D-Rank Constellation Hunter… Stuck Without Internet! - Chapter 58

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 58
I stared blankly at Sungho Constellation for a moment.
Developed a preference? I scratched my cheek briefly, then shrugged my shoulders.
“It’s probably because it’s where I was born and raised, so I tend to pay a bit more attention to it.”
“That’s not what I meant—it seems like you’ve come to care for your client?”
“Pardon?”
Well, I’ve never been the type to treat my client like a doll to play with.
If anything, I’m the type to become overly invested.
“Am I wrong? Rumors have been spreading throughout Sungdo that Se-um Constellation has been desperate for their client lately.”
“…Ah, well, I do care about them. I’ve always been the type to give my best effort to my client.”
It’s something I hear often enough, so why did it take me so long to answer?
I don’t understand it myself.
Sungho Constellation looked at me and smiled warmly.
“I’m still grateful that you participated in that competition last time.”
“No, I didn’t have particularly pure intentions either, and I completely drained your Karma.”
And I spent it all showing off in front of Ha Gyuhyuk.
If Ha Gyuhyuk heard about it, he might cry, thinking the Constellation had become destitute because of me.
But I’ve restored some of it, so it should be fine.
“I think there’s a difference between cherishing a client and giving them your heart.”
“Hmm, what do you mean?”
It might be the difference between being a fan and having a favorite.
I know a bit about it from my time as a human—I was into idols back then. Just like how even within a group you like, you have a favorite.
“For instance, simply by giving your heart to that one client, you might come to love the entire world.”
“That’s possible, I suppose.”
Though I wouldn’t know, being from Earth.
“You could make unreasonable expenditures for that one client alone.”
I can relate to that.
I blinked slowly.
He had already lost his client, yet he held a competition to protect the world, pouring all his Karma into it.
Hearing it from his lips made it feel weightier somehow.
“Do you have any regrets? Giving all your Karma to a world that no longer has your client?”
Even after deducting all the fees, the prize Karma I received was substantial.
I couldn’t even fathom how much time Sungho Constellation must have spent accumulating it.
If it were me.
I don’t think I’d want to save Earth without Ha Gyuhyuk.
It’s not as though I had happy memories there when I was human.
My lips moved before Sungho Constellation could answer.
“If it were me, I think it would be difficult. Giving your heart to a world. After all, that’s not what a Constellation is, is it?”
It was the law of the stars.
If a Constellation is satisfied with their own life and the world, no matter how great an Achievement they accomplish, they cannot become a Constellation.
Lingering deficiencies in the heart, unresolved regrets and attachments.
They form the very foundation of what makes a Constellation.
“I experienced the same, so I don’t fail to understand what you’re saying, Se-um.”
Though his words could have felt pointed, Sungho spoke with remarkable gentleness.
Is this what maturity looks like?
When I let my doubt show, he continued.
“In my case, my client loved the world, so I came to love it alongside them.”
“Your client loved that world?”
Franson and Tasha, standing beside me, listened quietly to Sungho’s words.
They too must have experienced countless clients.
Yet looking at their faces, neither seemed to have ever loved a world because of a client.
“How deeply did you love them? Your client, I mean. Forgive me if such a question is impertinent.”
“I can say with certainty that they were the client I cherished most.”
It could have been a sensitive question, but he answered without hesitation.
Among Constellations, caring for and loving clients beyond necessity was considered foolish.
Why burden yourself with beings who wouldn’t even live long?
‘The more you love and care for a client, the more a Constellation suffers.’
‘Even the longest-lived mortals cannot outlive a Constellation. We’re the ones left behind. Why harbor such feelings?’
That was the general sentiment, and I agreed with it.
Once you cross a certain threshold in your heart, there’s no turning back—but who doesn’t know this?
So if such signs appear, it’s a Constellation’s prerogative and ability to suppress them.
“Am I strange to you?”
“No, not strange exactly… I was just taken aback that you answered so directly without hesitation.”
“We could spread rumors about this, after all.”
Franson interjected with a deliberately light tone.
We’re not the type to do such things, but Sungho and I don’t cross paths often.
I’ve heard Tasha, who uses the room right next door, has a distant relationship with him too.
“I don’t see it as something to hide or be ashamed of. Though I suppose you wouldn’t understand without experiencing it yourself.”
“…Honestly, I’d rather not experience it.”
I frowned without thinking.
I’m not as mature as Sungho, and I have a tendency to obsess over things more than necessary.
If I ever developed such feelings for a client, I have no idea what I might do.
Though it won’t come to that.
“That’s possible. But if such a situation ever arises, come seek my counsel anytime.”
“Thank you for the offer.”
I’m not so socially inept as to coldly reject kindness with a flat refusal.
After a proper handshake with him, I walked back down the corridor.
“It bothers me that you singled me out when Tasha and Franson are here too.”
“Rumors spread that you’ve fallen for a human client, that’s all.”
“There’s a saying that words become reality. I’m already uneasy about it.”
The conversation continued in hushed tones as I returned to my room, and it didn’t take long.
I settled back into my chair in front of the monitor and began manipulating the screen.
“But aren’t those two going back?”
“Oh, we can each buy a portable device and use it in Se-um’s room too.”
“Besides, we’re going to be sightseeing on Earth for a while anyway, so let’s just share a room.”
I had no objections, but they certainly had plenty of time on their hands.
It seemed portable devices like smartphones had become fashionable in Sungdo these days as well.
I’d only purchased one for Server access and hadn’t used it yet.
First, let me check the backlog of messages.
[ Ulrim, today Dan Yibum and Ji Chae-ah went out to conquer a Dungeon together.
It seems Dan Yibum has been receiving many calls from various Constellations lately. But he’s been rejecting all of them.
Everyone says they were first contacted by you, so it looks like the Constellations have a lot of interest in our Guild.
Of course, I’m waiting for you. You’re eating well, aren’t you?
No matter how busy you are, you need to eat. ]
That’s right.
I reviewed the past records and traced the patterns of the Constellations.
Among the Hunters belonging to Touch One, he certainly had the most appealing image.
The Constellations who preferred worlds with magic towers or divine power favored the Northern Grand Duchy, while those who enjoyed martial arts seemed to like him as if he were the successor reviving the Fallen Sect.
Some Constellations coveted Ji Chae-ah, calling her like a possessed noblewoman, while those who only bought support male stocks preferred Kim Gyuwun.
“Following Se-um, there are apparently Constellations who are coveting low-ranked Hunters too.”
“That’s a good thing.”
Though the setting was conventional, the world of Awakened ones like Hunters always had at least a baseline demand.
Especially among Constellations who enjoyed game-like things.
“Should I go down with Se-um when she descends in her avatar form?”
Franson scrolled through the screen absentmindedly while muttering.
If he were to descend in his human avatar form, many celebrities might have to shut down their social media accounts.
“Franson, don’t be arrogant and listen.”
“You’re not misunderstanding—you’re telling me not to be arrogant…”
“Franson is too handsome for that.”
I told him not to be arrogant, but he quickly showed signs of embarrassment and delight.
Even beautiful men who received S-rank appearance correction would probably look like ordinary people if placed next to Franson.
I should have just manifested him and used him as a promotional ambassador instead.
Leaving him to his happiness, I contacted Ha Gyuhyuk for the first time in a while.
[ Ha Gyuhyuk ]
[ How have you been? ]
I could see him in the Guild Master’s office suddenly lift his head.
Seeing him blush and smile brightly warmed my heart as well.
– Ulrim!
Sungho’s words seemed to brush across my mind, but I quickly erased them.
It wasn’t like I felt that way about him just yet.
[ Yes, I wanted to see you too. ]

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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