in his story, so he calmed himself down.

“The moment I plunged my spear into his heart, he turned into a handful of black dust and scattered,” Kwon Oh-Jin replied.

Unless there was a way to prove how the Heavenly Demon actually died, Vega had no choice but to believe him. In the absence of evidence, the witness's account effectively shaped the truth.

Vega let out a sigh and nodded.

“I see. So that’s what happened.”

Luckily, it didn’t seem like she was suspicious of him.

“Is there any way to find the man who possesses the Black Heaven?”

Searching for him is a lost cause when he’s right in front of you.

“As of right now, all we can do is wait for the Heavenly Demon to make his move.”

“

Hmm,

and when will that roughly be?”

“In three years.”

Kwon Oh-Jin needed a generous amount of time to prepare and set things in motion, even bringing the Heavenly Demon into existence if he had to.

“Until then, I’ll have to get as strong as possible. Of course, I’ll search for clues on his identity any chance I get.”

Vega stroked her chin and nodded.

“That seems reasonable.”

Shall I start wrapping things up?

Although there were a few close calls, everything seemed to be going as intended. Now, it was time to reveal the hidden card in his arsenal—

“In two days, a new gate will open in Mokdong.”

—the information he had gained from Lee Shin-Hyuk's memories.

Only a true Regressor would know something like this.

A prophet wasn't acknowledged at the time of the prophecy but when the prophecy came to pass.

“A new rift, I see. Is there a reason you’re concerned with that?”

“An Astral Relic is going to appear there.”

He didn’t know what abilities the relic would have, but there was no need to.

That part's not important.

The key to his plan was proving that he knew about the Astral Relic inside the gate that would appear.

“I see. You intend to capitalize on the benefits only a Regressor can enjoy,” Vega said with a smile. “My child...”

Flutter.

Her beautiful dress made out of starlight spread out as she slowly floated toward him.

What did she just call me?

Did all Celestials call their apostles “child"?

Should I be calling her Mommy Vega?

The very thought of it was ridiculous.

“Though the fate of the world rests on your shoulders, do not push yourself too hard,” Vega said. She extended her hand and gently stroked his cheek.

“...”

A warmth that felt like a mother’s soft touch reached his very soul. His conscience screamed at him from deep within. Did he have to deceive and manipulate the kind and gentle Celestial before him?

Of course I do, I’ll end up dead if I don't.

He ruthlessly silenced his conscience. He could sell off his morals without a second thought if it was necessary to survive.

No, it’s beyond mere survival at this point.

Now that he'd already started, he planned to use her no matter if she was a Celestial of the North Star. He shook his head and smiled.

“I’m not pushing myself.”

Time to add a little flair...

“I would do anything for you, Vega.”

He gently grasped her hand that was caressing his cheek.

“I’ll do whatever it takes.”

He lowered his gaze slightly and spoke in a low, gentle tone as if reciting poetry.

“It doesn't matter if you don’t remember me either. If you can keep smiling like this, that’s enough for me.”

He finished it off with a bittersweet smile.

Ahhh, perfect! This is what I’m talking about!

It was incredibly cringy, but he was sure that at this moment, with this atmosphere, it was bound to work.

“Ah...”

Vega let out a faint gasp. Kwon Oh-Jin could feel her slender hand tremble in his grasp.

“H-How can you say things like that so casually...”

He could see her blushing. His line at the end had been highly effective.

This is good. Celestials aren’t so different from humans when it comes to emotions.

“... I’ll be on my way now,” Kwon Oh-Jin said, bowing slightly before turning to leave.

That wasn’t too bad. Lee Shin-Hyuk’s memories helped a lot.

It wasn’t perfect, but he at least hadn't raised much suspicion. Things wouldn't have gone as smoothly if he hadn’t gotten the visions through the Black Heaven.

If this plan succeeds, everything that happens after will be a breeze.

Celestials couldn’t easily move outside their temples without facing restrictions, nor could they monitor their apostles in real time. Even if he made mistakes uncharacteristic of a Regressor, there was no way Vega could find out the truth unless he confessed.

If I can’t pull this off, I might as well give up being a scammer.

Having come this far, he'd realized it wasn’t hard to fool Vega even without prior experience scamming people. Without any suspicion or surveillance, how would he get caught now?

It’s like cheating on a test that has no supervisor. In gaming terms, this was easy mode—

“Wait.”

“

Hmm?

What is it?”

“I shall go with you.”

“...

Huh

?”

She's what now?

“You mean you’re going to accompany me...”

“That's right.”

Her golden eyes gleamed and she placed her hand confidently on her hip as if she had made a firm decision.

“I shall descend to Earth in person and travel alongside you.”

Wait, hold up. What the hell is she on about?

“B-But Celestials can’t stay on Earth because of the laws...”

“

Haha

, who do you think I am?”

She puffed out her chest ever so slightly as if to boast.

“It’s true that there are several constraints limiting the time I can spend on Earth, but it’s possible to some extent.”

Wooong!

A brilliant silver light started radiating from Vega, and she began to shrink until she was about thirty centimeters tall.

What the...?

Kwon Oh-Jin stared at the Celestial now as small as a doll. Vega chuckled and floated up, landing gracefully on his shoulder.

“Here, take this.”

Vega fastened a silver pendant around his neck.

“This is...?”

“As long as you wear that, I’ll be able to stay in this form for a few hours each day, right by your side.”

“Y-You really don’t have to do this.”

Please. Why are you doing this to me, Mommy?

“I wasn’t planning on going this far. This method doesn't completely free me from the law's restrictions either.”

“Then—”

“But didn’t you say you were ready to do anything for me?”

Vega’s petite hand gently patted his head, her smile filled with kindness.

“How could I ignore my child’s wishes after hearing that?”

Wait. It was because of what I said earlier?

“Don’t worry. I will bear your burden with you.”

No, please. It wasn’t supposed to end like this.

“No matter how dark and lonely your path is, I will walk it with you.”

“...”

Ah, I’m fucked. My life is screwed.

***

“

Hmm,

it’s been so long since I've had the chance to take in the sights on Earth like this so leisurely.”

Vega, still perched on Kwon Oh-Jin's shoulder, curiously looked around as he made his way home.

“...”

Her hair brushed against his cheek, tickling him.

“Why have you been so quiet all this time?”

He shook his head, forcing himself to take each step forward.

“... It’s nothing.”

What’s done is done.

There was no point in regretting it since he couldn't change anything.

I just need to deceive her more thoroughly.

Just because there was a supervisor didn’t mean cheating was impossible.

Kwon Oh-Jin let out a deep sigh.

A dreary atmosphere settled around as he entered his neighborhood.

“... Is this where you live?”

“Yes.”

“It's a pretty worn-down place.”

“I don’t have much money,” Kwon Oh-Jin simply replied. Being poor was unfortunate, but it wasn’t something he was ashamed of.

“

Hmm,

I would help you if I could, but I don’t have anything with monetary value that humans would care for.”

“

Haha

, that’s alright.”

Now that he was an Awakener, he could earn money anytime.

Besides, I can move out right now if I want to.

He had saved up a decent amount over the past eight years; there were just more important matters to attend to.

Creak.

The sound of the rusty door opening echoed through the air.

“Are you back from meeting that Vega or whatever?”

Song Ha-Eun, as always, was standing on her crutches and greeted him in delight.

“What took you so long?” she asked.

“Ha-Eun, I have something to talk to you about.”

“Huh?

What is it?”

“Well...”

Before he could even introduce them to one another, Vega began eyeing Song Ha-Eun up and down.

“So you’re the one who lives with my child?”

“

Eeeeeek!

What the hell?!”

Song Ha-Eun nearly fell backward, but Kwon Oh-Jin quickly caught her.

“W-What’s going on? What is that voice?!” Song Ha-Eun asked.

“

Hmm

.” Vega eyed her calmly before straightening her posture and crossing her arms. “I am Vega, the Celestial of the Lyra.”

“A-A Celestial?”

Song Ha-Eun reached out with trembling hands and grabbed Kwon Oh-Jin’s sleeve.

“W-What the hell is going on? W-Why is a Celestial here?”

“I’ll explain.”

“Well, you better hurry up. I think I’m about to lose my mind.”

He sat Song Ha-Eun on the bed and explained what had happened. Of course, he had already decided with Vega to hide the fact that he was a Regressor.

“... What kind of Awakener walks around with a Celestial?!”

“Just because there's no precedent doesn't mean that it's not possible,” remarked Vega.

Song Ha-Eun was dumbfounded, mouth agape.

“On another note...”

Vega squinted. Her gaze shifted to Song Ha-Eun’s eyes and her right leg.

“So you’re physically challenged, child.”

“...”

“How did it—”

“Vega, let’s not talk about that.”

Kwon Oh-Jin cut her off in a low voice and smiled.

Vega turned to look at Kwon Oh-Jin and said, “So you can make an expression like that too.”

“Pardon me?”

“I apologize for being rude.”

Vega bowed slightly toward Song Ha-Eun.

“N-No! More importantly, V-Vega...! Celestials aren’t allowed—I mean, they can’t—I mean, they’re not

supposed

to be on Earth because of some law or something, right?” Song Ha-Eun stammered.

“Your words are all over the place. If it makes you uncomfortable, feel free to speak casually,” Vega replied.

“Why the hell are you on Earth, you bitch?”

“I think that was a little too comfortable, young one.”

... Really, Ha-Eun?