The condition he laid out made me shudder.
I didn't want to do it. I really didn't.
But it was better than putting my life at risk.
So I swallowed my disgust and agreed.
[The Constellation of Gates (GM) is fighting the urge to laugh]
[The other constellations can't stop laughing after hearing the condition either.]
Definer of Fate:
It's only pineapple on pizza, but your reaction is priceless.
Yes, I don't like it.
I hate it. I hate it, I hate it, I hate it.
I don't want to eat it, and now they want me to eat ten boxes of it?
Xavier turned red with frustration.
He felt like he was being teased.
How did he even know that he despised that kind of thing?
Do constellations know everything about their contractors for him to know that?
It was really frustrating.
Constellation of Gates (GM):
Now that the terms are set, you need to keep moving.
Now strip.
What!?
Are you serious? What does stripping have to do with this situation!?
Tyrant of Blazing Flame:
Look at yourself. You're wearing torn clothes and covered in blood. I advise you to just follow [him].
Definer of Fate:
Just do what [he] says. Pfft, hahaha.
I almost forgot what I looked like right now, but why do I have to strip!?
"Why can't you just magically give me some clothes or something!?"
Are they messing with me on purpose?
Like I'm some kind of entertainment clown for them.
I thought.
That condition was already awful, and now they're even ordering me to strip.
I'd rather just tell them I awakened and killed my boss.
...
No, I'm kidding.
I don't want to deal with those annoying Savage Hunters or whatever awful things they'd do.
So I followed.
Please, someone save me.
I cried inside.
[The Constellation of Gates sends you an "illusionary special effect."]
[Special effect illusion is being set.]
[In progress.]
[Progress complete.]
Out of nowhere, a being formed in front of me. No, it was…
Me!?
His clothing was different from mine. He looked like a rogue hunter, wearing a cloak that made his face hard to see. But up close, I knew. He looked like me.
Sovereign of Wind:
Who is this? He looks good.
It's me. Can't you see it?
[Sovereign of Wind is stunned by your statement.]
Sovereign of Wind:
Buddy, are you high? In what world is that you? You don't even look similar.
Observer of Malice:
You think too highly of yourself.
Tyrant of Blazing Flame:
But seriously, who is this? Is he a living human? I want to see him more.
What the—
Don't tell me they see me differently too!!!???
A cold sensation crept down my spine.
That wasn't funny anymore.
"Hey… explain something to me."
My voice came out slower this time.
"What does the man in front of me look like?"
There was a brief pause.
Then—
Observer of Malice:
Tall, black hair and eyes, sharp nose?
Sovereign of Wind:
Handsome. No other words.
"Then what about me?"
Tyrant of Blazing Flame:
Erm... Average? A little chubby but don't feel bad about yourself bro. Your good just the way you are.
What!?
This just made me even more confused about my life.
But if I'm the only one being deluded into thinking this is my appearance, then…
How did my sponsor create this clone using the same image I see of myself?
"You know something…"
I muttered under my breath.
But my sponsor stayed silent again.
Hey, say something!
For a moment, there was nothing. No response. Just that same heavy silence pressing against me.
Then a notification appeared.
Constellation of Gates (GM):
There are things better left unknown…
That didn't sound like a good excuse at all.
More like he was avoiding the question.
Seeker of Fortune:
Hey, what are you two talking about?
Sovereign of Wind:
I think you'd better get your ass moving. The other hunters are about to enter.
I clicked my tongue.
It seemed like he really didn't want to tell me anything. Fine. I'll let it slide this time. There were still things I needed to do today.
But even as I pushed the thought aside, something about it lingered in the back of my mind.
A quiet unease.
What I didn't realize at that moment…
Was that another constellation had also gone silent ever since this topic came up.
Defier of Fate.
He hadn't laughed.
Hadn't made a single comment.
Just… watching.
And only in the future would I realize—
He knew something.
About what really is happening or happened to me.
Or more precisely…
What kind of being I really am.
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Tysm for the Power stone @curses099 @Steven_spoon @kyrie
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