I had a dream.
I don't remember the details clearly, but I remember the feeling. It was dark and cold. I was chained, unable to move no matter how hard I struggled. My voice felt weak as I called out for help, but no one answered.
Was the dungeon more traumatic than I thought?
Seeing all those corpses must have affected me more than I realized. Torn flesh. Blood everywhere. Anyone would feel disturbed after witnessing something like that. I'm not some emotionless monster.
I shivered slightly before opening my eyes.
A white ceiling came into view. The faint smell of disinfectant filled the air, and the steady beeping of a monitor echoed beside me. It didn't take long to realize where I was.
A hospital.
How did I end up here?
I slowly sat up and checked my body. There was no sharp pain, only mild soreness. After making sure I could move properly, I stepped out of the room.
That was when I noticed it.
People were staring at me.
Not just one or two. Almost everyone in the hallway had their eyes on me. Their expressions were strange—curious, cautious... almost wary.
"...?"
Did I do something?
I quickly wiped my mouth, just in case. No drool. I checked my clothes for stains and even examined my reflection in a nearby window. Nothing seemed out of place.
Then why were they looking at me like that?
『 They must have realized how magnificent you are. 』
I stare flatly at the blue screen, "Tree-nim, you've been quiet for a while."
『 I was busy. Ahem. 』
Before I could retort, someone approached me.
A nurse.
But the uniform wasn't the usual hospital attire. It looked more structured, almost official. And on the sleeve, there was a logo.
It looked familiar?
I've definitely seen that symbol somewhere before.
Where was it again?
"Miss, you shouldn't be getting up yet. You're still recovering."
The nurse gently scolded me and guided me back to my room.
Now that I was paying attention, something felt strange. My room was located in the middle of a quiet hallway where barely anyone passed by. It was too calm. Even the exterior design looked... expensive.
The walls were polished too. Everything felt far too luxurious to be a normal hospital room.
...I must be imagining things.
There's no way I can afford a room like this. No one would approve something this expensive for me. I don't even have that kind of money.
"E-Excuse me...!"
I quickly stopped the nurse before she could leave.
"Uh... where am I? And w-who..." I swallowed nervously. "By any chance... could you give me the bill?"
Just thinking about it made my stomach twist. The room alone would probably cost a ridiculous amount. And the medicine? The treatment?
I felt lightheaded just imagining the number written on that paper.
The nurse blinked at me before smiling politely. "Miss, you don't need to worry about the cost. Everything has already been paid for."
"...What?"
My mind froze.
"May I ask who paid?" It couldn't have been cheap.
"Ah, my apologies for not explaining clearly." She straightened slightly. "You are currently at the Obsidian Guild. The guild will cover all expenses."
Obsidian Guild?
I know that guild! It's the strongest guild in the world. But what? How? Why am I here??
Right... I fainted in the middle of the battle.
But where's Jinhyuk-ssi? Did he bring me here and paid for all the cost?
I should be grateful I have nothing to pay for. This is basically winning a lottery.
I looked at the nurse carefully.
"...Does that include the buffet?"
Her expression didn't change at all. If anything, her smile grew brighter.
"Of course, ma'am. All facilities are available to you free of charge. Please show this card for access to the gym, dining hall, lounge, and medical wing."
She handed me a sleek black card with the guild's emblem engraved in silver.
...
Gym.
Dining hall.
Lounge.
This doesn't feel like a guild? It more like I accidentally checked into a five-star hotel with all the top quality amenities.
"Is there... a time limit?" I asked carefully. "Like, until I'm discharged?"
The nurse gave a small shake of her head. "You may stay as long as necessary for your recovery. The instructions were very clear."
『 This is a bare minimum treatment. 』
After she left, I slowly sat on the edge of the bed and looked around the room again. Now that I wasn't panicking about the bill, I could properly take it in.
The curtains were thick and neatly tied to the sides. The furniture wasn't the cheap, plastic kind hospitals usually used. Even the bathroom door looked like something from a luxury apartment.
There was also a small fruit basket on the table.
...A fruit basket.
Is this really a medical facility?
My stomach growled at the worst possible timing.
Right.
Buffet.
I looked down at the card again.
Would it be rude if I went now? Or would that make me look ungrateful? Maybe I should wait? But she did say I could use everything...
After hesitating for a full minute, I quietly slipped on the slippers provided and stepped outside.
A few people passed by, but they didn't look like patients. They were dressed in sharp suits or fitted combat uniforms. Some had weapons strapped to their backs.
Hunters.
So, this really is the Obsidian guild.
As I walked, I noticed something else.
Whenever someone saw the card in my hand, their expression subtly changed.
Some people looked surprised and others confused.
Anyway, I ate well. The food they serve was delicious and, I couldn't wait to come back here tomorrow for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Is this what it's like to be a rich? Maybe I should start my own guild too?
Just as I was enjoying the view from the top floor, a new message screen appeared.
『 ??? 』
Hello.
"Tree-nim, didn't I just say—" I cut myself off, realizing that it was someone else. I forgot, I have a couple of constellations watching me now. Rather, a couple of people invading my private life... I need to set some ground rules later.
Let's see...
"How about the new constellations introduce themselves to me?" I asked, eating the grapes from the fruit basket.
The view from the top is really nice. I could see the whole city here.
『 ??? 』
Very well. My title is, "Above The Broken World" I am the strongest among these constellation. Make a contract with me, human.
『 ??? 』
What an idiot. He's delusional, but don't worry, I'm a better candidate to be your contractor. My title is, "The Shiniest Gem"
『 Under The Oak Tree 』
These fools do not understand anything.
I let out a snort.
"Your titles are kind of funny." I commented.
『 Under The Oak Tree 』
More importantly, check your status. You haven't had the chance to look at it yet, right?
Hmm. Good thinking. Let's see what I almost died for.
『 Name: Seo Elena
Rank: F
Title: Owner of ██ (U), ??? (Locked)
Constellation: N/A
Abilities: Gentle Heart (U), Blessed From Coffee (U), Dance of The Flowers (D)
Stats
— Strength: 5
— Agility: 7 ▲
— Vitality: 7
— Focus: 14 ▲
— Luck: 21
— Me▓▓▓▓ S▓▓▓: 20% 』
What's this? A new ability?
『 Dance of the Flowers 』
- Temporarily increases Mana Output and Mana Recovery of allies.
- Allies within range gain increased mana regeneration.
- Higher Fate Entanglement increases boost stats.
"It's pretty good? But what's Fate Entanglement?"
『 Under The Oak Tree 』
Perhaps, something related to destiny. Humans enjoy romanticizing such things.
『 Above The Broken World 』
Maybe it refers to causal interference? The deeper your connection to a being, the greater the amplification.
『 The Shiniest Gem 』
Hah. Your lover will be so lucky with your buff skills.
"Do any of you not know what fate entanglement is?"
『 Under The Oak Tree 』
Every individual is different, especially a mortals system compared to a constellation.
"Hmm. I guess we'll figure it out later. For now, let's surf the internet!"
『 Above The Broken World 』
Your world has such an interesting development. Communication there seems just as quick as it is to have a system. I am quite fond.
『 The Shiniest Gem 』
Sigh... If only I could manifest, I would love to explore your world.
"Please shut up..."