Chapter 9: Chapter 9: The Constellations' Calling
The faint hum of power resonated through Joo Hyun's body as he stepped onto the Twelfth Floor. His mind was still buzzing from the series of challenges he'd faced thus far. Each floor had been more difficult than the last, but with each victory, he felt himself growing stronger, more capable. And now, it seemed, the Tower was ready to reveal something new to him.
The atmosphere on this floor was different from the previous ones. The sky above was an endless expanse of stars, swirling like a vast celestial tapestry. Joo Hyun glanced around, feeling a strange pull toward the heavens.
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[SYSTEM ALERT]
Welcome to the Twelfth Floor.
Objective: Choose three Constellations to form a pact.
Note: The Constellations are gods from various mythologies. Choose wisely, for this decision will shape your journey ahead.
Joo Hyun's eyes widened as the system's message appeared before him. Constellations? Gods from mythologies? He had heard of these beings in passing—the legends of powerful entities that granted divine powers to those worthy enough to receive their blessings. But he never imagined they'd appear in the Tower, let alone choose him.
"Three... gods?" Joo Hyun muttered to himself. "How am I supposed to choose?"
Suddenly, a deep, resounding voice filled the air, vibrating with ancient power.
"You stand at the crossroads of fate, mortal."
Joo Hyun looked up, his heart racing. The sky above him shifted, and from the swirling stars, figures began to manifest—immense and radiant, their forms outlined by the glow of the cosmos. There were twelve in total, each representing a different mythological pantheon from across the world. Their presence filled the space with a divine aura, and Joo Hyun felt both awe and fear wash over him.
One of them, a tall figure wreathed in flames, spoke first.
"I am Agni, the Vedic god of fire. I offer you the power of destruction and rebirth. Will you accept my gift?"
Another figure, this one adorned in a cloak of storm clouds, stepped forward.
"I am Zeus, the King of the Greek gods. I offer you the thunderbolt of the heavens. Will you accept my power?"
A third figure, shimmering in the light of the moon, whispered softly.
"I am Tsukuyomi, the moon goddess of Japanese mythology. I offer you the power of illusions and clarity. Will you accept my blessing?"
Joo Hyun's eyes darted from one figure to the next, each god exuding a different form of power. There was Odin, the All-Father of Norse mythology, with a raven perched on his shoulder. There was Ra, the Egyptian sun god, radiating an aura of warmth and light. And there was Hecate, the Greek goddess of magic and witchcraft, her eyes glowing with arcane energy.
The offer was overwhelming. Each deity held a unique form of power that could elevate Joo Hyun's strength beyond anything he had ever known. But there was a catch—he could only choose three.
"Choose wisely, mortal," a voice boomed from the constellation of Anansi, the African spider god of wisdom. "The gods you bind yourself to will influence your path in ways you cannot yet understand."
Joo Hyun stood silent for a long moment, the weight of his decision pressing down on him. The Tower was unforgiving, and every floor was more dangerous than the last. He needed to choose allies who would complement his journey and help him reach the top. But how could he decide between so many powerful figures?
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After a long pause, Joo Hyun took a deep breath and spoke.
"I understand that these are important choices," he said, his voice steady. "But I can't choose out of greed or fear. I need to think about what will help me survive the Tower, and what kind of power will allow me to protect those I care about."
The Constellations watched him intently, their eyes glowing with ancient wisdom.
"Well said, mortal," Zeus declared. "You possess the right mindset. Choose wisely, and you will gain power beyond measure."
Joo Hyun looked up at the constellation of Agni. "I'll accept your power. The fire of destruction and rebirth will aid me on my journey."
Agni's fiery form bowed slightly. "Wise choice, mortal. My flames shall burn within you, granting you strength and the power to reshape what is."
He then turned to the figure of Tsukuyomi, the moon goddess. "I choose your power as well. The ability to see through illusions and gain clarity will guide me when I am lost."
Tsukuyomi nodded serenely. "I grant you the power of perception. May your path be illuminated even in the darkest times."
Finally, Joo Hyun looked to Odin, the wise and weathered All-Father. "I'll accept your blessing as well. The power of wisdom and foresight will be invaluable in the Tower."
Odin smiled, his one eye gleaming with approval. "A wise choice, mortal. You will find that knowledge is power, and with it, you shall overcome many challenges."
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The Constellations' light flared brightly for a moment before settling into a steady glow. The gods spoke in unison.
"You have chosen your path, mortal. With the power of Agni, Tsukuyomi, and Odin, you shall face the challenges ahead with strength, clarity, and wisdom. But remember this—every choice you make in the Tower will come with consequences. The gods do not give their gifts freely. Your journey is only just beginning."
With a final flash of light, the Constellations faded into the stars, leaving Joo Hyun standing alone beneath the vast sky.
[SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]
You have formed a pact with the Constellations of Agni, Tsukuyomi, and Odin.
New abilities unlocked:
– Flame of Agni: Control over fire, destruction, and rebirth.
– Clarity of Tsukuyomi: The ability to perceive illusions, read minds, and see the truth.
– Wisdom of Odin: Enhanced intellect, foresight, and the ability to discern hidden patterns in the world.
Joo Hyun stood still for a moment, absorbing the weight of the new powers coursing through him. His body felt different—stronger, more attuned to the world around him. It was as though the very air he breathed was infused with the essence of the gods.
But as the reality of his choice settled in, Joo Hyun couldn't help but feel the pressure mounting. The Tower was about to get even more dangerous. But with his new powers and his growing resolve, he was ready.
He wasn't alone in this journey anymore. The gods had chosen him, and now he would climb the Tower with their blessings at his back.